Site Office and Welfare for a Self-Build — What You Need by Law (SHWW 2013)
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Toilet, washing, drinking water, and a place to dry clothes. Mandatory under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013.
Site welfare is mandatory under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 (SI 291/2013). The minimum requirements: a toilet, washing facilities, drinking water, a place to dry clothes, and a sheltered area for breaks. For a self-build, the cheapest compliant setup is a chemical toilet hire plus a small welfare cabin, €150–€300/month. The PSCS (Project Supervisor Construction Stage) is responsible for welfare on site. If you're acting as PSCS yourself (common on direct-labour builds), it's your duty. If a main contractor is PSCS, it's theirs. Inspectors from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) can visit any site and issue improvement notices or closure orders for non-compliance.
TL;DR
Site welfare is mandatory under the SHWW (Construction) Regulations 2013. Toilet, washing facilities, drinking water, a place to dry clothes, and a sheltered area for breaks.
For a self-build, a chemical toilet hire + a small welfare cabin is the cheapest compliant setup. €150–€300/month.
PSCS (Project Supervisor Construction Stage) is responsible for welfare on site. If you're acting as PSCS yourself, it's your duty.
When this matters most
You're at the pre-construction phase and need to plan site setup.
When this doesn't apply
Your build is finished.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a site office for a self-build?
Not strictly, but you do need welfare facilities (toilet, washing, drinking water, dry room, sheltered area). A welfare cabin provides all of these for €150–€300/month.
What is a PSCS?
Project Supervisor Construction Stage. Required by the SHWW (Construction) Regulations 2013. Responsible for safety and welfare on site during the build. Must be appointed before construction starts.
Can I be my own PSCS?
Yes, on a self-build. You take on the duty. Most main contractors will require you to appoint a professional PSCS if you are direct-labour building.
Sources
Health and Safety Authority, Construction Regulations 2013 and PSCS / PSDP duties. https://www.hsa.ie/
Irish Statute Book, Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 (SI 291/2013). https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a site office for a self-build?
Not strictly, but you do need welfare facilities (toilet, washing, drinking water, dry room, sheltered area). A welfare cabin provides all of these for €150–€300/month.
What is a PSCS?
Project Supervisor Construction Stage. Required by the SHWW (Construction) Regulations 2013. Responsible for safety and welfare on site during the build. Must be appointed before construction starts.
Can I be my own PSCS?
Yes, on a self-build. You take on the duty. Most main contractors will require you to appoint a professional PSCS if you are direct-labour building.
When this matters most
You're at the pre-construction phase and need to plan site setup.
When this doesn't apply
Your build is finished.
Where to go next
Next decision
The next step in your build sequence.