Code of Practice for Construction Sites
We have prepared the code of practice for construction sites to
enable developers and contractors working within the Borough to
understand what standards should normally be adopted when
undertaking the following types of building works:
- Demolition
- Site clearance and preparation
- Construction
- Maintenance and repair
It is the responsibility of the main contractor to ensure that
all sub-contractors and site personnel are aware of and comply with
the requirements of the code.
Legal Framework
Whilst compliance with the code of practice is voluntary it
should avoid the need for enforcement action using statutory
notices. However, where the code of practice has been incorporated
into a planning consent as part of a legal agreement, failure to
comply with its requirements could result in enforcement action
under the planning acts.
Community Relations
Previous experience of major construction works within the
Borough has clearly demonstrated the benefit of warning residents
and commercial operators in advance of the disruption that may
arise. We are therefore anxious to ensure that contractors who are
intending to undertake construction works:
- Establish a local point of contact for any enquiries and/or
complaints relating to the construction works
- Nominate a member of staff who will liaise (as necessary) with
us, residents and commercial operators
- Circulate a regular newsletter (e.g. quarterly) explaining the
forthcoming programme of works, progress so far and key events
scheduled in the next phase of works
In addition the main contractor should display at a prominent
position on the site boundary details of his name, address and
telephone number, together with an indication of the likely
duration of works.
Hours of Working
We consider that the following working hours should apply when
there are sensitive receptors (e.g. school, hospital, residential
property) adjacent to the site.
8am-6pm Monday-Friday
8am-1pm Saturday
Unless agreed in advance with us no working should be undertaken
on Sunday or Public/Bank Holiday.
Construction works outside these hours may be undertaken in the
event of an emergency or to facilitate a safe working environment
(e.g. during the possession of a railway or temporary closure of a
highway).
We also acknowledge that some activities may be undertaken on
site without causing disturbance to neighbours (e.g. electrical
rewiring) and therefore may be scheduled outside the normal working
hours. Prior warning of such works should be given to our
Environmental Protection Team.
Temporary Hoardings
Construction sites should be fully enclosed to protect the
general public and deter unauthorised entry. As a general guide
site hoarding should be plywood faced on a timber frame with a
minimum mass per unit surface area of 7kg/m2. The minimum height
above pavement level should be 2.4 metres.
Temporary hoarding should not be used for advertising. However,
it may be used to display details of the site including project
name and duration, name, address and telephone number of the main
contractor and/or site agent. On key sites the opportunity for
public art and community involvement should be explored withus. The
provision of viewing points for the public through the hoardings
should be considered.
Note that permission to erect a temporary hoarding on the public
highway will require a licence in accordance with Section 172 of
the Highways Act 1980.
Access Gates, Scaffolding and Gantries
Access to and from the site should be organised to allow
vehicles to enter and leave the site in a forward gear. When
necessary a gate marshal should be employed to ensure the safety of
pedestrians using adjacent public footpaths.
Scaffolding and gantries that encroach onto or overhang the
public highway will require our approval.
Artificial Lighting
The main contractor should ensure that any artificial lighting
of the site and its perimeter is sufficient to ensure the safety of
pedestrians. In addition artificial lighting should be located and
orientated so that it does not cause intrusion to adjacent
residential property or distract passing motorists.
Highway Management
Where reasonably practicable all loading and unloading of
contractors’ vehicles should be within the site boundary.
Deliveries and collections should be scheduled to coincide with the
normal working hours. When it is necessary for a delivery and/or
collection to be organised in consultation with the Police normal
working hours may be relaxed and our Environmental Protection Team
should be advised in advance.
Contractors should avoid parking vehicles on the public highway
and vehicle movements should be staggered to avoid queuing outside
the site access point.
Any damage to the pavement, kerbs or carriageways that is
directly attributable to the site works should be repaired to the
satisfaction of us as soon as practicable.
When it is not reasonably practicable to load and unload
contractors’ vehicles on site it may be necessary to discuss
alternative arrangements with our Highway Management Unit.
Mud on the Roads
Hard-standings or equivalent compacted areas should be provided
on site for vehicle parking and adjacent to access points. A wheel
washing facility should be provided to minimise the deposit of mud
onto public highways. These facilities will generally be subject to
the approval of the Local Planning Authority. When necessary a
mechanical road sweeper should be provided and used to remove any
excess deposits.
Sand Blasting
Special precautions are necessary when undertaking sand blasting
and work areas should be totally enclosed to minimise dust
emissions. If there are sensitive receptors (e.g. school, hospital
or residential property) in close proximity to this activity our
Environmental Protection Team should be advised in advance.
See also Environmental Controls to Protect the
Environment.
This webpage was updated on
10/24/2007