Free construction checklist
Christmas Shutdown Site Security Checklist
A site left empty over Christmas is a target for thieves and a draw for children, and winter storms can hit while no one is there. Use this checklist on the last working day.
Free, no sign-up. PDF to print, or Word to fill in on a computer.
A contractor must not start work on a site unless reasonable steps have been taken to stop unauthorised people getting in (CDM 2015, regulation 15(10)). Where health and safety needs it, the site's boundary must be marked or fenced off (regulation 18(2)). HSE says clients and contractors must keep unauthorised people out both during and outside working hours, and that a site should be secured whenever work finishes for the day. The holiday shutdown is the longest time outside working hours in the year.
The checklist follows HSE's guidance on protecting the public and on stopping unauthorised access to scaffolds. Tick each line on the last day, or note why it does not apply to your site.
Download a blank Christmas shutdown site security checklist template
Free, no sign-up. Print the PDF and fill it in by hand, or fill in the Word file on a computer.
The shutdown checklist
- Shutdown and restart dates are agreed, and it's clear who holds the keys and who is the emergency contact while the site is closed.
- The client, the neighbours who need to know and any alarm or security company have the dates and the emergency contact number.
- Perimeter fencing or hoarding is complete, gaps at gates and where fencing meets other structures are closed, and gates are locked. (CDM reg 18(2); HSE)
- Materials, skips and plant are kept away from the fence line so they can't be used to climb in. (HSE)
- Bottom-lift ladders are removed from scaffolds and stored securely, or a locked ladder guard is fitted. Hinged ladder gates and trap doors are padlocked. (HSE)
- Ladders are removed from excavations. Excavations, pits, manholes, stairwells and open edges are covered or barriered off. (HSE)
- Plant and vehicles are isolated and immobilised, keys are removed, and they are locked in a compound where possible. (HSE)
- Hazardous substances, fuel and gas cylinders are locked away. (HSE)
- Materials are stacked so they can't topple or roll. Loose sheets, boards, insulation and waste are tied down or removed. (HSE)
- Scaffold sheeting, netting and brickguards are secure, and the scaffold contractor knows the site is closing. (HSE)
- Temporary works are left stable for the shutdown, and anyone responsible for them has agreed how they are left. (CDM reg 19(2))
- Water is drained down or protected where pipes could freeze, and power is isolated where it isn't needed.
- Welfare units are left clean, heaters and cookers are off, and nothing is left charging or switched on that could start a fire.
- Tools and valuable materials are taken off site or locked away.
- Signs at the entrance give the emergency contact number. Signs alone won't keep children out. (HSE)
- Photos of the site are taken on the last day, so damage or a break-in can be spotted on return.
- Someone is named to check the site during the shutdown, including after any Met Office weather warning for the area.
Check the Met Office weather warnings for your area over the break. If a storm is forecast, see our guide to storms and high winds on site. When you come back, use the January restart checklist before anyone starts work.
Related on The Site Book
January Restart Checklist
Checks before work starts again: scaffolds, excavations, RAMS, insurance, cards and inductions.
Site Security Toolbox Talk
A ready-made talk on keeping the site secure, with a sign-off sheet.
Storms and High Winds on Site
When to stop work, securing the site and checks after a storm.
Free Permit and Inspection Registers
Blank scaffold and excavation inspection registers and pre-use checks.
Get the paperwork ready for the new year.
Build the RAMS, construction phase plan and site induction for your next job. Your first project is free, with no credit card.
Sources
- Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, regulation 15 — legislation.gov.uk · Accessed 30 October 2026
- Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, regulation 18 — legislation.gov.uk · Accessed 30 October 2026
- Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, regulation 19 — legislation.gov.uk · Accessed 30 October 2026
- Protecting the public — HSE · Accessed 30 October 2026
- Preventing unauthorised access onto scaffolding and other work platforms — HSE · Accessed 30 October 2026
- HSE urges construction companies to strengthen site security — HSE · Accessed 30 October 2026
- Temporary works — HSE · Accessed 30 October 2026
- Weather warnings guide — Met Office · Accessed 30 October 2026
This checklist is general guidance, not legal advice. It covers Great Britain; Northern Ireland has its own CDM 2016 Regulations. Adapt it to your own site.