January Site Restart Checklist

The restart checklist

1. Walk the site before anyone starts work. Look for storm damage, break-ins, flooding, frost and anything that has moved. Record what you find.
2. Every scaffold is inspected by a competent person before use. The last 7-day inspection will be out of date, and high winds call for an inspection too. (WAHR reg 12; HSE)
3. MEWPs and tower scaffolds are inspected before use after severe weather. (HSE)
4. Excavations are inspected at the start of the shift and after any event likely to have affected their strength or stability, such as heavy rain or frost. (CDM reg 22(4))
5. Temporary works are checked by a competent person before anyone loads them or works near them again. (CDM reg 19(2); HSE)
6. Thorough examination and inspection dates for lifting equipment and plant are still in date. (LOLER reg 9)
7. Power, water, heating and welfare are working: toilets, washing, drinking water and a warm rest area. (CDM Sch 2)
8. Risk assessments and RAMS are reviewed, and updated if the work, sequence, team or conditions have changed. (MHSWR reg 3(3))
9. The construction phase plan is updated if the work, design or programme has changed over the break.
10. Insurance has renewed: employers' liability if you have employees, and any public liability or contract works cover. The current certificates are to hand. (HSE)
11. Workers' CSCS or other scheme cards are still in date. Check them with CSCS Smart Check, not by eye.
12. Training and tickets that expired over the break are renewed, for example first aid and plant operator cards.
13. Anyone new to the site gets a site induction before they start. Everyone else gets a short restart briefing on what has changed. (CDM reg 15(9))
14. A restart toolbox talk covers ice, frost, dark mornings, storm damage and anything still out of use.
15. Emergency arrangements are still right: first aiders on site, contact numbers, the nearest A&E, fire points and the assembly point.