All construction sites are required to provide a suitable welfare unit by law - usually in the form of a temporary portable building.

In fact, they are so important, their location on site and the regular maintenance schedule must be considered at the planning and preparation stages of every construction project before any construction work even commences.

The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that, at a minimum, welfare units should provide construction workers with adequate toilet and washing facilities, a place to warm up and eat food or rest, and somewhere to store clothing.

Warmth in welfare units is often supplied from a ducted diesel heating system which also has the option of supplying on demand domestic hot water. These heating systems require servicing at least annually to minimise the risk of breakdowns, particularly in colder months.

Good welfare facilities can positively benefit employee wellbeing and morale and are essential for maintaining good working conditions on site - especially during the winter months.

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The consequences of not maintaining welfare unit standards

As well as the cost and wellbeing implications of a faulty heating unit, there can be serious repercussions for failure to ensure they are maintained to satisfactory standards.

The HSE carries out regular, unannounced, inspections of worksites. By not maintaining the required standards for welfare units, sites are at risk of facing hefty fines and even court judgements.

This can therefore affect your company's reputation and increase the risk of not securing future work as well as difficulties with recruitment.

Construction companies also risk productivity losses by failing to provide safe working conditions, including a well heated and ventilated welfare unit.

Welfare unit heater repairs and maintenance

It is important to start taking action to ensure your heating systems can maintain health and safety standards this winter.

Butler Technik provides a diesel heater repair and maintenance service with free courier collection - specialising in the supply and servicing of Eberspacher and Webasto diesel heating systems.

Once in the Butler Technik workshop, diesel heater units are tested using the appropriate manufacturer approved diagnostic software and any faults are diagnosed by the technical support team.

The maintenance and servicing specialist will provide a full-service report and work with companies to action any necessary repairs.

Contact the team to arrange the service and maintenance of your welfare unit heater system ready for winter. Call us on +44 (0)1522 243310 or visit www.butlertechnik.com.