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Transparent or translucent doors, gates or walls and windows

Windows, transparent or translucent surfaces in walls, partitions, doors and gates should, where necessary for reasons of health and safety, be made of safety material or be protected against breakage. If there is a danger of people coming into contact with it, it should be marked or incorporate features to make it apparent. Employers will need to consider whether there is a foreseeable risk of people coming into contact with glazing and being hurt. If this is the case, the glazing will need to meet the requirements of the Regulations.

Openable windows and the ability to clean them safely

Openable windows, skylights and ventilators should be capable of being opened, closed or adjusted safely and, when open, should not be dangerous.

Windows and skylights should be designed so that they may be cleaned safely. When considering if they can be cleaned safely, account may be taken of equipment used in conjunction with the window or skylight or of devices fitted to the building.

Doors and gates

Doors and gates should be suitably constructed and fitted with safety devices if necessary.

Doors and gates which swing both ways, and conventionally hinged doors on main traffic routes should have a transparent viewing panel. Power-operated doors and gates should have safety features to prevent people being struck or trapped and, where necessary, should have a readily identifiable and accessible control switch or device so that they can be stopped quickly in an emergency. Upward-opening doors or gates need to be fitted with an effective device to prevent them falling back. Provided that they are properly maintained, counterbalance springs and similar counterbalance or ratchet devices to hold them in the open position are acceptable.

Escalators and moving walkways

Escalators and moving walkways should function safely, be equipped with any necessary safety devices, and be fitted with one or more emergency stop controls which are easily identifiable and readily accessible.

Sanitary conveniences and washing facilities

Suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences and washing facilities should be provided at readily accessible places. They and the rooms containing them should be kept clean and be adequately ventilated and lit. Washing facilities should have running hot and cold or warm water, soap and clean towels or other means of cleaning or drying. If required by the type of work, showers should also be provided. Men and women should have separate facilities unless each facility is in a separate room with a lockable door and is for use by only one person at a time.

Drinking water

An adequate supply of wholesome drinking water, with an upward drinking jet or suitable cups, should be provided. Water should only be provided in refillable enclosed containers where it cannot be obtained directly from a mains supply. The containers should be refilled at least daily (unless they are chilled water dispensers where the containers are returned to the supplier for refilling). Bottled water/water dispensing systems may still be provided as a secondary source of drinking water.

Accommodation for clothing and facilities for changing

Adequate, suitable and secure space should be provided to store workers’ own clothing and special clothing. As far as is reasonably practicable the facilities should allow for drying clothing. Changing facilities should also be provided for workers who change into special work clothing.