Site Preparation and Health & Safety: A Guide for Self-Builders

Building your own home is an exciting and rewarding journey. While the preparation phase of the build may not be glamourous, it’s critical to the success of your project. For this reason, we asked Site Preparation Coordinator, David Hutchison, to share his insights.

David explains: “A vital, yet often undervalued, aspect of self-building is proper site preparation and health & safety planning. Abraham Lincoln once said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” A smooth build starts with good preparation. And time invested wisely in the early stages will ultimately make your self-build journey smoother, safer and much more enjoyable.

1: Site Access and Deliveries: Think Like a Lorry Driver

Your dream plot may be based in the countryside with beautiful mountain views. However, if the access road is more suitable for a mountain goat than an articulated lorry, you have a problem on your hands. The safe and efficient delivery and movement of materials is fundamental. Poor access can cause unnecessary delays, additional cost and safety risks. Careful planning is key, so please consider the following points:

• Access for Large Vehicles: Big materials need big vehicles. If you’re receiving deliveries of timber frame panels, roof trusses, external joinery or other bulky materials, ensure there’s adequate space for articulated lorries to manoeuvre. Narrow lanes, sharp turns, or low/weak bridges can cause significant challenges. Assess the route well in advance and inform your provider as early as possible about any concerns you have. Videos are a great way to do this.
• Delivery Zones:  Have you planned for offload and storage? Create a designated space for unloading materials that’s clear of hazards and positioned for easy access to the work area. A solid, flat area will stop heavy materials and machinery from sinking into soft ground. This reduces the risk of damage or accidents and keeps the site organised.
• Clear Communication: Provide delivery drivers and providers with clear instructions, including site maps, photos, videos and information on any specific restrictions. This will help to ensure things runs smoothly on arrival.

2: Mechanical Handling: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Heavy lifting is an unavoidable feature of self-build projects. However, the cheapest option is not always the best. Cranes, although seemingly costly, may shave days or even weeks off the time it takes to erect a timber frame. Moreover, they are safer and, where sites are tight and access is restricted, indispensable.

• Cranes and Telehandlers: These machines are crucial for moving large items like timber panels, steel or roof trusses into position, especially at heights.
• Route Planning: Ensure machinery has clear, unobstructed pathways to move around the site safely. Avoid sharp turns or uneven ground that could compromise stability.
• Training: Proper training is mandatory for anyone operating mechanical handling equipment. So, make sure everyone on your site can prove their competency to you prior to them starting work.
• Budget: Don’t forget to include mechanical handling within your initial project budget. Our advice is to plan for a crane. If you make savings along the way and can afford that luxury hot tub at the end of the project, then that’s great! But just remember, you can’t hang curtains in a Jacuzzi…

3: Don’t Skimp on Scaffolding

Falls from height are the leading cause of injuries and fatalities on building sites. Scaffolding is required to allow tasks above ground level to be carried out safely. Engage competent and accredited professionals in order to reduce risk.

• Professional Standards: Accredited scaffolders adhere to industry standards, ensuring your scaffolding is secure, stable, and suitable for your project.
• Regular Inspections: Legally, scaffolding should be inspected every seven days or following significant weather events. Adjustments and repairs should only be carried out by trained professionals. Make sure your scaffolders are willing to perform the mandatory checks required for site safety.
• Prioritise Safety Over Shortcuts: While DIY scaffolding or unqualified contractors may seem like cost-saving options, the risks far outweigh the savings. Most reputable contractors, including Fleming Homes, will reserve the right to leave site if scaffolding is not fit for purpose.

4: Site Cleanliness: A Safer, More Efficient Build

Not only will a clean construction site keep your neighbours happy, it’s a necessary part of the project health & safety. Maintaining a tidy site reduces the risk of accidents and creates a better working environment.

• Preventing Trips and Falls: Loose materials, offcuts, and debris scattered across the site are common causes of trips and falls. Regularly clearing walkways and work areas helps minimise these risks.
• Fire Safety: Piles of waste materials, especially timber or product packaging, can quickly become fire hazards. Proper waste management, such as a skip and regular rubbish removal, significantly reduces this danger.
• Improved Productivity: A tidy site allows workers to easily locate tools and materials, reducing unnecessary downtime and keeping the project on schedule.
• Hazard Identification: A clean site makes it easier to spot potential hazards, such as spills, damaged equipment, or trip hazards, allowing them to be addressed promptly.

By incorporating site cleanliness into your daily routine, you’ll create a safer, more organised work environment, ultimately saving you time and money.”