Site Access & Security
safety audit checklist

Hoarding, signage, visitor control, site entrance.

Every check below says what good looks like, when it passes, the regulation or HSE guidance it rests on and the defects that usually fail it. Critical checks are marked: a fail on one of those stops the activity.

1. 1.

   Site hoarding/fencing secure and intact
   What to look forContinuous perimeter to a minimum 2.0m height (2.4m on town centre/public areas). Hoarding panels fixed to upright posts, no gaps wider than 100mm at base. Heras-style fence with anti-lift couplers and feet weighted or pinned. No unauthorised gaps, climbing aids, scaffolding adjacent or stored materials acting as a step.
   Acceptable whenCDM 2015 Reg 13, duty to prevent unauthorised access. Min 2.0m for general construction sites; 2.4m solid hoarding for sites bordering pedestrian footpaths or where children may be present (HSG151). Panels visibly intact, plumb, no broken fixings.
   StandardCDM 2015 Reg 13. HSG151, Protecting the public: your next move. BS 8442 (signs and signals on public roads) where hoarding meets highway.
   Common defectsHeras feet not pinned/sandbagged, fence blown overCouplers missing or anti-lift devices not fittedMaterials/skips left within 600mm of fence creating climbing aidDamaged panels with sharp edges at child head heightHoarding height below 2.0m on public-facing elevationGap at base wider than 100mm allowing access by children/animals
2. 2.

   Site entrance signage displayed (PPE, H&S, emergency info)
   What to look forF10 notification displayed where applicable. Site rules board with PPE pictograms (hard hat, hi-vis, boots minimum). Principal Contractor name and 24/7 contact number. Emergency assembly point and nearest A&E. Signs legible from vehicle approach distance, clean, not faded or vandalised.
   Acceptable whenHealth and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, pictograms must comply with BS EN ISO 7010 colour/shape coding (blue circle = mandatory, red = prohibition, yellow triangle = warning). F10 required if project >500 person-days or >30 working days with >20 workers simultaneously.
   StandardSafety Signs and Signals Regs 1996. BS EN ISO 7010:2020. CDM 2015 Reg 6 (F10 notification). HSG151.
   Common defectsF10 missing or out of dateFaded/illegible pictograms, sun-bleached blue boardNo emergency contact number for out-of-hoursSigns mounted too low or behind delivery vehiclesPPE board does not match site rules (e.g. gloves mandatory but not shown)No nearest A&E address or postcode displayed
3. 3.

   Unauthorised access prevented
   What to look forSingle controlled entry point. Pedestrian gate separate from vehicle gate. CCTV cover or visible monitoring. No unsecured ladders, scaffold lifts or fire escapes giving climb-up access. Children-attractive features (pipes, plant, materials) inside hoarding line.
   Acceptable whenCDM 2015 Reg 13(2)(a), site must be organised so unauthorised persons cannot gain access. Particular duty where children may be attracted (HSG151). All access routes secured outside working hours.
   StandardCDM 2015 Reg 13. HSG151, Protecting the public. HSWA 1974 s.3 (duty to non-employees).
   Common defectsSide gate left unlocked at end of shiftScaffold ladders not removed/turned at first liftLock-up containers placed against hoarding (climbing aid)No anti-climb provision at low hoarding sectionsPublic footpath crossing site uncontrolled
4. 4.

   Visitor sign-in/induction process in place
   What to look forSign-in book or digital system in operation at entry. Visitor PPE (hard hat, hi-vis, boots) issued. Visitor briefing covering site hazards, emergency procedure, assembly point, restricted areas. Visitor escorted by competent person, not left unaccompanied.
   Acceptable whenCDM 2015 Reg 13(4), site induction required for everyone working on site. HSWA 1974 s.3, duty of care to visitors. Records retained for project duration plus minimum 3 years.
   StandardCDM 2015 Reg 13(4). HSWA 1974 s.3. INDG163, Five steps to risk assessment.
   Common defectsSign-in book missing or unmannedNo PPE provided to visitors (relying on visitor own)Visitors wandering site unescortedNo record of who is on site for emergency roll callBrief induction skipped for "quick visits"
5. 5.

   Vehicle access controlled, gates locked when unattended
   What to look forVehicle gate operated by gatekeeper or locked when no deliveries scheduled. Banksman directing reversing vehicles into site. Wheel-wash where exit affects highway. Highway maintained free of mud and debris (street cleaner if required). Convex mirror at blind exits.
   Acceptable whenCDM 2015 Reg 27 (vehicle/pedestrian segregation). Highways Act 1980 s.137 (no obstruction or fouling of highway). HSG144, The safe use of vehicles on construction sites.
   StandardCDM 2015 Reg 27. HSG144, Safe use of vehicles on construction sites. Highways Act 1980 s.137 & s.149.
   Common defectsGate left wide open while gateman on tea breakNo banksman for reversing, driver relying on mirrorsMud on highway not cleaned, slip hazard for road usersWheel-wash bypassed or out of serviceNo convex mirror at blind exit onto pavement
6. 6.

   Site lighting adequate for access routes
   What to look forMinimum 20 lux on general circulation routes; 50 lux on stairs and changes of level; 100 lux at task areas. Lighting columns or festoon working, no bulbs out, glare shields fitted. Backup lighting for power failure on key routes. Out-of-hours security lighting.
   Acceptable whenBS EN 12464-2:2014 (outdoor workplace lighting). CDM 2015 Reg 23 (suitable and sufficient lighting). 20 lux minimum on routes, 50 lux on stairs/level changes, 100 lux task lighting.
   StandardBS EN 12464-2:2014. CDM 2015 Reg 44. HSG38, Lighting at work.
   Common defectsBulbs blown on festoon, dark sections of routeLights aimed into eyeline of vehicle drivers (glare)No lighting at change-of-level or stepCables on the ground creating trip hazardSite lighting not on timer/photocell, off when needed

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