The law applies to all work building projects and refurbishments. It does not apply to work on your farmhouse but will apply to refurbishment on any housing you provide to employees.
Contractors
If you employ a contractor to do construction work on your farm you are legally obliged to provide relevant information about the site including details about existing structures and the intended use of any new buildings.
You must also ensure that there is sufficient time available, management arrangements and welfare facilities on site.
If work will take longer than 30 days or 500 person days, there are additional regulations.
- The HSE must be notified of the project before work starts. This may be done by yourself or by the contractor on your behalf.
- There must be a principal contractor, a health and safety plan in place and a health and safety file on site.
- You should also discuss with your contractor plans to protect members of the public. This may include diverting pedestrian access or installing additional signage.
New buildings
When planning a new building, consider these prompts to optimise health and safety:
- How accessible is it for people and vehicles?
- Might it change use in the future?
- What maintenance will it need?
Excavation
Key things to consider before starting excavation:
- Keep away from overhead power lines and underground cables and pipes. If you are unsure of their position, use 鈥� 鈥� which offers a free service with details of nearby assets and who to contact regarding them. Alternatively, you can contact the utilities companies directly.
- Plan how you will prevent collapse of the sides 鈥� for example by shoring or battering.
- Create a clear area around the excavation to prevent falling in.
- Plan a safe access route if it is necessary to enter the excavation.
Demolition
As with all construction work, it must be planned in writing, in advance.
Make certain the plan will bring the structure down in a safe way, preventing danger to people.
Ensure the plan has sufficient time to demolish the building and any remaining structure is left in a stable condition that wont collapse.
Demolition of any buildings containing asbestos containing materials should only be carried out by a licensed contractor.