Ad
Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Latest SOP version says site canteens can reopen

ADVERTISEMENT

Belly busting breakfasts are back after the CLC publishes its latest version of the Site Operating Procedures, allowing site canteens to reopen.

In line with the recent government’s revision to social distancing guidance, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has published Version 5 of its coronavirus Site Operating Procedures (SOP).

Although minimal changes in other areas from Version 4 the latest SOP version has given the all-clear for contractors to reopen site canteens across Britain.

Previously, unless workers were attending large remote sites the majority of smaller site canteens were closed across the construction industry when the lockdown came in.

Now hungry workers can rejoice with the news that they can use the site canteen, but a checklist of rules must be observed by sites according to the CLC.

  1. Consider increasing the number or size of facilities available on site if possible

2. The capacity of each canteen or rest area should be clearly identified at the entry to each facility, and where necessary attendants provided to supervise compliance with social distancing measures

3. Break times should be staggered to reduce congestion and contact at all times

4. Drinking water should be provided with enhanced cleaning measures of the tap mechanism introduced

5. Frequently clean surfaces that are touched regularly, using standard cleaning products e.g. kettles, refrigerators, microwaves

6. Hand cleaning facilities or hand sanitiser should be available at the entrance to any room where people eat and should be used by workers when entering and leaving the area

7. A distance of two metres, or one metre with risk mitigation where two metres is not viable, should be maintained between users. Seating and tables should be reconfigured to reduce face to face interactions

8. All rubbish should be put straight in the bin and not left for someone else to clear up

9. Tables should be cleaned between each use

10. Crockery, eating utensils, cups etc. should not be used unless they are disposable or washed and dried between use

11. Payments should be taken by contactless card wherever possible

12. Canteen staff should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food

13. Canteen staff and workers may use the same rest areas if they apply the same social distancing measures

14. Consider arrangements for monitoring compliance.

Download Site Operating Procedures Version 5

ADVERTISEMENT

Popular Categories

Latest news

JR Scaffold honoured with Ministry of Defence Silver Award

Paisley-based JR Scaffold has been recognised among a select group of leading Scottish businesses to receive the prestigious Silver Award from the Ministry of...

Brogan Group acquires Sunbelt Rentals UK hoist division

Brogan Group has announced the acquisition of Sunbelt Rentals UK’s hoist division in a deal that significantly expands its operations and fleet across the...

Scaffolding firm hits back at €9.2 million lawsuit claims

The CEO of Global Scaffolders UAB has defended the company’s labour practices after Sweden’s construction union Byggnads filed a €9.2 million lawsuit alleging wage...

Brand Access renames HQ to honour scaffolding pioneer Daniel Palmer-Jones

Brand Access Solutions has paid tribute to one of the scaffolding industry’s true pioneers by renaming its Birmingham headquarters Daniel House, honouring Daniel Palmer-Jones,...

Parking fines cost UK tradespeople more than £119m a year

New research reveals the ongoing struggle for tradespeople to find legal parking near job sites, forcing some to turn down work and absorb rising...

Government strengthens Planning Bill with powers to fast-track major projects

The government has announced new measures to “break through planning barriers” by giving ministers expanded powers to intervene in major projects delayed or rejected...

ScaffFloat innovation takes floating access to new depths in Africa

ScaffFloat has once again pushed the boundaries of marine access engineering with a bespoke hoistable pontoon system designed to support pile maintenance on a...

CISRS appoints academic leader to steer quality and standards

The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has appointed Professor David Wooff JP as the first chair of its newly established Quality Assurance Committee...

Onboard weighing systems help scaffolding firms stay safe and compliant

Scaffolding firms across the UK are being encouraged to take a fresh look at onboard weighing systems as the industry works to cut down...

PERI UP system supports cladding remediation at Hilton Hotel

The Hilton Hotel in Kingston upon Thames is undergoing major cladding remediation works to meet updated fire safety standards, with a blended scaffolding solution...

Latest news

ADVERTISEMENT

The magazine

Issue 27 | Past issues >>

Popular

ScaffChamp 2025: Teams Gather in Vilnius for Opening Day

The international scaffolding competition ScaffChamp 2025 has officially begun,...

Brand Access renames HQ to honour scaffolding pioneer Daniel Palmer-Jones

Brand Access Solutions has paid tribute to one of...

Brogan Group acquires Sunbelt Rentals UK hoist division

Brogan Group has announced the acquisition of Sunbelt Rentals...

Scaffolding firm hits back at €9.2 million lawsuit claims

The CEO of Global Scaffolders UAB has defended the...

Onboard weighing systems help scaffolding firms stay safe and compliant

Scaffolding firms across the UK are being encouraged to...

Related articles

Mace Group Chairman and CEO chosen as new CLC Co-Chair

One of UK construction’s most recognised executives has been chosen to succeed Andy Mitchell as the new Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council. Following an open recruitment process, an independent panel comprising industry, members...
ADVERTISEMENTS

Latest topics

HSE launches major construction site safety inspections in Manchester

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is carrying out...

JR Scaffold honoured with Ministry of Defence Silver Award

Paisley-based JR Scaffold has been recognised among a select...

Brogan Group acquires Sunbelt Rentals UK hoist division

Brogan Group has announced the acquisition of Sunbelt Rentals...

Scaffolding firm hits back at €9.2 million lawsuit claims

The CEO of Global Scaffolders UAB has defended the...
ADVERTISEMENTS