Guide
Construction materials compliance checklist
Quick-check list for construction contractors covering CE/UKCA product marking, COSHH assessments, silica dust exposure limits, timber due diligence, aggregate levy obligations, and materials storage requirements.
Use this checklist to verify your construction materials comply with current regulations. Work through each section before procurement or site delivery.
1. Product marking (CE/UKCA)
Check every construction product covered by a harmonised European standard:
- Product bears a valid CE mark or UKCA mark (CE accepted indefinitely in GB from 8 January 2026)
- Declaration of Performance (DoP) accompanies the product
- DoP states the product type, intended use, and essential characteristics
- DoP identifies the manufacturer and any notified body involved
- Supplier can provide a paper copy of the DoP within 10 days if requested
- Products imported from outside the UK have importer details on the DoP
2. COSHH assessments
Verify COSHH compliance for every hazardous substance on site:
- Written COSHH assessment completed before work with each hazardous substance begins
- Safety data sheets (SDS) obtained from suppliers for all chemical products
- Hierarchy of controls applied: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, then RPE
- Workers informed of assessment findings and control measures
- Assessments reviewed when work methods, substances, or evidence of ill health change
- COSHH assessments accessible on site during working hours
Common construction substances requiring assessment: cement, silica-generating materials, solvents, adhesives, paints, wood preservatives, and lead-containing materials.
3. Silica dust controls
Verify controls for any activity generating respirable crystalline silica (RCS):
- Workplace Exposure Limit of 0.1 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA) identified in COSHH assessment
- Wet cutting or on-tool local exhaust ventilation (LEV) used for cutting, grinding, or drilling concrete, brick, or stone
- RPE provided where dust controls alone cannot reduce exposure below the WEL (FFP3 minimum)
- Face-fit testing completed and recorded for all RPE wearers
- Health surveillance programme in place for workers regularly exposed to RCS
- Health surveillance records retained for 40 years
- Dust suppression equipment maintained and checked before each shift
4. Timber sourcing
Verify timber due diligence under the UK Timber Regulation (UKTR):
- Timber and timber products placed on the GB market for the first time have documented due diligence
- Due diligence system covers species identification, country of harvest, and legality evidence
- Risk assessment completed for each timber supply chain
- Records of supplier, species, origin, and quantities maintained
- FLEGT-licensed timber from partner countries accepted as compliant
- Chain of custody documentation available for audit by OPSS
The UKTR applies to anyone first placing timber or timber products on the GB market. Downstream purchasers must keep trade records for five years.
5. Aggregate levy
Check aggregate levy obligations if you commercially exploit sand, gravel, or rock in the UK:
- Registered with HMRC for the Aggregates Levy if commercially exploiting virgin aggregates
- Levy paid per tonne on sand, gravel, and rock extracted or dredged in the UK
- Exemptions claimed only where qualifying: recycled aggregates, certain mining and quarrying by-products, aggregates from exempt processes
- Quarterly returns submitted to HMRC on time
- Records of aggregate tonnages extracted, supplied, and exempted maintained for six years
The levy does not apply to imported aggregates or to aggregates used on the site where they were won. Check current rates on GOV.UK.
6. Materials storage and handling
Verify safe storage arrangements for materials on site:
- Hazardous substances stored in labelled, secure containers away from drainage and water courses
- Flammable materials stored in accordance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR)
- Cement, plaster, and powdered materials stored under cover to prevent moisture damage and dust release
- Spill kits and containment measures available where liquids are stored
- Materials stacked and secured to prevent collapse or falling objects
- Separate storage for incompatible chemicals (refer to SDS)
- Material storage areas included in site fire risk assessment
If you answered 'no' to any item in sections 1-3, stop work with the affected material until the gap is resolved. COSHH and product marking failures carry unlimited fines and potential imprisonment under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
For detailed guidance on each area, see: