Construction materials compliance checklist

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 marking continues to be recognised in GB until further notice; from 8 January 2026 GB also recognises products complying with the new EU Construction Products Regulation 2024/3110)
• 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 if requested
• Products imported from outside the UK show the importer's name and contact address on the product, its packaging, or an accompanying document

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, and wood preservatives. Lead-containing materials (such as old lead paint) are not covered by COSHH - work that disturbs them falls under the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 (CLAW), which has its own assessment, exposure limit, and medical surveillance requirements.

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 UK partner countries (currently only Indonesia) 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 applies to imported aggregates as well as rock, sand, and gravel dug from the ground or dredged in UK waters - imported virgin aggregate is taxable on its first commercial exploitation in the UK (exported aggregate is not). A narrow relief applies where aggregate is returned unmixed to the site it was won from for a purpose connected with winning aggregate or minerals. 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