Over 40 of the most common construction industry acronyms and abbreviations, clearly explained. Bookmark this page for quick reference.
Guidance published by the HSE providing practical advice on how to comply with specific regulations.
A digital process for creating and managing information throughout the lifecycle of a built asset.
The world's leading sustainability assessment method for buildings and infrastructure.
Established by the Building Safety Act 2022 to oversee the safety and standards of all buildings.
The primary UK regulations for managing health and safety on construction projects (current version: CDM 2015).
The sector skills council and industry training board for the construction sector in Great Britain.
HMRC tax scheme requiring contractors to deduct money from subcontractor payments and pass it to HMRC.
Regulations requiring employers to control exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace.
Ongoing learning and development to maintain and enhance professional competence.
The industry card scheme proving that workers have the required training and qualifications.
A barrier in a wall designed to prevent moisture rising through the structure by capillary action.
A rating scheme for the energy efficiency of buildings, graded A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
The form used to notify HSE about construction projects that meet the notification threshold under CDM 2015.
HSE cost recovery scheme where duty holders found in material breach of health and safety law must pay for HSE's time.
The discipline concerned with preserving the health, safety and welfare of people at work.
A condition caused by regular and frequent use of hand-held vibrating tools, affecting blood vessels, nerves and joints.
The UK government agency responsible for the regulation and enforcement of workplace health, safety and welfare.
A qualified person authorised to manage electrical installations independently.
The professional membership body for civil engineers, founded in 1818.
Professional institution covering electrical, electronic, manufacturing and information engineering.
Produces standard forms of building contract, guidance notes and other documentation for the construction industry.
An engineering control system to reduce exposure to airborne contaminants such as dust, mist, fume, vapour or gas.
Regulations requiring all lifting operations to be planned, supervised and carried out safely using suitable equipment.
A mechanical device used to provide temporary access for people or equipment to inaccessible areas, such as cherry pickers and scissor lifts.
A family of construction contracts widely used in the UK, known for promoting good project management.
The Act governing the coordination of street works and road works in England and Wales.
The inspection and testing of electrical equipment to ensure it is safe for continued use.
The point at which a building project is considered complete enough for the client to occupy or use, even if minor defects remain.
Equipment worn to minimise exposure to hazards -- hard hats, hi-vis, safety boots, gloves, goggles, ear defenders, RPE.
Regulations requiring all work equipment to be suitable, maintained, inspected, and used by trained people.
A professional who manages all costs relating to building and civil engineering projects.
Combined documents detailing identified risks and the safe methods of work to control them.
The professional body for architects in the UK, known for the RIBA Plan of Work.
The professional body for surveyors, valuers and construction professionals worldwide.
Regulations requiring the reporting of certain workplace injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences to the HSE.
Equipment designed to protect the wearer from inhaling hazardous substances including dust, gases and vapours.
An assessment to ensure the workplace is safe for workers, including access, egress and working environment.
A 5-day CITB course covering health, safety and environmental legislation for site managers and supervisors.
A 2-day CITB course for site supervisors covering their legal responsibilities for health and safety.
A plan detailing how construction waste will be managed, reduced, reused and disposed of responsibly.
A short, informal safety meeting held on site to discuss specific hazards, procedures or safe working practices.
Parts of a construction project that are needed to enable the permanent works to be built, but do not form part of the finished structure (e.g. formwork, scaffolding, shoring).
The UK product marking that replaced CE marking for goods placed on the market in Great Britain post-Brexit.
Any work where a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury, if precautions are not taken.
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