Setting Up a Safe Construction Site: A Supplies Checklist
Whether you are taking on a residential renovation or setting up a new-build site, the supplies you order before work starts determine how smoothly the job runs. This checklist covers the consumables, PPE, and protection products that experienced contractors keep in stock.
1. Personal Protective Equipment
Order PPE before any worker sets foot on site. For a crew of 10 doing a typical fit-out, a starting order might look like this:
- Work gloves — 1 box (240 pairs), split size 9/10
- Safety glasses or goggles — 1 box (100–300 pairs)
- FFP3 dust masks — 1 box (200) for any cutting or grinding
- Ear defenders — 1 box (25) for machine-intensive operations
- Hi-vis vests — 1 box (100)
2. Floor and Surface Protection
Any finished surface in or adjacent to the work zone needs protecting from the first day. Damage to floors, stairs, and architectural features during construction is one of the most avoidable costs in a project.
- Cotton dust sheets — for furniture, carpets, and soft furnishings
- Laminated dust sheets — for hard floors receiving plaster, paint, or adhesive
- Roll and Stroll hard surface protector — 100m rolls for corridors, hallways, and high-traffic routes
- Roll and Stroll carpet protector — self-adhesive film for new or existing carpets
See the site protection range for current pricing and pack sizes.
3. Waste Management
Plan your waste disposal before demolition starts. The right bags and skips from day one prevent rubble accumulating and slowing the job.
- FIBC bulk bags (builder's bags) — for crane or telehandler loading of heavy demolition waste
- Woven rubble sacks — for hand-loading skip fill; sold in packs of 1,000
- Plastic rubble bags — for lighter debris and packaging waste
- Skip nets — legal requirement for open skips on public roads; 15×9, 18×10, or 24×12
4. Load Securing
For any materials delivered or removed by flatbed or trailer, you will need ratchet straps. 1-tonne straps secure pallet loads; 5-tonne straps are required for plant, machinery, and heavy steel sections.
5. Cutting and Abrasives
Stock the right cutting consumables before first cut. For metal: 4.5 inch or 5 inch cutting discs. For masonry: diamond blades in the correct size for your saw. For weld blending and surface prep: flap discs in 40, 60, or 80 grit.
Ordering for the Site
The most efficient way to stock a site is a single combined order covering PPE, surface protection, waste bags, and abrasives together. Kent Industrial Supplies offers free delivery on orders over £200 to all addresses in England. For ongoing supply through a project, a trade account gives at least 10% discount. Call 07867 476304 to discuss terms.