Clarification for Cleaners

Published: September 7, 2016

CSCS cards are intended for construction related occupations only. Industry recognises that due to the diverse nature of construction projects, there are occasions when a person may need to access a construction site to perform a non-construction activity and that these individuals would not be expected to carry a CSCS card.

Amongst the occupations not required to carry a CSCS card are certain kinds of cleaner.

Following several enquiries from the cleaning sector CSCS has issued the following guidance:

1.  CSCS cards are not required when a cleaner is not working on a live construction site and is working within places such as site offices or welfare facilities.

2.  CSCS cards are required when a cleaner is working on a live construction site, they can apply for either:

1. • A Labourer card – Cleaners who do general cleaning on-site should apply for this card. See https://www.cscs.uk.com/card-type/labourer/ for further information on the requirements.
   • A Blue Skilled card – Cleaners who perform specialist cleaning roles (e.g. industrial cleaners) should apply for this card. This will require a level 2 Certificate in Cleaning and Support Services Skills. see https://www.cscs.uk.com/card-type/skilled-worker/ for further information on the requirements.

The advice issued above is fully in line with industry desire to only issue CSCS cards when workers are engaged in construction-related activity.