What is A Basic Health and Safety Plan? and How is it Different from A Basic Study?

ARCHITECTURE

Apr 15

Written By Francisco Javier Muñoz Fuentes

If you've heard about a Basic Health and Safety Plan or a Basic Study, it might all sound like just paperwork—but there’s much more behind these documents. In this article, we’ll explain clearly what they are, how they differ, and why you need one (or both) to ensure your construction project is not only beautiful but also safe.

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WHAT A BASIC HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN?

The Basic Health and Safety Plan is a document created by the construction company or contractor before starting any on-site work. Think of it as a personalized version of the safety study developed during the project design phase. It outlines the specific safety measures that will be applied in your actual construction site. This includes how workers will be protected, what equipment will be used, how risks will be signposted, emergency procedures, and more.

This plan must be approved by the Health and Safety Coordinator (if there is one), or by the supervising architect or technical team. It is a mandatory document, and no construction should begin without it.

WHAT IS A BASIC HEALTH AND SAFETY STUDY?

The Basic Study of Health and Safety is prepared during the design phase of the project, before any physical work begins. It’s usually drafted by the architect or project designer, and its goal is to define general safety measures to be considered during construction.

This study identifies potential risks and gives broad recommendations for preventing them. It’s used as a foundation for the contractor to later create a detailed, site-specific safety plan. Unlike a full Health and Safety Study, the basic version is designed for smaller or simpler projects, such as home renovations or minor builds.

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MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO

The key difference lies in their timing, purpose, and authorship. The Basic Study is created during the project phase by the designer and outlines general safety intentions. It’s more theoretical and sets the framework. On the other hand, the Basic Plan is drawn up later, right before the work starts, by the contractor. It turns those general ideas into concrete safety actions tailored to the site and the team.

The Study is usually required for low-risk or small-scale works, especially when a full Health and Safety Study is not needed. The Plan, however, is always mandatory if there’s a study involved—whether basic or complete.

WHEN IS EACH ONE USED?

You’ll typically use a Basic Health and Safety Study for projects like small renovations or self-build homes in places like Estepona, Marbella, Mijas, Sotogrande, or Malaga—works with low complexity, budget, and risk.

The Basic Health and Safety Plan is required on all projects where a safety study exists. It’s the document that allows the site to open and must remain on-site throughout the build to ensure everything runs safely.

We recommend that you carry out these processes with the help of a professional who can guide you properly. At Munoz Barcia Architects, we have years of experience and professionals available to answer your questions and advise you on any issues you may have, free of charge. Call us without obligation!

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