Block Management Safety Legislations

Risk Assessment for Communal Areas (The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations (1999)

This makes it a legal duty for all apartment buildings to do health and safety risk assessments in the shared spaces. Communal area health and safety standards safeguard not only the well-being of residents and tourists who use the places, but also personnel working in the building to ensure residents feel safe knowing the block management company comply with safety regulations.

Fire Safety Regulations (2005 Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order)

Fire safety regulations mandates block management companies, and employers to act on and maintain fire risk assessments to ensure the block is fire compliant with legislations. Individual flats are not covered by the RRO, but all non-domestic sections of the property, including common areas or other shared parts of apartment towers, are.

Inspection priority areas include:

• Smoke detectors that are properly installed and functional

• Adequate fire-fighting equipment, such as extinguishers

• Upkeep of smoke and fire-resistant structures, such as fire doors

• Any possible escape routes, fire exits, or evacuation protocols

• The safety of building occupants, staff, and visitors

• Flammable items, as well as potential ignition sources

Working at Height Risk Assessment (2005 Work at Height Regulation)

This is enforced to prevent injuries and senseless death due by falls from great heights. Any work at height activity that has been scheduled must be properly planned, supervised, and carried out by qualified individuals, according to the Work at Height Regulation.

 Electrical Safety

Electrical equipment supplied by block management companies to comply with legislations to community spaces as well as contractors or personnel, such as cleaners or builders, must be checked, maintained, and labelled as safe to use. Block managers must also employ an electrician to repair wiring and test portable electrical devices in common spaces to guarantee compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations of 1989.

Gas Safety

The 1998 Gas Safety Regulation explains that block management companies are responsible for ensuring that all gas appliances, fittings, and flues are adequately maintained and safe at all times. All appliances and plumbing should be carefully maintained and in good working order.

Records: Annual gas safety tests must be delivered to leaseholders and renters within 28 days after completions of Installation and use, if not Management companies are at breach of not complying with relevant legislations.

Asbestos

Block managers are required to identify any asbestos-containing items in communal areas of apartment buildings. Roofs and primary building structures are common examples. Block management safety legislations, especially identifying asbestos must be followed.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

COSHH examinations highlight the dangers and risks posed by chemicals encountered in the areas of flats where any staff members work or visit.

Dangerous substances include:

·      Paints and adhesives

·      Fumes and particles

·      Dust and naturally occurring bacteria

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulation, sometimes referred to as RIDDOR.

Legionella

Legionella is a kind of bacterium that is abundant in water systems. Legionnaires’ disease can be caused by the bacterium. Block management companies are responsible for assessing and controlling the hazards of legionella exposure in community taps, tanks, and water pipelines.

Do your block management company not follow all these legislations, no? Get in touch now:

☎️ 0113 222 4537

📧 info@valorblockmanagement.co.uk