RISK MANAGEMENT

HEALTH, SAFETY, ENVIRONMENTAL & FIRE RISK MANAGEMENT

Property Owners' Risk Management

We will work with you to ensure you have the correct systems and controls and comply as a minimum with your statutary obligations.

The following are examples of some of the services we can offer:

• Boilers, Passenger/Goods Lifts, Safety of Gas and Electrical Appliances
• Asbestos
• Legal Liabilities
• Management of Contractors
• Tenants
• Fire Risk Assessments
• Disability Discrimination
• Unoccupied Premises

Safety of Boilers, Lifts, Gas and Electrical Appliances

Landlords have a legal duty to maintain gas appliances installed for the use of tenants. It is vital they are checked annually and that proper, written records are kept of these checks. The duties are different for gas appliances in residential premises. A landlord can never delegate their duties to the tenant.

Property Owners are also responsible for the safety of fixed wiring in their properties. The importance of this cannot be over-emphasised because faults in electric wiring account for the majority of fires and sometimes fatal electric shock accidents. Procedures should be in place to ensure that competent people only carry out all electrical installations, electrical accessories are of good quality and that testing of electrical installations is carried out at least once every five years.

Asbestos

Property owners are likely to be duty holders under the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations. The objective is to protect users and maintenance or building workers. The owner must identify materials which may contain asbestos, arrange for samples to be taken, decide if any asbestos should be removed or sealed and if removed ensure it is done by a licensed contractor. If it is to remain the site should be marked and employees / contractors informed of its location. Regular checks should be carried out to review its condition.

Fire Risk Assessments

Where a property owner has any control over a workplace they must carry out a proper fire risk assessment and keep associated records - to review fire risks in the workplace, check fire detection and alarm systems, means of escape and provide proper fire fighting equipment.

A documented undertaking to inspect premises on a regular basis to reduce the risk of arson would also be seen as sound practice. This may include staff training, correct waste disposal and keeping perimeters and fuel stores in a good state of repair.

Management of Contractors

Property owners must ensure that contractors and their staff are not at risk from the property owner's, or their tenant's, business activities. Clients may also have liability for injuries caused by contractors. To manage contractors effectively, property owners should have formal arrangements in place for the selection of competent contractors, ensure contractors provide method statements detailing the precautions they will take and provide written rules for those appointed relating to issues such as fire evacuation, restricted areas and special hazards.

Tenants

Any property owner must carry out a careful and detailed vetting process to ensure potential tenants are suitable and undertake a full inventory listing and deposit control process.

 

See Rowlands & Hames Risk Management Online for additional assistance

 

Contact us for more information.