H&S Flashcards
What H&S legislation are you aware of?
H&S at Work Act 1974
“Duty to every employer to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of all employees”
- Policed by HSE as a criminal offence, with fines and imprisonment
- must report injuries and dangerous occurrences (IE2 system)
- must undertake, record and Erika rly review a risk assessment
- must hold detailed H&S info on site
PPE at Work Regulations 2022
- extends the employer’s duty to ensure provision of appropriate PPE for employers and contractors, to include those in casual employment (cleaning, security, construction)
Asbestos Regulations 2012
- obligations to the 1) duty holder (landlord if void, tenant if occupied), and 2) employer
- duty to manage asbestos in commercial buildings
CDM Regulations 2015 (Construction, Design and Management)
- criminal offense to breach
- aim to improve the management and coordination of H&S at all stages of a construction project
- provides 3 duty holders: the Client, the Principal Designer and the Principal Contractor
How do you ensure that you comply with H&S legislation?
H&S at Work Act 1974
“Duty to every employer to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of all employees”
- Policed by HSE as a criminal offence, with fines and imprisonment
- must report injuries and dangerous occurrences (IE2 system)
- must undertake, record and Erika rly review a risk assessment
- must hold detailed H&S info on site
What are the penalties under H&S legislation?
H&S at Work Act 1974
- Policed by HSE as a criminal offence, with fines and imprisonment
Health and Safety Offenses Act 2008
- max fines £20,000
-possibility 12 months imprisonment
Is it a criminal offence to breach the HSWA 1974?
Yes (policed by HSE)
Tell me about your employer’s H&S policy?
Zero tolerance on H&S
Indicates how we abide by legislation
Gives advice on what to do for H&S in the office, working on site and working remotely
What are your H&S duties as a surveyor?
What would you recommend if your client’s property contained asbestos?
Course of action:
1) duty holder must assess whether the premises contain asbestos, and if so where it is and why condition it’s in. If in doubt, assume the worst
2) assess the risk and produce a management plan
3) produce an asbestos register
4) make the register available to all relevant parties who may disturb it
5) review the register regularly (HSE recommend 6 monthly)
What are the types of asbestos surveys?
Two types of asbestos surveys
1) management survey (to assess and advise in its management during occupation)
2) refurbishment/demolition survey (when premises need upgrading, recommendations are made after asbestos sample analysis)
Course of action:
- duty holder must undertake risk assessment
- work must be with license contractor
- asbestos register must be produced (should contain a priority score to triage remediation)
What would you do if you spotted asbestos that is crumbling?
- get out
- report
- ensure action is taken immediately
How would you ascertain there would be
- Red stems
- Heart shaped leaves
- White bell shaped flowers (if in bloom)
In the winter, it looks like any type of weed
In which type of site might one find Japanese Knotweed?
Sites close to railway area
Back in the day, Japanese Knotweed was grown around railway lines to counter the growth of other weeds.
Invasive species and can go through concrete
What checks did you do with regards to vegetation in your case study’s property?
I have checked the site and there was no evidence of Japanese Knotweed, all the plants are site are planted and properly maintained
Env Property Act makes it criminal offense to dispose of Japanese Knotweed in the wrong way
What guidance do you follow regarding Asbestos?
Law: Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (specifies specific duties in relation to the management of asbestos)
RICS:
TfL: Standard for the Management of Asbestos and Hazardous Materials
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
(specifies specific duties in relation to the management of asbestos)
Regulation 10: All surveyors should have asbestos awareness training. This includes awareness of asbestos when inspecting premises.
Regulation 4: A duty to manage asbestos in all non-domestic premises. The duty to manage can be fulfilled by ensuring that an asbestos register is available, assessing the risk of any asbestos present and making this information available to anyone liable to disturb the asbestos present
Where could you expect to find asbestos be found in your Client’s portfolio?
Corrugated sheets, or Artex ceiling (pre-1999)
How is an FRA conducted?
Broadly speaking, assessments are conducted in five key steps:
- Identify the fire hazards.
- Identify people at risk.
- Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks.
- Record your findings, prepare an emergency plan and provide training.
- Review and update the fire risk assessment regularly.
