The Importance Of Health & Safety In A Block Of Flats

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When managing a block of flats, the health and safety of the tenants and visitors is paramount. Not only can health and safety issues cause harm to the people in the building but claims can become very costly for landlords and right to manage companies. A good block of flats insurance policy helps to alleviate some of the stress surrounding issues that can arise from accidents. However, you have a duty of care to those people entering the property, so you should also look out for some of these potential problem areas and ensure your building is adequately protected.

Fire Safety

The RRO (Regulatory Reform Order, Fire Safety) of 2005 means that it is a legal requirement for you to undertake and action fire risk assessments. This does not include any individual flats, but it does include all communal areas. Fire Officers are allowed to inspect a block of flats for any potential issues at any point, therefore, your fire risk assessment should always be up to date. This will also help ensure you get an adequate flats insurance policy and don’t get left with fees should something go wrong.

Risk Assessments 

It is a legal requirement for a risk assessment to be carried out in communal areas of the building. Even if the areas are not widely used, the advice for property managers is that you should complete a risk assessment to keep on file, as evidence that you are maintaining the building. This, as well as a thorough flats insurance policy, will protect you in the event of an incident and claim. Get in touch if you would like our free risk assessment template that can help get the ball rolling for you.

Electrical Equipment

Any electrical equipment that is provided to communal areas or to workers and visitors of the block of flats must be marked with the correct CE symbol and should undergo regular testing by the Electrical Safety Council. It’s also important that you fix the wiring in communal areas and test portable electrical equipment, such as vacuum cleaners, to ensure they comply with the 1989 Electricity at Work Regulations.

Legionella 

Legionnaire’s disease is caused by legionella bacterium within water systems. Landlords and RTMs managing a block of flats must assess the risks of bacteria in the water supply. Quality and safety checks should be undertaken by an expert chosen by the landlord in communal areas including tanks, taps, and showers. Water supply in individual flats is the responsibility of the tenant, however, you must check the lease to ensure this is the case. Risk management services are a good option to supplement your block of flats insurance, as they can help support you should you find legionella or if a claim is made against you.

For a block of flats insurance quote or for advice on managing a block of flats, contact us at Flats Direct and speak to one of our team. We provide quality advice for property managers and can find you the right cover at a great price. To discuss your block of flats insurance policy, call us on 0800 731 6242 or email info@flatsdirect-uk.com.