Top 5 Health & Safety Issues in Block of Flats

Health and safety is an important issue. The well-being of block of flats residents and visitors rely on regular safety inspections. Plus, the cost of dismissing potential safety issues can be a lot more expensive than complying in the event of an accident. If you are a landlord or a right to manage company, read some of the key safety areas to include in your inspections to ensure you meet health and safety regulations.

1. Fire Regulations

All block of flats require regular fire risk assessments and it is the responsibility of landlords or the block right to manage company to confirm they are being completed. As per the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRO) 2005, Fire officers may enter any block of flats to inspect the building.­

2. Communal Area Risk Assessment

Typical communal areas are gardens, meter cupboards, landings and hallways. These areas are often visited by non-residents including gardeners, cleaners and contractors. Therefore, any common areas must comply with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Conduct annual risk assessments to identify any potential safety risks both in and around your block of flats. If you’d like to know more about working regulations, contact our block of flats insurance experts.­

3. Working at Height Risks

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 was created to prevent any injury caused by a fall. Landlords or right to manage companies must make sure any work at height is performed by competent people with appropriate equipment. ‘At height’ is classified at any height where a person could be injured if they fell. Typical tasks include fixing roofs, clearing gutters or even as simple as changing a light bulb.­

4. Check Electrical Equipment Safety

Any electrical equipment supplied by a landlord or RTMC to a worker or visitor must be in safe working order and tested regularly. This may include providing a vacuum to a cleaner. Visual checks and official testing by the Electrical Safety Council should be part of your regular residential property management. All electrical equipment should be marked with a CE marking.

5. Legionnaires' Disease

Legionnaires’ disease can be sourced from Legionella bacterium found in water systems. Landlords and RTM companies must regularly monitor the block of flats water supply to test its quality and safety.­

For more information about block of flat insurance, or Directors and officers liability insurance, contact our knowledgeable team at Flats Direct or complete our block of flats insurance online quote form today.