Regulations and Standards

In order to safely protect a vacant property, we follow a comprehensive Safety Management Plan taking into account the safety of our Property Guardians, staff, contractors, clients and other people in contact with empty properties. We are accredited by CHAS, SafeContractor which is an SSIP scheme, Avetta, ISO and we adhere to the British Standard BS 8584:2015 for Protection by Occupation.

Our Safety Management Plan follows advice given by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) concerning the careful management of buildings and comprises of (but is not limited to) the following:

Asbestos

Asbestos is managed in strict compliance with HSE Guidance HSG264 with surveys carried out by surveyors qualified to BOHS P402 or the higher level, BOHS Certificate of Competence in Asbestos. In addition to our surveys, we fulfil our duties under Regulation 4 'The Duty To Manage' of the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012. Our frontline staff receive Asbestos Awareness Training under Regulation 10 of CAR 2012.

Fire Safety

Fire Safety is managed in strict compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Once a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) is completed, staff, contractors and Property Guardians are informed about the risks identified. We put in place, and maintain, appropriate fire safety measures, plan for an emergency and provide staff and Property Guardians with information, fire safety instruction and training. Fire extinguishers, fire alarm systems and emergency lighting are serviced regularly and are a safe distance to fire exits, compartmentalisation and fire safety on escape routes are maintained and monitored through monthly building inspections.

Legionella

Legionella risk is managed in strict compliance with 'Legionnaires' disease: The control of Legionella bacteria in water systems approved code of practice' and HSG274 guidance.

Gas Safety

Gas Safe certification is carried out by Gas Safe engineers on an annual basis for every gas appliance / flue. A gas safety check ensures gas fittings and appliances are safe to use. Pipe work, appliances and flues are maintained to ensure their safe operation. Gas appliances are serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. If these are not available, they are serviced annually unless advised otherwise by a Gas Safe registered engineer. We keep copies of the Gas Safe records for two years.

Electrical Safety

NICEIC electricians are utilised to ensure all electrical work complies with BS 7671 wiring regulations. Our government-approved electricians certify the work and provide a Building Regulation Compliance Certificate.

PAT Testing is carried out on electrical appliances in the property by our competent, trained staff members. This is in accordance with The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 which requires that any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury is maintained in a safe condition.