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In this Briefing Note we have set out the main changes introduced by the new Fire Safety Act 2021 which received royal assent on the 29th April 2021 and is now an Act of Parliament. The Act amends the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO), to ensure that people feel safe in their homes, and a tragedy like the Grenfell Tower fire never happens again.

As lockdown restrictions ease in the UK over the coming weeks, many people will begin to return to the workplace, where buildings may have stood unoccupied or with significantly reduced occupancy for a number of months. Therefore, it is essential that the water quality of hot and cold water systems in these buildings is considered, as the water systems may have become stagnant during the lockdown period if not correctly maintained. Stagnation can result in the growth and colonisation of potentially harmful bacteria including Legionella.

With most businesses and workplaces in commercial buildings having either been completely closed at some point or operating at a reduced capacity to try and limit the spread of the Covid-19 virus, it is important that buildings continue to be insured and safely maintained in order to manage risks and to meet all relevant legal duties placed on property owners.

In this Briefing Note we consider the safety requirements for the installation and maintenance of electric vehicle charging equipment. There is increasing focus on environmental impacts, the use of alternative fuels to petrol and diesel engines, and in response, the UK Government has schemes to promote the use of renewable energies. Furthermore, many towns and city centres are intending to introduce Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) to reduce atmospheric pollution.

Having an asbestos survey carried out is an effective way to help you manage asbestos in your premises. A survey will provide vital information, such as the location, condition and amount of asbestos that has been identified.

One of our most popular bespoke IOSH accredited courses, specifically aimed at property management professionals, is now being delivered in our virtual classrooms

In this Briefing Note we consider the maintenance of fire safety arrangements during the current pandemic, as it is of critical importance to make sure that workplace fire safety risks continue to be adequately controlled. Irrespective of the risks arising from COVID 19, any applicable fire safety legislation remains in force, and the duties arising remain unchanged. However, fire safety legislation is not prescriptive, so providing appropriate supplementary or alternative fire safety arrangements are implemented, and that the overall objectives of the legislative requirements are met, then the Responsible Person will generally have discharged their duties.

This Briefing Note applies to those working in or visiting home environments. These include, but are not limited to, home workers – such as repair services, fitters, meter readers, plumbers, cleaners, cooks, visiting childcare providers, and surveyors (this is not an exhaustive list).

With so many competing demands on property managers, the challenge of continuing to focus on maintaining, and where needed, enhancing fire safety arrangements is ever increasing. Adding to these existing challenges is the introduction of new fire safety legislation starting this year.

In this Briefing Note we consider the safety requirements for routine access required for plant or premise maintenance, inspections etc. It is critically important to make sure that access to the place of work on the roof is safe, and the risks associated with working at height have been addressed.