Risk Assessments

Glazing Risk Assessment Audit

Regulation 14 of The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 includes the requirement to survey glazing to assess the risk from harm in the event of breakage. The requirement to meet with and improving the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of the premises will also need to be taken in to consideration.    

Spectra aim to support our clients to achieve and maintain compliance with the Regulations through the provision of a transparent process of services which includes;

  • The audit of the existing Glazing Risk Assessment arrangements and the provision of a gap analysis;  
  • Undertake a glazing audit to identify the nature and condition of all glazing in relation to current compliance requirements;
  • Provide a clear report to confirm compliance and where necessary recommend any remedial actions necessary; 
  • In conjunction with the responsible person arrange for the remedial works to be completed and update the report.  
  • Provide where appropriate  an electronic management data base to host and archive records.
  • The provision of on-going competent support to the responsible person.

Lead Risk Assessments

The provisions for the uncontrolled exposure to Lead are set out in the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 (CLAW). The significant area of risk is around the refurbishment and demolition sectors where disturbance of materials containing, coated or contaminated with Lead are not uncommon.

Spectra aim to support our clients and typically Principle Designers comply with CLAW 2002 through the provision of transparent process of services which includes;

  • Desk top review of the premises history and the proposed works to determine the likelihood of the presence of Lead 
  • Undertake a Lead Risk Assessment to locate the presence and extent of Lead in the premises/areas to be affected by the proposed work.
  • Based on the results of the Lead survey and analysis undertake risk assessments to eliminate or reduce to levels of exposure to as low as is reasonably practicable.
  • Undertake and manage the removal and disposal of identified Lead material/ contamination.
  • Provide on-going support throughout the project to the Client/Principle Designer throughout the project as required.
  • Provide copies of all records and updated risk assessments for the project completion file.

Radon Risk Management

The provisions for the requirement to assess the risk from Radon Gas are made under the Management of Health and Safety Regulations at Work 1999 and The Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999.   

Spectra aim to support our clients to achieve and maintain compliance with the Regulations through the provision of transparent process of services which includes;

  • The audit of the existing Radon Gas arrangements and the provision of a gap analysis which will allow Spectra to provide support to the client  in the production of a clear Policy and Procedures for the future management of the identified risks.
  • Undertake Radon Risk Assessments of those sites identified as high risk to confirm the levels of Radon Gas present.
  • Based on the results of the Radon Gas testing and analysis undertake risk assessments to eliminate or reduce to levels of exposure to as low as is reasonably practicable.
  • Undertake and manage the remedial works to reduce the levels of Radon Gas within the premises as low as reasonably practicable and at least below the acceptable exposure limit.
  • Following any remediation work repeat the Radon Gas testing to confirm the suitability of the work. 
  • Provide on-going support to the Client.

Energy Performance Certification (EPC)

The Energy Performance of Building Directive required from October 2009 that all commercial buildings should have an EPC when they are built, sold or rented. All public buildings of more than 1,000sq meters must display a Display Energy Certificate (DEC). From May 2010 all domestic properties which are sold or rented in England and Wales require a EPC.   

The EPC provides a rating for the energy performance of building. The ratings are standard on a scale of A to G. An A rating being the best.   

Spectra aim to support our clients to achieve and maintain compliance with the Directive through the provision of a transparent process of services which includes;

  • The audit of the existing building information and the provision of a gap analysis;
  • Undertake a site inspection to conduct an energy assessment which includes detailing dimensions, construction and heating/ water provision.
  • Based on the information collated and assessed against the Governments standard criteria we will produce a EPC Rating for the building;
  • Along with the responsible person we will review the available information to assess the most economical way the energy performance rating of the building can be improved;
  • In conjunction with the responsible person arrange for the remedial works to be completed;
  • Arrange for the EPC audit to be repeated and a new update EPC issued;   
  • Provide an electronic management data base to host and archive records;
  • Provide on-going support, and repeat audits to support the responsible person. 

Health & Safety Risk Management

The main provision covering Health and Safety in the United Kingdom is the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. This Act underpins a whole host of Regulations that aim to provide a safe environment. 

Spectra aim to support our clients to achieve and maintain compliance with the Act and subordinate Regulations through the provision of competent advice and a transparent process of services which includes; 

  • In conjunction with the clients Directors/Senior Managers audit and review the client organisation, activities and the current arrangements in place. 
  • Develop a strategic plan in order for the Directors to be able to demonstrate the suitability of the organisations effective health and safety management.  
  • Review the existing health and safety Policy. 
  • Undertake audits to assist in the review and provision of  suitable and sufficient risk assessments 
  • Identify the resource allocated to deliver the arrangements and advise on the training required to fulfil these roles.
  • Agree and implement improvement targets through worker involvement, monitor and report progress.  
  • The provision of on-going competent support to the Directors.

Measured Surveys & Provision of Schematics and Plans

The success of any inspection is largely dependent on the accuracy and quality of the Plans provided at the time of and especially following the inspection.  

Spectra have a dedicated team who are able to undertake surveys and provide;

  • Compliance plans for Fire, Water, Asbestos, Glazing etc
  • Measured building surveys
  • Update of existing CAD drawings
  • Creation of CAD drawings from sketches or marked up drawings
  • Polylining
  • Schematics    

Fire Risk Management

The provisions for fire safety in premises are set out in The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. 

Spectra aim to support our clients to achieve and maintain compliance with the “Order” through the provision of a transparent process of services which includes;

  • The audit of the existing Fire arrangements and the provision of a gap analysis which will allow Spectra to provide support to the client  in the production of a clear Policy and Procedures for the future management of the identified risks.
  • Review the existing Fire Risk or undertake a new Fire Risk Assessment where appropriate to identify the potential hazards and actions necessary to eliminate or reduce the identified risks to as low as reasonably practicable.
  • Undertake a Fire Compartmentation Risk Assessment where appropriate. Sadly most existing Fire Risk Assessments do not cover this very important element of fire safety particularly in high risk mixed residential and retail developments.
  • Undertake and manage the remedial actions arising form the Fire Risk and Fire Compartmentation Assessment Surveys.
  • Arrange with the Responsible Person the provision of suitable training for those who work within or have access to the building. 
  • The provision of on-going support, audits and reviews with the Responsible Person for the premises to ensure continued compliance is maintained. 
  • The provision of an electronic management data base to host and archive records.

Water Hygiene Services

The provisions for the prevention of Legionella and or Legionnaires disease stem from the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Guidance on achieving and maintaining compliance is given in The Approved Code of Practice (L8)

Spectra aim to support our clients to achieve and maintain compliance with (L8) through the provision of transparent process of services which includes;

  • The audit of the existing Water Hygiene arrangements and the provision of a gap analysis which will allow Spectra to provide support to the client  in the production of a clear Policy and the Written Scheme for the future management of the identified risks.
  • Review the existing Legionella Water Hygiene Risk Assessment or undertake a new Legionella Water Hygiene Risk Assessment where appropriate to identify the potential hazards and actions necessary to eliminate or reduce the identified risks to as low as reasonably practicable.
  • Undertake and manage the remediation actions arising form the Legionella Water Hygiene Risk Assessment.
  • Provide the regular inspection, monitoring and testing necessary to maintain compliance and record the findings in the Log Book for the premises/system.  
  • Arrange with the Responsible Person the provision of suitable training (competence) and record keeping for those who work within or who may be affected by the water system of the premises.
  • The provision of on-going support, audits and reviews with the Responsible Person for the premises to implement the written scheme and ensure continued compliance is maintained.  
  • The provision of an electronic management data base to host and archive records