Author: Dave Fisher

Is the Asbestos in my Building Safe? Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regs 2012 is the duty to “Manage”. This means that the person responsible for managing or maintaining a non–domestic property, has the duty to manage any Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) present within their building. To be able to manage any ACMs…

The Use of Oxygen –  Oxygen is naturally occurring within the air we breath, it is odourless, colourless and a tasteless gas that is slightly heavier than air. Oxygen gas is not flammable, however, if released in to the atmosphere within a building, it will enrich normal atmospheric content levels and would accelerate a fires…

Have I Got Asbestos? Any building constructed prior to October 1999 has the potential to include Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs). Buildings constructed in the 1960’s and 70’s are highly likely to contain ACMs, as usage peaked in these decades, with an estimated 180,000 Tonnes of raw Asbestos imported into the UK each year. Asbestos fibres…

The Query  I recently received a phone call from a member of our Health and Safety Competent Person Scheme.  The query was one that I’ve advised on many occasions over the years. So, it dawned on me that it would probably be useful to share this advice. Acting as a Principal Contractor, the Site Manager…

Strange Times! Who would have thought that our lives would be so restricted, and so we find ourselves in the middle of a global pandemic? As we start to ease our way back to the new normality, as business owners, we have to now consider the new world of working, and as far as reasonably…

Reasons For Attaining Health & Safety Accreditation Although it’s not a legal requirement, many organisations – when inviting businesses/contractors to tender for projects – are now requiring their prospective suppliers to be accredited with a Health & Safety Accreditation Scheme. Unless accredited, your organisation will not be considered, which may mean that your business is…

What Types Of Enforcement Action Could The HSE Take? Even though employers have specific duties to ensure that health and safety regulations are compiled to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees, within construction there continues to be a high rate of accidents and incidents which result in death, injury and financial loss…

What Is A Pre Construction Information Pack (PCIP)? The Pre Construction Information Pack (PCIP) is a document which provides the information already in the Client’s possession, or which is reasonably obtainable, to relevant CDM Duty Holders, such as Designer(s), Contractor or Principcal Contractor. The Pre Construction Information Pack is not explicitly referenced in CDM 2015,…

As a contractor working within the construction industry, you are constantly having to demonstrate to clients that you have the credentials required not only to deliver a quality product, on time and within budget, but to ensure the health, safety and welfare of your employees, other contractors, and anyone else who may be impacted by…

As an employer, you should be aware that you have certain health and safety responsibilities to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all your employees, sub-contractors and anyone who may be affected by your business activities.