The project consisted of the refurbishment of an existing commercial building to accommodate a specialist vehicle maintenance workshop, ground floor offices, reception, staff welfare facilities, a mezzanine parts store and office.

The existing premises comprised of a brick built single storey building with a steel framed roof with profiled asbestos covering.

The building/refurbishment project involved the appointment of more than one contractor which brought the project under the scope of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.

Fire Risk Design Co. were appointed as health and safety consultant for the project. This incorporated liaison with the principal designer, principal contractor, building contractor, plumbing contractor, electrical contractor, and specialist contractor for the identification and removal of asbestos from the site.

The project created the following challenges:

The co-ordination of contractors and collation of contractors risk assessments and method statements.

Development of a site specific health and safety file that included

• site specific safety rules
• hot work policy
• control of site access
• contractors risk assessments and method statements,
• site fire safety,
• accident reporting
• emergency evacuation procedures.

The initial specification of fire detection and alarm system for the finished project was disproportionate in terms of risk presented and cost to client.

Fire Risk Design Co. developed a site/project specific strategic health and safety policy document to be used as due diligence by the principal contractor.

Pre-construction phase fire safety and health and safety audits were carried out, this enabled the scope of work and risk presented to be monitored and controlled.

Health and safety and fire safety risk assessment reports were prepared detailing the outcomes of all audits. Mid-phase and final-phase construction audits (health and safety and fire safety) were carried out and audit reports updated accordingly.

Contractor liaison was maintained throughout the project and good communications were maintained. Using quality management auditing procedures health & safety and fire safety outcomes and strategic policy documents were reviewed and monitored to ensure they remained relevant at each stage of the project.

Project was completed on time and under budget. Specification of a suitable fire detection and alarm system, based on fire risk assessment, meant significant savings to the client on installation and maintenance costs.

No accidents or injuries recorded during construction.