BUSINESS SUPPORT HEALTH & SAFETY
The latest news and updates on health and safety to help you and your workforce stay safe on site HEALTH SAFETY &
Are your sites DSEAR compliant? The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) aim to prevent fires, explosions and harm from corrosive substances. Here are tips on how to comply. Risk assessments: Identify all dangerous substances on site, such as paints, solvents, and fuels. Assess and reduce the risks of fires, explosions and corrosion. Control measures: If eliminating risks isn’t feasible, implement control measures such as proper storage of flammable liquids, using explosion-proof equipment in dusty areas, and ensuring adequate ventilation. Emergency preparedness: Have clear plans for accidents and emergencies such as safe evacuation routes, fire extinguishers and staff training. Communication and training: Train employees to understand risks and control measures of dangerous substances. Segregation: Separate flammable materials from ignition sources. Ventilation: Ensure ventilation, especially in confined spaces where dust or fumes build up. Conduct regular checks: Inspect equipment and storage areas for leaks, damage or deterioration. Designated smoking areas: Confine smoking to designated areas away from flammable materials.
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has announced a new inspection regime to prioritise large panel system (LPS) buildings built between 1957 and 1973. These buildings are of concern if they: have piped gas systems without confirmation of remediation work being done; and are clad with aluminium composite material (similar to Grenfell Tower). Inspections will initially focus on high- rise buildings (over 18 metres or seven storeys) as the BSR gathers more data. FMB members should expect increased demand in LPS buildings for: Intrusive surveys Gas removal projects Safety remediation in LPS buildings
Heating system replacements Structural works for strengthening and refurbishing Deconstruction projects for LPS buildings earmarked for demolition and reconstruction
Scan the QR code to read more about your legal responsibilities under the new inspection regime.
New inspectors to ease building pressure
extension for the competency assessment to 6 July. More than 3,200 applicants had entered
New measures by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) may ease pressures stemming from operational delays and disruptions caused by the shortage of registered building safety inspectors. The Building Safety Act (BSA) requires all building control inspectors register with the BSR and demonstrate competence through an assessment. There were concerns that not enough inspectors would complete this process by the initial deadline of 6 April 2024.
the pipeline by mid- March, and whilst the effects on the ground may not be seen for a few months, it’s hoped a fresh influx of inspectors will accelerate the inspection and sign-off process for works in England. Scan the QR code for details on how building
safety inspectors will enforce regulations.
The BSR has implemented a temporary solution: a 13-week
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Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
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