Undertaking renovation work comes with risks, especially in older properties. As a contractor, it’s your responsibility to assess these risks before accepting a job to keep yourself and your team safe. Follow these five essential safety steps before accepting any renovation project.
Do a Thorough Site Visit and Risk Assessment
The first step is to visit the site and conduct a comprehensive risk assessment. Look for any potential hazards like exposed wires, rotten floorboards, mould outbreaks, and other safety issues. Pay particular attention to the age of the property and materials used in its original construction. Older homes often contain hazardous materials like asbestos and lead paint. Even if the homeowners say there are no hazardous materials, do not take their word for it. A proper risk assessment will identify any dangers.
Check Planning Requirements
Most areas in the UK require planning permission and building regulations approval for structural changes, electrical work, plumbing upgrades, and other major renovations. If you begin work without the proper approvals, you could face fines or other penalties. When it comes to hazards like asbestos, the liability ultimately falls on you as the contractor. Do your due diligence and verify all regulatory requirements before accepting the job. Consult your local authority to determine exactly what permits, planning permission, and approvals you will need for the project.
Evaluate Your Expertise
Carefully evaluate if you and your team have the right expertise for the project. If specialised work is required like moving walls, rewiring electricity, or installing plumbing, be sure you or subcontractors are properly trained and licenced. Taking on work beyond your qualifications can compromise the quality of the renovation and put safety at risk. Be honest with yourself and the homeowners if part of the project falls outside your skill set.
Address Any Asbestos or Lead Paint
If you suspect asbestos, lead paint, or other hazardous materials are present, address this with the homeowners before starting work. Most areas require that a licenced asbestos removal company handles the abatement process. Lead paint also requires special remediation. Do not attempt to remove hazardous materials on your own unless you have special certification. Be clear with homeowners that you will not begin other work until the hazards have been properly addressed using a licenced company like Eagle Asbestos Ltd – asbestos removal experts.
Use Safety Equipment and Follow Standards
Finally, once the job begins, closely follow all safety protocols. Provide your team with proper safety gear like hard hats, gloves, eye protection, dust masks, and hearing protection. Install the appropriate fire safety, fall protection, and ventilation equipment. Follow all construction safety standards throughout the duration of the project. Never cut corners when it comes to on-site safety.
Following these five key steps will help contractors identify risks and handle renovations safely. Being proactive before accepting a job is the best way to avoid safety incidents down the road. With the right preparations and protocols, contractors can take on renovations with confidence.