Contractor Management

Contractors are employed by SPM as the Managing Agents, and on occasion by individual residents.

Contractors bring specialised skills and knowledge to complete building improvement and maintenance work. For example, the fitting of a new bathroom suite, installation of an electrical heating appliance, and the maintenance and inspection of life safety equipment in the building.

Historic issues with building fabric damaged by contractors

In the past contractors undertaking work within blocks of flats have compromised fire safety by damaging the fabric of the building during the course of their work.

This has frequently resulted in the integrity of fire resisting compartments being compromised. In some instances they have also used materials that may accelerate a fire.

This is in no-ones interest and in breach of the Building Safety Regulations.

Steps to prevent fires

Contractors during the course of their work introduce fire risks to the building in the form of:

Combustible building materials and packaging.

d building materials that can burn. For example highly combustible insulation products.
Flammable and highly flammable liquids such as paints and solvents.
Fuel in the form of LPG.'
Hot work' which may cause combustibles to catch fire. For example a plumber brazing copper pipework, or use heat to melt bitumen when sealing roof leaks.

Contractor activities need active Managing and Monitoring by SPM.

To minimise hazards the Managing Agents SPM needs to know:

Who is undertaking the work.
Their organisational and personal competency.
Where the work is to be undertaken.
The proposed methods of work.
The risks associated with building materials to be used.
Whether any hot work is planned,

These contractor procedures are not intended to be bureaucratic but practical for contractors to comply with.

Evidencing competency

Contractors undertaking work at the premises are to required provide evidence of competency. They should also expect to provide proof of accreditation and safe systems of work.

Organisational Capability Questionnaire for 'higher risk work'.

The organisation capability questionnaire for higher risk work will be issued on a 'job by job' basis. For example replacement of fire doors, a fire stopping 'find and fix' contract, upgrade of the fire detection and warning system and roof work.

The organisational capability questionnaire doesn't apply to 'Minor Work', or those whom are members of NAPIT and registered under the 'Third Party Certification Scheme'.

Competent Person' self certification schemes for registered members includes the installation of:

Gas / Oil heating appliances.
Heating / Hot water systems.
Ventilation or a/c systems.
Sanitary conveniences.
CHP plant.
The insulation of walls.
Replacement of windows (FENSA).
Roof Insulation / Replacement.

(https://www.gov.uk/guidance/competent-person-scheme-current-schemes-and-how-schemes-are-authorised).

Safe Systems of work

Contractors are expect to prepare and hand-over task / job specific risk assessments and method statements. This will need to set out how work is intended to be completed, the risks associated with the task and what precautions are to be taken to prevent harm arising.

Work to Standard

All contractors including those on Competent Person and 'Third Party Certification Scheme' registers will be required to account for the way work is completed, and whether it is to a recognised standard. This includes photographic evidence of the integrity of fire stopping around works before it is ' closed-in'.