Contractor Management

As a Contractor working at Norbury House you should be aware of the Contractor Management and Control Arrangements.

Historic damage to the fabric of the building

In the past contractors undertaking work at Norbury House have compromised fire safety by damaging the fabric of the building. This arose during the course of the work and was not put right. Sub-standard work frequently resulted in the integrity of fire resisting compartments being compromised. This is in no-ones interest and at some stage in the future needs to be rectified.

Damage is detailed in the findings of the fire risk assessment and illustrated below.

Steps to prevent fires

Contractors introduce fire hazards to the building. For example::

Combustible materials including highly combustible insulation products.
Flammable and highly flammable liquids such as glues, paints and solvents.
Fuel in the form of LPG.
Undertaking 'Hot work' which may cause combustibles to catch fire. For example a plumber brazing copper pipework, the use heat to melt bitumen when sealing roof leaks and the use of an angle grinder to cut materials.

To minimise hazards Norbury House 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.

Risk from Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM)

Unsurprisingly for a property built in the 1930s, Norbury House contains Asbestos Containing Materials. Before starting work contractors will need to familiarise themselves with the ACM risk assessment and take a precautionary approach to prevent exposure.

Evidencing competency

Contractors must in future be able to 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'.