Health And Safety For A Block Of Flats
Dominic Donaldson is an expert in the insurance industry.
Find out more about insurance for a block of flats at http://www.deacon.co.uk/
As the developed world runs out of space to construct individual houses, the need for building compact living areas increases. Living in a block of flats is normal for residents in built up areas such as major cities, and apartment living is a desirable lifestyle choice for many people throughout Europe. We take a look at the health and safety issues and specialist insurance cover needed for such dwellings, which usually rest with the property owner or maintenance manager.
With so many people living under one roof, and with communal areas to take care of, the manager of a block of flats certainly has their work cut out. As it is not possible to monitor or control the activities of individual tenants, it is up to the manager to ensure that risks are kept to a minimum and adequate insurance is in place should an accident occur.
The major concerns that govern the safety of residents living in a block of flats is the proper maintenance of shared areas such as stairwells, walkways and access doors, and safe operation of boilers, gantries and other fittings and fixtures of the building.
Insurance companies who specialise in providing cover for flats offer specialist policies that cover wear, tear and accidental damage of such areas. It is the responsibility of the manager of the building to ensure that the safety of the residents is covered through regular inspections and through ensuring that each occupant knows what to do in case of an emergency.
Fire escapes and walkways must be kept clear at all times, and it is essential that building managers carry out routine inspections. These should include testing fire alarms and making sure that all access areas are not only free from obstruction but that the doors are working. In addition to this, dates should be checked on all fire blankets and extinguishers.
Regular inspections are mandatory and any recommendations that an inspector makes must be followed up otherwise the insurance cover may be invalid. Some maintenance managers opt to hold a regular residents meeting to ensure that everyone is aware of safety procedures and as a way for residents to report anything that they believe is a health and safety issue.
As residing in flats becomes more common, this way landlords, maintenance managers and tenants communicate to work together effectively will become ever more important. This is an essential factor in maintaining a safe environment for all.
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