During this unprecedented force majeure pandemic Resident endeavour to act within Government, HSE and regulatory bodies advice & guidance, policies, legalisation and announcements which are fast changing. We urge all our Clients and Users to do the same. This may mean that only essential works are carried out to mitigate risk, where it is reasonable, responsible, practical and permitted under the circumstances and said guidance. This means maintenance and works are likely to be assessed on a case by case basis before they go ahead. Those works may include Category 1 e.g. immediate risk to live, essential Section 11 works eg. no heat / hot water, not fit for habitation, regulatory works.
Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government ((MHCLG) confirmed on BBC Radio 4 today 25/3/2020 that contractors should continue to work on site to ensure the maintenance of buildings for fire safety and sanitation reasons and for cladding remediation works to continue, provided the work is done in accordance with Public Health England guidance e.g.2 metre distancing. This may change and we urge everyone to keep themselves informed daily.
Some Key Things to Consider
- Mitigate risk
- Be reasonable and responsible and evidence that
- File note every conversation and back it up with an email to LL, TT, Resident, Freeholder
- Qualify Tenants, Residents and Contractor health by asking Corona Symptoms specific questions file note that or ask for email confirmation would be best practice
- Ensure contractors are taking steps to reduce spread risk when on site and to confirm this statement by email
- If anyone refuses access due to self-isolating it needs to be followed up with an email confirming that is what they have advised – if it puts them at risk then that risk and the consequences of that risk need to be explained.
- Occupants should familiarise themselves with water stop cocks, isolation valves and know how to shut off the gas supply and anything that will reduce risk. They should ensure that all smoke alarms & CO2 detectors are in working order.
Here are some links you may find useful:
