Health and Safety

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 came into force on 6 April 2012 (superseding the 2006 version) leading to additional requirements involving how asbestos-related work is notified and recorded and setting out a new need for 'medical surveillance'.

The programme is a studio-based interview with architect and CDM-co-ordinator Paul Bussey from Scott Brownrigg. Against the backdrop of the current Working at Height Regulations, Paul sets out the dangers and explains the delicate balance that architects must strike between giving clients what they want and ensuring that those constructing and maintaining the building do not face unreasonable levels of risk while carrying out their work.

Our guests – Giles Meredith from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and James Ritchie from the Association of Project Safety (APS) – discuss the role of CDM coordinators, including how and when they should be appointed, how one judges competency, and how existing risks such as lead paint should (and should not) be handled.

Stefan Mordue looks at the health and safety recommendations that have shaped our football stadia.

The Plan of Work sets out the work of the Construction Division for 2011/12 and outlines the direction until 2014. This programme will examine the five generic issues that will be considered at all site visits: including Work at height; Provision of welfare facilities; Good order; and Respiratory risks.

NHS guidance on controlling Legionella is discussed, covering inspections, maintenance and temperature regulation.

The programme advises designers and contractors what to consider when specifying and installing water systems such as spray taps, shower units and toilet flushing systems. It also focuses on the Legionnaires' outbreak of 2002 at the Barrow-in-Furness Arts Centre, including the legal consequences for the architect.

This programme looks at what exactly is required of the Co-ordinator throughout the design and construction process - and how it can be most effectively achieved.

Sarah Mallagh, head of the Health and Safety Executive's Asbestos Unit, runs through the different types of asbestos, where it can be found, and the diseases (such as mesothelioma and lung cancer) that are caused by breathing in asbestos fibres.

Safety and health should both be intrinsic concerns of good management, and this programme takes a look at the key health issues in construction, some simple steps to reduce the risks of ill health, and some of the benefits of doing so.

The programme looks at who counts as a contractor, their responsibilities under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and under other health and safety legislation. Allison Connick, Director of Safety and Environment for CB Richard Ellis, talks us through the issues.

Just over a year ago, the updated and revised CDM Regulations came into force. The aim of the change was to provide more clarification and detail, leaving less room for debate! In this programme we’re going to look at whether they’ve been a success and following on from that how designers can use the regulations as a springboard to achieve better, innovative and indeed, safer designs.