OCCUPIED BUILDINGS RISK ASSESSMENT
Are staff in your offices and other workplaces adequately protected against potential hazards?
The location of permanent and temporary buildings on any chemical or manufacturing site is important as the safety of employees, contractors and visitors in an accident involving the release of flammable or toxic material could depend on the location and building design.
The CIA document “Guidance for the Location and Design of Occupied Buildings on Chemical Manufacturing Sites” is considered to be an example of current good practice but there is still confusion regarding the level of risk assessment now required by the HSE. HFL Risk Services has completed many occupied buildings risk assessment studies (incorporating the Goose methodology where appropriate) and has a well developed methodology that incorporates the requirements of the CIA and HSE.
A structural review is also included, conducted by a civil engineer, to aid in the identification of remedial measures that would provide a higher level of protection to the building occupants. The identified remedial measures and the results of the risk assessment are then used to develop a prioritised action plan for the site. We can help by:
- > Carrying out occupied building risk assessments according to the CIA guidance
- > Reviewing existing building design and identifying remedial measures to increase protection
- > Developing toxic gas and flammable/explosion refuges for people