claw hammer and bolster for
inspection chamber covers,
meter cupboard keys, hand
mirrors, 3m ladder,
binoculars, torch
Personal Protective Equipment
charged mobile phone, personal alarm, protective helmet,
non slip steelies, ear defenders, eyemasks, appropriate
facemask, first-aid kit, means of personal
identification, protective overalls, gloves,
torch, high visibility clothing
testing (more level 3)
plumbline/bob (to check walls
are straight, pocket probe
for superficial testing of
mortar/timber etc
admin
file, plans, other supporting info
Risks to report
• asbestos and other deleterious materials • animals and vermin (bird droppings, rats, dog
waste, and so on) • lack of emergency escape and inadequate fire precautions • absence
of safety glass to openings and outbuildings • falls from height, lack of safety rails, steep
stairs, serious and significant tripping hazards • unstable parts of the building, especially at
high level • lead water pipes and lead paint • gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning •
dangerous electrics • absence of test certificates for services/appliances/water supply •
inappropriate use of accommodation (for example, non-conforming roof space conversion
and bedrooms in damp basements) • overhead power lines (EMFs) and high radon levels •
automatic gates • unprotected garden ponds
level 1 identify, level 2 explain
legal matters
conservation areas (especially Article 4 designation)
and listed building status and need for consents • work
done under the various ‘competent persons’ schemes
• planning permission and building regulation approval
for alterations and repairs • trees and any tree
preservation orders • environmental matters, such as
remediation certificates for previously contaminated
sites • the use of adjacent, significant public or private
developments; and • whether a mining report is
required.
photo's of any guarantees/certificates
• structural work such as underpinning, removal of
structural elements, lateral restraint and chimney
stabilisation works • timber and damp treatment works •
wall ties and cavity wall tie replacement works • new
windows and doors • cavity wall insulation • installation
and repair of service installations.
other matters
• flying freeholds or submerged freeholds • evidence of multiple occupation, tenancies • holiday lettings • signs
of possible trespass and rights of way • arrangements for private services, septic tank registration and so on •
rights of way and maintenance/repairing liabilities for private access roads and/or footways, ownership of verges,
villages greens and so on • chancellery matters • other property rights including rights of light, restrictions to
occupation, tenancies/vacant possession, easements, servitudes and/or wayleaves • boundary problems
including poorly defined site boundaries, repairs of party walls, party wall agreements, works in progress on
adjacent land, and so on • details of any buildings insurance claims • parking permits • presence of protected
species (for example bats, badgers and newts) • Green Deal measures, feed-in tariffs, roof leases and so on.
4/5 step process
prelim H&S
assessment in
office
RICS
Surveying
Safely
2011
Personal and corporate responsibilities including H&S acts, employers liability insurance and public liablity
risk assessment, safe to inspect alone?
occupational health (including stress/bullying)
visintg premises (travel arrangements, lone working, in company diary so someone knows when to expect you back)
desktop/drive by Inspection of local area
neighbouring property or occupiers (unruly/noisy?)/ location desirability (in decline? up & coming?) / aspect / proximity to facilities /
catchment areas / transport