Rand Associates were commissioned by Denbighshire County Council to undertake a condition survey of 15% of its stock (518 properties). This was to assess the condition, existing and future liabilities of the stock. During the undertaking the Council wished to include surveys and assessments of the relevant buildings within its stock in relation to;
- Asbestos Management (common areas)
- Fire Risk Assessments (common areas)
- DDA Compliance (sheltered schemes)
Information derived from the survey was used by the Council for the preparation of detailed planned maintenance plans and programmes. These were required to inform business planning decisions, as well as to facilitate effective, easily up-dateable maintenance management systems. The survey covered the existing Council housing stock together with related housing assets, including leasehold interests.
In summary the key stages were:
- Impressionistic Study;
- Desk Top Study;
- Sample Frame Selection;
- Survey Form Design;
- Pilot Survey/trial data transfer;
- Sample Survey;
- Associated Activities;
- Reporting.
All surveyors who carried out the survey work were P402 qualified for the asbestos surveys all to be in accordance with the HSG264 guidelines and were qualified and competent to undertake Fire Risk Assessments using PAS 79:2007 Fire Risk Assessment Guidance.
All risk assessments were reviewed for the following reason:
- Changes to work activities including the introduction of new equipment (e.g. computer equipment);
- A change of use to part of the premises;
- Alterations to the building, including the internal layout;
- Substantial changes to furniture and fixings;
- The introduction, change of use or increase in the storage of hazardous substances;
- The failure of fire precautions, e.g. fire-detection and alarm systems, sprinklers or ventilation systems;
- Significant changes to display material;
- A significant increase in people present; and the presence of disabled people.
