The L&M Building Maintenance Safety Policy

We operate in full compliance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Because we are a small team of two, our safety culture relies on clear communication, peer-review of high-risk tasks, and maintaining our professional certifications.

1. Trade-Specific Safety Standards

Electrical (C&G Level 3 Standard)

  • Compliance: All electrical work will be carried out to the current edition of BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations).
  • Safe Isolation: A strict “Test for Dead” procedure is mandatory using calibrated voltage indicators. No “live working” is permitted.
  • Certification: For any “notifiable” work under Part P, we will ensure proper notification/certification procedures are followed.
  • Peer Check: For complex circuit installations, the second team member will verify the isolation and earthing before work begins.

Plumbing (C&G Level 3 Standard)

  • Water Regs: All work will comply with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations.
  • Pressurised Systems: Special care is taken with unvented hot water systems; we only service these if specific G3 qualifications are current.
  • Blowtorch Safety: When soldering, a fire blanket and a checked fire extinguisher must be within arm’s reach. A “Fire Watch” will be maintained for 30 minutes after the last flame is extinguished.

Building & Property Maintenance

  • Structural Integrity: With 40 years of experience, we recognise load-bearing elements. No structural timber or masonry will be removed without temporary propping (Acrow props) or structural engineer approval.
  • Dust Suppression: Use of M-Class vacuum extraction for all masonry drilling, chasing, and wood sanding to mitigate Silica and wood dust risks.

2. Asbestos Awareness & Management

Given the age of many UK properties, we assume asbestos is present in any building built before the year 2000 until proven otherwise.

  • Identification: We stop work immediately if we encounter suspicious materials (e.g., Artex, floor tiles, pipe lagging, or AIB).
  • Action: We do not disturb suspected asbestos. We will advise the client to engage a UKAS-accredited surveyor.
  • Training: Both team members will maintain up-to-date Asbestos Awareness training.

3. Carpentry, Decorating & Landscaping

  • Tool Safety: All 240v tools must be PAT tested annually. Guards on circular saws and mitre saws must never be pinned back.
  • Chemicals (COSHH): We prioritise water-based, low-VOC paints. For landscaping, PPE (eye protection and trousers) is mandatory when using brush cutters or chainsaws.
  • Work at Height: We utilise industrial-grade (Class EN131) ladders. For guttering or roofline work, we use “stand-off” brackets to ensure ladder stability.

4. The “Two-Man” Safety Protocol

  • The “Spotter” System: When one person is on a ladder or working near live components, the other remains within line-of-sight/hearing.
  • Manual Handling: Any lift exceeding 25kg (e.g., boilers, large radiators, bags of cement) is a mandatory two-person lift.
  • Dynamic Risk Assessment (DRA): 40 years of experience allows for “Expert Intuition.” If a job “doesn’t feel right” due to site conditions, we stop, discuss, and re-evaluate before proceeding.

5. First Aid & Van Safety

  • First Aid: The van carries a “Large” HSE First Aid Kit, including a dedicated eye-wash station and burn dressings (critical for plumbing/soldering).
  • Vehicle: The van is a mobile workshop; all heavy tools and gas bottles must be secured to prevent them from becoming projectiles in the event of a collision.