Generic Risk Assessment + Method Statement For Office Interior Fit Out and Refurbishment Work in Occupied Buildings

Scope of Document

This generic assessment highlights common risks and potential mitigations associated with office interior fit-out and refurbishment work in occupied buildings. This includes renovations, installations and upgrades to office spaces, while ensuring minimal disruption to existing occupants.

Risk assessment and method statement documents must always be tailored to site and scope specific conditions and, therefore, this document must be developed in order to be suitable for use on a project.

Potential Risks and Hazards

  1. Disturbance to Occupants

    • Risk: Noise, dust or odours can disrupt the work environment for occupants.

    • Mitigation: Schedule noisy or disruptive work outside office hours, where possible. Use noise barriers, dust extraction systems and low-odour materials to minimise impact.

  2. Working in Restricted Spaces

    • Risk: Limited workspace and the presence of occupants can increase the risk of accidents.

    • Mitigation: Clearly mark work zones, establish safety barriers and restrict access to areas under refurbishment. Communicate with building management to coordinate work and maintain safety.

  3. Manual Handling

    • Risk: Lifting and carrying heavy or bulky materials can cause musculoskeletal injuries.

    • Mitigation: Use proper lifting techniques, mechanical aids and team lifting where appropriate. Provide manual handling training for workers.

  4. Slips, Trips, and Falls

    • Risk: Tools, materials or debris on the floor can create trip hazards in shared spaces.

    • Mitigation: Keep work areas tidy and organized. Use cable management and maintain clear pathways. Clean up debris promptly.

  5. Electrical Hazards

    • Risk: Contact with live electrical components during refurbishment work.

    • Mitigation: Ensure power is turned off and use lockout/tagout procedures where required. Only qualified electricians should perform electrical work. Test circuits before starting work.

  6. Fire Risk

    • Risk: The use of hot tools or electrical sparks during refurbishment work can increase fire risk.

    • Mitigation: Ensure fire extinguishers are accessible and follow fire safety protocols. Properly manage waste and debris to reduce fire risk.

  7. Exposure to Hazardous Materials

    • Risk: Exposure to asbestos, lead or other hazardous materials during refurbishment in older buildings.

    • Mitigation: Conduct a preliminary site assessment to identify potential hazardous materials. Provide appropriate PPE and ensure workers are trained in hazardous material awareness.

  8. Interactions with Occupants

    • Risk: Accidental interaction with occupants during work, leading to potential accidents or injuries.

    • Mitigation: Communicate with occupants about the scope of work, expected disruptions and safety protocols. Establish clear signage and safety barriers to restrict unauthorised access to work areas.

Method Statement

  1. Preparation

    • Review project plans and scope of work. Ensure compliance with building codes and safety regulations.

    • Obtain all necessary permits and approvals before starting work.

    • Conduct a pre-work safety meeting to discuss hazards and safety protocols. Review emergency procedures and evacuation plans.

  2. Site Setup

    • Establish designated areas for staging materials and equipment, ensuring minimal impact on building occupants.

    • Install safety barriers and signage to control access to work areas. Communicate with building management to coordinate work schedules and minimise disruptions.

    • Ensure adequate lighting and ventilation in work areas.

  3. Safety Measures in Occupied Buildings

    • Clearly mark work zones and establish safety barriers to prevent unauthorised access. Use signage to inform occupants of ongoing work.

    • Schedule noisy or disruptive work during off-hours or weekends to minimise disturbance to occupants.

    • Implement dust control measures, such as using dust extraction systems and enclosing work areas where needed.

  4. Office Interior Fit and Refurbishment Work

    • Carry out refurbishment work according to project plans and safety regulations. Use appropriate tools and safety equipment.

    • Follow electrical safety procedures, ensuring proper insulation and grounding. Ensure power is off before starting electrical work.

    • Keep work areas tidy and ensure waste and debris are properly disposed of. Implement cable management to reduce trip hazards.

  5. Inspection and Cleanup

    • Inspect the completed work to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

    • Clean up the work area and properly dispose of any waste or debris.

    • Conduct a post-work safety meeting to discuss any issues or lessons learned.

Emergency Procedures

  1. Emergency Contacts

    • Maintain a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities, medical facilities and the project's safety officer.

  2. Emergency Response

    • In case of an emergency, follow the designated evacuation plan. Ensure emergency exits are clear and accessible.

    • Provide first aid to injured workers or occupants and contact emergency services if needed.

    • Conduct a post-emergency review to understand the causes and implement corrective actions.

This generic document contains common risks and potential mitigations for the type of work detailed.

Risk assessment and method statement documents must always be tailored to site and scope specific conditions and, therefore, this document must be developed in order to be suitable for use on a project.

This document was last reviewed 1st May 2024.