When you decide on an office refurbishment or fitout, it’s likely your main motivation will be to update your building and improve its look. However, health and safety are also major considerations during this type of work, since there are various different areas where regulatory compliance is vital.
For companies based in and around North London, it is helpful to choose Thames Contracts as your project manager. We have experience of carrying out many similar projects and can guide you through the whole process. Thames can take charge of the whole installation and make sure you are fully compliant with all relevant legislation, as well as arranging for the right trades to be on site at right time.
Office space planning is an important first stage of any office fitout. We will consult with you over your requirements and how the space will be used, before going on to draw up a design and show you computer-generated visuals, including 3D images. Safety is a priority which is considered at every stage from the initial discussions through to completion of the project.
Fire Safety and Building Regulations
Fire safety is a major consideration for every office design in London and across the UK. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 lays down a series of requirements for fire safety and there are also requirements for this within Building Regulations. Offices need to have the right number of fire exits, and the escape routes need to be planned out when deciding where to place these. There are also requirements for the siting of fire doors and for the use of fire-resistant materials in particular areas.
In addition to precautions against fire, building regulations cover many other aspects of safety, to make sure work is carried out to approved standards. It’s important to check at the outset of any office refit whether building regulations approval is needed. Projects which involve installing new walls or partitioning are highly likely to need approval. This could also be needed for many types of electrical work that could be carried out as part of an office fitout, such as installing a new fixed air-conditioning system and carrying out other electrical works.
Health and Safety Regulations
Rules over health and safety in the workplace cover the amount of space which is needed for staff, with approximately 2 x 2.3m of floor space being required for each employee. However, this is only a rough guide and more space may in practice be needed depending on factors such as the height of the ceiling and the type of equipment being used. There are also standards governing distances between desks and how much space people need. Thames can advise you on all these aspects of office design and will make sure there is enough space for your staff to work comfortably in any specific area.
Disabled Access
There are various requirements for businesses to ensure access and safety for both disabled employees, and customers and visitors to the premises. These govern elements such entrances and exits and also the amount of space between desks, so that wheelchairs are able to get around. Extending or refurbishing an office is a good opportunity to ensure you comply with disabled access regulations.
Glass Partitioning
Thames installs glass office partitioning for many companies in London and Hertfordshire, and can advise you over safety rules governing glass in the workplace. If you are having glass walls or partitions installed, you need to be aware of safety rules about frosting or manifestation. There is a legal requirement for partitions, doors or windows to carry markings where there is a risk of someone walking into them by mistake. As well as having safety benefits, glass manifestation also has design advantages, since you can choose from a wide number of decorative patterns or have your own design incorporating your brand logo if preferred.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics are increasingly recognised as an important factor in staff health and safety and are a factor in designing working areas. For instance, it is important to ensure that desks are height-adjustable and that there is enough room for staff to sit comfortably with their feet on the floor. Seating comfort also needs to be taken into account when designing items such as reception desks.
Safety on Site
As well as complying with safety rules within the design itself, contractors also need to make safety on site a top priority during an office refurbishment project. This means safeguarding both their own staff and any other trades and also your staff if your building is still in use while work is being carried out. Thames Contracts is fully compliant in all these areas and will keep you fully informed throughout the project. We have worked with many companies and organisations in north London and have built a proud reputation for sticking to timetables and budgets, receiving many testimonials from satisfied customers.
Office Refurbishment North London – Click to find out more about expert services form Thames Contracts.
