Refurbishment and Fit-Out Safety

Refurbishment and fit-out work takes place inside existing buildings, often while parts remain occupied.
Hidden hazards including asbestos, lead paint, structural defects, and live services may be present.
A refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey is legally required before any intrusive work begins.
Existing fire escape routes and fire protection systems must be maintained throughout the refurbishment.
Noise, dust, and fume from construction activities affect building occupants and must be controlled.
Working in confined plant rooms, risers, and ceiling voids creates restricted space and fall hazards.
The structural integrity of existing floors must be checked before imposing construction loads.
Coordination with the building occupants and management is essential for safety and access arrangements.
CDM 2015 applies to all refurbishment projects regardless of size, including domestic properties.
Pre-construction information should identify existing hazards before the refurbishment design begins.

Asbestos exposure	Refurbishment disturbs hidden asbestos in walls, ceilings, floors, and services, causing fatal mesothelioma decades later.
Occupant safety	Construction activities in occupied buildings expose non-construction workers and the public to noise, dust, and fall hazards.
Hidden hazards	Existing buildings contain unknown services, structural deficiencies, and contamination not visible until work begins.

Do

Don't

Obtain a refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey before any intrusive work.
Maintain fire escape routes and fire protection systems throughout the refurbishment.
Control dust, noise, and fume to protect building occupants during the works.
Check existing floor load capacity before placing heavy materials or equipment.
Coordinate work schedules and access with the building occupant and management.
Scan walls, floors, and ceilings for hidden services before any cutting or drilling.
Use hoarding and screening to separate construction areas from occupied spaces.
Brief the team on the specific hazards identified in the pre-construction information.
Maintain fire compartmentation when penetrating walls and floors for new services.
Plan welfare, access, and material deliveries around the occupied building schedule.

DON'T start refurbishment without a refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey.
DON'T block or impair fire escape routes serving the occupied parts of the building.
DON'T generate excessive dust, noise, or fume without controls protecting occupants.
DON'T overload existing floors with materials or equipment without structural assessment.
DON'T cut into walls, floors, or ceilings without scanning for hidden live services.
DON'T breach fire compartmentation without planning to reinstate it promptly.
DON'T assume an older building is free from asbestos, lead paint, or contamination.
DON'T access occupied areas of the building without coordinating with the management.
DON'T carry out noisy or dusty work during times agreed as quiet periods.
DON'T ignore the needs of building occupants; communicate schedules and disruptions.

See also: Building Works Safety Awareness | Asbestos Awareness

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