QHS are Corporate Members of the Association of Safety and Compliance Professionals (ASCP), which is the leading professional membership organisation for asset safety management and compliance within social housing and facilities management in the UK. The ASCP in conjunction with Think Tanks and both the Association of Gas Safety Managers and the Association of Electrical Safety Managers between them published a White Paper in September 2021 entitled "Electrical Safety in Social Housing - Transformational Change"
This particular White Paper was written to bring focus onto electrical safety in the UK. Whilst much has been done in safety and compliance departments, it is clear more needs doing. Every year, almost 50% of all accidental house fires in the UK are caused by electrical appliances. Let's not forget that electrical goods were the source of ignition in the fires at Grenfell, Lakanal House and Shepherd’s Court.
The key areas set out in the White Paper are:
Safety Cultures
Strong valued safety cultures will be key to bringing about transformational change and building safer futures. This paper sets out some key considerations for safety culture such as how it is defined, how it is prioritised and who is accountable.
Specific Considerations for Individual Departments
Collective goals and a shared vision for safety are essential to building strong safety cultures and avoiding ‘siloed’ working. This section of the White Paper seeks to illustrate the areas where safety concerns intersect with the work of the procurement, finance, compliance and legal departments as well as the electrical workforce.
Mandating a 5 Year Inspect and Test Programme
There is a clear feeling in the sector that a regulated 5 Year Inspect and Test programme would improve safety. Whilst undoubtedly a useful tool in identifying risks and improving outcomes, the Think Tank identified a number of caveats and limitations which are outlined in this section to be considered ahead of introduction of any new regulations.
Improving Access and Resident Engagement
This section of the White Paper examines the central importance of access and the risk lack of access can pose to safety and compliance. Access issues around the 5 year Inspect and Test Programme are considered, and we outline our recommendation for regulations. Recommendations to improve resident engagement are also outlined in order to improve access, minimise unsafe behaviours and reduce incidents. The White Paper concludes by identifying some next steps for the sector and how these might be supported by the ASCP.
QHS is a Gas Safe registered business, an Approved NICEIC Electrical Contractor and are ISO 45001:2018 accredited for their occupational health and safety management system. Click Here for a list of all QHS's current Health & Safety Accreditations.