Property care specialist calls for higher standards when carrying out treatments in occupied buildings
Preparing for work before technicians reach a property is one of the most overlooked parts of safety, according to Timberwise Managing Director George Edwards. He believes contractors across the property care sector need to improve how they assess risks in occupied homes to better protect customers, vulnerable individuals and members of the public.
Edwards says many companies underestimate the unique challenges involved when carrying out damp proofing, timber preservation and fungal decay treatments in occupied properties.
“The mistake most contractors make is thinking about safety once they are already inside,” said Edwards. “By then, you are already behind.”
He explains that occupied homes differ significantly from construction sites because families, office workers and visitors continue using the building throughout the work.
Good preparation should include planning technician movements, managing dust, securing equipment after each shift and making sure customers understand exactly what work will take place before it begins.
“The client should know before drilling starts, not when it does,” he said.
Adapting to vulnerable occupants
Edwards believes every contractor should be prepared to adjust their working practices if vulnerable residents are identified.
He says this could include elderly people, children, those with medical conditions or household pets, all of whom may require additional safeguards while treatments are underway.
Extending the duty of care
According to Edwards, contractors should also consider the impact of their work outside the property itself.
Whether chemicals are being carried from vehicles or debris is left in shared spaces, pedestrians and neighbours can also be exposed if sites are not properly managed.
“The client trusted us to solve a problem in their home. The person on the pavement outside did not get a say in any of it. We owe them the same standard.”
Timberwise operates nationwide, providing specialist damp proofing, timber treatment and structural waterproofing services.
