Rank: Forum user 
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I have looked at a new Factory which has been lying empty for 2 years and in need of some repair, Lighting/windows doors fire alarms/flooring/Wiring etc the company that I work for is setting up a metal fabrication department which the factory used to be, my question is where is the starting point? we are designing the floor plan now and hope to be ready to bring in contractors soon, I would like to get the Building safe as early as possible! is there legal requirements for contractors coming on to site where there is no risk assessment? due to it being in a state of disrepair?
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Rank: Super forum user 
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What do U mean by 'contractors coming on site where there is no risk assessment'? e.g. coming on site to evaluate so as they can bid? Or to start CDM work's?
If in any doubt get a structural and safety evaluation [experts in these area should have appropriate RA's plus systems for this kind of work] completed before U let day to day contractors on site and get your CDMC involved at concept stage [ASAP] as well
NB: You will need a CDMC that has competence re general construction AND the installation of machinery/set up of fabrication facilities*
[*This is the hard part as the regs overlooked this area (even though many shouted about it at the time as the new regs will also overlook this area as its the same set of cooks are involved!) when making statements about competencies for CDMC's as in my experience very few have any real knowledge about metal fabrication / set up of work systems for metal fabrication after construction has taken place / or whilst construction is taking place etc. - their experiences appears to be limited to civil etc. construction activities]
Above all get your H&S adviser involved on an ASAP basis as its they who usually have to pick up the pieces -
Its great to hear that such businesses are starting up again. Best wishes and good luck
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi,
As outlined above, yes, there is certainly a legal requirement. All contractor work falls under the CDM regulations, construction, design and Management regulations. These regs amongst others require a suitable assessment to be carried out before the work starts to outline what needs to be in place, from the basics of suitable welfare facilities to more specific control measures.
I would advise as a start you have a run through the guidance for these regs, this can be obtained for free as a PDF file on the HSE website. As Bob mentioned also, certain types of contractor work may require the appointment of a competent CDM coordinator, and the submission of a report to the HSE (F10).
Hope this helps
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hammy, if this is your first posting here, welcome to the forum.
You say 'looked at a new factory'. Do you mean a new location for a business, but it's an old factory? By 'old factory' I mean say built pre 2000.
If it was built before year 2000 then you need to ask for an asbestos survey. Whoever is in control of the building needs to get an asbestos survey completed before ANY work starts. And if the survey finds any asbestos in a hazardous condition then it needs to be made safe or removed.
Legal requirement. I mean ANY work, which includes you or anyone walking through the building to have a look.
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Rank: Super forum user
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"my question is where is the starting point"
Do some research on the previous business use of the premises. Surveys for asbestos and other potential nasties (PCBs in transformers, oil or dioxins (or other enviro polluters - lead, chrome, cadmium etc) in pits and drains (or in the ground) What decontamination is needed or likely to be needed? A good due diligence survey should be considered essential otherwise you WILL be looking at major future clean up costs.
Then get the roof and windows weather tight - how far back are you stripping the interior?..
Design the site/machinery layout (plinths and foundations for converters, presses etc need a lot of thought - and don't forget the channels for cabling to the machinery) Minimise transfer costs between machinery, include enough space for material and product placements near the machines (often completely forgotten)... straight runs for any overhead cranes - so plan the workflow. Include experienced workers in your design team to spot the howlers which might otherwise cause heartache for decades to come. Allow plenty of space for mechanical handling equipment so people aren't trying to manhandle large steel components onto pallet trucks (I've seen it!)
Then think about noise and vibration - all main sources together and isolated or all separated and damped, enclosures / curtained?
Then think about services - gas, air, water - and electricity
Extraction - if thought about early enough you can save a lot in ongoing costs...
Fire alarms probably the last thing to think about....
And that's all before breakfast - welfare for the men is important so think about heat, light and ventilation, good facilities, easy access etc....
Hope it goes well - I've seen several closed down over the years, nice to know others may be springing up.
Steve
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Rank: Super forum user
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To start U off
Look at the history of the building and the history of what was undertaken therein e.g older structure = asbestos?; operations = hazardous cleaning / de-greasing substances?
NB: Note environmental areas as if you take the building and its surroundings U inherit any environmental problems that there may be - get a clean bill of health from the current owner/landlord/leasing agent [they will not like such questions being asked!!]
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks for the feedback as you can tell I haven't got experience in whole Factory start up! an exciting and scary project ahead.
ill get straight on to the leasing agent its an old factory definitely pre 2000, I have a way forward now thanks for the help!
merry xmas
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Rank: Forum user
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I've been quick to criticise postings on our public forum of late.
But Gents, can I just say how helpful and comprehensive your answers have been. This is just the sort of advice we can give to new/occasional users. We have a treasure trove of knowledge and experience which can benefit the wider community.
All I can say is: I agree!
Ian
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi Hammy
I'm west of Scotland and part of my role involves factory safety (manufacture prior to site) if you need any advice, or ideas pm I could walk the floor with you for a few ideas
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Rank: Super forum user
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In addition to my 'first thoughts' above.... Much depends on what you will be doing.
Stripping dipping and plating ? Ensure the drains have easy access for cleaning and the interceptors are easily accessible. Where are the local watercourses, which way is the site drainage going and how will you stop it when (not 'if) it overflows?
Shotting? Size the enclosure for at least thirty percent bigger than you think you need. Plan the vent route and collector to minimise bends. Plan the collector where it can easily be emptied. Put the noisiest kit as far as possible from neighbours.
Painting / powder coating? A straight drier / oven is easier to maintain than a curved one.
Yard assembly? Get it laid to a good standard on day one to save yourseelf big issues later...
And loads more. Good luck.
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Rank: Forum user
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The Information Given has been first class!
thank you to all for the advice nearly there with the planning and the Design about to happen, wont be long before we have a fully operational factory.
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Rank: Forum user
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Not to mention the electrical intake. Will the change of use mean a bigger capacity intake or indeed, a new transformer.
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