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?

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

"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

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

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

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.