Posted By Jane Ling I wonder if someone could give me some advice? We rent an office (a two person size room) in a large serviced office block. It is a new building and appears to be well maintained with appropriate health and safety procedures in place. My question is how do I ensure that these procedures are being adhered to. Would a letter to the Centre Manager asking for confirmation be sufficient or should I ask for evidence (eg gas safety certificates, regular maintenance of fire alarms and smoke alarms, monitoring to prevent legionella). Sorry if this is a daft question but I just cannot decide how to deal with it. Thanks Jane

Posted By Peter Taylor14 When you get into a taxi you do not ask the driver to see his MOT and insurance, so just ask for a letter of confirmation that all is being maintained and that HASAWA and associated legislation is being complied with.

Posted By Robert. Jane, I'm surprised that the questions arise since you work for a Housing Association. You are the tennant this time!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted By Rich Hall Suitable and Sufficient springs to mind

Posted By Stuart Nagle Hi, Jane. In such situations your responsibilities may be defined in part by your contract with the building owner - uyou need to have sight of this to establish any particular responsibilities your comany have as a lease holder. In general the duties imposed are to 'cooperate' with other employers sharing the same prmises in respect of health and safety. The landlord will certainly have responsibilities, probably limited to the common areas of the building and to services provided (electricity supply, water, plant rooms, lifts etc etc) that are fixed within the building. As you are aware, your staff may use these facilities within your workplace within the building, and there may be call to ensure SFARP that the provision of the service is safe and without risk to health etc to your staff. This may include, forexample, water supplies (water tank inspection and testing carried out by the landlord) lift (inspection and testing) fire and emergency arrangements (emerency plan, alarm testing and fire drills, fire fighting equipment etc), safety of common area (maintenance, exposure to hazardous substances - asbestos etc and security) glass and glazing (safety glass in glass doors, panels and walls etc - in common areas - if in your office its up to you too) and other factors that may affect safety. I suggest you contact your landlord first to establish what if any procedures are in place, explaining your interest and position and ask for his assistance in identifying the areas that you need to examine. Certainly relevant certificates of inspection, asbestos survey reports, wriiten schemes of examination, fire alarm system certification would be of interest and unless 'evidence' is available the word of someone stating these were or have been done should be termed as 'hearsay' as if an accident occurs, you need evidence to support what was done and when, not simply somes letter saying " oh yes that was done".... and it turns out it was not !! Regards... Stuart