Rank: Forum user 
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Hi, I am looking for other opinions on this but we install network services into student accommodation Much of it is new build but a good portion are refurbed older buildings. We request a refurb/demo survey and check it covers any areas we need to work in (drilling, mounting access points, comms installs). If removals have taken place we ask for removal certs corresponding to what's on the survey. The issue we get is that much of the time the information is not sufficient and I get alot of push back on what we can and can't do. For me, if we have no proof then we cannot carry out intrusive works. In some of these building it's evident from looking at them that major refurb has taken place, and that the areas we need to install are new. In many it isn't. Does anyone have experience of something similar and what approach do they adopt? Thanks in advance.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi Rach It sounds as if you have weaknesses in how facilities management is done. I can reasonably guess that if you are not getting all the paperwork when asbestos removal is done, then you are also not getting CDM Health and Safety Files done or amended and then handed over in a timely manner each time "construction work" is done on a "structure". Starting point is probably to look at how you manage Contractors, from consideration of whether they should be on tender lists, to what goes into Contract Specifications through to how Contracts are Administered.
+ inclusive of making handover of deliverables to the required sgtandard a priceable item in Contract Specifications. Might be that the tenderers will say that this is "included" in their overall price, but that doesn't stop your Contracts people allocating a sum to that and withholding it if the paperwork doesn't arrive.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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You have the duty to your employees not to expose them to danger.
In light of what you are describing could you list the cost of a survey as a chargeable item on your quotations and identify it as a removable charge upon the clients presentation of suitable evidence? That way you either get given the necessary paperwork or have already made provision for costs to have your own survey conducted.
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Rank: Super forum user
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You have the duty to your employees not to expose them to danger.
In light of what you are describing could you list the cost of a survey as a chargeable item on your quotations and identify it as a removable charge upon the clients presentation of suitable evidence? That way you either get given the necessary paperwork or have already made provision for costs to have your own survey conducted.
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Rank: Forum user
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Originally Posted by: Roundtuit  You have the duty to your employees not to expose them to danger.
In light of what you are describing could you list the cost of a survey as a chargeable item on your quotations and identify it as a removable charge upon the clients presentation of suitable evidence? That way you either get given the necessary paperwork or have already made provision for costs to have your own survey conducted.
Thank you. We do that on occasion. Sometimes we pass arrange on the client's behalf and on some occasions we have had them done ourselves.
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Rank: Forum user
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Originally Posted by: peter gotch Hi Rach It sounds as if you have weaknesses in how facilities management is done. I can reasonably guess that if you are not getting all the paperwork when asbestos removal is done, then you are also not getting CDM Health and Safety Files done or amended and then handed over in a timely manner each time "construction work" is done on a "structure". Starting point is probably to look at how you manage Contractors, from consideration of whether they should be on tender lists, to what goes into Contract Specifications through to how Contracts are Administered.
+ inclusive of making handover of deliverables to the required sgtandard a priceable item in Contract Specifications. Might be that the tenderers will say that this is "included" in their overall price, but that doesn't stop your Contracts people allocating a sum to that and withholding it if the paperwork doesn't arrive.
Apologies, I wasn't clear enough on that point. The site belongs to our client and in the contractual process we commit to install by a certain date, based on them providing us with the correct information. I think my concern is that I am under alot of pressure from our delivery department to get our services installed as they are under pressure from the clients and I'd like to see how others deal with similar to be sure I'm not placing obstacles in the way unnecessarily.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi rach I see that I misread your original post. As the Contractor this is one of those Catch 22 scenarios. However, at some point you have to stand firm and make it clear that you will protect your workforce AND those others who could be impacted by your work - INCLUDING the Client's own workers. The Client has duties, you as Contractor have duties. Obviously the preferred solution is for a diplomatic approach to reap dividends. But if not.... The question is whether your senior management will support the decision to take a robust stance and not just bend over backwards to keep the Client happy.
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Rank: Forum user
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Originally Posted by: peter gotch Hi rach I see that I misread your original post. As the Contractor this is one of those Catch 22 scenarios. However, at some point you have to stand firm and make it clear that you will protect your workforce AND those others who could be impacted by your work - INCLUDING the Client's own workers. The Client has duties, you as Contractor have duties. Obviously the preferred solution is for a diplomatic approach to reap dividends. But if not.... The question is whether your senior management will support the decision to take a robust stance and not just bend over backwards to keep the Client happy.
Our Directors are good in that way. The decision on the approach is mine and they have yet to overrule me. My worry is properly justifying it when the impact can be financial penalties. Thanks for your help.
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