Managing risks in existing buildings: An overview of UK risk-based legislation for commercial and industrial premises (FB 86)

BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.

On 30 November 2016, BRE published Managing risks in existing buildings: An overview of UK risk-based legislation for commercial and industrial premises (FB 86) by Steve Manchester.

The three main drivers for managing risks in a building or on a site are:

Life safety.
Property protection.
Business continuity.

This guide provides an overview of issues to consider, techniques and information sources to improve the management of risks in buildings by the building owner, manager or user. This should result in reduced business losses, lower insurance premiums, improvements in operating costs, reduced absences and a reduction in reactive mitigation measures necessary after an incident.

It applies to all existing, non-domestic buildings in the UK, including; offices, warehouses, industrial/processing sites, transport hubs such as airports and railway stations, and so on. It covers risks that can have a major impact buildings, site infrastructure and occupants, such as:

Fire.
Explosion.
Asbestos.
Legionella.
Radon.
Noise.
Vibration.
Flooding.
Contaminated land.
Environment.

The wide-ranging nature and use of buildings means there may be some types of risk that are not covered, although the general principles for risk assessment will still apply. Risks to occupants from personal accidents such as trips, falls, manual handling and repetitive strain injuries are not covered, neither are risks from electrical or mechanical equipment in so far as they affect an individual person.

The contents of the guide include: