Home Owners Information and Health & Safety File and Guide SITE:

Transcription

1 Home Owners Information and Health & Safety File and Guide SITE: Page 1 of 15

2 CONTENTS 1. HOUSE DETAILS 2. CONSTRUCTION DETAILS 2.1 FOUNDATIONS 2.2 GROUND FLOOR 2.3 UPPER FLOORS 2.4 MATERIALS 2.5 SERVICES DETAILS 3. HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION 3.1 BUILDING SITES ARE DANGEROUS 3.2 ELECTRICITY 3.3 FIRE SAFETY 3.4 GAS 3.5 WATER 4. MAINTENANCE AND DIY 4.1 ALTERATIONS AND EXTENSIONS 4.2 DAMP PROOF COURSES, AIR TANKS AND OTHER VENTILATORS 4.3 DECORATING 4.4 DRAINAGE ACCESS 4.5 ENTERING ROOF SPACE 4.6 FLOOR FIXINGS 4.7 GUTTERS & RWP 4.8 HEATING SYSTEMS 4.9 SMOKE ALARMS 4.10 TREES AND SHRUBS 4.11 UNVENTED HOT WATER STORAGE SYSTEMS 4.12 WALL FIXINGS 4.13 WINDOW CLEANING 4.14 DRIVES 4.15 BATH/SHOWER MASTIC 4.16 APPLIANCES 4.17 DOORS 4.18 CONDENSATION 4.19 SHRINKAGE 5. WARRANTIES ETC 5.1 SNAGGING AND OUT OF HOURS EMERGENCIES 5.2 WARRANTIES AND GUARANTEES Page 2 of 15

3 1. Contact Details Original Site Address: Builders Details: Abbey Developments Ltd Abbey House, 2 Southgate Road Potters Bar, Herts, EN6 5DU customercare@abbeydev.co.uk Page 3 of 15

4 2. Construction Details 2.1 Foundations Strip X Trench Fill Raft Pile Other (specifiy) 2.2 Ground Floor Concrete X Suspended Concrete Suspended Timber 2.3 Upper Floor Suspended Concrete X Suspended Timber 2.4 Materials X Brick and Block Timber Frame Other (specify) Insulation X Full Cavity Partial Cavity Other (specify) Page 4 of 15

5 Insulation Materials External Walls Ground Floor Roof Polystyrene! UF Foam Man made mineral fibre (MMMF)!! Other (Specify) 2.5 Services Details Colour of underground service Location of Stop valve / main switch Location of Meter Point of entry into dwelling Water Electricity Gas Blue Black Yellow Kitchen Unit Consumer Unit Meter Box Footpath Meter Box Meter Box Adjacent to stop valve Adjacent to meter* / adjacent to consumer unit* Adjacent to meter Note: All service positions provided are approximate and care should be exercised when digging near services. Electricity Electrical circuits are identified on the consumer unit. Circuits or sockets protected by a Residual Current Device (RCDs) which are suitable to supply power to external appliances are: RCDs are highly sensitive devices which protect against electric shock. Portable RCDs plugged into mains sockets are an alternative, but test before each use by means of the test button. Heating Position of the timer/programmer Kitchen The hot water storage system is unvented Unvented hot water storage systems require special maintenance Page 5 of 15

6 Drainage X Main Drainage Cesspool Septic Tank Pumped Main Drainage Maintenance details regarding cesspool/septic tank should be provided and may be included within the Appendices Section. Toilets should not be used for the disposal of tissues (other than toilet tissues) nappies, etc. 3. HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION 3.1 Building Sites Are Dangerous Access to the Construction Area which is demarked by separating fencing/hoarding or other barriers is restricted to Construction Personnel only. Development roads and footpaths will, until the end of the development, be constructed to base course level only and therefore care and caution should be taken at all times in traversing them. As large delivery vehicles and heavy construction plant will be using these development roads, care and caution must additionally be taken in regards to children using either the roads and footpaths unsupervised. It is advisable that purchasers' cars not be parked on the development roads, but rather within the garages/parking areas or driveways provided as no responsibility will be accepted by Abbey for any damage caused to vehicles damaged by any delivery vehicle or plant using the development roads and footpaths. Should any Health and Safety incident occur within the development boundaries which relates to Abbey Developments Ltd, and/or our contractors, it should be recorded and reported immediately to either our Construction Site Manager or our Sales Representative. This must be followed up immediately with a written report (with any photographs and/or drawings) to the Construction Department, Abbey House, 2 Southgate Road, Potters Bar, Herts, EN6 5DU. Page 6 of 15

7 3.2 ELECTRICITY Electricity is normally supplied through an underground cable which is connected to your electricity meter. Cables leading from the meter are connected to your consumer unit. The consumer unit contains the main on/off switch and a number of miniature circuit breakers (MCBs), which protect individual circuits. MCBs are also provided to automatically disconnect the supply of electricity if one of the circuits is overloaded or if there is a fault. They can be reset by returning the switch to the 'on' position. In addition, there may be a residual current device (RCD) which provides additional shock protection particularly for appliances used outside the home. An RCD which has 'tripped' can be reset by returning the switch to the 'on' position. If a miniature circuit breaker or residual current device trips repeatedly, this may indicate a fault with an appliance or installation. You should call a competent electrician to investigate the cause of the problem and not keep resetting the MCB or RCD that trips repeatedly. Take particular care when using electrical garden tools and appliances outdoors. Be careful to avoid damage to flexes. Electricity is distributed around the home by cables, which are normally concealed in floors and walls. Cables may run in any position above a ceiling or under a floor. Electrical alterations should be carried out by a qualified electrician. Take care to locate cables using a detector to avoid damaging them if you are doing DIY work. Do not interfere with earth bonding cables connected to pipework, sinks and radiators, etc. They are provided for safety. Where a system that generates electricity (e.g. solar electric panel, wind turbine or combined heat and power) is provided some of the wiring within the home may remain live even when the main switch on the consumer unit is turned off. Particular care should be taken. Electricity is dangerous and can kill. 3.3 Fire Safety You should check the operation of smoke and heat alarms on a weekly basis by pressing the test button. It is advisable for you to consider how you would escape from your home in the event of a fire. You should consider where any keys are necessary for escape are kept and familiarise yourself with the operation of any windows, which you might need to use for escape. Page 7 of 15

8 Your home may be fitted with one or more fire doors. These are heavier than standard internal doors and may be fitted with a self-closing device or rising butt hinges. For your own safety you should not remove or disable these or leave doors propped open. 3.4 Gas Gas is brought into your home through a service pipe that terminates at the control valve by the meter. The gas meter is usually outside the building; either on the wall or partially buried in a ground box. You should have been given a key to open the meter cupboard so you can turn off the gas in an emergency, or read the meter. Gas is distributed to the central heating boiler and other gas appliances through pipe work, which may be concealed in floors and walls. If you suspect a gas leak > Extinguish all naked flames > Turn off the gas at the meter > Open all doors and windows > Call the gas company on its emergency number There is no call out charge. > Don't operate electrical switches on or off. They may make a spark that could ignite the gas. Boiler maintenance, installation of gas fires, etc and other alterations and repairs to the gas system should only be undertaken by a Gas Safe registered installer. Flue Terminals Be careful to ensure that flues are not covered over, blocked or modified. They should not be enclosed by extensions such as porches or conservatories. Combustion Ventilation In rooms containing a chimney or flue or certain gas, oil or solid fuel appliances, there may be permanent ventilators. Where ventilators are provided (usually in the wall or floor) they should not be covered over. They provide air to ensure appliances work properly. Covering them could cause a build up of dangerous gases. 3.5 Water Water is supplied by the water company through an underground service pipe which is fitted with a stop valve at the boundary to your property for use by the water company in an emergency. As it enters your home, its flow is controlled by the main stop valve, which allows you to turn off the supply in an emergency or for maintenance. Park 2.5 should detail where the stopvalve is located. It is important for you to know where the main stopvalve is. From your stopvalve water enters the 'rising main' and is distributed around the home via an indirect or direct feed system. Page 8 of 15

9 Indirect feed system The rising main supplies water to a storage cistern, usually in the loft. From there, it is fed by gravity to the taps, WC cisterns and the hot water cylinder. Usually, only the kitchen tap is connected directly to the rising main for drinking water. A closefitting cover and insulation should be provided to the water storage system. These should not be removed. Direct feed system All cold water taps and WCs are fed from the rising main. Hot water is provided at mains pressure by an unvented hot water storage system or a combination boiler. Never attempt to service or alter an unvented system yourself. An explosion could result. To check whether your system is direct or indirect, close the main stop valve. If the system is direct, the flow will stop all cold water taps and WCs; if indirect, only the kitchen sink will be affected. Cold Weather During periods of cold weather, even when the property is not occupied, the heating should be set so as to avoid the property becoming cold and allow pipe work to freeze which could then cause damage. Outside taps should also be opened with the internal isolation valves shut so as to avoid bursts. 4. MAINTENANCE AND DIY The following information is given for guidance only. You are strongly advised to obtain the advice of a competent person and refer to the manufacturer's instructions/recommendations prior to work. 4.1 Alterations And Extensions All roof timbers are necessary for the support of the roof, and should not be cut or removed. Lofts are not generally intended to be used as a storage space, the structure of the roof is not likely to have been designed to take the additional load of stored items and the loft insulation may prevent safe access. Ventilation is provided to control condensation. If vents have been provided in the eaves they should not be blocked or covered over. Page 9 of 15

10 4.2 Damp Proof Courses, Air Tanks And Other Ventilators The soil level around your home should be kept to a general minimum of 150mm or two brick courses below the damp proof course. Paths should also generally be kept around 150mm or two brick courses below the damp proof course, except where these have been designed to provide level access into the home. Where air bricks, permanent ventilator or perpend vents are provided, they should not be blocked or covered by soil or paving. 4.3 Decorating The builder will have painted the walls with emulsion paint. Further coats of emulsion and oil-based paints or wallpaper can be used for later redecoration, once the walls have dried out (this normally takes twelve to eighteen months). Painting should have been done in a well ventilated room to prevent the build up of fumes/vapours. Wherever practicable, extendable pole systems should be used rather than working from ladders/step ladders or alternatively the services of a competent painter/decorator should be used. 4.4 Drainage It is very important that only human waste and recognised toilet tissue are allowed to enter the drainage system as all other materials such as wipes, kitchen tissue, cardboard, cooking oils and fats etc will cause blockages for which Abbey will not accept any responsibility for clearing. Inspection chambers and rodding eyes are there to provide access to the drainage system below ground so that blockages can be cleared. It is important that these are not covered by soil, turf or paving. 4.5 Entering Roof Space Do not disturb the insulation as it will create dust. You are advised to wear a suitable mask over your mouth and nose if you are there for any length of time to prevent inhalation of dust particles. Always walk on boarding or joists. 4.6 Floor Fixings Boarded floors You can use ordinary woodscrews to fix into a floor that is boarded. You should make sure that the screw does not penetrate through the underside of the board to avoid damaging pipes or cables located in the floor. Concrete or screeded floors You can fix into concrete or screeded floors using wall plugs and screws. Page 10 of 15

11 Separating ('party') floors Floors used to separate flats and maisonettes reduce the passage of sound and may be designed so that the top layer 'floats'. It is essential that any fixings do not prevent this by connecting the floating layer to the structural floor. Before fixing to floors or ceilings always check for buried pipes and cables using a detector. 4.7 Gutters & RWP Gutters & RWP should be cleaned out at least once a year to remove leaves and debris. If in a leafy tree area, monthly cleaning may be required. This is especially important should your property be drained into soakaways to prevent silting up of the soakaways which will otherwise require other more drastic actions such as suction cleaning or future replacements. Wet patches on the walls below may indicate that gutters or down pipes are blocked. 4.8 Heating Systems Boilers to gas fired central heating systems should be checked and serviced annually by a competent gas maintenance engineer so that they remain safe. Electric heaters to electric heating systems must remain uncovered at all times including not being covered or restricting heat circulation by curtains. Refer to specific manufacturer s booklet for details or a minimum of 150mm clearance. If your plot has a glycol (sugar water) solar panel fitted, it is essential that the system is serviced at least once a year as otherwise the glycol can become solid and the system complete stops functioning. The system should also be left on at all times, even if other appliances are turned off, such as when taking holidays. 4.9 Smoke and Heat Alarms The smoke and/or heat alarms fitted in your home should be mains operated. You should check smoke alarms once a week by pressing the test button. If the test button cannot be easily reached, care must be taken to select a suitable platform to use as a step, e.g. step ladders or similar device for short duration. Smoke and heat alarms should be kept clean by the occasional use of a vacuum cleaner Trees and Shrubs Advice should be obtained from an expert before planting new trees and shrubs or if a large tree dies or has to be severely pruned near to your house. This is because adding or removing trees and shrubs can cause shrinkage or swelling of the soil, and if this is excessive it may damage foundations. Page 11 of 15

12 Also, be careful not to plant trees near your neighbour's home. They could cause damage and you could be liable for the cost of the repair. Before cutting down or pruning a mature tree, check with your local authority to make sure that it is not protected by Planning conditions, Conservation Area Restrictions or a Tree Preservation Order Unvented Water Storage Systems These systems should be serviced at annually by a competent installer in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. As these systems and cylinders are complicated items requiring specialist attendance, it is recommended that you enter into a 24-hour emergency service contract from day one on these systems as manufacturer s problem solving engineers may have several days attendance appointment schedules which could cause inconveniences for which Abbey cannot accept any responsibility via Abbey/Abbey s contractors. Unvented hot water storage systems operate under pressure. Never attempt to service, adjust or alter an unvented system yourself. An explosion could result Wall Fixings The type of fixing you should use to attach items to walls depends on the construction of the wall and the weight of the item. Pictures and other light items can be hung on all types of walls using steel picture hooks or masonry nails (check for cables or pipes). Masonry (blockwork) walls Heavier items can be fixed using wall plugs and screws. You should ensure that the wall plug and screw penetrate through the plaster or plasterboard, well into the blockwork (check for cables or pipes). Proprietary partitions Certain plasterboard fixing devices are also suitable for fixing relatively light loads to proprietary partitions. Some types of proprietary partition may not be suitable for fixing heavy items to. Before fixing to walls, always check for buried pipes and cables using a detector Window Cleaning You may have had installed an easy-clean window systems to allow the external cleaning of upper floor windows from the inside of the building. If easy-clean window systems have not been installed, you are advised to utilise an extendable pole system to enable cleaning from ground level. Alternatively, employ Page 12 of 15

13 the services of a competent window cleaner. Working from ladders is not recommended Drives The topping of your tarmac drive/parking area, by nature of its make-up, will remain relatively soft for a few months especially during the hot summer months. To keep your drive/parking area in good condition the following suggestions should help: Attempting to turn vehicles with power steering whilst the car is stationary will cause the top surface become damaged. Do not spill oil, diesel or petrol on the drive as this can discolour and damage the surface. Do not load the drive on any pinpoints with heavy items as this can cause damage. If you are doing extra works on your house do not put any building materials, especially cement on the drive. Do not mix concrete on your drive as this can damage and stain the surface which cannot be removed. Spinning of car wheels will cause damage to the surfaces 4.15 Bath/Shower Mastic Due to natural shrinkage of the floor joists the sealant around baths and showertrays may crack. Always reseal promptly to avoid water penetration Appliances Manufacturers Warranty Registration cards which will be left in the plot must be completed and posted off by the new homeowner so as to confirm commencement of Warranty and arrange for the appliances to be annually serviced by a competent engineer Doors Locks and latches should be periodically oiled or sprayed with WD40 so as to allow the movement to operate smoothly as otherwise the locks will become stiff and closure of the doors difficult Condensation Condensation is caused when water vapour comes into contact with cold surfaces and condenses to form dampness or water droplets. Air can contain varying amounts of water vapour; warm air can hold more water vapour than cold air. When warm air comes into contact with colder services, it Page 13 of 15

14 cools down and can t retain the same amount of water vapour. The excess water vapour is released and forms condensation. Condensation is not a building fault. It can occur in a new home because building materials, such as mortar and plaster, contain a lot of moisture. Water vapour is formed as the materials dry out when the home is lived in and heated. This is a slow process that takes some time to complete. Modern homes are built so that they don t waste energy. Better insulation, draught proofing on doors and sealed window units minimise draughts and stop heat escaping from your home. But they also reduce water vapour escaping, which can increase the risk of condensation. Normal daily activities such as taking showers and baths, washing and drying clothes, cooking and boiling kettles) produced warm air containing a large amount of water vapour. If the warm air can t escape through an open window or air vent, it moves around until if finds a cold surface where it cools and forms condensation. Condensation is most likely to appear on windows, colder parts of walls, around external door and window openings, and where ceilings and floor meet with outer walls. It can also appear in areas where air circulation is restricted, such as inside cupboards and behind furniture that is placed against an outside wall. If condensation keeps on occurring in the same place, it can sometimes cause black mould growth. Controlling water vapour levels is important when living in modern, well insulated homes. You are unlikely to prevent condensation in your home completely, but you should aim to reduce it to a level so that it doesn t cause problems Shrinkage As a home is lived in and heated, timber and other materials will shrink and this can cause small cracks on wall and ceiling finishes. Small cracks or gaps may also appear at joints and corners of skirting boards and other interior joinery. These are not considered builders defects. These cracks are not structurally significant and can be put right in the normal process of redecoration. To minimise cracking, try to keep a reasonable even temperature throughout your home. Your home needs to be kept well ventilated to allow moisture to evaporate as the structure dries out. Leave windows or at least, the trickle vents open as long as you can each day. 5. WARRANTIES ETC 5.1 Snagging and Out of Hours Emergency A schedule of snagging items would have been requested and should have been given to Abbey at the time of occupation. These items could have also been noted on the key release form. All items for which Abbey are responsible should be completed within a reasonable time after occupation or to a time table agreed with Page 14 of 15

15 the new homeowner. Scratched or damaged items must be reported and recorded on the handover form on the date of legal completion. All items of concern should be scheduled in writing to the Customer Care Department, Abbey Developments Ltd, Potters Bar, Herts, EN6 5DU. If a 'real' emergency should occur outside of normal working hours and emergency contact numbers have not been issued to the new homeowner, then a third party contractor will have to be employed directly by the homeowner to deal with the emergency and a claim for reimbursement submitted to Abbey which will be considered on its merits. It is therefore important to obtain a full report of the cause and repairs carried out. Emergencies within office hours should be made to the Customer Care Department at Abbey House, Potters Bar on (01707) or via to customercare@abbeydev.co.uk. 5.2 Warranties and Guarantees Reference should be made to the Warranty Provider's pack, details forwarded to homeowner via the homeowner's solicitors (or sometimes obtainable from the Warranty Provider s websites) as included with all the contract documents. However, within the first 2 years, any warranty or guarantee issue should be forwarded in writing to the Construction Department, Abbey House, 2 Southgate Road, Potters Bar, Herts, EN6 5DU. In years 3 to 10 when only major issues are covered by the Warranty Provider, it should be addressed to the Warranty Provider in writing. Page 15 of 15