Q&A - Do we need to carry out a risk assesment on our block?

QUESTION
I live in a block of flats. I am confused about whether we need to carry out a risk assessment on our block and if so, how to go about completing this? Any help would be appreciated.
Name witheld

ANSWER
Generally, if you live in a block of flats that has internal communal areas providing common access and egress to and from the flats then this area will need to be assessed for Fire and Health & Safety risks in line with Health & Safety Legislation and Guidance. Ideally your Property Managers or Resident Management Company should retain an independent Health & Safety consultant to carry out these assessments. The Health & Safety consultant will report on any issues that may constitute a Health, Safety and Fire risk and of any works that may be required to eliminate the risk. You may also need to have an Asbestos Survey carried out and if you have communal water storage tanks there may be a requirement to have a Water Hygiene Risk Assessment. Please visit www.4siteconsulting.co.uk for more information.
Isaac Refaeli, IRDS Ltd