What is the Safe person concept in the context of RICS Professional Standards?
An individual assumes behaviour responsibility for themselves, their colleagues, and others at work
Ensures that people have the tools to undertake their jobs safely.
List the Value Significant Factors (VSFs) in property surveying.
- Locality
- Dimensions
- Age
- Layout
- Construction
- Plant & Machinery
- Specifications
- Quality
- Repair
- Use
- Hazards
- Sustainability
These factors are crucial in assessing property value.
What are the four steps to an inspection in property surveying?
- Consider personal safety
- Inspection of local area
- External inspection
- Internal inspection
Each step ensures thorough evaluation and safety.
What are the four types of foundations mentioned?
- Trench/strip
- Raft
- Piled
- Pad
Different foundation types are used based on structural requirements.
Define inherent defect in property surveying.
Defective design or material which has always been present
This type of defect is typically identified during inspections.
What is a latent defect?
A fault from other causes
Latent defects may not be immediately visible and can arise over time.
List the common causes of defects in buildings.
- Movement
- Damp
Movement includes subsidence, thermal expansion, and heave; damp includes penetrating, rising, and condensation.
What are the three types of damp mentioned?
- Penetrating damp
- Rising damp
- Condensation
Each type has different causes and implications for property health.
What is the Environmental Protection Act 1990 related to?
Surveyors’ obligations, responsibilities, and compliance with law regarding contamination
It outlines the responsibilities of polluters and landlords for remediation.
What should be done if contamination is identified?
- Suggest specialist report
- Do not provide valuation advice until report is issued
- Provide advice using special assumptions
- Reduce the remediation costs
These steps ensure proper handling of contamination issues.
What is Japanese Knotweed?
An invasive plant that can damage foundations or surfaces
It spreads via root structure and is costly to eradicate.
List the three common types of asbestos.
- Brown (amosite)
- Blue (crocidolite)
- White (chrysotile)
Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause serious health issues.
What is an asbestos register?
A document that details the location of asbestos within a property
It is essential for managing asbestos risks.
What are the five steps for managing asbestos according to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012?
- Assess whether premises contain asbestos
- Produce asbestos management plan
- Produce asbestos register
- Make register available to parties who might disturb
- Review register every 6 months
These steps are crucial for compliance and safety.
What are the five stages to a risk assessment?
- Identify the Hazards
- Decide Who Might Be Harmed and How
- Evaluate the Risks and Decide on Precautions
- Record Your Findings and Implement Them
- Review the Assessment and Update if Necessary
Conducting a risk assessment is a legal requirement for employers in the UK.
