The RISC Authority has recently published its new Joint Code of Practice on the Prevention and Management of Escape of Water on Construction Sites and Buildings Undergoing Renovation.
This is aimed at reducing the increasing number and severity of significant water damage losses on construction sites, which are of significant concern to the insurance market. It is also anticipated that reducing losses will help maintain compliance with environmental and sustainability goals for developers and contractors.
The Code is intended to apply to all projects over £2.5m, but the principles contained therein should also be applied to small contracts. The guidance contains a number of requirements which must be complied with, along with other recommendations which are considered to be best practice.
The Code is likely to be a condition of insurance for future projects above the threshold.
The main areas covered within the Code include:
- Creation of a Water Systems Management Plan
- Design and Planning Phase considerations
- Selection and Management of Contractors
- Construction Phase Management and Risk Mitigation
- Testing and Commissioning
- Considerations for Modern Methods of Construction projects.
- Mid and High Rise Building risks
The Code also contains: guidance on how to create the Water Systems Management Plan; a template Water Systems Management Plan; and a sample Wet Work Permit. The Wet Work Permit requires a constant ‘water watch’ as well as other mitigations to reduce the risk, during the period of work.
A free copy of the Joint Code of Practice is available here.
For further guidance and support, please get in touch.
