Domestic Abuse Support
Manningham Housing understands the importance of Health and Safety in the workplace and our statutory duties in terms of property compliance. Our Health and Safety Compliance team are the designated people for managing our legal requirements and safeguarding our staff and tenants.
Managing all office related Health & Safety in order that the association complies with the obligations set out in The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
Ensuring every property has a valid and current gas certificate (carried out annually). Ensuring that every property has a valid Periodic electrical certificate (carried out every 5 years).
Arranging necessary Asbestos surveys in accordance with the control of asbestos regulations 2012. Making sure necessary Legionella checks are carried out where required.
Organisation and management of monthly and annual Fire Risk Assessments.
Assembling a servicing and inspection regime to ensure safe use of all lifting equipment within properties or workplaces we own and control.
Click the link below to see our Health & Safety Team
We are fully Gas Safe at MHA. Like all social landlords we are responsible for ensuring that an annual gas safety check is carried out on each appliance and flue belonging to the Association. We will also carry out a visual check on cookers and other appliances belonging to the tenant.
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These Gas Safety checks are always undertaken by a Gas Safe registered engineer, but we advise that you always check that the engineer is competent by asking to see their Gas Safe card. The areas in which they are qualified to work in are clearly marked on the rear of the card. You can also check their registration details at www.gassaferegister.co.uk or call the Freephone number 0800 408 5500.
Your gas safety check will always need to be completed before a certain date, like a vehicle MOT, or within 12 months of the previous check. MHA prides itself in completing 100% of these checks within the date required.
There are several ways that you can help MHA and aid us in continuing to meet this 100% target
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Allow access to your property at the earliest possible convenience upon receiving an appointment letter
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Let us know as soon as possible if the date arranged is not convenient
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Advise the organisation as early as possible if you are planning a trip away
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Provide the organisation with an up-to-date telephone number and details of anyone we can contact if you are not at the address
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If you receive a letter from MHA in relation to our engineers not being able to gain access to your home then please contact us immediately!
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In 2019 MHA triumphed at the Northern Housing Awards, winning the Best Digital Transformation category.
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The accolade came after working closely with Gas Tag to overhaul gas safety compliance processes to make them more efficient.
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The new digital platform is much more time and cost effective. It’s aim is to improve overall compliance and ultimately enhance the safety of our tenants, and that’s why you will see our engineers attaching a little QR tag to your gas meter.
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Our engineers are flexible and will work around you. We can always provide an am or pm time slot.
Do you have damp, mould or condensation in your home?
We know it can be worrying, so we’ve put this information together.
Ways mould can grow in your home:
Condensation
Condensation is caused by moisture in the air (water vapour) inside your home meeting a colder surface, such as a window or wall. You might see condensation on your windows in the morning or after cooking or showering. If that moisture can’t get out it settles on a colder surface, very much like dew on the grass after a cold night. This can cause mould if not wiped away. Drying clothes indoors also increases the levels of moisture.
Water leaks
Water leaks can affect both internal and external walls. If the leaks are not repaired, they can lead to mould growth. The affected area looks and feels damp to the touch and stays damp regardless of the weather conditions. Please report any leaks to us straight way, so we can repair them
Rising damp
Rising damp is caused by water rising from the ground into the home because the damp proof course (DPC) is defective. Rising damp will only affect basements and ground floor rooms and it will be present all year round but can be more noticeable in winter. Rising damp is extremely uncommon but is generally the result of a problem or fault with the home, which MHA will repair.
Penetrating damp
It appears because of a defect in the structure of the home, such as damaged brickwork, missing roof tiles, loose flashing, or leaking rainwater goods. These defects allow water to pass from the outside to the floors, walls, or ceilings. Penetrating damp is far more noticeable following a period of rainfall and will normally appear as a well-defined ‘damp patch’ which looks and feels damp to the touch. It is the result of a problem or fault with the home, which MHA will repair.
How can you help?
- Reduce the moisture: Keep your house warm (see more below)
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Ventilation: Allow good air circulation. Use extractor fans, trickle vents (located at the top of windows) and open windows. This is important when it comes to using the bathroom & when cooking.
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Be mindful when drying clothes inside: To reduce moisture, open up a window when you can and use extractor fans. Even better, dry your clothes outside if possible.
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When cooking: Turn on the extractor fan, open a window, keep the lid on, and keep the kitchen door closed, so moisture does not spread to other rooms.
You could also:
- Check windows- if any seals are damaged.
- Check the home’s exterior- broken drainpipes and gutters often cause leaks.
- Use a moisture meter– humidity levels should always be between 30-60%. A moisture meter can be bought from any DIY store for about £2.
- Dry areas immediately– dry walls and floors after you take a shower and always wipe away any spillages.
- Dehumidifiers – There are many options available, from sachets to devices. They all aim to reduce humidity in the air.
Keeping your house warm
Keeping your house warm is essential in reducing mould growth. However, we understand that this can be difficult with high energy bills. Below are a few things that might help.
- Set your thermostat between 18C and 21C. Just by lowering your thermostat by 1 degree, you can save £60.00 in a year.
- Use the radiator valves to set each of your rooms to the correct temperature, instead of leaving them on the maximum option.
- Close doors and windows when the heating is on. To prevent mould & condensation, you can open the trickle vents and use extract fans. Also, close doors when cooking/showering to stop the spread of moisture.
- Closing blinds and any curtains This will keep the heat in, as well as save you some money.
If you need help or are worried about heating your home, please contact our Customer Services Team so that a member of staff can assist. Call us on 01274 771144
Statistics and facts
-13.5 litres of moisture is produced by an average home
-Moisture is held by warm air. When the air cools at night, the moisture settles on a cool surface such as a window or wall unless it can escape through an open window or fan. Levels of moisture can be affected by: having a bath, cooking food, drying clothes inside, etc.
-During colder weather, condensation is much more apparent. There is a good chance that you will see it on surfaces such as your toilet cistern & pipes. When it’s cold at night, you might also notice that your bedroom windows get misted. Wipe the moisture to avoid mould growth.
How to treat mould
Step 1: Wipe it down with clean, soapy water. When wiping the
mould, be mindful not to brush it. This is because brushing mould can release mould spores.
Step 2: Once you have finished wiping the mould, use a dry cloth to get rid of the moisture from the wall.
Step 3: Dispose of any cloth you use in a sealed plastic bag and throw it away.
Step 4: Let us know if the mould keeps coming back. Further investigation might be needed.
There are several products available on the market for mould treatment, including sprays and solutions.
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Have all your own gas appliances checked every year. MHA undertake this for the items we own within your home, however you are responsible for your own gas appliances. For example, cookers
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Find a Gas Safe registered engineer in your area or call the free helpline on 0800 408 5500 (all MHA engineers are Gas Safe Registered). It is against the law for any engineer to work on a gas appliance when not Gas Safe registered.
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Always ask to see an engineer’s Gas Safe ID card and check the back of the card to ensure they are qualified to carry out the specific type of gas work you need. Report someone working without registration or call Gas Safe on the free phone number 0800 408 5500.
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Unsafe gas appliances can put you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, fires and explosions. Recognise the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning – headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness.
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Regularly check gas appliances for warning signs that they are not working properly e.g., lazy yellow flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks or stains on or around the appliance and too much condensation in the room. Remember you are responsible for your cooker.
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Only use gas appliances for their intended purpose e.g., don’t use a gas oven to heat a room or use a gas barbeque inside the house.
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Always ensure there is enough ventilation for your gas appliances to allow them to burn correctly and make sure you are not blocking any air vents that provide an air supply to the gas appliance. Using oversized pots or foil on a hob can cause incomplete combustion and produce carbon monoxide.
This video from Gas Safe targets students living in rented accommodation but is an important message for all. It is a short video that is intended to look like a trailer for the latest Halloween horror called The Silent Killer. The film highlights clues at the end of the trailer, which reveal that the Silent Killer is, in fact, carbon monoxide (CO). The viewer is made aware of what signs to look for, and indications of carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s simple message is gas appliances should be checked every 12 months.
You can watch the trailer below
If you’d like to help share this important message you can retweet or share messages from Gas Safe on Twitter or Facebook.
This Gas Safety video also illustrates the importance of allowing us access to service and maintain the gas appliances in your home.
You can watch the video below
If you have any queries relating to gas or gas safety please contact the office on 01274 771144.
Asbestos is a term for a group of minerals made of microscopic fibres. Before its dangers were known, asbestos was often used in buildings for insulation, flooring and roofing, and sprayed on ceilings and walls. It is now banned in the UK and has been since 1999.
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 we have a duty to annually inspect properties with communal areas to ensure that any asbestos containing materials have not been disturbed and remain safe.
MHA also takes reasonable steps to ensure that materials in domestic dwellings likely to contain asbestos are identified for properties built prior to the year 2000. To do this we carry out an asbestos survey. The findings of the survey are shared with our tenants during the start of a tenancy.
We will also send an annual letter to tenants advising them of where asbestos is located or presumed within their home. If left undisturbed the asbestos poses no risk.
If you receive a letter, there are some frequently asked questions below –
Why have you received this letter?
As a landlord we have a duty of care to let all our tenants know if there are asbestos containing materials located within the property.
Is the asbestos dangerous?
The asbestos is extremely low level and poses no risk at all if left alone. It only becomes dangerous if it is damaged or disturbed. Painting or decorating will not disturb the asbestos.
What do you need to do?
If you are planning on carrying out any works to your home in the areas highlighted on the letter you must let us know immediately. Likewise if you think any of the areas mentioned in the letter become damaged you must also let us know. Other than this you don’t need to do anything.
What is the difference between ‘presumed’ and ‘located’?
If an area was not able to be tested during the survey then we have to presume that the material is asbestos. The chances are that it is not asbestos but we cannot say for sure as no sample was taken.
If asbestos has been located then this has been sampled and does contain asbestos. This is very low level and poses no risk if left alone.
Can you remove this asbestos?
No. A qualified person only can remove the material. The surveys have been carried out by a specialist and they have advised that the asbestos within the property is perfectly safe. We just want you to let us know if you are going to be doing anything which may disturb it.
This leaflet is for people living in flats, for landlords and for those responsible for residential buildings. The advice and tips provided here supplement our main Fire Safety in the Home leaflet.
Did you know…?
You are around eight times more likely to die in a fire if you do not have any working smoke alarms.
Each year, cooking causes more accidental fires and fire‑related injuries in the home than anything else.
Every six days someone dies in a fire started by smoking materials.
Faulty electrics cause about 4,000 fires in the home each year.
Two accidental dwelling fires are started by candles every day.
Legionella which causes Legionnaires disease and other illnesses are naturally widespread in water systems. You can only catch the disease by breathing in particles in the from of a ‘water mist’ or aerosol. You cannot catch the disease by drinking water.
MHA currently carry out an annual Risk Assessment at the sites where there is communal hot or cold water storage.
Using our specialised consultants we also carry out the following at these sites –
Inspection of cold-water storage tanks (Six monthly)
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Visual inspection of the hot water storage vessels (calorifiers) and sample water from drain point (Annually)
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Visual checks of temperatures and settings of hot water storage vessels calorifiers (Monthly)
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Temperatures of hot and cold-water outlets at sentinel taps (Monthly)
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Legionella water samples taken (Annually)
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Cleaning and disinfection of shower heads (Quarterly)
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Flushing of infrequently used outlets (Weekly)
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Checking other outlets on a rotational basis over a 12-month period
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Checking of incoming mains cold water temperatures (Annually).
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Record all maintenance activities in a suitable logbook and review annually.
MHA view domestic dwellings as minimal risk. There is rarely an occasion when a property is left in situ with no running water. Other mitigating factors such as electric showers and combi boilers, added to the soft water in Bradford reduce this risk further. We do encourage tenants to ‘flush’ or ‘run’ taps for a few minutes if a particular outlet has not been used for any length of time, or you have just returned from holiday.
An electrical installation is made up of all the fixed electrical wiring and equipment that is supplied from the point of the electricity meter and beyond. It includes the cables that are usually hidden in the fabric of the building (walls, floors and ceilings), accessories (sockets, switches and light fittings) and the consumer unit (fuse box) that contains all the fuses, circuit breakers and residual current devices (RCDs).
Electrical installations and systems will be repaired, renewed, upgraded and tested in accordance with industry guidelines and manufacturers’ recommendations.
Inspections to these electrical installations are often referred to as ‘Periodic tests’.
New Build
First inspection on 10th anniversary of first installation, thereafter every five years due on the subsequent anniversary date.
All Other General Needs Stock
Every five years upon anniversary of previous inspection and at change of tenant or mutual exchange.
We will also rectify any defects to ensure that the inspection is ‘satisfactory’ and the property is safe.
Where we have properties with electrical appliances belonging to MHA we will also carry out an annual PAT test to ensure the integrity and condition of the equipment.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 we are required to carry out regular Fire Risk Assessments at all of our properties with communal spaces.
MHA has decided that these will occur annually. Any actions following the Risk Assessments are always dealt with depending on the severity, but always within 6 months.
Our Neighbourhood team also visit the blocks monthly and deal with any fire hazards found.
Full Fire Risk Assessment
Frequency
Every year
By whom
External Fire Specialist
Fire Alarm System Service and Test
Frequency
Quarterly
By whom
Service Specialists
Fire Extinguisher Service where there are Extinguishers
Frequency
Annual
By whom
Service Specialists
Emergency Lighting Full Duration Test
Frequency
Annual
By whom
Electricians
Emergency Lighting Short Functional Test
Frequency
Monthly (11 + 1 above)
By whom
Electricians
Monthly Fire Risk Scheme Inspections
Frequency
Monthly
By whom
Neighbourhood Officers
Fire Risk Scheme Inspection Audits
Frequency
Quarterly
By whom
Health & Safety Compliance Manager
Fire Point Tests where Required
Frequency
Weekly
By whom
Neighbourhood Officers & Estates Team
Evacuation process
The fire evacuation process is slightly different at our various blocks, but is clearly displayed in each premise.
For anybody who has mobility issues and lives in a block, please advise us as we may have consider a personal emergency evacuation plan.
Fire Alarm Testing in blocks
If you live in a flat with a communal stairwell and fire panel you will have noticed that the fire alarms are tested weekly.
There will be notices within the block to highlight the day and time of the test.
If the alarm sounds at any other time, please treat as a real fire.
We encourage all of our tenants to test smoke alarms regularly. If you feel there is a fault with any of your fire detection devices then please get in touch urgently.
MHA will meet all of its legal requirements and associated guidelines in regard to lift safety operations (as outlined in the LOLER 1998, PUWER 1998 Regulations and HSE Guidelines Note, PM 26, Safety at Lift Landings) via a combination of regular inspections, thorough examinations and periodic routine maintenance of all lifting equipment within properties it owns and controls.
MHA LOLER examination schedule-
Thorough Examination of All Lifting Equipment
What is involved
A detailed and systematic examination of the lifting equipment to detect any defects that are or might become dangerous
Frequency
Every 6 months
Who carries it out
Carried out by contractors – Bureau Veritas, appointed by Aviva (MHA Insurers)
Thorough Examination of Runways, Trolleys & Lifting Points
What is involved
A detailed and systematic examination to detect any defects that are or might become dangerous
Frequency
Every 12 months
Who carries it out
Carried out by contractors – Bureau Veritas, appointed by Aviva (MHA Insurers)
In addition to the checks carried out under the LOLER examination schedule, MHA will carry out regular routine servicing of all lifting equipment as below:
Routine Servicing of All Lifting Equipment
What is involved
A detailed and systematic examination of the lifting equipment to detect any defects that are or might become dangerous
Frequency
Every 6 months (or as governed by manufacturers for new equipment)
Who carries it out
Carried out by contractors – appointed direct by MHA.
Stairlifts and through floor lifts in domestic properties.
Passenger lifts at Bank House & Anchor Court. Lifting equipment used by MHA employees.
City of Bradford Council for hoists and other equipment installed by the local authority
MHA will also take immediate action for any significant defect that causes a risk to users of lifting equipment and will take lifts out of service until such a time as the fault can be completely and safely remedied
If you feel that there is an issue with a lift in your property, please do get in touch at once.
As part of our strategy to improve customer engagement, Manningham Housing are now displaying health and safety dashboards and folders in all of our communal areas. These highlight all the safety checks we carry out and detail when the next checks are due. The folders are located the in document holders near the entrance to the blocks. It will be updated as and when required by relevant engineers or staff members.
Where relevant, the necessary report or certificate will also be displayed. There are also health and safety feedback questionnaires with freepost envelopes for you to fill in and send to us should you have any (non emergency) Health & Safety concerns.