Statutory Regulations

The modern office environment must conform to a wide range of Statutory Regulations and it is important that any office design incorporates all of these requirements and identifies how these requirements are managed after move in.

The Building Regulations provide the principle guidelines that need to be considered specifically Document B that indicates the requirements for Fire to include means of escape, surface spread of flame and construction standards to resist the passage of smoke and fire.

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 set the principles for working with VDUs. The regulations require that employers minimise the risk of working with VDUs by ensuring workplaces are well designed.

Employers must analyse workstations and assess and reduce risks by looking at:

• The whole workstation including equipment, furniture and the work environment
• The job being done
• Any special needs of individual staff

Employers and employees should both take part in risk assessments to identify areas of concern and take steps to minimise them.