UK law requires that a suitable and sufficient assessment of risk is carried out in all communal areas of residential properties, because they are deemed to be a place of "work". This should cover not only residents, but also visitors, contractors, site staff and property management employees. The survey needs to be carried out by someone with the necessary competence and training in legislative implementation, health and safety management, control measures, as well as other specialist skills.

The survey identifies significant risks at the block. Only those which could result in serious harm to people are identified. One of the most important things about health and safety matters at a residential block is that it is in the best interests of residents and visitors for the communal areas to be made as safe as is reasonably practicable.