Fire Safety in blocks of flats | Fire detection and alarm systems

It would be considered uncommon to have fire alarm systems installed into communal areas of purpose-built blocks of flats. The reasoning behind this ranges from the usual lack of the building being ‘manned’ by a member of staff and the wish to avoid a full-scale evacuation of the whole building, where the ‘stay put’ policy of non-evacuation (except for those in the flat of fire origin) is in place.

An example of an exception to this general rule would be that of sheltered housing, where in some cases, communal areas have smoke and fire detection and alarms. However, even in this case, it is usual for compartmentation of the individual flats and communal areas to take precedence and for the stay put policy to be used in preference.

The management of a building wide fire-alarm system in circumstances where residents of the flats would have control over the system is impractical. The risks involved relating to the disablement of the system when the alarm is accurate or the full-scale evacuation of the building, where it is not necessary are considerable from a personal safety point of view.

There are circumstances where an alarm system is a necessity, however. In situations where effective fire compartmentation has not been possible, for instance, in a renovated building, active fire precautions such as alarm systems and sprinklers may have been installed to compensate for the lack of in-built passive fire protection to protect the escape corridors and stairs.

Additionally, if the flats are adjacent to commercial premises below, it may be that a full fire alarm system is a requirement. It may be that a fire alarm system has been installed to compensate in part for a lack of compartmentation protection in one area of the building and that otherwise, a stay put policy can be put into place.

It is clear, however, that fire protection measures for each block of flats must be decided upon the particular requirements of that building. Fire engineering methods can be implemented to assist with ensuring fire safety for building occupants to fit the individual circumstances.

Fire alarms in individual flats within the block are always a necessity and can save lives. This week, the Blackpool Gazette reported that a woman in Blackpool was saved from her second story flat by fire fighters, following neighbours hearing her fire alarm and calling the fire service. The woman had fallen unconscious after a candle she had left burning, ignited her curtains and caused the blaze.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue bosses have said the smoke alarms fitted in the property saved the woman’s life.

Crew manager Andrew Jones said: “Without doubt the smoke alarms definitely saved her life. There are dangers when leaving candles unattended, especially leaving them in flammable places”.

If you have any queries about this week’s blog or wish to receive advice on your own project, please contact Peter Gyere on 0208 668 8663.

The Complete Fire Safety Management Platform is the only fully comprehensive online fire risk assessment and fire risk management platform. Our aim, at CFSM, is to make the process of becoming fire safe, straightforward and, to use our expertise in fire risk assessment and fire safety management to guide you through each step, resulting in your premises meeting all legal, insurance and ethical fire safety considerations.