Managing Fire Risk in blocks of flats – Security and Housekeeping
In last week’s blog we considered the importance of security, particularly in areas of a block of flats which may be at risk of arson. Fire safety and security are two issues which should work together to protect the inhabitants and one area should not impinge upon the success of the other. In addition, this blog will look at effective housekeeping with a block of flats and how this can reduce the likelihood of a fire.
Security and fire risk
While it may seem advisable to throw every potential security feature at a building to protect it from vandalism of any kind, careful consideration should be given to any aspect of that security which might adversely affect or delay evacuation from the building in case of fire.
The occupants of individual flats should be encouraged to ensure the flat is secure, but some measures may actually become an issue in case of fire. Bars on windows in ground floor flats, for example, can be bars which instead of keeping intruders out, keep occupants in when they need to exit that way if a fire restricts egress from the flat door. Delays to evacuation due to additional security are unacceptable, as are changes to shared balconies or any measure which might affect the ability of the Fire Service to access an area to tackle a fire.
Where possible, a landlord should have contractual restrictions within the lease to lay out which types of additional security which are permissible and advisable within individual flats.
Housekeeping and fire safety
Combustible Materials – The presence of combustible materials such as rubbish piled up against a wall should be avoided through effective housekeeping. Such materials can be ignited, either on purpose or accidentally and cause smoke within evacuation corridors and areas, potential fire spread into individual flats and obstructions to effective egress from the building.
Perhaps even more important are combustible materials which are left in a boiler room, lift motor access or caretaker’s room. The likelihood of a pile of rubbish, for example, igniting in a place with electrical switches or motors is increased.
Resident expansion – A common issue within blocks of flats is where residents of a flat feel that the common corridors and areas are an extension of their home. They may place items outside their flats which are either intended to make the area feel more attractive, e.g. pot plants, doormats and other minor furnishings, or they may use the additional space to store furniture to be taken away, to dry clothes on racks etc.
While it is unlikely that major fire safety issues would be encountered by residents in case of a picture being hung on the wall, a doormat outside a door or a pot plant, it is true that larger items such as chairs, prams, mobility scooters and furniture can become a major risk to a successful evacuation.
Some landlords encourage a more ‘homely’ approach from residents and do not wish the corridors to be a sterile environment. It is therefore suggested that Landlords adopt one of two approaches to the maintenance of communal areas. The first would be a zero tolerance approach, i.e. no possessions of any kind in the corridors and communal areas; the second would be a managed approach, whereby certain objects were allowed – such as doormats, pictures and pot plants, and a designated area was indicated for the storage of such items as bicycles, mobility scooters and prams.
It is true that a zero tolerance policy is the simplest and least dangerous for landlords to adopt, and the one most likely to gain approval from auditors and enforcing authorities, but whichever policy is adopted, it is essential that it must be policed and maintained by the Landlord or management company.
Next week’s blog will continue to look at further aspects of effective housekeeping and their effect on fire safety. In the meantime, if you have any queries about your facility or wish to learn more about Complete Fire Safety Management’s online fire risk assessment, 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.
