Starting from 1 October 2023, new fire safety regulations were implemented.
October 1st, 2023 by Manage mi Property
The new regulations aim to enhance collaboration and coordination between responsible persons (RPs), impose stricter requirements for recording and sharing of fire safety information, simplify the process for enforcement authorities to take action against non-compliance, and provide residents with comprehensive information regarding fire safety in their buildings.
The authorities have recently published three new fire safety guides that are aimed at small non-domestic premises, small blocks of flats, and small sleeping accommodations. These guides are intended to replace the old short guide to making your premises safe from fire. Moreover, an updated fire risk assessment checklist has also been published to help responsible individuals understand and meet the new requirements. This checklist will support them in ensuring that their premises are safe and secure from fire hazards.
The Fire Industry Association is pleased to welcome these new regulations as a significant step towards enhancing fire safety standards nationwide. We urge all responsible persons to thoroughly review the updated guidelines and take the necessary steps to ensure full compliance by October 1 2023. [View the SOURCE here]
What you need to know: Information for Local Authorities, Registered Social Landlords, and landlords of private residential blocks
December 29th, 2023 by Manage mi Property
Landlord's responsibilities – Group A
This provides an overview of specialist advice for Group A Landlords: which includes Local Authorities, Registered Social Landlords, and landlords of private residential blocks. It is a co-ordinated national response to the fire at Grenfell Tower, and provides a wealth of information.
AREAS FOR ATTENTION
Fire detection and Carbon Monoxide detectors
Landlords are required by law to have at least one smoke alarm installed on every floor of their properties and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a solid fuel burning appliance (eg a coal fire, wood burning stove). You must also make sure the alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy.
It is strongly recommend installing an additional heat detector in the kitchen and a smoke alarm in the lounge and hallway of individual flats and houses to give early warning to residents.
The requirements are enforced by local authorities who can impose a fine of up to £5,000 where a landlord fails to comply with a remedial notice.
Storage and security
December 29th, 2023 by Manage mi Property
Tenants storing belongings in communal areas can pose a real risk to safety. Items can accidentally be set alight, or be set alight deliberately. In the event of fire items in hall ways and on stairs can stop people escaping, and stop fire-fighters doing their job.
You need to:
• Ensure that corridors, stairs and stairwells are clear.• Make sure electrical and gas riser cupboards are not blocked or used to store anything
Caretaker
December 29th, 2023 by Manage mi Property
What we need to do to make your scheme safe? As part of your Health and Safety policy, as a caretaker we will ensure and undertake checks and give residents information to help them stay safe in their home. This includes:
- Weekly testing and recording of the communal smoke and fire detection equipment, including checking that fire doors close and all routes are unobstructed;
- monthly testing and annual duration/drain test of the emergency lighting system installation;
- quarterly servicing of the fire alarm panel and system by an external contractor;
- testing and servicing as required any additional safety measures provided in your scheme such as sprinkler and lightning protection systems, fire extinguishers etc.;
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ensuring notice boards are kept up to date with evacuation arrangements and information is placed in a prominent position within the scheme for the emergency services to access (a red fire box in most cases);
- display Fire Action Notices at appropriate locations throughout your scheme and ensuring emergency signage is in place;
- issuing all new residents with a Fire Action Notice which gives details about evacuation and fire safety and provide a ‘Fire Safety at Home’ Booklet;
- introducing Scheme Champions where we engage with an appointed resident in each scheme regarding any health and safety issues. The Scheme Champions can feed back information to us and we can also feed information back to the responsible person.
Why do communal areas need to be kept clear? The Responsible Person’s Role
December 29th, 2023 by Manage mi Property
The responsible person has a legal obligation to ensure that buildings and communal areas within it meet fire safety requirements. This includes making sure there are effective fire evacuation arrangements and good housekeeping standards in all communal areas of your block of flats. This means that if there is a fire, there must be nothing in these areas that could:
- people escaping from the building;
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create a trip hazard when trying to evacuate in an emergency, especially as visibility is likely to be poor;
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stop the fire services from carrying out their duties;
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give off toxic smoke and gas when burning (e.g. mobility scooters);
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explode due to high temperatures (e.g. glass);
- cause the fire to spread more quickly or make evacuation difficult.
Why am I not permitted to put items in communal areas?
September 6th, 2023 by Manage mi Property
Because we have to keep escape routes clear and to avoid any unnecessary fire load we ask our residents not to leave any personal items in the communal areas. Examples include:
- Footwear such as shoes, boots etc. or any rack for housing footwear;
- mobility scooters, walkers, mobility aids, bicycles etc.;
- Decorative furniture such as bookcases or tables;
- Electrical equipment including the use of extension cables;
- Flammable liquids;
- Washing, including lines or racks or any rugs draped over stairwell banisters;
- Items of furniture or rubbish waiting to be disposed of;
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Other decorative items such as ornaments, plants and pots, wall hangings and
pictures;
- Any plants or pots.
Store items in your home, not communal areas.
August 10th, 2023 by Manage mi Property
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For the safety of all residents, personal items cannot be stored in communal areas, including hallways, stairwells or entrances.
Manage mi property is responsible for ensuring that communal areas are kept free from obstructions, many of which may represent a fire hazard or health and safety risk.
it is strictly prohibited for residents to leave items in communal areas, and any such items will be removed. This includes any items in cupboards in communal areas, such as in riser cupboards.
When an item is left in an internal communal area and the owner is easily identifiable, as Caretaker or Property Services Inspector will place a warning sticker on the item, giving 7 days’ notice for the items to be removed. The owner will also be served with a legal document, called a Torts Notice, which can be served on the owner of an item which is left abandoned on private land. The Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977 which allows Landlords to dispose of goods, if reasonable efforts to trace the owner fail. A notice would be sent to the whole block if we don’t know who left the item in the communal area.
