Fire Safety
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) came into effect in October 2006 and replaced over 70 pieces of fire safety law.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places specific fire safety duties on persons who have control of premises, including common parts of blocks of flats and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)). The key to ensuring that such duties are complied with is the carrying out of a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. [LINK to NEW DOCUMENT]
Even if your property is not an HMO, a Landlord or their agent needs to consider that fire is defined as a Category 1 Hazard under HHSRS and Health and Safety. The housing provider still has a duty of care to the tenant and persons visiting or working in the premises.
You must ensure that there is an adequate means of escape in the event of a fire (so make sure the tenant has all the keys to the property and those windows open and close easily). Consider installing self-closing doors on rooms. The benefits of smoke detectors CANNOT be emphasised enough and for an HMO they must be interlinked and mains-powered. Consider the use of cylinder locks instead of mortice locks as these can be opened from the inside without having to use a key. Things such as fire blankets and extinguishers may also prove useful.
If you want further information and advice can contact either your local Environmental Health Officer or the Fire Safety Department at your local Fire Brigade, or visit link FIRE BRIDGADE WEBSITE.
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