Flats and apartment blocks account for approximately 5.4 million households in the UK, and there are a range of unique fire safety considerations for landlords and residents to be aware of.
There are numerous advantages of living in a flat, such as convenience and community, but with multiple dwellings in such close proximity, it’s crucial that personnel responsible are proactive with their fire safety.
According to FireEngland, the majority of fires in blocks of flats start within individual flats themselves, illustrating the importance of all residents staying abreast of accurate fire safety information, from preventative measures to creating a fire evacuation plans.
Preventing Fires in Flats
Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are the first line of defence, and are a necessity in every flat, room, including hallways and landings. Moreover, smoke alarms should be tested regularly and their batteries tested.
According to fire information from the Government, occupants are around eight times more likely to die in a fire without any functioning smoke alarms. Fires in flats, particularly with doors and thin walls, allow flakes and smoke to rapidly travel, and an early detection is crucial.
Smoke alarms are only effective if they emit a loud, piercing sound to get occupants’ attention, even during the night whilst people are asleep. This can be checked by accredited personnel with a regular fire risk assessment.
Flammable Materials
Occupants and landlords bear responsibility as to what is stored in flat blocks and its facilities. Flammable liquids, aerosols and combustible materials should in no circumstances be stored need heat sources or electrical appliances.
Electrical Safety
Via a fire risk assessment and statutory inspection (Electrical Inspection Conditioning Report), the responsible personnel can ensure electrical safety in flats. This involves the regular inspection of electrical cords and appliances for damage, and ensure sockets and adaptors aren’t overloaded or used excessively.
Cooking Safely
Flat occupants have a responsibility to cook safely – cooking should never be left unattended, and flammable materials should be far away from stoves and heat sources.
Preparation for Fires in Flats
Should a fire occur in a flat, it’s crucial that occupants are equipped with the knowledge required to stay calm and act quickly. Occupants should make others aware of the fire by activating a fire alarm or other communications, and alert firefighting authorities as swiftly as possible.
Fire Evacuation Plan
Every property should have a fire evacuation plan in place devised by designated fire safety personnel and dedicated fire safety consultants. There is no property that requires a robust, clear evacuation plan like flats and apartment blocks, due to the complexity of layout, risk of rapid fire and smoke spread and number of occupants.
A fire evacuation plan provides a set of clear instructions for evacuating a specific building or structure in the event of a fire. Once the plan is created by fire safety personnel, staff members and occupants should be assigned delegated roles and responsibilities in the event of a fire. From fire wardens to marshals, the role of nominated individuals should be to help vulnerable individuals escape and keep occupants calm.
To reinforce the fire evacuation plan, a good level of fire safety training should be provided, in addition to regular fire drills and rehearsals to familiarise routes among occupants.
Emergency Kit & Supplies
For properties with a stay put policy in place, an emergency fire kit is particularly important. Usually containing essentials such as a first-aid kit for treating any injuries, torch for navigation in dark conditions, battery-powered radio for communication, bottled water and non-perishable food, an emergency fire kit can play a crucial role in the event of a fire in a flat.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are the first line of defence against fire outbreaks, and can be used to eliminate small fires and preventing fires from spreading in flats, playing a crucial role in protecting occupants. Although occupants should prioritise evacuation in the event of a fire, trained individuals can use fire extinguishers to fight fires in flats where appropriate.
Landlord Responsibilities
A landlord or responsible person has a legal requirement to adopt a highly proactive and scrupulous approach when it comes fire safety in flats. The legal responsibilities of landlords was strengthened by the Fire Safety (England) Regulation 2022 for Houses in Multiple Occupation.
A landlord has a responsibility, both legally and morally, to conduct regular fire risk assessments and comply with the relevant fire safety legislation (Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005).
It’s essential that HMOs are properly equipped and maintained in order to deal with fire scenarios should they occur. This includes providing regularly tested fire alarms, fire suppression systems, fire extinguishers, fire doors and emergency lighting.
Fire safety-responsible personnel have a duty to provide understandable and digestible fires safety information to its tenants, detailing the fire safety measures of a structure and location of exits. Landlords should also ensure channels are in place to inform occupants of any changes or updates to existing fire safety measures.
