Introduction
Fire safety is a fundamental requirement for resident protection and safety. Fire safety is a core responsibility shared across all members who are involved, from developers and property managers to maintenance teams and property occupiers.
Below are tips and advice on how to perform a fire safety and prevention audit of your property.
Common Causes of Property Fires
First, we want to understand the common causes of property fires. On average, there are around 34,000 property fires in the UK. The common risks that occur in residential properties include electrical faults, heating systems and poor waste management. However, the most common cause, with around 50% of all causes, is in the kitchen, and more specifically, unattended cooking appliances.
In England alone, 63% of fires are due to human error. This means that 63% of property fires are preventable. Read the tips and advice below and help reduce the risk of human-influenced property fires.
Fire Prevention in Property Development
Firstly, we will look at prevention during the development process of the property as a lot of planning is required and be demonstrated by showing evidence of fire prevention techniques and fire escape routes.
First point of order for fire safety is during the development phase of a property, this counts for redevelopment and new builds. There are many design techniques that are now a legal requirement for developers to use. It is a requirement to plan out escape routes and putting in smoke and heat detectors or even sprinklers in some bigger properties.
Landlord’s Responsibilities
When you move into a new home, as a tenant, you have the responsibility to ensure that the house is safe from potential fire hazards; however, before you move in, it is the landlord’s legal responsibility to ensure that all fire safety measures have been taken before your arrival. Checking things like smoke detectors, implementing fire blankets and showing you where the fire exits are are just the first steps. Landlords are also legally required to ensure that the property has the relevant certificates and that it has passed an up-to-date fire safety check.
Quick Fire Tips and Advice at Home
Drying Clothesin the Tumble Dryer
- Remove the lint from the filter after every use
- Only put clothing in the dryer
- Don’t leave the dryer on overnight
- Don’t overload the dryer
Cooking
- Never leave your pans unattended
- If a pan catches fire, turn off the heat if it is safe
- Close the kitchen door and call 999
Electrical Appliances
- Always turn off heating electrical appliances (hairdryers, straighteners irons, etc) at the wall after every use
- Only use your charger when you are present and only use chargers from a reputable manufacturer.
- Try to not overload plug sockets, remove plugs that are not in use
