Introduction.
There is no fire safety legislation that covers existing homes
and no government would attempt to legislate for the home, an Englishman’s
home is his castle an old adage but never the less a true one. The
head of the household has a duty and responsibility for looking
after the family consequently it is considered that no legislation
will ever be required. However the common areas of flats and maisonettes
are controlled by The
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
and this order lays down certain requirements, check them out at
the above link.
Homes that have been converted to other uses, half way houses,
residential homes and houses in multiple occupation are subject
to fire safety legislation. All domestic property when built were
subjected to the building regulations. Part B and certain codes
of practice deal with all fire safety measures. There is an approved
document explaining how the builder can achieve the requirements
stated in part B but as soon as it is built the responsibility for
fire safety falls on the head of the household.
The following is a list of priority considerations :-
- A fire escape plan should be the fist consideration combined
with smoke alarms.
- Any furniture should be fire retardant and meet the furniture
regulations.
- Any highly flammable surfaces should be removed, flock wallpaper
and polystyrene tiles are a couple of examples.
- The electric wiring system should be checked by an electrician
at regular intervals and all sockets given a visual inspection
for signs of burning or misuse.
- If there are likely to be smokers in the house ensure there
are plenty of ash trays which need to be cleaned and the contents
disposed of at the end of each day.
- Any open fires should be protected with fire guards and never
dry washing on then.
- Fire safety in the kitchen, especially pans being left unattended
and frying pans if required treat with great caution
As to the costs, this falls on the occupier in owner/occupied property.
It depends on the contract between the occupier and landlord in
rented property but it may be worth checking the rent acts as there
maybe clauses that could be helpful or contact the Citizen Advice
Bureau.
The links below will give more detailed advice.
Fire
Safety Advice for the Home.
There are leaflets available to down load from the Fire
Kills web site and they should be freely available
from your nearest Fire Station. If you require more details or do
not know the address of your nearest Fire Station contact Merseyside
Fire & Rescue Service, Fire Service Headquarters, Bridle Road,
Liverpool L30 4YD, Telephone number 0151 239 6048. If you live outside
the Merseyside area, contact the local Fire Brigade Headquarters,
for your nearest Fire Station use the Fire
Brigades Directory.
The following guidance is based on leaflets issued over the years
but still relevant today.
Protect
Your Home From Fire
Fire Safety
in High Rise Flats
Wake Up
Get A Smoke Alarm
Fires in
the Kitchen
The
Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations
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