How often does a block of flats need a fire risk assessment?

The Fire Risk Assessment must be reviewed on a regular basis. It is recommended that the following be included in the review: Every 12 months after the original assessment is done. Every 5 years a new assessment should be conducted.

Does the fire safety Order apply to flats?

Who does it apply to? The Order applies to almost all buildings, places and structures other than individual private homes – that’s individual flats in a block or family homes. Other places covered by the Order include shared areas in houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), blocks of flats and maisonettes.

Who is responsible for fire safety in flats?

If you are responsible for fire safety in a building, it is your legal responsibility to make sure that the building has an up to date fire risk assessment.

How many fire exits should a block of flats have?

The fire exit regulations recommend that there are at least two escape routes from every part of premises that are completely independent of each other. This will ensure there’s always a route your staff can take to evacuate the building.

Does my flat need a fire risk assessment?

It’s a legal requirement for all blocks of flats (including houses converted into two or more flats) to have a fire risk assessment of the communal areas only. But this must include the front doors of individual flats. A basic fire risk assessment will look at the communal areas and examine the main doors to the flats.

Do you need a fire risk assessment for Maisonette?

Which acts and fire safety regulations/guidance apply to your property? With regards to fire safety, the main legislation is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO). This Order requires landlords to carry out fire risk assessments in the common areas of HMOs, flats, maisonettes and sheltered accommodation.

Do I need a fire risk assessment for my flat?

Does my flat need a fire door?

Why do you need to provide fire doors? They are specifically designed to withstand fire for up to 30 minutes. They are a legal requirement for flats which open onto communal areas shared with other tenants. This is to make sure crucial escape routes are protected if a fire breaks out.

How do I know if my flat is fire safe?

If you’re a council tenant, your landlord will be the local authority – check their website first. Some councils have information about their fire safety plans on the homepage….Making sure your flat is fire safe

• on your tenancy agreement.
• when your home was built.
• if you have a private landlord.

What do you do if there’s a fire in your flat?

If there is a fire inside your flat:

1. get out immediately – do not delay by trying to put the fire out yourself.
2. crawl along the floor where the air is clearer if there is a lot of smoke in your flat.
3. alert all the people in your flat and close all doors behind you as you leave.
4. follow your fire escape plan.

What to do if there is a fire in your flat?

Find a safe room as far as possible within the flat from any fire or smoke (with a window if possible), close the door and use soft materials to block any gaps to stop the smoke. Go to a window, shout ‘HELP, FIRE’ and call 999.

Does a flat need a fire escape?

Fire prevention in flats Internal doors do not need to be fire doors if the flats are on the ground floor or less than 4.5 metres above the ground, providing the habitable rooms have a means of escape, such as a terrace or a window.

Is it legal to do a fire risk assessment on a block of flats?

It is a legal obligation to have a fire risk assessment done on any residential block of flats, this should be carried out by a competent person. The definition of a competent person is not stated but they should know about fire safety and the construction of buildings.

When do you need a communal fire risk assessment?

A review should also be carried out after the completion of any work to the building to address fire safety concerns. Fire safety in communal areas. It is a legal requirement for all blocks of flats (including houses converted into two or more flats) to have a fire risk assessment of the communal areas of flats.

How are blocks of flats designed for fire protection?

Modern purpose-built blocks of flats have been designed with a degree of fire protection such as fire doors, lobby doors, plasterboard with a minimum time of fire protection. The risk of leaving a flat in a fire is that you may be entering an area containing smoke or flames.

Can a Type 4 fire risk assessment be done?

This assessment may not be possible in flats that are on a long lease, that will not allow access to freeholders. Type 4 assessment is the same as Type 3 assessment in scope, other than that it will allow for destructive inspection and testing in both flats and common parts carried out in some sample areas and flats that are selected.