By George Baker, Compliance Manager
When it comes to ensuring the safety of residents in residential blocks, fire safety compliance has to come at the top of the list.
At Pure Block Management, we are employed by resident management companies and leaseholders of developments to ensure all aspects of fire safety compliance are always adhered to.
It is far from a case of carrying out routine maintenance and inspections of alarms and systems.
Indeed, we make it clear that fire safety is a collaborative responsibility between us, leaseholders, tenants and the fire service, and something which needs to be on everybody’s radar, every day.
New regulations to improve fire safety
Fire safety for large residential developments is the subject of new Government regulations (Approved Document B) which are to be introduced in March.
These changes are mainly targeted at the construction sector and for the development of new large scale residential buildings, to improve fire safety standards in England and Wales.
Further changes are also proposed for September, and these will specifically address improving fire safety in high-rise residential buildings.
New requirements will see all new residential buildings over 18 metres in height be required to be built with two staircases, as well as evacuation lifts.
All new regulations aim to improve the key areas of fire safety in residential developments, and these are the areas our team at Pure Block Management is focussed on at all times.
They are:
- Preventing the start of fire in buildings
- Ensuring escape routes are accessible and clear
- Ensuring fire safety information, such as evacuation plans, are clearly communicated / visible to building users
- Ensuring clear access and facilities are available for firefighters
- Limiting the spread of fire within and between buildings
Our team will ensure your block complies to the standards required by:
Arranging fire risk assessments
We arrange fire risk assessments to identify potential fire hazards within the building such as compartmentation issues, certification of electrical components, communal storage and further health & safety matters.
We aim to advise on the importance of not storing combustible items in common areas by reviewing leases and legislation and will also assess if any residents are increasing the fire risk due to their possessions or hoarding.
Maintaining fire detection systems
We’ll ensure fire alarms, smoke and heat detectors and smoke vents are serviced by accredited and qualified contractors. Ensuring they are tested regularly to meet requirements, with correct certification and maintenance records.
Ensure a safe route of escape
Our team carry out regular checks to ensure escape routes are clear, that fire doors work properly and self-close, and that any urgent repairs are immediately carried out to damaged door seals, closers, and frames.
We also ensure all emergency lighting functions are working and that exit signage is visible and compliant enabling safe egress in the event of an emergency.
Communicating evacuation plans to directors and residents
All directors, leaseholders and occupants are provided with the specific fire action evacuation strategy for the property.
This can vary between developments, but it is essential that clear instructions on what to do in a fire are provided, and that clear instructions are visible within the building.
Manage fire-fighting equipment
We will ensure the required amount of fire extinguishers and blankets are provided within the building and maintained and serviced annually.
A team effort and everybody’s responsibility
At Pure Block Management, we pride ourselves on leading the industry in terms of compliance, and whilst we know we provide a first-class fire safety service, we always emphasise that it has to be a partnership between ourselves, leaseholders, tenants and the local fire service to keep buildings as safe from fire as possible.
Ultimately, the responsibility for assessing the risk of fire, mitigating that risk, and ensuring all are as best prepared as they can be in the event of a fire, lies with the directors of the management company.
They need to ensure they have all this in hand, or turn to experts such as ourselves to remove that worry.
Finally, we never underestimate the important role residents themselves play in fire safety.
They are in the building every day and often see potential issues before anybody else. They need to know who they can report those issues too, knowing they will be dealt with.
Keeping compliance the priority
Compliance is a huge part of our service at Pure Block Management, and my dedicated role.
We will always ensure the buildings we manage comply in every area of fire safety, and urge all residential block directors, leaseholders and residents to do the same.
Whatever new legislation comes into force, whether it be relayed to fire risk or other compliance matters, our role is to ensure the developments we manage meet the requirements at all times, giving all stakeholders peace of mind.
