For the first time ever, UK landlords have national guidance on fire safety in blocks of flats.
The free document, entitled Fire Safety in Purpose Built Blocks of Flats and downloadable from www.local.gov.uk/fire-safety-guidance, was developed by eight organisations including the Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA) and published by the Local Government Group.
The trigger for the publication was worried and sometimes confused landlords who, largely under the auspices of ARMA, have long requested guidance on preventing fires from happening in their properties and protecting residents when they do. Until now, there have been a wide variety of fire risk assessments in operation with excessive action been taken in some blocks — and none at all in others.
The 192 pages give guidance on topics such as ’stay put’ policies, alarm systems, requirements of a fire risk assessment and the law relating to fire safety in communal blocks. In addition, the document provides many case studies that focus on common issues found in flats with suggested fire safety solutions.
For ARMA’s chairman Peter Dening the importance of the guidance cannot be overstated. “We have pushed long and hard for some national guidance and we hope this document finally provides specific and practical advice. As an indication of the significance and demand for this guidance in the leasehold sector, ARMA devised a training course in anticipation of its publication – it sold out within days.”
It is a legal requirement to carry out fire risk assessments and establish a fire policy in communal areas of blocks of flats, and the responsibility falls to whoever has ultimate control of the management of the building: typically, the landlord, freeholder or residents management company.
