When carrying out a fire risk assessment for residential, an Fire Risk Assessor will look at the specific fire safety needs of residential flat blocks and the following key factors:

Fire Doors and Self-Closers

In respect of flat entrance doors assessors check that all doors are fire rated typically to FD30 and are fitted with a working self-closer that ensures the door is closed fully at all times. They check door seals, hinges, etc and confirm that no doors have been left open or that the closure has been removed from the door.

Compartmentation

Assessors check flat buildings for weaknesses in compartmentation. This is the fire protection feature of flats, which is designed to contain a fire in one flat until it has been evacuated by its occupants. Small gaps around pipes and cables, as well as around ductwork that has passed through walls and floors are typical weaknesses in the fire separation between flats. The fire safety guidance for purpose-built blocks of flats is written with this building type in mind and provides detailed advice on the requirements for protecting flat buildings from fire.

Communal Escape Routes

Make sure that all of the areas leading to exit points are clear of obstructions such as; Bicycles, Fire Extinguishers, Furniture & other combustible materials. Check emergency lighting and signs for adequate visibility and clear indication to exit points.

Detection and Alarm Systems

All residential homes are required to have smoke detectors installed within each room and common areas are required to have their own smoke detection system that triggers the building’s fire alarm system.

Evacuation Strategy

The majority of residential flat blocks are designed with a ‘stay put’ policy in place in the event of a fire. In order to confirm that a fire risk assessment on a Milton Keynes flat block is accurate, assessors check the building’s design and construction and also whether written information has been distributed to residents on what to do in the event of a fire. There is more on Fire Risk Assessment Milton Keynes at //isefireproducts.co.uk/fire-risk-assessments/milton-keynes/.

Carrying out the checks to ensure that the fire risk assessment for a Milton Keynes flat block has been completed correctly will help to save lives and also prevent potential prosecution of the landlord / managing agent.