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3 storey block of flats with five flats on each floor. Residents are elderly.
There are currently fire extinguishers provided in the common areas. The issue is that in the event of a fire the occupants would not be able to even lift an extinguisher let alone use it.
Is there a requirement to provide extinguishers?
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What about staff who might have to come along to help get the residents get out if there is a fire?
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Thanks AK but this does not apply. They are residents in their own homes. The landlord is a charity and my understanding is that the relationship is similar to a local authority or housing association set up.
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In my opinion there is probably not a requirement if the common areas are external areas - landings etc. However if they are inside a building, and are evacuation routes I would say yes.
SBH
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Is it a stay-put policy? If yes then why are you putting fire extinguihers in common area. I would be very concerned about a block of flats if it required staff to fire fight in order to secure safe evacuation.
If it's an evcauation route then answer is fire protection of escape routes not portable fire fighting equipment. See Building regns. Approved Doc B. If the flats don't comply with AD B then it's a real problem. The answer may well involve increased fire detection to support a full evacuation procedure ass compensatory measure. This is not uncoomon in some flat conversions but if its purpose builtit should comply with AD B and a stay put policy may be appropriate. This needs a good assessor to gprovide details.
What does the fire Risk Assessment say and does it give a rationale for its conclusions.
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This is historical; we have only just got involved, but previous fire risk assessments were carried out by a well known fire and security company who required fire extinguishers to be provided. We have raised the question with insurers and are hoping for feedback from them.
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Hi,
If you have concerns re the use of these extinguishers involve the local Fire Brigade and ask their opinion, I am aware of several sleeping accommodations that do not provide extinguishers with agreement of the Brigade, subject to safe escape routes, ability to use or stay put policies - it all depends on your premises configuration and resident type.
Regards Pete,
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Rank: Super forum user
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Decimomal wrote:3 storey block of flats with five flats on each floor. Residents are elderly.
There are currently fire extinguishers provided in the common areas. The issue is that in the event of a fire the occupants would not be able to even lift an extinguisher let alone use it.
I know plenty of elderly people who can quite easily lift such things as fire extuinghuishers...many eldery people as you pout it (65 plus) are quite sprightly these day you know :)
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so not providing such equipment becuase there is a presumption older people cant lift them would be very sticky ground
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stonecold wrote:so not providing such equipment becuase there is a presumption older people cant lift them would be very sticky ground
Comment noted but not really answered the question?
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Rank: Guest
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stonecold wrote:Decimomal wrote:3 storey block of flats with five flats on each floor. Residents are elderly.
There are currently fire extinguishers provided in the common areas. The issue is that in the event of a fire the occupants would not be able to even lift an extinguisher let alone use it.
I know plenty of elderly people who can quite easily lift such things as fire extuinghuishers...many eldery people as you pout it (65 plus) are quite sprightly these day you know :)
Posted: 18 December 2014 12:57:16
so not providing such equipment becuase there is a presumption older people cant lift them would be very sticky ground
Someone always lowers the tone - a good series of posts and one I have learnt from seeing as I am in the same boat. It is obvious that Decimomal had no intention of denigrating the elderly.
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Thank you Mrs Blue.
This is why some colleagues are reluctant to ask questions on the forum. We canvas our peers opinions and do not always get the response we expect (e.g. they express an opinion without answering the original question)!
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I actually thought my comment was quite valid...the elderly residents are obviously a factor else you wouldnt have mentioned them.
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Decimomal wrote:3 storey block of flats with five flats on each floor. Residents are elderly.
There are currently fire extinguishers provided in the common areas. The issue is that in the event of a fire the occupants would not be able to even lift an extinguisher let alone use it.
My question was:
Is there a requirement to provide extinguishers?
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You stated the residents are elderly....why else mention that unless you felt it was a relevant factor?
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Decimomal wrote:...... previous fire risk assessments were carried out by a well known fire and security company who required fire extinguishers to be provided.
This is a common problem: fire risk assessor is the supplier of fire-fighting equipment.
They could be overstating the need for FE's to make a few quid?
As suggested above, get advice from local Fire & Rescue or from insurance co.
If they suggest no need for FE's then you will need someone else to do your fire risk assessment.
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Decinomal
Local Government Association publication "Fire safety in purpose-built flats" indicates extinguishers in common parts not normally necessary.
Where provided LGA indicate that consideration should be given to whether extinguishers are "appropriate", or perhaps "undesirable".
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