Posted By Brenda H Hi there, I know the general requirement is down to 'risk assessment'; but i'm keen to know people's opinions or what is required.. Are fire extinguishers required in communual areas, i.e. hallways/corridors in blocks of flats? If mentioned in guidance point me in the right direction as happy to look. If so, anyone got any ideas how you stop the tenants damaging/stealing or abusing them?!

Posted By ivorfire Brenda, The principle of Fire extiguishers under the FSO are there on a risk basis of "nipping a small fire in the bud" before it grows larger presenting a much broad and higher risk. This must also be considered and balanced with a suitable package of training. Is it reasonable to have tenants trained? The answer usually is "no". Therefore as part of the fire risk assesment in the first place do you need them? If this is no, it removes the need (and answers your question) that if you remove the extiguishers you remove your problem. I woud suggest that this is a fine line and is viable for where you have a typical block of flat arragement i.e. reasonable inert common parts with out any other communial facilities. If you have communial common parts such as meeting room, lounge, kitchen, gym, swimming pool etc depending on the age of the development, these areas because of the risks are higher, and may well also be a place of work, I would suggest that these would require fire fighting equipment(FFE) and as a place of work have people who can be trained, (not all just key people) As an enforcer of FSO this is the usual bench mark that is used for my area. If the FRA still identifies the need for FFE, then review the provision, consider change of location, and possible write to each tenant outlining changes, and the need resposnsibilty etc. You probably you have considered this already. One scheme I recently found useful is to include within the lease something along the lines of a responsibilty as a "relevant person", (and in some cases "responsible persons") fire safety measures to be maintained effective, efficent etc along the lines of Article 22, (and Art 17 maintenance etc). This approach safe gaurding more than the extiguishers e.g. the front entrance doors of flats being the boundary (and common part)between FSO and Housing Act / common part and domestic. This will also cater for any measures provided such as dry risers and Article 38. To change leases etc may be a little more difficult but for any new leases this may be viable. I appreciate this still requires to id who tampered etc, but it also reminds people and raise the profile to perhaps make people realise. Hope this helps alittle. Compliments of the season. Shaun