Hi All,

I would appreciate feedback on the following:

When I carrying out risk assessments in residential common areas (most commonly at blocks of self contained flats & houses converted into self contained flats), I recommend that the common areas (serving as the escape routes) should not be used for excessive storage of combustible items, i.e. personal items stored on the stairwell landings or electrical intake cupboards etc.

However, I am unclear as to the extent to which the managing agents for these blocks can go to in ensuring that these areas are kept clear? Is it permissable for the agents to remove items from the common areas, in view of the fire risk, if they have contacted the residents/displayed signs to warn them of the fire risk posed by the stored items, to no avail?

Is it acceptable to include a clause in the tenancy agreement stating that combustible items stored within the common areas will be removed by the management?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Makes life easier if it is written into a contract though. Another issue can be where weekly or fortnightly waste colections take place particularly where recyclable materials and plastic bins are left for colection in communal areas. The Heat Release Rate may suprise some fire risk assessors.

Bleve is right - the heat release rate can be mind boggling.

A bed on fire could have a heat release rate in megawatts in a very short space of time!

With regards to removing the property from the escape routes, you don't have to worry about theft unless there is an element of dishonesty and an intention to permanently deprive the owner of the property. So a note left at the scene to let the owner know what has happened to the property and an audit trail for the items removed, you have nothing to worry about it in respect of a criminal action. Hope that helps,
Regards,
John