Fire safety for older properties

We’ve had several calls lately asking for our help with fire safety in properties which are around 100 years old, and some even older. In each case these are being used for sleeping accommodation and therefore require a fire safety risk assessment.

A fire risk assessment is required for any non-domestic property and the legislation is enforced by the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS). There can be long gaps between inspections these days as proprietors are expected to comply with the law without oversight. However, the FRS are active in checking on standards in the area and have an especially keen interest in older Inns, B&Bs, Guesthouses and Self-catering lets.

Self-catering lets in fact are likely to come under great scrutiny once the short-term letting licencing process is implemented in October.

If you have one of these properties you’ll appreciate that they have characteristics which make them more at risk from fire. These could include wooden panelling, open fires or wood burners, internal doors which are not fire doors and escape routes which take a tortuous route to safety.

The FRS are realistic and pragmatic about the difficulties in achieving a high standard of fire safety for these structures, however, they also need to ensure that guests are safe. Afterall those who are unfamiliar with the building, when woken by a smoke alarm, may not be able to find their way out.

What’s expected? As an operator of a building with features which might not be ideal for fire safety, you need to take tighter control over those risks which you can reduce. The place to start is with fire hazards. For example, keeping flammable liquids and gases to a minimum, closely managing the risks from fireplaces, keeping kitchen extraction systems very clean. Maintenance needs to be top notch with routine inspections up to date for gas, oil and electric systems, and chimneys swept. Internal and external escape routes must be kept clear and in good order. Alarm and detection systems need to meet the grade appropriate to the type, size, layout and use of the premises. And you’ll need to ensure that training is kept up to date for any staff you have.

These issues and more should be covered in your fire risk assessment, and for all but the most simple premises you will need input from a competent fire risk assessor.

If you would like a no obligation quote to carry out a fire safety risk assessment, please contact us here at Clarity Safety Solutions.