Tenant handbook - health and safety

Fire safety

A Fire Action Notice is displayed at the main entrance to your building. It explains what to do if there is a fire and how the building should be evacuated.

Our blocks have a Stay Put Policy. Each flat is built to slow the spread of fire for at least 30 minutes. If there’s a fire somewhere else in the building and your flat is not affected, you should usually stay in your flat unless the Fire Service tells you to leave.

If there’s a fire in your flat, leave straight away, closing the door behind you. Use the escape routes and fire exits to leave the building.

When you’re safe, call 999.

Fire doors

To help keep escape routes safe, residents must keep communal areas, corridors, stairwells and exits clear of personal items, flammable materials and anything that could block the way.

Communal areas

Fire doors help stop fire and smoke from spreading and protect escape routes. Please check that:

  • The door closes fully when you let go of it.
  • The self-closing device works properly and has not been disconnected.
  • There are no large gaps around the door.
  • The smoke seals and strips are in place and not damaged.
  • Any fire-rated glass is not broken and is in good condition.

We carry out regular checks but if you require confirmation that the entrance door to your flat meets fire safety standards, please contact us.

Reporting fire safety concerns

Please report any concerns about fire safety to the Housing Maintenance Team on 0800 111 4484 as soon as possible. This could include:

  • Damaged or faulty fire doors
  • Blocked or obstructed escape routes
  • Faulty or missing emergency lighting
  • Defective or missing fire signage
  • Storage of items in communal areas

E-bikes and mobility scooters

E-bikes, e-scooters and mobility scooters must be kept inside your flat or in a storage area that is approved for this purpose in the building's Fire Risk Assessment.

They must not be kept in communal areas, corridors, stairwells or other escape routes, because they can block the way out and increase the risk of fire.

When charging batteries:

  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Use the correct charger supplied for the device.
  • Don’t overcharge batteries.
  • Don’t leave batteries charging unattended or overnight.

Lithium-ion batteries can fail without warning and cause fires that spread quickly. Safe storage and charging helps protect residents and the building.