Flat-Living.co.uk Fire hazards
12% of blocks - under serious fire hazards threat
A large-scale fire hazards inspection on 500 blocks in London
stressing the urgent need to
and the South East of England reveals an alarming
review fire safety for blocks
12 per cent are under serious fire hazards threat.
of flats. The government has
advised property managers
According to the GOL
to carry out frequent fire risk
Group’s inspection,
assessments according to the
72 per cent of the
HM Government ‘Fire safety risk
sites contain minor fire
assessment guide’ for sleeping
hazards in communal
accommodation. The London
and stair case areas.
Fire Brigade also provides
12 per cent are
useful guidance and advice on
overwhelmed with
fire prevention and community
residents personal
safety.
items including plant
pots, bikes, boxes,
Peter Gilgallon, Operations
electrical waste, push
Manager at The GOL Group said: ‘According to our inspection, a
chairs etc blocking fire
majority of residents said the reason they left their belongings in the
exits and external access to the building, which not only prevents
communal area is because they do not have enough space internally.
residents from escaping the building in case of fire but also delays
Having allocated extra storage space is a worthwhile possibility to
the firefighter’s access to fight the fire. The inspection also reveals at
consider in designing future blocks. However, this might prove to be
least 56 per cent of electric cupboards are used as storage to dump
a big challenge for property managers of existing buildings. Cleaning
rubbish, this implies serious fire risks for residents.
contractors’ employees should be well trained in health and safety to
monitor and provide feedback on fire hazards, helping to identify the
The inspection was carried out by the GOL Group, the leading
problems before they tur
JOhn M
n into risks’.
OrTiMEr
provider of cleaning, maintenance and facilities management
services to residential blocks of flats, from April 2009 to July 2009.
All potential fire hazards have been reported to the relevant building’s
To find out how we can help you
authorities to take the appropriate measures and action. A copy of
tackle the problems please call
this has also been sent to all London councils, Housing Associations,
the GOL group at 0845 604 1288
and Housing management bodies in London and the South East for
attention.
On Friday 3rd July 2009, six people including a three-week-old baby
died in a massive fire at the 12-storey Lakanal House in Camberwell,
010
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