Block safety
If you live in a flat in one of our taller buildings or one with communal areas, there are checks and regulations we follow to make sure your home is safe and well maintained.
Window safety
It is important to understand the risks associated with opening windows if you live in a flat or one of our taller buildings. These dangers increase significantly when there are young children in the home.
Window restrictors are safety devices that prevent windows from opening more than 10cm (4 inches) without being manually released. They are essential in preventing accidental falls, especially in homes above the ground floor.
To ensure you and your family stay safe please follow these guidelines:
- Always ensure window restrictors are in place and secure when opening windows.
- If you need to open a window wider for cleaning or ventilation, re-engage the restrictors immediately after use.
- Never paint over UPVC windows, especially the handles, hinges, and restrictors, as this can prevent them from working properly.
- Avoid placing furniture near windows. This helps prevent children or pets from climbing and potentially falling.
If you notice any issues with your window restrictors, please report them to us.
Fire doors
Fire doors are in place to help keep you safe and are designed to help stop the spread of fire and smoke.
Doors that are classed as fire doors are generally the entrance door to your home, the doors within the communal corridors (usually at the top of the stairs or by the lift) and service cupboard doors in the communal areas.
They will only work if they are properly maintained and not tampered with:
- Keep fire doors closed and do not remove the closing mechanism
- Report any faults or damage to doors immediately to us
If you live in a block with five or more floors we carry out an annual check of your flat entrance door to check it is safe and in good repair. We will need to inspect both sides of your door so it’s really important that you let us in – it should only take a few minutes. We also check all the communal fire doors within your block every three months.
Stay safe evacuation guidance
All our flat buildings have ‘stay safe’ evacuation guidance in place. This means that if there is a fire in your block you can stay put, as long as you think it is safe to do so. If you smell smoke, see a fire, feel unsafe or are instructed by the fire service to leave, you should get out and stay out.
What you can to do to stop a fire from happening in your block
What we do to keep your block safe
Lift safety
As your landlord, we’re responsible for making sure any lifts in your communal areas are safe. Our lift maintenance company Concept Elevators carries out regular inspections to ensure lifts operate safely. If you notice a fault with a lift in your communal area, please let us know.
Spotted something you’re concerned about?
If you notice a fire safety concern, please get in touch with us.
Safety information for your block
FAQs
What does ‘stay safe’ mean?
I live in a block. What should I do if there is a fire?
- If you are in your flat and believe there is a fire elsewhere in the building you can stay put, as long as you think it is safe to do so. If you smell smoke, see a fire, feel unsafe or are instructed by the Fire Service to leave, you should get out and stay out.
- If you discover a fire in your flat, get everyone in your flat to leave, closing any fire doors. Stay out of your flat and go to a safe space away from the building. Do not use the lifts. Once it is safe to do so call the fire service on 999.
- If you are in a communal area and believe there is a fire, you should get out, stay out, and call the fire service on 999.
- If you feel unsafe for any reason, leave the building. Follow the fire escape signs and close all doors behind you. Do not use the lift.
What are my responsibilities regarding fire safety?
What should I do if I have a disability that will make it hard for me to evacuate in the event of a fire?
Why are fire doors important?
How do I check my fire door?
- Check for signs of damage to either side of the door, the frame and hinges as well as the overhead closing device. Where you have seals installed on your door check these are free from damage.
- Open your door and fully release it. The door should shut fully into the doorframe without you having to shut it.
What do I do if I think a fire door is damaged?
How often do you carry out building safety checks on my block?
- Visits by the Neighbourhood Impact Officers
- Quarterly communal fire door and annual flat entrance door inspections
- Fire alarms, lifts and emergency lighting.
