Fire Safety

Please note this informationn has been taken directly from Birmingham City Councils Fire Procedrues

Fire safety in high-rise buildings

Stay Safe, Stay Put

All our high-rise residential buildings are designed and built to ensure that a fire is contained to the flat where it starts and should not spread to other flats very quickly. This provides time for the fire service to deal effectively with all incidents.

You should familiarise yourself with the fire evacuation plan for your block of flats displayed on each floor.

If there is a fire in your flat, you should:

· alert all occupants and leave the building

· close doors behind you

· phone 999

If there is a fire elsewhere in the building, it is usually safer to stay inside your flat unless you are affected by heat or smoke. 

Always follow the advice of the fire service in an emergency.

Disposing of waste safely and keeping corridors, lobby areas and stairwells free of dumped waste, rubbish and discarded furniture can also help to reduce the risk of fire in high-rise residential buildings.

'Ring' doorbells

Do not fit a 'Ring' doorbell to a fire door, or any item or device that requires holes to be made in the fire door. You will be responsible for the cost of removing, replacing and re-certifying the door if you do this.

To find out more about fire safety in your home:

· follow the 'Fire safety in flats advice' - for an accessible version, phone 0121 303 4036 or email bcc.callcentre.support@birmingham.gov.uk

· contact Bloomsbury EMB on 0121 464 1550

Sprinkler systems in high-rise residential buildings

If there is a sprinkler system where you live, you should:

· keep all sprinkler heads and cover plates free from obstructions such as pictures, stacked boxes or furniture

· not hang anything from, or drill or screw anything to any part of the sprinkler system

· not tamper, remove, paint or decorate the sprinkler head, cover plate or trunking

· not use steam wallpaper strippers, blow torches or other equipment that produces a lot of heat in rooms that have sprinklers installed

· log a repair with the contact centre immediately on 0121 216 3330 If there is any damage to the sprinkler head or cover plate

If there is a fire in your flat and the sprinkler has been activated, follow your fire procedure and leave the premises.

Bin chutes in high and low rise buildings

Bin chutes are used across the city, mainly in tower and maisonette blocks, for residents to dispose of household waste. You must use them properly because they can get blocked and damage safety features.

To ensure ongoing and efficient operation of the chutes:

· only dispose of household waste in small quantities - anything larger than a carrier bag can block the chutes, which can cause an inconvenience to you, as well as other users

· do not put large or awkward shaped items (such as pizza boxes and delivery boxes) down the chute because they will get jammed - if you can tear up the item first, you must do so

· do not force items into the chute that are too large, as internal fire safety seals can become dislodged or damaged

· if you would like to collect your waste in a larger bag before visiting the chute, you should leave it untied and empty the contents of the bag down the chute - you can either reuse your bag or dispose of it down the chute

· make sure dangerous items such as broken glass or sharp tins are wrapped up securely before throwing down the chutes

· put wet waste (such as tea bags, peelings, and leftovers) into small bags before disposing of them in the chute

· utilise recycling facilities at your block, if available, to separate recyclable goods from the rest of your general domestic waste - this will help you to reduce the amount of waste you put into the chute and help to prevent blockages

Do not:

· dispose of bulky items in the bin chutes as this may cause a blockage and put the chute out of operation

· fly-tip or dump black bags or other waste in the communal areas or next to the rubbish chutes or bin rooms

You will increase the risk of fire if you do this.

Mobility scooters and e-bikes

We do not allow mobility scooters, e-bikes, or similar devices to be stored or charged in communal areas of any building we manage. This is unless a facility has been provided and you have our permission to use it.

If we do not give our approval, we will make alternative arrangements.

Most of our buildings were designed before the use of mobility scooters and e-bikes became popular.

We have a duty to manage the risks to the building and those within it arising from the use, storage, or charging of such devices in communal areas.

These include but are not limited to:

· obstruction of passageways and escape routes, particularly in emergency situations

· hazards to others who may have mobility difficulties and other impairments

· fire loading risk, when being charged or due to poor maintenance

· damage caused when used in buildings without adequate turning circles and for which their use was not designed

Safe use, storage, and charging of mobility scooters and e-bikes

Where these devices are in use, the following safety information must be followed:

· reduce the risk of overheating by:

o never exposing them to extremes of temperature

o allowing batteries to cool down before attempting re-charge

o charge batteries on hard flat surfaces so heat can dissipate

o avoid the battery becoming damaged through careful use

· follow manufacturers' instructions whilst charging and unplug after use

· never leave unattended or charge whilst asleep, and use correct chargers, buying replacements from reputable suppliers

· never block your escape routes inside properties with mobility scooters or e-bikes or charge batteries in escape routes or at exit points

Always phone 999 in the event of a fire, and make sure you and your family know your escape plan.

Composite fire door and frame cleaning and maintenance

To prolong the life of your composite fire door, you should:

· clean the complete door and frame regularly

· wash letter plates, handles and door knockers with warm soapy water and wipe dry with a soft, clean cloth

· lightly apply a lubricant spray in the apertures of the hooks, dead-bolt, latch, hinges, and into both sides of the cylinder at least twice a year

· take extra care to avoid disturbing where the edge of the frame meets the wall (the sealant)

· always make sure that the top and bottom locking points are engaged to help reduce thermal movement when the door is closed

· allow repairs contractors and Birmingham City Council representatives to carry out inspections of the fire doors sets

· report any damage to fire doors, including the frame, letter plates, handles and door knocker to the Repairs Service on 0121 216 3330

· report any loose or damaged fire rated seals to the Repairs Service on 0121 216 3330 immediately - do not remove or replace them

You should not:

· adjust or remove specific items fitted to your doors, including the handles, locks, door closer, letter plate, door knocker and door viewer. These items will invalidate the fire rating, and you may be subject to recharges

· prop open, disengage, adjust or remove the door closer - this has been fitted to make sure the door meets fire regulations and must be intact to protect yours and neighbouring properties

· drill holes, or fix any items to your door, including fitting any 'Ring' doorbells or other surveillance equipment, as this may affect the fire certification - if any part of your door needs adjusting or replacing, report it to the Repairs Service on 0121 216 3330

· use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads on the surface of the door or FireFrame®

· use a high pressure power washer or steam cleaner

· use any type of bleach or solvent, for example, white spirit, methylated spirit, cellulose thinner, acetone or nail varnish remover

· use adhesives of any type or tack to fix decorations

· use excessive length key chains - avoid contact with these and any other sharp implements

Keeping communal areas clear and safe

The City Housing Directorate has a responsibility for where you live. This includes making sure all communal areas in high and low-rise flats meet fire and safety requirements.

Items stored or left in communal areas, which are shared spaces, are a fire hazard. They can prevent people from leaving the building safely in the event of a fire.

The Fire and Rescue Services outline that storing belongings in these communal areas can pose a real risk to everyone’s safety and can prevent them from doing their job in an emergency.

It’s important we all do what we can to prevent these fire hazards which is why we have a zero-tolerance approach.

If you currently have items stored or left in these spaces, you must remove them immediately.

These include but are not limited to:

· prams

· pushchairs

· bicycles or scooters (manual and electric)

· soft furnishings

· furniture or decorative items

· children’s toys

· shoes or other household items

We have produced an information booklet on keeping communal areas clear and safe.

The best way to look after yourselves and your possessions is to keep them inside your home.