Fire Risk ?

[tombayliss]

I Live In A Retirment Flat 1 Of 4 In A 2 Storey Block We All Own Our Flats Which Are Managed By Anchor Housing We Have Been Told That We Have To Remove Our Door Mats  And A Vase Of Artificial Flowers From The Landing Outside Our Front Door As They Are A Fire Hazard. None Of These Are Very Large Or Obstucting Any Exits We Have Refused Are We Wrong

[Chris Houston]

Tom,

The way it works is that the management must do a "Fire Safety Risk Assessment".  There are no hard and fast rules, although there is guidance from the government.  So it sounds like they have done their assessment and concluded that nothing combustible should be in the escape route.  This seems like a fair conclusion, except when you start to consider that we are talking about people's homes.  I would suggest it is over the top.  

Would I be correct in guessing that there is not much in the way of combustible items in the landings and that ignition sources are limited to basic lighting?

If so, you might try to enter into discussion with them to the effect that the fire loading presented by door mats and vases is negligable.

[Mr. P]

Also Tom, do the mats/vases of flowers hinder the exit route? As chris says, if there is neglible fire loading and no ignition sources, it would seem acceptable.

[Big T]

Hi Tom,

In my opinion you are wrong to say no but they are wrong for asking you to remove it. Catch 22 special! Essentially you are in breach of your lease if you refuse.

In my opinion, and I look after 150 retirement blocks, they are being over zealous with their risk assessment, the matts cause a tiny hazard with little risk. In all honesty the only hazard will be arson. And the risk of that depends on the security of the building and the location of the block.

Unfortunately it is they, not you who has to live with the residual risk from a legal view point. It may be worth entering into a sensible conversation with anchor as Chris suggests

[nearlythere]

I Live In A Retirment Flat 1 Of 4 In A 2 Storey Block We All Own Our Flats Which Are Managed By Anchor Housing We Have Been Told That We Have To Remove Our Door Mats  And A Vase Of Artificial Flowers From The Landing Outside Our Front Door As They Are A Fire Hazard. None Of These Are Very Large Or Obstucting Any Exits We Have Refused Are We Wrong

You will also have to remove any wooden doors, plastic light fittings and switches, wooden hand rails, items of combustible clothing anyone is wearing when using the stairs (interesting tombayliss or what?), and seal up the letter boxes because of the possibility of letters lying on the floor.
Can't think of any other dangerous items at the moment but sure someone else will help.

[nearlythere]

I'm sure you realise tombayliss I'm only joking but certainly if they want to be stupid about it then so can you.

[tombayliss]

Thanks For All Your Comments It Has Given Me Some Food For Thought I Will Talk To Anchor And Let You Know The Out Come
All The Best
Tom