Agreed Nearlythere.
I also agree with Clevelandfire that it isn't always possible to get an EHO out at the same time as a fire inspector. But nevertheless Wee B is correct, wherever possible the housing and fire officer should work together. Just seems a little disjointed, and attimes impractical, particularly as fire and housing inspectors have different views of risk when it comes to what they can and cannot enforce.
As regards the article 6 scenario I'll throw this into the mix:-
If you were called to a four storey HMO as a fire inspector, could see there was detection in the common areas but couldn't get into the bedrooms (the landlord says he is not allowed to go into bedrooms without giving tenants notice first) You ask the landlord if the bedrooms have detection, s/he says that they can't remember.
Would you :-
1) Ask landlord to arrange access and go back in a day or two with EHO
2) Assume the worst and consider possible prohibition / restriction
3) Say "fine you need to ensure there is detection in there before people are allowed to sleep on the premsies tonight, and if there is a fire its down to you".
What is reasonable, and how does that inspector protect themself?