Mobility scooters

[Mark06]

Hello,

I am new to Fire Safety and apologise if this question has been asked previously.

On an inspection at a sheltered accomodation premise we came across a mobility scooter on charge, in the means of escape. Our advice was that it is not acceptable and alternative arrangements need to be made to enable its charging, i.e. provide a dedicated room for charging etc.

On return to the office and reffering to the CLG guides I could find no reference to mobility scooters. After discussing with colleagues I was referred to the guidance for purpose built blocks of flats, where I found refernece to mobility scooters.

I would like to ask does anyone know of any incidents where they have caught fire whilst charging, additionally your stance regarding charging of mobility scooters on the means of escape; either never allow or a controlled charging time?

Thanking you in advance for your replies.

Mark06 

[Mike Buckley]

There has been a discussion in the Fire Investigation topic but this relted more to scooters catching fire whilst in use. However it could be of use to you.

[Tom W]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-12037123

http://www.leicestershire-fire.gov.uk/safety/business/mobility-scooters.shtml

2 for starters 

[Dinnertime Dave]

This has been discussed at various times on this forum. Quite an emotive subject in sheltered housing schemes, but I tend to concentrate on how the responsible person controls the risk. What is their policy? Do they even have a policy? A lot don`t, Do the owners have to sign any agreements? Does the agreement give instructions on when/where they are charged and how they are maintained or make it requirement to have the scooter insured?         

[colin todd]

Charging in common parts is a non-negotiable no, I think.  Storage in common parts is another issue that needs to be risk assessed.  There have been fires certainly.  Part of the answer is, I think, a standard for the fire performance of mobility scooters, which I am currently discussing with BSI.

[Midland Retty]

I would agree that the charging of scooters is generally a no-no in common areas.

That said I was involved in a special case at one sheltered scheme where we risk assessed the charging of scooters in a communal area. We deemed it acceptable given the "unusual " layout of the floor. It was as follows:-

• Scooter / charger situated in a ground floor lobby dissecting a corridor accessing apartments. The lobby contained an exit to communal gardens only (there were no rooms situated directly off it)
• The corridors either side of the lobby had alternative escape, (you do not have to pass through the lobby for onward escape).
• Walls / ceiling of lobby was formed by materials achieving sixty minutes f/r (compartment walls and floors) with FD30s doors
• Category L2 fire alarm system fitted (detection obviously therefore in the lobby)
• Only one charging point / scooter permitted in lobby

[colin todd]

Retters, always the purveyor of common sense. Why do you remain in the fire and rescue service. There is no place for you there.

[Mark06]

Thank you for your comments and observations regarding this subject and the further reading that has been signposted.

Much appreciated,

Mark06

[Argyle]

Colin - do you have any more information regarding BSI with this issue ?