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Author Topic: HMO's  (Read 13902 times)

Offline Nearlybaldandgrey

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HMO's
« Reply #15 on: March 14, 2008, 09:13:24 AM »
Does anyone consult with the Private Sector Housing bods at the local council on these?
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Midland Retty

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« Reply #16 on: March 14, 2008, 09:33:19 AM »
Quote from: Baldyman
Does anyone consult with the Private Sector Housing bods at the local council on these?
Yes work very closely with them

There is a national joint protocol which lays down who is the lead authority between the LA and FRA
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Offline FSO

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« Reply #17 on: March 14, 2008, 10:39:21 AM »
Indeed, so do we. The protocol is not yet fully adopted but we generally take the lead if it is a fire issue.

I totally agree with you retty, however we still come across a problem. If you are to install an AFD system in the common areas of an HMO the recommended standard by the guides and 5839 part 6 is grade A LD2.

By the very nature of fitting an LD2 system, it would imply that you are to fit detection linked to this system to all rooms that open on to the common areas.

The guides then go on to state about fitting a grade D LD3 system in each flat which is not linked to the common alarm.

So is it suggesting that there should not be a linked detector in each flat?

I have read suggestions tha a heat detector should be fitted in flat linked to the common FA, but this is only suggestions. It would appear common sense to me though.

I currently wish to serve an enforcement notice on an HMO with poor detection currently but want to get the standard dead right.

Many people seem to have personal views, as I do too. It would just be nice to get the standard text book. Unfortunatly there is conflicting information in every piece of guidence you look at.

Oh my head sinks further to my desk.....

thanks for your opinions

Jay
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Midland Retty

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« Reply #18 on: March 14, 2008, 12:00:56 PM »
Hi Jay

My definative answer would be that if its a HMO then LD2 standard everytime, which as you correctly point out states that detection would be required in individual rooms opening onto corridor too.

The bit about standalone alarms only really applies to self contained flats or bedsits with kitchenettes where potentially false alarms from say someone burning the toast would mean everyone needlessly evacuated the premises.

Unless you are talking flats and masionettes constructed to building regs a HMO containing self contained flats should have stand alone mains powered smoke detection with perhaps an interlinked heat detector connected to the fire alarm system.
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Offline Nearlybaldandgrey

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« Reply #19 on: March 17, 2008, 04:20:51 PM »
I'm aware of the protocols and DASH etc, it just appeared that no-one had mentioned the local authorities!

It's always good to consult so a common agreement can be reached ....
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Offline wee brian

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« Reply #20 on: March 17, 2008, 04:55:33 PM »
I think its a requirement of the order to consult before serving a notice.
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Offline FSO

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« Reply #21 on: March 18, 2008, 12:35:45 PM »
Article 30 (5).

Take the housing officer with you on an inspection, kill 2 birds with one stone.
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Offline wee brian

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« Reply #22 on: March 18, 2008, 01:41:38 PM »
Go to pub afterwards - thats what used to happen.
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Offline FSO

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« Reply #23 on: March 18, 2008, 03:43:36 PM »
Sounds like a good idea to me!!

Dam political correctness!!!
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Offline Dragonmaster

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« Reply #24 on: March 18, 2008, 04:43:53 PM »
Quote from: wee brian
I think its a requirement of the order to consult before serving a notice.
Article 46(1) requires a FRA to be consulted by other public authorities where they intend to take any action that may rsult in any changes to any measures required under the RRO.

Articles 30 & 31 require the FRA to consult or notify other statutory bodies, but failure to do so does not invalidate the action taken.

Whilst walking through this mine field a little poem by Baldrick springs to mind

'Boom, boom, boom boom.....'
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"Never do today what will become someone's else's responsibility tomorrow"

Offline val

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« Reply #25 on: March 18, 2008, 06:00:19 PM »
Quote from: Baldyman
I'm aware of the protocols and DASH etc, it just appeared that no-one had mentioned the local authorities!

It's always good to consult so a common agreement can be reached ....
There is a guide currently being prepared that 'should' address many of these issues. It is meant to take into account all the existing local guides and as far as possible the CLG guidance for sleeping accomodation.

It will cover all, well nearly all, residential accomodation and will be the benchmark for FRS and Housing Authorities. It will have wide stakeholder support, including CLG and should make such premises easier to make safe.

Some Authorities, (and landlords) will have to accept slightly changed benchmark standards and they have been very aware of local sensitivities, but at least there will be a definitive guide.

No doubt it will generate some opinions on here in due course.

Due out May, but I bet it will be June!

Our old friend Colin T is already flogging training courses!
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