Mobility scooters

[Tom Sutton]

I'm doing some research on sheltered housing at the moment and have forgotten which guidance advises that mobility scooters cannot be stored or charged outside rooms in the common escape part (residential housing), I've spent time looking through; 9999, ADB, CLG guides etc to no avail.

Can anybody help my enquirer?

[nearlythere]

Would doubt there is specific mention Tom. More of a risk in protected route especially if charging facility provided.

[CivvyFSO]

It tends to often be a decision taken by the local FRS/Enforcing authority. i.e. The local FRS may have policy on what they consider to be acceptable. The actual policy varies from an outright 'no' to them being allowed providing certain criteria are met. i.e. Not single stair, not blocking MOE, timer on the charger.

In all honesty, it should usually be a no-brainer for any risk assessment. Is it a risk? Yes. Can it be removed? Usually, yes.

Housing associations seem to be able to deal with it via policy/tenancy contracts, an example pulled straight off the net as follows:

http://www.gloscityhomes.co.uk/Documents/Policy/MobilityScooterPolicy-Controlled.pdf

My favourite part being  "All vehicles charged within the designated area will require a PAT (portable appliance teat)"

[Username]

But even that Glos City Document insists that

Fire safety regulations state that mobility scooters stored in communal corridors are not allowed

I agree it should be risk assessed, but going back to the original question, is it actually specified in any of the guidance?

[CivvyFSO]

It is not, to my knowledge, specificed in any guidance, and it is not mentioned so specifically in any legislation.

The RR(FS)O states that one of many 'general fire precautions' is: "measures for securing that, at all material times, the means of escape can be safely and effectively used"

That line itself effectively negates putting fire loading in an escape route, partially blocking an escape route, introducing an extra ignition source adjacent to the fire loading in an escape route. It might not be specifically mentioned in the legislation, but the underlying requirements of the legislation are clear.

[nearlythere]

But even that Glos City Document insists that

Fire safety regulations state that mobility scooters stored in communal corridors are not allowed

I agree it should be risk assessed, but going back to the original question, is it actually specified in any of the guidance?

Username. To carry on with CFSO's pitch you will probably find that fire safety legislation, with regard to fire hazards and risks, is not generally that specific. There could possibly be local authority bylaws or Housing Authority conditions of occupancy on such matters but I would not have thought in national legislation.

[Username]

Thanks for that NT and Civvy.

Like Tom, I am trying to find more info re mobility scooter charging and storage. From what I've come across so far it seems that although there isn't a definiative "You must not", the consensus is that they shouldn't be charged in common areas.

[Tom Sutton]

Thanks guys for your opinions it has reinforced mine.

From the questions I receive from outside the fire safety community, most seems to think that there are black and white responses to all questions. Under the previous legislation (FPA) you could be a little more specific however under the RR(FS)O and risk assessment there is even less chance and I think this thread is a good example of this.

A well worn expression "There is no black and white answer, this is a grey area" I am sure many of you have used it.

[Midland Retty]

 A colleague suggested I post this - it's recent news article regarding a fire involving a mobility scooter in a sheltered block

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lincolnshire/6581027.stm

[CivvyFSO]

You have a strange definition of "recent" Retty.

[Clevelandfire 3]

Yeah very recent Retty.

[Midland Retty]

I dont know, you try and help people, and all you get is a raft of abuse. It's Just like being at home! :0)

[nearlythere]

I dont know, you try and help people, and all you get is a raft of abuse. It's Just like being at home! :0)

I get abused at home as well, but its the sort of abuse I like.

[Midland Retty]

me too (but dont tell anyone)