Block safety

If you live in a flat in one of our taller buildings or one with communal areas, there are checks and regulations we follow to make sure your home is safe and well maintained.

Window safety

It is important to understand the risks associated with opening windows if you live in a flat or one of our taller buildings. These dangers increase significantly when there are young children in the home.

 

 

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Window restrictors are a safety device that prevents the window from opening further than 10cm (4 inches) without being manually released. Most homes over three storeys have window restrictors fitted to opening windows. To ensure you and your family stay safe please follow these guidelines:

  • When opening windows, always make sure the window restrictor is in place and that it is secure. This will prevent accidental falls.
  • If you have to open the window wider than the restricted position, in order to clean the windows for example, then always re-engage the restrictors as soon as you are done.
  • If you have key lockable handles then always lock them using the key when the window is closed.
  • Move furniture such as sofas, chairs and tables away from windows. This will help stop young children from climbing up and accessing the windows.

Most importantly report any faults with window restriction to us immediately. We will then mark this as a priority job to resolve.

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Fire doors

Fire doors are in place to help keep you safe and are designed to help stop the spread of fire and smoke.

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Doors that are classed as fire doors are generally the entrance door to your home, the doors within the communal corridors (usually at the top of the stairs or by the lift) and service cupboard doors in the communal areas.

They will only work if they are properly maintained and not tampered with:

  • Keep fire doors closed and do not remove the closing mechanism
  • Report any faults or damage to doors immediately to us
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If you live in a block with five or more floors we carry out an annual check of your flat entrance door to check it is safe and in good repair. We will need to inspect both sides of your door so it’s really important that you let us in – it should only take a few minutes. We also check all the communal fire doors within your block every three months.

Stay safe evacuation guidance

All our flat buildings have ‘stay safe’ evacuation guidance in place. This means that if there is a fire in your block you can stay put, as long as you think it is safe to do so. If you smell smoke, see a fire, feel unsafe or are instructed by the fire service to leave, you should get out and stay out.

What you can to do to stop a fire from happening in your block

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Do not store flammable items on balconies
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Never BBQ on balconies
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Use bins and bin chutes to safely dispose of rubbish
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Do not obstruct or store any items within the communal areas

What we do to keep your block safe

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Quarterly communal fire door and annual flat entrance door inspections
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Ensuring each property is fitted with a smoke alarm
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Ensuring emergency lighting is present on escape routes
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Maintaining alarms and lifts
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Working with partner organisations to keep you and your building safe
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Carrying out Fire Risk Assessments

Lift safety

As your landlord, we’re responsible for making sure any lifts in your communal areas are safe. Our lift maintenance company Concept Elevators carries out regular inspections to ensure lifts operate safely. If you notice a fault with a lift in your communal area, please let us know.

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Spotted something you’re concerned about?

If you notice a fire safety concern, please get in touch with us.

FAQs

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What does ‘stay safe’ mean?
‘Stay safe’ means that if there is a fire in your block you can stay put, as long as you think it is safe to do so. If you smell smoke, see a fire, feel unsafe or are instructed by the Fire Service to leave, you should get out and stay out.
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I live in a block. What should I do if there is a fire?
  • If you are in your flat and believe there is a fire elsewhere in the building you can stay put, as long as you think it is safe to do so. If you smell smoke, see a fire, feel unsafe or are instructed by the Fire Service to leave, you should get out and stay out.
  • If you discover a fire in your flat, get everyone in your flat to leave, closing any fire doors. Stay out of your flat and go to a safe space away from the building. Do not use the lifts. Once it is safe to do so call the fire service on 999.
  • If you are in a communal area and believe there is a fire, you should get out, stay out, and call the fire service on 999.
  • If you feel unsafe for any reason, leave the building. Follow the fire escape signs and close all doors behind you. Do not use the lift.
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What are my responsibilities regarding fire safety?
The Fire Safety Act says that residents of individual properties in multi-occupied buildings, have a legal responsibility for keeping fire doors closed and making sure that self-closing devices and the door is not tampered.
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What should I do if I have a disability that will make it hard for me to evacuate in the event of a fire?
Please let us know as soon as possible so that we can work with the fire service to provide you with additional support and information.
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Why are fire doors important?
Fire doors help to prevent fire and smoke from spreading into other areas of a building and onto escape routes.
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How do I check my fire door?
It’s important to check your fire door regularly:
  • Check for signs of damage to either side of the door, the frame and hinges as well as the overhead closing device. Where you have seals installed on your door check these are free from damage.
  • Open your door and fully release it. The door should shut fully into the doorframe without you having to shut it.
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What do I do if I think a fire door is damaged?
You can report any damaged fire doors to us on 0300 555 6666.
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How often do you carry out building safety checks on my block?
We carry out regular cyclical checks, tests and assessments on the key safety systems within your home and building. These will include:
  • Visits by the Neighbourhood Impact Officers
  • Quarterly communal fire door and annual flat entrance door inspections
  • Fire alarms, lifts and emergency lighting.
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Who is responsible for landlord health and safety at whg?
whg has a designated landlord health and safety lead. You can find the full details in our Responsible Persons statement. Click here to view.