How to Handle Fire Safety in Block Management: A Complete Guide

With the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 now in effect, block managers have more responsibilities than ever to ensure compliance.

Key Fire Safety Measures for Block Management

1. Fire Risk Assessments

Under UK law, block managers must conduct a fire risk assessment to identify potential hazards and implement necessary precautions. This includes:

• Evaluating fire escape routes.
• Checking fire alarms and emergency lighting.
• Ensuring fire doors and extinguishers are functional.
• Fire risk assessments should be reviewed annually or whenever significant changes occur in the building.

2. Fire Doors and Means of Escape

Fire doors play a vital role in containing fires and allowing safe evacuation. Managers should check:

• Self-closing devices function properly.
• Doors have no damage, gaps, or missing intumescent strips.
• Escape routes remain clear at all times.
• Under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, quarterly fire door checks are mandatory in communal areas, with annual checks for flat entrance doors.

3. Smoke and Fire Detection Systems

All blocks must have:

• Smoke alarms in communal areas and individual flats.
• Heat detectors in kitchens.
• A centralised fire alarm system in larger buildings.
• Regular testing ensures these systems are fully operational and meet legal requirements.

4. Emergency Lighting and Signage

Emergency lighting is crucial for guiding residents during power outages or smoke-filled corridors. Fire safety signage should clearly mark:

• Fire exit routes.
• Assembly points.
• Locations of fire extinguishers.

5. Tenant Fire Safety Awareness

Even with robust fire safety systems, tenant behaviour plays a role in preventing fires. Block managers should:

• Educate residents on fire safety policies.
• Prohibit storage of flammable materials in hallways.
• Ensure proper waste disposal to prevent fire hazards.

Recent Fire Safety Regulations Block Managers Must Follow

Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 – Requires quarterly checks on fire doors in communal areas and best efforts to check flat entrance doors annually.

The Building Safety Act 2022 – Introduces a new regulatory framework for buildings over 18m high.

How to Handle Fire Safety in Block Management: A Complete Guide

Fire safety in residential blocks is a top priority for property managers. With strict regulations in place, ensuring compliance can be challenging, but failing to do so puts lives at risk and can result in severe legal consequences.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key fire safety measures every block manager should follow, common risks to address, and the latest legal requirements for multi-occupied buildings.

Why Fire Safety is Crucial in Block Management

Multi-occupied residential buildings pose unique fire risks due to shared spaces, varied tenant activities, and high occupancy levels. A lack of fire safety measures can lead to:

• Increased fire spread due to poor containment.
• Higher risk of blocked escape routes.
• Potential legal action for non-compliance.

Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 – Mandates safe living conditions, including fire safety compliance.

Best Practices for Fire Safety Compliance

Regular inspections – Schedule fire safety checks every few months.
Digital fire safety reports – Use cloud-based reporting systems like Kaptur to log inspections, track compliance, and ensure real-time updates.
Engage professionals – Work with fire safety experts for compliance checks.
Stay updated – Monitor changes in fire safety laws to ensure ongoing compliance.

By taking a proactive approach to fire safety, block managers can protect tenants, prevent costly legal issues, and ensure compliance with ever-evolving regulations.

Need Help with Fire Safety Compliance? Contact No Letting Go Today

At No Letting Go, we provide expert fire safety inspections, fire door checks, and compliance reporting using industry-leading tools like Kaptur. Let us help you stay compliant and keep your residents safe.