Matthastings Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 Hello, I wonder if anyone can help me at all in regards to what legal requirements there are for landlords to check and test fire alarms in the communal areas of the properties that they are letting out. I own a flat in a house of 5 flats currently. The other freeholders in the block have informed me that there must be checks done on the communal fire alarms on a regular basis. They have sought to employ a local company to carry out these checks (as none of the freeholders live in the block or the local area). The cost that has been quoted, and one that the other freeholders seem happy to go ahead with, is £900 per annum. I forget whether this is for checks every 2 or 4 weeks, but either way this seems really really excessive. Can anyone please direct me to where I can find out more about what the official requirements for checking communal fire alarms are. Whilst I accept that this is a very important job to be done, the high figure quoted and the regularity suggested seems just too much. Thanks for any help or guidance on this issue. Matt ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grampa Posted July 13, 2011 Report Share Posted July 13, 2011 The normal practice is that whoever test the alarm (which is normally weekly or 2 weekly) has to document it and be accountable but it isn't rocket science to do it. I have heard of some blocks of flat that get the cleaner to do it after they have cleaned the communal area. You could ask the company that installed the alarm to show you how to do the test and how to document the test then write a procedure then decide who you want to do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melboy Posted July 13, 2011 Report Share Posted July 13, 2011 Grief! £900 pa to push a test button? Or is it? This figure may include maintenance of the system for correct operation? I don't own any apartments/flats etc. so I don't have detailed knowledge as others might have on the subject but one thing I do have is a bit of financial sense and I would be looking, as you indeed are, at cancelling this cost out. To my mind as long as the fire control system is tested for correct operation and serviceabilty once a month and recorded by a competent person this should be sufficient to satisfy any requirement for multiple flat occupation. How about having a chat with your local fire brigade safety officer for advice? Mel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
litmon Posted July 14, 2011 Report Share Posted July 14, 2011 The building regulations require that all properties built after June 1992 must have a mains operated inter-connected smoke alarms fitted on every level of the property. Older properties do not have to comply but landlords are well advised to provide at least battery operated smoke alarms in the property. It is important to determine who is responsible for testing and maintaining the smoke alarms - the landlord, agent or tenant. If the agent is to be responsible, this should be noted in the management contract. If the tenant is to be made responsible for this then adequate warnings should be included in the letting agreement or in an additional notice. Also, documents such as the tenancy agreement, the inventory and the appliance operating instruction and emergency procedures information pack given to tenants, should mention the responsibility of the tenant to test and replace batteries in smoke alarms when fitted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Firera Posted January 10, 2012 Report Share Posted January 10, 2012 Fire Risk Assessments Limited specialise in helping businesses of all kinds and in all types of premises to ensure you are meeting the current legislation. Our unique blend of experience is tailored to provide an 'integrated total fire safety management service' in accordance with the regulations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.<br style=color: rgb(28, 40, 55); font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; background-color: rgb(250, 251, 252); "><br style="color: rgb(28, 40, 55); font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; background-color: rgb(250, 251, 252); ">The Order states that the Responsible Person' (which if you are reading this, presume that is you) has to undertake aFire Risk Assessment, and if your organisation employs five or more people, you have to record the findings of your fire risk assessment. A Responsible Person is defined by the legislation as nearly always being the employer, where there is one, though it can include other individuals too. If you share a building with other organisations, the responsibility may be shared among several people. If you have responsibility for the other people in your organisation, it is safe to assume you will be the Responsible Person, even if others are too Over 70% of businesses involved in major fires either don't reopen or fail within three years. A fire is clearly a very difficult thing to recover from and something your business will definitely be a lot healthier without. We all have to carry out a Fire Risk Assessmentbecause of the law, but it is actually just giving a structure to what we should all be doing anyway in the best interests of our businesses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest caravanj Posted January 10, 2012 Report Share Posted January 10, 2012 Hello, I wonder if anyone can help me at all in regards to what legal requirements there are for landlords to check and test fire alarms in the communal areas of the properties that they are letting out. I own a flat in a house of 5 flats currently. The other freeholders in the block have informed me that there must be checks done on the communal fire alarms on a regular basis. They have sought to employ a local company to carry out these checks (as none of the freeholders live in the block or the local area). The cost that has been quoted, and one that the other freeholders seem happy to go ahead with, is £900 per annum. I forget whether this is for checks every 2 or 4 weeks, but either way this seems really really excessive. Can anyone please direct me to where I can find out more about what the official requirements for checking communal fire alarms are. Whilst I accept that this is a very important job to be done, the high figure quoted and the regularity suggested seems just too much. Thanks for any help or guidance on this issue. Matt ) You may be able to push a test button but can you test the standby capacity of the backup battery & could you check the panel integrity & wiring resistances to confirm that the system won't give false alarms? No? Then what's there to think about, £900 / 5 / 12 = £15 a month for you to fullfil any obligation you may have. Don't waste money on paid-for fire risk seminars, you can get all the info from your local fire service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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