Mind TO the gap SAVE AUTUMN 2019 FIRE SAFETY A lack of proper separation between commercial and residential premises can allow fire to spread quickly, so it is vital you do a proper risk assessment LIVES ‘As the owner or occupier of business premises, you are responsible for ensuring and maintaining correct fire safety and procedures’ Did you know that if your business premises are below residential accommodation, the floors, ceilings and walls should be capable of preventing the spread of fire for at least 60 minutes? If it is not possible to fireproof them to this extent, interlinked smoke detection should be fitted in the business premises and connected to the flat above, to give early warning of fire. As the owner or occupier of business premises, you are responsible for ensuring and maintaining correct fire safety and procedures. It is a legal requirement to do a fire-risk assessment in any business or public building, and it is important to use a company that has been verified by a third party to ensure they have the correct skills and training. A common problem with flats above commercial premises is a lack of proper separation, which could allow fire to spread too easily between different areas of the building. This occurs for three main reasons: Gaps and holes Typically, between the stairs and the commercial premises. A fire in the commercial premises can allow smoke and the by-products of combustion to enter the staircase and stop people exiting. Signs to look out for: Holes or large cracks – or ill-fitting or damaged doors – in the walls from the staircase to the commercial premises; holes in the floor exposing the premises beneath. Residential entrance via the business If a flat or bedsit can only be accessed through the commercial premises, fire can spread very quickly from one area to another and you may have no way to escape. Signs to look out for: No separate entrance or way to leave quickly in an emergency. Ducting Ducting that runs through a flat or bedsit from commercial premises can be dangerous, as fire and heat could build up in the ducting and ignite items in the residential property. If the ducting is properly encased and kept clean, this isn’t something to worry about. Signs to look out for: A strong smell of cooking, hot fat or oil; unexplained hot areas on walls, floors and in cupboards; smoke coming from strange places in your flat. Living accommodation must have independent access and a protected route for exit that is separated fully from the business premises. Any interconnecting doors to the stairs or ground-floor private living accommodation must be fire doors, while houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) must have fire doors on all bedsits and ‘risk’ spaces, such as kitchens and living rooms. Escape routes should be clear of any combustible items and not obstructed, while the final exit should be easily openable. It is important that landlords are aware of their responsibilities and that tenants know the issues that might arise. More information can be found in the LACoRS Housing – Fire Safety guide or on the West Midlands Fire Service website. Credit: Dave Hodgkins – West Midlands Fire Service Image: iStock / JohnnyGreig For further information, please contact your local Trading Standards Service