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New fire safety regulations came into force this year highlighting fire safety in the home.
New legislation
The new regulations are in response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 report which resulted in changes in the law.
This new legislation covers all Epping Forest District Council-owned buildings with 2 or more homes and communal areas for evacuating a building. For example, blocks of flats and independent living.
Further details can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-england-regulations-2022
Evacuation procedures
All residents must know the evacuation procedures for their house, block or building and what they must do in the event of a fire. If you have a fire in your home you must evacuate immediately and call 999.
Evacuation procedures for flats, blocks and buildings are explained on fire action notices displayed in communal areas. It is important to read evacuation procedures and understand what you must do.
Residents have responsibilities for fire safety within their homes and blocks and these including:
- Do not prop or wedge open fire doors- they are there to prevent fire spreading and should be kept shut and any damage must be reported.
- Fire doors and self-closers should not be tampered with, this can reduce the integrity of the door.
- Personal items must not be stored in communal areas such as stairs, landings and hallways this can block your escape route if you need to evacuate.
- Flat front entrance doors play an integral part of fire safety, if you are a council tenant and you want to change your front door then this must meet certain BS standards for fire safety. A property alteration form must be completed and approved before any work takes place.
- Any alterations to a council property must meet fire safety standards and a property alteration form completed and approved before any work takes place.
- Report any damage to the building structure that could compromise fire safety.
- Do not store anything that could catch fire in cupboards containing electrical equipment.
- Do not store or charge E-scooters, E-bikes or Mobility Scooters in communal areas.
For more advice on this contact the Property and Assets team at:
Fire safety in the home
Here are some ways to avoid a fire in your home:
- Do not overload sockets and check sockets and plugs regularly for scorch marks.
- Turn off or unplug electrical items when not in use, avoid leaving items on charge for long periods of time.
- Only use chargers which are provided from the manufacturer, ensure it has a CE mark which indicates it complies with European safety standards.
- Take special care when cooking with fat. NEVER pour water on a smoking or burning chip pan.
- Smoking is safer outdoors, ensure that you put the cigarette right out in a fireproof ashtray and NEVER leave cigarettes burning unattended in your home and make sure they are fully extinguished before going to bed.
- Lit candles should be in a holder away from anything that burns such as curtains, bedding and sofas. Never place candles on top of electrical items such as televisions.
- Never leave candles unattended and ensure they are put out before leaving your home or going to bed.
- Shut all internal doors before going to bed as this prevents fire spreading.
Smoke alarms in homes should be working and checked regularly. Essex County Fire and Rescue offers a free Home Safety Visit to residents in Essex.
To book a Home Safety Visit for yourself or someone else:
- Call 0300 303 0088 (9.30am to 4pm, or leave a message out of hours)
- Email home.safety@essex-fire.gov.uk
E-scooters and E-bikes
With an increase in the sale and use of E-scooters and E-bikes Essex Fire and Rescue have issued advice for users which includes:
- Buy from a reputable retailer
- Follow the manufacturer’s guidance on charging and storing
- Store your e-scooter outside and away from escape routes
- Always charge during the day when you are at home
- Do not over-charge – once your item is fully charged, disconnect it and turn the charger off
- Always unplug after use
- Avoid storing, using or charging batteries at very high or low temperatures
- If your battery gets damaged – either crushed, punctured or immersed in water – it could cause a fire
Barbecue safety
With summer hopefully around the corner Essex Fire and Rescue have released advice on barbecue safety.
Disposable barbecues
- Always place disposable barbecues on an even surface. You can use bricks or paving slabs positioned well away from the property, shed and fences.
- Follow the safety instructions provided and never use a barbecue indoors. Barbeques should only be used in garden areas, barbeques on balconies are prohibited.
- Make sure your disposable barbecue has cooled before putting it in the bin. Consider pouring water over it to make sure it’s properly out.
Charcoal barbecues
- Use only enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue.
- Follow the safety instructions provided and never use a barbecue indoors. Barbeques should only be used in garden areas, barbeques on balconies are prohibited.
- Stick to recognised fire lighters or starter fuel and only use them on cold coals.
- Never put hot ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin – they could melt the plastic and cause a fire.
Gas barbeques
- Change cylinders outdoors or in a well-ventilated area and make sure the tap is turned off.
- Follow the safety instructions provided and never use a barbecue indoors. . Barbeques should only be used in garden areas, barbeques on balconies are prohibited.
- If you suspect a leak to the cylinder or pipe work, brush soapy water around the joints and watch for bubbles – tighten to fix but do not overtighten.
- After cooking, turn the gas supply off first and then the barbecue control. This will stop any gas from leaking.
- Store gas cylinders outside, away from direct sunlight and frost.
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