Fire safety issues in flat

[Ihatestripysocks]

Has anyone had any experience getting their Housing Association to improve fire safety? Lots of issues long term, repairs not done, action not taken beyond very very token like putting up a poster. When urgent action should be done. Is there anyone who can do independent fire review and kick their ass?

Would this be something local fire brigade would do? Or is there some sort council department? Long term issues with them being Hopeless so normal procedures are not followed, complaints not followed up and nobody checking anyone else is doing their job.

Want to do something more than report a repair that never get done and long term action. Any ideas welcome

That would depend on what the issues are.

If you think there are intrinsic fire safety issues at the block you can ask the fire brigade to come and do an inspection of the communal areas with the intention that they would issue a Notice of Deficiency - which gives the HA a set amount of time to resolve the problems. LFB were doing a lot of them before Covid, but I don't know about other fire authorities.

Fire doors not repaired

Fire doors being kept open

Bikes chained on stairs and at refuge points

Bikes prams kids toys left on narrow landings (I’m wheelchair user so can’t get passed them to an exit or bend down and move them)

Years of people adding carpets, clothes horse, shoe racks outside front doors which serious smoke fire hazard.

Things that are blinding obvious even though we have regular site inspections by so called Housing officers.

Them putting up a poster once in blue moon about these issues and consider them dealt with even though nothing changes and unless there is direct action or removing items behaviour will never change.

Write to / email (don't phone) the council and advise them that unless they deal with these issues under their statutory duties in the next, say, 4 weeks, you'll report them to the ombudsman.

www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/useful-tools/fact-sheets/fire-safety/

It’s not council it’s housing association. I will document issues and write but never once had reply for any previous complaints.

I’ve reported broken fire door twice over 5 m. On phone over hour each time as that how system works. Finally in month 6 sent a contractor who deals with doors before Xmas who said yes urgent repair. Here we are month later still not fixed. It’s like their own system does not deal repairs. Even when it eventually get passed down chain then that company Doesn't follow through and HA never check it’s been done. On repeat with everything etc etc for years.

Try Environmental Health at the council. It is up to the freeholder to enforce the conditions of the lease.

Ask for their fire risk assessment for the block. There will be a periodic inspection by a qualified person (paid for the HA so not sure whether you class this as being independent or not) and a series of actions categorised by urgency with deadlines attached usually. Not sure whether you will get it but worth asking.

I've worked as a housing officer and I found it v difficult to deal with stuff in communal hallways long term. I did all sorts- confiscated peoples stuff (after correct legal notices served), got the caretaker to saw the chain locking bike to the stairwell off with circular saw, wrote countless letters/newsletters, spoke to tenants individually when I knew whose stuff it was, put up bike areas outside. It works for about a week and then people would put the stuff back.

Thanks @ThreeFeetTall that’s the sort action I’m hoping for. I know not easy keep on top off but it’s still a major hazard and especially more so for me.

Do you think it’s worth making complaint over? Or long as they made odd token letter or poster then they can’t be held responsible if a fire and extra hazards and smoke are major factor?

Not sure how much you have spoken to them already but in the first instance I would just politely email them with a photo attached saying this is the state of the stairwell, I don't think it is right, please can you let me know what you are doing about it as the posters aren't working. Maybe the word 'Grenfell' might help focus their minds on the task. But be polite. I'm sure they are aware but just not enough time in the day. (But then I would say that wouldn't I?)

My post was maybe giving you a bit of false hope- I didn't do those things every week and some weeks had a lot of crises to deal with and did v little about estate inspections. Just to be realistic!

Also it's a balance- I would leave peoples doormats, a small plant, maybe some low key Xmas decorations. Even though maybe I shouldn't have.

If you are in London's you can get the fire brigade round, maybe other areas offer this too? https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/the-home/book-a-home-fire-safety-visit/

They are practically impossible get hold of so have send email main address. Hope it’s passed on, if you email say please let me
Know who’s in charge of XYZ then they will not give info just promise pass on.

More fact in fire I have stay put so extra smoke from carpets and 20 pairs trainers and lack of working fire doors will put me greater risk than someone who can just hop down fire exit and be outside in 30 seconds. But they are aware have disabled residents and that should form part of plan.