Fire Precautions in Dwellings

1. Routine Testing:

In all licensable HMOs that are fitted with a Grade A (or mixed system consisting in part of Grade A specification) automatic fire detection system it is a requirement that the HMO Licence Holder or HMO Manager undertake weekly checks of the system to ensure its correct operation. The weekly checks, any defects found or reported and, the action taken to correct any faults must be recorded in a Logbook.

2. Routine Maintenance

In all licensable HMOs that are fitted with a Grade A automatic fire detection system it is a requirement that the system is serviced on a 6-monthly basis by a suitably qualified alarm engineer. All routine maintenance must be recorded in a Logbook and the periodic inspection and test certificate must be retained by the HMO Licence Holder and produced to the Borough Council on request.

3. Emergency Lighting Systems

Any emergency escape lighting must be serviced and maintained in accordance with BS5266-8:2004 (BS EN 50172:2004). Any defects found or reported as part of the routine testing procedure and the action taken to correct any faults, must be recorded in a Logbook. All routine maintenance must be recorded in a Logbook and the periodic inspection and test certificate must be retained by the HMO Licence Holder and produced to the Borough Council on request.

4.      Fire Blankets and Extinguishers

The routine testing and annual maintenance of fire extinguishers must be recorded in the Logbook. Periodic checks undertaken to ensure that the fire blankets are available for use should also be recorded in the Logbook.