Fire and gas safety

By law, landlords must complete a risk assessment and take appropriate fire and gas safety measures.

It is your responsibility to perform intermittent checks to make sure that your property remains safe.

Fire alarms

It is important to test your fire alarms regularly.

The university requires interlinked mains-wired smoke alarms with integral battery back-up located in the escape route at all floor levels, and in the lounge, as well as an additional interlinked heat alarm with integral battery back-up located in the kitchen.

All systems must comply with current British Standards.

Gas safety

Emergencies

If you think you can smell gas or believe there has been an escape of other fumes like carbon monoxide, call the 24-hour national emergency number 0800 111 999 straight away.

Gas safety record

By law, landlords are responsible for making sure gas appliances are maintained and checked for safety every 12 months by a registered installer. You can ask to see proof of the annual service and a current copy of a Landlord’s Gas Safety Record. This work must be carried out by a registered Gas Safe engineer.

 For more information

  • call the HSE Gas Safety Advice Line 0845 345005

Carbon monoxide detectors

Carbon monoxide detectors are required in every room where there is a gas appliance.

It is the responsibility of the owner to make sure that carbon monoxide detectors are properly located and fixed (where possible) and that they meet current European and British safety standard BS EN 50291. They should be tested at appropriate intervals and replaced if they become defective.

You can purchase your own battery-powered Carbon Monoxide detectors online or from a DIY shop.

Additional fire regulations

Fire doors

A fire door must be installed in the kitchen so that the area is isolated and protects the means of escape in case of fire.

The requirements are for a 30-minute fire door which should be fitted with an intumescent strip usually seen running along the sides and top of doors and often found as one integrated unit. The door should also be fitted with an efficient self-closer and treated with an appropriate fire-retardant finish. It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that fire doors comply with current regulations.

Furniture

Owners are responsible for ensuring that all upholstered furniture complies with this legislation, including beds, headboards, mattresses and bases, sofa beds, futons, settees, armchairs, padded upright chairs, scatter cushions, seat pads and pillows, loose and stretch sofa covers.

Students are not permitted to bring their own furniture into the property or use portable heaters without prior permission.

Fire blankets

A wall-mounted fire blanket must be fitted on a kitchen wall away from the cooker, close to the exit and in a place where it can be used effectively.

Fire blankets need to be checked for signs of deterioration and replaced immediately if used.