Seven key fire safety measures required in tower blocks
Recent UK incidents have highlighted the importance of proper fire safety measures that need to be adhered to. Failure to follow good practices can result in disastrous fires that risk the lives of hundreds of inhabitants.
Here are 7 key fire safety measures that are now required in tower blocks:
- Having proper escape routes
- Effective communication procedures
- Smoke detectors
- Effective compartmentalisation
- Fire risk assessments
- Properly maintained dry risers
- The use of fire doors
Having proper escape routes
Escape routes should be clearly marked in case of an emergency. They should also be kept clear of any flammable materials and obstructions at all times.
Effective communication procedures
There should be effective communication in place so that all inhabitants of a tower block know what they should do to help avoid fires taking place. This should also include how they will deal with a fire if it arises.
Smoke detectors
Smoke detectors should be fitted in all corridors as standard, and all inhabitants are encouraged to ensure they have them in their flat as well. They should be regularly checked and replaced in case of an emergency.
Effective compartmentalisation
All tower blocks should be constructed in such a way that certain areas are compartmentalised. This helps to stop fires spreading and engulfing the entire building.
Fire risk assessments
A valid annual Fire Risk Assessment is now a compulsory measure that must be carried out at all UK tower blocks. This will assess the current safety level of the block and allows for necessary suggestions to be made in order to maintain fire safety.
Properly maintained dry risers
If a fire does take place then dry risers are incredibly useful to have. These are spare pipes that run above a certain level in the building and allow firefighters to quickly pump water up into the building to extinguish fires.
The use of fire doors
Fire resistant doors are a fantastic form of defence that help to stop a fire from spreading to other areas of the building. Flats should have proper fire doors and so should any corridors. It is important that all fire doors are kept closed at all times as well, and should never be propped open.
Here at Enfield Doors, we are proud to be doing our bit towards improving fire safety in tower blocks. Our professionally designed and built fire resistant doors are the perfect solution to help seal off flats and corridors by helping to prevent fire from spreading through them.
Enfield Doors
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