Fire safety
We carry out fire risk assessments (FRA) on all council-owned properties with communal areas. These assessments are done by qualified external consultants, to minimise the chance of fire. They do not cover the safety of residents inside their own flats.
The frequency of a FRA depends on the building type and risk level. High-risk buildings are assessed yearly, while low-risk buildings are assessed every 3 years.
Issues found in a FRA are categorised as:
- critical
- high
- medium
- low
- advisory
Most buildings will have some level of risk, but this does not mean they are unsafe. Critical actions are completed as quickly as possible.
Fire doors
Fire doors are important for safety as they prevent fire and smoke from spreading. This helps residents evacuate or stay put safely and allows the fire brigade to access the building.
Your flat is unlikely to have a fire door if:
- you access it directly from the street
- it is on the ground floor without an enclosed entrance
- you access it from an open balcony walkway
Read page 8 of the home safety guide for more information.