Toggle menu

Fire safety standards ad means of escape

Each section has a brief overview of the property standards guidance requirements. 
To ensure your property meets the standard please refer to the full guidance document.

1. Fire Safety Standards and Means of Escape 

Single person / family dwelling

ItemRequirementCheck
The correct fire detection based on the type and size of the property must be installed, you can consult LACORS Fire Safety Guidance  and BS5839:6 2019 
Smoke alarms

a smoke alarm installed on each storey of the house on which there is a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation, (including a bathroom, lavatory, hall, or landing)    

that smoke alarm is kept in proper working order and that it is tested on the first day of any new tenancy and on regular intervals thereafter. 
 

 
Testing recordsMaintain a documented record of smoke alarm tests done on start of tenancy and inspection dates     
Detector placement        Alarms must be ceiling-mounted, 300mm from walls, and installed as per manufacturer's instructions. 
Escape routes            Preferably not through risk rooms (kitchen living room), must be clear, well-lit, and well-constructed 
Fire separation            Floors, walls, and ceilings should be of sound, conventional construction. 
Basement / underfloor storage    Basement or cellar must have fire-rated separation between it and the ground floor escape route. 
Fire fighting equipment        checked / Serviced where applicable
*fire blanket / extinguishers
 
Inner rooms            escape route is through another room, this is termed an 'inner room' and poses a risk to its occupier if a fire starts unnoticed in the outer room (sometimes termed an 'access room'). This arrangement should be avoided wherever possible.    

Check guidance and additional fire detection.
 
Fire escape windows        unobstructed openable area that is at least 0.33m² and have a minimum 450mm height and 450mm width. The bottom of the openable area should not be more than 1,100mm above the floor. 
Other fire safety requirements    Polystyrene ceiling and wall tiles are not permitted
              
Locks fitted to bedroom doors are to be openable from the inside without the use of a key.

Fire safety instructions for residents at commencement of the tenancy.
 
Furniture            Furniture provided by the landlord must comply with The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988