As part of protecting the property against fire and the safety of the occupants, there must be a provision of a “Protected Route” , and the provision of other fire precautions. Together, these provisions aim to help minimise the risk to occupiers from fire and smoke inhalation,

Most local authorities will ask landlords to provide suitable fire precautions to the property. To acheive this, there may be extensive works required. A good example of what work is required to ensure that the property comes up to the required standard is shown in City & County of Swansea’s Means of Escape document C found by clicking the link below

Means of Escape in Case of Fire document

The Protected Route

In most cases this is done within the building rather than an external fire escape and will usually utilise the main stairway and internal hallways. This will provide safe passage out of the building. In the event of a fire the purpose is to be able to have an area free of flame and smoke for at least 30 minutes, to allow safe evacuation of the building.

All doors leading on to the Protected Route must be fire resistant and fitted with self closing mechanisms which can be overhead type or a new type of self closing hinge. These Fire Doors must be fitted to a high standard in order to maintain their effectiveness. Typically, bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens have direct access onto the hallway within the Protected Route.

Also there must be Vertical and horizontal fire resistant separation between individual rooms again meeting half hour fire rating. Depending on the construction of the property, there may be need to upgrade partitions to achieve this rating.

Other Fire Precautions

By providing fire fighting equipment such as fire extinguishers and fire blankets, a small fire can be dealt with quickly by the occupants. So best practice and again the local authority standard may require you to provide an extingusher on each level, a powder extinguisher along with a fire blanket in each kitchen.

Fire Detection Systems

The provision of a smoke detection system will be required, in two storey properties the local authority will certainly ask for mains interlinked smoke and heat detectors to be installed (L3). Where as in three or more storey properties, the installation of a fully automated fire alarm system (L2 type) will be required. This must be installed by a qualified person and commissioned – a certificate will be required for licensing. This system will need to be maintained by a qualified person and a fire test should be completed once a month.

The installation of emergency lighting in areas such as the Protected Route, giving illumination should the main power fail during an incident.

Fire escape direction signs should be fitted to indicate the direction one should follow to exit the property safely.

Items should not be stored within the Protected Route as this could negate the effects of the fire precautions made. Gas meters should also be re-sited from the Protected Route. ELectric meters sited in under stair cupboards will also have to be re-sited.

Again you will need to check with your local authority’s Environmental Dept. for specific requirements relating to your property and its occupation