IFEDA concerned at neglect of fire safety

An article in the Sunday Independent reveals that fire safety is being neglected.

Firms charged with the upkeep of blocks of flats – known as managing agents – could be putting occupants at risk, according to a leading property management company.
By law, any block of flats with common areas should undertake health and safety and fire risk assessments, typically on an annual basis, and have electrical installations assessed every five years. The property must also be surveyed for asbestos and, if found, monitored regularly.
However, property firm Urban Owners has found that 56 per cent of flats in the UK do not undergo a fire risk assessment, and up to 93 per cent do not have their electrics tested. More than 80 per cent of properties had never been inspected for asbestos.
“The lax attitude of many managing agents towards safety is unacceptable,” said Steve Wylie, director of property firm Urban Owners. “Unprofessional firms are routinely neglecting their legal responsibilities.”
There are an estimated 1.8 million flats and properties in the UK which are owned on a leasehold basis and are overseen by managing agents.
IFEDA wonders if, as well as having to have the correct and adequate insurance cover in place managing agents shouldn't also have to prove competency in H & S issues (including fire risk assessments) too?

IFEDA - Extinguisher Technician Refresher Course - Glasgow

There will be a one day extinguisher refresher course in at the Holiday Inn Express, West Nile Street, Glasgow on Tuesday 20th September 2011.

The cost of the course for Non- IFEDA members £162 + vat.

Please note the IFEDA extinguisher training courses are recognised by BAFE as per BS5306-3 : 2009 annex A.

The cost of the course includes; comprehensive training manual, certificate and refreshments.
To check any details re the syllabus please click here.
If you are interested in this course, in the first instance, please reply by email to grahamferris@ifeda.org