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Ensuring Fire Safety in Your Holiday Let: What You Need to Know
View and download Government supporting documentation
In the United Kingdom, stringent fire safety guidelines have been established to safeguard properties and the well-being of holidaymakers. Staying updated on any revisions is crucial, particularly with the imminent introduction of new fire safety regulations for holiday homes in England. We’ve distilled the essential details to facilitate a smooth transition.
1. Comprehensive Fire Risk Assessments
Commencing on October 1, 2023, full-length written assessments covering all facets of fire risk will become mandatory for all properties. These assessments must be conducted and documented in compliance with the law. To ensure thorough evaluation, it is strongly recommended that a professional Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) company, well-versed in current legislation and risk considerations, undertakes this task. Larger or intricate properties may demand specialised expertise.
2. Emergency Escape Lighting
Emergency escape lighting is now obligatory in bedrooms and along escape routes. This can be achieved through plug-in torches, but larger properties may require complete escape lighting. Consideration can be given to borrowed light sources, such as streetlights.
3. Fire-Resistant Doors
All escape routes must be equipped with doors possessing a 30-minute fire protection capability or suitable adaptations to meet this standard.
4. Hard-Wired Smoke Detectors
In addition to bedrooms, hard-wired smoke detectors are now required in living rooms, hallways, corridors, staircases, sitting rooms, and dining rooms leading to the main fire exit. More complex layouts may necessitate advanced detection systems.
5. Annual Inspection of Heating Systems
All hot water and heating systems, including renewable energy-based systems like air/ground source heat pumps, must undergo annual inspections.
6. Thumb Turn Locks
Thumb turn locks are now strongly recommended on all exit doors and can usually be retrofitted to most doors.
7. Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
EICR, or fixed wiring checks, must be conducted every five years. This requirement also extends to many smaller, unique hideaways, and glamping properties.
8. Chimney Flue Maintenance
Chimney flues should be swept annually to ensure their safety and functionality.
9. Regular Safety Checks
At every change of occupancy and on a weekly basis, thorough inspections of all fire safety equipment and exit routes must be carried out, with results meticulously recorded.
10. Candles and Guest Policy
Consider prohibiting candles and establish a clear policy for your guests regarding their use.
For larger or more intricate properties, the document titled “Fire Safety Risk Assessment: Sleeping Accommodation” still applies, with potential revisions expected in 2024.
Taking the Right Steps Towards Compliance
We strongly recommend entrusting your Fire Risk Assessment to a professional. The changes effective from October 1st are intricate and best handled by experts who comprehend these alterations and adhere to government guidelines, ensuring the safety of both you and your guests.
Finding a Local Fire Risk Assessor
To locate a qualified Fire Risk Assessor for your property, initiate your search on popular search engines like Google using keywords such as ‘fire safety risk assessor.’ Always verify their accreditation status. Accredited assessors can be found through reputable organisations like the Fire Sector Federation, the Institution of Fire Engineers, and the Institute of Fire Prevention Officers. Please see links to these sites below:
Download the government guide to fire safety for small paying accommodation
For inquiries regarding these regulatory changes, please feel free to reach out to us at info@curatedspacesiow.com Your safety and compliance are paramount to us.
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