Multi Storey Fire Safety July 2017 Overview In Gateshead there are - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

July 2017

Multi Storey Fire Safety

Overview

• In Gateshead there are 25 council multi storey blocks with 1900

flats ranging from 8 to 21 storeys

• Since 2011/12 over £5million spent on multi storey fire safety
• Carried out a complete overhaul of our fire risk assessments in

2015 (Employed a fire safety advisor and worked in partnership with the fire service)

• Regular meetings with the fire service
• Responded to two DCLG requests
• Importantly we are supporting Council plans in the event of a

major incident

• Jointly visiting all blocks with the Fire Service
• Provided update to Safeguarding Adults Board

Working Group

Chaired by Managing Director Includes all relevant teams in the Housing Company and Council Meets every Monday Agenda focuses on:

• Cladding testing, compartmentation checking, Smoke and Fire

detection review, Sprinkler systems feasibility, Gas services, Cyclical maintenance, Fire risk assessments, Fire Service liaison, Resident, employee and stakeholder communications, Training needs

Communications

Clear, concise, timely, easy to understand communication to all affected residents. Focus of communications – on reassurance and a request to report any concerns This has included:

• Regular updates on website and social media
• Newsletters and fire safety leaflets
• Individual letters (separate letters to Angel Court residents, leaseholders,

multi storey residents, residents at Beacon Lough multi storeys)

• Visits to all affected residents

Three Ward Councillor briefings – copies are available

Latest position

Cladding testing

• Redheugh/Eslington Court and Angel Court sent to BRE
• Other samples to be tested

Communal area compartmentation and checking of blocks

• Detailed checking to be completed 12 July
• Any repairs identified to be completed asap
• Planned programme of work will be developed
• Includes an visual assessment of individual flat doors
• Fire safety signage and emergency access points outside blocks

Smoke and Fire detection review

• Specification for a consistent standard across all blocks developed
• Agree works programme

Latest position

Sprinkler systems feasibility

• Estimates currently being produced (expect to be £6m plus for all

blocks) Fire risk assessments

• Existing assessments reviewed on site with fire service
• Working with Councils Health and Safety team to the develop

assessment methodology Fire Service liaison

• Fire service carrying out inspections to all blocks weeks

commencing 3 and 10 July

• Fire Service involvement in the newsletters and leaflets

Latest position

Communications

• Individual resident concerns captured and issues responded to
• Internal and external communications – briefings
• Website / leaflets and face to face meetings
• Drop in sessions to be developed with the Fire Service

Training needs

• Developing updated programme with the Councils Health and

Safety Team for training of Caretakers and Concierge Teams Stay put policy

• Unless you are at risk it is safer to stay put – “controlled evacuation”

Thank you