Multi Storey Fire Safety July 2017
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
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