Fire safety FAQs

Can we have fire extinguishers?

We don’t provide fire extinguishers in our properties where we don’t have a member of the Origin team on site. We made this decision based on London Fire Brigade advice and Statutory Guidance. The guidance explains that fire extinguishers are for small fires, should only be used by people who are trained and if a fire was to break out in a flat the occupant may rush out to get the extinguisher to fight the fire rather than keeping their door shut to help prevent the fire spreading.

What has Origin been doing?

We have invested £millions in fire protection over the last few years
We are continuing to ensure there is a regular programme of Fire Risk Assessments for each of our blocks.
We have taken further steps to ensure safety by completing full expert assessments on our properties including looking at measures which prevent the spread of smoke and fire and deciding if a stay put policy is appropriate.
As part of this work we have been upgrading doors and closers, where required, to ensure that fire is contained and escape routes are protected.

What can you do?

Get familiar with the fire safety guidance in your block, even if you are not in a block it’s worth reading the points below.
Check the smoke alarm in your home regularly. The Fire Service suggest weekly on ‘Test It Tuesday’. For more info visit: SC VD 103 (youtube.com)
Let us know if you have any concerns by contacting our Customer Resolution Team. You can do this by filling out the form below or by emailing enquiries@originhousing.org.uk
Invest in a fire blanket.
Check to see if your appliances have been recalled as they may be potentially dangerous.

Finally, please take a minute to make sure there is no damage to your front door. It’s a fire door so it needs to be in good condition to keep your household safe. Now is a good time to check your door and door closer and if you notice any damage let us know by emailing enquiries@originhousing.org.uk.

Fire safety advice for Managing agents or other landlords

As a Landlord, you and your letting / managing agents both have a legal duty to keep the people who rent your property safe from fire. This is set out in law under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Housing Act 2004 and associated regulations.

You should ensure you have carried out a comprehensive fire risk assessment (FRA). This should contain the details of the fire safety measures that are in the property. As part of this process, you should also develop an emergency evacuation plan for occupiers, so they know the actions they need to take in the event of an alarm or fire.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 also requires that the responsible person of each property must ensure that any duties imposed by the FSO are complied with in respect of those premises. Article 22 in particular is relevant in this regard - Where two or more responsible persons share duties in respect of premises, each must co-operate with the other person concerned so far as is necessary to enable them to comply with the requirements and prohibitions imposed on them by the Order.

This may include a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) for a tenant who needs extra assistance to enable them to exit a building in the case of emergency. This may be in the form of help, guidance, or special equipment to allow them to evacuate rapidly and safely. You may need the FRA to be carried out by a professional fire risk assessor, who may identify further fire safety measures that need to be carried out.

Origin Housing cannot carry out your fire risk assessment or your emergency evacuation plan.