Threats from accidental uncontrolled fire and associated smoke.
Impact on health
More than 400 people die each year as a result of accidental fires with more than 11,000 injured. As well as burns, deaths can occur from gas, smoke or possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
Causes
An occupiers reaction to discovering a fire can influence their escape. Factors in the cause of fire can include:
- Sources of ignition (cooking appliances/space heaters/electrical equipment)
- Solid fuel as main fuel.
- Electrical distribution equipment in poor condition
Prevention
- Safe siting for cookers - away from flammable materials
- Space heating - installation, servicing and maintenance
- Enough electric socket outlets to prevent overloading and use of extension cables
- Distribution boards and wiring - including Residual Current Devices
- Fire stops to cavities including ventilation and heating systems
- Design and construction of the building to limit the spread of fire/smoke
- Fitting of internal doors, with self closers where needed
- Furniture to meet current regulations
- Servicing and maintenance of heat/smoke alarms
- Siting of extinguishers and fire blankets (especially kitchen)
- Means of escape, e.g. windows, protected staircase, etc.
What about HMOs?
- More fires occur in flats than houses
- Dwellings constructed after 1980 have a lower likelihood of fire
- Dwellings constructed before 1920 have greatest likelihood of death or injury from fire
- Risk increases with height of the building
- Adequate means of escape from each dwelling
- Interconnected fire detection/alarm system
- Emergency lighting
- Sprinkler systems