Agenda item - Fire Safety Update

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Agenda item

Fire Safety Update

Minutes:

22.1           Grant Ritchie, Lead Consultant - Health and Safety, introduced the report stating that Brighton & Hove City Council was continuing to work closely with East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service. In response to the latest government information on fire doors, the Council was temporarily halting its routine front door replacement programme in blocks of flats following a national agreement by manufacturers to suspend production of fire doors.

 

22.2           In response to concerns raised by Residents, Officers stated that a random sample of fire doors were tester across the Council’s stock but focussing on high-rise blocks. If Residents had particular concerns about improperly fitted fire doors, Officers encouraged them to report these doors. Additionally Officers stated that the original timber doors were most likely fire proof. The fire doors that had already been fitted were generally safe for 30 minutes; however this was dependant on conditions and fit.

 

22.3           In response to Residents, Officers stated that automatic door closing devices needed to be fitted on all fire doors to ensure that they were closed to provide protection in the event of a fire. If Residents knew of any doors where the device had been removed or was broken they should report this so it be repaired. If the doors were being closed to quickly or with excessive force this was probably a sign that the device was faulty and Residents should report it rather than attempt to remove it.

 

22.4           The Chair asked that further advice be published in the Homing In magazine.

 

22.5           Residents expressed concern that leaseholders may be liable for the cost of replacing doors which they purchased through packaged offered by the Council.

 

22.6           Officers responded that as the government had not published its conclusions regarding the efficacy of Masterdor and IG door fire doors that it was too early to make any comments about a potential replacement scheme.

 

22.7           The Chair acknowledged that this was a developing situation and process.

 

22.8           In response to Residents Officers stated that even fire door which had failed test still had a 15 minute safe period and it was felt that this was a reasonable amount of time for evacuation and emergency services to respond. Officers added that Grenfell was not a direct analogue for high-rise blocks in the city which were generally of a better design.

 

22.9           The Chair stated that the report would be going to the Housing & New Homes Committee with updated detail and for more information residents should contact their local Councillor. Officers were very mindful of Grenfell regarding fire safety and that Councillors would rightfully scrutinise the ongoing process to make sure residents were satisfied with the transparency of the investigation.

 

22.10       RESOLVED: That the Panel noted the report.

 

Supporting documents:

 


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