Q: Fire Safety

Fire Safety Q: We have just had some fire prevention work carried out in our black. It began in the social housing and is now being carried out in the private area. Essentially, they had to put fire protection materials in any gaps behind the door surrounds and also where there might be gaps in the space above the ceiling between rooms. We understand that there has been a fire risk assessment conducted. Are we entitled to see it? The picture is slightly complicated by the fact that we have been served a notice in connection with the freehold purchase/sale. I don't know whether this gives us stronger rights if we go through that purchasing process. FPRA Hon Consultant Emily Orner replies: It is difficult to comment on the works specifically without sight of the fire risk assessment (FRA). However, I see no reason why you should not be entitled to see the FRA and I would suggest that you request a copy of this from your managing agent. Ultimately this is the reason and justification for the works being completed and so sight of the FRA is imperative if you have any queries or concerns over the works. I do not believe that your Managing Agent should refuse to provide the FRA, but if they do I would suggest querying with them not only why they are refusing to provide it to you as a residents’ association, but also for a full explanation from them over what works are being carried out, why they are being completed and clarification over the costs of the same. The FRA and subsequent works should not have any effect or influence over a potential freehold purchase, but for the current freeholder, it would be important for them to demonstrate that the property is fully compliant with fire safety works needed. Sight of the risk assessment will help to give better clarification of why works are being completed. [Submitted September 2019]

Q: Fire Safety

Fire Safety Q: We have just had some fire prevention work carried out in our black. It began in the social housing and is now being carried out in the private area. Essentially, they had to put fire protection materials in any gaps behind the door surrounds and also where there might be gaps in the space above the ceiling between rooms. We understand that there has been a fire risk assessment conducted. Are we entitled to see it? The picture is slightly complicated by the fact that we have been served a notice in connection with the freehold purchase/sale. I don't know whether this gives us stronger rights if we go through that purchasing process. FPRA Hon Consultant Emily Orner replies: It is difficult to comment on the works specifically without sight of the fire risk assessment (FRA). However, I see no reason why you should not be entitled to see the FRA and I would suggest that you request a copy of this from your managing agent. Ultimately this is the reason and justification for the works being completed and so sight of the FRA is imperative if you have any queries or concerns over the works. I do not believe that your Managing Agent should refuse to provide the FRA, but if they do I would suggest querying with them not only why they are refusing to provide it to you as a residents’ association, but also for a full explanation from them over what works are being carried out, why they are being completed and clarification over the costs of the same. The FRA and subsequent works should not have any effect or influence over a potential freehold purchase, but for the current freeholder, it would be important for them to demonstrate that the property is fully compliant with fire safety works needed. Sight of the risk assessment will help to give better clarification of why works are being completed. [Submitted September 2019]

Question 1

Fire Safety

Accepted Answer

Fire Safety Q: We have just had some fire prevention work carried out in our black. It began in the social housing and is now being carried out in the private area. Essentially, they had to put fire protection materials in any gaps behind the door surrounds and also where there might be gaps in the space above the ceiling between rooms. We understand that there has been a fire risk assessment conducted. Are we entitled to see it? The picture is slightly complicated by the fact that we have been served a notice in connection with the freehold purchase/sale. I don't know whether this gives us stronger rights if we go through that purchasing process. FPRA Hon Consultant Emily Orner replies: It is difficult to comment on the works specifically without sight of the fire risk assessment (FRA). However, I see no reason why you should not be entitled to see the FRA and I would suggest that you request a copy of this from your managing agent. Ultimately this is the reason and justification for the works being completed and so sight of the FRA is imperative if you have any queries or concerns over the works. I do not believe that your Managing Agent should refuse to provide the FRA, but if they do I would suggest querying with them not only why they are refusing to provide it to you as a residents’ association, but also for a full explanation from them over what works are being carried out, why they are being completed and clarification over the costs of the same. The FRA and subsequent works should not have any effect or influence over a potential freehold purchase, but for the current freeholder, it would be important for them to demonstrate that the property is fully compliant with fire safety works needed. Sight of the risk assessment will help to give better clarification of why works are being completed. [Submitted September 2019]

Question 2

Fire Safety

Accepted Answer

Fire Safety Q: We have just had some fire prevention work carried out in our black. It began in the social housing and is now being carried out in the private area. Essentially, they had to put fire protection materials in any gaps behind the door surrounds and also where there might be gaps in the space above the ceiling between rooms. We understand that there has been a fire risk assessment conducted. Are we entitled to see it? The picture is slightly complicated by the fact that we have been served a notice in connection with the freehold purchase/sale. I don't know whether this gives us stronger rights if we go through that purchasing process. FPRA Hon Consultant Emily Orner replies: It is difficult to comment on the works specifically without sight of the fire risk assessment (FRA). However, I see no reason why you should not be entitled to see the FRA and I would suggest that you request a copy of this from your managing agent. Ultimately this is the reason and justification for the works being completed and so sight of the FRA is imperative if you have any queries or concerns over the works. I do not believe that your Managing Agent should refuse to provide the FRA, but if they do I would suggest querying with them not only why they are refusing to provide it to you as a residents’ association, but also for a full explanation from them over what works are being carried out, why they are being completed and clarification over the costs of the same. The FRA and subsequent works should not have any effect or influence over a potential freehold purchase, but for the current freeholder, it would be important for them to demonstrate that the property is fully compliant with fire safety works needed. Sight of the risk assessment will help to give better clarification of why works are being completed. [Submitted September 2019]

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