Question 1

Smart meters

Accepted Answer

Q: The “Fire Safety in Purpose-Built Blocks of Flats” published by the Local Government Group in July 2011 suggests that a “pay meter” should not be installed in a meter cupboard but in the flat and that the cupboard should always be locked. This issue is going to more important as “Smart meters” will be installed in the near future. We have had some damaged caused by someone removing earth cable. I cannot find any other references as to where pay meters or smart meters should be located. Are you aware of any references or rules which may help in this matter? FPRA Chairman Bob Smytherman replies: I respond from a practical point of view rather than a legal one. We have not yet had smart meters introduced in our block but we did have a conflict of views when carrying out our fire risk assessment with regards whether or not meter cupboards should be locked and who should have access to them. On balance we took the view that meters held in 'communal cupboards' should be locked and we took the view this was best done with a combination lock rather than a key so the number could easily be passed to anyone requesting access rather than finding a key holder and risk leaving the cupboard unlocked which could lead to unauthorised access. With regards the siting of new smart meters my advice would be to contact your local Fire Safety Adviser from the local fire service who specialises in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order before allowing a contractor to install new meters. The Directors will have ultimate responsibility under the Fire Safety Order and therefore you will be responsible to ensure the necessary risk assessments take place before installation. I trust this will help inform your Directors of the process you need to follow. [Submitted June 2016]

Question 2

Smart meters

Accepted Answer

Q: The “Fire Safety in Purpose-Built Blocks of Flats” published by the Local Government Group in July 2011 suggests that a “pay meter” should not be installed in a meter cupboard but in the flat and that the cupboard should always be locked. This issue is going to more important as “Smart meters” will be installed in the near future. We have had some damaged caused by someone removing earth cable. I cannot find any other references as to where pay meters or smart meters should be located. Are you aware of any references or rules which may help in this matter? FPRA Chairman Bob Smytherman replies: I respond from a practical point of view rather than a legal one. We have not yet had smart meters introduced in our block but we did have a conflict of views when carrying out our fire risk assessment with regards whether or not meter cupboards should be locked and who should have access to them. On balance we took the view that meters held in 'communal cupboards' should be locked and we took the view this was best done with a combination lock rather than a key so the number could easily be passed to anyone requesting access rather than finding a key holder and risk leaving the cupboard unlocked which could lead to unauthorised access. With regards the siting of new smart meters my advice would be to contact your local Fire Safety Adviser from the local fire service who specialises in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order before allowing a contractor to install new meters. The Directors will have ultimate responsibility under the Fire Safety Order and therefore you will be responsible to ensure the necessary risk assessments take place before installation. I trust this will help inform your Directors of the process you need to follow. [Submitted June 2016]

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