Houses in Multiple Occupation fire safety guidance

This information was taken from the Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Sleeping Accommodation guide which addresses the common areas of houses in multiple occupation (HMO).

Whatever the policies, procedures and standards adopted within the Fire Risk Assessment they need to be effective and maintained at all times. Fire Risk Assessments are dynamic documents and need to reflect premises changing circumstances.

1. Identify fire hazards

• Sources of ignition
• Sources of fuel
• Sources of oxygen

2. Identify people at risk

• People in and around the property
• People especially at risk

3. Evaluate, remove, reduce and protect from risk

• Evaluate the risk of a fire occurring
• Evaluate the risk to people from fire
• Remove or reduce fire hazards
• Remove or reduce the risks to people
  • Detection and warning
  • Fire-fighting
  • Escape routes
  • Lighting
  • Signs and notices
  • Maintenance
  • Storage and disposal of household waste

4. Record, plan, inform, instruct and train

• Record significant findings and actions taken
• Prepare an emergency plan
• Inform and instruct relevant people; co-operate and co-ordinate with others
• Provide training

5. Review

• Keep assessment under review
• Revise where necessary