Ruislip & Eastcote & Northwood Gazette
Risk assesment
HOW COUNCIL-OWNED BLOCKS IN HILLINGDON COMPARE FOR FIRE SAFETY
EVERY tower block owned or used by Hillingdon Council to house social housing tenants is rated as a medium fire risk with the exception of one, which is considered high risk.
The ratings are contained within individual Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs), acquired by the Local Democracy Service through a Freedom of Information Act.
The Risk assessments are based on a combination of the probability of a fire occurring and the severity of potential consequences if it does, with the individual building classifications listed at the bottom of the story. A council spokeswoman said FRAs were performed annually on all high-rises, and recent improvements included replacing all fire doors to meet building regulations, replacing emergency lighting systems, installing new fire alarms, and the rolling out of new sprinkler systems.
All the FRAs related to tower blocks of six storeys or above, either owned by the council, or used by the local authority to house social housing tenants.
A building’s risk rating is based on the worst identified hazard, which ranged from escape routes being blocked, to damaged fire doors or ventilation shafts that could spread smoke throughout the building.
The Hillingdon Council spokeswoman said: “The safety of residents in our properties is of paramount importance and we actively work to improve fire safety in our buildings.”
She said FRAs are carried out annually in all the borough’s high rises. “These are currently up to date in nine out of our 11 high rise buildings, with FRAs due to be completed by the end of October in the remaining two blocks.”
FRAs identify issues on the day of inspection, which may be completely different to the issues raised in previous years’ inspections, she said. “As a result, risk ratings can vary. However, as expected, our aim is to always have these as low as possible.”
“Where an issue is identified, we work to resolve this, which can include carrying out repairs or removing items blocking exits.
“A high risk rating can indicate a number of things, including easilyresolved issues such as occupants’ belongings blocking fire exits. For example, at Fitzgerald House, the high risk assessment related to a door closer that had been removed (not by the council). This was replaced last week.”
The spokeswoman said the council had carried out major safety improvement works in the borough’s high rise buildings over the past two years.
“These works included replacing all fire doors (residential and communal) to continue to meet building regulations, replacing new communal and emergency lighting systems and new fire alarms, and we are starting the roll out of new sprinkler systems, which will help to lower the risk.”
“We advise residents that communal areas should always be kept clear and free from any items, such as bikes, no matter how convenient it may be for the resident, as this presents a fire hazard. If left, we will removed the item or items.”
According to the Fire Risk Assessment reports, a medium risk status means the relevant building manager must be notified, and a review undertaken within a year.
A high risk building must be reviewed within six months.
How different buildings scored:
■ 1-48 Fitzgerald House, Hayes – High risk
The 13-storey block of 48 flats is made of concrete, brick and steel.
Among the issues which led to a high risk rating was a flat door that had its self-closer removed.
There were also bikes and scooters in communal areas which could create issues in an evacuation.
■ 1-72 The Gouldings, Uxbridge – Medium risk
Standing 11-storeys high and made of brick, steel and concrete, this block of flats was built within the Pavilion Shopping Centre.
The reasons for the fire rating included vents in the walls of the corridors and stairwell with an unknown origin.
The report noted: “Smoke could clog the communal areas via the vents in a fire situation. Vents should be investigated and sealed as appropriate.” There were also pushchairs and bikes in some communal areas, potential creating obstructions during an evacuation.
■ 1-96 Melbourne House, Hayes - Medium risk
This 13-storey block contains 96 flats. The report notes that some fire doors should be upgraded or replaced so as to provide a minimum of 30 minutes fire resistance.
There were also no “do not use lift in the event of fire” signs on the 5th, 8th and 11th floors.
The maintenance regime for the dry risers – pipes used by the fire department when extinguishing blazes on higher floors – was unknown.
■ 1-75 Skeffington Court, Hayes Medium risk
This 15-storey building contains 75 flats and is also made of brick, concrete and steel.
Issues included extinguishers in the plant/boiler room that had not been serviced since 2014, and a fault showing on controls for the building’s emergency lighting system.
Some areas that should have been locked were not, which the report noted as a potential arson risk.
It goes on: “There was evidence of vagrants sleeping in the stairwell at the time of the survey. Locking mechanisms should be repaired/ replaced.”
■ 134-228 Sutcliffe House, Hayes Medium risk
This 13-storey building contains 48 flats, and is made of brick, concrete and steel. Noted issues in the report included vents in the walls of the flat lobbies of unknown origin.
The report noted: “Smoke could clog the communal areas via the vents in a fire situation.”
There were also some issues with fire doors, and no extinguisher in the lift motor room.
■ 2-96 Harding House, Hayes Medium risk
This 13-storey building contains 48 flats, and is made of brick, concrete and steel. Concerns included a gap in a fire door, and extinguishers that had not been tested since 2014. ■ 1-72 Fairlie House, Uxbridge Medium risk
Standing 11 storeys tall, this brick, steel and concrete block of flats is also built within the Pavilion Shopping Centre. There were concerns over vents in the walls of the corridor and in the stairwell with unknown origins.
Additionally, one of the exits to the roof terrace was labelled “not in use” and the door could not be opened, however there was a fire exit sign above the door.
The report said the sign should be removed.
■ 1-48 Wellings House, Hayes Medium risk
This 13 storey block of flats contains 48 apartments. The main causes for concern listed in the report included two front storage areas which were inaccessible as the drop key mechanisms were broken, which was bad for any fire brigade needing to get in.
There were also rugs, scooters and bikes blocking some exit paths. ■ 1-48 Glenister House, Hayes Medium risk
This 13 storey block of 48 flats is also made of steel, concrete and brick. The main concerns raised in the Fire Risk Assessment report included items blocking some communal areas and faults registering on the controls for the building’s emergency lighting panel.
■ 1-79 Rabbs Mill House, Uxbridge - Medium risk
1-79 Rabbs Mill House is a brick concrete and steel constructed 14 storey block of 79 flats. This issues that led to the medium risk assessment were similar to other flats, including vents of unknown origin that could spread smoke throughout the building and bikes blocking some areas.
Residents can report issues directly via the contact centre on 01895 556600 or email hhs-firesafety@hillingdon.gov.uk