The Directors of Entryway Ltd are aware of recent reports of substantial fires in blocks of flats in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets owing to faults in charging the batteries of e-bikes and scooters. The technology is immature and open to abuse. In fact, we feel this is now the single greatest fire threat to George Leybourne House. Therefore, our ban on bicycles in the building extends to e-bikes and e-scooters (including unicycles) and it is also forbidden to take just the batteries into flats to recharge them. If anyone wishes to store an e-bike (or similar, as above) in the area of the garage set aside for bicycles, the Owner of the flat must first ask Entryway Ltd for our approval in writing. Unauthorised storage of such items will be subject to further sanction.
Each floor has a fire alarm by the lifts which is operated by breaking the glass panel and depressing the alarm. It is tested once a week, and maintenance is conducted regularly by a competent outside contractor. On each floor there is one carbon dioxide fire extinguisher and one water extinguisher. Use only as directed. Do not attempt to fight fires that have already taken hold – evacuate the building.
The fire alarm system operates in the Common Areas and controls the smoke vents on all floors. It is not interconnected to the residential flats. The understanding and assessment of this system is that on activation any persons in the common parts should evacuate the premises. All other residents not directly affected by the fire would be expected to “Stay Put” and remain in their flats unless directed to leave by the Fire and Rescue Service, because of the building design and fire-resisting compartmentation between flats. Regard all corridors as dead-ends.
Those not directly involved and who wish to leave the building on hearing the alarm may do so. The designated external assembly point is at the green space on the east side of Wellclose Square. If you choose to leave the building and it is safe to do so, you should do so by the normal exits (front door, reception area; or back door, basement area) and walk into Wellclose Square along the northern side, turning right at the junction with the eastern side. The green space is then on your left. So that the fire brigade may determine if anyone is trapped in the building, a Director of Entryway Ltd or other responsible person will take a roll-call after evacuation.
Please be aware of the importance of fire doors and the need to keep them closed at all times. If the fire is in your flat and you are evacuating please shut your front door on departure so as to prevent smoke entering the corridors. The fire fighters can and will break in if necessary. It is advised that all flat entrance doors have working self-closing devices, and intumescent strips and cold smoke seals. All electric meter cupboards should be locked shut at all times.
Do not attempt to fight fires that have already taken hold – evacuate yourself from the house. Sound the alarm as you make your escape. Do not try to rescue belongings or pets. Telephone the Fire Brigade on 999 immediately from a place of safety. Speak slowly and try to be calm answering the questions you are asked. If you think there may be someone left in the building, inform the 999 operator.
Entryway Ltd takes its responsibilities seriously and conducts safety checks often as a part of its maintenance routine, but of course we can only do this properly for the Common Areas, such as the corridors. The most important action you can take as a flat owner or landlord is to try and prevent fires in your flat.
Therefore, please pay attention to the following:
Electrics: Make sure that the electrical circuits, fittings and equipment throughout the flat are in good condition. Have the electrical installation checked regularly by a competent electrician (NICEIC or ECA approved) and act quickly on any recommendations that are made. The electrician’s report will tell you the date on which the installation should be checked again. Install circuit breakers and prevent overloading of sockets by ensuring the adaptors are not needed. If you buy new electrical equipment, make sure that it bears the CE mark, either on the equipment itself, or on the box, to show that it complies with legal standards. The purchase of second-hand electrical goods is not recommended.
Location: Make sure that heaters and cookers are fixed in a position where they will not set fire to curtains, bedding or furnishings.
Furniture: Make sure that all upholstered furniture that you, as the landlord or owner, provide (such as settees, armchairs, bed bases and mattresses) has sewn-in labels showing that it has fire-resistant filling and covers. This is a legal requirement under the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 and the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1993. Discourage the use of portable gas or paraffin heaters in the flat.
Materials: Do not store highly flammable materials in the house (such as paint, thinners, LPG cylinders, paraffin or petrol).
Combustible items: Do not store large quantities of combustible materials such cardboard boxes or newspapers, in understairs cupboards in your own flat or anywhere in the Common Areas. The common staircase and corridors should be regarded as sterile areas, and it is recommended that all plastic air fresheners currently positioned on all wall-mounted electric storage radiators are removed to prevent any potential overheating.
Make sure you/your tenants understand the importance of the dangers of:
Smoking in bed or when drowsy.
Careless use of candles, incense or joss sticks.
Overloading electrical sockets.
Having trailing cables.
Leaving a chip pan or frying pan unattended, or over-full of oil or fat.
Placing clothes to dry over or near heaters.
Also note the importance of a bedtime fire safety routine:
Turning off the cooker.
Unplugging electrical appliances (except those designed to remain on).
Making sure that no cigarettes or candles are left burning.
Closing all doors.
Please do not allow balconies to accumulate combustible materials which would potentially assist in the spread of fire between flats.