Fire safety

Letter

Notifying your landlord about breaches in fire safety

A letter which you can use to report a fire risk in your tower block to your landlord.

Podcast, Story

Peter’s story

Peter McLoughlin is a tower block tenant who has been living in a 14th floor flat in Netherthorpe, Sheffield since 1988. He was formerly Sheffield's Cabinet Member for Housing and continues to lobby for safer housing conditions across the city, particularly in tower blocks. In this episode, Peter discusses his history in the tenants' movement and what's led him to campaign, carry out his own safety and disrepair audits and write many reports on housing over the past 40 years.

Letter

Telling your landlord about structural issues that may indicate a fire risk (cracks in the walls, leaking windows, etc)

If you have spotted signs of breached compartmentation in your flat, like cracks, leaking windows or broken cladding, use this letter to notify your landlord.

Guide

The corridors of my tower block are always blocked with things like buggies and furniture – are they a fire risk?

It's important that corridors are kept clear because in case of emergency, everyone needs to be able to make a quick exit.
A woman holding a clipboard and looking at fire safety signs. Image by Professor Paul Wenham-Clarke A woman holding a clipboard and looking at fire safety signs. Image by Professor Paul Wenham-Clarke

Reference

What is a fire risk assessment?

Every tower block should have regular Fire Risk Assessments - they're a legal requirement. But what does it mean for you, the tenant?
A man checking the safety of a window in a tower block. Image by Professor Paul Wenham-Clarke A man checking the safety of a window in a tower block. Image by Professor Paul Wenham-Clarke

Reference

What is a Responsible Person?

Have you seen a mention of a 'responsible person'? What does it mean? It's not just a description of a character; it's actually a role defined by fire safety law.