Flat fire safety

The Fire Safety Department has a dedicated Flats Team which  is tasked with improving the level of fire safety in premises which contain flats. Currently the Fire Precautions (Flats) Regulations 1996 are in force. However since 1996 fire safety standards have improved and building uses have also evolved. Consequently the current flat regulations will be replaced in January 2017 with the Fire Precautions (Houses in Multiple Occupation) Regulations 2016.

The regulations will bring requirements within flats up to date and will also include standards for HMO`s

What is a HMO?

A HMO is a House in Multiple Occupation. In such properties people have a room to sleep in and share facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms. DEFA have also brought in their own HMO Regulations, under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011. The new Fire Regulations have been written to work alongside DEFA`s Legislation.

The Flats Team adopt a proactive approach to the inspection of flat premises within the Island's housing stock, and are available to give expert advice regarding existing premises or future developments containing flats.

The Flats Systems Testing Policy, downloadable from this page, details the requirements that must be met in terms of testing and inspecting fire alarms, emergency lighting, sprinkler systems, portable fire extinguishing equipment and the recording of all tests and inspections in a log book, which can also be downloaded from this page.