Anyone who lives above or below a commercial premises must make sure exits and escape routes are kept clear – inside and outside of the building.
If you live above or below a premises where your escape route is constantly blocked, the first thing to do is talk to the owner. If that doesn’t help, the next step is contacting your local authority (local council) or contact us.
Did you know? 60-minute protection floors, ceilings and walls between the commercial area and residential area are a requirement – that means if you live in a flat above or below a commercial premises, it should be fireproofed to withstand 60 minutes before the fire spreads.
Fire spread
Smoke and fire can spread through gaps and holes in ceilings and walls, and this can stop you getting out of the property safely. Look out for:
- Damaged walls from the staircase to the commercial premises, e.g. holes or large cracks.
- Poorly fitted or damaged fire doors from the commercial premises to the staircase or other areas of the building.
- Holes in the floors or ceilings exposing the premises above or below.
Escape routes
Structurally speaking, living accommodation – whether above or below a commercial premises – should have an access route that does not go through the commercial premises.
If your flat or bedsit can only be accessed through the commercial premises, there must be adequate fire separation to allow you a safe escape route, as fire can spread rapidly from the business into all areas of the building.
It’s also important that there are appropriate fire doors in use. That means:
- If there is shared access, fire doors should separate commercial units and people’s homes.
- These doors should be British Standard FD30, FD60 fire doors and should be kept closed – not propped open for extra ventilation or storage!
- Business owners should not store rubbish or supplies in your access or escape route
Click here for more information
Ducting
Ducting from the commercial premises running through your flat or bedsit can be a potential fire hazard. If the ducting is not well maintained, a fire in the duct can cause a build-up of heat which could ignite items close by in your flat or bedsit.
If the ducting is properly encased and kept clean, this isn’t something to worry about. Look out for:
- A strong smell of cooking, or of hot fat or oil.
- Unexplained hot areas on walls, ceilings, floors and in cupboards.
- Smoke coming from strange places in your flat.
For more information if you are living above a take away or restaurant, click here.
Fire risks to look out for
- If the gas or electricity supply meters are under the stairs, or at the entrance to your flat/bedsit and in a cupboard that isn’t fire protected and/or is used for storage.
- Exposed electrical cables, gas supply pipes and meters at the entrance and across stairs in the property. If there is a fire in the property, it will spread rapidly as these pipes get hot.
- Having an outdoor cooking area or a smoking area under a canopy at the rear of the commercial premises. If coals or cigarette ends are not properly extinguished, they can catch the canopy alight, allowing fire and smoke spread up the external façade of the premises. If you live in a basement flat, fire could prevent your safe escape.
- Excessive storage of flammable items, gas canisters, cardboard, refuse etc in the rear area or gardens.
All of these factors might increase the risk of a fire starting and could potentially block your escape route. If you are worried, it is important to talk to the landlord or business owner. They should act to resolve the situation but, if they don’t, you can contact your local authority or get in touch with us.