Property Compliance & Safety Inspections 🎯

Objective: To maintain a safe living environment, ensure regulatory fire compliance and protect the building’s infrastructure during the decant/guardianship phase.

1. Fire Safety Checks (weekly)

  • Manual Call Points: Locate the fire alarm call points (red boxes). Each week, use the plastic test key on a different call point. Insert the key to trigger the alarm. Ensure the sirens are audible throughout the building.

  • Panel Reset: Confirm the "Fire" light shows on the main panel, then use the control key to silence and reset the system. Record the specific Call Point ID/Location tested.

  • Emergency Lighting: Walk the communal escape routes. Check that the small green LED on each emergency light fixture is lit (this confirms the battery is charging).

  • Clearance: Physically walk every exit route to ensure no bikes, furniture, or rubbish bags are obstructing the path.

2. Unit Inspections (Smoke & CO2) (MONTHLY)

  • Testing: Press and hold the "Test" button on alarms until the siren sounds.

  • Visual Check: Ensure alarms are not covered by tape or paint.

  • Compliance: While in the unit, check for prohibited items (candles, heaters, or overloaded "daisy-chained" extension leads). If found, they must be removed immediately.

3. Void Unit "Flush & Flow" Procedure (MONTHLY)

  • Purpose: To prevent the build-up of sewer gases (which occur when u-bends dry out) and to mitigate the risk of Legionella bacteria in stagnant water.

  • The Flush: Flush every toilet in the void unit twice.

  • The Flow: Run all sinks, basins, and showers for at least 2 minutes. Start with the tap furthest from the water entry point.

  • Observation: While water is running, check under sinks for any new leaks and ensure drains are not blocked.

4. Building Envelope & Security

  • External Walk: Walk the full perimeter. Look for signs of "scaling" (attempted entry via windows) or damage to boarding.

  • Guttering: Look up at the roofline for sagging gutters, overflowing water marks, or vegetation growth.

  • Intercoms/Locks: Test the main entry point to ensure the magnetic lock or deadbolt is engaging fully.

5. Electrical Compliance Standards

  • E-Bikes & E-Scooters: Due to the severe fire risk associated with Lithium-ion batteries, E-bikes and E-scooters are strictly prohibited inside individual units or communal hallways. If found, they must be moved to a designated external storage area immediately.

  • Trailing Cables: Wires must not be stretched across rooms or walkways. This is both a trip hazard and a fire risk if cables become frayed or pinched under doors/furniture.

  • Socket Management: "Daisy-chaining" (plugging one extension lead into another) is a major fire hazard. Each extension lead must be plugged directly into a wall socket. High-wattage appliances (heaters, kettles) must never be used on an extension lead.

  • Charging Safety: Discourage guardians from charging devices (phones, laptops, vapes) on beds or sofas. All charging must be done on hard, non-flammable surfaces.

  • Unattended Appliances: Ensure that portable hobs, irons, or heaters are fully unplugged when the guardian is not in the room.

5. Reporting & Documentation

  • Recording: All findings must be written on the Weekly Master Log at the time of inspection.

  • Evidence: Take photos of any failures (e.g., a leaking pipe or blocked fire exit) and attach them to the digital report or email.

  • Escalation: If a "Life Safety" issue is found (e.g., fire panel failure), it must be phoned in to the Director immediately.