Fire safety is everyone's responsibility. We carry out regular inspections, maintain communal fire safety equipment and provide guidance to residents on preventing fires. 

Fire doors

Fire doors play a vital role in preventing the spread of fire and smoke, helping to protect escape routes and giving residents more time to evacuate safely. Please ensure fire doors are not wedged open, altered, or damaged, and report any defects such as broken closers, damaged seals, or difficulty closing promptly. 

Smoke alarms 

Smoke alarms provide an early warning of fire and can save lives by alerting occupants to danger. Residents should test their smoke alarms regularly, keep them free from dust, and report any faults or missing alarms as soon as possible. Never remove batteries or cover smoke alarms. 

Evacuation procedures 

In the event of a fire, residents should follow the fire action notice for their building. Where a 'stay put'policy applies, residents should remain in their home unless directly affected by fire or smoke, or instructed otherwise by the Fire and Rescue Service. If evacuation is required, leave the building safely, use the stairs rather than lifts, and call 999 when it is safe to do so. 

Communal area safety 

Communal areas, including corridors, stairwells, entrance halls, and landings, must be kept clear at all times. Items such as bicycles, prams, mobility scooters, furniture, and rubbish can obstruct escape routes and increase fire risk. Residents are encouraged to report any hazards or concerns they observe in communal spaces. 

Home fire safety checks

Residents may be eligible for a free home fire safety check from their local Fire and Rescue Service. These visits help identify potential fire risks within the home and provide practical advice on reducing those risks. A home fire safety check may include guidance on escape planning, cooking and electrical safety, safe use of heaters and appliances, and ensuring smoke alarms are correctly fitted and maintained. 

We are committed to ensuring our buildings are safe, compliant and well maintained. For higher-risk buildings, we comply with all relevant building safety legislation and maintain robust safety management arrangements. 

Building Safety Act information 

We are committed to ensuring our buildings are safe, compliant and well maintained. While we do not currently own or manage any Higher-Risk Buildings as defined under the Building Safety Act, we continue to monitor developments in building safety legislation and apply appropriate safety management practices across our housing stock. We work to identify, assess and manage building-related risks and ensure that our properties meet relevant legal and regulatory requirements. 

Fire Risk Assessments 

Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs) are undertaken by independent, suitably qualified and competent fire safety consultants to ensure that assessments are completed in line with current legislation, recognised industry standards and emerging regulatory requirements. These assessments identify potential fire hazards, evaluate the effectiveness of existing fire safety measures and recommend any actions required to reduce risk. 

Any recommendations arising from Fire Risk Assessments are reviewed, prioritised and incorporated into planned maintenance and improvement programmes where appropriate. We regularly monitor the completion of these actions to help ensure our buildings remain safe and compliant. 

Residents can support fire safety by following fire safety guidance, keeping communal areas clear and reporting any fire safety concerns promptly. 

Resident engagement 

Residents play an important role in helping to maintain building safety. We are committed to providing clear information about safety arrangements, planned works and any issues that may affect residents' homes or communal areas. 

We welcome residents' views and feedback through our resident engagement opportunities, including our resident meetings. These forums provide opportunities for residents to share their experiences, influence service delivery and raise concerns about matters affecting their homes and communities. We encourage all residents to engage with us, provide feedback and work in partnership with us to help create a safe living environment for everyone. 

Residents can also contact their housing manager or housing officer at any time to discuss building safety concerns, planned works or suggestions for improvement. 

Reporting safety concerns 

If you have any concerns about the safety of your home or building, please report them as soon as possible to your housing manager or, for residents in general needs accommodation, your housing officer. 

Safety concerns may include: 

• Fire safety issues, such as damaged fire doors, missing fire safety signage, faulty emergency lighting or blocked escape routes. 

• Building defects, including cracks, water ingress, loose building materials or concerns about the condition of the structure. 

• Hazards in communal areas, such as trip hazards, damaged flooring, poor lighting or obstructions in corridors and stairwells. 

• Security concerns, including faulty entrance doors, broken locks, damaged fencing or unauthorised access to communal areas. 

• Health and safety risks that could affect residents, visitors or staff. 

We take all safety concerns seriously and will investigate reports promptly, taking appropriate action where required. Residents will be kept informed of any significant issues or actions that may affect their home or building. 

Safety inspections and improvement works 

We operate a programme of planned inspections, surveys and compliance checks to monitor the condition, safety and regulatory compliance of our homes and communal areas. These inspections may include assessments of fire safety measures, electrical installations, gas safety, water hygiene, lifts, asbestos management and the general condition of buildings and communal facilities. 

Where inspections identify defects, hazards or opportunities for improvement, we will assess the level of risk and prioritise any required remedial works. Actions may range from routine repairs and maintenance through to larger improvement projects designed to enhance resident safety, ensure legal compliance and maintain the long-term condition of our properties. 

We monitor the completion of safety-related actions and work closely with approved contractors and specialist consultants to ensure works are carried out to the required standard. Where significant works are planned, affected residents will be informed in advance and provided with updates throughout the project where appropriate. 

Damp and mould can affect both homes and health. We take reports seriously and respond quickly to investigate, identify causes and complete appropriate remedial works. 

Reporting damp and mould 

We encourage residents to report damp, mould or excessive condensation as soon as it is identified. Early reporting helps us investigate the issue promptly, identify the underlying cause and prevent the problem from worsening. 

Reports can be made through your housing manager or, for residents in general needs accommodation, your housing officer. When reporting an issue, it is helpful to provide details of the affected areas, when the problem first occurred and any photographs, where possible. 

We will assess each report on its individual circumstances and take appropriate action to investigate and resolve the issue. 

Preventing condensation 

Condensation is a common cause of mould growth and can occur when moisture from everyday activities, such as cooking, showering and drying clothes, comes into contact with cold surfaces. 

Residents can help reduce condensation by: 

• Opening windows or using extractor fans when cooking or bathing. 

• Keeping trickle vents open where fitted. 

• Drying clothes outdoors where possible or using well-ventilated areas. 

• Maintaining a consistent level of heating during colder weather. 

• Wiping away excess moisture from windows and other surfaces. 

• While residents can take practical steps to reduce condensation, we recognise that damp and mould are not always caused by resident behaviour and will investigate all reports to identify the root cause. 

What to expect from our service 

We take all reports of damp and mould seriously and are committed to providing a timely and effective response. 

When a report is received, we will: 

• Acknowledge and assess the report. 

• Arrange an inspection where required. 

• Identify the likely cause of the damp or mould. 

• Complete any necessary remedial works or repairs. 

• Keep residents informed throughout the process. 

• Review completed works to ensure the issue has been effectively addressed. 

• Where specialist investigations or additional works are required, we will explain the next steps and any expected timescales. 

 Support for vulnerable residents 

We recognise that damp and mould can have a greater impact on some residents, particularly older people, young children, pregnant women and those with respiratory conditions or other health concerns. 

Where we are aware of vulnerabilities, we will seek to provide an appropriate and tailored response, taking individual circumstances into account when prioritising inspections, investigations and remedial works. Residents are encouraged to let us know if they, or a member of their household, may be particularly affected by damp and mould so that we can consider any additional support that may be required. 

Annual gas safety checks help ensure appliances operate safely and efficiently. 

Annual gas servicing 

To help keep residents safe and comply with legal requirements, we arrange an annual gas safety inspection for all properties with gas appliances that we are responsible for maintaining. These inspections are carried out by qualified Gas Safe registered engineers and include checks on gas appliances, pipework and flues. 

Residents must provide access for these inspections to take place. Following the inspection, any necessary repairs or follow-up works will be arranged to ensure gas installations continue to operate safely. 

Carbon monoxide awareness 

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. It can be produced by faulty or poorly maintained gas appliances and can cause serious illness or death. 

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, tiredness and confusion. If you suspect carbon monoxide is present, leave the property immediately, seek fresh air and contact the emergency services if anyone feels unwell. 

Where provided, carbon monoxide alarms should be tested regularly and residents should report any faults or concerns as soon as possible. 

Gas leaks and emergencies 

If you suspect a gas leak, you should: 

• Open doors and windows to ventilate the property. 

• Do not use electrical switches, naked flames or smoking materials. 

• Turn off the gas supply at the meter if it is safe to do so. 

• Leave the property if necessary. 

• Contact the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. 

• Once the emergency has been made safe, please also notify your housing manager or, for residents in general needs accommodation, your housing officer.

Boiler safety 

Boilers should only be serviced, repaired or replaced by suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineers. Annual servicing helps ensure boilers operate safely, efficiently and reliably throughout the year. 

Residents should report any concerns about their heating or hot water system promptly, including unusual noises, leaks, warning lights, error messages or a loss of heating and hot water. We will investigate reported issues and arrange repairs where they fall within our maintenance responsibilities. 

Where a boiler or heating appliance is condemned or found to be unsafe, we will take appropriate action to protect residents and restore the service as quickly as possible. 

Regular testing and safe use of electrical equipment help reduce the risk of electric shock and fire. 

Electrical inspections 

We carry out Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) on both individual properties and communal areas at least every five years, and when a property becomes vacant at the end of a tenancy. These inspections are undertaken by qualified electricians and help ensure electrical installations remain safe, well maintained and compliant with current regulations. 

Inspections may include checks of wiring, sockets, switches, lighting circuits, consumer units and other fixed electrical installations. Where defects or safety issues are identified, we will assess the level of risk and arrange any necessary remedial works. 

Residents must provide access for scheduled inspections to enable us to meet our safety obligations and help ensure homes remain safe for occupation. 

Consumer units and wiring 

Consumer units (sometimes known as fuse boxes) are designed to protect residents and properties from electrical faults. Modern consumer units include safety devices that automatically disconnect the electricity supply if a fault is detected. 

Residents should not attempt to alter, repair or interfere with electrical wiring, consumer units or fixed electrical installations. Any concerns relating to damaged sockets, switches, wiring or electrical equipment supplied by us should be reported promptly. 

Safe use of extension leads 

Extension leads should be used safely and only where necessary. Overloaded or incorrectly used extension leads can overheat and increase the risk of electric shock or fire. 

To reduce risk: 

• Avoid plugging multiple high-powered appliances into a single extension lead. 

• Never plug one extension lead into another. 

• Ensure extension leads are not damaged, trapped under furniture or covered by carpets, rugs or other materials. 

• Use extension leads that comply with recognised safety standards. 

• Regularly check plugs, sockets and cables for signs of wear or damage. 

• Where possible, electrical items should be plugged directly into a wall socket. If you find that you need to rely on multiple extension leads or are unable to access enough sockets to use your home safely and comfortably, please let us know. This may indicate that the current socket provision does not adequately meet your needs, and we will work with you to explore safer and more suitable solutions where possible. 

• Residents should never attempt to overload sockets or create temporary electrical arrangements that could put themselves or others at risk. If you are unsure whether your electrical setup is safe, please contact your project manager or housing officer for advice.

 Reporting electrical faults 

If you notice a problem with the electrical installation in your home or communal areas, please report it as soon as possible to your housing manager or, for residents in general needs accommodation, your housing officer. 

Examples of faults that should be reported include: 

• Sockets or switches that are loose, damaged, scorched or not working correctly. 

• Repeated tripping of circuit breakers or fuses. 

• Flickering lights or lighting circuits that stop working. 

• Burning smells, buzzing noises or signs of overheating from electrical fittings. 

• Damaged wiring, exposed cables or electrical fittings that appear unsafe. 

• Loss of power that is not related to a local power outage. 

• Any electrical issue that prevents you from safely using your home. 
• If there is an immediate risk to people or property, such as smoke, sparks, fire, exposed live wiring or evidence of overheating, treat this as an emergency. Switch off the electricity supply if it is safe to do so, move away from the affected area and contact our emergency repairs service immediately. 

We will assess all reported electrical safety concerns and arrange inspection, testing or remedial works as appropriate. Where a defect presents a significant safety risk, we may take immediate action to make the installation safe until permanent repairs can be completed. 

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) forms part of our approach to managing electrical safety and helps identify faults that could lead to electric shock, injury or fire. Where YMCA DownsLink Group provides portable electrical appliances in communal areas, offices, supported accommodation, shared facilities or other managed settings, these appliances may be subject to inspection and testing as part of our electrical safety arrangements. 

PAT involves a visual inspection and, where appropriate, electrical testing of equipment to identify damage, wear or defects that could make an appliance unsafe. Testing is carried out by a competent person at intervals determined by the type of equipment, how it is used and the environment in which it is located. 

Residents should not use any electrical equipment that appears damaged and should report concerns immediately. Examples include damaged plugs, exposed wires, cracked casings, overheating equipment, burning smells or appliances that do not appear to be operating safely. 

If an appliance is found to be unsafe: 

• It may be removed from use or clearly marked as unsafe. 

• Repairs or replacement will be arranged where appropriate. 

• Residents, customers and colleagues will be advised not to use the appliance. 

• Records of inspections, defects and corrective actions will be maintained. 

We may need access to inspect, test, repair, replace or remove appliances that we have provided. We ask residents to work with us to support these safety checks and any actions arising from them. This helps us meet our legal responsibilities and ensures equipment remains safe for everyone who uses it. 

Residents are generally responsible for ensuring that their own electrical appliances are safe, suitable for use and maintained in good condition. Appliances with damaged plugs, cables or casings should not be used. 

Where a resident prevents access for necessary safety inspections, interferes with equipment, or otherwise prevents us from meeting our safety obligations, we may be unable to continue providing certain appliances. In these circumstances, we may need to remove the appliance from service and ask the resident to provide their own equipment instead. 

We will always seek to work with residents to find practical solutions and avoid disruption wherever possible. However, where a resident repeatedly prevents us from carrying out reasonable safety checks or meeting our legal responsibilities, we may need to take further action in accordance with the terms of the tenancy, licence or occupancy agreement. This would only be considered as a last resort after reasonable efforts have been made to resolve the issue collaboratively.

Mobility scooters and other battery-powered mobility devices can present a significant fire risk if batteries are damaged, modified, stored incorrectly or charged in unsuitable locations. Lithium-ion battery fires can develop rapidly, produce large amounts of smoke and heat, and may affect residents' ability to safely escape a building. 

Important 

Electric scooters (e-scooters) must not be stored or charged within YMCA DownsLink Group buildings unless expressly authorised in writing. This restriction is in place due to the significant fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. 

To support residents who use mobility scooters, YMCA DownsLink Group has, where available, provided designated storage and charging facilities designed to help reduce fire risks and protect residents, visitors and staff. 

If you own a mobility scooter and are currently charging it within your room, flat or home, please speak to us. We will work with you to understand your individual circumstances and identify a safe and practical solution that protects you, your neighbours and the wider building community. 

Safe charging practices 

Lithium-ion batteries can pose a serious fire risk if they are damaged, overcharged, modified or charged incorrectly.

To reduce risk: 

• Always use the manufacturer's recommended charger and charging equipment. 

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding charging times and safe use. 

• Avoid charging batteries unattended wherever possible. 

• Do not cover chargers or batteries while charging. 

• Stop using and report any battery that becomes unusually hot, swollen, damaged, emits smoke, gives off unusual smells or makes unexpected noises. 

• Keep batteries away from combustible materials and sources of heat. 

• Never modify batteries, chargers or charging equipment. 

If you are unsure whether your charging arrangements are safe, please contact us for advice. 

Storage and charging facilities 

Where available, YMCA DownsLink Group has provided designated storage and charging facilities for mobility scooters and their batteries. These areas are intended to help reduce fire risks and ensure escape routes remain available in the event of an emergency. 

Mobility scooters, batteries and charging equipment must not be stored in corridors, stairwells, entrance halls, landings or other communal escape routes, as they can obstruct evacuation and increase fire risk. 

Please contact us if you require access to a designated storage or charging facility, or if your current arrangements are no longer suitable. 

Approved charging locations 

Mobility scooters and batteries should only be charged in locations approved by YMCA DownsLink Group. 

Charging mobility scooters within corridors, stairwells, entrance halls, escape routes or communal areas is not permitted unless specifically authorised by YMCA DownsLink Group. 

We recognise that residents may have different needs and circumstances. If your current charging arrangements are not suitable, please speak to us. We will work with you to identify the safest and most practical solution available. 

Battery maintenance and disposal 

Regular battery maintenance helps improve safety and prolong the life of your mobility scooter. 

Residents should: 

• Follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. 

• Check batteries, charging cables and plugs regularly for signs of damage or deterioration. 

• Purchase replacement batteries only from reputable suppliers and ensure they are compatible with the manufacturer's specifications. 

• Report concerns about YMCA DownsLink Group provided equipment promptly. 

• Stop using batteries that show signs of damage, overheating or malfunction. 

Damaged, defective or end-of-life batteries should never be disposed of in household waste. Batteries should be recycled or disposed of through an approved recycling or collection service in accordance with local requirements. 

Reporting battery concerns 

Please report any concerns relating to mobility scooter batteries, charging equipment or storage arrangements as soon as possible. 

Examples include: 

• Batteries that become excessively hot while charging. 

• Swollen, leaking or damaged batteries. 

• Faulty chargers or charging cables. 

• Burning smells, smoke or scorch marks. 

• Damage to designated storage or charging facilities. 

• Concerns about the safety of existing charging arrangements. 

If a battery is smoking, on fire, or showing signs of thermal runaway, leave the area immediately, call 999, and only return when advised it is safe to do so by the emergency services. 

We take all reports seriously and will investigate concerns promptly to help protect residents, visitors and staff.  

Support for residents who use mobility scooters 

We recognise that mobility scooters help many residents maintain their independence and access their home and community safely. 

Our aim is to support residents to continue using mobility scooters wherever possible whilst managing the associated fire and safety risks. We will work with residents to understand their individual circumstances and identify safe, practical and proportionate solutions wherever possible. 

Residents are encouraged to speak to their housing manager or, for residents in general needs accommodation, their housing officer if they require advice or assistance regarding the storage, charging or safe use of mobility scooters and battery-powered mobility devices. 

To help us meet our safety responsibilities, residents may be asked to cooperate with reasonable safety measures, inspections or changes to charging and storage arrangements. We will always seek to resolve concerns through discussion and support. However, where a resident repeatedly prevents us from implementing reasonable measures necessary to manage significant safety risks, we may need to consider further action in accordance with the terms of the tenancy, licence or occupancy agreement. This would only be considered as a last resort after reasonable efforts have been made to find a suitable solution together.