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Every year in the UK more than 4,000 people die in accidents in
the home and nearly three million turn up at accident and emergency
departments seeking treatment.
RoSPA (Royal
Society for the Prevention of Accidents).
Those renting accommodation may be more at risk than others. So
what are the risks, how can you avoid them and who can you contact
for advice and help? |
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- Are carpets and other floor finishes properly fitted
down?
- Are loose mats non-slip on the underside?
- Is lighting good at changes in floor level, steps and
stairs?
- Are stairways and landings protected safely? Do they have
handrails?
- Are windows child-safe and can you still get out in an
emergency?
- Is any low level glazing properly fitted with safety
glass?
- Do floors, stairs or other parts of the building seem
unsafe in other ways?
- Are anti-topple brackets fitted to cookers and cooker
safety guards when children are there?
- Are work surfaces sufficient to keep children away from
kettles and other hot or sharp objects? Do they fit close enough to
both sides of the cooker to help stop children from reaching pan
handles?
- Are self-closing fire doors, smoke detectors, fire alarms
and emergency lighting fitted and maintained?
- Is a fire blanket provided in the kitchen area? Do you
know how to use it?
- In a fire, could you leave the building by the front door
without using a key and reach a place of safety?
- Do gas appliances work properly? Is there discolouring
around gas fires or the top of water heaters?
- Have you seen the Gas Safety Certificate that the
landlord should get for your home each year?
- Do electrical wires trail where they can be damaged, be
in contact with water or be a trip hazard?
- Are electrical sockets overloaded, overheating, or giving
electric shocks? Are wires old or damaged?
Is furniture labelled as complying with fire regulations and a
warning that 'Carelessness causes fire'?
- Do people who are young, elderly, have a disability or
who are otherwise less able to react to an accident or emergency
situation live in or visit your home? Is special care, advice or
help needed?
Who is Responsible?
Even if you are renting accommodation, although your landlord
has certain responsibilities, it is vitally important that you take
time to help yourself by safety checking your own home surrounds -
it may prevent an accident or even save your life!
Under Management Regulations that apply to houses in multiple
occupation, a landlord has a duty to make sure that adequate
precautions are taken to protect the safety of residents. If this
applies to you, you may find that your landlord or managing agent
will help you and you must tell them of your concerns.
Fire Safety
For information on fire safety in the home visit our
Fire Safety page.
Who else can help?
Other useful telephone numbers
- Gas Emergencies - call National Gas Emergency Service - 0800
111 999 (24 hour emergency line)
- NHS Direct
- 0845 4647
Please be SAFE!
Contact Details:
E-mail:
environmental.services@tendringdc.gov.uk
Address: Private sector housing team, Council Offices, Thorpe
Road, Weeley,
Essex, CO16 9AJ
Telephone: 01255 686744 |