|
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?
- 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, see the link on the left
of the page.
Who else can help?
Other useful telephone numbers
- Gas Emergencies - call Transco - 0800 111 999
(24 hour emergency line)
- NHS Direct
- 0845 4647
Please be SAFE!
Contact Details:
E-mail:
environmental.services@tendringdc.gov.uk
Address: Environmental Services, Council Offices,
Thorpe Road, Weeley,
Essex, CO16 9AJ
Telephone: 01255
686744
|