In the world of property management, fire safety is one of the most critical responsibilities that a Resident Management Company (RMC) must oversee. Whether managing a block of flats or an estate, an RMC, as the 'responsible person', has a legal obligation to ensure that fire safety measures are in place and regularly maintained.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the key fire safety responsibilities of an RMC, the legal requirements, and how RMC directors can take control of costs by seeking competitive quotes for fire safety work, including fire door remediation.
What Are the Fire Safety Responsibilities of an RMC?
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, any building or estate that contains communal areas, such as blocks of flats, must have fire safety systems in place. The 'responsible person' for ensuring fire safety is upheld in these areas is often the RMC, particularly in leasehold properties where residents own shares in the freehold.
As the responsible person, the RMC has several key duties:
Fire Risk Assessment
Conducting a fire risk assessment is mandatory. This assessment identifies fire hazards, evaluates the risks, and provides recommendations for managing and mitigating those risks. It should be regularly reviewed and updated, particularly after any significant changes to the building.
Fire Door Maintenance and Remediation
Fire doors are critical for slowing the spread of fire and providing safe evacuation routes. The RMC must ensure that fire doors are inspected, maintained, and remediated as needed. This includes checking door closers, seals, and alignment to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
Emergency Lighting and Fire Alarm Systems
The RMC must ensure that emergency lighting, fire alarms, and other fire safety systems are functional, regularly tested, and compliant with current safety standards.
Creating and Reviewing Fire Evacuation Plans
Having clear evacuation routes and plans is essential, especially for buildings with multiple residents. The RMC is responsible for ensuring that evacuation procedures are in place, well-communicated, and rehearsed when necessary.
Ensuring Access for Fire Services
Keeping access routes clear for emergency services is another vital responsibility. This ensures that firefighters can quickly reach the property and act in case of an emergency.
Keeping Records
The RMC is also responsible for keeping accurate records of all fire safety measures, assessments, and inspections. This documentation will be critical if there is ever an inspection or, in the worst-case scenario, a fire-related incident.
The Right to Choose Contractors and Manage Costs
While the property manager often takes on the day-to-day management of these tasks and will typically recommend contractors, it's important for RMC directors to know they have the right to choose who completes the fire safety work.
One of the most significant areas where this comes into play is with fire door remediation. Fire doors are essential for protecting residents, but maintaining or remediating them can be costly. The good news is, as an RMC director, you can take control of those costs by seeking competitive quotes for fire door remediation work and other fire safety services.
Here's how an RMC can manage costs effectively:
Seeking Multiple Quotes
While property managers may have preferred contractors or suppliers that they recommend for fire safety work, RMCs are not obligated to use these contractors. RMC directors can request quotes from multiple fire safety companies, ensuring they are getting the best price for the work needed.
Opting for Fire Door Remediation Over Replacement
In many cases, fire doors can be remediated rather than replaced entirely. Remediation is often a more cost-effective solution, addressing specific issues like damaged seals, misaligned doors, or faulty closers without the expense of installing new doors.
Negotiating Terms and Services
By obtaining competitive quotes, RMCs also can negotiate the terms of service, timelines, and even ongoing maintenance packages, which can further reduce costs over time.
Quality Assurance
It's important to ensure that any contractor hired to carry out fire safety work is fully qualified and experienced. While cost is a factor, choosing a company that offers quality service and full compliance with fire safety regulations is crucial.
Why It's Important to Take Control of Fire Safety as an RMC
While the property manager plays an important role in recommending contractors and overseeing daily management, the ultimate responsibility for fire safety lies with the RMC. By taking an active role in contractor selection, RMC directors can:
Ensure Value for Money
By exploring options beyond the property manager's preferred contractors, you can find competitive pricing for essential fire safety services. This helps keep service charges manageable for residents while still ensuring the property is fully compliant with fire safety laws.
Maintain Control Over Fire Safety Compliance
By directly managing the process of selecting fire safety contractors, RMC directors can ensure that all work meets the required standards. This minimizes the risk of future compliance issues or penalties from local authorities.
Conclusion: Your Role in Fire Safety as an RMC Director
As an RMC director, fire safety is one of your most critical responsibilities. Ensuring your building or estate complies with fire safety regulations protects not only the property but, more importantly, the lives of its residents.
By opting for competitive quotes and exploring fire door remediation rather than replacement, RMC directors can effectively manage costs without compromising on safety.
Need Help Managing Your RMC's Fire Safety Obligations?
If you're looking for affordable and reliable fire door remediation services or other fire safety solutions, Elevate Safety Solutions Ltd can help. We specialise in working with RMCs, providing cost-effective solutions that ensure full compliance with fire safety regulations.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you meet your fire safety obligations while keeping costs under control.