Smoke and carbon monoxide detector policy
Introduction
This policy sets out our approach to the provision, maintenance, repair and testing of smoke detectors.
Who this policy applies to and what it covers
This policy applies to:
- All homes and communal areas that we own and manage
- All customers living in Magna homes
- All colleagues carrying out work relating to fire safety.
This policy specifically covers:
- Installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in our homes and communal areas.
- Testing of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Repairs and maintenance of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Raising awareness with our customers.
Our Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Policy
All Magna homes are fitted with smoke detectors and/or a system to detect smoke or heat. Where there is a fuel burning appliance, a carbon monoxide detector will also be fitted, to comply with The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Regulations.
When a home becomes empty, we’ll make sure it has at least one smoke detector on each floor and a heat detector in the kitchen. Where there is more than one smoke or heat detector, they will be linked in compliance with the Magna Re-Let Standard. We will provide new batteries for these detectors, or replace the detector if necessary, and test them before the home is relet.
When we refurbish a kitchen, we will install a heat detector in the kitchen. This will be linked to the other smoke detectors in the home.
In any other circumstances where we identify a missing or defective detector, we will replace it as a priority repair.
It is the customer’s responsibility to test detectors in their home. We will publicise this in our customer magazine, Opendoor, on our website and on our social media channels to make sure customers are aware.
When requested, we’ll provide and install adapted smoke detectors with flashing strobe light and/or vibration facilities in place of standard smoke detectors in homes where the customer and/or any member of their household has sight or hearing disabilities.
Repairs, maintenance and testing
We will treat all repairs or necessary replacement of smoke detectors as emergency repairs.
We are not responsible for the supply or fitting of replacement batteries, except in sheltered and supported housing, and empty homes.
In sheltered housing and supported housing, support colleagues will test the smoke detectors in customers’ homes every month and will replace batteries during that test if necessary. We will also repair and replace smoke detectors as necessary. The additional services described in this paragraph will only be provided where the customer is liable to pay a support charge to Magna and has not opted out of receiving any support visits. For the purposes of this policy, sheltered housing is defined as those properties that are classified as housing for older people and supported housing includes purpose designed or designated supported housing, in accordance with Regulator of Social Housing guidance.
We will check all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as part of the cyclical electrical testing of our homes, in accordance with our ‘Cyclical Electrical Testing Procedure’ and our ‘Gas, Oil and Solid Fuel Procedure’.
We will test all smoke detectors in communal areas every month, in line with our ‘Fire Safety Procedures - common and communal areas of housing’.
Providing information and raising awareness
We’ll raise awareness of fire safety, and in particular the importance of installing, maintaining and testing smoke detectors, by providing information on our website, in Opendoor, our social media channels and in the communal areas of schemes or blocks of flats.
Our assured tenancy agreements include clauses on smoke alarms/detectors and make it clear that customers are responsible for checking smoke alarms/detectors and replacing batteries.
Responsibilities for Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Management
The Director of Customer Operations is accountable for all aspects of management of smoke and carbon monoxide at Magna and for the development and review of the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Policy annually, ensuring that it meets all regulatory requirements and guidance.
The Head of Building Safety, Compliance and Home Services is responsible for operational delivery of smoke and carbon monoxide activities and maintaining accurate safety related property data. They are also responsible for ensuring that customers are effectively consulted on all aspects of smoke and carbon monoxide detection.
All colleagues are responsible for ensuring that the work they carry out meets our policies and standards.
This policy will be considered and approved annually by Strategic Board.
A range of performance measures and indicators, relating directly to the Fire Safety Standard, will be agreed and reported to managers and directors as appropriate. High level performance indicators will be reported to Strategic Board on a regular basis.