The guidance offers basic, comprehensible advice to minimise and manage fire safety.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has published a fire safety guide to highlight the responsibilities of landlords and tenants in keeping properties safe.
According to figures obtained by RICS, there are still a significant number of deaths and injuries each year from fires in residential properties.
Written with homeowners and residential tenants in mind, the guidance offers basic, comprehensible advice to minimise and manage fire safety.
Gary Strong, RICS director of practice standards and technical guidance, said: “Never has fire safety been in the public domain so much as it is now.
“With recent fires in residential property, there is an urgent need for the public, landlords and residents to be aware of what can cause fires and the measures they should take to stay safe. RICS is acting in the public interest in publishing this guide, which we hope will be of benefit widely.”
The guide has been written by RICS Chartered Building Surveyors and a multi-discipline advisory group who work within the complex area of fire safety design and regulation.
It has advice on fire detection, extinguishing and accessibility and special needs assistance.
For rented or shared accommodation, guidance includes landlord obligations with appliance, furniture and alarm compliance to inform where responsibility lies in these properties.
The guide explains how one of the most fundamental fire precautions to take is to plan and memorise escape routes.
RICS highlights the importance of acting quickly and safely in the event of a fire in the home, with tips and guidance on how to do so. This includes safety points for smokers to follow in the home, including e-cigarette and vaping advice.
The guide also contains safety measures to prevent fires caused by candles, electricity, circuit overloads and furniture.
