Pay your rent
Pay your rent

Health & Safety

The checks we do to keep you healthy and safe, and guidance to support you while you are with us.

Health & Safety checks

Life is required to facilitate health and safety checks on properties to ensure compliance with national legislation. This guidance details the various health and safety checks conducted to meet regulations and provide safe living conditions for everyone

Compliance checks

Compliance checks in housing ensure that properties meet various legal and safety standards. These checks are crucial for maintaining the health and safety of residents, staff, and visitors.

Here are some key areas covered in our housing compliance checks:

  1. Gas Safety: Annual checks for gas appliances and fittings, ensuring they are safe and providing tenants with a gas safety certificate.
  2. Electrical Safety: Conducting Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) every five years to ensure wiring and systems are safe
  3. Fire Safety: checking smoke alarms and fire extinguishers on every floor, carbon monoxide detectors, and maintaining fire escapes
  4. Water Hygiene (Legionella): Ensuring water systems are free from contaminants and regularly inspected, conducted annually
  5. Asbestos Management: Identifying and managing asbestos-containing materials to prevent exposure
  6. EPC: energy performance certificates are completed every 10 years
  7. PAT testing: checking all Life electrical items are safe yearly

Landlord site visits

Life leases properties from the local council or housing associations. Typically, an annual site visit is conducted to ensure the property is well-maintained. These visits also provide an opportunity to address any maintenance issues, allowing Life to collaborate with the council or housing association to resolve them. Access to bedrooms is usually required during these visits, but prior notice is always given to everyone.

House and bedroom audits

House and bedroom audits are essential for ensuring the safety, functionality, and overall condition of a property. These checks are completed monthly by either the Area Services Coordinator, the Area Services Manager or another team member. Dates of the audits are always provided to clients and 24 hours notice is provided beforehand.

These are some key aspects typically covered during these audits:

  1. Waste Management: Ensuring that bins are emptied regularly and that waste is properly disposed of
  2. Pest Control: Checking for signs of pests and taking appropriate measures if any are found
  3. General Cleanliness: Ensuring that floors, walls, and other surfaces are clean and free of debris.
  4. Signage: Making sure that all necessary signs (e.g., fire exits, floor numbers) are visible and in good condition
  5. Facilities: Checking that communal facilities like laundry rooms, kitchen, lounge and gardens are well-maintained and safe to use
  6. Fire Safety: Ensuring that fire exits are clear, fire alarms and extinguishers are in place and functional, and that there are no flammable materials in the area
  7. Lighting: Checking that all lights are working properly and that emergency lighting is functional
  8. Electrical Safety: Inspecting electrical outlets, switches, and any communal appliances for safety and functionality
  9. Structural Integrity: Examining walls, ceilings, floors, and staircases for any signs of damage or wear

Actions following an audit

Everyone will be updated during the audit if any actions are identified within their bedroom or communal area. If you are not present during the audit a calling card will be left in the bedroom which will highlight any areas for attention by Life or by the client

Following an audit the Area Services Coordinator will follow up any actions found and ensure that they are rectified as soon as possible. Everyone will be kept updated with any repair actions including any dates and times of repairs.

Additional room checks

There may be instances where additional support is identified to help clients maintain their tenancy and ensure a safe environment for themselves and their children. In such cases, Support Workers will conduct weekly room checks to identify any concerns/actions in the bedroom. They will provide support through tailored support plans or Maintaining Accommodation Plan (MAP) meetings. These weekly checks are completed in conjunction with the client and are a supportive measure within their housing journey. These weekly room checks will be documented using the bedroom audit form, and a copy will be saved on file.

Where properties have self-contained flats weekly room H&S checks will be completed to ensure they are safe and being well maintained.

If there are Health & Safety concerns, we may have to gain access without notice in order to protect your wellbeing.

Damp and mould in the home can be a hazard. Making sure your home is free of mould and damp is not only important for your health, but it is also your responsibility.

Types of Dampness

There are four main types of dampness that could affect your home.

  1. Rising damp: This is caused by water from the ground rising into the home by penetrating or bypassing a defective damp proof course.
  1. Penetrating damp: This type of dampness will only occur on external walls. It will only appear because of a defect outside the home, such as leaking eaves, gutters or down pipes which permits water to pass from the outside to the inside.
  1. Defective plumbing: Leaks from water and waste pipes, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, are relatively common. They can affect both internal and external walls and ceilings. The area looks and feels damp to the touch and remains damp whatever the weather conditions outside.
  2. Condensation: This is by far the most common cause of dampness. Condensation is caused by water moisture from inside the home encountering a colder surface, such as a window or wall. The water drops (or condensation) may then soak into the wallpaper or paintwork or even plasterwork and attract black mould to grow on its surface.

What can you do to help prevent damp, mould, and condensation in your home 

  • Air your property regularly – Open windows regularly just for short spells to make sure your property is well-ventilated. Even when it’s cold, moisture can gather in the home.
  • Keep doors closed – Keep bathroom or kitchen doors closed when having a shower or bath, or when cooking. This will prevent moisture from spreading to other parts of the property.
  • Wipe away condensation – Cleaning the condensation from windows and frames every day will minimise the spread of black mould. Use a rag or towel to wipe away condensation.
  • Turn your heating on – Running your heating can avoid cold spots, dry out damp, and reduce your chances of getting mould.
  • Dry clothes in a ventilated room – Don’t dry clothes on radiators. The vapour turns into moisture in the air and is then circulated around the rooms. Instead, dry clothes on a clothes airer in a well-ventilated room. Open a window or use a dehumidifier to minimise the spread of moisture indoors.
  • Dehumidifiers – Using a dehumidifier is a great way to take the moisture out of the air, especially if you dry your clothes indoors.

The UK Fire Brigade has issued guidance due to air fryers being the leading cause of callouts this year. It’s crucial that we share this information with you to promote safe usage.

To keep yourself and other clients safe when using an air fryer, please:

  • Ensure air fryers are kept close to the wall and not used under cabinets or in confined spaces.
  • Place air fryers on a stable, solid surface to prevent tipping.
  • Clean the appliance after each use in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. (Do not fill the air fryer with water and turn it on, as suggested by some social media videos.)
  • Avoid using tin foil or baking paper, as the airflow can cause these materials to come into contact with the heating element, potentially igniting a fire.
  • Always unplug the air fryer from the wall after use. Simply turning off the power does not eliminate the risk.
  • In the event of a fire, do not attempt to extinguish it. Instead, raise the alarm, evacuate the premises, and dial 999 for assistance.

Additionally, it is important for you to register your air fryer’s warranty, which ensures you receive information about any recalls. This is a good idea for all electrical items, particularly high-power appliances such as air fryers, washing machines, and tumble dryers.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas produced by the incomplete burning of natural gas, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), oil, wood, coal or petrol.

It can occur when appliances have been incorrectly fitted, poorly maintained, badly repaired or when vents, chimneys and flues are blocked.

Carbon monoxide is colourless, tasteless and has no odour, making it very difficult to detect without a carbon monoxide detector.

What are the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning?

The most common symptoms of mild carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, nausea and feeling tired or confused – in fact, very similar symptoms to those of flu.

However, if you find your symptoms improve or go away when you are away from home, and get worse when you return, and if everyone else in the home, including pets, has the same symptoms, you may be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning and should see your GP immediately.

In severe cases, it can quickly cause collapse and loss of consciousness, long term damage and even death.

What to do if you suspect you have carbon monoxide poisoning?

• Open doors and windows to let in fresh air, turn off gas appliances and leave the house.
• See your doctor or go to hospital immediately – tell them you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, so they can check by doing a blood or breath test.
• Call the Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999 if you think there is imminent danger.
• Arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to check your gas appliances, flues and pipes.

What is a carbon monoxide detector?

Carbon monoxide detectors, also known as CO alarms, work in a similar way to smoke alarms. If carbon monoxide is present in your home, the detector will beep loudly to warn you of the danger.

We recommend the use of an audible carbon monoxide detector, rather than one that just changes colour, because it will alert you straightaway and wake you if you are asleep.

The alarm should be marked with British Standard EN 50291, and a British or European approval mark such as the Kitemark.

• Ensure your carbon monoxide alarm has a battery life of five years
• Test your alarm weekly
• Fitting a carbon monoxide alarm is not a substitute for having your appliances
regularly serviced
• Smoke alarms do not detect carbon monoxide
• Don’t forget to take a portable audible carbon monoxide alarm on holiday with you.

Protecting the family when away is often overlooked in the rush to pack the
family suitcases

Where to place a carbon monoxide detector (CO alarms)?

Your carbon monoxide detector could save your and your family’s lives, so it is vital you install them in the best place to protect you from this poisonous gas.

Before you install your carbon monoxide alarm, be sure to read the user manual to find out how to install, test and service the alarm. Take careful note of when the batteries should be replaced.

Here are some do’s and don’ts on where to place a carbon monoxide detector:

• In every room containing a fuel-burning appliance, such as a gas boiler, fire or stove and in every room through which a flue from one of those appliances passes.
• Don’t fit detectors in enclosed spaces, like in cupboards or behind curtains or furniture.
• Don’t place the carbon monoxide detector near windows, doors or fans, or in damp places such as bathrooms or next to extractor fans and cooker hobs.
• If you are installing the alarm in the same room as the appliance, make sure it is between 1 metre and 3 metres horizontally from the appliance. You can fix the alarm to the wall or place it on a shelf or a bookcase, ideally above the level of any doors, windows or vents in the room and at least 15cm from the ceiling. If you decide to fix it to the ceiling, make sure it is at least 30cm away from the walls or any light fittings.
• Once your carbon monoxide alarms have been installed, test them regularly by pressing the test button (refer to the user manual) and replace the batteries as soon as the ‘low battery’ signal beeps.

Annual Servicing is important to check for gas safety.

Your gas appliances, including your boiler, oven, hob and gas fire, will be serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, to ensure they are working safely and efficiently. It’s rather like giving your car an annual service to make sure it is safe to drive.

An annual service is a good way to check everything is working correctly, and can help to reduce the risk of breakdowns and potential safety hazards.

During the service, your Gas Safe engineer will check to make sure the gas is burning properly, that all the seals are intact and that flues or chimneys are not blocked or leaking.

Guidance on use of Portable Heaters:

Portable heaters come in many forms and can be powered by oil, electricity, gas or paraffin. They all have the ability to start a fire if they are not used properly.

Life DOES NOT ALLOW the use of gas or paraffin heaters in any of its premises.

Always use a portable heater in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

SAFETY TIPS:

  1.  Do not place close to items that could set fire. (furniture, fabric, paper materials, donation bags etc.)
  2. Do not place anything on/over heater Do not move it while switched on
  3. Do not place it where it’s likely to be knocked over/ touched. Always ensure it’s placed on a secure, level surface 
  4. Do not leave it unattended whilst in use or while asleep. Switch off and unplug when not in use 
  5. Never power it from an extension lead – it could easily overload and cause a fire 
  6. Regularly check for damage. If not in a good condition, don’t use it! 
  7. Keep clean and well maintained
  8. Ensure adequate ventilation in the room that it is being used in 
  9. Avoid 2nd hand heaters. Buy from recognised manufacturers/retailers 
  10. If going to be used in one place for a long time, fix it to a wall 
  11. Staff/volunteers must not bring in their own portable heaters unless it’s been visually checked and PAT tested
  12. Heaters must be tested/inspected periodically in accordance with the Electricity at Work Regs and records kept