Council-Run Jessop House Fails Fire Inspection

Enforcement notice served on sheltered housing for elderly in Chiswick

A Council-run sheltered housing scheme in Chiswick has been served an enforcement notice by London Fire Brigade after failing a recent inspection on four counts.

Jessop House was found lacking in adequate fire risk procedures. These incuded a "failure to provide and/or maintain adequate and clearly indicated emergency routes and exits that lead to a place of safety".

Hounslow Council, which runs the sheltered housing unit, has said it has now acted on most of the recommendations from the Fire Brigade.

The facility which is in Kirton Close near to the Chiswick Medical Centre, is run by Hounslow Council. It was built in 1980 and has 41 single bed flats which are available to those aged 60 or over. It has resident management staff and a community alarm service. It was served the enforcement notice on 5 April.

Councillor John Todd said, "'This is a most worrying catalogue of fire safety failings where elderly residents were potentially put at risk.

"We will seek an explanation from Cllr Curran the London Borough of Hounslow leader to ensure the matters raised have been rectified and Council procedures changed to ensure no repetition."

Councillor Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Jessop House is a council run sheltered housing unit to support independent living for residents aged over 60. It contains 43 properties which are managed by a warden who lives close by.

“The council are aware of the London Fire Brigade’s (LFB) report and have already acted on most of the recommendations. We are also meeting regularly with the LFB to review the fire safety in all council properties.”

The criticism included "failure to review the fire risk assessment"; "failure in the effective management of the preventative and protective measures"; "Failure to ensure that the premises and any facilities, equipment and devices are maintained in an efficient state, in effective working order and in good repair."

Anyone in control of any part of a commercial premises is under a legal obligation to carry out a detailed fire risk assessment to identify risks and hazards in the premises. They have to evaluate, remove or reduce risks and prepare an emergency plan, and provide training. The fire risk assessment has to be reviewed and updated regularly.

Jessop House has been told to implement a regular programme to review the fire risk assessment and improve protective and preventative measures as well as ensuring that adequate escape routes and exits are provided. They have also been asked to ensure that adequate maintenance systems are in place for equipment and devices relating to fire safety.

Remedial works are to be carried out in accordance with Article 30: Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the date for compliance is April 2017.

June 9, 2016