How to ensure fire safety in student accommodation

Fire safety are critical standards to maintain in student accommodation. 

With shared buildings housing large numbers of young adults – many of whom are living independently for the first time in their lives – the risk of fire in student accommodation is high. Typically, this risk is significantly higher than in standard residential buildings. As a result, fire safety needs to be considered carefully, with specific risk mitigation strategies in place to suit the unique context of these buildings. 

Below, Target Fire’s expert team of fire safety specialists have shared their guidance for ensuring dependable fire safety in student accommodation. 

Why is fire safety so important in student accommodation? 

In student accommodation, there are high numbers of occupants in a block (often as many as 10 students per flat, and multiple flats in a building). Each of these has shared kitchens, alongside every student having their own electrical equipment in their bedrooms. 

Then, the accommodation will have frequent changes in its residents.

Generally speaking, students often have limited fire safety awareness. As for most it’ll be their first time living away from home, they may not have a solid understanding of evacuation procedures, household fire risks (e.g. leaving a laptop on your mattress overnight). 

All of these factors increase the risk of fire starting. What’s more, they also mean that implementing safe evacuation procedures is more complicated. This is why comprehensive fire safety measures – that cater to these specific scenarios – are particularly essential.

What are the legal responsibilities and requirements for Landlords? 

With the right fire safety measures in place, landlords can ensure that in the event of a fire: it is detected as early as possible, the evacuation procedure is clear and followed correctly, students are kept as safe as possible, and that damage to buildings is kept to the absolute minimum. 

Student landlords and accommodation providers have legal responsibilities regarding fire risk management. This applies to purpose-built student housing, halls of residence and shared houses and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

In the UK, their legal obligations include: 

• Conducting and maintaining routine fire risk assessments 
• Identifying potential hazards on the site (and implementing suitable risk mitigation strategies)
• Reviewing and updating the fire risk assessments in the event of a site change (e.g. if the building’s layout changes) 
• (This includes ensuring that residents don’t store too many belongings or block exits.)
• Providing, maintaining and testing the right fire safety equipment 
• (This includes fire alarm and detection systems, emergency lighting, fire safety signage, fire extinguishers and fire blankets)
• Establishing a fire evacuation procedure, and clearly marking fire exits
• Providing written fire safety information to everyone on the site (e.g. including what they should do in the event of a fire)
• Installing fire-resistant doors and compartmentalising the building (to significantly reduce the speed that fire and smoke spreads)
• Maintaining records to evidence long-term compliance
• Conducting regular fire drills
• Training the site’s staff in best practice fire safety 
• Implementing clear reporting processes for occupants (e.g. so that they can easily report any safety hazards)

Fire prevention measures 

For landlords

• Choose high quality, compliant electrical appliances 
• Regularly inspect electrical systems 
• Understand site hazards and ensure they are carefully mitigated 
• Maintain a comprehensive risk assessment 
• Use fire-retardant furnishings (where possible)
• Regularly inspect the site, checking for any hazards or obstacles in evacuation routes
• Raise awareness of hazards using signs and informative leaflets  
• Work with a trusted, accredited fire safety specialist (more on this below)

For students

• Never leave cooking unattended
• Avoid leaving personal appliances on at night 
• Use extension leads safely (ensuring sockets aren’t overloaded)
• Never tamper with fire alarms 
• Don’t prop open fire doors
• Keep escape routes clear at all times 
• Use electrical appliances safely and responsibly
• Dispose of matches or cigarettes appropriately

To achieve the highest standards of fire safety in your student accommodation, enlist a trusted fire safety specialist. They can work with you, to ensure you are maintaining full legal compliance, with the right equipment, strategies and training in place. 

At Target Fire, we work with property owners and building managers across the UK, to help them effectively protect everyone on their site. To learn more about our comprehensive services, don’t hesitate to get in touch.