Fire and Safety at The Gatehaus

A Guide for Residents, Leaseholders, and Managing Agents

Your safety is our highest priority. This guide outlines essential fire safety procedures, legal responsibilities, and best practices that every member of The Gatehaus community must follow.

All procedures comply with UK legislation including:

  • The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

  • The Fire Safety Act 2021

  • The Building Safety Act 2022

These laws require active participation from both building management and residents to prevent and respond to fire-related risks.

✅ Mandatory Safety Appointments

To maintain a safe living environment and meet legal standards, the following annual appointments are mandatory:

1. Fire & Safety Briefing

All residents, leaseholders, and managing agents must attend an annual safety session.
📍 Available in-person at the management office or online.
👉 Book Your Fire & Safety Session

2. Fire Door Inspection

Fire doors are essential to slowing fire spread. Every apartment’s door must be inspected once a year.
👉 Schedule Your Fire Door Inspection

3. Balcony Inspection

To comply with the Fire Safety Act 2021, all balconies must undergo an annual inspection.
👉 Schedule Your Balcony Inspection

🚨 What To Do If You Discover a Fire

  1. Activate the Alarm

    • Use the nearest fire alarm call point—only if safe to do so.

  2. Evacuate Immediately

    • Use the staircase only—do not use lifts.

    • Proceed to the designated fire assembly point.

  3. Assembly Point Protocol

    • Roll call will be conducted using registration and fob data.

    • Do not re-enter the building until authorized by the fire service or management.

🔒 Fire Prevention: Everyone’s Responsibility

Report Hazards

Notify management if you observe:

  • Unsafe activities

  • Flammable items in common areas

  • Any concern you feel unable to address directly

Avoid False Alarms

Common causes include:

  • Burnt food – Use extractor fans and ventilate your kitchen.

  • Steam – Keep bathroom/kitchen doors closed.

  • Dust – Keep smoke detectors clean.

  • Construction – Alert management of planned dusty works.

  • Propped fire doors – Never wedge a fire door open.

🚪 Fire Doors: Why They Matter

Fire doors are designed to contain fire and smoke, giving you time to escape safely.

Propping a fire door open:

  • Renders it ineffective

  • Breaches the Fire Safety Order 2005

  • Can lead to legal action

  • May void insurance

  • Damages the door’s mechanism

👉 Always keep fire doors closed.

🗑️ Waste Management & Fire Safety

  • Use the bin room on the 1st floor next to the car park for all waste.

  • Do not leave bags or personal items in corridors or stairwells – this is a legal fire risk and will be removed without notice.

🔐 Security & Access Control

  • Do not buzz in strangers—even if they claim to be residents or delivery drivers.

  • Report suspicious behaviour or forced entry attempts to management immediately.

📍 Why the Assembly Point Is Critical

During a fire evacuation:

  • It ensures everyone is accounted for

  • Prevents unnecessary rescue efforts

  • Avoids putting others at risk

  • Helps emergency services work effectively

  • Complying with protocol protects you from potential legal issues

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

📬 See the full FAQ for residents on our official website:
🔗 The Gatehaus Bradford – FAQ

📄 Summary of Booking Links