/// Passive fire protection in Tower Hamlets
Tower Hamlets has a large number of tall residential buildings, especially around Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs, alongside post-war estates in Poplar and Bow, warehouse conversions in Wapping and Limehouse, and Victorian streets in Bethnal Green and Bow.
Height changes the rules. Above 11 metres the responsible person has to carry out regular fire door checks, and residential buildings of 18 metres or seven storeys and above are higher-risk buildings under the Building Safety Act 2022.
Fire doors in Tower Hamlets
In tall blocks the fire doors on each lobby and stair are what keep escape routes clear of smoke. We carry out the routine fire door checks buildings over 11 metres need, fix the faults we find and replace doors that can't be brought back to standard.
Fire stopping and compartmentation in Tower Hamlets
Compartmentation is what lets residents of other flats stay put in a fire. In tall blocks that depends on every riser, service duct and penetration between flats and floors being sealed. We survey and fire stop service penetrations and compartment meter and riser cupboards floor by floor.
What we check in Tower Hamlets buildings
- Lobby and stair doors on every floor of tall blocks
- Flat entrance doors: closers, gaps and smoke seals
- Risers and service cupboards on each floor
- Penetrations between flats and floors
- Warehouse conversions: doors and openings in older structures
Rules that apply to Tower Hamlets buildings
Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
Over 11 metres: communal fire doors checked every three months, flat entrance doors yearly (best endeavours).
Building Safety Act 2022
Residential buildings of 18 metres or seven storeys with two or more flats are higher-risk buildings, with duties to manage fire spread.
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Requires a fire risk assessment for the common parts of blocks of flats and all non-domestic buildings, including flat entrance doors since the Fire Safety Act 2021.
Nearby areas we cover: Hackney City of London Southwark