How we keep you safe
The safety of our customers is a top priority for us and we are committed to going above and beyond when it comes to fire safety in our buildings.
For customers this includes providing smoke alarms, servicing gas appliances in annual safety checks and completing regular inspections of electrical systems.
In our blocks of flats, we make sure that fire risk assessments (FRAs) are up-to-date, there are appropriate smoke detectors and fire alarms, fire doors and other fire safety measures. We also regularly review any fire risks and the procedures for preventing and reporting fire.
At Cornerstone we have a legal obligation to make sure your home is safe and all gas pipework and appliances under our ownership, such as the boiler, are properly maintained and checked once a year for safe operation.
We hope to be able to work with you in maintaining this important aspect of your homes safety, but if you choose not to, we can take legal proceedings which may make you liable for our legal costs.
When your gas service is due we will contact you by letter with a date of when the planned service will take place. If this is not convenient please contact the maintenance department who will do their best to rearrange the appointment to a mutually agreeable date before the current service expires.
As a part of the service all carbon monoxide detectors will also be checked and if out of date will be renewed at no additional cost to you. Where gas fires are installed and operational these will also be checked for safe operation. If there are any problems with the system i.e. boiler or pipework, we will make any necessary repairs on the day, where possible, in order to minimise disruption.
We will need access to your home to complete an electrical safety check every five years. This is to ensure that the wiring and electrical installations in your home are safe. Unsafe electrical installations are unlikely but they can cause fires so it is important to let us in to check. Any works which may need doing will be carried out as soon as possible to minimise disruption.
Fire risk assessments (FRAs) are an important part of keeping you safe in your home. During FRAs we undertake an inspection of common areas of the building to check that fire safety requirements are met, and identify what else we can do to prevent fire and keep residents safe.
Click here to view the Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs) for blocks of flats and communal areas.
Many of our properties are fitted with mains operated smoke, heat or carbon monoxide detectors including a battery back-up. When we let our properties these are tested to ensure they are working. They are also checked when we perform Gas and Electrical safety checks. If a backup battery fails or runs out you may hear an intermittent beeping noise and flashing of the detector. In this case you are responsible for the replacement of batteries, which are usually of the 9v type. Please do not remove, cover or damage the detectors in any way, and report any damage to us immediately
A number of our properties have been fitted with new smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms which enables us to remotely monitor any problems there may be with the system. E.g power outages or removal of alarm. This monitoring allows us to act on any issues before they become serious.
We will be continuing to roll out the new alarm system over the course of 2021.
Please do not use or store paraffin heaters, liquid petroleum, propane and butane gas appliances or other flammable or explosive substances in the home. Please also let us know if you intend to keep pressurised oxygen tanks at your home.
