Your safety

Your safety is our top priority, and we rely on you to help us maintain a secure environment. This is why it's important that you give us access to carry out gas, electricity, water hygiene and asbestos testing and check your fire doors when needed. 

This section offers crucial information on compliance regulations and the safety measures we implement to protect you. It includes guidelines on fire safety, electrical safety, and overall home safety practices. We also provide practical tips and advice to help you maintain a safe and secure household.  

Compliance

HCBS accommodation complies with Article 3 of the Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (England) Order 2012. All our properties are let:

  • in a reasonable physical condition (unfurnished)
  • with the electrical equipment supplied with the accommodation meeting the requirements of Schedule 1 to the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 – the properties come with cookers and hobs in the kitchen
  • with reasonable fire safety precautions undertaken in relation to the accommodation and any furnishings
  • with valid Gas Safety Certificate and reasonable precautions to prevent the possibility of Carbon Monoxide poisoning at the property
  • with a valid Energy Performance Certificate
  • with an asbestos report
  • with a fire risk assessment report for the building (where applicable)
  • with a tenancy agreement setting out terms and conditions; including landlord and tenant’s responsibilities

Valid copies of the above documents/certificates will be provided to incoming tenants at time of sign-up.

Reporting safety concerns

If you notice anything that does not seem right to you or might be a safety risk, please let us know straight away. You know your home and community best, and your insights are invaluable. If you feel your concerns are not being adequately addressed, you have the right to escalate them to senior staff. 

In the first instance, please contact customer services to report a repair via email to HaringeyCBS@haringey.gov.uk.

Fire Safety

Keeping your home safe from fire is crucial. To help prevent fires and keep your household safe: 

  • check your flat entrance door: Never alter or replace your flat entrance door, never remove the closer and never wedge it open. These doors are fire doors and are there for your safety. If it is damaged your safety is at risk and you must report it. 
  • check your smoke alarm: Test it regularly to ensure it is working. 
  • know your building: Make sure everyone in your home knows where the exits are. 
  • close internal doors at night: This helps to contain any potential fire and smoke. 
  • be careful in the kitchen: Never leave cooking unattended and be extra careful with hot oil. 
  • never leave lit flames unattended: This includes candles. 
  • dispose of cigarettes carefully: Ensure they are completely stubbed out and never smoke in bed. 
  • keep matches out of reach of children. 
  • store flammable liquids safely: Do not store petrol or other flammable liquids in your home or near the building. 

For added safety, you can arrange a free home fire safety check with the London Fire Brigade. Visit London Fire Brigade Home Safety Visit for more information. 

Electrical Safety 

Faulty electrics (appliances, wiring and overloaded sockets) cause around 7,000 house fires across the UK every year.  

To help avoid electrical hazards: 

  • check electrical appliances regularly: Dust them regularly and look for worn or damaged cables and report electrical repairs promptly to the Repairs Team on 020 8489 8489  
  • buy safe appliances: Ensure any electrical items you purchase have a British or European safety mark. 
  • avoid cheap, counterfeit chargers: Especially for items with lithium batteries. 
  • do not overload adaptors: Don’t plug too many items into a single socket. 
  • unplug appliances when not in use: This includes heaters and irons, which can also save you money. 
  • do not charge electric scooters or wheelchairs indoors: Avoid charging them in your home or communal areas and do not leave them unattended or on charge when you are not in or overnight. 
  • watch for signs of faulty wiring: Look out for scorch marks, hot plugs, sockets, fuses that blow, circuit breakers that trip, or flickering lights. 
  • check hidden cables and leads: Replace any that are worn, especially those behind furniture or under carpets. 
  • never cover electric heaters: Do not use them to dry washing. 
  • use the right fuse and bulb wattage: Ensure plugs have the correct fuse and light fittings use the recommended bulb wattage. 
  • allow access for safety inspections: Ensure our contractors can complete the 5-year electrical safety inspection.  

Gas Safety 

For homes with a gas supply, we perform an annual gas safety inspection to ensure safety and efficiency. Here is what you need to know: 

  • Annual gas safety check: We will arrange a date and time with you for this inspection. You must provide access for our contractors. If you do not provide access, we may start court proceedings to enter your home and could serve you with a notice for breaching your tenancy agreement. 
  • Gas leaks: If you smell gas or suspect a leak, immediately call the National Gas Emergency number: 0800 111 999. You should also: 
  • Leave your home: Ensure you and your family are safe. 
  • Open doors and windows: This helps to ventilate the area. 
  • Avoid electrical switches: Do not turn anything on or off to prevent sparks. 
  • Shut off the gas supply: Turn it off at the meter. 
  • Extinguish all flames: Make sure there are no open flames in the area. 

Your safety is our priority. By following these guidelines and contacting us, when necessary, you can help maintain a safe living environment.  

Water hygiene 

Legionella is a type of bacteria found in most water sources like streams, rivers, lakes, soil, compost, and mains water. Sometimes, it can enter household water systems. 

While low levels of the bacteria are usually not harmful, inhaling water droplets from a contaminated system can be dangerous.  

Here are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself: 

1. Set the right temperature 

  • Legionella bacteria grow between 20°C and 50°C. To prevent this, set hot water cylinders to 60°C or higher. 
  • Make sure cold water stays below 20°C by using it regularly. 

2. De-scale taps and showers 

  • Legionella can grow on scale or rust. Clean taps and showers every 3 months or whenever you see scale build-up. 
  • If you have hard water, de-scale more frequently. Use a nylon brush or diluted bleach to clean taps. De-scaling solutions from hardware stores also work well. 
  • If you have a shower with a flexible hose, use a ‘hose retaining ring’ to keep it from falling into bath water and reduce contamination risk. 

3. Use water taps once a week 

  • Prevent water from standing still in pipes by running all taps at least once a week. 
  • If you have been away for more than a week, run all taps for a few minutes before using the water. 
  • For showers, remove the showerhead or cover it with a towel or plastic bag while running the water to avoid creating water droplets. 

4. Flush away the bacteria 

If you have not used water for a while, it is more likely to have legionella. After being away for more than a week: 

  • heat your water system to the normal temperature 
  • run every tap for at least 5 minutes 
  • slowly flush cold taps until the water runs cold 
  • when flushing taps or other outlets, open them slowly to avoid splashing water or releasing droplets into the air 

Asbestos Safety 

Asbestos can be dangerous if disturbed, so it is important to handle it safely. Here is what you need to know: 

What is asbestos? 

Asbestos was commonly used in building construction before 2000. It can be found in various places in your home, such as roofing, pipes, insulation, and tiles. 

Why asbestos is dangerous

If asbestos materials are disturbed or damaged, they can release tiny fibres into the air. Inhaling these fibres can lead to serious health issues over time, including lung diseases. 

What to do if you suspect asbestos 

  • Do not touch or disturb the material: Avoid any actions that might damage the suspected asbestos material. 
  • Contact us for help and advice: Call us at 020 8489 5611 for professional guidance on what to do next. 
  • Visit Haringey Council’s website to read their guide to asbestos (PDF, 720KB) for comprehensive information on asbestos safety. 

General safety tips 

  • Seek permission: Before doing any work in your home. You should always obtain permission to carry out work or alterations. Even if you do any small jobs that could disturb asbestos, such as drilling, sanding, breaking, unscrewing etc. It is important that we check our records and if necessary, undertake an inspection to confirm if any asbestos is present. 
  • Leave it alone: If the asbestos-containing material is in good condition and undisturbed, it is safe to leave it as it is. 
  • Seek professional help: Only trained and licensed professionals should handle or remove asbestos materials. 
  • Report any damage: If you notice any damage to materials that might contain asbestos, contact us immediately for advice and assistance. 

Your safety is our priority. By following these guidelines and reaching out to us when in doubt, you can help ensure a safe living environment for you and your family.