What FSA will I need to do for Victorian conversion?

[Hellolulabelle]

I own a top floor flat in a Victorian mansion block. There are four flats in total and we all have a share of the freehold. Management of property is done ourselves. The flats consist of lower ground floor (separate entrance), ground floor, first floor and second floor (top floor conversion).

I lived in the flat for a good few years and now rent my flat out. But have realised there has never been a fire safety risk assessment carried out since I’ve lived there. The property was converted prior to 1991. I have a few questions.

1. What type of FSA should be carried out? Can we do this ourselves and is there a checklist anyone can point us to?

2. Are there any specific rules and regs we need to apply?

3. I want to get smoke alarms fitted in communal areas. Will battery ones suffice which wireless connect to each other?
 

I will also provide my tenants with fire extinguishers/blankets. Is there anything else I can advise if they are top floor? 

I’ve tried to find out all this information on line but it’s quite confusing.

 

 

[AnthonyB]

For an easy to understand up to date summary of the law as it applies to small blocks of flats see this: 
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/making-your-small-block-of-flats-safe-from-fire

As it's a pre-1991 conversion the technical content may not be applicable in which case you will need this guide (which is a bit out of date in some areas but is the current guide until an update comes out): http://www.cieh.org/library/Knowledge/Housing/National_fire_safety_guidance_08.pdf

In theory you can carry out the FRA yourself, particularly if straightforward premises, but it's recommended a risk assessor on the national register is used.

Don't use domestic smoke alarms in the common areas until the outcome of your FRA - if a 'stay put' compliant building you aren't supposed to have any and for a conversion requiring an evacuation policy you need a proper Grade A system. Inside the rental flat you meet the minimum requirements of the Smoke & Carbon Monoxide (England) Regulations with a smoke alarm in the hallway and if you use gas/wood/coal a Carbon Monoxide alarm in any room with an appliance using them in (excludes gas cookers) and both can be battery only (mains type preferred though as would cover to the kitchen and living room but this isn't mandatory if existing)

Fire extinguishers are not considered necessary in domestic premises generally, but a fire blanket is recommended (but not a legal requirement) in the kitchen