Fire safety summary
Nearne Court
Nearne Court
Orchid Way
Torquay
Devon
TQ2 8GZ
(Unique Property Reference Number – 69232)
Contact details
- Customer services: 0300 5000 926
- contact@sovereign.org.uk
Significant findings from Fire Risk Assessment
- It has been advised that the fire alarm system is being remotely monitored by an Alarm Receiving Centre. It’s recommended that this should be investigated and the system tested regularly with the fire alarm.
- The ‘Fire Action’ notice sited on the ground floor notice board advising there is a ‘Stay Put’ policy should be removed
- Work is due to commence on the four blocks in January 2021 on additional remedial work to rectify vulnerable areas with a lack of fire stopping and cavity barriers identified during further compartmentation surveys.
How we are managing fire risk in the buildings
- The system with has been checked to ensure it communicates with the alarm receiving centre and is tested regularly.
- The sign has now been removed, and other signage checked to ensure that they show the correct full evacuation.
- This project is ongoing and interim measures are in place to ensure resident safety for the duration of the works.
Building construction and external wall
Six storey block with four storeys of timber frame sitting on two storeys of a concrete podium. The outer wall comprises slate, ceramic cladding, render on insulation and stone.
Evacuation policy
Full evacuation
When the alarm sounds, get everyone in your flat out of the building using emergency fire exit routes and stairs.
Hampshire Fire And Rescue Service has also produced a useful leaflet about High Rise Living [adobe pdf / 2 MB].
Means of escape
The best escape route is usually the normal way in and out of your home. There is one route out of your building:
- the stairwell that leads to the ground floor
Do not use the lift.
Local fire authority
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
Routine inspections
The items below are inspected or serviced to maintain the fire safety of your building.
Area | Description | Frequency of inspection |
| Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) | An FRA is an inspection of the common areas of the building to check that fire safety arrangements meet legal fire safety requirements. It also identifies what else we can do to prevent fire and keep residents safe. | Annually |
| Lift | Two passenger lifts. | Serviced every month. Thorough inspection (LOLER) every six months |
| Communal electrics | Communal electrical installations such as wiring, sockets and lights are inspected and tested regularly. | Every five years |
| Communal gas boiler | Does not apply – gas boilers in each home are serviced annually. | Does not apply |
| Dry riser | Used by firefighters to deliver water to all levels of the building. | Six monthly and annual servicing |
| Fire detection system | Such as fire alarms and smoke detectors. | Weekly testing and servicing every three months |
| Emergency lighting | Emergency lighting (or escape lighting) lights up a safe exit route if the mains power fails. | Programme of monthly and annual tests |
| Automatic Open Vent (AOV) | Smoke control ventilation system. | Monthly tests |
| Other comments | Sprinklers in flats and indoor communal areas | Annual tests |