Page 23 - Paragon Housing Association - H&S Handbook

Radiators / soft furnishings / blinds
Whether your radiator is attached to the wall of your living room or you are using a portable standalone heater, it’s safest to keep anything that might be flammable well away from it. This is particularly true of curtains and other soft furnishings like cushions. Just as important is making sure you’re not too close to the radiator, you could burn yourself. The general rule of thumb is to keep everything at least one metre away from your heaters.
Make sure when you are buying new or second-hand furniture that it is up the appropriate fire standards.
Cords from blinds can be a choking hazard so make sure kids or pets cannot get tangled up in them.
More Information
Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations (firesafe.org.uk) Candles
They look nice, they create lovely lighting effects, they can smell lovely, and they may serve a religious purpose for you. But make sure they’re properly put out before going to bed, and don’t put them near soft furnishings or curtains. Always place candles in proper holders so they can’t be knocked over accidentally. Don’t use candles if you are having a drink or feel drowsy. Candles can cause fires, so beware and always take care.
More Information
Candle Safety: Scottish Fire & Rescue Service (firescotland.gov.uk) Smoking and ashtrays
If you smoke at home or allow other people to smoke, always have ashtrays in your house. Before you go to bed at night, check them and make sure all of the cigarette ends have been properly put out. Then empty out the ashtrays, disposing of the contents outside safely and securely in bins.
Smoking is not permitted in indoor Common Areas like closes or corridors. If someone is smoking in these areas - please report it to us.
sfrs-smoking-alcohol-v22-digital.pdf (firescotland.gov.uk)
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