The tenants, Charlie Bridges and Katie Tomkinson, who live in a flat within a block owned by Derby Homes – a housing maintenance and management firm working on behalf of Derby County Council – told the local paper they received a letter on December 18, warning the wreath on their door must be removed, or it would be taken away.
Other tenants also came forward to the local paper, the Derby Telegraph, to also state they had received similar letters.
The story was subsequently widely trailed in national newspapers and online.
Bridges told the Telegraph: “It’s absolutely ridiculous. It’s health and safety gone mad. I’m a Christian and I should be allowed to decorate my house with Christmas decorations. The wreath doesn’t contain lights, there’s no electricity involved at all so I can’t understand why it’s a fire risk.
“I’ve got a Christmas tree, I’ve got Christmas lights in my house and I’ve got a fridge – should I remove all of them too in case they catch fire?”
Bridges went on to explain that he contacted the housing association after receiving the letter and they told him it had always been the firm’s policy.
Derby Homes explained that because the front door was visible from the communal hallway, the wreath was not allowed, as it was a fire hazard.
A letter sent to the company read: ‘The following items have been found in the communal areas: A decoration on door as it is a fire risk. If this belongs to you please remove it by 18/12/17. If it is not removed by this date it will be disposed of. Derby Homes tenancy conditions say that communal area must be kept clear and tidy.’
The housing association said the safety of its tenants was its first priority.
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Why is this an issue? The corridor is owned by the landlord and forms part of the protected means of escape. When you have Fire Authority Inspectors issuing enforcement notices for any combustible materials kept in the means of escape, then the landlord has no option. Inside the dwelling, the tenant can (almost) do what they want.
I have had the fire authoritiy visit many of our blocks and I have many discussions around what is acceptable and what isn’t, pictures, door mats are not a problem but many housing associations say no despite the advice. The fire authorities are happy providing items don’t impact on the egress from the building nor put fire fighters at risk when entering the building, with that in mind the housing association should have considered does the wreath impact on the egress in the event of a fire? does the wreath present a risk to fire fighters? does the wreath cause significant fire loading in the building?
It’s these sort of mad decisions that gives health and safety bad publicity. What is the risk? what is the likelihood? what is the severity? all basic risk assessment principals – its the outcome of the risk assessment that will identify any corrective actions required… (If any)
I think this an example of what Dekker calls ‘infantilization’ – although not in a work context – this reduces health and safety management down to the level of treating people like children! This irks me a lot!