Fire Safety Risk Assessment

The main fire hazards at Newton Cottages probably come from embers falling from the wood burners, from cooking fires and from guests smoking. This latter hazards should have been removed as Newton Cottages is a Non Smoking premises and has been so since January 4 2008.

The main sources of fuel at Newton Cottages that are combustible are logs and gas.

People in and around the premises: we have our guests and there may be other visitors from time to time. Some will be small children and elderly relatives or may have mobility issues, despite the cottages not being advertised a suitable for those with Accessibility requirements, guests in the cottages may have guests whenever they wish without prior notice.

Evaluate the risk of a fire starting: The likelihood of the logs catching fire without assistance is viewed as unlikely. The likelihood of a cooker fire depends upon the care exercised by the guests. Fire extinguishers are provided as are fire blankets. The gas is stored in an underground tank in the garden and it is very unlikely that gas will catch fire in such circumstances. The highest risk probably comes from embers falling onto the carpet from the wood burners, although all have hearths that meet building regulations. All our wood burners have been fitted by qualified fitters. We provide fire guards for the two open fires in Newton Cottages and all guests should use them.

Boatman’s Cottages has a ground level window and 3 outside doors giving guests a variety of options to leave the building safely. Guests are advised on arrival that they must account for all their party and in the event of a fire call 999 and explain that they are at Newton Cottages, Boatmans Place, Newton by the Sea.

We have minimised fire risks from the outset by following building regulations. The logs are stored in a tiled alcove outside the back door.

We have provided a fire extinguisher and guests have the fire precaution and basic procedures explained to them in the welcome pack. We have fitted smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in Boatman’s Cottage.

We have a detailed knowledge of the building and have discussed all options with suitably qualified tradesmen.

The emergency plan is explained clearly to guests. Get all your party out and accounted for and call 999 and say you are at Newton Cottages . They are provided with our grid reference upon arrival. All the emergency services know where Newton by the Sea is located. We ask that after contacting the emergency services guests contact us on the telephone number provided.

As above, we ask our guests to notify us as soon as any emergency situation arises.