Category Safety Show all
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Charging e-bikes and e-scooters safely
E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming increasingly popular. Most are powered by lithium-ion batteries which can be charged in the home.
It is important when charging e-bikes and e-scooters, you do so safely to avoid a risk of a fire starting and putting your families and homes at risk. The London Fire Brigade has warned that they have seen a spike in fires as a result of electric bikes and e-scooters.
When charging your e-bike or e-scooter, it is important to:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and always unplug your charger when its finished charging.
- Ensure you have a working smoke alarm where you charge your e-bike or e-scooter.
- Charge batteries whilst you are awake and alert. Do not charge batteries overnight while you are asleep or away from home.
- Always use the approved manufacturers charger for the e-bike or e-scooter. Buy an official replacement charger from a reputable seller.
- Do not cover chargers or battery packs when charging as this could lead to overheating.
- Do not charge batteries or store your e-bike or e-scooter near combustible or flammable materials.
- Do not over charge the battery.
- Do not overload socket outlets or use inappropriate extension leads.
Please note residents aren’t permitted to store or charge e-bike and e-scooters in communal areas as any items left there can block emergency exit routes and create a fire risk.
For more information on how to safely charge your e-bike or e-scooter, please visit https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/the-home/e-scooters-and-e-bikes/
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Take care when buying pest control products
We know it can be distressing to see pests in your home.
Although you might be able to get rid of some pests on your own, we urge you to be vigilant when buying pest control products.
You should buy your products from a physical store, rather than online. A reputable store will have products that are safe for you to use, not just professionals.
If you are unable to visit a store and need to shop online, choose products from brands you recognise and order directly from those websites.
If you prefer to buy from online marketplaces, please research the individual seller to check that they are a UK based company and that the products are not industrial-grade strength. Pest control products sold in the UK go through rigorous testing to make sure they are safe for households to use.
Before you use any of the products, always make sure you read and understand the instructions on the label.
If you have any concerns about pests, please visit the British Pest Control Association (BPCA)’s website where you can find information on common pests in the UK along with pest advice sheets.
Please note we treat pests that are a communal problem and carry out pest proofing so if you notice anything, please contact us via ask@onehousing.co.uk or call 0300 123 9966. You can also report the issues via your MyOneHousing account.
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Balcony safety
When it is warm outside, we open our windows and doors more frequently. However, please remember about the dangers this can bring for young children living above the ground floor.
If you have window opening restrictors, please use them.
If you have a balcony, keep the door locked when you are not using it.
Please also consider installing a child-proof gate that you can keep locked when you are not in the room and don’t want to lock the balcony door. You must never allow young children access to a balcony when an adult cannot be present.
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Carbon monoxide detectors help you stay safe at home
We work to ensure our homes are maintained to a high standard and are safe, secure and warm for our tenants.
To do this, we must carry out a variety of checks on your property each year, including a gas safety check to make sure your appliances are safe to use, as faulty or unsafe gas appliances can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
Your home has been fitted with a carbon monoxide detector and it will activate if there is too much carbon monoxide in the air in your property. Please note that the alarm needs to be present in any room where there is a gas appliance fitted. It’s not required for a cooker, so a kitchen is excluded unless that’s where your boiler is fitted.
If you have been affected by carbon monoxide poisoning you may feel dizzy, sick, tired, breathless, suffer chest pains or you may even lose consciousness.
If you think there is carbon monoxide in your home, please call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 immediately.
If you’re a leaseholder or shared owner, it’s your responsibility to make sure that a carbon monoxide detector is fitted and the gas appliances in your home are safe. We recommend you get a gas safety check once a year, too. If you want to arrange a gas safety check in your home, you can check the official list of gas registered engineers on the Gas Safe Register https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk.
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Ensure you keep safe with fireworks
The Bonfire night will take place on Saturday 5 November.
It can be an exciting time; however please remember to keep yourself and those around you safe.
- Large public displays in communal spaces are the best and safest way to enjoy fireworks. Check your council website for events in your area.
- Never set off fireworks or start fires anywhere near your property, including in garden areas and on balconies.
- Reduce the risk of fire or damage from stray sparks by removing all combustible items from communal areas and balconies.
- Keep pets indoors; many are scared by the loud noises.
- Remind yourself of the fire and safety regulations for your building.
- In an emergency, phone 999 and ask for the fire service.
Please visit our website for more fire safety tips.
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Happy Diwali
Happy Diwali to all residents celebrating today!
It’s a special time for communities and we want to ensure that your safety remains a priority throughout the celebrations.
Divas and candles have the potential to cause serious fires if not used correctly so please make sure these are extinguished before you leave the room. When cooking with hot oil, always remember to watch your cooking carefully and remove pans from the heat source if you need to leave the kitchen. Keep in mind that traditional clothing, such as saris can also be very flammable.
Please follow these safety tips to enjoy a safe Diwali:
- Check your smoke alarm works.
- Keep flames at a safe distance from curtains, furniture, loose clothing and decorations.
- When cooking with deep-fried food, dry it before you put it in the hot oil.
- Never fill the pan more than one third full of oil.
- Never throw water over a burning pan.
- Don’t put candles or divas in the communal areas.
- Never set off fireworks or start fires anywhere near your property, including in garden areas and on balconies.
- Remind yourself of the fire and safety regulations for your building.
Please visit our fire safety page for more information on what you can do to protect yourself and your home. Alternatively, visit your local fire service website for more information.
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Fire doors save lives and homes
As your landlord and owner of your building, we have a legal responsibility for fire doors in all communal areas of our shared buildings and blocks. We check all communal fire doors during our fire risk assessment process. Our Estate Services team undertake fire door checks during their regular visits to our blocks, too.
Fire doors do not only create a barrier from fire and toxic smoke and prevent it from travelling through a building, restricting damage to a small area, but they also protect the means of escape in the event of fire.
Fire doors are usually in communal stairwells, corridors and the front door of flats in our blocks. They can also be located in bin storage areas, mains electricity service cupboards and any other communal area that could be a potential fire risk.
Fire doors are usually provided as sets, made up of several parts, all working together to provide a fire barrier, i.e., hinges, a closing device and smoke seals. When one of these parts doesn’t work, it can have a big impact on the performance of the entire door.
Please note that if you are a leaseholder, you may be responsible for ensuring your front door has a suitable fire rating and that compatible components are fitted. Please check your leasehold agreement for details of what you’re responsible for.
If you notice any problems with fire doors in your block or any other fire safety features, please call 0300 123 9966 or email ask@onehousing.co.uk. Please include “Fire Safety” in the subject line.
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Charging e-bikes and e-scooters safely
E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming increasingly popular. Most are powered by lithium-ion batteries which can be charged in the home.
It is important when charging e-bikes and e-scooters, you do so safely to avoid a risk of a fire starting and putting your families and homes at risk. The London Fire Brigade has recently warned that they have seen a huge spike in fires as a result of electric bikes and e-scooters.
When charging your e-bike or e-scooter, it’s important to:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and always unplug your charger when its finished charging.
- Ensure you have a working smoke alarm where you charge your e-bike or e-scooter.
- Charge batteries whilst you are awake and alert. Do not charge batteries over night while you are asleep or away from home.
- Always use the approved manufacturers charger for the e-bike or e-scooter. Buy an official replacement charger from a reputable seller.
- Do not cover chargers or battery packs when charging as this could lead to overheating.
- Do not charge batteries or store your e-bike or e-scooter near combustible or flammable materials.
- Do not over charge the battery.
- Do not overload socket outlets or use inappropriate extension leads.
Please note residents aren’t permitted to store or charge e-bike and e-scooters in communal areas as any items left there can block emergency exit routes and create a fire risk.
For more information on how to safely charge your e-bike or e-scooter, please visit https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/the-home/e-scooters-and-e-bikes/.
