Tenant safety

Awareness of the potential health problems caused by lead in the water supply, particularly in infants and children is growing.  Houses built before 1970 would have been constructed with lead water supply pipes and if still in place can be causing developmental harm to young occupants.
Although the use of lead in plumbing has been banned in the UK for more than 50 years, there are still many properties where a risk of lead contamination of water is a risk.  In some areas of the UK up to a third of these older properties are still receiving their water through these original lead pipes.[1]

Carl F Groupco, the major stockist of Yale hardware, has added the affordable and stylish new Quartus Espag handle to its catalogue. Featuring the leading lock manufacturer’s coveted push to unlatch mechanism, the Yale Quartus is available in a new colour range including champagne gold, satin black and enhanced silver for improved consistency in colour matching. The comprehensive colour range also includes chrome and white finishes ensuring that this new addition will look elegant in every setting.

Bathroom falls are more likely to happen when floors are wet. With this in mind, AKW has launched its new Curtain Clip, to lock the edge of any shower curtain firmly in position. Simple, yet highly effective, this clip tightly grips the curtain, ensuring that no water escapes the shower area and that neighbouring floors remain drier.

British designed and manufactured, Powermatic controlled, concealed door closers designed for increased tenant safety are growing in popularity for use on fire doors in high-rise flats, apartments and HMOs.

Jason Leech assesses the implications of an important new guidance document, deriving in part from the Grenfell disaster, and having far-reaching implications on the selection of spandrel panels for high-rise buildings.

Aico will be exhibiting at the Chartered Institute of Housing’s (CIH) ‘Housing 2019 Conference & Exhibition’ in Manchester Central, 25th – 27th June on stand D20.

Tim Vincent, Head of Technical at ROCKWOOL UK, looks at the latest advice for HAs on managing fire safety in connection with the insulation and cladding on existing housing stock.