Published May 16th, 2019
Ocean Housing Group has completed the installation of a state-of-the-art sprinkler system in Cornwall’s only high rise flats.
£300,000 has been invested in fire safety measures at Park House in St Austell. A sprinkler system has been retrofitted into the 36-metre high building, owned by Ocean Housing Group, which was built in the late 1960s and comprises 67 flats across 12 floors.
Ralph Garth, head of health and safety at Ocean Housing, said, “Following the Grenfell enquiry and subsequent Hackitt review, it was established that Ocean Housing manages its properties well, with no significant improvements required.
“However, we take the safety of our residents very seriously and so although not legally required to install the sprinklers, we decided, particularly after concerns post Grenfell, it was the right time to invest in and upgrade the apartment building with the latest fire safety measures.”
Ocean Housing has also introduced a programme of installing 900 additional smoke detectors in two-storey dwellings, bringing this year’s total investment figure for fire safety measures to more than half a million pounds.
Ocean Housing will run its annual Fire Safety Week from Monday 20 May 2019, with the aim of raising fire safety awareness amongst its staff and residents. The St Austell-based company employs more than 240 staff, and manages more than 4,700 properties across Cornwall.
A new tenant guide to property health and safety will be launched during the event, with hard copies and fire safety leaflets distributed to its properties by visiting staff members throughout the week. An electronic copy will also be available to download from the Ocean Housing website.
Fire safety training for staff will take place at Stennack House, Ocean Housing Group’s headquarters, and fire drills will be held at active construction sites and offices.
Information on fire safety tips will also be posted on Ocean’s social media channels, including planning an escape route, not overloading electrical sockets, and testing smoke alarms regularly.
For more information on Ocean Housing Group projects visit www.oceanhousing.com.
