Tips to use your balcony safely

To help keep you and your home safe, we have developed some tips for the use of private balconies. Read below to make sure your balcony is fire safe! 

Not got a balcony but want tips to keep your home fire safe? We’re holding a Fire Safety Day with London Fire Brigade on Saturday 19 February at The Green Man.  

If you are concerned about safety in your home, please get in touch. We work with all residents to ensure everyone can continue being safe and feeling safe in their homes.  

To find out more about our approach to building safety, view our Building Safety Frequently Asked Questions.  

We’re also looking for a leaseholder member to join our Building Safety Programme Board. If you are a leaseholder and would like to shape our approach to building safety, fill out our short form.  

Keep private balconies clear   

Keep balconies clear of personal belongings, especially those that are combustible.   

This includes items such as:   

• Washing   
• Wood and wooden garden furniture   
• Floor coverings (floor mats, carpets, AstroTurf, underlay and tarpaulin)   
• Paints   
• Solvents   
• Fuels such as gas canisters and coal  
• Large plastic items, such as children’s toys   

Safe Smoking   

We understand that some people choose to smoke, but do not like to do so within their homes.   

If smoking on your private balcony, please ensure the following:   

• Ensure all cigarettes and smoking materials are extinguished properly and safely.   
• Dispose of smoking material responsibly, do not flick lit cigarettes off of a balcony. These can fall down onto neighbouring balconies and cause a fire to start.   
• Use safety ashtrays to extinguish cigarettes.  

Barbeques   

We do not permit the use of barbeques on balconies.   

Barbeques have been responsible for a number of recent fires which have caused devastating damage to homes. 

Barbeques burn at a high temperature and hot embers can be blown on to neighbouring balconies, causing fires to start.   

Dangerous Carbon Monoxide gases can be blown into your home, causing severe illness and even death.    

If you wish to use a barbeque, you are encouraged to do so safely away from the building.