
Protecting the Health & Safety of your residents and patients is crucial, and this encompasses fire safety in care homes. Regulations are there to reduce the risk of fires happening and to make an evacuation safer and more effective if one did occur.
In this blog we’ll explore the importance of fire safety in care homes, the regulations to be aware of, the common causes of fires in this setting, and ways you can tackle fire risks.
Many residents in care homes often have limited mobility and require assistance when evacuating, making fire safety even more critical in this industry.
Some reasons why fire safety in care homes is so important include:
There are two main fire safety regulations which have been created to minimise fire risks and keep residents and patients safe. Here are the key fire safety regulations in care homes that you should be aware of:
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 order outlines the general fire precautions that care homes must take, including conducting fire risk assessments, maintaining fire detection and alarm systems, and having an evacuation plan in place.
The CQC, which inspects and regulates care homes in England, also has specific requirements for fire safety. These include making sure fire safety procedures are documented, staff are trained, and regular fire drills are conducted.
Here are some of the most common causes of fire in residential care homes:
Here are some fire safety procedures in care homes for your business to consider:
Regular fire risk assessments are crucial for identifying potential causes of fire in residential care homes. These assessments should consider the layout of the building, resident needs, and potential risks. Then following completion of the assessment, you can implement any appropriate measures.
All care staff should receive appropriate fire safety training, covering fire awareness, how to use fire extinguishers, and evacuating residents. Regular refresher training is also essential to make sure staff knowledge remains up-to-date.
Why not take a look at how our Supply Chain Management services can boost your business? We also offer SSIP Accreditation and Worksafe PQQ packages to help you meet compliance in facilities management.
Fill out an enquiry form and request a quote today to start your journey towards a safer construction site. Or you can contact us and our team of experts will be able to offer you advice to get the right solution for your business.