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Fighting back the flames
28 July 2010
In January 2004 a fire at a care home in Scotland claimed the
lives of 14 elderly residents. More than 6 years later an inquiry
is in the process of hearing evidence on the causes of death and
importantly, any precautions that could have been taken which might
have avoided the tragedy.
Whilst this event is taking place across the border in Scotland,
it acts as a reminder to all care home owners and managers of their
obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
which came into force on 1st October 2006, and the consequences of
breach.
Who Is Responsible?
The employer or the person who has control over the premises has
responsibility for complying with the Fire Safety Order. This can
include a Director or Manager of a company, a landlord, owner or an
employee with sufficient responsibility and control. In some cases
there may be more than one responsible person for the premises. The
Order allows enforcement action to be taken against the person who
is culpable and/or in a position to remedy contraventions.
Fire Risk Assessment
A suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment must be conducted
in order to identify all fire hazards and any necessary remedial
action. It should include an assessment of ignition sources, escape
routes, vulnerable residents, signage, lighting, fire detection and
alarm systems, fire fighting provision including instruction and
information, testing and maintenance of fire alarms and other
safety systems. Such an assessment should be conducted by a
competent person, with appropriate expertise and experience.
Remove or Reduce Hazards
Having identified the hazards you must take steps to eliminate
or reduce the hazards. There is a balance to be struck between
protecting the health and safety of residents and maintaining their
quality of life. For example, a self closing door may be
impractical for disabled or less mobile residents. There are
practical steps which can be taken including ensuring all
electrical goods are maintained, reducing flammable liquids e.g.
cleaning products, oxygen tanks, revising the layout to reduce
travel to escape routes, limiting the number of people on the
premises at any one time.
Record, Plan and Train
Recording your risk assessment in writing can form a useful tool
for developing your emergency plan, identifying what actions need
to be taken and the instruction, information and training you need
to provide to staff and/or residents and visitors. A suitable and
sufficient risk assessment should assist you to record the
following:
• The fire hazards you have identified
• The actions you have taken or will take to remove or reduce
the chance of a fire occurring
• Persons who may be at risk, particularly vulnerable
residents.
• The actions you have taken or will take to reduce the risk to
people from the spread of fire and smoke
• The actions people need to take in case of fire including
details of any persons nominated to carry out a particular
function
• The information, instruction and training you have identified
that people need and how it will be given.
Fire risk continues to present significant challenges in the
care home industry and there is likely to be an increase in
prosecutions brought under the Fire Safety Order which could not
only result in a significant financial burden but also reputational
damage.
This article first appeared in Caring
Times
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