Whilst fire safety is important in all settings, it’s particularly crucial in care homes, as these facilities house vulnerable residents who may take longer to evacuate in an emergency. In this environment where every second counts, it’s essential to have the correct fire safety measures in place.
But do care homes require different fire safety protocols when compared to standard commercial premises? And what fire safety equipment must be present in care facilities?
In this guide, we’ll answer these questions and more so you have all the information you need when it comes to fire safety in care homes, allowing you to enhance your procedures and protocols to keep you, your facility, and residents safe.
Why is fire safety in care homes so important?
Fire safety in care homes is of utmost importance to ensure the well-being and protection of residents. With many care home residents having limited mobility and additional needs that can slow down an emergency evacuation, it’s crucial to have effective fire safety measures in place to ensure a swift response in the event of a fire.
The dire consequences of neglecting fire safety in a care home is demonstrated by the Rosepark Care Home Fire of 2004, in which 14 elderly residents lost their lives. A subsequent investigation deemed that these deaths were largely preventable, and some residents may have been saved if an effective fire safety plan had been in place.
That’s why it’s vital care home staff should be trained in fire safety procedures, including evacuation protocols, and how to properly use firefighting equipment. Regular fire drills and inspections are also essential to identify any potential hazards and to ensure that all safety systems are functioning correctly. By prioritising fire safety in a care home, vulnerable residents are afforded extra time to escape, helping to minimise loss of life.
What are the current fire safety regulations in care homes?
Care homes in the UK must have a number of fire safety measures in place, as stipulated in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2005. Here’s what is expected of care homes:
Fire risk assessment
An annual fire risk assessment must be carried out by a qualified assessor, like Pyrotec Fire Protection. During this inspection, any potential hazards or high-risk occupants will be identified. Following this, an emergency plan should be prepared that provides recommendations on how to reduce the risks identified. It’s important to regularly review and update the fire risk assessment to account for any changes in the care home or to residents needs.
Fire wardens
Every commercial property must have a number of designated fire wardens present and, as a high-risk property, there is specific guidance in place for care homes. Official guidelines recommend:
- For care homes with 15 residents/employees or less, at least one fire warden should be present.
- For care homes with 15-50 residents/employees, there must be two fire wardens present.
- For every additional 50 people, there must be one extra fire warden on shift. For example, if there are 150 people inside your building, there must be four fire wardens.
On a day-to-day basis, fire wardens must identify and monitor potential fire hazards and conduct regular fire drills. During an emergency, fire wardens must assist with the evacuation and ensure all residents are accounted for. All fire wardens must be provided with the correct fire safety training to prepare them for this role.
Fire doors
Self-closing fire doors must be installed in all areas to prevent the spread of fire and smoke within the building. They should also provide access to a stairwell or corridor, or any exit that leads directly out of the building. These fire doors should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure their proper functioning.
Fire alarms
Fire alarms must be fitted in multiple locations across the building to detect smoke or heat and provide a crucial early warning in the event of a fire. These should be regularly maintained and tested to ensure they are in good working condition at all times.
Fire safety equipment
UK fire safety legislation states that you must have ‘appropriate firefighting equipment’ readily available, including fire extinguishers and fire blankets. These should be strategically located throughout the care home for easy access. Regular maintenance and testing of all fire safety equipment are essential to ensure their proper functioning when needed.
Emergency lighting
Emergency lighting and visible fire safety signage should be in place to guide occupants to the nearest emergency exit. It should be strategically placed to illuminate escape routes, stairwells, and key areas to guide individuals to safety. They should be maintained and tested regularly to ensure all systems are in proper working condition.
Fire suppression systems
Depending on the size and layout of your care home, some premises may require fire suppression systems, such as sprinklers, to be installed throughout the building to prevent the spread of flames and smoke and to also help distinguish fires quickly. Regular maintenance and testing of these systems should be carried out to ensure they are functioning properly and can effectively suppress fires when needed.
What must be considered in an evacuation plan for care homes?
When creating an evacuation plan for your care home, several key factors should be considered. Firstly, the needs of each individual resident must be assessed and, if necessary, Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) should be put in place for those most vulnerable. These should be regularly reviewed every six months, or whenever there is a change to the resident’s medication, health or mobility. All employees must be aware of which residents will require the most assistance in an emergency and there must be an appropriate number of staff on every shift to accommodate this.
As well as this, a clear understanding of the layout of the care home, including all exits and escape routes, is essential. Regular fire drills and training should also be carried out to ensure staff are equipped to handle a number of different scenarios. It’s also wise to have a communication strategy in place to ensure everyone is informed promptly in case of a fire or other emergencies.
Want to learn more about fire safety in care homes?
As you can see, fire safety in care homes is crucial for the well-being of everyone in the building. By understanding your responsibilities and obligations, not only can you help mitigate fire risks and prioritise the safety of your residents and your staff, you’re also complying with fire safety regulations.
Here at Pyrotec Fire Protection, we provide a comprehensive range of fire safety equipment and services to care homes across Brighton, Eastbourne, Crawley and beyond. Our BAFE-accredited team can ensure your premises comply with all UK fire safety regulations. If you’d like to learn more about our services and how we can help you, simply contact us today for more information.
Fire safety in care homes FAQs
Who is responsible for fire safety in a care home?
The ‘responsible person,’ usually the care home owner or manager, is legally accountable for fire safety. This person must ensure that appropriate fire safety measures are in place, conduct regular risk assessments, and provide adequate training for staff.
How can care homes accommodate residents with mobility issues during a fire?
Evacuation plans should include specific provisions for residents with mobility challenges, such as the use of evacuation chairs, buddy systems, or areas of refuge where residents can wait for assistance.
How should care homes document their fire safety efforts?
Care homes should maintain records of fire risk assessments, staff training, fire drills, equipment maintenance, and any incidents or near-misses. These records are essential for demonstrating compliance during inspections.
