Fire safety
substantially less staff than during the day and it’s dark, which highlights the importance of designing a fire system with emergency lighting in mind. “Design is vital here. It’s extremely
important to communicate an exit plan right the first time to minimise confusion – especially when dealing with people with dementia. In care homes, there tends to be corridors with lighting signs at each end, so blocking off exits to take choice away makes evacuations safer and quicker. “With some intelligent life safety
systems that combine emergency lighting and fire detection, at the first instance of a fire, the nearby exit signs will change from a green running man to a red cross to show the exit is compromised. In these instances, there’s no room for ambiguity and it must be totally clear to residents and staff alike.” Closing the discussion, Paul Adams
asked the group for any final advise they would offer those within the care industry, as well as where they can access support or technical guidance. Watts suggested the FIA, while Andy Hollingshead praised the HSE and
NASHiCS websites. He also urged them to always consider the ‘Three Cs’ – communicate, command and control. “We use this motto to train care sector staff and believe that if all these are in place, nobody will lose their life.” Watts echoed this sentiment: “In a similar vein, we use ‘review, refresh, replace’ when referring to the importance of maintaining risk assessments.”
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The confidential results of the survey will be used to help shape the content of the magazine, which was first published in September 2016.
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www.thecarehomeenvironment.com • June 2021
In conclusion, Hill stressed that reading
the guidance and keeping abreast of evolving standards and requirement is important, a robust life safety strategy comes down to a successful initial design and the quality of products installed. By working with industry experts, those within the care sector can rest assured that every possible measure is in place to protect residents and staff.
TCHE
Volume 6 l Issue 4 l April 2021
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com
DIGITAL
Caring for interiors with
wall and door protection Care homes and Covid-19 a year on Post-pandemic care home market prospects
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