Fire safety
For fire sprinklers to operate
effectively, however, they must be correctly designed, installed, serviced and maintained. This is best assured by using one that has been approved by an accredited third-party certification scheme. The FPA’s widely used LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations is a well-recognised installation standard in the UK.
Focus on training Fire safety training should include the selection of fire wardens responsible for duties such as making sure everyone evacuates the building in a safe and timely manner and checking that fire alarms can be heard throughout the property. Routine tasks might also include ensuring that general housekeeping is in check – for example, that there is no build-up of combustible materials or making sure fire doors are not wedged open and are in working order. The inquiry into the 2004 Rosepark
care home fire in South Lanarkshire found that staff were not properly trained in fire safety. Correct and up-to-date training is vital to ensure all decisions are correct, risks are minimised and those responding in the event of a fire are competent. After all, a plan is no use at all if staff are not aware of it and are unable to implement it in the event of an emergency. Training of all staff and making sure
they regularly practice these skills is essential if the risk assessment, fire strategy and the evacuation plan is going to succeed. It is also important to foster
a culture where those responsible for fire safety can be honest about any gaps in their knowledge and speak up about any support they might need to boost their competence.
The right support There is no doubt that the safety of residents is a top priority for care home operators, but there is a real challenge in understanding exactly how a home’s design and construction could influence fire safety plans, and what a thorough fire assessment looks like in practice. Given that care homes are responsible for the wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable people in society, it is imperative to get this right. It is crucial that care homes undertake
sufficient fire risk assessments, carried out by competent assessors who have the specialised knowledge required to identify the risks posed in care homes. Seeking third-party accreditation of contractors is the best way to ensure good practice is followed and that the care home is not exposing itself to unnecessary risk to life or financial loss. In an ideal world, fire safety measures
would be among the key selection criteria for anyone looking for a care home for a loved one. Such market forces would drive a change in how the sector approaches this, but for now, it is up to those responsible for designing, constructing, operating and managing care homes to get this right. For more information, download the FPA’s free Residential Care Home Fire
October 2021 •
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com
Safety Guide, which provides care home managers and staff with the basic steps needed to maintain fire safety standards within the home.
TCHE
Dr. Jim Glockling
Dr. Jim Glockling is technical director of the Gloucestershire-based Fire Protection Association (FPA). Jim began his career at the Atomic Energy Authority (AEA) in Harwell as a sandwich student. The AEA later re-employed Jim and sponsored his PhD to further develop his career. Jim went on to undertake a post-doctorate study at the Fire Research Station and worked at London South Bank University as a lecturer in chemical and fire safety engineering. From 2002 to the present day, Jim has been at the FPA where he continues to undertake research into fire protection, with particular emphasis on risk avoidance, reduction and management.
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