In this article, A&E will introduce the importance of installing and maintaining a compliant Fire Alarm System in the care home. A&E will review everything from who is responsible for the Fire Safety care, to the specific requirements of Fire Wardens and Fire Extinguishers.
It is crucial to first note the importance of fitting the correct Fire Alarm System for the premises, and why care homes, in particular, need specific systems. As an occupant with at-risk residents, the user must install and maintain the correct Fire Alarm System.
Who is Responsible for Fire Safety in a Care Home?
Whether a user has a dedicated ‘Health and Safety Manager’ or someone in a similar position who is in charge of safeguarding all Fire Safety for the premises or is looking to create ‘Responsible Person’ positions within the existing staff, they must assign someone to become responsible for the Fire Safety regulations and regiments within a premise.
In a care home, the care home manager is usually the Responsible Person. The dedicated Responsible Person must then assign members of staff to become Fire Warden/ Fire Marshalls who will carry out all necessary fire evacuations in the instance of a Fire Alarm sounding.
Fire Safety Assessment for Care Homes
Fire Risk Assessor will ensure that the building is compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order
The Responsible Person must carry out a full Fire Risk Assessment on their premises to ensure the safety of those who live and work in the care home. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it is a legal requirement that a property is assessed by a professional.
The Fire Risk Assessor will ensure that the building is compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, the report of which, can then be shown to the Fire Service on arrival, if a fire alarm is sounding, to ensure that the user has appropriately safeguarded themselves and those within the premises.
Fire Risk Assessment
In the case of care homes, a Fire Risk Assessment will be looking for more specific features than a regular office or home assessment. Vulnerable people will need features such as lifts for the physically handicapped, as well as PEEPS and GLEEPS.
By choosing A&E Fire and Security to carry out Fire Risk Assessment, users are ensuring that they are covered by the expertise of ex-fire service professionals, whose knowledge of complex premises such as care homes is second-to-none.
Requirements of Fire Wardens and Fire Extinguishers
Wardens/Marshalls
A&E provides courses specific to Fire Extinguisher training, Managing and Implementing Fire Safety
The main requirement for designated Fire Warden/Marshal is to ensure that they are aware of the fire evacuation, fire strategy, and general fire procedures. They are also in charge of ensuring that all occupants/staff are evacuated efficiently in the instance that a fire alarm is sounding. A&E Fire and Security provide incredible Fire Warden/Marshall training all over the UK.
As well as Fire Warden/Marshall, A&E also provides courses specific to Fire Extinguisher training, Managing and Implementing Fire Safety, and Fire Awareness Training. These courses will help cover Fire Wardens and Responsible Persons in the instance that a fire occurs. The professional Fire Trainers also provide bespoke knowledge and training for those in complex premises such as care homes.
Fire Extinguishers
In a care home, both fire extinguishers and fire alarms must be present in multiple locations and must be in the correct grade and category for specific premises. Every property’s requirements come down to the Fire Risk Assessment.
Within the assessment, an expert will advise and supply the exact fire extinguishers that they need. In most cases, care homes will need a mixture of Class A and Co2 Extinguishers, however, the only way to know exactly what user need will be through Fire Risk Assessment.
Type of Fire Alarm System The Must Be Fitted in a Care Home
- L1 category Fire Alarm Systems are the most common type for care homes. This is because the system provides automatic detection, such as a smoke or heat detector in EVERY room. This can sometimes even include large cupboard spaces.
- L1 category systems are Addressable. This means that every detector has its unique electronic address, meaning a user can identify exactly which alarm in which room is sounding. Therefore, users can evacuate occupants as quickly as possible, due to immediate risk-zone detection.
The Importance of Having Fire Alarms in Care Homes
A correct Fire Alarm System may be the one thing keeping users from possibly endangering staff/residents
Although implementing a Fire Alarm System is significant in any premises, it is even more so in properties such as care homes and other occupancies where inhabitants are under particular restrictions, by health impediments, etc.
Under circumstances whereby occupants may have difficulty with mobility, mental handicaps, or staff are on inconsistent shifts, the correct Fire Alarm System may be the one thing keeping users from possibly endangering staff/residents.
Addressable System
Using an Addressable System, especially in premises that are on the larger side, or have complex floor plans, means users are equipped with a Fire Alarm Panel that can recognize and signal exactly which Fire Alarm is sounding, and what room it is in.
This means both the staff (even those who do not take regular shifts or are new) can identify where the possible fire is occurring. Moreover, the staff will have more time to remove all residents promptly.
Fire Alarm Maintenance in Care Homes
Maintenance of Fire Alarm Systems in care homes should take place every 12 months. This means an assessment of all call points to identify faults should be high on the priority list.
Throughout the year, it is also important that users regularly check that their devices are all in working order. Please make sure to check the devices at least every 2 weeks.
Free Fire Alarm Installation Safety Survey
A&E Fire and Security provide free Fire Alarm System site surveys. This means they can check out the premises, free of charge, to help recommend the correct Fire Alarm System for the care home.