Fire Safety Compliance Guide for Nursing & Care Homes
1. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
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Regulatory Framework
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Fire Safety Order 2005
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Care Quality Commission (CQC) requirements
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Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Key Responsible Persons
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Registered Manager
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Fire Safety Officer
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Shift Leaders
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All Staff Members
2. MANDATORY FIRE SAFETY SYSTEMS
Fire Detection Systems
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Category L1 automatic fire detection required
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Smoke detectors in all rooms and spaces
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Heat detectors in kitchens
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Regular sensitivity testing
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Weekly testing required
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Regular maintenance by approved company
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Annual certification
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Log book maintenance essential
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Access to a company providing 24-hour callouts
Emergency Lighting
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Monthly function tests
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Annual full discharge test
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Documentation of all tests
3. STAFF TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
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Initial Fire Safety Induction
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Fire evacuation procedures
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Fire alarm operation
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Fire extinguisher use
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Emergency procedures
Ongoing Training
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Minimum 2 fire drills annually
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Refresher training every 6 months
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Night staff specific training
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Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)
4. DAILY CHECKS & MAINTENANCE
Daily Checks
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Fire exits clear and accessible
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Fire doors closing properly
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No wedged-open fire doors
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Fire alarm panel showing normal operation
Weekly Checks
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Fire alarm test
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Emergency lighting visual check
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Fire extinguisher visual inspection
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Escape route inspection
5. DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
Essential Records
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Fire Risk Assessment (review annually)
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Fire Log Book
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Staff Training Records
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Maintenance Certificates
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Fire Drill Records
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PEEPs for all residents
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Incident Reports
6. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Fire Action Plan
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Clear evacuation strategy
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Progressive horizontal evacuation
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Assembly point locations
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Staff roles and responsibilities
Resident Considerations
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Updated mobility requirements
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Medical equipment needs
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Evacuation priorities
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Special assistance requirements
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COMMON COMPLIANCE ISSUES
Frequent Problems:
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Wedged open fire doors
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Blocked fire exits
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Expired extinguishers
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Incomplete documentation
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Missed weekly tests
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Inadequate staff training records
Best Practices
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Regular Risk Assessments
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After any building changes
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When resident needs change
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Minimum annual review
Communication
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Clear signage throughout
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Regular staff briefings
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Resident communication
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Visitor information
We offer a FREE compliance healthcheck visit, from one of our EXPERT team. To arrange yours, use the contact form below!
