4.2.5 Fire Safety |
SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER
The company will make every effort to reduce the risk from fire and make sure people can safely escape if there is a fire.
- Carry out a fire-risk assessment identifying any possible dangers and risks; will appropriately review these findings when necessary in accordance with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
- Provide appropriate information, instruction and training to employees, about the fire precautions in their workplace.
- Ensure that predetermined emergency procedures including; evacuation in case of fire or other significant incident are in place.
- Ensuring that the premises and any equipment provided in connection with fire fighting, fire detection and warning, or emergency routes and exits are covered by a suitable system of maintenance and are in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.
- Fire evacuation and emergency procedures are highlighted to new employees and clients, as an integral part of their induction, Fire drill undertaken within 24 hours of their arrival.
- Training relating to Fire related duties is prioritised.
- Escape routes well signed and kept clear at all times. Evacuation plans are tested at regular intervals and updated as necessary.
Contents
1. Responsibility
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 replaces over 70 separate pieces of fire safety legislation, such as the Fire Precautions Act, Licensing Act and Housing Acts with a simple, single Order. It has abolished the requirement for certain premises to hold a fire certificate and instead requires any person who exercises some level of control in any non-domestic premises to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk from fire and ensure occupants can escape safely if a fire does occur.
The responsible person is required to:
- Carry out a fire-risk assessment identifying any possible dangers and risks;
- Consider who may be especially at risk;
- Get rid of or reduce the risk from fire as far as is reasonably possible and provide general fire precautions to deal with any possible risk left;
- Take other measures to make sure there is protection if flammable or explosive materials are used or stored;
- Create a plan to deal with any emergency and, in most cases, keep a record of your findings; and review your findings when necessary.
The company recognises the vital importance of Fire Safety in all its premises, In order to meet the complex and often technical nature of the Fire Risk assessment and to satisfy the requirements of the act, senior members of the maintenance team should undertake additional and specific training to support Registered Managers/Head Teachers to maintain full compliance with both the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Company standards.
However, it should still be noted that the responsibility remains with the person in control of the premises, which would generally be the registered manager/head teacher or senior manager at each location; who in addition must maintain detailed records of all checks and inspection carried out in relation to Fire systems, including equipment maintenance and testing; ensuring that all records are readily available for inspection.
In addition the manager must also take into account employees' capabilities as regards fire safety in entrusting tasks to them. The Fire Safety (Employees' Capabilities) (England) Regulations 2010
2. Fire Risk Assessment
A Fire Risk Assessment must always be available for inspection by outside agencies.
It must be brought to the attention, and be available to all staff, including new (or temporary staff) as part of Induction.
Any amendments or revisions must also be shared with staff without delay.
The Fire Risk Assessment is generally reviewed every twelve months; this may be sooner in the event of any significant operational or environmental changes to the building, staffing, and residents/students i.e. age, behavioural risk. Each child must be the subject of an Individual Fire Risk Assessment on or prior to admission and these documents must be reviewed as agreed.
3. Fire Drills
The often complex needs and behaviour, of the children and young people we look after requires additional consideration when we are managing safety procedures. Fire drills must be implemented with care in order to prevent any disturbance of day to day routines and also to avoid possible desensitisation to the importance of the alarm.
Fire Drills are an integral part of the homes/schools Emergency procedure at least four fire drills, (which including evacuation of all staff and children from the building), must take place in a 12 month period (or more frequently as dictated by risk assessment). A percentage of the fire drills must take place at night (after bedtime).
Additional Fire Drills must be carried out as part of the admission procedure for a young person, or as part of the induction process for new members of staff. All details to be recorded in the appropriate record book.
It is essential that staff distinguish Fire Drills from the Alarm/Bell test.
Normally, advance warning should be given of the approximate timing of the fire drill, as the main purpose of having the drill is to ensure that all persons participating are familiar with the correct procedure to be followed. Particular emphasis should be placed on staff training and reviewing the effectiveness of the established procedures.
Where the alarm system operates either as a result of a fire or a false alarm, the resulting evacuation of the building must be recorded in the appropriate section of the record book as a false alarm.
4. Fire Procedures
On hearing the alarm all children, visitors, off duty and duty staff must vacate the building as quickly as possible ensuring that all doors are closed behind them.
- The senior member of staff is responsible for ensuring that people who do not hear or are ignoring the alarm leave the premises promptly. However, staff must not put themselves at risk to ensure they do so.
- The senior member of staff will be responsible for determining which part of the building is affected by checking alarm panel display as they vacate the building (if safe to do so). The senior member of staff must determine the next course of events, either to telephone the Fire Service or continue to determine if there is a fire. If there is any doubt as to the situation the Fire Brigade should be called.
- The senior member of staff is responsible for ensuring that the children and visitors are at the designated assembly point and someone has undertaken a role call using the daily log and visitor's book.
If it becomes apparent that someone is missing, immediately perform a recount and then try to establish where the missing person might be. This information should be passed to the Fire Service by telephone if they are on route. - Send a responsible person to meet the Fire engine, at the gate/drive or nearest junction (if appropriate) ensuring they are aware of any missing person and their possible location, instruct them to pass this information on as a priority.
- Fire extinguishers are provided at key points/locations to help people exit the building in an emergency, No attempt to fight the fire should be made, unless you are confident that you can quickly and safely extinguish it using the equipment provided. Only staff that have received appropriate training which includes the operation and discharge a Fire extinguisher should attempt to use this equipment.
- If there are no obvious signs of fire the senior member of staff will recheck the Fire alarm panel to confirm which zone triggered the alarm, (please note resetting the alarm is not the priority at this time, although staff may consider muting the sounders if this will aid communication) a member of staff (accompanied by a colleague if possible) will go to the zone identified in search of the call point or the detector which had been activated (detector should have an illuminated led visible if it was the one that triggered that alarm) if no fire is found the alarm system can be reset. If a fire is found they must leave immediately and call the Fire Service.
(If no fire can be found at night the senior member of staff should, as an additional precaution, re-examine the area after a further 10 minutes has elapsed). - Children must respond appropriately to the Fire Alarm or drills, any wilful failure to do so must be brought to the immediate attention of the Manager, their placing Authority and family; without delay. Details of action taken must be maintained with the record of the drill.
Any re-occurrence will result in an emergency meeting being held to discuss how the matter can be resolved; the Fire Risk assessment may also need to be reviewed, without delay.
Repeated refusal may result in their placement being closed.
On no account should children or unauthorised staff re-enter the building until confirmation that there is no risk of fire.
The senior member of staff will be responsible for maintaining all related recordings in the appropriate record book.
5. Daily Inspection
Each night before staff settle, (or at a locally determined time each day) the designated person; 'Sleeping In Person and or /Waking Night Person' will visually check the following for obvious signs of problems.
Fire Extinguishers - A visual check that the extinguishers are in place and that the pressure gauges are green.
Escape Routes - A visual check that all doors which should self close are closed, those held open by automatic devices are open, that no external exits are locked from the inside, and that no equipment has been moved or stored so as to seriously affect an escape route.
Alarm system - Check the display to ensure it is operating; no faults indicated.
In the event of any faults being found the Senior member of staff on duty should take all reasonable steps to put things right; but must in any event contact the Senior on call immediately if there are any faults which may place the children and staff at risk.
The Manager/Senior on call must then take what action seems to be necessary to put things right or reduce the risk to a tolerable level.
The fact that the Manager/Senior on call has been called and any decisions/actions taken must be recorded in the Fire Log and Daily Log.
6. Emergency Lighting Checks and Maintenance
Daily - By Responsible Person
This is a straightforward test to confirm that the indicator lamps on all emergency light fittings are illuminated and that all fittings are clean and undamaged.
The results of the inspection should be entered into the Emergency Lighting Test Record.
All defects are to be entered into the Maintenance Log and Maintenance Personnel informed.
Monthly - By Responsible Person
(This is more detailed and will require some training before fire marshals or duty staff can undertake it unsupported).
Switch off the power supply to all emergency light fittings at the relevant key switch or circuit breaker and check that the lights remain illuminated for a 15 minute period, operating on their internal batteries. Once satisfied that all lighting is functioning correctly over this period, restore the power and ensure that the indicator lamp is again illuminated on each fitting.
The results of the tests should be entered into the Emergency Lighting Test Record. All defects are to be entered into the Maintenance Log and Maintenance Personnel informed.
Bi-Annual - By Responsible Person or Engineer
Switch off power supply to all emergency light fittings at the relevant key switch or circuit breaker and check that the lights remain illuminated for a 1 hour period, operating on their internal batteries. Once satisfied that the lighting is functioning correctly over this period, restore the power and ensure that the indicator lamp is again illuminated on each fitting.
The results of the tests should be entered into the Emergency Lighting Test Record. All defects are to be entered into the Maintenance Log and Maintenance Personnel informed.
Annual - By Competent Engineer
Switch off power supply to all emergency light fittings at the relevant key switch or circuit breaker and check that the lights remain illuminated for a 3 hour period, operating on their internal batteries. Once satisfied that the lighting is functioning correctly over this period, restore the power and ensure that the indicator lamp is again illuminated on each fitting.
The results of the tests should be entered into the Emergency Lighting Test Record.
A visual inspection should be made of system components and a report made of any recommendations / findings.
An Emergency Lighting Periodic Inspection and Test Certificate are to be issued and should be safely stored with the Emergency Lighting Test Record.
7. Fire Notices
Each month as part of Regulation 32/33 (see Part 1.12 of the Manual, Monitoring Quality) visits it must be ensured that Fire Notices are present in the Home. Managers should be informed immediately where they are missing and are expected to put matters right.
8. Fire Alarm System Periodic Inspection and Testing Daily - By Responsible Person
Daily By Responsible Person
Ensure that the Fire Alarm Panel is checked daily and that no fault indicators are illuminated.
Check the Maintenance Log to see if any actions reported the previous day have been acted upon.
Sign and date the daily log to confirm these checks have been carried out.
Weekly- By Responsible Person
Operate the Fire Alarm System via a manual call point, sufficient in time to check that all sounders are operating correctly including bed head sounders. Use a different call point each week (In rotation).
If applicable check that all hold open door magnets close and, that all hold closed doors can be opened on sounding of the alarm.
Check that all flashing beacons operate (if fitted).
Sign and date the weekly/bi-annual/annual log to confirm that these tests have been carried out and on which call point
Bi- Annual - By Competent Engineer
Operate a minimum 50% of all automatic detectors and manual call points and check 100% of sounders and door open/close contacts.
Competent Engineer to sign and date weekly/bi-annual/annual log to confirm the above tests have been carried out.
Annual - By Competent Engineer
Carry out a 100% check of al manual call points, automatic detectors, sounders and door open/closed contacts.
Check batteries at panel and record readings on certificate.
Sign and date weekly/bi-annual/annual log to confirm the above tests have been carried out.
Competent Engineer to label batteries with readings, label panel with test date and issue certificate of compliance.
Competent Engineer to amend any drawings and re-issue to Responsible Person.
9. Fire Extinguishers
Each day the designated person must visually check all fire extinguishers and report faults to the Manager as soon as practicable. All faults must be recorded in both the Duty log book and maintenance records.
On a weekly basis a visual check should be made for tampering and charging pressure. On an annual basis a qualified maintenance engineer should check the equipment. Annual checks are to be recorded both on the appliance and in the appropriated fire inspections record.
The Manager or their delegated person will ensure these checks are undertaken and recorded in the fire inspections record.
10.Induction
10.1 Staff
On the first day of employment of new or temporary staff (including agency staff) the Fire Drill procedure will be explained in detail and they will be walked through the key escape routes and assembly point In addition a copy of these procedures will be given to be read.
Within the first 24 hours of employment they will have been fully briefed and have taken part in fire drill and evacuation.
10.2 Children
On the first day of admission each child will have the Fire Drill procedure explained to them and they will be walked through the key escape routes and shown the assembly point. The child will additionally be advised of the risks involved when fire occurs and the dangers associated with false alarms and tampering with fire equipment.
Within the first 24 hours they will have taken part in the fire drill and evacuation.
10.3 Visitors to the Premises
Managers must ensure that the visitors book is kept in a consistent location which is known to all staff so that in the event of fire this can be removed from the building and used for the roll call.
10.4 Other Alarms
If the home has a burglar alarm or other security systems that employ a sounder/bell etc it is equally important that new staff and residents are familiar with this, to help them determine what is happening if they hear an alarm. (Each system must have a distinct sound).
11. Risks Particular to Our Company
No child is to be allowed matches unless deemed to be responsible by the manager of that premises. Smoking will only take place in the designated area outside of the building. All smoking materials must be held by staff at bedtime, (refusal must be treated as a significant risk to others).
Candles, other than those used decoratively on cakes, must not be allowed on to company property and must certainly never be used, even in a power cut. All centres must have torches in case of power failure.
Barbecues or campfires are never to be left unsupervised and never to be lit using petrol or other inflammable liquids (other than BBQ lighter used in the recommended manner.) No campfire or barbecue shall be left to burn out. It must be extinguished with water after use.
11.1 Vehicles
All passenger carrying vehicles including mini buses are to carry an appropriate fire extinguisher.
11.2 Fire Inspection Records
A detailed record of all Fire related events including false alarms, damage to equipment, repairs to equipment and routine maintenance will be kept at all premises.
In addition it will also contain a record of all inspections including: extinguishers, emergency lights & alarm systems.
11.3 Training
All members of staff shall attend sufficient training to enable them to follow the specific arrangements for implementing the Health and safety policy.
Under the Fire Safety (Employees' Capabilities) (England) Regulations 2010, the company (and the manager) must ensure that proper consideration is given to the capabilities of any member/s of staff who have delegated tasks/responsibilities in relation to fire safety.
Managers must ensure that additional training is provided for the use of Fire fighting equipment, including practical extinguishers operation, and discharge. The number of such persons, the training given and the equipment available to them are adequate,
Staff training records shall include confirmation that this briefing and training has been undertaken.
It is vital that, as part of a positive health and safety culture, all managers will have undertaken Health and Safety training; to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge, competence, confidence and capacity to deal effectively with health and safety issues.
Some technical staff will be asked to attend more advanced courses in a range of health & safety related matters.
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