Fire Safety

Fires are a hazard in any workplace and can lead to injury or death. Basic fire safety measures include:

• No smoking or naked flames within the building
• Do not have fire doors propped open, as this will increase the speed at which a fire spreads in a building
• Do not allow waste to accumulate which could provide fuel to a fire
• Check escape routes are not blocked and keep them clear of furniture or boxes
• Check that appliances and plugs are turned off to help prevent an electrical fire from starting

If you are supporting someone in their own home these measures may not apply. You can support individuals to get advice to make homes safer but you must respect the choices that they make; for example they may choose to smoke or may not have smoke alarms. If they do have a smoke alarm the client may need reminding to regularly check it is in working order.

In the workplace, check each fire plan which should be located near any fire exits. Make sure you familiarise yourself with these procedures. If you work in someone’s home make sure you familiarise yourself with escape routes. Check the Person Centred Support plan for important information, for example, fire exits.

Staff should also be aware of the risk of Carbon Monoxide as it has no odour and can kill very quickly. Carbon Monoxide detectors and regular servicing or heating systems (including sweeping chimneys for open fires as well as annual servicing of gas appliances) cut down risks. Never use a Barbeque indoors as it can produce carbon monoxide.

Vulnerable adults are entitled to home fire safety checks from their local fire and rescue service.

Use to answer question 13.7b of the Care Certificate