1               The proprietor / manager will ensure that the fire prevention arrangements comply with the requirements of the local Fire Service.

2               The home's Policy on Smoking is defined in Policy No. 426. Compliance with this Policy is mandatory.

3               This Policy will identify those areas in the home where smoking is permitted. Further to this, all areas where residents are permitted to smoke must be regularly checked by care staff:

3.1         Waste paper bins must be checked for smouldering cigarette ends and emptied on a regular basis.

3.2         Easy chairs and settees must be checked behind cushions and down the sides for stray cigarette ends.

4               Sufficient ashtrays must be available in designated smoking areas, and these must be emptied on a regular basis.

5               Fire doors must be kept closed at all times. Self-closing doors MUST NOT be wedged open for convenience. Closed fire doors help to prevent the spread of fire and allow more time for evacuation.

6               Fire exits must be kept clear at all times and not blocked with wheelchairs and other items.

7               When using gas and electric appliances:

7.1         Exercise appropriate care and caution, and where appropriate ensure such appliances are operated in accordance with manufacturers' instructions;

7.2         When finished using an appliance, ensure that it is switched off before leaving it:

7.2.1   All electric plugs should be removed from sockets. This must include TVs and other appliances in the residents' rooms, where such checks will form part of the duties of the night care assistant (see 13. below).

7.2.2   Ensure that naked flames are not left on cookers.

7.2.3   Ensure that electric irons are not left unattended when switched on. Apart from the immediate fire risk, there is a serious risk of burning if it is accidentally picked up.

7.2.4   Ensure that desk / bedside lamps are not covered with a cloth or other material at any time.

8               Ensure that there are no cloths etc, left to dry by hanging over open gas cookers or hobs.

9               Fire extinguishers must be kept in the positions marked on the Fire Plan and at no time moved to other areas or used as door stops.

10           Fire escape and exit routes will be clearly marked in pictorial fashion throughout the home. The optimum escape route from each room will be clearly displayed on the back of each room door. Where required, these notices will be written in Braille for the benefit of blind or partially sighted residents.

11           All staff, through formal and regular training, must:

11.1     Know the exact locations of all fire extinguishers and fire-fighting equipment, and be familiar with their mode of use;

11.2     Know the exact positions of all fire exits and escape routes;

11.3     Know the fire drill (ref. Policy No. 400) and assembly points outside the buildings;

11.4     Be aware of their particular responsibilities for the areas in which they work. Particular attention should be given to assisting disabled people and visitors who may not be familiar with the orientation of the home.

12           Furniture, fixtures and fittings must be made of fire-resistant or fire-retardant fabrics and materials.

13           All fire systems and alarms will be tested at appropriate intervals by staff of the home. Records will be kept of all such testing as part of the proprietor’s responsibilities.

14           All fire fighting equipment will be checked annually by a qualified fire extinguisher maintenance engineer. This will be planned as part of the procedure for Servicing, Maintenance and Calibration of Equipment (ref. Policy No. 439), and the specialist engineers will be listed on the Preferred List of Service Sub-contractor to the home (ref. Policy No. 424).

15           Lounges should be inspected last thing at night to check for the following:

15.1     Waste paper bins and ashtrays emptied, preferably outside the building.

15.2     Cushions on easy chairs and settees tidied and checked behind and down the sides of furniture for stray cigarette ends (see 2.  2 above).

15.3     Ensure all electrical appliances (TVs etc) are unplugged.