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Fire
Precautions
FIRE ROUTINE
a) Raise the alarm ie. operate
the nearest break glass point.
b) Remove any persons in immediate danger
c) Tackle the fire with extinguishers provided if safe to do
so and without putting anyone at personal risk.
2. ACTION BY STAFF ON HEARING THE ALARMS
a) The senior person on duty must :
i) Ensure that the Fire Brigade is called immediately.
ii) Go to the indicator board to check the location of the
fire and direct any staff action required.
iii) Ensure that someone remains in the main reception area
to meet the Fire Officer.
b) All staff, including domestic and kitchen staff not
engaged in direct resident care, must assemble by the fire
panel and await further instructions.
3. EVACUATION PROCEDURES
a) The senior person on duty should investigate the source
of the fire if possible, in order to move the residents away
from the fire zone.
b) All residents, staff and visitors must be accounted for
by a head count by a person nominated by the senior person
on duty.
c) Once the residents have been moved to safety the staff
must wait for the Fire Brigade, who may decide to evacuate.
The assembly point is the front car park.
4. FIRE SAFETY PROCEDURES
All staff should know:
(a) Call points and position thereof
(b) Fire doors and exits – which must be kept clear
(c) Extinguishers – position and correct use
(d) Zones and compartmentalisation
(e) Number of zones and location
If the fire alarm goes off:
1. Immediately go to the Entrance Lobby to receive
instructions from the person in charge, who will already
have dialled 999, asked for the Fire Brigade and informed
them that it is a care home. Night staff are to ensure front
door is unlocked. Inform matron by telephone.
2. Obey the instructions quickly and calmly.
3. If you find the fire, raise the alarm, do not panic or do
anything heroic.
4. Summon help. Be aware that 999 calls can be made on the
pay phone free of charge.
5. If required, help to move residents away from the
immediate area surrounding the fire.
6. Do not open any windows or doors where you suspect the
fire may be. Test the door with your hand for heat.
7. Remember to move residents from above and below the fire,
as well as from neighbouring rooms.
8. When moving residents, be as careful as possible, but
remember – better a few bumps and bruises than a burnt or
smoke-affected person.
9. When the fire brigade arrive, follow their instructions
quickly and calmly and do not argue with their decisions.
10. If complete evacuation is necessary the assembly point
is outside in the car park. Do not obstruct the pathway or
the road.
If the fire is small and containable, you may be able to
extinguish it. If not, LEAVE ALONE. IF IN DOUBT, LEAVE
ALONE. Do not put yourself at risk.
5. FIRE PREVENTION
1. Keep fire escape routes clear of obstructions at all
times.
2. Keep potential sources of danger in optimum condition –
for example, clean cookers and deep fat fryers. Keep a check
on electrical wiring for fraying or other damage. Ensure all
appliances are correctly fused.
6. FIRE FIRST AID
Extinguishers, type and use
All staff should be made aware of the use of extinguishers,
and regular lectures and reminders of fire policies and
routine will be given. Attend fire training courses so you
know what to do in the event of a fire.
(a) Water extinguishers - Use on all fires except electrical
and oil
(b) Dry Powder / Foam / Carbon Dioxide - Use on oil and
electrical fires only
(c) Fire Blanket - Use to smother fires – especially good in
the kitchen.
7. POLICY TO PROMOTE NON-SMOKING
The Home operates a non-smoking policy. Staff may smoke in
the car park outside the main building. Cigarette ends and
matches should be placed in the designated “butt bin” in the
courtyard.
Residents and visitors are permitted to smoke outside the
main building in the patio area under the kitchen window.
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