Care Quality Commission, also known as CQC is an independent regulator of health and social care in England.
When inspecting care homes there are 5 basic standards of CQC and these are:
- Are they safe?
- Are they effective?
- Are they caring?
- Are they responsive to people’s needs?
- Are they well led?
Fire safety is included in those standards. We will review the topic of fire safety when looking at the safe key question.
How CQC assess fire safety when they are inspecting?
When CQC inspects a care home they ask providers and staff about the fire safety and they may review fire safety policies, certificates and records.
CQC inspector will inspect premises and check that:
- Work practices are in line with Fire Safety Legislation
- Fire extinguishers are fitted and suitable
- All fire safety signage and notices are displayed clearly.
- All emergency lighting is working clearly.
- Fire documentation is easily accessible.
They may also review those documents:
- The latest fire risk assessment
- The fire log book or electronic records
Who Is In Charge Of Fire Safety?
In a business or other non-domestic premises, the responsible person for fire safety may be an employer, the owner, the landlord, or an appointed occupier. The person in charge of fire safety is known as the ‘responsible person’.
What Are The Responsibilities?
The responsible person of the premises must:
- Carry out fire risk assessment of the premises and review it regularly.
- Inform the staff or their representatives about the risks identified during assessment.
- Put in place and maintain proper fire safety measures
- Plan for an emergency in advance
- Provide further instruction, information and training about fire safety
Fire Risk Assessment
The responsible person must carry out and regularly review a fire risk assessment of the premises. This will identify fire hazardous areas and situations and how you can prevent a fire and keep everyone safe.
If your business has five or more people you must keep a written record.
How to Carry Out A Fire Risk Assessment:
- Identify Fire Hazards
- Identify People At Risk
- Evaluate, Remove or Reduce The Risks
- Record your findings, prepare an emergency plan and provide instruction and training.
- Review and update regularly.
When carrying out the fire risk assessment you will need to consider these topics:
- Safety of emergency routes and exits
- Fire detection and alarm systems
- Firefighting equipment like fire extinguishers
- The removal of safe storage and dangerous, flammable substances
- Emergency fire evacuation plan
- The needs of vulnerable people on premises
- Providing information and instruction to employees and other people on the premises
- Fire Safety Training
