Common fire hazards in care homes

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When it comes to fire safety, there are a few fire hazards in a care home that you should be aware of. Residents in care homes may have limited mobility or require assistance, making them more vulnerable during fires. In this blog, we’ll help you identify some potential fire hazards in a care home so that you understand the risks and work to reduce them.

Examples of fire hazards in a care home

Open fire doors

Although this isn’t specific to care homes only, it’s still a common fire hazard that’s seen throughout homes and workplaces. Fire doors are there for a reason: to stop the spread of fire from room to room. So when they’re wedged or held open permanently, they’re not being used for their main purpose.

If a fire were to happen when fire doors are closed, then the flames could be contained in one room, but if they’re kept open then it increases the chance of the fire spreading.

Oxygen cylinders

Medical oxygen is common in care homes. Often held in cylinders, it’s crucial that sparks and flames are kept well away from these. Things such as matches and lighters pose a major fire risk, especially in an environment where oxygen gas cylinders are present.

Insufficient evacuation procedures

If your evacuation procedures aren’t clear and understood by all staff then that’s another one of the biggest fire hazards in a care home. With many fires, if you have an effective evacuation process that staff can follow, then you’ll be able to keep everybody safe. But when instructions become unclear, then you could have a problem.

A fantastic way to boost your staff’s ability and understanding is with fire awareness training for care homes.

Kitchens

Care homes require kitchens and catering facilities so they can make food for residents and patients. This involves a number of potential fire hazards from electrical equipment to flammable gases. It’s important that regular kitchen fire safety practices are followed correctly to prevent fires from happening.

Improper storage of flammable materials

Whether you’re using cleaning products, aerosols or other products, don’t forget that these often contain flammable substances, so they should be used with caution and stored safely and properly.

Legislation on fire safety in care homes

The Care Home Regulations Act (2001)

This piece of legislation states that a registered person must:

Consult with a fire authority for advice
Protect adequately against fire risks
Make arrangements for the detection, containment and extinguishment of fires through the provision of recommended fire safety equipment
Conduct regular fire drills
Train staff and appoint competent fire wardens

Fire awareness training for care homes with iHasco

Give your staff confidence when it comes to fire safety with our Fire Awareness Training for Care Staff. This CPD Accredited course can be completed in just 40 minutes and is designed for all levels of staff, helping them to understand how to keep themselves and residents safe.

We also cover many different training topics for care staff, including:

We’re already helping thousands of organisations just like yours, and we’d like to help you too. Why not check out our range of courses for the care sector today by claiming your free, no-obligation trial? Alternatively, you can request a bespoke quote and we’ll be in touch to discuss your unique training requirements.