Sectors
Fire Safety & DSEAR Consultancy for Care Homes & Healthcare
Care homes and healthcare premises are among the most challenging fire safety environments in the UK. Residents and patients may have limited mobility, cognitive impairment or medical dependencies that significantly affect their ability to evacuate independently. Evacuation strategy, staff training and compartmentation must reflect these realities.
Key fire and DSEAR considerations
Fire risk assessments for care homes must give particular consideration to the nature of the occupants — many of whom will require assistance to evacuate and cannot respond to a fire alarm unaided. The evacuation strategy must be appropriate for the resident profile and the staffing levels in place at all times, including at night.
Progressive horizontal evacuation — moving residents to an adjacent fire compartment rather than out of the building — is commonly used in care homes and requires robust compartmentation. The integrity of fire doors, fire stopping and compartmentation must be regularly assessed to ensure this strategy remains viable.
Staff fire safety training is critical in care home environments. All staff must understand their fire warden responsibilities, how to assist residents during evacuation, and how to use fire doors correctly. Training must be tailored to the specific building and resident profile.
Sector-specific risks
- Vulnerable and mobility-impaired occupants
- Personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) for residents
- Sleeping risk — residents in rooms throughout the building
- Progressive horizontal evacuation strategy
- Compartmentation between wings, floors and bedrooms
- Medical equipment and oxygen risks
- Complex staffing arrangements including night-time levels
Common questions — Care Homes & Healthcare
Request a quote for Care Homes & Healthcare
Submit an enquiry with details of your premises. A member of the team will review the information and get in touch to discuss the scope and approach.