Blog Archives - Page 3 of 6

Fire Safety Training in Residential Care Premises

27th January 2016 by driveby

Fire safety training in residential care premises is a service provided by Peterborough based DB Fire Safety Limited.

Residential care is provided for people with wide-ranging needs such as:

the elderly or the infirm
children
people who have special needs, for instance, they may have learning difficulties
people who may have mental and/or mobilty difficulties
residential care is also provided for people with addiction problems

These premises come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. With this in mind, it can be extremely challenging for the nominated “responsible person” to carry out a competent fire risk assessment.

When a fire starts it can spread very quickly. There’s no time to even think about gathering up your valued possessions. The escape routes have to be meticulously planned to get people out quickly and safely because a fire can become life-threatening in only two minutes. Remember, initial practice is to move residents to areas of safety, however, speed is of the essence because, given the right circumstances, a care home can be engulfed in flames within a very short space of time. In those circumstances, it might be necessary to evacuate the entire building. Are your procedures sufficiently robust to allow for total evacuation; and have your staff received sufficient training in those procedures?

There’s no time to lose. Given the speed in which a fire can spread, it’s vital that the fire risk assessment is carried out by the competent nominated person or a specialist. Fire risk assessments are something which cannot be ignored and left to chance. DB Fire Safety will offer fire safety support to help your business fulfill legal requirements.

If your residential care premises accommodates more than 60 residents and has a complicated layout with various escape routes and is multi-storied, then you will almost definitely need to be assessed by a competent person with the comprehensive training, qualifications and experience in fire risk assessment.

It’s a requirement by law – “The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005” – which states that you need to request such technical expertise to assist on fire safety matters.

For more information on how DB Safety can assist your residential care home in respect of fire risk assessment, please feel free to contact me.

Fire safety tips to keep your family safe during the winter months

14th January 2016 by driveby

DB Fire Safety is disappointed to have to report that the number of house fires increases dramatically during the winter months but by following 12 simple rules you will keep your family safe during winter.

When was the last time you had your boiler serviced? Never skimp on this and always hire a professional. It’s well worth the money to have your boiler serviced once a year.
Wood burning stoves are a very popular choice. It should be noted that the chimney should be cleaned at the end of each heating season and should be inspected regularly.
If you light fires frequently, then you will need to have your chimney swept once a year. Chimney fires occur when soot or creosote deposits in the chimney catch fire. A wise precaution is to burn wood that’s dry and seasoned so that it produces more flame and less smoke.
Ensure you have smoke alarms fitted and test them at least monthly.
Cover your fireplace with a fire-guard to prevent sparks from leaving the fireplace.
Make sure that your children and pets sit at least three feet away from the fireplace.
Beware of lit candles. Candles can set the mood for relaxation but can easily be knocked over by children and pets. Always remember to extinguish candles when you leave the room.
If you’re going to smoke, try to do it outside and certainly don’t smoke in bed – you wouldn’t want you to fall asleep with a little cigarette in your hand.
Do you know how to put out a kitchen fire? Using water will not help when trying to extinguish a grease or fat fire. If you don’t have a Fire Blanket, you should use a damp tea towel (make sure it isn’t dripping wet). Also keep lids handy to put on top of pots and pans.
Just like business fire drills, families should also have an emergency escape route and plan in place. Teach your family how to crawl to the nearest from every room and also show them how to roll in the event of their clothes catching fire.
Fire extinguishers can be life-savers. It makes sense to store one under the kitchen sink and one in your hall. Make sure you use the correct setting: A for paper, wood and rubbish; B for grease and flammable liquids; C for small electrical fires.
Portable space heaters:
1. Just like fireplaces, people and pets should not be allowed to sit any closer than three feet.
2. Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
3. Only use a portable space heater which comes with an automatic shut off which means that if they are tipped over or reach excessively high temperatures, it will automatically shut off.
4. Only plug directly into a power socket – never into an extension lead.
5. Never place a space heater in close proximity to curtains, tablecloths, etc.
All household members should know how to dial 999. In the event of a fire, every person in the home can be a potential hero if they know what to do.

Please feel free to contact Peterborough based DB Fire Safety for more information.

New Year Eve’s Party Celebrations

23rd December 2015 by driveby

With 2016 quickly approaching, DB Fire Safety would like to ask you to take extra care during your New Year celebrations. Please remember that New Year party things such as fireworks, fairy lights, candles, alcohol and decorations are all potential fire hazards without proper care and attention being taken.

Here are one or two tips to help you stay safe during your New Year celebrations

If you will be welcoming the New Year in with fireworks, please store them safely in a metal box, read the instructions carefully and remember the golden rule of never returning to a lit firework. Always keep a bucket of water handy nearby.
It’s tempting to join in your party’s festivities but please do not vacate the kitchen and leave any cooking unattended.
As your guests get into party mode, please make sure that your Christmas tree or decorations are out of harm’s reach because they can burn very easily.
If you have read DB Fire Safety’s hot tips for staying safe at Christmas, you will already have taken note in respect of not attaching your decorations to lights or heaters and never leave burning candles unattended.
And after the party, remember to switch off electrical appliances not in use – more especially fairy and outdoor lights. “Switch off & Unplug” before you go to bed.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION

Check your smoke alarm every week and remember to clean it and remove any dust.

New Year celebrations are times to have fun with your family and friends, so by following DB Fire Safety tips you and your friends will keep safe and sound during the festivities.

Temporary Workplace Staff & Their Fire Safety at Christmas

8th December 2015 by driveby

With the advent of Christmas just around the corner, as a retailer you could well be taking on temporary staff to help with your additional Christmas workload.

Christmas can be extremely busy time of year but, as a business owner you must not shirk your responsibilities in meeting the requirements of The Fire Safety Order 2005. The Fire Safety Order 2005 comes into play if you employ more than 5 people; you must have a documented fire risk assessment and you are required to provide adequate fire safety training for all Christmas temporary staff.

A nominated competent person should be given the responsibility for training temporary and/or contract staff in respect of the procedures to be followed should a fire emergency occur.

First and foremost, all temporary/contract staff should be made aware of the fire risks and hazards within their work areas in an effort to ensure they keep their working environment safe.

Training all your staff – both permanent and temporary in general fire safety awareness – makes them aware of all the potential risks to your business of a fire starting.

Training, will ensure that they do not endanger your business through unsafe practices. They will also be more aware of potential hazards and, therefore, more inclined to bring them to your attention.

The list below includes one or two advice tips to follow

If there is a fire, are your staff and temporary staff aware of escape routes?
It goes without question that all escape routes must be kept clear of any obstacles at all times.
Particular training should be paid to disabled staff, staff with special needs and young staff
Have your temporary staff been made aware of dangerous substances and how these dangerous substances could put them at risk in the case of a fire?

Please feel free to contact DB Fire Safety for more information in respect of Fire Risk Assessments and Fire Risk Training by calling 0800 772 0559

Stay Safe This Christmas

18th November 2015 by driveby

With Christmas just around the corner, let’s make Christmas not only a special time for celebration but also a safe time for celebration. The following are a few fire safety advice tips to help you make your home and family safe this Christmas.

Fairy Lights – as you know, there are a whole range of fairy lights from wreaths, garlands and outdoor lighting.

First of all check that the fuses are the right type (you will find this important information by referring to the fairy lights’ box for the maximum size of fuse you should use).
If any of bulbs have blown, replace them.
Please do not leave any fairy lights on when you go out or when you nod off in the chair or go to bed. In other words, do not leave them unattended.
If you display your presents around the tree, make sure that the bulbs do not touch anything that could burn easily, for instance, the wrapping paper.
It’s tempting but please do not overload your sockets.
Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard (BS EN 60598).

Decorations

Decorations made of light tissue paper or cardboard can burn easily.
It goes without saying that you must not attach decorations to lights or heaters.
Please do not display your Christmas decorations above or around your fireplace.
Make sure that all your decorations are kept at a safe distance from candles.

Christmas Trees

Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree in the house because a burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases.

Christmas Tree Selection

Before buying your fresh Christmas tree, make sure that the needles are green and difficult to pull back from the branches. The needles should not break off if the tree has been freshly cut.
Check out the trunk because it should be sticky to touch.
Do not put up a tree too early because they will only last up to two weeks before becoming a fire hazard.
Perhaps the Christmas tree sales person will not be happy with this approach but you can identify an old tree by bouncing the tree truck on the ground. If many needles fall off – buyer beware – because the tree has been cut too long, it’s probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
An interesting thing to note is that the risk of fire is higher with natural trees than artificial ones.
If you prefer to buy an artificial Christmas tree then make sure that there is a label identifying it as fire retardant.

Caring for Your Tree

Do not place your tree close to a fireplace or heat vent because the heat will dry out the tree – it’s advisable to place your tree at least three feet from these heat sources
Do not place the tree near a fireplace with a real fire because the heat, flames and sparks could easily ignite the tree.
Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree.
Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

Disposing of Your Tree

Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it safely. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to your local recycling centre.

Lit Candles
Candles are becoming more and more popular whether its Christmas or not. Please remember never to place lit candles near your Christmas tree, decorations or furnishings and never leave a burning candle unattended.

May I take this opportunity of wishing you all a very merry, but safe, Christmas from DB Fire Safety Limited.

Bonfire Night & Fire Safety

4th November 2015 by driveby

Remember, remember, the fifth of November
Gunpowder treason and plot
We see no reason
Why Gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot ….

Tomorrow is the 5th November – Bonfire Night. But why do we celebrate on the 5th with bonfires, fireworks and sparklers.

Bonfire Night commemorates the failure of the Gunpowder Plot which was hatched in November 1605 by a gang of Roman Catholic protesters.

The reason they felt the need to hatch such a plot was because Catholics had hoped that when Protestant King James I began his reign, the persecution they had suffered for over 45 years during the time of Queen Elizabeth’s, reign would finally come to an end. This didn’t happen and the Gunpowder Plot was hatched to assassinate the King and his ministers by blowing up the Palace of Westminster during the state opening of Parliament.

Guy (Guido) Fawkes and his fellow plotters rented a house near to the Houses of Parliament and somehow managed to smuggle 36 barrels of gunpowder into a cellar under the House of Lords.

Guy Fawkes was the explosive’s expert and was left in the cellar to set off the fuse. But, at the very last moment, he was caught and the plot was foiled when a group of guards going about their duties checked the cellars.

Ironically, the cellar where Fawkes was found no longer exists because in 1834 it was destroyed in a fire which also ravaged the Houses of Parliament.

Stay safe this Bonfire Night by following the Fireworks Code:

Plan your firework display carefully to make it not only safe but enjoyable.
Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time.
Remember to have a torch handy to read and follow the instructions on each firework.
Light each firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back.
Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
Don’t put fireworks in your pockets and never throw them.
Direct any rockets well away from spectators.
Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.
Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.
And, last but by no means least, keep your pets safe indoors on Bonfire Night

Qualified Fire Risk Assessor

28th October 201517th November 2015 by davidblack

DB Fire Safety Limited is delighted to announce that David Black is now formally qualified as a fire risk assessor. David established the company a number of years ago to provide businesses with support in meeting requirements laid down by fire safety legislation.

David recently successfully passed the fire risk assessment course and examination set by The Fire Protection Association.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires that all businesses carry out a fire risk assessment. It further recommends that the fire risk assessment is carried out by a competent person. Competency is defined as someone with experience or qualifications in the subject. David has many years experience and can now add qualification to demonstrate absolute competency.

If you need the services of a qualified fire risk assessor, call DB Fire Safety Limited on 0800 772 0559.

Fire Risk Assessment For Residential Care Homes

14th October 2015 by driveby

DB Fire Safety Limited has been awarded the responsibility of providing fire risk assessments for over 30 Residential Care Homes in the Midlands.

Residential Care Homes are subject to the Fire Safety Order and also inspections by The Care Quality Commission to fulfil their responsibilities to their residents in the event of a fire emergency.

Training and preparation are crucial for Residential Care Homes. Staff fire training must include ensuring that all residents can escape safely without the assistance of the Fire & Rescue services. Procedures must take into account that the residents could have restricted mobility (either utilising wheelchairs, walkers or sticks). Another point to remember is that residents may also have mental health issues such as dementia.

When carrying out a Fire Risk Assessment at a Residential Care Home, the following will be considered:

Is an emergency fire strategy in place?
Is there adequate evacuation equipment in place in the event of an emergency and is the evacuation equipment fit for purpose?
Have residents with special needs been considered?
Have the staff a clear knowledge and understanding of the fire safety procedures?
Have the staff a clean knowledge and understanding of manual handling techniques?
Have residents, visitors and staff been made aware of the fire escape routes?
Residential Care Homes must have an accurate and comprehensive Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) in place for each and every resident.
In the event of an emergency evacuation plan, is there an adequate place of safe shelter available?

DB Fire Safety Limited is looking forward to taking on the responsibility of providing Fire Risk Assessments on behalf of Residential Care Homes.

Pub Landlady Ordered To Pay Over £11,000 Penalty

25th September 2015 by driveby

By ignoring a fire risk assessment, a pub landlady could well have been given a jail sentence because she exposed her customers, her staff and also members of the public to extreme danger.

Carmel Heathcote, the licensee at The Harrow Inn in Boughton, avoided a jail sentence but was instead ordered to pay a penalty of more than £11,000.

The case was heard at Nottingham Crown court. Despite a fire risk assessment being carried out, Carmel Heathcote chose to ignore the requirements because the first floor of the Harrow Inn pub was being used as sleeping accommodation for between 13 and 16 guests.

Head of fire protection at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, John Mills, said: “All business owners have a legal obligation to adhere to the relevant legislation relating to fire safety in their premises in order to ensure their staff, customers and members of the public are kept safe from fire.

“What is key in this case is that the defendant was in possession of a fire risk assessment which specifically identified that the premises were not suitable for sleeping accommodation. Unfortunately this had not been updated to reflect the high risks associated with allowing people to sleep there.

“This sentence sends a very strong message to the owners and managers of premises regarding their legal responsibilities and the potential consequences of ignoring them, and it also sends a very positive message to those conscientious landlords and property managers who ensure their staff and customers are kept safe.”

The fire risk assessment found on inspection evidence of people sleeping on the first floor of the property. There was, however, no way of detecting a fire or raising the alarm in the event of an emergency. There was no emergency lighting and the escape route was not adequately protected from fire or smoke.

Carmel Heathcote admitted six counts of breaching fire safety regulations and paid the hefty price.

This sentence is a warning to business owners that failure to comply with fire risk assessments will incur a substantial fine or even a term in jail.

The writer of this blog will be happy to advise you in respect of all your fire risk responsibilities which do apply to all businesses and organisations regardless of type or size.

Fire Door Safety Week – 14th to 20th September 2015

11th September 2015 by driveby

Fire Door Safety Week is the brainchild of the British Woodworking Federation, BWD-CERTIFIRE Scheme and the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS)

Fire Door Safety Week has been organised to:

Raise awareness of the critical role of a fire door making particular reference to how the door has been installed and if the door requires maintenance.
To draw attention to owners of builders, not forgetting users, to check the condition of fire doors and report if they are found to be in an unsatisfactory condition and not fit for purpose.
To offer advice to every property owner and user in respect of the correct fire door specification, how they should be installed correctly, regular inspection and their maintenance.

Fire doors offer passive fire protection. Providing passive fire protection into the structure of a building can save people’s lives and limit the fire damage that can occur in the event of a fire which can, in effect, save money.

It’s crucial that fire doors are fitting correctly because they will:

Protect escape routes
Protect the building’s structure
Limit the spread of the fire and smoke by containing both these fire hazards in just one room.

Fire Safety Responsibilities

As a business owner, if you manage, own or employ people it’s your responsibility to manage your own fire safety and to understand the fire safety legislation. The law states that it’s also your responsibility to ensure that your employees and visitors either in, or within the vicinity of, your premises are protected. It’s also important to note that refurbishments made to your premises are, again, your responsibility to ensure that these meet with current Building Regulations. It’s also your responsibility to carry out regular fire risk assessments.

The writer of this blog has over 21 years experience in the fire safety industry and fully understands how your fire safety responsibilities can impact on the running of your business or organisation. If you are finding it difficult to navigate your way through the minefield that is fire safety legislation, then please feel free to contact me on 0800 772 0559 for advice in respect of fire doors.