Introduction
1.1 – Policy Statement
Godiva Group of Practice’s is committed to providing a safe environment for its employees, contractors, visitors and members of the public. Part of this responsibility is the provision and management of fire safety systems and procedures. This policy outlines the fire safety arrangements, procedures and responsibilities in place at the organisation.
The requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 place duties on “responsible persons” who are those who have control over the premises and are required to:
- Assess and reduce the potential fire risks and spread of fire in and around the building
- Assess the suitability of the means of escape from the premises
- Ensure those means of escape are available to use
- Ensure the provision of a means of fire detection, fire warning and firefighting equipment
- Establish the action to be taken in the event of a fire
- Provide instruction and training to all employees
This policy should be read in conjunction with:
- Fire marshal or warden guidance
- Personal and General Emergency Evacuation Plan Policy
- Third party confidentiality agreement, incorporating fire safety for visitors
- CQC GP Mythbuster 67 – Reasonable adjustments for disabled people
Control Measures
2.1 – Employees’ Responsibilities
Employees are required to:
- Evacuate on hearing a fire alarm
- Be responsible for their own safety
- Know the evacuation procedures
- Raise any specialist requirement
- Take reasonable care of others
- Co-operate with the organisation on fire safety issues
- Not interfere or misuse anything provided for fire safety
- Report any fire safety problems, e.g., blocked fire exits
- Report any accidents or near misses
2.2 – Fire Detection, Fire Warning and Firefighting Equipment
The organisation has fire safety systems installed and fire protection measures throughout the premises to protect all persons, building and contents. All fire safety equipment must be kept free from obstruction and fire extinguishers must not be removed or repositioned without consultation with the responsible person. Fire extinguishers have a tamper tag added to them and all staff are to be mindful of these tags.
The location and type of all fire safety equipment will be clearly annotated on the building plan and signs have been placed throughout the premises to identify these. Any movement or damage to equipment provided for fire safety purposes must be reported immediately to site co-ordinators
2.3 – Fire Action Signage
Fire action notices are displayed throughout the organisation and can be found on exit routes adjacent to the fire alarm call points or fire extinguishers, the location of which will be identified during the risk assessment.
The location of fire action notices will be identified through the risk assessment process and marked with HSE compliant signage.
2.4 – Fire Doors, Emergency Lighting and means of escape
Fire doors must be kept closed at all times (unless they are doors which automatically close when the alarm is sounded) to maintain compartmentation of the building and to prevent the spread of fire, smoke and toxic fumes.
Corridors, stairways and landings are classed as escape routes and as such should be fit for purpose, kept clear and capable of safely evacuating staff, patients and visitors at any time. Any fire corridor and final exits must have suitable emergency lighting in place and be clearly marked with directional signage that highlights the exit route. Final exit doors are marked with HSE compliant signage and must be kept clear at all times to allow for egress from the building in an emergency. Any issues with means of escape must be reported immediately to Site co-ordinators.
The location of all fire doors and emergency lights will be clearly annotated on the building plan.
2.5 – Flammable Substances
Hazardous substances must be stored, used and disposed of in accordance with COSHH safety requirements, safe working practices and manufacturers’ instructions.
The location of all flammable substances will be marked with HSE compliant signage and annotated on the building plan. Any concerns with the storage or handling of flammable substances must be reported immediately to site co-ordinator or practice manager.
Further reading on COSHH can be found in both the Safe handling of chemicals policy and the COSHH risk assessment guidance document.