Case Study 5: Fire Risk Assessment
Fire Safety Improvement in a Care Home
Industry
Healthcare
Service
Fire Risk Assessment
Risk focus
Reduced Mobility
Location
Surrey
Context
PCS was appointed to carry out a fire risk assessment for a residential care home accommodating vulnerable residents, including individuals with limited mobility and complex care needs. The premises were fully occupied and operating on a 24-hour basis, requiring a careful, proportionate approach to fire safety management.
Context
PCS was appointed to carry out a fire risk assessment for a residential care home accommodating vulnerable residents, including individuals with limited mobility and complex care needs. The premises were fully occupied and operating on a 24-hour basis, requiring a careful, proportionate approach to fire safety management.
The Challenge
The care home was required to ensure its fire safety arrangements met current legal and regulatory expectations, while remaining practical for staff and appropriate for residents. Existing fire safety documentation was in place but lacked clarity, and staff confidence in emergency procedures varied across shifts.
There was also a need to ensure that fire precautions, evacuation planning, and staff understanding were aligned with the specific risks associated with the building layout and resident profile.
Key Risks Identified
- Reduced mobility of many residents
- Cognitive impairment and challenges
- Sensory limitations
- Medication related impairments
- Night time dependancy
The Challenge
The care home was required to ensure its fire safety arrangements met current legal and regulatory expectations, while remaining practical for staff and appropriate for residents. Existing fire safety documentation was in place but lacked clarity, and staff confidence in emergency procedures varied across shifts.
There was also a need to ensure that fire precautions, evacuation planning, and staff understanding were aligned with the specific risks associated with the building layout and resident profile.
Key Risks Identified
- Reduced mobility of many residents
- Cognitive impairment and challenges
- Sensory limitations
- Medication related impairments
- Night time dependancy
Our Approach
PCS carried out a comprehensive fire risk assessment focused on life safety, prevention, and practicality.
Following the assessment, PCS provided clear, prioritised recommendations, supported by practical guidance for implementation. We worked with management to ensure actions were realistic, proportionate, and achievable within a live care environment.
PCS also supported staff understanding by clarifying emergency procedures and evacuation principles, helping ensure responses would be calm, coordinated, and effective in the event of a fire.
- Reviewing the building layout, construction, and fire compartmentation
- Assessing means of escape, detection, alarm, and emergency lighting systems
- Evaluating evacuation arrangements, including Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)
- Reviewing fire safety management arrangements and staff responsibilities
- Assessing fire risks associated with daily care activities and equipment
The Outcome
- A clear, defensible fire risk assessment aligned with current legislation
- Improved clarity around evacuation strategy and staff responsibilities
- ncreased staff confidence in fire procedures across all shifts
- Enhanced protection for residents, staff, and visitors
- Greater confidence from management in meeting fire safety obligations
The care home achieved a safer, more compliant fire safety position without introducing unnecessary disruption to care delivery.
The Outcome
- A clear, defensible fire risk assessment aligned with current legislation
- Improved clarity around evacuation strategy and staff responsibilities
- ncreased staff confidence in fire procedures across all shifts
- Enhanced protection for residents, staff, and visitors
- Greater confidence from management in meeting fire safety obligations
The care home achieved a safer, more compliant fire safety position without introducing unnecessary disruption to care delivery.