Raising standards of fire safety in community settings Colin Angel, Policy Director
United Kingdom Homecare Association Member-led professional association Represent 33% of UK s independent and voluntary sector homecare agencies Promote high quality, sustainable care services so that people can continue to live at home and in their local community Campaigning, leadership and support
What do we know? 30% (36 people in 3 years) accidental fire deaths were people in receipt of homecare Many of the triggers and warning signs of these fatalities are shared by many people who use homecare Homecare is not the cause of these fatalities, but could play a role in reducing them
The key players in fire safety in homecare Registered manager Ensure the organisation addresses fire safety Training manger Ensure staff understand their role in promoting fire safety Assessors Undertake risk assessment of care & home; devise care plan to address risks Coordinators Brief workers on care plan and risk assessment; Respond to risks reported by workers Fire service Safety visits; advice; supply of equipment Careworkers Act as eyes and ears ; Identify risks and report
Risk factors to consider during assessments Aged 60 years or above Increased risk amongst over 75s People who live alone People who smoke in the home People with one or more of: Reduced mobility and/or hearing loss Dementia or memory loss Mental health needs or learning disability Sedating medication; Alcohol or drug dependency Hoarding and/or disordered home environment
Assessing the individual and their circumstances Does user smoke? Are there signs of burns on carpets, furniture, bedding or clothing? Discarded cigarettes on floor? Lighters or matches within reach of children? Use of sedating medication? Alcohol/substance misuse? Previous history of fires? Domestic abuse? Other risk factors (see previous slide)
How will the person cope in the event of a fire? Will they hear a smoke alarm? Will they wake up if an alarm sounds? Will they understand what to do and be able to react in the event of a fire / alarm? Will they be able to call the fire service? Will they be able to escape from the home?
Assessing the home environment Are there smoke alarms? Do they work? Do users with hearing loss have vibrating pads etc? Are smoke alarms linked to any telecare/community alarm system already in place? Evidence of hoarding? Overloaded electrical sockets? Electrical/gas appliances in poor state of repair? Other unmitigated fire-safety hazards?
Increasing safety Possible products and services Smoke alarm Flame-retardant bedding, furniture throws and nightwear Safety equipment: Safety ashtrays; cooker guards Smoke alarm linked to community alarm & 24-hour monitoring centre Portable or fitted domestic sprinkler system 24-hour (live-in) homecare
Acting on Risk Assessments Conducting a risk assessment is a starting-point Risks need to be mitigated Get specialist advice from fire service Put actions in place and document in care plan Ensure workers understand care plans Careworkers must raise concerns and changes in circumstances with their coordinator for action
Final thoughts Local fire service offers specialist advice which will support managers and assessors keep people safe from injury and death from avoidable fires Adequate fire risk assessment will enable more people to remain at home safely
How to contact me Website: www.ukhca.co.uk E-mail: colin.angel.co.uk Twitter: Telephone: 020 8661 8152