Numerous London care homes 'failing basic fire safety standards'

From FIA

Numerous London care homes 'failing basic fire safety standards'

19 Jul 2011
A number of care homes across London have been ordered to improve after failing the most basic fire safety standards.
Owners of care homes and people responsible for their operation are required by law under the terms of the Fire Safety Order 2005 regulatory reform to conduct a thorough fire risk assessment.
Despite this, London Fire Brigade has issued legal enforcement orders to 29 care homes that were found to be in breach of safety rules since 2010, a BBC investigation has revealed.
LFB officers found that the most common lapses included lack of fire escape plans, no training for staff and no marked fire exits. Some of the homes had as many as eight individual breaches of fire regulations.
Jenny Jones, Green Party London Assembly member, told the news provider: "It is quite horrifying. In care homes you have some of the most vulnerable people in society – people who can't move around quickly.
"It's crucial those homes have good fire safety procedures."
Fire safety risk assessments consist of identifying potential fire hazards, identifying people in and around the premises that are at risk, evaluating the risk of fire occurring and identifying ways to minimise the threat.
This should be done through the use of clear warnings; removing obstacles; marking out escape routes; informing, instructing and training staff; and properly maintaining your facilities.