Following the recent storms, and reports of power outages both locally and across the country, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has a vital reminder for the owners and managers of care homes and other residential buildings.
During a loss of power, automatic fire detection and alarm systems can stop working and, even if there is battery back-up, this has a limited lifespan.
Emma Turner, Business Support Manager in the Protection department, told KeeP 106: “During the storms, we provided advice and guidance to premises that reported failures. However, it is critical that anyone with responsibility for providing fire safety in residential and care premises considers the consequences of a total fire alarm system failure, especially where fire detection and alarms are considered essential to the safe use and occupancy of the building.”
In these circumstances, additional control measures must be implemented to provide adequate safety for the duration of the alarm system failure.
Emma added: “Premises fire risk assessments should be reviewed, to ensure that they identify the appropriate additional emergency control measures to be implemented in the event of fire alarm failure in the premises. While the Service is unable to provide specific advice on what is appropriate, we recommend that you contact a fire risk assessor for further guidance.”
Information about fire safety legislation, especially in relation to care homes and other residential buildings, can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/business-fire-safety
