Death at Chingford Care Home: Fire safety in focus

A fire which broke out at a home for people with learning disabilities in Chingford, North- East London, has resulted in one fatality

A neighbour alerted the fire services as it was reported residents were unaware of the number to call. Eight residents and four carers managed to get out of the three-storey building before firefighters arrived. When the ten fire crews arrived, two floors and the roof of the building were alight. Apparently a number of people were treated for smoke inhalation.

There is no doubt that the quick intervention of the neighbour and fire services prevented further catastrophic loss of life. This case does put the safety of those in care homes under the spot light, due to the additional difficulty faced during evacuation.

The cause of the fire and factors which lead to the loss of life is still under investigation.

If you run a care home, CSC understand the unique challenges that you may face in ensuring that your residents are kept safe during such extreme circumstances as an outbreak of fire.

Here are some pointers, but please do get in touch with us if you need further help, advice or guidance:

1. Ensure that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is conducted by a competent person.
2. The fire safety risks associated to your business must be identified and control measures put in place.
3. An internal fire safety management system must be put in place and monitored to ensure that legal compliance is met.

Source:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-43833224