Fire Protection in the Health Sector

The Government’s guidance on Fire Safety Risk Assessment for establishments in the healthcare sector recognises the hazards that are inherent in these particular settings. The responsible person or people undertaking risk assessments are required to carry out the following five steps:

• Identify the hazards
• Identify people at risk
• Evaluate, remove or reduce risks and provide protection
• Record, plan, inform, instruct and train staff in relevant procedures
• Review actions

The Government and national fire safety services are fully aware that hospitals and medical centres have some unique potential issues to contend with.  The guidance lists a range of potential hazards that could be present in many public buildings, such as electrical, gas or oil-fired heaters (fixed or portable), cooking equipment and faulty or misused electrical equipment. However, it also mentions the possibility of arson by patients suffering from mental illness and states that “physiotherapy departments and X-ray departments can present a significant source of ignition.”

The vulnerable at risk

Surefire has exceptional experience among fire protection companies in providing services to hospitals, care homes, sheltered accommodation and other establishments where vulnerable people could be at risk.

In every case, the primary aim is prevention, and we work in close consultation with the NHS and other healthcare clients in identifying where risks are present and on how they can be eliminated or minimised. Surefire have unparalleled expertise and qualifications for conducting Fire Risk Assessments and we can also offer our helpful online CloudCompliance tool to support the staff responsible in carrying out accurate fire risk assessments.

Furthermore, we supply a wide range of solutions for fire detection, such as fire alarms and air sampling systems, as well as a variety of solutions for the suppression of fire, from dry and wet risers to portable sprinkler mist systems. We have also worked for many years in close association with national fire safety services and can offer healthcare clients invaluable advice on the safe evacuation of buildings as well as emergency lighting, vocal alarms, safety signs and other products to support safe and ordered procedures.

Fire protection companies have specific roles and responsibilities when providing services to the health and care sectors. Surefire has the experience and commitment to ensure that our services are second to none.