I run a care home with just 3 residents; does the new fire safety order apply to me? And am I expected to upgrade my fire safety arrangement?
The ‘Order’ does not specifically mention care homes but it does apply to premises which are anything other than a single private dwelling. It also applies where a licence has been issued by another Authority. As a small care home you are no longer regarded as a single dwelling, but a care home and a place of work for the carers. You must also be licensed/registered. Where the Order applies the only absolute requirement is the ‘Risk Assessment’ which must be done in ALL cases. All other requirements within the Order are qualified by words such as reasonable; suitable; sufficient; adequate; provided where necessary etc. and, therefore, may not apply. Whether or not additional fire safety work is required will depend on the hazards and risks that have be identified the people who are at risk the control measures in place being adequate. If you have identified a hazard which places people at risk and you think the control measures to allow a safe evacuation are inadequate, you must reduce
