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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Safe Use of Emollients and Fire Risk Management Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} manages the safe use of emollients while mitigating fire risks associated with their use. Emollients are widely used to treat dry skin conditions but can pose a fire hazard when absorbed into clothing, bedding, and fabrics. This policy outlines the best practices for safe application, storage, risk reduction, and staff training, ensuring compliance with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, Fire Safety Act 2021, and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Guidance on the Safe Use of Emollients.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff members, including care workers, nurses, cleaning and laundry staff, and external healthcare professionals involved in administering, storing, and managing emollients within {{org_field_name}}. It also applies to residents and their families, ensuring that all individuals understand the fire risks associated with emollient use and how to mitigate them effectively.

3. Principles of Safe Emollient Use and Fire Risk Management

Safe Application of Emollients:

• Emollients should be applied thinly and evenly to reduce excessive build-up on clothing and fabrics.
• Staff must ensure that residents’ skin is fully dry before dressing after application to prevent saturation of clothing and bedding.
• Residents should be encouraged to wear cotton or non-synthetic materials, which reduce fire risk compared to polyester-based fabrics.
• Where possible, water-based emollients should be used in preference to oil-based products, which have a higher flammability risk.

Storage and Handling of Emollients:

• Emollients should be clearly labelled and stored safely, away from naked flames, heat sources, or potential ignition points.
• Care staff should check expiry dates and product integrity to ensure safe usage.
• Emollient containers must be kept sealed when not in use to prevent accidental spills and contamination.
• Staff must document all emollient applications in residents’ medication records, ensuring accurate tracking and monitoring.

Fire Risk Management and Mitigation Strategies:

• Risk assessments must be carried out for all residents using emollients, identifying individuals at higher fire risk.
• Residents using emollients should be advised to stay away from open flames, including lighters, matches, and cigarettes.
• Fire-retardant bedding and clothing should be considered for residents at high risk.
• Regular laundering of bedding and clothing is essential to prevent the accumulation of flammable residues.
• Emollient-related fire risks must be included in Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for residents who require additional fire safety measures.

Staff Training and Awareness:

• All care staff will receive mandatory training on the safe use of emollients and fire prevention measures.
• Training will include recognising high-risk scenarios, safe application techniques, and emergency response procedures.
• Staff will be trained to identify and report fire hazards associated with emollients, ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations.
• Housekeeping and laundry staff must receive specific training on handling contaminated fabrics and proper laundering techniques.

Emergency Response Procedures:

• In the event of a fire, staff must follow the Fire Safety Policy and evacuation procedures.
• If a resident’s clothing catches fire, staff must act quickly using a fire blanket, water, or stop-drop-roll technique to extinguish flames.
• All fire incidents involving emollients must be immediately reported and documented, with an investigation conducted to improve future safety measures.

4. Related Policies

• CHW11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
• CHW16 – Health and Safety at Work Policy
• CHW17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• CHW18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy
• CHW27 – Fire Safety and Emergency Evacuation Policy
• CHW21 – Medication Management and Administration Policy

5. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to legislative changes, CIW updates, or fire risk assessments. Regular fire safety audits, training evaluations, and incident reviews will be conducted to ensure compliance with CIW and HSE guidelines.

• All incidents involving emollients and fire risks will be reviewed and analysed to improve safety measures.
• Staff competency assessments will be conducted regularly to ensure adherence to safety protocols.
• Feedback from residents, families, and fire safety professionals will be used to enhance fire risk management strategies.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.