DCW87-Safe Use of Emollients and Fire Risk Management Policy
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Safe Use of Emollients and Fire Risk Management Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the safe use, storage, and application of emollients is managed effectively within {{org_field_name}}, reducing fire risk while maintaining skin integrity and well-being for service users. Emollients are widely used for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin, but they can present a significant fire hazard when they come into contact with clothing, bedding, and furnishings. This policy aligns with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016​, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
This policy ensures that all care staff, service users, and their families are aware of the fire risks associated with emollients and how to use them safely. It outlines clear risk management procedures, ensuring that emollients are used appropriately, safely, and in compliance with CIW regulations.
2. Scope
This policy applies to: All care staff, including support workers, care coordinators, and managers, involved in administering or assisting with the application of emollients. Service users who use emollients as part of their care plan. Family members and representatives involved in a service user’s care. External professionals such as GPs, pharmacists, and fire safety officers.
It covers: The safe use and application of emollients. Risk assessments for fire hazards. Safe storage of emollients. Personal and environmental hygiene considerations. Fire safety precautions and prevention measures. Emergency response in case of fire incidents. Staff training and awareness.
3. Principles of Safe Use of Emollients and Fire Risk Management
3.1 Understanding Emollients and Associated Fire Risks
Emollients are skin moisturisers that come in various forms, including creams, lotions, gels, and ointments. Many emollients, particularly paraffin-based products, are highly flammable and can increase fire risks when absorbed into fabrics such as clothing, bedding, and upholstery. The fire risk arises because residues left on fabrics can catch fire easily if exposed to naked flames, smoking materials, or other heat sources.
Care staff must be aware that even paraffin-free emollients can present a fire risk due to their ability to absorb into materials and lower their ignition point. Therefore, strict fire risk management practices must be followed when handling and applying emollients.
3.2 Individual Risk Assessment and Care Planning
Every service user who requires emollient use must have a personalised risk assessment that includes: The type and frequency of emollient application. The level of fire risk based on the service user’s mobility, smoking status, and exposure to open flames. Precautionary measures to reduce fire hazards. Safe storage arrangements for emollients.
Risk assessments must be conducted on admission and reviewed regularly, especially if there is a change in the service user’s health, environment, or lifestyle factors that could increase fire risk.
3.3 Safe Application of Emollients
To reduce the fire risk while ensuring skin care needs are met, staff must follow these best practices when applying emollients: Apply only the prescribed amount of emollient, avoiding excessive use. Allow time for the emollient to absorb before dressing or covering with bedding. Ensure service users wear clean, freshly washed clothing and bedding regularly to reduce residue buildup. Inform service users and families about the risks of smoking or using open flames after emollient application. Ensure all application records are updated in the service user’s care plan.
Where possible, staff should support the use of water-based or non-flammable emollients where clinically appropriate.
3.4 Safe Storage and Environmental Hygiene
All emollients must be stored safely and securely in compliance with COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Regulations. This includes: Keeping emollients away from naked flames, heaters, and electrical sources. Storing emollients in cool, dry areas away from direct sunlight. Ensuring emollients are kept in their original, labelled containers. Preventing cross-contamination by using clean applicators or gloves. Disposing of expired or unused emollients appropriately.
Service users and families must be informed of safe storage practices to reduce the risk of accidental fire hazards in their home environment.
3.5 Fire Safety Precautions and Prevention Measures
To minimise fire risks, {{org_field_name}} implements the following fire safety precautions: Educating service users and families on the fire hazards of emollients. Advising service users to avoid open flames, smoking, or using lighters near areas where emollients have been applied. Encouraging the use of flame-retardant clothing and bedding for high-risk individuals. Providing clear fire risk signage where necessary. Ensuring fire safety equipment, such as smoke alarms and fire blankets, is available in service users’ homes.
If a service user is a known smoker, additional precautions must be put in place, including: Providing designated safe smoking areas away from flammable materials. Encouraging safer alternatives such as e-cigarettes. Ensuring clothing is changed before smoking, if possible.
3.6 Emergency Response and Escalation Procedures
If a fire occurs due to emollient-related risks, staff must act immediately by: Raising the alarm and calling emergency services (999). Removing the service user from the danger area if safe to do so. Using a fire blanket or non-water-based fire extinguisher (e.g., CO2 or dry powder) if appropriate and trained to do so. Administering first aid for burns while waiting for emergency responders. Reporting the incident immediately to management and recording details in the accident log.
An internal review must be conducted after any fire-related incident to identify lessons learned and prevent recurrence.
3.7 Staff Training and Competency Development
All staff must receive specialist training on: Understanding the fire risks of emollients. Safe application, storage, and disposal of emollients. Identifying and mitigating fire hazards. Fire prevention strategies in domiciliary care settings. Emergency fire response procedures. Reporting fire risks and incidents.
Training must be updated annually, and competency assessments must be conducted to ensure staff remain confident in managing emollient-related fire risks.
4. Efficiency in Managing Emollient Use and Fire Risk
To ensure efficient and safe management, {{org_field_name}} implements: Digital care planning systems, ensuring that all fire risk assessments are accessible and up to date. Regular safety audits, checking service users’ homes for fire hazards related to emollient use. Collaborations with fire safety services, including joint visits with local Fire and Rescue Services for high-risk service users. Service user and family education, ensuring they are actively involved in risk prevention. Proactive reporting mechanisms, allowing staff to escalate fire risks quickly and efficiently.
By embedding robust risk management strategies, {{org_field_name}} ensures that emollients are used safely without compromising care quality or service user well-being.
5. Related Policies
This policy should be read alongside: Health and Safety at Work Policy (DCW16)​, Medication Management and Administration Policy (DCW21)​, Fire Safety and Evacuation Procedures (DCW20)​, Risk Management and Assessment Policy (DCW18)​, Safe Care and Treatment Policy (DCW11)​.
6. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislative updates, clinical guidance changes, or fire safety recommendations require amendments.
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}}
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