HCS28-Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish how {{org_field_name}} ensures that effective fire safety and emergency preparedness arrangements are in place, both within our own operational premises and in the private homes where we deliver care. Our aim is to protect life, prevent injury, and reduce property damage through a combination of clear procedures, risk assessment, staff training, and continuous review.

We acknowledge our duty of care to ensure that the people we support, our employees, and any visitors or contractors are safe from the risk of fire and other emergencies. This policy also supports our commitment to the Health and Social Care Standards, specifically:

3.14 – “I have confidence in people because they are trained, competent and skilled.”
4.14 – “My care and support is provided in a planned and safe way, including if there is an emergency or unexpected event.”
5.17 – “My environment is secure and safe.”

2. Scope

This policy applies to all:

Staff employed or contracted by {{org_field_name}}, including care workers, coordinators, office-based staff, bank or agency workers
Visitors, professionals, or contractors who enter our operational premises
People we support in their own homes, whose environments may present unique or increased fire risks

Although our organisation does not operate residential premises, our responsibilities in supporting safety in the homes of the people we support are just as vital. Staff must therefore assess, report, and respond appropriately to fire risks found in those settings.

3. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

Health and Safety at Work Policy
Business Continuity and Emergency Planning Policy
Lone Working Policy
Risk Assessment and Risk Enablement Policy
Safeguarding Adults and Children Policy
Incident and Accident Reporting Policy

4. Legal and Regulatory Framework

We ensure that our fire safety and emergency procedures meet the requirements of:

The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
The Care Inspectorate’s fire and emergency preparedness guidance
Health and Social Care Standards
SSSC Codes of Practice for Employers and Workers (2024)

5. Our Commitment to Fire Safety

At {{org_field_name}}, we are committed to creating a safety-first culture, where fire safety is embedded in everyday practice. This includes:

Ensuring our office and administrative premises are fire risk assessed, maintained, and compliant
Supporting staff to identify, record, and report fire hazards in people’s homes
Training every staff member in fire safety awareness and emergency procedures
Working in partnership with families, landlords, and local fire services to address risks collaboratively
Providing up-to-date guidance and resources to reduce the risk of fires in home care environments

Our Fire Safety Lead is {{org_field_the_fire_safety_lead_name}}, who holds the overall responsibility for ensuring fire safety systems are in place and regularly reviewed. Our designated Fire Warden is {{org_field_the_fire_warden_name}}, who assists in audits, drills, and coordination.

6. Fire Safety at Our Premises

Although care is delivered primarily in the community, our office and any additional workspaces must fully comply with fire safety laws. We maintain a Fire Risk Assessment for our premises, which is reviewed annually or immediately after any major changes.

Fire safety measures at our premises include:

Clearly signed emergency exits and escape routes
Regularly tested smoke detectors, fire alarms, and extinguishers
Training for all staff in evacuation procedures
Fire drills conducted twice annually or more frequently if required
Accessible records of equipment servicing and inspection

In the event of a fire on-site, our staff follow a ‘stay calm and evacuate’ procedure. Staff and visitors are to leave via the nearest safe exit and congregate at the designated fire assembly point. The Fire Warden is responsible for checking areas for stragglers if safe to do so and for liaising with emergency services.

7. Supporting Fire Safety in People’s Homes

While {{org_field_name}} is not responsible for the structural safety of the homes we visit, we have a professional obligation to promote and safeguard against fire risks wherever care is delivered. Our approach includes:

Conducting a fire safety screening as part of the initial risk assessment for each individual we support
Identifying key hazards such as overloaded sockets, unsafe heaters, smoking indoors, or blocked exits
Encouraging the installation of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors (where not already present)
Supporting individuals to understand how to respond in case of fire (this may involve using visual tools or involving family)
Recording concerns and reporting them to the appropriate party—such as family members, housing providers, or social work teams
Taking emergency action if a serious risk is identified (e.g., calling fire services or removing ourselves and the individual from danger)

We work in partnership with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to facilitate Home Fire Safety Visits where appropriate.

8. Staff Training and Awareness

All staff receive mandatory fire safety training as part of their induction. This includes:

Basic fire awareness
Common causes of domestic fires
Safe use of electrical equipment and appliances
Procedures to follow in case of fire or emergency
Understanding of fire classifications and extinguisher types
Evacuation principles and how to assist people with limited mobility

Training is refreshed annually and whenever there are updates to regulations or risk levels. In addition to formal training, we regularly discuss fire safety at team meetings and use scenario-based learning to reinforce knowledge.

9. Emergency Procedures

Emergencies can include fires, gas leaks, serious accidents, power outages, floods, or severe weather events. Our approach to emergency response is clearly defined in our Business Continuity and Emergency Planning Policy, and it includes:

Immediate escalation to the manager or on-call system via {{out_of_hours}}
Phoning emergency services where required
Ensuring the safety of the person we support as a first priority
Keeping calm, reassuring the individual, and offering clear, simple instructions
Reporting the incident as soon as it is safe to do so
Recording the incident and contributing to a post-event review

We expect all staff to use professional judgment and common sense in emergencies, placing the life and wellbeing of the person supported above all else.

10. Monitoring, Audits, and Continuous Improvement

Our Fire Safety Lead, supported by the Registered Manager, carries out internal audits of fire safety compliance, both at the office and through oversight of care delivery. This includes checking that:

Fire risk assessments are current and complete
Training records are up to date
Incident reports are reviewed and lead to service improvements
Staff feel confident in managing fire risk and know how to escalate concerns

Following any incident or emergency, we conduct a post-incident review to understand what happened, what worked well, and what could be improved. Lessons learned are shared across the team and used to update our policies and procedures.

11. Roles and Responsibilities

Registered Manager
Has overall responsibility for ensuring compliance with fire safety legislation and Care Inspectorate expectations. Oversees audits, training, and policy implementation.

Fire Safety Lead – {{org_field_the_fire_safety_lead_name}}
Coordinates fire safety arrangements, ensures equipment is tested, risk assessments are up to date, and works with the Fire Warden to prepare the team.

Fire Warden – {{org_field_the_fire_warden_name}}
Supports evacuation drills, checks premises for hazards, and liaises with emergency services if required.

All Staff
Are responsible for maintaining their own safety, following procedures, attending training, reporting hazards, and supporting the people we care for during any fire or emergency situation.

12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if:

New legislation or Care Inspectorate guidance is introduced
A fire or emergency occurs within the service or in a person’s home
Staff feedback, audits, or inspections identify a gap in current procedures

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.