Leuchie is committed to providing a safe working environment for its staff, volunteers, visitors and contractors. The development of fire and evacuation procedures at Leuchie House must take in to account the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act as well as the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
The CEO of Leuchie has overall responsibility for fire safety. In terms of operational structure the CEO will manage this policy through the Management team ensuring that through each department of the House the policy is being implemented.
Employees and volunteers
Employees and volunteers must make themselves familiar with and adhere to the Fire Safety Policy and fire evacuation plans, procedures and risk assessments for the premises they are working in. They must notify all hazards and defects they become aware of to their line manager. Staff and Volunteers also have an obligation to attend any fire training which is held.
Line managers
Have a responsibility to ensure that staff members participate in fire training and fire drills. They also have a duty to report any noted defects or fire hazards and to ensure that firefighting equipment is not used inappropriately.
Line Managers have a duty to ensure all fire safety policies, instructions and procedures written are implemented and are brought to the attention of their staff/teams.
Fire Marshalls or Officers
Each day Leuchie will nominate a fire officer (RN in Charge) who will take responsibility for ensuring fire evacuation/emergency evacuation is carried out when required. They will also ensure that a process is in place, and they are familiar with this process to check everyone is evacuated from the building i.e., roll call.
Fire alarms and logbooks
Following the activation of the fire alarm the fire logbook must be completed filling in as much information as possible or an email report sent to the Head of Services.
Emergency plan, fire notices and firefighting equipment
All workplaces are required to have in place an emergency plan. This should include the actions to be taken by staff, volunteers, visitors and contractors in the event of a fire. Evacuation procedures and procedures for calling the brigade must also be in place. In order to ensure everyone is familiar with the evacuation procedure, notices should be placed around the premises these should cover the following information –
- How to raise the alarm if they discover a fire.
- Action to be taken on hearing the alarm.
- Location of escape routes to assembly points.
- Location of assembly points.
Firefighting equipment should be located so that it is conspicuous, accessible and positioned to ensure it is protected from accidental damage. Fire extinguishers and alarm panels should receive an annual check by a competent service engineer. The fire alarm should be a type which can be clearly heard throughout the entire premises and the noise should be easily recognisable.
Fire detection systems should be regularly tested by a nominated staff member or the premises landlord as well as serviced by a trained and qualified engineer.
A regular test should comprise of –
- Manual call point test – to activate the alarm for the test, a rotation of the call points should be used.
- A check that all sounders have been activated prior to the system being re set.
- A check to ensure all fire doors have closed correctly.
Visitors and contractors to the premises must be encouraged to sign in and out and should be informed on arrival to the premises of what they must do if the alarm sounds or if they discover a fire. They should also be informed if a test has been planned for that day.
Evacuation
Provisions must be made for the evacuation of staff and guests as well as those with a disability. It is no longer sufficient to have safety zones on upper floors from which the brigade will evacuate disabled persons. Evacuation of those with a disability must be incorporated into the plan with means in place for getting them out. This is no longer the brigade’s responsibility.
All policies, procedures, evacuation plans, maintenance regimes and fire risk assessments must be regularly reviewed and updated where necessary.
Fire evacuation plan
Leuchie House National Respite Centre, North Berwick, EH39 5NT
Tel – 01620 892864
Staff action
On finding a fire
- Sound the alarm by using the nearest ‘BREAK GLASS’ point
- Fight the fire if possible, and only if you feel confident and comfortable to do so using an appropriate fire extinguisher and have completed the required fire training (these extinguishers can be found in various locations around the house).
- NEVER put yourself in danger and if in any doubt leave the fire, closing any doors or windows as you go to try and prevent the rapid spread of fire.
- Safe use of Fire Extinguishers – Always ensure you have a safe escape route behind you, Never turn your back on the fire, If in any doubt – LEAVE IT.
- Proceed to the staff assembly point at the fire alarm panel in the front hall to give over the information you have to the Nurse in Charge and to receive further instruction.
On hearing the fire alarm sounding
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- All staff to make their way to the Staff Assembly Point at the fire alarm panel in the front hall – If there are NO guests in the building then all staff are to proceed immediately to the Assembly Point in the car park. In the event of no guests being in the building the Nurse in Charge is to check the fire alarm panel to ascertain the location of the fire so that the brigade can be informed on arrival. Nurse in Charge is also responsible for calling (9)999 to ensure the call has been received by the brigade.
- False alarm – if a ‘false alarm’ is declared the Nurse in Charge will wait for the arrival of the brigade and send staff to inform all guests that there is no risk. The Nurse in Charge will tick all guests off on their bedsheet to ensure all guests have been informed of the false alarm. Only declare a false alarm if the cause is known immediately.
- If the fire is treated as genuine (this will be in the majority of cases) The Nurse in Charge will take control and implement the following evacuation procedure.
Evacuation plan
- One person to be given instructions to telephone (9)999 and inform the fire brigade to ensure the automatic monitoring system has worked and the alarm has been acted upon.
- Nurse in Charge will allocate x2 staff to investigate the room showing as having the fire. Staff will check the door for heat, using the back of the hand and smell for burning. The staff member will kneel and open the door enough to do a quick visual check of the room. Staff will only enter the room if the fire is small enough to tackle with an extinguisher. If it is too big then staff will close the door and concentrate on the evacuation of the remainder of the building having fed back to the nurse in charge.
- Other staff must be instructed to help guests evacuate by using the three-phase plan shown below. Instructions will be given by the Nurse in Charge with staff beginning on the floor where the fire is thought to be and evacuating those nearest to the threat. The room showing as having the fire is to be left until the arrival of the fire brigade.
- Volunteers will not be asked to evacuate guests. The Nurse in Charge should ask them to wait at the fire assembly point or sit with guests in the main lounge or reception area (depending on the location of the fire) to give guests support and reassurance.
- Remind all staff that their safety and the safety of the guests is paramount, where possible send staff to work in pairs to evacuate guests – where possible ensure one member of the pair is a care assistant or RN so that lifting equipment is used with least risk. Staff must report back to the Nurse in Charge once they have completed the task allocated to them for further instructions.
- Remind staff to ensure doors are closed behind them to try and prevent the spread of fire. Reassure guests where and when possible.
- Remind staff to remain calm and treat all doors with caution – if the handle or the door is hot or there is smoke from beneath or around the door, do not open it.
- Do not use lifts. The main lift will lower to the ground floor on the alarm sounding and will remain non-operational whilst the alarm is sounding.
- Nurse in Charge to inform brigade of current situation on arrival and work in conjunction with the fire brigade.
Phase 1
Guests must be assisted to move away from the site of threat and into a safer area as identified by the Nurse in Charge. Look to get two fire doors between the threat of fire and the guest, however, don’t back yourself into a corner and always ensure you have means of moving again if the fire spreads without you having to pass through a smoke or fire infected area.
Fire evacuation equipment is located on both floors and in both zones. Reminder instructions for use of equipment are posted by each piece of equipment. When moving guests from their beds place them in the evacuation equipment first so that some guests are ready to be moved downstairs if and when required (this way they do not have to be transferred again). Do not take short cuts when moving guests, use all equipment felt necessary, if you are unfamiliar with the moving and handling equipment then follow the guidance of your partner.
The following areas have access to means of further evacuation. Therefore, depending on the fire spread there is an alternative means of escape.
- Second Floor – Dundee Bedroom, Landing at top of main stairs
- First Floor – Lerwick Bedroom, First floor lounge
- Ground Floor – Main lounge, Front Hall/reception area.
- Basement – Next to one of the fire exits.
Ambulant guests (those not requiring walking aids) and visitors should be encouraged to evacuate to the main assembly point at the front of the building. Those evacuating from the basement should walk around the outside of the building to the front.
Try to reassure guests and give them as much information as possible. This may help to alleviate fears. Tell them what you are doing and what may happen next. This will help to show others that you are competent and confident in what you are doing.
Phase 2
If the fire alarm panel is showing that the fire is spreading, and other detector heads have been activated then guests may need to be moved further. Remember to try and ensure that there are two fire doors between guests and the threat. This may mean that guests need to be moved downstairs (depending on the location of the fire).
Move those already in evacuation equipment first. Use either the staircase closest or the one which gives you a safe exit (again, location of fire dependant). If moving guests from the top floor you may wish to stop at the first floor so that you can go back and move another guest who is in more immediate danger. Remember to leave guests in a place of safety, preferably with others.
When guests reach the ground floor place them either in the main lounge or front hall so that they then have easy access to a final means of escape.
Phase 3
Guests may need to be moved from the building to a suitable area outside (fire assembly point). However, remember that fire engines and ambulances will be arriving in the drive. When you reach the fire assembly point, where possible ensure those in powered wheelchairs have been switched off and placed on manual setting. This will prevent guests from wandering away from the assembly point.
If possible, a member of staff should remain with the guests at the main assembly point and also any alternative assembly points which may be being used. If guests have been evacuated from the basement they must be helped around the outside of the building to the front of the house, if this is not practicable then place the guest in a place of safety and inform the Nurse in Charge of their location.
Any guests or staff with an injury or health concerns may be transported to a nearby hospital. It is the responsibility of the Nurse in Charge or someone they have delegated responsibility to, to obtain the information regarding which hospital and to ensure that the appropriate next of kin are made aware of the situation.
If following the attendance of the fire brigade it is decided that the house is unsafe to be occupied guests can be moved to Fidra nursing Home in North Berwick where they will give guests shelter until they can be collected by next of kin. Please telephone Fidra prior to arriving to give then notice. Telephone number 01620 897600.
Ensure the fire folder is taken from by the panel when the building is evacuated. This has all the next of kin contact details in it for the current holiday group. This information is to be taken to Fidra so that next of kin can be informed and arrangements made for collection of guests.
General evacuation points
Remember the two-fire door rule.
Think about the location of the fire, the potential spread and the escape routes available to you before starting your evacuation.
Keep staff informed of fire spread. The alarm panel will print off a slip of paper when a detector is activated. Make sure staff know to feed back to you once they have completed the task allocated top them.
Remember to call the emergency services – Do not rely on the automatic dial up system. Call (9)999, state you require the fire brigade, inform the fire brigade that their is a fire at Leuchie House, Respite Centre, North Berwick, East Lothian, EH39 5NT. Inform them that you have people in wheelchairs on the premises and potentially on the upper floors. Do not hang up until you are satisfied that the operator has the correct address.
Resetting the fire panel
If the fire alarm activates for a reason that is known and is NON-THREATENING, e.g., the toaster has burnt some toast, but it is now safe, but it has activated the alarm –
- Check the fire panel to ensure it is showing the location you are expecting it to. There may be an issue somewhere else that has occurred coincidently.
- If you are certain that there is no danger and a false alarm had been declared by the Nurse in Charge, then silence the alarm.
- Turn the control key to the ON position
- Press the sounder silence button (this will silence the alarm, but the internal buzzer will sound until the system is reset.
- Inform all staff who have gathered at the assembly point of the situation and get them to inform and reassure all guests before returning to work.
- Nurse in Charge to wait for the fire brigade to arrive as they will still want to check the location prior to resetting the fire panel.
- To re set the panel turn the key to the on position, press reset, the panel will display a message ‘system clear + status normal’ Turn the key to the off position and place key on hook.
Please ensure the fire folder is collected on leaving the building – this contains next of kin details, fire evacuation plan, plans of the building and key personnel contact details.
Action if the alarm sounds when Leuchie is closed
If there is no staff member on site and a ‘key holder’ is contacted by the alarm monitoring company the staff member is to proceed to the house and wait for the fire brigade to arrive before entering the building. The fire brigade will carry out any necessary actions.
Remember –
- Try to remain calm and do not panic
- Call (9)999. Do not rely on the automated dial up system
- Contact other staff members if required (list attached)
- Evacuate those closest to the fire in the first instance
- Use your evacuation equipment
PLEASE MAKE YOURSELF FAMILIAR WITH YOUR NEAREST FIRE EXIT
ACTION IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE OR EMERGENCY EVACUATION
IF YOU FIND A FIRE
- Sound the alarm by pushing the black button on the nearest `break glass’ point.
- Do not put yourself in any danger. Where possible close windows and doors as you evacuate to try and prevent the spread of fire.
- If able Proceed to the main Assembly Point at the left-hand corner of the turning circle in the car park.
- Ensure that any information regarding the fire you have is accurate and given to the Nurse in Charge at the earliest opportunity.
IF THE FIRE ALARM SOUNDS
- Use the nearest safe Fire Exit to leave the building and proceed to the main Assembly Point in the turning circle of the car park.
- All guests, stay in the room you are in until a member of staff arrives to give you further information and to direct you to safety
- DO NOT stop to collect personal belongings.
- DO NOT use the lifts.
- A staff member will meet you at the Assembly Point in due course to take a roll call or advise you that it is safe to return to the building.
- If you have someone staying at Leuchie as a guest, please leave the staff to deal with them. A comprehensive evacuation plan has been drawn up and all guests will be evacuated by Staff and the Fire Department.
PLEASE DO NOT PANIC