Robert Yates, head of fire products for Siemens in the UK, discusses the fire safety challenges facing care homes and the key benefits that modern, digital systems offer
Fire safety is one of many safety issues that managers of residential care homes must address. Indeed, it is a vitally important one, given that fire has the potential to injure or kill large numbers of people very quickly.
All buildings have their own specific requirements in terms of fire safety, and risk assessments are the primary method of ensuring that a fire alarm system meets those needs. Care homes are no different, although the nature of the elderly occupants and their mobility issues, potential cognitive impairment, hearing loss, or other medical conditions, needs to be a particular focus when selecting an appropriate method of protecting the occupants – and the care home itself – from the threat of fire.
Amongst the factors to consider in a fire risk assessment – which should be undertaken by a competent person – are the number and mobility of residents, fire safety training for staff, the building structure and layout, and fire detection and suppression systems.
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