The risks we see most
- Fire and evacuation: residents with limited mobility or dementia, night-time staffing levels, and evacuation strategies such as progressive horizontal evacuation, supported by personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs)
- Moving and handling people, including hoists and slings, which must be thoroughly examined under LOLER (at least every six months for equipment used to lift people)
- Legionella and scalding: vulnerable residents mean water systems need robust control, balanced against the risk of scalding
- Falls, bed rails and the care environment
- Violence and aggression, and staff wellbeing
- Hazardous substances, laundry and kitchens
The rules that apply
Care homes need a fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and the risk is higher because residents sleep on the premises and may need help to escape. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) expects providers to keep people safe and to keep premises and equipment safe and suitable. Employers also have the usual workplace duties to staff under health and safety law.
How we help
- Fire risk assessments, evacuation strategies and PEEPs
- Legionella risk assessments and control schemes
- Risk assessments for moving and handling, falls, COSHH and lone working
- Training, including fire marshal and manual handling
- Audits to help you prepare for inspection
- Retained support for single homes and groups