Care and Housing | The QSS Group

Care and Housing Sector

Fire safety management in a care home, assisted living facility or in housing of multiple occupancy is absolutely crucial for ensuring the safety of residents, staff and visitors. The protection of vulnerable residents must be a priority, especially those with cognitive or physical impairments who may face additional risk.

Care and shared housing settings often accommodate large numbers of individuals in multiple rooms, many of whom are in close quarters. This increases the risk of fires spreading quickly, along with building content such as soft furnishings, medical equipment, oxygen supplies, and other flammable materials that could exacerbate the danger. It is therefore of utmost importance that fire safety standards are upheld to the highest level, this includes but is not limited to assessing and managing the level of risk in your facility; planning and clearly marking escape routes, having the appropriate extinguishers installed, preparing personal evacuation plans and testing the plans to ensure they work.

Why should I choose QSS to help with Fire Safety?

At The QSS Group Ltd, we know the care and housing sector. We know that care facilities must adhere to strict fire regulations, including fire risk assessments, fire drills and fire prevention measures and we can help with this.

We want to make fire safety procedures as simple and effective as possible, so that you can rest assured that everything is in place to protect your residents, staff and visitors in the event of a fire.

Our fire risk assessments highlight non-compliance, missing equipment, lack of controls and fire hazards by identifying any sources of high risks areas or activities and help to maintain a good reputation and trust for residents, families and regulatory bodies like CQC, who want to know that fire safety is prioritised in your facility.

Ensuring that staff are aware and prepared to respond to an emergency in the care and shared housing facilities through good fire protection measures and fast response to emergency situation, not only saves lives but also means minimising property damage which can save valuable funds and resources.

How is QSS qualified and accredited in fire safety?

At The QSS Group, we take fire safety very seriously and base our work on government legislation governing how fire safety must be handled in care settings, including The Care Home Regulations Act (2001) and The Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order (2005).

Additionally our fire safety consultants are required to demonstrate their ongoing competence through Continued Professional Development (CPD) as well as industry recognised memberships.

The QSS Group Ltd is certificated to BAFE SP205 as a registered organisation.

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What fire safety services do QSS offer?

As well as Fire Safety Risk Assessments, we are able to offer other services to help you maintain safer premises and procedures in the event of a fire.

✔ Safety Inspections

A safety inspection in the care and housing sector involves assessing facilities to ensure they meet health, safety, and compliance standards. This includes not only checking fire safety measures, but hygiene, accessibility, and overall living conditions to protect residents and staff. Regular inspections help identify hazards and maintain a safe environment.

✔ Fire Door Inspections

Fire doors are important to prevent the spread of fire and toxic smoke or fumes in a building fire, allowing additional time for people to escape safely. Regular inspections of fire doors ensure they are properly functioning and fit for purpose.

✔ Fire Compartmentation

Also crucial in large buildings, fire compartmentation divides a structure into compartments to slow down the spread of a fire. Each compartment is reinforced by using fire-resistant materials. We can consult on the effectiveness of your existing compartmentation and advise on new measures if they are required during any alterations.

✔ Noise and Lighting Surveys

A noise and lighting survey in the care and housing sector ensures a comfortable and safe environment by assessing noise levels and lighting quality. Proper lighting improves visibility and reduces fall risks, while noise control enhances residents' well-being by minimising stress and sleep disturbances. These surveys help create a healthier and more supportive living space.

✔ Personal Emergency Evacuation Procedures

In the event of a fire, speed and efficiency of evacuation is vital to avoid loss of life or serious injury. A personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP) is a customised plan that helps people who need extra support during an emergency evacuation. In care homes these are required for each resident, taking into account their individual needs, mobility, cognitive abilities and any medical conditions. We can assist with creating templates for staff to complete, that include all necessary information and protocols to assist residents in an emergency situation.

To find out more about how we can help with fire safety in your care setting, assisted living facility or shared accommodation, contact our friendly team and we’ll be happy to assist.