Hospital fire safety is a critical component of overall workplace safety in healthcare settings.
Hospitals are complex environments with a wide variety of potential fire hazards. Every hospital must be well-prepared when preventing and responding to fires. When caring for others, safety is not just a regulatory obligation, but a moral one. In a hospital, you are responsible for the safety of patients, staff and visitors. Many of these people may be vulnerable or incapacitated.
In this blog post, we will delve into the topic of hospital fire safety. We will cover regulations, the importance of fire safety, fire protection measures and other key components.
Importance of Hospital Fire Safety
Hospital fire safety is about safeguarding lives. Hospitals are unique environments where the impact of a fire can be catastrophic. Patients, particularly those in intensive care or those with limited mobility, may not be able to evacuate quickly or without assistance.
The disruption caused by a fire can also lead to severe consequences for ongoing medical treatments. For instance, the interruption of life-supporting systems or the displacement of patients undergoing critical procedures can be life-threatening.
Hospital Fire Safety Regulations
UK hospital fire safety regulations are governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
This UK legislation places a responsibility on hospital management to carry out regular fire risk assessments. We must implement adequate fire safety measures to protect individuals from fire-related harm. Under this order, hospitals must adhere to the following:
- Conduct Fire Risk Assessments.
- Ensure Fire Safety Equipment is Maintained and Functional.
- Provide Adequate Escape Routes.
- Train Employees in Fire Safety Procedures.
- Assign Fire Safety Roles to their Employees.
- Review and Update Fire Safety Measures.
The RRFSO mandates that hospital fire safety management must proactively assess and mitigate fire risks. We must ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals within the facility. Here is a guide to fire safety legislation.
Conduct A Fire Risk Assessment
A comprehensive fire risk assessment is the foundation. Before action is taken to improve your premises, a fire risk assessment is crucial in hospitals.
We provide a thorough evaluation of the premises to identify potential fire hazards. This includes faulty wiring, flammable materials or overloaded electrical circuits.
An OHEAP fire risk assessment also considers the layout of the building. This is crucial when understanding the movement and evacuation of people. Hospitals will adhere to specific needs of patients, particularly those who are less mobile or dependent on medical equipment. The goal of a fire risk assessment is to understand all possible risks and to develop strategies to mitigate them. This reduces the likelihood of a fire and ensures that if a fire does occur, it can be managed safely and efficiently.
Hospital Fire Safety Equipment is Maintained & Functional
Hospitals rely on a range of fire safety equipment. This includes:
- Fire alarms.
- Fire extinguishers.
- Sprinkler systems.
- Fire detectors.
- Fire doors.
- Fire blankets.
It is not enough for this equipment to be installed and left. We must regularly inspect, test and maintain these fire safety products to ensure good working order.
For example, fire alarms should be tested regularly to confirm they activate correctly and that people understand the evacuation procedure. Additionally, fire extinguishers need to be checked to ensure they are fully pressurised. Any faulty equipment must be repaired or replaced promptly to avoid any lapses in hospital fire safety coverage.
Provide Adequate Means Of Escape In Case Of A Fire
In the event of a hospital fire, having clear and accessible escape routes is crucial.
Hospitals must be designed and managed to ensure that patients, staff and visitors can evacuate quickly and safely. Our role in managing this involves creating clear signage to indicate escape routes and ensuring that exits are free from obstructions.
In addition, escape routes should be planned with consideration for patients with mobility issues. If not easily accessible, alternative exits should be available.
Train Staff In Hospital Fire Safety Procedures
Staff training is a vital component of hospital fire safety. All hospital employees must receive training. This includes both medical staff and administrative workers.
This fire safety training should include:
- How to use fire extinguishers.
- How to assist with patient evacuation
- What to do if they discover a fire.
Regular fire drills should be conducted to ensure that employees are familiar with evacuation procedures. We want staff to be able to carry out evacuation efficiently and calmly.
At OHEAP, we can assist you with employee fire safety training. Simply fill out our fire safety get a quote form.
Regularly Review and Update Fire Safety Measures
Fire safety is not a one-time task; it requires ongoing vigilance.
Hospitals must regularly review and update their fire safety measures. We perform new fire risk assessments when there are changes in the building’s structure to ensure nothing has impacted the building’s fire safety.
When there are new fire safety regulations or advancements in fire prevention technology we need to review procedures. This involves:
- Updating fire risk assessments.
- Enhancing fire detection systems.
- Retraining staff
Regular reviews ensure that all fire safety measures are current and effective.
Passive Fire Protection for Hospitals
Fire protection in hospitals encompasses both active and passive fire safety measures. These systems are designed to detect, contain and extinguish fires before they can cause significant harm.
Below are some of the essential passive fire protection components:
- Fire Doors.
- Smoke Curtains.
- Fire-Resistant Walls and Ceilings.
Unlike active fire protection, passive fire protection is integrated into the structure and design of the building itself.
Fire Doors
Fire doors are crucial in controlling the spread of fire and smoke within a hospital. They are designed to withstand fire for a specific period allowing time for evacuation. This is typically 30 to 60 minutes.
Fire seals, often used in conjunction with fire doors, are essential for preventing the passage of smoke and fire. These seals are installed around the edges of doors or other openings in fire-rated structures. They expand when exposed to heat, sealing the gap and preventing smoke from spreading.
Regular inspection of fire seals is important, as worn or damaged seals can significantly reduce the effectiveness of a fire door. Ensuring that fire seals are intact and functioning correctly can be the difference between containing a fire to a single area and allowing it to spread throughout the hospital.
Elevator Smoke Curtains
Elevator shafts can act as a chimney during a fire, allowing smoke and fire to spread rapidly between floors. This makes elevator smoke curtains a vital fire protection measure. These curtains are installed at elevator doors and deploy automatically when smoke is detected, sealing the shaft and preventing smoke from spreading.
Elevator smoke curtains are particularly important in hospitals, where elevators are often used to transport patients between floors. Ensuring that these systems are regularly inspected and maintained is vital for hospital fire safety.
Fire Safety Plans (PEEPS)
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) are a critical component of hospital fire safety. PEEPs are customised evacuation plans designed to help individuals who might need additional assistance during a fire emergency, such as those with mobility issues, sensory impairments, or cognitive difficulties.
In a hospital setting, where many patients may not be able to evacuate independently, PEEPs are essential. These plans should be developed as part of the patient’s care plan and regularly reviewed to ensure they meet the individual’s needs.
The development and implementation of PEEPs require close collaboration between fire safety officers, healthcare providers, and patients. Each PEEP should detail the specific assistance required, the route to be taken, and the roles of staff in facilitating the evacuation.
Statistics of Fire Safety in Hospitals
Understanding the frequency and impact of hospital fires can highlight the importance of rigorous fire safety measures. While specific statistics may vary depending on the region, some general trends are worth noting:
Frequency of fires
According to data from the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), hospitals experience a significant number of fire-related incidents each year. Statistically 29% of these fires were attributed to arson. While many of these incidents are minor and quickly contained, they underscore the importance of robust fire prevention and response measures.
Common causes
Electrical faults are among the most common causes of hospital fires, followed by incidents in hospital kitchens. The NHS reported 1,327 fires in 2022/23 highlighting the importance of fire safety doors and stringent fire safety measures.
Impact on operations
Even small fires can have a significant impact on hospital operations. Evacuations, even when precautionary, can disrupt patient care, leading to delays in treatment and increased stress for both patients and staff.
Fatalities and injuries
While fatalities in hospital fires are relatively rare, injuries, particularly from smoke inhalation, can be more common. The presence of effective fire protection and evacuation procedures significantly reduces the risk of serious harm.
These statistics highlight the need for continuous improvement in fire safety measures within hospitals. Regular training, updated risk assessments, and the maintenance of fire protection systems are all essential for reducing the risk of fire-related incidents.
