Enhancing Fire Safety in Scotland’s Care Homes

The Scottish Government has published an updated fire safety guide aimed at reducing the risk of fire in Scotland’s care homes.

Replacing the February 2008 version of the guidance, the revised document is designed to help care home owners and staff to fulfil their fire safety duties. The updated information is more user-friendly and takes account of comments received during a public consultation.

The original guide was produced by the Scottish Government, following the tragic blaze at Rosepark care home in Uddingston, South Lanarkshire, in 2004, which claimed the lives of fourteen residents. In 2006, the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 introduced changes to fire safety law in Scotland and repealed previous fire safety legislation.

The revised guidance is applicable to general fire safety in existing premises in which a care home service is provided (it is not a design guide for new build). It provides an overview of Fire Safety Law in respect to non-domestic premises and persons with fire safety responsibilities referred to as ‘duty-holders’.

The document highlights potential causes of fires, such as cigarettes, candles, heaters and cooking equipment, and ways to reduce the risks such items can pose. As some care home residents may require considerable assistance, the importance of having a suitable evacuation plan in case of fire is also emphasised.

Community Safety Minister Roseanna Cunningham said:

“It is essential that we do everything we can to protect often-vulnerable residents of Scotland’s care homes from the risk of fire.

“We have taken the opportunity to develop a substantial revision of the Scottish Government’s fire safety guidance to provide an improved guide which is practical and easy to use.”

If you need help fulfilling your legal fire safety requirements, or for further advice, contact our specialist fire safety team.