Have in place a fire safety policy (either a separate policy or within the practice’s Health and Safety Policy – see Health & Safety Policy template.
Have in place a written fire emergency procedure so that all staff know what to do if there is a fire (or other emergency). Consider the results of your fire safety risk assessment when drawing this up.
Display a fire action notice so that patients and visitors are aware of how an alarm is raised in the practice and how to evacuate the building safely.
Provide staff with training in what to do in the event of a fire.
Have enough extinguishers of the right type, properly maintained and prominently situated near fire hazards and with instructions for use suitably displayed.
Fire extinguisher maintenance must be carried out by a competent person (as specified in British Standard 5306-3:2017 [1]).
Ensure staff are trained in when and how to use fire extinguishers.
Conduct a fire drill at least once a year.
Make sure there are enough fire exits for everyone to escape quickly and keep fire doors and escape routes unobstructed and clearly marked.
If there is a fire alarm*, check weekly that it works and that it can be easily heard throughout the premises over normal background noise.
Keep fire safety records of:
- staff training
- fire drills
- checks, maintenance and servicing of
- fire detection and warning equipment
- fire fighting equipment
- fire doors
- emergency lighting
*Fire detection and warning systems should be appropriate to the size and layout of your practice. For example, a fire alarm can be a shouted warning of ‘fire’ or a simple, manually operated device such as a hand bell or gong that can be heard throughout the practice. Your local Fire and Rescue Service will provide fire safety advice upon request.