Fire safety is an important consideration in any workplace, and dental practices are no exception. While the risk of fire in a dental surgery may be low, it is still important to have adequate fire safety measures in place. Fire safety training should be provided for all team members, and a fire warden should be appointed.
The fire warden’s role is to ensure that all team members are aware of the fire safety procedures and coordinate evacuation in the event of a fire. In addition, the fire warden should also be responsible for carrying out regular fire drills. By taking these measures, dental practices can ensure that they are prepared in the event of a fire. The duration of this verifiable CPD course is 2 hours and is suitable for the whole dental team. Visit our website to see how this training course could benefit you.
Important things to know about fire safety compliance
A CQC inspector will ask questions about how you manage fire safety prevention in your practice.
Fire safety relates to regulation 15: premises and equipment, and regulation 12: safe care and treatment. It is covered by these key lines of enquiry (KLOEs):
S5: How well are potential risks to the service anticipated and planned for in advance?
S3: What systems, processes and practices are in place to keep people safe and safeguard them from abuse?
W1: Do the governance arrangements ensure that responsibilities are clear, quality and performance are regularly considered, and risks are identified, understood, and managed?
Do you have the following fire safety compliance in place at your practice?
Fire Safety and Fire Warden Training
Fire notices and fire safety lighting
Fire Risk Assessment
Fire Logbook or Electronic Records
Fire Extinguisher Service Record – contractor services (annual) and in-house maintenance
Emergency Evacuation Procedures
Fire Exit Routes
Fire Drills or Exercises
Smoke Detection System
Emergency Lighting System
Fire Prevention System
Personal Protective Equipment
In addition to these checks, you should consider your building layout and assess any potential risks, such as blocked exits or hazardous materials present, that could enable a rapid-fire spread should one occur.
Furthermore, you should consider what special needs individuals might have when evacuating, so their safety is paramount during a potential fire hazard situation.
Patient and team safety is essential; therefore all employers and service providers must treat fire safety as a priority!