I am assessing the risk assessment for fire within a single storey dwelling used for the provision of care. 1 mobility impaired user along with 1 or 2 max staff members on a 24 hour non sleeping basis. The premises comprises the lounge, which is open to :-
kitchen via sliding doors (for wheelchair access)
bedroom
main entrance
There is domestic linked detection within the lounge at the kitchen end as well as bedroom end. No detection in kitchen.
The staff have stringent and robust management policies concerning fire safety and during the user sleeping hours they are stationed within the lounge (open sight of the kitchen area - sliding doors opened).
I was considering the requirement for detection within the kitchen area but, due to their policy of keeping doors open to maintain watch, and fact that heat would never build up with them open anyway, I am not 100% for that.
Might it be acceptable if I could use their policies and accept the doors open (they are 30min fire doors on sliding tracks). If they were called to assist the resident and had policy of isolating all items in use would that be robust enough?
To enhance safety should that occur then what if Heat detection was fitted within the kitchen and the policy altered to that of isolating all items in use and sliding the doors closed behind them if called away. This would protect the lounge/escape route to the front door for at least the time required to evacuate the user concerned.
Can I have some of you learned ladies and gentlemen's thoughts on the matter.
By the way how can i get a copy of PAS 79??
