Fire/Emergency Procedures, Health & Safety, First Aid

Every effort is made to ensure that Howestead Lodge Ltd conforms to the Health and Safety Regulations.  Staff are informed of their obligations under this legislation as part of the induction training by our Health and Safety Officer who is qualified.  In keeping with current Health and Safety Legislation, associated recommendations, registration requirements and best practice, Howestead Lodge has a comprehensive integral fire alarm and emergency lighting system fitted on the premises.

The System

The system complies fully with the requirements made by the Fire Authority with each room having been fitted with smoke detectors and the kitchen and garage fitted with heat detectors.

System Checks

The system is checked weekly by duty staff, with the current records kept of the results of tests, faults and repairs.  Quarterly checks of the Fire Alarm System and 6 monthly checks of the Emergency Lighting System are also carried out by a local specialist company, who are contracted to carry out the repairs and are also on a “24 hour call-out” basis.  This company and its engineers are Approved and Certified.

Training (Staff)

Familiarisation of the system and its operation is carried out during induction training and quarterly thereafter.  Training on fire prevention, fire protection and fire procedures follow this format, with full evacuation drills (daylight and darkness) carried out as part of the ongoing training programme, continually alerting staff to the danger of fire.

In-house practical training in the use of fire extinguishers and fire blankets, is carried out by the Fire Authority every 3 years.

Training (Children and Young People)

A sensible approach is adopted when familiarising children and young people placed at Howestead Lodge, to the dangers of fire.  This approach depends on the age and understanding of each individual resident and will normally take place within 36 hours of placement commencing.

Areas covered will include; the recognition of the alarm sound, what to do when they hear it, where to go when they hear it, evacuating the building and why they must go to that particular area and stay there.  Residents are included in the quarterly evacuation training drills for staff and care is taken to arrange the training when residents are present.

Fire Extinguishers

Appropriate fire extinguishers and fire blankets are situated around the home; the type, quantity and location conform to the requirements made by the Fire Authority.  These are also checked weekly by staff, with annual checks carried out by the company checking the fire alarm system.

P.A.T.s

The company and its engineers responsible for the ‘Portable Appliance Test’ are approved and certified, with detailed records kept of tests, results and remedial action required.

Accident Prevention

Risk assessments are carried out in relation to any hazard which may be a risk to Health and Safety on Howestead Lodge grounds or premises.  These are recorded in writing and regularly reviewed.  Accidents are recorded using the accident book.

Violence at Work

At Howestead Lodge we endeavour to provide a safe working environment for our staff.  All receive training in handling challenging and potentially violent situations.  A previous history of violence should make workers aware of the potential for it happening again.  Should a violent incident occur, it is very important that staff at the receiving end of the violence receive as much support as possible.  An incident of actual or threatened violence should be reported to the manager.  Details to be recorded in the Accident Report Book, as required by the Health and Safety Regulations.

Safety and Water Temperatures

All residents at Howestead Lodge are able bodied and present no special risks when bathing or showering.  The hot water for baths and showers is thermostatically controlled with the thermostat out of the reach of residents and under the control of staff.  A qualified engineer checks the system annually.  The individual would, normally control the temperature of a particular bath or shower, with staff supervising the younger residents.  A specially designed thermostat is provided in each bath and shower room for the use of the residents and staff.  As a general guide, bath water should be no more than 45°C (13° F).

Safety and Radiator Surface Temperatures.

Radiator temperatures are controlled thermostatically using a built-in electrical switching unit with the thermostat out of reach of residents and under the control of staff.  A qualified engineer checks the system annually.  All radiators have individual secondary temperature control, allowing the resident to select their own required temperature. 

Gas and Electricity Safety Arrangements