Medical practices, dental surgeries, physiotherapy clinics and pharmacies serve people who may be elderly, unwell, anxious or unable to move quickly. Planning for fire in these settings means thinking about patients as well as staff.
What makes clinics different
- Patients may need help to leave, and some cannot use stairs.
- Waiting rooms can fill up quickly and visitors do not know the building.
- Treatment rooms may have closed doors, so people may not hear or see an alarm straight away.
- Many clinics are in converted buildings, such as old houses or upper floors above shops.
- Oxygen, flammable liquids, sterilising equipment and lots of electrical devices may be on site.
- Waste, packaging and stock can build up in store rooms.
What a fire risk assessment typically looks at
- Escape routes from every room, including upper and lower floors.
- Patients who need help, and how staff would assist them. Our guide on PEEPs explains personal emergency evacuation plans.
- Detection and alarm that can be heard in every room.
- Storage of oxygen and chemicals, with sensible separation from heat and ignition sources.
- Electrical equipment and how it is checked.
- Fire doors and compartmentation, especially in older converted buildings.
- Staff roles: who checks rooms, who reports to the fire brigade, who meets them.
- Records of checks, drills and servicing.
Practical steps
- Check each treatment room is clear of clutter at the start of every day.
- Keep gas cylinders secured, in a suitable place.
- Run a short drill with all staff at least once a year, and more often if staff change.
- Update your plan when you add a room, change layout or buy new equipment.
Your duties
The Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 expect a person in control of premises to take reasonable measures to protect people from fire. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 sets wider duties on employers.
Talk to us
We carry out fire risk assessments in Dublin for practices and clinics of all sizes. Call 086 275 9728 or email info@safersolutions.ie for a no-obligation chat.