On the day of an inspection, a nursing home should be able to put its fire safety and water safety records on the table without a search. This checklist sets out what to have ready, based on Regulation 28 on fire precautions and the national legionella guidelines.
Fire safety records
Regulation 28 of the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013 requires adequate fire precautions, maintained equipment, trained staff, fire drills and safe evacuation arrangements. These records show how you meet it:
- Fire risk assessment: current, with an action plan showing what has been closed and what is in progress.
- Fire alarm: user tests and servicing certificates.
- Emergency lighting: tests and servicing certificates.
- Firefighting equipment: checks and servicing.
- Fire doors and escape routes: routine checks and repairs.
- Staff training: who attended, when and what was covered, including new and agency staff.
- Fire drills: date, scenario, number of staff, time taken and lessons learned, including drills that simulate night-time staffing.
- Residents’ evacuation needs: an up-to-date plan for each resident.
- Fire procedures: displayed in a prominent place.
Water safety records
The National Guidelines for the Control of Legionellosis in Ireland, 2009 recommend an annual review of the legionella risk assessment and sampling at least twice a year in healthcare facilities, including nursing homes.
- Legionella risk assessment: reviewed within the last 12 months.
- Written scheme of control: the checks, who does them and how often.
- Sampling results: at least two rounds a year, with the action taken on any positive result.
- Temperature records: hot and cold, at agreed outlets.
- Flushing records: for unoccupied rooms and little-used outlets.
- Shower head cleaning and descaling.
- Tank inspection and cleaning.
- Thermostatic mixing valves: servicing and temperature checks.
- Named responsible person and deputy.
What inspectors tend to look for
- Actions with dates and owners, not a list of open findings.
- Drills that are realistic, especially for the largest compartment at night.
- Records that are consistent with what they see on the walk-round.
- Staff who can explain what they would do.
A simple routine
- Keep fire and water records in two clearly labelled folders, paper or digital.
- Have the person in charge review both every month.
- File contractor certificates the day they arrive.
- Close out actions and record the date.
Further reading
See fire risk assessments for nursing homes and legionella risk assessments for nursing homes.
Safer Solutions carries out fire and legionella risk assessments for nursing homes across Ireland, and can cover both in one visit. Call 086 275 9728, email info@safersolutions.ie or request a quote.