Legal context
Care premises sit firmly in the highest-risk category under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, with parallel CQC expectations on safe care of service users in the event of fire. Care Quality Commission inspectors routinely ask to see a recent Type 3 or Type 4 fire risk assessment, a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) for every resident and evidence of staff fire training drills.
Why this sector is different
- Sleeping risk plus reduced mobility — full evacuation is rarely feasible
- Progressive horizontal evacuation strategy depends on intact compartmentation
- Oxygen, medical devices and bariatric equipment increase the fuel load locally
- Staff ratios overnight are typically far lower than day shifts
Typical scope on a care homes job
- Type 3 fire risk assessment to PAS 79-1 (or Type 4 for refurbished premises)
- Compartmentation survey of every protected escape route and sub-compartment
- BS 5839-1 L1 fire alarm and detection coverage check
- Review of PEEPs against current resident dependency profile
- Staff drill observation and fire training records review
Common findings we record on care homes sites
- Penetrations through compartment walls from cabling / pipework upgrades
- Fire doors held open with unrated magnetic devices
- Smoke seals worn or painted over on bedroom doors
- PEEPs not updated after resident mobility changes
- Detection gaps in plant rooms and laundry areas
How often to reassess
Care premises should have the fire risk assessment reviewed at least annually and re-issued in full at no greater than 3-year intervals, or after any material change (new wing, change of use, refurb).
What it costs
Fixed fees from £650 for a small residential care home up to £1,800+ for a 60-bed nursing home with multiple compartments. Compartmentation surveys are quoted separately on larger jobs.