Fire safety in care homes requires a carefully managed, person-centred approach. Residents may have limited mobility, sensory impairments, or cognitive conditions that make evacuation challenging. At Hielaman, we understand that fire safety in care environments is not just about compliance, it’s about protecting vulnerable people and supporting staff to respond safely and confidently.

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A Specialist Approach to Care Homes

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Care homes present unique fire risks due to:

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• Sleeping accommodation and extended occupancy

• Progressive or phased evacuation strategies

• Residents who may not self-evacuate

• Increased ignition risks from oxygen use, medical equipment, and electrical appliances

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Our fire risk assessments are tailored to reflect these realities, ensuring fire safety measures are realistic, proportionate, and effective.

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What Our Care Home Fire Risk Assessments Cover

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We carry out detailed, on-site assessments that consider both the building and the people within it, including:

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• Evacuation strategy review (progressive horizontal evacuation, stay-put, or phased evacuation)

• Compartmentation and fire doors, including suitability for progressive evacuation

• Means of escape, travel distances, and refuge arrangements

• Fire detection and alarm systems, including staff response procedures

• Emergency lighting and signage

• Staff training, fire drills, and record-keeping

• Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) 

• Management controls, policies, and day-to-day fire safety arrangements

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All findings are clearly explained, with practical, prioritised actions that can be implemented without disrupting care delivery.

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Supporting Compliance and Inspections

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Our assessments are aligned with:

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• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order

• Care Quality Commission (CQC) expectations

• Relevant British Standards and sector guidance

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We provide clear documentation suitable for inspections, audits, and enforcement reviews, helping care providers demonstrate effective fire safety management.

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Clear Advice, Practical Solutions

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We avoid unnecessary technical language and focus on:

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• Low-risk, high-impact improvements

• Cost-effective solutions

• Actions that staff can realistically maintain

• Supporting safe evacuation without placing residents or staff at risk

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Why Choose Hielaman?

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• Experience in complex, occupied care environments

• Clear understanding of resident vulnerability and staff roles

• Proportionate, risk-based advice, not generic checklists

• Professional, supportive approach from inspection to final report