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The Revenues and Benefits systems are currently unavailable due to essential maintenance. Service is expected to resume later today. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Safeguarding practice guidance: fire risk awareness

 

Advice for people unable to evacuate

The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service have produced a leaflet, digital display, post card and poster for people who may have difficulties evacuating in the event of a fire:

Please print and share as required.

 

 

Fire loading

Fire loading refers to the amount of combustible materials there are in a space. Homes with high fire loading have the potential for a fire to spread more rapidly.

The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service have produced a leaflet, digital display, postcard and poster on fire loading:

Please print and share as required.

 

 

Emollients

An emollient is a moisturising treatment used to soothe and hydrate dry or irritated skin, often found in creams, ointments, or lotions. However, many emollients, especially those containing paraffin or other oils, can soak into fabrics like clothing and bedding, making them highly flammable and posing a serious fire risk if exposed to naked flames or heat sources.

The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service have produced a leaflet, digital display, postcard and poster for those using emollients:

Please print and share as required.

 

 

Advice for oxygen users

The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service have produced a leaflet, digital display, postcard and poster for oxygen users:

Please print and share as required.

 

 

Fire safety information

The Royal Berkshire Fire Rescue Service (RBFRS) and other organisations have produced the following fire safety information and leaflets. Please share with individuals you think may benefit from this information. The information is available in different languages on their website.

 

 

The At Risk Programme (ARP)

The At Risk Programme (ARP) is free fire safety training for professionals involved in supporting and caring for vulnerable adults and children in the community. It gives an overview of the types of fire risk, what to look out for and the minimum recommendations for the protection of residents, and staff working with them, in their homes.

The At Risk Programme was initially called the 'Adults at Risk Programme' following an action from a Coroner under Regulation 28 legislation. This was following a fire fatality whereby the Coroner believed that Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) should be informing professionals and agencies about their service provisions and providing training about how they can play a part in helping to reduce fire risks within our communities. Following another serious fire incident, it was recognised that we should be including adults and children in our Safe and Well service provision and training awareness offer, thereby including all vulnerable members of our community.

If fire safety is not considered, and the correct protection measures are not put in place, the person may not be as safe in their home. Therefore, they may be at an increased risk should a fire occur.

As part of the partnership approach RBFRS can supply the following free resources to support partner agencies and vulnerable members of the public (at August 2024):

  • fire retardant bedding (single or double)
  • use of fire retardant spray
  • fire retardant nightwear (pyjamas or nighties)
  • fire retardant throws
  • ten year battery smoke detectors
  • hearing impaired smoke alarms
  • arson proof letter boxes (lockable letter boxes).

For awareness, there may be some situations where we may also suggest or recommend other fire safety equipment (for example: misting systems or sprinkler systems), however RBFRS do not provide or financially support these assistive technologies.
 

Sign up on the RBFRS website.

 

 

Safe and Well Visits

When you refer an individual for a Safe and Well Visit, a representative from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RFRS) will make contact to arrange to attend the address. The address will be assessed for fire risk, with a view to fitting adequate amounts of free smoke alarms where required. RBFRS will also work with the individual or family to create a personalised escape plan and provide further advice to lower any risk of fire. You can make a referral for a Safe and Well Visit using their online form.

Whilst best practice is to gain the individual's consent to make a Safe and Well referral, a referral may also be accepted where no consent can be gained e.g. in cases where the individual lacks mental capacity, or where the professional referring is sharing information due to a public interest risk or a best interest decision on their behalf. In these circumstances, we will contact the person making the referral to discuss the best way forward. In some situations, we may request that you accompany us on a joint visit.

 

 

Threat of arson referral procedure

When you are made aware of an individual/s who have received a threat of arson, been the victim of a direct arson attack or they are deemed to be at significant risk of arson, complete the threat of arson referral form on the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service website.

RBFRS will endeavour to attend the property (with the consent of the individual, so please contact them first) within 48 hours, if safe to do so. A Threat of Arson Safe and Well Visit will involve RBFRS Safe and Well Technicians or Operational Crews attending the property to fit an arson proof letter box, fire retardant spray and smoke alarms where required and to give advice relating to the increased risk level. Please see the threat of arson guidance with details of how to refer.

 

 

Training opportunity for occupational therapists

A module on fire safety in the home has been added to the Royal College of Occupational Therapy (OT) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) section which members can access. This is designed for either private CPD or as a presentation for OT team meetings. The content is specifically designed to encourage OTs to consider fire safety in all their daily work and what they can do to make people safer, for example, when assessing cooking through Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) specs. It includes a presentation which voice over slides and a work book. Its been endorsed by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and The Royal College of Occupational Therapy (RCOT).

 

 

Other useful Information

For further information, visit the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) website.