Care Home Fire Risk Assessment | CQC Compliant | firerisk.io

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Care Home Fire Risk Assessment CQC Compliant

Protect vulnerable residents with expert fire risk assessments including PEEPs, medical oxygen safety, and horizontal evacuation planning. BAFE SP205 accredited, 24-hour turnaround, CQC-approved reports.

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CQC Compliant Reports

PEEPs Included

24hr Turnaround

UK Care Home Exterior - Professional Fire Risk Assessment Service

Trusted & Accredited

Why Care Home Fire Risk Assessments Are Non-Negotiable

CQC scrutiny has intensified. Only 58% of fire safety audits now pass inspection—the lowest rate since 2011. Is your care home compliant?

588,855

Home fire safety visits conducted in 2024-2025

51,020

Fire safety audits with only 58% satisfactory

£14,556

Average enforcement fine for violations

The stakes have never been higher. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and CQC fundamental standards, every care home must maintain current, comprehensive fire risk assessments tailored to vulnerable residents. With 42% of audits failing and enforcement actions increasing 12% year-over-year, non-compliance risks fines up to £30,000, CQC rating downgrades, and potential licence revocation. Your residents’ safety—and your facility’s future—depend on getting this right.

Get CQC-Compliant in 24 Hours

Our Specialist Care Home Assessment Process

Comprehensive evaluations designed specifically for vulnerable resident environments and CQC inspection standards.

Site Inspection

Complete walk-through assessing fire compartmentation (10-bed compliance), horizontal evacuation routes, and resident care areas

Vulnerable Resident Assessment

Evaluation of mobility limitations, cognitive impairments, dementia care needs, and PEEP requirements for each resident category

Specialized Hazard Review

Medical oxygen storage safety, mobility equipment charging risks, resident cooking facilities, and smoking area compliance verification

System & Equipment Testing

BS 5839-6 alarm compliance, L1 system coverage verification, self-closing fire door testing, and emergency lighting functionality

CQC-Ready Report

Insurance-approved documentation with PEEP templates, night staffing recommendations, and prioritized action plan delivered in 24 hours

6 Care Home-Specific Fire Hazards We Assess

These unique vulnerabilities require specialized knowledge that standard fire risk assessments miss.

Care Home Communal Lounge with Mobility Aids

Vulnerable Resident Evacuation Challenges

2.5 minute target evacuation time

Care home residents with mobility issues, dementia, cognitive impairment, or wheelchair dependence cannot self-evacuate within standard timeframes. Government guidance mandates fire compartment evacuation in two-and-a-half minutes, requiring specialized PEEPs for each vulnerable resident. Progressive horizontal evacuation strategies become essential for bedridden residents, those with advanced dementia who may resist evacuation, and wheelchair users unable to navigate stairs independently.

Our Assessment: Individual PEEP development for each resident category, night staffing adequacy evaluation against resident dependency levels, horizontal evacuation route capacity verification, and staff training recommendations for dementia-appropriate evacuation techniques. Fire compartmentation compliance ensures safe staged evacuation for residents requiring physical assistance.

Medical Oxygen Cylinder Storage in Care Home

Medical Oxygen Storage and Use

3-metre minimum distance from ignition sources

Medical oxygen significantly increases fire risk through oxygen-enriched environments where materials ignite more readily and burn intensely. UK care homes using oxygen cylinders, piped oxygen systems, or bedside concentrators must implement strict safety protocols: upright secured storage in ventilated areas, 3-metre separation from ignition sources, prohibition of smoking within oxygen zones, staff training on oil-free handling procedures, and emergency evacuation plans indicating oxygen storage locations for fire services.

Our Assessment: Oxygen storage location safety evaluation, ventilation adequacy verification, ‘No Smoking’ signage compliance inspection, separation distance measurements from electrical equipment and heat sources, concentrator electrical safety assessment (direct mains connection verification, no extension leads), staff handling procedure review, and resident PEEP integration accounting for oxygen-dependent evacuation complexities.

Care Home Assisted Living Kitchen Facilities

Kitchen Facilities and Cooking by Residents

44% of all fires cooking-related

Care homes face elevated kitchen fire risks from residents cooking independently in room kitchenettes or participating in assisted cooking activities. Residents with cognitive impairment may leave cooking unattended, those with mobility limitations cannot respond quickly to emergencies, and varying capability levels require individualized risk assessments. Communal kitchens with multiple occupants cooking simultaneously compound ignition risks, particularly during evening meals when supervision may be reduced.

Our Assessment: Kitchen layout safety evaluation for both communal and individual kitchenette facilities, heat detector placement verification (non-smoke detectors preventing false alarms), resident cooking capability assessment integrated into PEEPs, supervision protocol review for assisted cooking activities, fire blanket and appropriate extinguisher accessibility verification, appliance safety feature evaluation (automatic shut-offs), and electrical capacity assessment preventing overload during peak cooking periods.

Care Home Resident Bedroom with Profiling Bed

Mobility Equipment Charging

26% of fires from electrical causes

Electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters, profiling beds, and patient hoists require regular charging, often overnight in resident rooms or corridors. Lithium-ion batteries in modern mobility equipment present thermal runaway risks, older equipment may have degraded wiring creating short-circuit hazards, and charging in bedrooms during sleeping hours presents evacuation complications if fires develop. Multiple devices charging simultaneously can overload electrical circuits designed for standard residential loads.

Our Assessment: Designated charging area safety evaluation with adequate ventilation and fire separation, electrical circuit capacity verification for simultaneous charging loads, charging practice review (overnight bedroom charging vs. supervised charging stations), equipment age and maintenance record evaluation, resident PEEP considerations for equipment-dependent mobility during evacuations, and emergency procedure verification for equipment-related fires including safe disconnection protocols without compromising resident mobility capabilities.

Wide Accessible Care Home Corridor with Fire Doors

Smoking Residents and Designated Areas

Statutory 3m oxygen separation required

Smoking materials remain significant fire ignition sources in care settings, particularly for residents with cognitive impairment who may smoke unsupervised, mobility limitations preventing quick response to dropped cigarettes, or residents on supplemental oxygen creating extreme fire hazards. Designated outdoor smoking areas must balance resident independence with safety supervision, proper cigarette disposal requires fire-resistant receptacles regularly emptied, and smoking prohibition zones around oxygen equipment demand clear signage and staff enforcement.

Our Assessment: Smoking policy documentation review including individual resident risk assessments, designated outdoor smoking area safety evaluation (distance from building openings, oxygen storage locations, combustible materials), supervision protocol adequacy verification based on resident cognitive and mobility capabilities, cigarette disposal receptacle inspection (fire-resistant construction, emptying frequency, safe placement), ‘No Smoking’ signage compliance verification in oxygen zones, staff training assessment on smoking-related fire prevention and enforcement procedures, and PEEP integration for smoking residents requiring evacuation assistance.

Night Staffing and Emergency Response

Waking night staff essential for dependent residents

Reduced night staffing levels present significant fire safety challenges when most residents are sleeping and least able to self-evacuate. UK regulations mandate risk-based staffing determined by resident PEEPs rather than fixed ratios, but waking night staff (not sleeping-in staff) are generally essential for care homes housing dependent residents. At least one trained fire marshal must be on duty throughout night shifts, with adequate staffing to simultaneously implement all resident PEEPs within two-and-a-half minute evacuation timeframes.

Our Assessment: Night staffing level adequacy evaluation against total resident PEEPs and dependency categories, fire marshal presence verification throughout all shifts including nights, waking staff vs. sleeping-in staff configuration assessment, emergency response protocol review including alarm response procedures and resident waking techniques, evacuation drill evaluation including nighttime scenarios testing actual staffing configurations, staff training verification on PEEP implementation and horizontal evacuation procedures, and documentation review demonstrating risk-based staffing justification meeting CQC and fire authority requirements.

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Complete CQC-Compliant Assessment Package

Everything CQC inspectors and fire authorities verify during care home inspections.

Vulnerable Resident PEEPs

Mandatory Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans for residents with mobility limitations, cognitive impairment, dementia, or physical assistance requirements, tailored to individual capabilities and reviewed annually.

Fire Detection System Review

BS 5839-6:2019 compliance verification, L1 system coverage assessment (whole building detection), visual and audible alarm adequacy for hearing/sight-impaired residents, and call point accessibility evaluation.

Fire Compartmentation Inspection

Verification of 10-bed maximum per fire compartment compliance (Approved Document B), self-closing fire door inspection on all compartment boundaries, and horizontal evacuation route capacity assessment.

Medical Oxygen Safety Assessment

Oxygen cylinder storage location safety evaluation, 3-metre ignition source separation verification, ventilation adequacy assessment, ‘No Smoking’ signage compliance, and staff handling procedure review.

Horizontal Evacuation Planning

Progressive horizontal evacuation route identification, fire-resistant compartment boundary verification, capacity assessment for staged evacuation of wheelchair users and bedridden residents to adjacent safe zones.

Night Staffing Adequacy Evaluation

Waking night staff sufficiency assessment against resident PEEPs, fire marshal presence verification throughout all shifts, evacuation drill review including nighttime scenarios, and staffing level documentation justification.

Staff Training & Management Review

Annual fire safety training verification (CQC requirement), PEEP implementation training assessment, fire marshal qualification review, evacuation drill frequency and documentation evaluation, and resident fire safety briefing procedures.

Fire Door Inspection & Testing

FD30/FD60 fire door rating verification, self-closing device functionality testing on all compartment doors, quarterly inspection compliance verification (Fire Safety England Regulations 2022), and intumescent seal integrity assessment.

CQC-Approved Documentation

Professional report suitable for CQC inspections and registration requirements, risk rating matrix with prioritized recommendations, insurance-approved documentation, PEEP templates ready for immediate implementation, and 24-hour guaranteed turnaround.

Why Care Home Managers Trust Firerisk.io

Specialized knowledge of vulnerable resident fire safety that general assessors simply don’t have.

CQC Inspectors Accept Our Reports Without Question

BAFE SP205 accreditation and specialized care home expertise means CQC inspectors and fire authorities recognize our assessments meet fundamental standards. No rejected reports, no compliance disputes, just CQC-ready documentation that passes inspection every time.

We Understand Vulnerable Resident Evacuation

Unlike general fire risk assessors, we specialize in dementia care evacuation strategies, mobility-impaired resident PEEPs, horizontal evacuation planning, and night staffing adequacy assessments. We know what CQC expects because we’ve assessed hundreds of care facilities.

24-Hour Turnaround for Urgent CQC Inspections

Surprise CQC inspection announced? Licensing renewal deadline approaching? We deliver complete, inspection-ready reports within 24 hours including resident-specific PEEPs, night staffing recommendations, and prioritized compliance action plans.

Ongoing Support for Changing Resident Needs

Resident dependency levels change constantly in care homes. We provide guidance on when PEEPs need updating, what constitutes significant changes requiring reassessment, and how to maintain CQC compliance as your resident population evolves.

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Care Home Fire Safety Questions Answered

Everything care home managers ask about fire risk assessments, PEEPs, and CQC compliance

What are PEEPs and do we need them for care home residents?

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) are mandatory personalised evacuation plans required for all care home residents who need assistance during a fire. As of 2024, PEEPs are legally required for residents with mobility limitations, cognitive impairment, dementia, or those needing physical assistance. Each PEEP must be tailored to individual capabilities, regularly reviewed, and tested through evacuation drills.

What are CQC fire safety requirements for care homes?

CQC requires care homes to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 as part of fundamental standards. Requirements include: detailed fire risk assessments, BS 5839-6 compliant detection systems, fire compartmentation with 10-bed maximum, self-closing fire doors, PEEPs for vulnerable residents, annual staff training, regular fire drills, and documented equipment testing. Non-compliance impacts CQC ratings.

How do we evacuate residents with dementia during a fire?

Evacuating residents with dementia requires individual PEEPs documenting specific cognitive impairments, progressive horizontal evacuation to adjacent compartments before vertical evacuation, staff trained in each resident’s behavioral patterns, visual and audible alarm systems, calm reassurance techniques, and regular evacuation drills. Fire compartmentation with 10-bed limits allows staged evacuation within two-and-a-half minute timeframes.

Is medical oxygen a fire risk in care homes?

Yes, oxygen significantly increases fire risk through oxygen-enriched environments where materials ignite readily. UK regulations require: upright secured storage in ventilated areas, 3-metre minimum distance from ignition sources, ‘No Smoking’ signage in all oxygen zones, staff training on oil-free handling, concentrators directly plugged into mains (no extension leads), and annual risk assessments including oxygen storage locations in emergency plans.

How many staff need fire safety training in a care home?

All care home staff must receive comprehensive fire safety training with annual CQC-mandated refresher training. Training must cover: vulnerable resident evacuation procedures, firefighting equipment use, fire prevention, emergency protocols, and PEEP implementation. At least one trained fire marshal/warden must be present at all times including night shifts, with additional training for staff managing complex mobility or cognitive needs.

Do we need horizontal evacuation in care homes?

Yes, horizontal evacuation is critical for vulnerable residents unable to navigate stairs quickly. Progressive horizontal evacuation moves residents to adjacent fire compartments on the same floor before vertical evacuation. This is supported by: 10-bed maximum compartmentation (Approved Document B), self-closing fire doors preventing smoke spread, and staged procedures allowing safe relocation of wheelchair users and bedridden residents.

What are the regulations for smoking in care homes?

UK care homes must implement strict smoking policies: outdoor designated smoking areas away from oxygen equipment, prohibition within 3 metres of medical oxygen, ‘No Smoking’ signage in oxygen zones, supervision based on resident cognitive capacity, fire-resistant cigarette disposal receptacles regularly emptied, documented smoking risk assessments in resident PEEPs, and staff training on smoking-related fire risks and safe disposal procedures.

How often should care homes review fire risk assessments?

Annual reviews at minimum, with complete reassessments every 2-3 years. More frequent reviews required following: building alterations, changes to resident occupancy or dependency, new residents with complex needs requiring PEEPs, fire system modifications, near-miss incidents, legislation changes, or CQC/fire authority enforcement action. Resident PEEPs specifically should be reviewed whenever care needs change and annually at minimum.

What night staffing levels do we need for fire safety?

No fixed statutory ratios exist; required staffing must be determined by fire risk assessment considering all resident PEEPs. Assessments must justify: sufficient waking night staff for safe evacuation within timeframes, at least one trained fire marshal on duty throughout nights, adequate staffing to implement all PEEPs including physical assistance needs, and immediate alarm response capability. Waking staff are generally essential; sole reliance on sleeping-in staff is typically non-compliant.

What’s included in a care home fire risk assessment report?

Professional reports include: vulnerable resident hazard identification, PEEP documentation for mobility/cognitive impairments, BS 5839-6 alarm compliance review, fire compartmentation inspection (10-bed verification), self-closing fire door testing, horizontal evacuation route evaluation, medical oxygen safety assessment, mobility equipment charging review, smoking policy evaluation, night staffing adequacy analysis, management and training review, risk rating matrix, and CQC-compliant action plan delivered within 24 hours.

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Ensure CQC Compliance Before Your Next Inspection

Every day without a current, compliant fire risk assessment risks CQC enforcement action, rating downgrades, and potential licence revocation. Protect your residents and your facility’s future with expert assessment in 24 hours.

24-hour CQC-compliant report guarantee

BAFE SP205 accredited care home specialists

Individual resident PEEPs included

Medical oxygen safety assessment

Night staffing adequacy evaluation

Protect Your Residents. Maintain Your CQC Rating.

Join care home managers across the UK who trust Firerisk.io for CQC-compliant fire risk assessments. Book your assessment today.