In conjunction with Fortis Insurance Limited Veritass is able to offer a highly comprehensive and competitive policy aimed directly at your type of business. Care Home is designed to protect registered care homes for the elderly. The policy offers a comprehensive, easy to administer package of covers that Residential Homes commonly require, along with the flexibility to increase standard limits or add optional covers where required.
We are pleased to be associated with Fortis, an award winning Insurer providing a friendly and efficient service to this specialist sector.
Fire safety legislation has changed for the first time in over 35 years as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order came in to force on the 1st October 2006.
As its title implies, it is really a reform of existing requirements but it is worth making the point that, with very few exceptions, this legislation covers all non-domestic premises.
Perhaps the most prominent change to catch everyone's attention is that fire certificates will no longer be required and any that have been issued will cease to have any legal status.
Instead, the new approach relies on Risk Assessments that are carried out in much the same way as for other aspects of health and safety.
Acting on the findings of risk assessments, employers have a responsibility to do all that is reasonably practicable to safeguard employees and people who are not employees but who may be exposed to risk in the event of fire.
We can arrange for a free survey on taking out a Care Home policy with us or a paid for survey at very competitive prices if you dont wish to take the insurance. Simply contact us on the number below.
The legislation makes reference to the "Responsible Person" - a specified individual who is responsible for the premises. This person is the main duty holder in regard to fire safety and therefore has overall responsibility for:
In addition, the responsible person is accountable for training, provision of information and a variety of other duties insofar as they affect fire safety, such as use of personal protective equipment, protection of young people, risks from explosive atmospheres, etc.
In fact, this is a very high profile and responsible role for whoever is appointed, but it can be shared with a Competent Person.
The legislation defines a competent person as:-
"A person who has the relevant professional qualifications, knowledge and experience within the relevant field, to enable the duties to be properly undertaken".
External fire consultants can be your competent person and undertake the fire risk assessment, emergency plan and the fire protection survey.
To that end if you employ an external fire safety consultant, with the correct qualifications and experience, you should make sure that they are covered by professional indemnity insurance.
In respect of penalties, there have not been many prosecutions yet, but failure to draw up risk assessments and have adequate plans in place can incur a fine up to £5,000. However, if linked in with prosecution under existing H&S legislation e.g. Workplace Regs, the penalty can be imprisonment for up to 25 years if a fatality is involved.