We are receiving a lot of enquiries about fire safety. This is an area that is receiving significant attention in the new inspections. You should have a comprehensive policy and also ALL STAFF need to be trained in the areas outlined below. It is very important that ,as part of induction, they sign off that they know where the extinguisgers are, that they have been trained in their use and that they can evacuate
Checklist for your policy
Fire drills will be carried out monthly. A written record will be kept on file and will be available for inspection.
Fire extinguishers and blankets will be stored appropriately, ready for use and in good working order.
A record of the number, type and maintenance record of all firefighting equipment and smoke alarms will be kept and they will be serviced annually with a record maintained of the service dates.
All employees will be trained on:
- Where firefighting equipment is located
- How to use firefighting equipment.
- The location and operation of fire doors and fire exits
- Carrying out and recording fire drills
- Fire safety risk assessment
A record of this training will be recorded and kept on file for inspection
Smoke detectors will be placed at strategic points in the building and ‘hard wired’.
The smoke detectors will be checked regularly to ensure they are working. A record will be maintained of the dates on which the detectors are checked.
Materials contained in bedding and internal furnishings within the service will be of EU standard (i.e. kite symbol or CE compliant) in relation to fire retardant properties and will be nontoxic.
Heat emitting surfaces will be protected by a fixed guard and/or thermostatically controlled to ensure safe temperatures.
A system for giving warnings in the event of fire must be provided.
Escape Route and exit doors should be maintained free from obstruction so that they can be safely and effectively used at all times
All flammable materials (oils, polish etc.) are safely stored outside of the children’s areas. Waste is promptly disposed of and, in general, precautions are taken to ensure the prevention of occurrences likely to constitute a fire hazard.
Daily attendance records are kept
Fire safety awareness is available through online academy. NOTE: It is best practice to have a fire safety officer on the premises as well as all staff been trained in Fire Safety. Fire safety Officer courses are available to book also, this is a one day course that takes place on Dublin each month. Price €130 per person. If you wish to book contact Emma at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
