WESTSIDE PRE-SCHOOL
"It's not just a matter of childcare, but a place where childcare matters"
Fire safety and emergency evacuation
Policy Statement
We ensure our premises present no risk of fire by ensuring the highest possible standard of fire precautions. The person in charge and staff are familiar with the current legal requirements. Where necessary, we seek the advice of a competent person, such as our Fire Officer, or Fire Safety Consultant.
Procedures
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The basis of fire safety is risk assessment. These are carried out by a ‘competent person’.
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The manager liaises with the West Faversham Community Centre Health & Safety officer (who has received training in fire safety) and competent to carry out risk assessment; this will be written where there are more than five staff. This will follow the guidance as set out in the Fire Safety Risk Assessment – Educational Premises document.
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A copy of the fire safety risk assessment that applies to the Pre-School room is regularly reviewed (copy available at reception)
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Fire doors are clearly marked, never obstructed and easily opened from the inside.
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Smoke detectors/alarms and firefighting appliances conform to BSEN standards, are fitted in appropriate high-risk areas of the building and are checked as specified by the manufacturer.
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Our emergency evacuation procedures are approved by the Fire Safety Officer and are:
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clearly displayed in the premises;
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explained to new members of staff, volunteers and parents; and
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practised regularly at least once every term.
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Records are kept of fire drills and the servicing of fire safety equipment (at reception)
Emergency evacuation procedure
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The hall’s fire alarm is used to signal an emergency. (a whistle used for practice drills)
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There is a choice of two fire exits, the person in charge decides which one to use, depending on the location of the fire.
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The children are led from the building to the assembly point by the adults using the fire hoops.
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The person in charge is the last one out after they check the toilets/rooms for children.
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When everyone is at the assembly point, the person in charge asks deputy to telephone 999 to request the fire service.
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The person in charge takes the register to ensure all children and adults are accounted for.
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WFCC centre manager is informed that all are accounted for.
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The parents are contacted to collect the children or;
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Return to the hall only if the fire service deems it to be safe.
The fire drill record contains:
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Date and time of the drill.
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How long it took.
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Whether there were any problems that delayed evacuation.
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Any further action taken to improve the drill procedure.
Legal framework
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Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20051541.htm
Further guidance
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Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Educational Premises ( HMG 2006)
www.communities.gov.uk/publications/fire/firesafetyrisk6