Fire Safety

Admin Staff

15 Sept

Organisation: WMI Psychiatry
Audience: Administration and non-clinical staff
Training level: Awareness level
Version: 1.0
Estimated completion time: 30–40 minutes
Training frequency: On induction and annually, or sooner following a significant change or incident
Pass mark: 12 out of 15, with all safety-critical errors reviewed

This module is intended for administration staff who work at, arrange services from, or support patients and visitors attending the Broughton Hub or any other premises used by WMI Psychiatry.

This module supports staff training. It does not replace the WMI Psychiatry Fire Safety Policy, the host premises’ fire procedures, site induction, individual evacuation plans, or instructions from the emergency services.

1. Purpose and Scope

Fire safety depends on prevention, rapid recognition, a reliable alarm, clear escape routes and calm evacuation.

Administration staff may be the first people to notice smoke, receive a report of a possible fire, meet a visitor who needs assistance, or identify an obstructed escape route. Their actions can directly affect whether patients, visitors and colleagues leave the building safely.

This module explains:

The main causes of workplace fires and how to reduce them.
The responsibilities of WMI Psychiatry, the host premises and individual staff members.
How to identify alarms, exits, alternative escape routes and assembly points.
What to do if fire or smoke is discovered.
What to do when the fire alarm sounds.
How to support visitors and people who may need assistance to evacuate.
Why doors, corridors, signs and fire-safety equipment must remain unobstructed.
When to call 999 and what information to provide.
How to report hazards, defects, false alarms and fire-related incidents.
The limits of the administration role, including the use of fire extinguishers.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places duties on the person responsible for the premises. These duties include completing a suitable fire risk assessment, providing appropriate fire precautions, establishing emergency arrangements and ensuring that staff receive suitable information and training.

WMI Psychiatry uses rooms within premises managed by another organisation. Fire-safety responsibilities may therefore be shared between WMI Psychiatry and the host organisation. Staff must follow both the local arrangements for the building and WMI Psychiatry’s own procedures.

2. Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, administration staff should be able to:

Explain the basic principles of fire prevention and safe evacuation.
Identify common workplace ignition sources, fuels and unsafe practices.
Describe the fire-safety responsibilities of the host premises, WMI Psychiatry and individual members of staff.
Locate the alarm call points, exits, alternative escape routes and assembly point for each workplace used.
Keep escape routes and fire doors safe and unobstructed.
Raise the alarm promptly after discovering fire or smoke.
Evacuate without delay when the fire alarm sounds.
Call 999 safely and provide clear information when required.
Explain why ordinary lifts must not be used during a fire.
Support visitors without delaying their own evacuation or taking unsafe action.
Recognise when an individual evacuation plan or additional assistance may be required.
Explain why using a fire extinguisher is not the usual response expected from administration staff.
Avoid re-entering a building until an authorised person or the emergency services confirms that it is safe.
Report fire hazards, defective precautions and incidents promptly.
Apply the local fire procedures to practical workplace situations.

3. WMI Psychiatry Local Fire Arrangements

These details must be completed and confirmed before the module is issued to staff.

Every member of staff must receive a site induction and know the current arrangements for every premises at which they work.

Registered Manager: Caroline Lawrence
Contact method: [INSERT WORK CONTACT METHOD]

Nominated Individual: Dr James Glass
Contact method: [INSERT WORK CONTACT METHOD]

Primary workplace: Broughton Hub, Salford

Host premises fire lead or reception contact:
[INSERT NAME OR ROLE AND CONTACT METHOD]

Description of the fire alarm, including any visual alert:
[INSERT LOCAL ALARM DETAILS]

Nearest fire-alarm call point to the WMI Psychiatry work area:
[INSERT LOCATION]

Primary escape route:
[INSERT ROUTE]

Alternative escape route:
[INSERT ROUTE]

Assembly point:
[INSERT LOCATION]

Procedure for confirming the attendance of staff and visitors:
[INSERT ROLL-CALL OR SIGN-IN PROCEDURE]

Procedure for reporting a fire hazard or defect:
[INSERT LOCAL PROCEDURE]

Location of the WMI Psychiatry Fire Safety Policy and host evacuation plan:
[INSERT LOCATION]

Staff must not rely solely on information contained in this online module. They must physically familiarise themselves with the alarm call points, escape routes, final exits and assembly point at each premises where they work.

4. How Fire Starts and Spreads

A fire needs three elements:

Heat.
Fuel.
Oxygen.

These elements are sometimes described as the fire triangle. Removing one of the three elements can prevent a fire from starting or cause an existing fire to go out.

In an office or clinic, heat may come from:

Damaged electrical equipment.
Overloaded sockets.
Chargers and batteries.
Portable heaters.
Cooking equipment.
Smoking materials.
Deliberate ignition.

Fuel may include:

Paper and cardboard.
Furniture.
Curtains and other textiles.
Waste.
Packaging.
Cleaning products.
Electrical equipment.
Personal belongings.

Oxygen is naturally present in the air.

Fire may spread through direct contact with flames, heat passing between nearby materials, burning embers, ventilation systems and the movement of smoke through corridors and open doors.

Smoke and toxic gases can spread faster than flames. Smoke reduces visibility, irritates the airway and may cause confusion, breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, or death.

A corridor should never be assumed to be safe simply because flames cannot be seen. Smoke, heat, or a burning smell may indicate that the route is dangerous.

5. Common Workplace Fire Risks

Common fire risks in offices and healthcare premises include:

Damaged plugs, electrical leads, chargers, or equipment.
Overloaded electrical sockets.
Connecting one extension lead to another.
Using inappropriate electrical adaptors.
Portable heaters positioned near paper, furniture, or clothing.
Cooking equipment being left unattended.
Lithium-ion batteries that are damaged, swollen, overheating, or incorrectly charged.
Devices being charged in an unsuitable location.
Large quantities of paper, cardboard, waste, or combustible materials.
Fire doors being wedged open or prevented from closing properly.
Blocked corridors, stairways, final exits, or assembly routes.
Combustible items being stored in electrical or plant cupboards.
Smoking or vaping where this is prohibited.
Contractors introducing temporary equipment without appropriate controls.
Poor building security or deliberate fire-setting.

Administration staff are not expected to inspect specialist equipment or complete fire risk assessments unless they have been specifically trained and authorised to do so.

They are expected to recognise obvious hazards, take simple and safe action within their role and report concerns promptly.

6. Preventing Fire During Administrative Work

Electrical equipment

Staff should:

Use electrical equipment only for its intended purpose.
Stop using equipment that is damaged, unusually hot, sparking, smelling of burning, or repeatedly tripping the electrical supply.
Report damaged cables, plugs, sockets and equipment promptly.
Avoid overloading sockets.
Never connect one extension lead to another extension lead.
Use only approved chargers and equipment.
Avoid bringing personal electrical appliances into the workplace without permission.
Switch off equipment that is not designed to remain on when the work area is no longer occupied.

Equipment that appears unsafe must not be used again until it has been checked by an appropriate person.

Chargers and batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in mobile telephones, laptops and other portable equipment. A damaged or overheating battery may cause a serious fire.

Staff should:

Use the correct charger for the device.
Charge devices on a stable surface.
Avoid charging devices on soft furniture or near combustible materials.
Stop using a battery that is swollen, damaged, leaking, unusually hot, or producing an unusual smell.
Never place a hot or damaged battery in ordinary waste.
Report concerns promptly.
Raise the alarm and evacuate if smoke or fire is present.

Paper, waste and combustible materials

Staff should:

Avoid allowing paper, packaging, or waste to accumulate.
Keep combustible materials away from heaters and electrical equipment.
Follow the host premises’ arrangements for waste disposal.
Avoid storing materials in corridors, stairways, plant rooms, or electrical cupboards.
Keep desks and work areas reasonably tidy.

Heating and cooking equipment

Staff must not use personal heaters, kettles, cooking appliances, or similar equipment unless these have been authorised.

Any approved cooking equipment must not be left unattended while in use.

Closing the workplace

At the end of a working period, staff should:

Switch off equipment that is not designed to remain on.
Check that obvious heat sources have been turned off.
Remove waste in accordance with local procedures.
Check that corridors and exits remain clear.
Close fire doors.
Report anything that cannot be left safely.

7. Responsibilities at Premises Used by WMI Psychiatry

Responsibilities of the host premises

WMI Psychiatry operates from rooms within external clinical premises. The host organisation retains primary responsibility for the building’s:

Fire-detection and alarm system.
Emergency lighting.
Fire doors.
Fire-safety signs.
Firefighting equipment.
Testing and maintenance arrangements.
Building fire risk assessment.
General evacuation procedures.

The host organisation should provide clear local emergency arrangements and assurance that the necessary testing and maintenance are being completed.

Responsibilities of WMI Psychiatry

WMI Psychiatry must:

Liaise with the host organisation about fire-safety arrangements.
Ensure that staff receive appropriate information and training.
Record staff training and induction.
Ensure that staff understand the local evacuation procedure.
Review fire procedures through briefings and table-top discussions.
Identify people who may need assistance to evacuate.
Report concerns to the host premises.
Obtain suitable assurance about testing and maintenance.
Review incidents and implement any lessons identified.

The Registered Manager is responsible for leading the day-to-day implementation of these arrangements.

The Nominated Individual retains overall accountability for ensuring that suitable governance arrangements are in place.

Responsibilities of every member of staff

Every member of staff must:

Complete fire-safety training during induction.
Complete annual refresher training.
Attend the local fire-safety induction.
Learn the sound of the fire alarm.
Identify the nearest alarm call point.
Know the primary and alternative escape routes.
Know the assembly point.
Follow instructions from fire wardens, the host premises and the emergency services.
Keep work areas and escape routes safe.
Report fire hazards and defects.
Participate in briefings, table-top exercises and any drills arranged by the host premises.
Avoid actions that are beyond their training or authority.

8. Escape Routes, Fire Doors, Signs and Equipment

Escape routes and exits

An escape route should allow people to reach a place of safety quickly.

Escape routes must not depend on:

Finding a key.
Entering an unfamiliar security code.
Moving stored equipment.
Waiting for another person to unlock a door.
Passing through a dangerous area.

Corridors, stairs and final exits must remain clear.

Staff must know an alternative escape route because smoke or fire may make the usual route unsafe.

Boxes, deliveries, wheelchairs, mobility equipment, cleaning materials and furniture must not be left where they obstruct an escape route.

Fire doors

Fire doors help to contain fire and smoke.

A fire door that has been wedged open, damaged, or prevented from closing may allow smoke and flames to spread rapidly.

Staff must:

Keep fire doors closed unless they are held open by an approved automatic device.
Never wedge a fire door open.
Avoid placing equipment or furniture in front of a fire door.
Report damaged seals, broken door closers, damaged glazing, or a door that does not close properly.
Avoid locking or obstructing a door that forms part of an escape route.

Fire-safety signs

Fire-safety signs identify:

Fire exits.
Escape routes.
Alarm call points.
Firefighting equipment.
Refuge areas.
Assembly points.

Missing, damaged, unclear, or obstructed signs should be reported.

Fire alarms and call points

Staff must recognise the local fire alarm. This may include an audible alarm, visual alarm, or staged alert.

Staff must also know how to operate the nearest manual alarm call point.

Staff must not silence, reset, or investigate a fire alarm unless they have been specifically trained and authorised to do so by the host premises.

Fire extinguishers

The priority during a fire is to:

Raise the alarm.
Evacuate.
Call the fire and rescue service when required.
Remain outside.

Administration staff must not delay evacuation to fight a fire.

A fire extinguisher should only be used by someone who:

Has received appropriate training.
Is authorised by the local procedure.
Is dealing with a very small fire.
Has a clear and protected escape route.
Can withdraw immediately if the fire does not go out.
Is not placing themselves or anyone else at risk.

No one should take a personal risk to protect equipment, records, property, or the building.

9. What to Do if You Discover Fire or Smoke

If you discover fire or smoke:

Raise the alarm immediately.
Operate the nearest manual fire-alarm call point if the alarm has not already activated.
Leave by the nearest safe escape route.
Do not stop to collect belongings, finish a telephone call, shut down a computer, or retrieve confidential records.
Warn people in your immediate area if it is safe to do so.
Do not delay your own evacuation and do not enter smoke or a dangerous area.
Close doors behind you if it is safe.
Closing doors can help to restrict the spread of smoke and fire. Do not lock the doors.
Call 999 from a place of safety when required.
Follow the local procedure. If there is any doubt about whether the fire and rescue service has been called, call 999 from a safe location.
Go directly to the assembly point.
Follow the attendance-checking procedure.
Report what you know.
Tell the fire warden, host premises lead, or emergency services:
- Where the fire or smoke was seen.
- What you observed.
- Whether anyone may still be inside.
- The person’s last known location.
- Whether there are any known special hazards.
Remain outside.
Do not re-enter the building until an authorised person or the fire and rescue service confirms that it is safe.

If someone’s clothing catches fire

The person should:

Stop.
Drop to the ground.
Roll to smother the flames.

They should not run.

Another person may use a suitable fire blanket if one is available and it is safe to do so. Urgent medical assessment should then be arranged.

10. What to Do When the Fire Alarm Sounds

Every fire alarm must be treated as genuine unless the host premises has formally communicated a different tested alarm arrangement.

When the alarm sounds:

Stop what you are doing.
Leave immediately by the nearest safe escape route.
Do not wait for confirmation that the alarm is genuine.
Do not telephone reception to ask whether the alarm is real.
Do not assume that the alarm is a test.
Do not collect personal belongings.
Do not return for medication, coats, telephones, laptops, or bags.
Do not stop to save documents or complete work.
Do not use an ordinary lift.
Use an evacuation lift only when the building’s emergency plan specifically provides for this and trained arrangements are in place.
Do not enter a corridor or stairway affected by smoke.
Use the alternative escape route if the usual route is unsafe.
Move calmly and avoid running.
Do not block exits.
Go directly to the assembly point.
Take part in the attendance check.
Do not leave the assembly point without informing the person managing the attendance check.
Do not re-enter until formally authorised.

The fact that an alarm has stopped does not mean that the building is safe to enter.

11. Calling 999

A 999 call should be made from a place of safety.

Do not assume that another person has called unless this has been confirmed through the local emergency procedure.

When speaking to the emergency call handler:

State that there is a fire or suspected fire.
Give the full address and postcode of the premises.
Describe the part of the building affected.
Give the nearest access point if this is known.
Explain whether anyone may be trapped or missing.
Explain whether anyone is likely to need assistance.
Describe any known special hazard without guessing or speculating.
Give your name and telephone number.
Answer the call handler’s questions.
Follow any instructions provided.
Do not return to a dangerous area.

12. Visitors, Children and People Who May Need Assistance

A person may need additional support to evacuate because of:

Reduced mobility.
A visual impairment.
A hearing impairment.
Cognitive difficulties.
Learning disabilities.
Neurodevelopmental differences.
Distress or panic.
Pregnancy.
Injury.
Language or communication needs.
Age.
Unfamiliarity with the building.

A need may be temporary and may not be immediately visible.

Planning must not rely on the fire and rescue service arriving to evacuate a person.

Administration staff should:

Follow the host premises’ sign-in procedure.
Ensure that visitors are included in the attendance arrangements.
Give visitors clear instructions.
Direct visitors towards the nearest safe exit.
Identify and escalate known evacuation needs before an appointment where possible.
Ensure that the relevant lead considers a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan or another suitable arrangement when required.
Use calm and straightforward instructions.
Check understanding when it is safe to do so.
Follow the local refuge, evacuation-chair, or evacuation-lift procedure only if trained and allocated a role.
Avoid physically lifting or carrying someone unless specifically trained, appropriately equipped and instructed to do so within the emergency plan.
Inform the person managing the evacuation if anyone may remain inside or at a refuge.
Provide the person’s last known location.

If someone refuses to leave

Do not remain in danger because another person refuses to evacuate.

Staff should:

Give the person a clear warning.
Explain that the alarm requires immediate evacuation.
Alert the fire warden or person managing the evacuation.
Report the person’s last known location.
Evacuate themselves.

Staff must not re-enter the building to search for someone.

13. Administration-Specific Responsibilities

Administration staff influence fire safety through everyday decisions and actions.

They must:

Keep reception areas, waiting rooms, corridors and exits free from deliveries, boxes, mobility equipment and temporary storage.
Avoid allowing appointment pressures or administrative tasks to delay evacuation.
End telephone calls promptly when the fire alarm sounds.
Use the approved visitor and staff attendance process.
Ensure that the host organisation can establish who may be in the building.
Record known evacuation needs using the approved process.
Share evacuation needs only with people who require the information for safety.
Ensure that staff working at a new or unfamiliar venue receive a local fire induction.
Report faults and hazards to the host premises and the Registered Manager.
Record the action taken when required.
Avoid reassuring patients or visitors that an alarm is only a test unless this has been formally confirmed.
Avoid disclosing unnecessary patient information during a roll call.
Share only the information needed to protect immediate safety.
Resume administrative work only after safety has been confirmed and management has authorised the next steps.

Telephone calls during an alarm

If the alarm sounds while a staff member is speaking to a patient:

Tell the patient briefly that an emergency alarm has activated.
Explain that you must leave the building.
End the call.
Evacuate immediately.
Do not remain in the building because the patient is distressed or the call is important.
Once safely outside and authorised to do so, follow the urgent-message and escalation procedure if the patient had reported an immediate safety concern.

Personal safety and evacuation must come first.

14. Reporting Hazards, Incidents and Learning

Fire-safety concerns must be reported promptly.

Examples include:

Fire or smoke.
A burning smell.
An alarm activation.
A false alarm.
An obstructed escape route.
A locked or blocked final exit.
A damaged fire door.
A missing fire-safety sign.
Defective emergency lighting.
Damaged electrical equipment.
An unsafe charging practice.
Missing or obstructed firefighting equipment.
Unsafe behaviour.
A failure to follow evacuation procedures.

Immediate danger takes priority. Staff must raise the alarm and evacuate before attempting to complete an incident report.

What to include in a report

A factual report should include:

The date and time.
The exact location.
What was seen, heard, or smelled.
Whether the alarm activated.
What evacuation action occurred.
Who was informed.
The time that they were informed.
Whether anyone was injured or missing.
Whether anyone required additional assistance.
Any immediate action taken.
Relevant host premises correspondence or reference numbers.
Any follow-up action allocated.
The person responsible for the follow-up.
The date by which the action should be completed.

Reports should describe facts rather than blame or speculation.

Management review

The Registered Manager should ensure that:

The concern is shared with the host premises.
The event is recorded through the appropriate incident procedure.
Any immediate risks are addressed.
Relevant evidence is retained.
The event is reviewed for learning.
Required improvements are assigned and monitored.
Significant concerns are escalated to the Nominated Individual.
Relevant themes are reviewed through governance arrangements.

Fire-safety procedures should be reviewed through a staff discussion or table-top exercise at least every six months.

Annual training should be supplemented by earlier refresher training following:

A significant change to the premises.
A change to an evacuation procedure.
A relevant incident.
A failure during an evacuation.
An identified staff-learning need.
A significant change in guidance or legislation.

15. Practical Scenarios

Scenario 1: A blocked fire exit

Several boxes have been left in a corridor beside a final exit. A delivery company is expected to collect them later.

Appropriate response

Move the boxes only if this can be done safely and within your role.
Do not accept a plan to leave the obstruction until later.
Report the hazard to the host premises and the Registered Manager.
Record the concern and action taken where required.
If the route cannot be made safe immediately, seek urgent instructions.
Ensure that people do not rely on an unsafe route.

Scenario 2: A burning smell from a charger

A laptop charger is unusually hot and there is a burning smell, but no visible flame.

Appropriate response

Stop using the equipment.
Disconnect it only if this can be done safely and without touching damaged or hot parts.
Keep people away from the equipment.
Report the defect.
Do not use the charger again.
Do not place it in ordinary waste.
Raise the alarm and evacuate if smoke or fire is present.

Scenario 3: The alarm sounds during a patient telephone call

The fire alarm sounds while an administration staff member is speaking to a distressed patient.

Appropriate response

Tell the patient briefly that an emergency alarm has activated.
Explain that you must leave the building.
End the call.
Evacuate immediately.
Do not remain in the building because the patient is distressed.
Once safe and authorised to do so, follow the urgent-message procedure if an immediate clinical concern was reported.
Record and escalate the interruption appropriately.

Scenario 4: A visitor cannot use the stairs

A visitor using a wheelchair is in the waiting area when the alarm sounds.

Appropriate response

Follow the building’s agreed evacuation or refuge procedure.
Alert the trained person managing the evacuation.
Provide the visitor’s location.
Do not use an ordinary lift.
Do not improvise by attempting to carry the visitor.
Follow trained instructions.
Ensure that the person’s location is reported.
Protect your own safety.

Scenario 5: Someone says the alarm is probably a test

A colleague says the alarm is probably a test and wants to wait for confirmation.

Appropriate response

Treat the alarm as genuine.
Begin evacuating.
Give the colleague a clear instruction to leave.
Alert the fire warden if the colleague refuses.
Do not delay your own evacuation.
Report the colleague’s last known location if they remain inside.

16. Knowledge Check

Select one answer for each question.

The pass mark is 12 out of 15.

Every incorrectly answered safety-critical question must be reviewed with the manager or assessor before the learner is recorded as competent.

Question 1

What should you do first if you discover smoke or fire and the alarm has not activated?

☐ A. Try to identify the cause before acting.
☐ B. Raise the alarm immediately.
☐ C. Telephone the Registered Manager and wait.
☐ D. Collect confidential records.

Question 2

Which practice creates an avoidable fire risk?

☐ A. Keeping exits clear.
☐ B. Reporting a damaged electrical lead.
☐ C. Connecting one extension lead to another.
☐ D. Closing a fire door.

Question 3

The fire alarm sounds while you are completing an urgent task. What should you do?

☐ A. Finish the task if it will take less than two minutes.
☐ B. Wait for reception to confirm the alarm.
☐ C. Leave immediately by the nearest safe route.
☐ D. Save all files and collect your bag.

Question 4

When may an administration staff member use a fire extinguisher?

☐ A. Whenever smoke is visible.
☐ B. Only when trained and authorised, the fire is very small and the escape route remains clear.
☐ C. To avoid calling 999.
☐ D. Whenever equipment is at risk.

Question 5

The usual corridor is affected by smoke. What is the safest action?

☐ A. Move quickly through the smoke.
☐ B. Open doors to improve ventilation.
☐ C. Use the known alternative safe route.
☐ D. Wait in the corridor for instructions.

Question 6

Which statement about fire doors is correct?

☐ A. They may be wedged open during busy periods.
☐ B. They should close properly and must not be obstructed.
☐ C. They are only important overnight.
☐ D. They may be locked during an evacuation.

Question 7

A visitor has told you that they cannot use stairs. What should happen before or at the visit?

☐ A. Nothing unless the fire alarm sounds.
☐ B. The need should be recorded and escalated so that a suitable evacuation arrangement can be made.
☐ C. The visitor should bring someone to carry them.
☐ D. The visitor should be told to use the ordinary lift.

Question 8

What should you do at the assembly point?

☐ A. Leave once your own safety is confirmed.
☐ B. Return for belongings if no smoke is visible.
☐ C. Report through the attendance procedure and remain available.
☐ D. Telephone people inside and ask them to check rooms.

Question 9

Who is primarily responsible for maintaining and testing the building’s fire alarm and emergency lighting at host premises?

☐ A. Each administration staff member.
☐ B. The host organisation, with WMI Psychiatry obtaining appropriate assurance.
☐ C. Patients attending the clinic.
☐ D. The fire and rescue service.

Question 10

A colleague refuses to leave because they believe the alarm is a test. What should you do?

☐ A. Stay with them until they agree.
☐ B. Ignore the alarm as well.
☐ C. Warn them clearly, alert the person managing the evacuation and evacuate yourself.
☐ D. Reset the alarm.

Question 11

Which information is most useful in a factual fire-safety hazard report?

☐ A. A guess about who is to blame.
☐ B. The date, time, exact location, observations and actions taken.
☐ C. Only the cost of the repair.
☐ D. Unverified comments from other people.

Question 12

A charger is very hot and smells of burning. What is the appropriate response?

☐ A. Continue using it while monitoring it.
☐ B. Cover it with paper to contain the heat.
☐ C. Stop using it, act safely, report it and raise the alarm if smoke or fire is present.
☐ D. Put it immediately in ordinary waste.

Question 13

When can staff re-enter the premises following an evacuation?

☐ A. When the alarm stops.
☐ B. When five minutes have passed.
☐ C. When an authorised person or the fire and rescue service confirms that it is safe.
☐ D. When a colleague returns first.

Question 14

What should happen if a person may still be inside?

☐ A. A staff member should re-enter to search for them.
☐ B. The fire warden or emergency services should be told the person’s last known location.
☐ C. Staff should wait until the incident is over before mentioning it.
☐ D. Another visitor should be asked to look for them.

Question 15

Which option best describes the administration team’s fire-safety role?

☐ A. Personally maintain the fire-alarm system.
☐ B. Complete specialist fire risk assessments without training.
☐ C. Prevent obvious hazards, follow local procedures, support safe evacuation, report concerns and escalate appropriately.
☐ D. Investigate the cause of every alarm.

17. Learner Declaration

Learner name:

Role:

Date completed:

Attempt number:

I confirm that:

☐ I have completed the full module.
☐ I know the alarm, nearest call point, primary escape route, alternative escape route and assembly point for the premises where I work.
☐ I understand that every alarm must be treated seriously.
☐ I understand that evacuation must not be delayed.
☐ I know how and when to call 999 from a place of safety.
☐ I understand that I must not use an ordinary lift during a fire evacuation.
☐ I understand the limits of my role.
☐ I will not attempt to fight a fire unless I am trained, authorised and it is safe within the local procedure.
☐ I know how to identify and report a fire hazard or defective precaution.
☐ I understand how to support visitors and report anyone who may remain inside.
☐ I understand that I must not re-enter the building until an authorised person or the emergency services confirms that it is safe.
☐ I know where the WMI Psychiatry Fire Safety Policy and local host evacuation procedure are stored.

Learner signature:

Score out of 15:

Result – Pass or Further Learning Required:

Safety-critical errors reviewed:

Manager or assessor:

Questions 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13 and 14 are safety-critical.

For every incorrectly answered safety-critical question, the manager or assessor should:

Discuss the correct response with the learner.
Record that the answer was reviewed.
Ask the learner to explain the correct local response in their own words.
Confirm that the learner can identify the local alarm, escape routes, assembly point and escalation procedure.
Require reassessment if the learner’s understanding remains uncertain.

A learner must not be recorded as competent if they remain uncertain about:

Raising the alarm.
Immediate evacuation.
Avoiding smoke.
Supporting people within the limits of their role.
Calling 999.
Reporting a person who may remain inside.
Waiting for formal authorisation before re-entering the building.

19. CQC and Governance Implementation Requirements

Before issuing this module, WMI Psychiatry should:

Complete and approve the document-control information.
Complete the local fire contact and evacuation details.
Confirm the arrangements for the Broughton Hub and any other premises used.
Confirm the alarm sound or visual alert with the host premises.
Confirm the nearest alarm call point.
Confirm the primary and alternative escape routes.
Confirm the assembly point.
Confirm the staff and visitor attendance procedure.
Confirm how people who need assistance will be evacuated.
Confirm how individual evacuation plans are recorded.
Ensure that the Fire Safety Policy is current and accessible.
Ensure that the host premises’ evacuation plan is accessible.
Provide a site induction in addition to this online module.
Retain the completed knowledge check and learner declaration.
Record the learner’s score.
Record any reviewed safety-critical errors.
Record completion and the renewal date on the training matrix.
Retain appropriate evidence in the staff member’s training record.
Provide annual refresher training.
Provide earlier retraining following a significant change, relevant incident, or identified learning need.
Review local fire arrangements through a briefing or table-top discussion at least every six months.
Obtain and retain suitable assurance from the host premises about testing and maintenance.
Audit completion and overdue renewals through the clinic’s governance arrangements.

This module supports compliance but does not replace:

The WMI Psychiatry Fire Safety Policy.
The host premises’ fire induction.
The host premises’ emergency plan.
The building fire risk assessment.
Individual evacuation planning.
The WMI Psychiatry incident-reporting procedure.
Advice from a competent fire-safety professional.
Instructions from the fire and rescue service.