Doors call in fire safety inquiry

The fire claimed the lives of 14 residents at the care home

Care home bosses should identify which doors in their properties should be kept closed to avoid any spread of smoke and fire, according to a report.

The recommendation has been included in further advice issued following the Rosepark fire in Uddingston last year.

Ten people died at the home and a further four died in hospital.

The chief inspector of fire services and the Care Commission said fire safety risk assessments should be carried out.

A review of safety in Scotland's care homes was launched after the fire at the home on 31 January last year.

Emergency crews who attended the blaze said an "intense" fire broke out in a top floor cupboard in the home and generated a lot of smoke.

Easy access

Chief Inspector of Fire Services, Jeff Ord, said: "A recent research report which will be published within the next few weeks confirms the importance of doors being kept closed to prevent the spread of smoke and fire.

"A fire safety risk assessment undertaken by the owner/occupier of a residential care home will identify those doors which should be kept closed.

"Automatic self-closing devices should normally be fitted to these doors."

He added: "The choice of self closer type is important since some are not appropriate in a care home for older people or people with disabilities and advice should be sought from the local fire and rescue service."

A review of safety was launched following the blaze

Mr Ord stressed that all residents must have easy access to call systems at night, particularly those who need extra reassurance or assistance.

He said that some residents would be more agreeable to having their doors closed at night if they knew help was easily at hand should they need it.

Jacquie Roberts, the chief executive of the Care Commission, said every resident should have a personal care plan which balances care and support needs with other priorities including safety.

She said: "The views of the individual and their carers should be taken into account when the personal plan is developed.

"Care providers and managers in care homes must adopt a sensible and proportionate approach, which is based on managing risk and balancing safety with the needs, rights and choices of the service users."

An safety assessment of all of Scotland's 1,800 care homes was announced after last January's blaze.

Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said: "As we approach the first anniversary of the tragic events which took place at the Rosepark Care Home last year, it is vital that we continue to take all appropriate steps to further protect older and vulnerable people from the dangers of fire."

A report on the fire has been handed to the Crown Office and officials will decide if any legal action should be taken.