Fire Safety on Mental Health Wards

Synopsis

Fire safety on mental health wards is governed by the same regulations and guidelines as acute hospitals to ensure the safety of patients and staff. However, the nature of these wards presents their own specific and unique challenges. The service users often have conditions that make them more vulnerable during emergencies. They may have limited mobility, cognitive impairments, or be under medication that affects their ability to respond quickly
There is potential for patients to become disoriented, distressed or uncooperative during an evacuation. Some patients may not understand the meaning of a fire alarm or the need to evacuate, requiring clear instructions and staff support.
We must also take into account the risk of deliberate fire setting by service users requiring specific strategies and preventive measures to ensure the safety of all occupants
Mental health crises can lead to unpredictable behaviour which can include tampering with or damaging fire safety equipment including detector heads, extinguishers and fire doors, but we need to ensure that these are available & in good working order when required.
Service users will often take out their frustrations on the built environment
This presentation will look at some of the challenges we face ensuring that the wards are fire-safe but still providing a healing environment