care-home-fire-safety-and-cqc-alignment-2026-07-26

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The CQC expects to see individualised plans that reflect each resident's current needs. These plans must be reviewed regularly and updated when a resident's condition changes.

BS Standards for Fire Safety Systems

Maintaining fire safety systems to the relevant British Standards ensures your equipment functions correctly when needed. The CQC and Fire and Rescue Services look for evidence of compliance with these standards:

• BS 5839-1 for fire detection and alarm systems
• BS 5266-1 for emergency lighting
• BS 9999 for fire safety in the design, management, and use of buildings
• BS 9991 for fire safety in residential dwellings

Routine testing, servicing, and maintenance must be carried out by competent persons, with all actions fully documented. Gaps in maintenance logs are a common finding during both CQC inspections and fire service audits.

How HawkSwift Supports care home compliance

HawkSwift Ltd provides fire risk assessments tailored to care home environments. Our NEBOSH-qualified assessors understand the complexities of residential care, including progressive horizontal evacuation, resident dependency levels, and CQC alignment.

We follow the PAS 79 methodology to ensure your assessment is thorough and defensible. Our detailed reports highlight significant findings, prioritise recommendations, and provide clear guidance on remedial actions. We deliver these reports within 48 hours of the site visit, helping you act quickly to resolve any identified issues.

care home fire risk assessments start from £199 + VAT. Because care facilities vary widely in size and complexity, we assess your specific requirements before confirming the final fee.

To keep your care home compliant with both the RRO and CQC expectations, book a fire risk assessment with our team today.

*This article is general guidance and not formal legal advice.*

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Your duties under the RRO 2005 for care homes

• Care homes must plan for residents who cannot self-evacuate — 'stay put' or assisted evacuation must be documented.
• CQC regulates care; fire safety is a CQC line of enquiry and must evidence RRO 2005 compliance.
• Fire doors, detection and staff fire training are inspected routinely (Art. 17, Art. 21).

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a written fire risk assessment? Yes, if you employ 5+ people, are a licensable or higher-risk premises, or the building is not a private home (Art. 9). How often should I review it? At least annually and immediately after any significant change. Can I do my own? Only if you are competent; many use a qualified NEBOSH-assessed assessor for a court-defensible report. Where do I start? Book a HawkSwift assessment — general guidance, not formal legal advice.

*General guidance, not formal legal advice — book a HawkSwift assessment for your premises.*