25.1 The provision of fire related signs should be on a risk based approach. This is acceptable to the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order and the National Care Standards Minimum Standards.
25.2 The decision to provide a sign or not, will take into account the fact that the care home is an individuals home and should not be made to look like an institution by a multitude of signs. However, where there is a safety need, signs must be provided. Additional signs may be provided if desired to those indicated below.
a) Exit Signs
All final exits must have an exit sign.
All exit routes will have the minimum number of signs necessary to indicate effectively the route to the final exit.
b) Fire Extinguishers
Only where the location of an extinguisher is not obvious from all viewing angles will a sign be placed in a conspicuous position to indicate the extinguishers location.
c) Fire Alarm Call Points
Only where the location of a fire alarm call point is not obvious, or it is camouflaged in some way, will a sign be placed in a conspicuous position to indicate the location of the break glass call point.
d) Operating mechanisms on doors
Doors fitted with push bars, push pads, or other security devices should have a sign indicating the method of operation.
e) Oxygen
When oxygen is in use, safety signs must be displayed.
f) Fire Notices
A sufficient number of fire notices should be displayed around the home to provide guidance on what to do in case of fire.
g) Refuge
Where the refuge concept is approved and adopted for the evacuation of disabled persons, the area designated as a refuge should be so indicated.
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