Residential services staff
All residential services staff are required to understand the Fire Safety for Disability Residential Services 3rd Edition document and be assessed as competent in fire safety procedures every two years. Fire safety requirements are fully outlined in the Fire and Emergency Response Procedures and Training Framework (FERPTF).
Role of staff
Staff will:
- be assessed as competent in fire safety and evacuation procedures every two years (this will be arranged by a supervisor and training will provide the knowledge to use all fire related forms)
- participate in an evacuation exercise at least twice a year and complete the Fire Safety Evacuation Exercise Record
- support residents during evacuation exercises and in real life evacuations
- report any issues with evacuation procedures to the supervisor
- provide orientation to new and casual staff by completing the Fire Safety Orientation Checklist
- be familiar with the Fire Indicator Panel During Evacuation Drill Procedure and report any problems
- report any false alarm or actual fire incidents using the Incident Report form: Departmental Instruction (Funded Agency Channel external site)
- complete a Fire Risk Behaviour assessment as required.
Role of supervisors and managers
Supervisors and managers will ensure:
- the provisions of the Fire and Emergency Response Procedures and Training Framework are met
- residential service has an up-to-date Fire and Emergency Procedures Manual, for which a template is available
- all staff, including agency and casual staff, are assessed as competent in fire safety and evacuation procedures (contact the regional learning and development coordinator for more information)
- new and casual staff have orientation to the house using an Fire Safety Orientation Checklist form
- practice exercises are undertaken regularly and each staff member participates in a minimum of two evacuation exercises annually. The Fire Safety Evacuation Exercise Record sheet should be completed. The resource Conducting Evacuation Exercises is available to supervisors to help with structuring the exercises
- Fire Safety Weekly Checklists are completed
- Fire Safety Evacuation Pack forms are kept up-to-date and checked weekly
- A draft 'Fire Risk Management Tool for Short-Term Accommodation' has been developed for Department of Human Services managed accommodation facilities. Please contact your regional DHS fire risk coordinator for more informtion.
Site specific fire safety training resources
- Fire Safety for Disability Residential Services 3rd Edition – an 86 page book explaining fire safety requirements for Community Residential Units (this edition updates the Fire Safety for Disability Accommodation Services 2nd Edition)
- Fire Safety for Outer North Disabililty Accommodation Services – a 86 page book on fire safety at Outer North Disability Accommodation Services
- Fire Safety for Sandhurst Centre – an 83 page book on fire safety for Sandhurst Centre
- Fire safety for Statewide Forensic Services – an 83 page book on fire safety for Statewide Forensic Services
- Fire Safety Workbook for Disability Support Workers – a 23 page training workbook
- Fire Safety workbook for PRS, SFS and Sandhurst Centre – a 23 page training workbook for support staff at PRS, SFS and Sandhurst Centre.