The care home which houses sixteen adults with learning disabilities underwent a surprise check by the Care Quality Commission back in April.
The inspectors described several failings and issues in their report highlighting the home “requires improvement” overall.
“We found bedroom radiators were uncovered and could be rolled onto or lent against which could burn or scald the person” inspectors noted.
It was also found that the residents could be burnt by scalding water due to staff not checking the temperatures of hot water taps before showering or bathing.
The inspectors criticised the leadership of the care home for “not monitoring, assessing and mitigating the risks relating to health and safety and people’s individual risks” despite having safety audits in place.
Following the inspection, the care home and its owners must now send monthly reports to the CQC detailing hot water temperature checks and progress installing covers on all the radiators.
Temperature gauges have now been installed on the taps and all bedroom radiators have been covered.
The importance of radiator covers in care home environments cannot be stressed enough.
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) states that under health and safety legislation, radiator guards ARE required when people who have limited mobility are at risk of falling onto a hot surface that could cause harm.
Where assessment identifies that vulnerable people could come into prolonged contact with a radiator, such equipment should be designed or covered so that the minimum accessible surface temperature does not exceed 43 degrees.
The legislation that applies is:
- Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA), section 3;
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSWR), regulation 3;
- Provision of Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
It is important to assess the individual situation of each resident in your care home. The important things to consider are:
- Lack of Mobility. Will the resident be able to quickly move away from a hot surface in the case of a fall?
- Sensitivity to temperature. Will the resident be able to recognise if they are touching a heated surface?
- Mental Capacity. Will the resident be able to recognise or react to a heated surface?
- Furniture fittings or fixings. Are there any nearby objects such as wardrobes or drawers near the radiator/heater which will restrict movement away from the heat source?
If your care home requires radiator covers to keep your residents safe, you can receive an instant quote from us online here.
Alternatively, please speak to our team of specialists on 0161 869 6550 or by emailing info@radiator-guards.com. Our team is available 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday for all your safety needs.
Source: BristolLive.
