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SFRSBoard-26/09/2013/Reports/ of 3 Version 0.1 17/09/2013 HFSV Policy and Procedure

Report to: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Board

Report Number: B/PP/1-13

Date: 26 September 2013

Report By: Chief Officer Alasdair Hay

Subject: Home Fire Safety Visit Policy & Procedure

1. PURPOSE

1.1 The purpose of this report is to inform the Board of the Home Fire Safety Visit

(HFSV) Policy & Procedure proposed for introduction into SFRS.

2. RECOMMENDATION

2.1 Members are requested to approve the policy and procedure for implementation

throughout SFRS.

3. BACKGROUND

3.1 The HFSV Policy & Procedure sets out how the SFRS intends to deliver a key

intervention designed to improve home safety and reduce the risk from accidental

dwelling house fires.

3.2 This policy forms part of an holistic approach to engagement where additional

policies on Adults at Risk of Harm, Child Protection and Post Domestic Incident

Response all contribute to ensuring a whole systems approach to delivering home

safety advice and signposting risk groups.

A HFSV may be defined as:

‘A comprehensive assessment carried out by a trained assessor, which examines

the levels of fire risk within the home. It provides a means to mitigate the risk

through the provision of guidance, advice and, if required, the installation of long life

battery operated smoke and heat alarm(s).’



4. POLICY DELIVERY

4.1 The HFSV ambitions for 2013-2014 are built around demonstrating continuous

improvement of service delivery across Scotland, growing the engagement with

communities and focusing activity within households most at risk from fire. SFRS

intends to provide a fast professional response, on a risk based approach, to

requests for advice or assistance from members of the public.

4.2 The structures for policy delivery have been designed to provide effective and

efficient local delivery models for engagement based on a number of national

demographics including population, number of households, geography and historical

fire data.

4.3 Subsequent alignment of SFRS structures combining operational crewing resources

with Community Action Teams (CAT) will provide means for effective local

engagement.

4.4 Maintaining HFSV levels beyond existing targets will present a significant challenge.

Therefore it will be essential to develop local good practice using all available

resources, including RDS, Volunteers and Retired Employees, to support current

ambitions.

4.5 The longer term solution will require deeper partner engagement and joint working,

recognising the risk from fire accurately and at the point of first contact (assessment).

SFRS activity can then be directed efficiently and be prioritised according to

perceived risk; examples of good practice exist in various Regional SDA’s and LSO

Areas but require consolidation.

5. PERFORMANCE

5.1 The Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland 2013 refers to Community Fire Safety

activity within key performance measures, in particular detailed activity around

targeting HFSV activity towards higher risk households.

5.2 Challenging targets for HFSV for 2013-2014 have been agreed with each LSO Area,

demonstrating continuous improvement of service delivery, growing the engagement

with communities and focusing activity within households most at risk from fire (See

SLT Paper 17/04/13).

5.3 Legacy monitoring arrangements were varied and have subsequently limited the

ability to understand the qualitative element of historical HFSV performance. This

position impacts on how best to introduce a single methodology to set uniform LSO

targets based on a qualitative method focused on higher risk households.

5.4 In future the quantitative targets agreed for 2013/14 will be linked to existing ratio of

High, Medium and Low value visits, via the SFRS Community Safety Engagement

Toolkit (CSET). Thereafter focus should centre on developing referral pathways with



key partner agencies which is likely to direct SFRS towards high risk

households/communities and consequently high value HFSV’s, resulting in a more

qualitative approach.

6. MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING

6.1 Management of HFSV’s, and other CSE activity, is by use of the now national

CSET.

6.2 CSET has the capacity to record, risk rate, prioritise and schedule HFSV activity in

each LSO Area.

6.3 CSET continues to be developed and in future will have the capability to record and

manage local partnership and initiatives. The CSET development is being supported

by transitional funding, scheduled over 3 years.

7. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

7.1 The financial implications centre around three factors, delivery costs (personnel),

physical supply costs (Smoke/Heat Alarms) and management systems (CSET).

7.2 Costs for delivery are directly related to number of HFSV’s conducted and are

absorbed within LSO Budgets, for both operational and CAT personnel. Therefore

exponential growth in HFSV numbers inevitably impact on budgets, which supports a

rationale of targeting high risk households when facing future budgets constraints.

7.3 Physical supply costs are based on historical and proposed targets, estimated at

£270K for 2012/13, potentially growing in line with new targets identified.

7.4 Transitional funding of £118K is supporting (Year 2 - 2013/14) development of CSET;

a future bid for Year 3 will be required, currently estimated at £78K.

8. CONSULTATION

8.1 All legacy Scottish FRS’s, numerous partner organisation and representative bodies

have been consulted and provided comments that have shaped the formulation of

this policy and procedure.

9. EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT

9.1 The framework has been subject to an Equality Impact Assessment with the outcome

demonstrating that there is no discrimination of the protected characteristics.

ALASDAIR HAY

CHIEF OFFICER

26 SEPTEMBER 2013


P&P/Policy/HFSV Policy and Procedure Page 1 of 32 Version 0.1: 19/09/2013

PREVENTION & PROTECTION HOME FIRE SAFETY VISIT POLICY & PROCEDURE

Author/Role Group Manager Ian McMeekin

Date of Risk Assessment (if applicable) TBA

Date of Equality Impact Assessment 11 October 2012

Date of Impact Assessment (commenced) 4 September 2012

Date of Impact Assessment (concluded) TBA

Quality Control (name) Group Manager Martin Millar

Authorised (name and date) Home Fire Safety Visit Policy and Procedure

Date for Review April 2014



SECTION ONE POLICY

1.1 POLICY STATEMENT

1.2 PURPOSE OF THE POLICY

1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1.4 DEFINITIONS

1.5 TARGETING AND PRIORITISING VISITS

1.6 ASSESSMENT OF RISK

1.7 SUPPORT AND RESOURCES

1.8 RECORDING AND INFORMATION SHARING

1.9 SCHEDULING HOME FIRE SAFETY VISITS

1.10 MONITORING AND EVALUATION

SECTION TWO: PROCEDURE

2.1 INTRODUCTION


2.3 TARGETING AND PRIORITSING HOME FIRE SAFETY VISITS

2.4 ENGAGING WITH PARTNER AGENCIES

2.5 HOME FIRE SAFETY VISIT PROCESS



2.6 APPENDIX A – RISK RATING FORM

2.7 APPENDIX B – DISCLAIMER FORM

2.8 APPENDIX C – HOME FIRE SAFETY VISIT RISK ASSESSMENT

2.9 APPENDIX D – EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT



SECTION ONE - POLICY

1.1 POLICY STATEMENT

1.1.1 The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 places a statutory duty on the Scottish Fire and

Rescue Service (SFRS) to promote fire safety, and in particular provide

information about the steps that can be taken to prevent fire.

1.1.2 Analysis of fires in the home across Scotland confirms that fire can occur

anywhere, at anytime, often with tragic consequences. The most frequent and

serious fires in the home are often found to be concentrated within deprived

urban and rural neighbourhoods where the risk from fire is increased due to:

Age and mobility

Health

Addiction

Household composition

Lifestyle

Deprivation.

1.1.3 As a result of the increased focus upon Community Safety, together with

operational personnel undertaking Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs), over the

past five years there has been a downward trend in the number of fires in the

home. Social and demographic factors, such as changing population dynamics

and increased social inequalities, could result in the number of persons at risk

from fire rising. There is therefore a requirement to target the number of HFSVs

delivered appropriately to those most at risk.

1.1.4 This policy provides a framework for engaging with communities through HFSVs

and should be read in conjunction with the following documents:



Post Domestic Incident Response (PDIR) Procedure

Adults at Risk of Harm Child Protection Policy

(Fire) Case Study/Conference Policy

1.1.5 Local Senior Officers (LSOs) will direct their staff members to engage with

appropriate partner agencies and services to reduce the likelihood of fire within

the home. Partnership working is considered to be the most effective method of

targeting ‘at risk’ groups and identifying high value HFSVs.

1.1.6 Whilst the SFRS will direct resources to the people and places most at risk, the

Service is committed to providing all householders with a HFSV on request and,

shall ensure that services are available to all of Scotland’s communities.

1.1.7 The delivery of the HFSV service provides an opportunity for frontline crews to

gather operational risk information on properties, risks and water supplies

located within the communities they serve. This intelligence will assist Fire-

fighters to implement relevant control measures during operational incidents,

whilst ensuring all identified priorities are achieved safely.

1.2 PURPOSE OF THE POLICY

1.2.1 The purpose of this document is to provide information and guidance to SFRS

personnel on how to target, conduct, record and manage HFSVs.

1.2.2 Full consideration has been given to the relevant legislation, recommendations

and guidance contained within the following documents:

Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland (2013)

SFRS Strategic Assessment

SFRS Integrated Risk Management Plan

SFRS Strategic Plan



SFRS Vision and Values Statement

SFRS Prevention and Protection Strategy

Scotland Together (2009)

Adult Support and Protection Act (2007)

1.2.3 LSOs will have responsibility for implementing the HFSV policy at a local level.

1.2.4 The Community Safety Engagement Toolkit (CSET) will be used to record all

HFSV activity and will permit the prioritisation of HFSVs on the basis of risk.


1.3.1 This policy aims to provide strategic direction for the implementation of HFSVs.

The main objectives are to:

Reduce the number of fires in the home by providing fire safety information

and advice to householders

Increase the percentage of high risk households with fitted working smoke

alarms

Identify and target communities and individuals most at risk from fire in the

home

Enable Fire-fighters to gain valuable operational risk information on

properties within their area

Engage with all of Scotland’s communities to deliver community fire safety

advice and education

Work in partnership with local authorities, services, and housing providers

to improve the health, wellbeing, and safety of communities

Understand the need for relevant inter agency communication and

collaboration to ensure the effective targeting and delivery of HFSVs



1.4 DEFINITIONS

1.4.1 HFSVs are a proven method of engaging with people at risk from fire and

provide appropriate fire safety information and advice.

1.4.2 A HFSV may be defined as:

‘A comprehensive assessment carried out by a trained assessor, which

examines the levels of fire risk within the home. It provides a means to mitigate

the risk through the provision of guidance, advice and, if required, the installation

of long life battery operated smoke and heat alarm(s).’

1.4.3 A HFSV consists of:

Assessing the chance (probability) of fire occurring

Considering the consequences (severity) to occupants and neighbours

should a fire occur undetected

Utilising a risk assessment methodology to take account of health of the

occupants, lifestyle, fire hazards, home environment and layout of

dwellings

Testing existing smoke alarms, fit replacement and/or additional alarms to

ensure adequate provision throughout dwellings

Providing a heat detector if appropriate

Recording data within CSET

Establishing referral systems to facilitate effective liaison with partners to

advise and inform them of any notable risk or emerging trends



1.5 TARGETING AND PRIORITISING VISITS

1.5.1 Targeting of HFSVs will be informed by analysis and assessment of data,

trends, and operational intelligence, and through information received from

partner agencies. Partner agencies may include:

Local Authority

Police

Healthcare Agencies

Housing Providers

Voluntary Sector

Social Services

Alcohol and Drug Partnerships

1.5.2 Prioritisation of visits will be automatically generated by CSET, using the

information supplied by householders within the Risk Rating Form (Appendix A).

Visits will be prioritised initially by a risk rating of High, Medium or Low. Within

each individual Community Fire Station HFSV list; visits will be further prioritised

using the risk rating score.

1.6 ASSESSMENT OF RISK

1.6.1 A number of factors are known to greatly increase risk, for example:

Insufficient or defective smoke alarms

Addiction, medication or prescribed drugs, infirmity, disability (physical and

mental) and ill health

Age, many long term illnesses or medical conditions become progressively

more debilitating with age

Lifestyle and social circumstances



Inability or failure to take adequate fire precautions

Inability to respond safely or behave rationally in a fire situation

Occupancy i.e. lives alone, part of family or in shared accommodation

A history of previous fires/firesetting

Property type i.e. multi storey flat, maisonette, semi-detached or detached

property

Lack of structural fire protection

1.6.2 These, and other factors, have been considered when developing the Risk

Rating Form. In addition to the aforementioned information, appropriate

information and advice should be provided dependent on the type of property

and individual circumstances. This information can be included in the

‘comments’ sections in CSET.

1.6.3 SFRS personnel carrying out HFSVs are trained in the concept of risk

assessment. In particular, operational crews have professional knowledge and

experience of the factors that both increase the probability of fire in the home

and the severity of the consequences. Moreover, personnel have information

and knowledge of fire safety precautions that can impact on the likelihood and

severity of a fire in the home.

1.6.4 SFRS personnel have a duty to take cognisance of their own health and safety

when conducting a HFSV and must comply with all appropriate SFRS Policies

and Procedures.

1.6.5 Facilities will exist on the SFRS Internet website to allow members of the public

to complete a self-assessment questionnaire, which will replicate the questions

asked in the Risk Rating Form. Following this, appropriate fire safety advice and

the opportunity to request a HFSV will be available to the user.



1.7 SUPPORT AND RESOURCES

1.7.1 CSET provides comprehensive information and resources to support the

implementation of this policy. These documents are available in the guidance

section of CSET. In addition, SFRS personnel have a duty to familiarise

themselves with the contents of this policy, accompanying procedures and

resources.

1.7.2 Information and a self-assessment tool for members of the public can be

accessed via the SFRS website: www.firescotland.gov.uk

SFRS personnel should refer members of the public to this online resource,

where appropriate. The website will allow householders to access fire safety

information and advice including risk specific guidance.

1.7.3 Intranet based incident analytical tools and recording systems have been

provided to improve the targeting and provision of Community Fire Safety

information and advice.

1.8 RECORDING AND INFORMATION SHARING

1.8.1 Details of all referrals and contact with householders must be entered into the

CSET - HFSV database. This will allow a comprehensive case history to be

established for every property visited. It is the responsibility of LSOs, via the

local Group Manager (P&P), to ensure that all aspects of CSET are kept up to

date and used by all staff.

1.8.2 The SFRS has a number of intranet based analytical tools available to identify

and target high risk communities. Information can then be shared with identified

key partners in relation to fires in the home to achieve combined partnership

objectives.

http://www.firescotland.gov.uk/



1.8.3 All information must be shared in accordance with SFRS policies and

procedures. Service Level Agreements (SLA), Partnership Protocols etc. must

be set up prior to sharing information in order to satisfy legal requirements and

ensure robust process. Further information can be accessed via SFRS’ Legal

Services and the Data Protection/Freedom of Information Officer.

1.9 SCHEDULING HOME FIRE SAFETY VISITS

1.9.1 The scheduling, delivery and recording of HFSVs within Station areas should be

supervised and managed at local level. LSOs have the flexibility to utilise

staffing levels in order to assign personnel to community fire safety duties

including the delivery of HFSVs.

1.9.2 Operational commitments and exigencies of the SFRS may on occasion make it

necessary to curtail or reschedule HFSVs. Visits must be scheduled and

managed to minimise inconvenience to householders. In the case of persons

deemed to be at risk of harm, or who have complex needs and are in need of

support and protection, a HFSVs could be carried out by other appropriate staff

i.e. Community Action Team (CAT) members. Examples of where it may be

necessary or appropriate for the visit to be carried out by non-operational staff

include:

A person(s) who requires, and has arranged for, a carer or other family

member to be present

A person(s) who requires and has made prior arrangements to have a

representative from another agency, service or voluntary organisation to be

present

A referral where the occupier(s) has more complex needs that requires the

attention of individuals with specialist skills, knowledge and understanding

of the available safety measures and processes within their area



1.10 MONITORING AND EVALUATION

1.10.1 SFRS will provide a fast professional response, on a risk based approach, to

requests for advice or assistance from members of the public. All activities will

be monitored and evaluated at Station, Local Area and Regional Service

Delivery Area levels.

1.10.2 The purpose of introducing HFSV targets is to support and encourage

continuous improvement and realisation of the benefits of reform, this being

particularly relevant with the introduction of a National HFSV Policy.

Locally agreed targets for HFSVs should be perceived as providing added value

rather than as punitive or an unnecessary burden, and will allow local delivery

solutions to be based on local risk profiles. Each LSO will be set targets for

HFSV activity focusing on:

I. Qualitative outcomes in terms of engaging with high risk households, and;

II. Quantitative outputs relating to numbers of visits completed.

The targets themselves will be based on the principle of maintaining continuous

improvement over historic local performance, which will contribute to SFRS

National priorities.

1.10.3 The implementation of the Post Domestic Incident Response (PDIR) Procedure,

along with the development of local campaigns and activities, must be used as a

direct means to generate HFSV in high risk communities where there is a lack of

visits being generated from existing referral pathways. Intranet based analytical

tools will assist personnel to target and prioritise campaigns and actives to

communities most at risk of fire.



1.10.4 The points allocation system has been determined by the Prevention and

Protection Directorate using a standard risk assessment matrix, as identified

below i.e. 4 HFSV points per Low Risk, 8 HFSV points per Medium Risk and 24

HFSV points per High Risk Visits. Target points will be reviewed on an annual

basis to ensure that they meet the needs of the organisation and support

continuing performance.

1.10.5 CSET HFSV Reports Database can be used to evaluate the HFSV programme

at a Local Area or Station level. This can be done at periodic predetermined

times and can assess the value of HFSVs from a quantitative perspective.

Customer and partner feedback should be analysed to gather qualitative

information which will enhance the evaluation.

1.10.6 The Prevention and Protection Directorate will support the monitoring and

evaluation of HFSVs by:

Auditing the achievement of predetermined targets at National, Regional

Service Delivery Area and Local levels

Continuously assessing the performance and effectiveness of HFSVs

Implementing periodic reviews of SFRS’ HFSV programme



Conducting scheduled reviews of the HFSV policy and accompanying

procedure and guidance

Supporting the review of policies associated with HFSVs e.g. Adults at

Risk of Harm and PDIR

Consulting with partner agencies

SECTION TWO – PROCEDURE

2.1 INTRODUCTION



2.1.1 This procedure provides information to all SFRS personnel in accordance with

the HFSV policy. All aspects of the management of HFSVs will be covered,

including:

Targeting and promoting HFSVs through engagement with communities

Engaging with partner agencies to target HFSVs at high risk individuals

and communities

Delivering HFSVs

Recording HFSVs in the Community Safety Engagement Toolkit (CSET)

2.2 TARGETING AND PRIORITISING HOME FIRE SAFETY VISITS

2.2.1 Station Managers are responsible for managing referrals and requests for

HFSVs received from partner agencies and members of the public within their

Station area. Localised community fire safety activity should focus on

generating referrals from high risk groups.

2.2.2 HFSVs will be targeted at hard to engage or at risk groups through partnership

referrals and targeted HFSV campaigns. Campaigns should be devised at local

level and may include:

Leaflet drops and targeted campaigns within high risk communities

High profile SFRS attendance at public events within high risk communities

Information exhibitions in facilities accessed by high risk groups i.e.

Doctor’s surgeries or Pharmacies

PDIR campaigns

2.2.3 All requests for HFSVs must be recorded on the Risk Rating Form (Appendix A).

Where the request is received via telephone the information will be entered

directly into CSET by searching for the property address and adding a new visit



request. Any completed paper copies must be entered into CSET as soon as

possible.

2.2.4 The Risk Rating Form incorporates a scoring system which has been developed

to categorise risk, and prioritise HFSVs through analysis of property profiling.

2.2.5 On entering a HFSV request into CSET, the toolkit will prioritise visits into High,

Medium and Low risk, using the information on the Risk Rating Form. HFSV

requests will then automatically appear in the appropriate Community Fire

Stations pending list in the correct order. Visits should then be scheduled in the

order which they appear on the pending list, where appropriate.

2.2.6 In the case of High Risk referrals each household must be contacted within 24

hours of the Community Fire Station being notified. This requires all Community

Fire Stations to regularly access CSET to check for new HFSV requests.

2.3 ENGAGING WITH PARTNER AGENCIES

2.3.1 The SFRS is fully committed to being represented at all necessary levels of the

Community Planning process. This promotes and encourages partnership

working across all public, private and voluntary sectors. Through partnership

working SFRS delivers a diverse range of Community Fire Safety prevention

activities including the delivery of HFSVs.

2.3.2 Local Areas should develop local strategies to develop communication with

partner agencies. Partner agency information should be integrated to develop a

joint approach to targeting individuals at risk of fire. Examples of this may

include local level liaison with:

Social Services to ensure involvement with Single Shared Assessments



Police to supplement identification of persons ‘at risk’

NHS to target HFSVs at appropriate individuals who may be at risk from

fire and newly discharged from hospital

Alcohol and Drug Partnerships to identify individuals at risk from fire as a

result of addiction or chaotic lifestyles

Housing Associations to target tenants and specific property profiles i.e

high rise flats

2.3.3 The Risk Rating Form (Appendix A) should be completed on each occasion

where referrals are received from partner agencies. The Prevention and

Protection Directorate will provide hard copies of these forms to all Areas.

Partner agencies can also submit referrals using the free-phone telephone line,

0800 0731 999.

2.3.4 Any engagement with a partner agency, regarding a specific property, can be

logged within CSET using the Notes section.

2.4 HOME FIRE SAFETY VISIT PROCESS

2.4.1 The flowchart overleaf outlines the process for carrying out a HFSV.



HFSV Process Flowchart

2.4.2 HFSV Request/Referral – Upon receipt of a request for a HFSV the information

from the Risk Rating Form should be entered into CSET.

2.4.3 To arrange a HFSV, Stations should refer to the pending list within CSET, which

will include all HFSV requests for the Station in order of risk. Prior to arranging

a visit the history should be reviewed to identify any previous Fire and Rescue

Service engagement with the property.

2.4.4 Each visit should be scheduled for a convenient time to the householder. SFRS

should endeavour to keep all appointments, and when this is not possible, the

householder must be contacted at the earliest possible opportunity. A further

visit should then be arranged.

ARRANGE A VISIT Refer to pending list, check property history, contact occupant to arrange visit,

update CSET.

HFSV DECLINED/NO RESPONSE

Update CSET.

CARRY OUT HFSV Complete SFR disclaimer form. Comply with HFSV policy, procedure and guidance, H&S policy. Check for home fire hazards/risks, fit equipment,

and provide information / advice.

HFSV COMPLETED Update property history in

CSET.

PARTNER AGENCIES Refer where appropriate i.e.

Persons at risk.

HFSV REQUEST/REFERRAL Complete initial Risk Rating Form. Save in

CSET.



2.4.5 In the situation where contact with the householder has been unsuccessful on a

minimum of three occasions, then a letter should be sent to the property. This

letter must be generated by the Watch Manager using the template available in

CSET. At this point, CSET will default the visit to the relative revisit frequency

(removing it from the Station pending list). If the visit has been received from a

referring agency then contact should be made prior to any letter being sent.

2.4.6 The following points should be applied for all HFSVs conducted by the SFRS:

Warrant and identification cards should be shown and name badges

displayed on arrival

Permission must be sought and granted by the householder or other

responsible person, and the Disclaimer Form (Appendix B) signed prior to

commencing the assessment

Account should be taken of the hazards and controls within the SFRS

generic HFSV Risk Assessment (Appendix C)

Staff must respect different cultures and religions within communities and

take cognisance of how these issues can impact upon the assessment

Staff must treat all persons with dignity and respect

Staff must not be critical or judgemental about the lifestyle of occupants

At any time during a visit where staff are subjected to hostility, or fear for

their safety, they should suspend the visit immediately. This should then

be reported to the Station Manager in relation to near miss reporting

Where SFRS staff become aware of any form of violence or criminality

then the Police should be contacted

All interactions will be conducted in accordance with SFRS’s core values

2.4.7 The SFRS Disclaimer Form (Appendix B) must be completed for every HFSV.

Personnel shall read the disclaimer aloud, after which the

householder/appropriate adult must then agree to the HFSV, and sign the

disclaimer prior to the assessment being carried out.



2.4.8 Immediately on return to station, appropriate entries or updates must be made

within CSET. Persons deemed to be at ongoing risk of harm should be referred

to other agencies in accordance with SFRS Adults at Risk of Policy.



APPENDIX A – RISK RATING FORM



APPENDIX B – DISCLAIMER FORM

(NOT ATTACHED)



Equality & Human Rights Impact Assessment Recording Form Fire Service Reform Project

PART 1 BASIC INFORMATION

Project Group

Name: Prevention and Protection – Cathy Barlow

E&D Officer Name: Joan Robertson

Title (of function/policy to be assessed e.g. name of policy, title of training course)

Home Fire Safety Visit Risk Rating Form

Date Assessment Commenced 4 September 2012

The purpose of the following set of questions is to provide a summary of the function/policy.

Briefly describe the aims, objectives and purpose of the function/policy

The aim of the form is identify the risk of an individual or household in relation to domestic fire, in order that home fire safety visits can be prioritised in terms of risk.

Are there any associated objectives of the function/policy (please explain)?

To prioritise those most at risk from domestic fires and ensure they receive prompt advice.

Does this function/policy link with any other function/ policy? If Yes, please list and describe relationship.

To the documents produced from the Scotland Together report in response to the recommendations In particular the following; Domestic Fire Safety Framework Adults at Risk of Harm Guidance & Good Practice

Community Safety Definitions

Home Fire Risk Awareness Training Presentation and Aide Memoire

Home Fire Safety Visit Guidance

Working with Housing Providers - Guidance

Information Sharing Guidance & Good Practice

Who is intended to benefit from the function/policy and in what way?

Fire Service staff will benefit in being able to recognise and prioritise those at greatest risk. The public will benefit from those at risk being identified and given advice quickly.

What outcomes are wanted from this function/policy?

An ability to recognise those at most risk from domestic fire, allowing the ability on the part of the fire and rescue service to prioritise those most at



risk. These should lead to a reduction in domestic fires.

What factors/forces could contribute/detract from the outcomes?

Failure to adopt the risk rating process leaves vulnerable individuals with unmet needs.

Who are the main stakeholders in relation to the function/policy?

Fire Service Partner agencies The Public

Who implements the policy and who is responsible for the function/policy?

The document is the responsibility of Community Safety and Engagement, however it will be used by operational Firefighters across all areas, as well as non uniform advocates in the fire and rescue service. It is also intended to be used by partner agencies to refer those they identify as vulnerable to domestic fire.

When will this function/policy be implemented?

During Transition Period

For Day 1 New FRS

Post Day 1 FRS

X



PART 2 ESTABLISHING RELEVANCE – INITIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

This section is designed to determine the relevance of the function/policy to equality.

This section also fulfils our duty to consider the impact of our activities in relation to Human Rights.

Initial screening will provide an audit trail of the justification for those functions not deemed relevant for equality impact assessment.

Throughout the process the evidence and justification behind your decision is more important

Q1. The function/policy will or is likely to influence SFRs ability to....

a) Eliminate discrimination, victimisation, harassment or other unlawful conduct that is prohibited under the Equality Act 2010 and/or;

b) Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a characteristic and those

who do not and/or;

c) Foster good relations between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and

those who do not.

Please tick as appropriate.

Yes/ Potential

No Don’t Know/Don’t Have Enough Evidence

Age X

Caring responsibilities X

Disability X

Gender reassignment X

Marriage and civil partnership (answer this only in relation to point a above)

X

Pregnancy and maternity X

Race X

Religion and belief X

Sex (gender) X

Sexual Orientation X

Social and economic disadvantage X

If you have selected ‘No’ for any or all of the characteristics above please provide supporting evidence or justification for your answers. There is no evidence that marriage or civil partnership increases risk of domestic fire, indeed the opposite is the case, with those living alone at greater risk. AND,



If you have identified any potential links to other functions/policies please comment on the relationship and relevance to equality.

This Risk Rating Form links to the Domestic Fire Framework and other documents arising from the recommendations of the Scotland Together Report.

Q2. Is the function/policy relevant to the Human Rights Act 1998?

If you have selected ‘No’ please provide supporting evidence or justification for your answers AND, If you have identified any potential links to other functions/policies please comment on the relationship and relevance to Human Rights.

This document involves the sharing and gathering of personal information. There may be a relevance in relation to Article 8 of the Human Rights Act, 1998, however sound protocols for information sharing and data storing should eliminate this.

Concluding Part 2

Outcome of Establishing Relevance Please Tick

Next Steps

There is no relevance to Equality or the Human Rights Act 1998

Proceed to Part 5 Monitoring

There is relevance to some or all of the Equality characteristics and/or the Human Rights Act 1998

X

Proceed to Part 3 Partial Impact Assessment

It is unclear if there is relevance to some or all of the Equality characteristics and/or the Human Rights Act 1998

Proceed to Part 3 Partial Impact Assessment

Yes No Don’t Know X



PART 3 PARTIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Describe and reference:

relevant issues

evidence gathered and used

any relevant resolutions to problems

assessment and analysis

decision about implementation

justification for decision

potential issues that will require future review

Characteristic

Age It is recognised that older people are at greater risk of domestic fire and so the document specifically asks for age groups in order to assess more accurately risk. The impact is a positive one.

Caring Responsibilities

No impact directly on the individual with the caring responsibilities. However the document does capture information on those likely to be in need of care and so has an indirect positive impact.

Disability The document specifically seeks information on those at risk in relation to health and mobility. Those with health and mobility issues will be rated higher than someone without these issues and be given priority. The impact of the form is positive in relation to disability.

Gender reassignment

Although the form does not directly affect those who undergo gender re-assignment, many who do so or are considering their gender identity, are under severe pressure and stress and may be affected by depression or stress related illness. In addition there is evidence of hate related crime directed at those who do re-assign their gender and this may increase their risk to domestic fire. The form captures information on health and so has a positive impact.

Marriage and Civil Partnership

There is no impact from this form related to marriage or civil partnership.

Pregnancy and maternity

The form requests information on medical circumstances and on details of age groups within the home. Where there are young children present there may be an increased risk due to different heat sources being used. In addition pregnancy may restrict an individuals mobility and therefore their ability to evacuate a house. Although pregnancy is not an illness impaired ability to evacuate the home when necessary is a danger. The form has a positive impact in identifying risk.

Race Race in itself does not increase risk from fire. However cultural and language differences may increase risk. For instance different cooking methods used in the home may increase risk of fire and little or no understanding of English may indirectly restrict someone’s full knowledge and access to domestic fire safety advice. The form can be used for referral by other agencies to access the services. In that sense it has a positive impact on race.



Religion and Belief

There is no direct impact in the document regarding religion and belief, however religious practices that may increase risk of fire me be captured in the form in the sections linked to the use of candles or open fire. The form has a positive impact in relation to religion and belief.

Sex (gender) The form does not have direct impact on sex or gender, however fire statistics will show that older men are at greater risk of death and injury from fire. In that sense indirect impact on sex or gender is captured through other questions on the form. The form has a positive impact in relation to sex.

Sexual Orientation

There is no evidence to suggest that sexual orientation is linked to increased risk of domestic fire. The form does not impact on sexual orientation. However indirect impact linked to other areas, such as age, health, etc. is captured.

Social and economic disadvantage

Social and economic disadvantage often results in poorer quality electrical goods being used, poor maintenance of property and associated risk.

Human Rights

The potential for impact related to Human Rights is linked to the fact that the form allows for the information on individuals to be passed between partner agencies. Although the form has a positive impact in relation to identifying individuals at risk and prioritising a service to them, sound information sharing protocols should be in place to facilitate this.

Impact on People in General not covered by specific characteristics

Fire statistics indicate that a number of factors increase risk of domestic fire and that these are not always linked to protected characteristics. The consumption of alcohol is one of the greatest factors in increasing fire risk. The form has been developed around the most common occurring factors that increase risk of fire and as such captures those areas that are not protected characteristic. The form has a positive impact in relation to these risk areas.

Summary and Conclusion of Partial Impact Assessment

The nature of the form and its content has a positive impact in identifying and prioritising those most at risk from domestic fires. The ability for referral by other agencies is likely to assist greatly in this. The conclusion is that any impact from this form is positive and can only be of benefit.

Concluding Part 3

Partial Impact Assessment Please Tick

Next Steps

There is no relevance to Equality or the Human Rights Act 1998


There is relevance to some or all of the Equality characteristics and/or the Human Rights Act 1998 and relevant actions are recorded above in Summary and Conclusion

X


There is relevance to some or all of the Proceed to Part 4 Full Impact



Equality characteristics and/or the Human Rights Act 1998 and a Full Impact Assessment is required

Assessment

PART 4 FULL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Contact Elaine Gerrard for guidance at this stage.

Record and Summary of Full Impact Assessment

PART 5 MONITORING & REVIEW

The purpose of this section is to show how you will monitor the impact of the function/policy.

The reason for monitoring is to determine if the actual impact of the function/policy is the same as the expected and intended impact.

A statement on monitoring is required for all functions/policies regardless of whether there is any relevance to Equality or the Human Rights Act.

The extent of your answer will depend upon the scope of the function/policy to impact on Equality and Human Rights issues.

If you have provided evidence or justification for believing there is no relevance to Equality or the Human Rights Act in Section 2 Establishing Relevance or Section 3 Partial Impact Assessment: Q1 How do you intend to monitor and review the function/policy?

The effectiveness of the form should be monitored by the number of forms coming through, broken down to external agency and internal referrals.

If you have provided evidence or justification for believing there is relevance to Equality or the Human Rights Act:



Q2 What will be monitored?

The number of referrals made and the number of visits undertaken. The ability to disaggregate the information captured on the form would be useful to identify proportionality of risk.

Q3 How will monitoring take place?

Through a domestic fire safety data base being maintained and monitored

Q4 What is the frequency of monitoring?

Three Years

Q5 How will monitoring information be used?

Monitoring should be used to change any risk ratings on the form, if required and to direct any particular intervention activity that may be required as a result of information gathered in the forms.

PART 6 APPROVAL

This Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment was completed by:

Name

Joan Robertson

Date

11/10/12

This Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment was reviewed by:

Name

Martin Millar

Project Group

Prevention and Protection Fire Reform Team

Date

11/10/12



This Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment was approved by:

Name

Date

Report to: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Board Report ... · dwelling house fires. ... 8.1 All...

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