Management staff are required to comply with applicable local, state, and federal guidelines, standards, and regulations to help ensure safe operation of a healthcare facility. Additional responsibilities include:
- Implementing a safety program that includes a thorough and comprehensive fire prevention plan
- Providing initial training and at least annual review of the fire protection plan
- Performing at least annual audits to uncover potential fire safety hazards and help ensure that fire-fighting equipment, alarms, and evacuation procedures are appropriate and ready for a fire emergency
The responsibility to provide a safe work environment does NOT stop at the management level. ALL healthcare associates are required to follow facility-specific procedures designed to reduce that potential for a fire-related emergency. At a minimum, these safe work practices include:
- Active participation in safety training and fire drills
- Identification of potential fire hazards and immediate reporting to management staff or safety officer
