Fire safety breaches lead to care home fine

摘要

BREAKSEA RESIDENTIAL Care Homes Ltd. was prosecuted at Cardiff Magistrates Court, reported Wales 24/7, after having been brought to court by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS). It was found, after inspections, to have committed three offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 [FSO] at Newton Care Home, a private facility with over 30 residents. The offences covered fire safety training for staff and failing to conduct any 'appropriate' evacuation drills. The news outlet noted that those elements of fire safety legislation 'are essential if occupants are to escape safely in the event of a fire' and the company pleaded guilty to all three breaches, Judge Stephen Harmes ordered it to pay a fine of £24,000, plus costs of £9,930, 'within 56 days'. He also stated that in this case 'there was a clear risk because of penny-pinching', as the company had been 'putting profit before safety'.