asked the Minister for Health whether his Department or any other Department or local authority has made an investigation of mental hospitals, in relation to fire hazards, in view of the age of many of the hospitals.
Written Answers. - Fire Hazards in Mental Hospitals.
93.
I am aware of the need for constant vigilance in relation to fire hazards in mental hospitals, having particular regard to the age of many of the buildings concerned. The district mental hospitals are obliged to comply with the requirements of local fire authorities and the health boards' own fire officers also advise on fire safety and precautions in these hospitals. As regards private psychiatric hospitals, registration of these institutions is subject to their reaching satisfactory fire safety standards.
In August 1984 I issued a circular letter to those in charge of public and private psychiatric institutions reminding them of a number of general points relating to fire precautions, including staff training, provision of fire fighting equipment and the holding of fire drills. I have also drawn attention to the importance which should be attached to the fire resistance and levels of potential toxicity of materials in furniture and upholstery.
In May 1985 I again drew the attention of all hospitals to the importance of ensuring that appropriate fire precautions arrangements are established for all health institutions and that these arrangements are reviewed periodically.