Use of Flame-Retardant Bedding Pack instruction

Important information

We have carried out a Safe & Well visit and provided the occupier:-

• 2 x bedding packs and a flame retardant throw due to them smoking in bed
• This is a high-risk activity which may cause a fire.
• The bedding will help reduce the risk of fire.

The bedding has been left at the end of the bed and needs fitting by you, the care provider immediately, please.

NFRS advises the following

• This bedding should always be used whilst the practise of smoking in bed continues. 
• The risk of being injured by fire through smoking in bed is increased if an airflow mattress and/or emollient creams are being used.
• If the household requires care and support those responsible for the care must ensure a suitable risk assessment is in place and reviewed regularly. 

If you require further information or guidance, please email personsatrisk@notts-fire.gov.uk

Care Provider; use of Flame-Retardant Bedding Pack for Occupier

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service have provided the occupier 2 x Bedding packs and a flame retardant throw due to them smoking in bed. This is a high-risk activity.

NFRS have advised about the danger of smoking in bed and the danger of a fire developing. NFRS have therefore supplied your client with a set of flame-retardant bedding in the hope that this will reduce the risk of the bedding catching fire.

Flame Retardant Bedding Sets

During a recent Safe and Well visit carried out by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS), concerns were raised regarding smoking practices within the property, in particular the practice of residents smoking whilst in bed. NFRS has strongly advised against this behaviour as this is considered a high-risk activity.

As an initial control measure to help reduce the risk of fire caused by this activity, NFRS has supplied either two sets of flame-retardant bedding or one set of bedding and one linen pack dependent on the circumstances. Further bedding sets, if/when required (see below), must be purchased by the employer, occupier, or owner of the premises or those responsible for their care.

Linen Pack, Pillowcase and Duvet Set Washing Instructions

The bedding supplied by NFRS meets British Safety standards BS7175/Source 5 Please note that the flame retardancy of this bedding set will last for approximately 50 washes (Based on washing at 71 degrees for infection control), at which point, to maintain its effectiveness, NFRS recommend that they be replaced.

NFRS recommend that a record should be kept of how often the bedding is washed to predict when replacements are required and to continue to manage the risk posed by fire in these circumstances. Wherever possible, it is recommended that the practice of smoking in bed should not be permitted.

NFRS would like to take this opportunity to highlight the following:

It is the duty of the responsible person to ensure that measures are taken to reduce the risk of fire on the premises and to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to which relevant persons are exposed. The responsible person must, in premises to which the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order applies, identify, and take such general fire precautions as are needed to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

If in doubt about your role or your regulatory duties please seek expert advice.

NFRS advises the following:

• This bedding should be always used whilst the practice of smoking in bed continues.
• The use of flame-retardant sleepwear should be considered as an additional safety precaution.
• The risk of being injured by fire through smoking in bed is increased if an airflow mattress and/or emollient creams are being used.
• If the household requires care and support then those responsible for the care must ensure a suitable risk assessment is in place and reviewed regularly.
• If you require further information or guidance, please email personsatrisk@notts-fire.gov.uk

The following suppliers are stockists of bedding sets:

• Vision Support Services *
  • Contact: 0845 194 8664 or
  • www.visionsupportservices.com/shop
• Thomas Kneale *
  • Contact: 0161 274 4464 or
  • www.thomaskneale.co.uk 

* When purchasing additional bedding, please ensure that it meets the required safety standards for the circumstances of the occupier.