COTS 2026

This session provides a practical, plain-English overview of the evolving fire safety landscape in care and occupational therapy settings. Attendees will learn how recent legislative changes affect their daily responsibilities, including written fire risk assessments, mandatory checks, information-sharing duties, and the growing emphasis on competency. The seminar explains why fire safety is uniquely critical in care environments, highlighting factors such as vulnerable occupants, medical oxygen use, mobility limitations, and OT-driven building adaptations that can unintentionally impact compartmentation and escape routes. Practical examples and a real case study show how equipment changes such as hoists, bariatric beds, and chargers can introduce hazards and lead to enforcement action if not reflected in updated fire risk assessments. The session also covers the role of Personal and General Emergency Evacuation Plans, staff training requirements, and the importance of multi-disciplinary communication between care teams, therapists, safety assessors, and building managers. By the end of the seminar, attendees will understand how to improve compliance, reduce fire risks, and embed fire-safe thinking into everyday care and OT practice.