Man fined after failing to maintain alarm system in care home
A man has been prosecuted under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 after failing to maintain a fire alarm system in a care home where an elderly resident died after a fire broke out at the property.
Mr Morris was responsible for ensuring the alarm system was in good working order at Oldfield Bank care home but failed to inform the owners of the home that the system was not working properly.
An investigation after the blaze found that the outdated alarm system had been poorly maintained. It had a blown fuse which had been over ridden with a piece of wire. The fault warning function was also not working. The system was not fit for purpose despite Mr Morris issuing several annual certificates confirming that the system was in working order.
Christopher Morris who is a former firefighter, pleaded guilty and was fined £2,500 for each offence and ordered to pay £6,000 in costs.