Fire safety in your school – part two

In part two of his series on fire safety, Phil Burton, SBM at Hallbrook and Cosby Primary Schools, shares best practice for fire safety in schools

Read the full article below or on page 24 in our February magazine 

A study in 2019 by the Fire and Rescue Services stated that there were around 40 fires a month in schools in the UK, and that English schools were twice as likely to suffer a fire as other buildings! The report, conducted in conjunction with Zurich Municipal, said it was a perfect storm of risky buildings and poor fire detection and prevention measures.

What is some of the best practice around fire safety in schools?

Fire alarm panels – these should be checked twice a year by a professional contractor and a report generated stating any faults or concerns.  These concerns should be followed-up and rectified as soon as possible. On a daily basis the premises officer should visually check the panel to ensure it is working and that there are no faults. If there are faults – report and record them!

Fire call points – you must test the alarm every week! Call points should all be numbered and you must check them in rotation to ensure that, when pressed, they activate the alarm. Every one should be tested within six months, as a minimum. You should activate the alarm and then check that the panel is showing the correct call point. Top tip – remember to put the alarm into test mode!

Firefighting equipment – this should be checked by a professional annually; this includes extinguishers, blankets, safety evacuation chairs and any other specific pieces of kit. For extinguishers, a discharge test is required every five years. You should also check that suitable signage is located near every item and that the signs are there on your walk arounds.

Fire shutters – any shutter which is linked to the fire alarm should be inspected every year by a professional – you should also check that they close properly when you do your weekly fire alarm test.

Emergency lighting – this whole system should be checked professionally once a year. Some schools may split this into quarterly inspections of areas, or similar. On a monthly basis all drop switches must be checked to ensure that they work. As always report, rectify and record your findings.

Housekeeping – this is usually one of the biggest challenges; however it could be the difference between a successful evacuation or not. During your daily walk around you must check that there are no areas which have combustible materials stored or built up which may cause or enhance a fire. If any material poses a risk it must be dealt with. Challenge those poor behaviours which are creating the issues.

My final thoughts on this fire safety light touch would be:

Report, rectify and record

Report – if there are any issues you must report them to your contractor and to the headteacher so they are aware.

Rectify – this means get it fixed. If there is going to be a delay, what actions do you need to take in the short term – how does this affect the risk assessment?

Record – write down everything – this is your evidence that you are complying with all the requirements.