INTRODUCTION
Each year more than 2000 schools in the UK suffer fires large enough to need action by the fire service. Of these 70% are started deliberately.
A fire would pose a major threat to the lives of everyone involved in it, but more especially for children, many of who would be highly dependent on members of staff to make good their escape from fire. Therefore, schools require a fire safety strategy based primarily on the prevention of fire.
In the event of fire however, there must be in place a means of rapid detection, containment and control supported by reliable procedures for evacuating all persons (with special attention to children and other vulnerable people) to places of safety.
GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOLS
LEGISLATION
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Education (School Premises) Regulations 1999
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
- Develop a Fire Safety Policy for the establishment
- Nominate an individual with sufficient competency to manage fire safety
- Ensure that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is completed
- Ensure that measures to prevent fires are identified and implemented
- Ensure that adequate fire safety precautions are in place
- Ensure that contractors maintaining equipment are competent to do so
- Ensure that procedures in the event of a fire are developed and implemented where necessary
- Ensure that means of escape are well maintained and safe to use at all times the establishment is occupied
- Ensure that there is appropriate out-of-hours response to any fire situation
- Ensure that staff, visitors and pupils receive adequate information, instruction and training in relation to fire safety
- Maintain adequate records and certification in relation to the duties under the Reform Order
- Review procedures, documentation and inspect the premises on a regular basis
FIRE SAFETY POLICY, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Head Teachers and the Governing Body will be responsible for the day-to-day management of fire safety and should develop an appropriate policy in relation to fire safety. Appendix 1 has a template for a suggested fire safety policy.