Safety concerns in schools are of paramount importance to ensure the well-being and protection of students and staff. It’s for this reason that structural concerns in relation to RAAC have been hitting the headlines.
While RAAC is a potentially serious issue, the number of schools affected is actually relatively small.
However, the poor condition and performance of fire safety installations in schools are often going unnoticed and unaddressed. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of addressing these issues and highlight the need for proactive measures to improve fire safety in schools.
Despite the significant risks posed by inadequate fire safety systems, these issues often go unnoticed in education environments. Fire doors, fire alarms, and emergency lighting are often taken for granted, with the assumption that they are functioning correctly. However, the reality can be quite different.
Fire Doors
Fire doors play a crucial role in containing the spread of fire within a school. However, many doors in schools have not been replaced since the school was built, which can sometimes be decades ago. Faulty, damaged, or inadequate doors may not provide the necessary level of protection in the event of a fire. It is crucial to conduct regular inspections and maintenance to ensure that all fire doors function properly. Where old or inadequate doors are found, a replacement scheme is recommended.
Fire Alarm Systems
Fire alarm systems can act as an essential warning in the event of a fire. However, many schools have outdated or malfunctioning fire alarm systems, which may not provide timely and effective alerts when necessary. Some systems we have encountered require manual operation by staff, which could result in fires spreading unnecessarily. Regular testing, maintenance and the updating of antiquated systems are recommended.
Emergency Lighting
Emergency lighting provides crucial visibility during evacuation procedures. However, many schools suffer from faulty or inadequate emergency lighting, making it difficult to evacuate safely in darkness. Regular testing and maintenance of emergency lighting systems are essential to ensure their functionality and reliability.
School Building Consultants can provide valuable recommendations and guidance to help schools enhance their fire safety systems. Lea Hough have been working on a number of schemes over the past few years, improving the fire safety of school premises. These works have included the replacement of fire doors, replacement of fire alarm systems, assessment and reconfiguration of escape routes, where necessary, and improvements to emergency lighting.
By investing in proper fire safety installations and ongoing maintenance, schools can significantly reduce the risk of fire and enhance the safety of their students, staff, and the wider community.
School Building Consultants can play a vital role in identifying and recommending fire safety improvements, ensuring that schools adhere to the highest safety standards. Fire safety improvement projects may be eligible for funding via the Condition Improvement Fund, where fire safety is rightly considered to be amongst the highest category.
To speak to us about this crucial aspect of school building improvement, please get in touch.
