Fire risk assessments for the education sector
What is a fire risk assessment?
Fire risk assessments are a detailed look at the building’s sources of ignition and sources of fuel; it’s structural condition and how the occupants can escape safely when needed.
The term fire risk assessment may also be referred by the Department for Education as Fire Safety Risk Assessments (FSRA) or Fire Plans, but they are the same.
What is important to note is that a fire risk assessment is a legal requirement under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the devolved legislations in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
What are the main fire risks in schools?
Fires in schools can have devastating effects, both directly from the from refurbishment or rebuild costs; the disruption to learning but also indirectly such as, a loss of a community facility.
Fire risks in schools include ignition and fuel sources within kitchens, plant rooms, science classrooms and their stores. However, risks may also occur within less supervised areas, such as in toilets, changing rooms and around waste storage areas. Schools with accommodation can also present a higher risk to occupants.
Deliberate acts are also a significant risk, with 1 in 5 of fires attended by the Fire Services in England during 2022-2023, reported to have been intentionally started (Source: Home Office).
Who should do a fire risk assessment?
The person responsible for health and safety in the schools or multi-academy trusts have a legal duty to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the fire risks in their buildings and to review it, as and when any significant changes occur.
A fire risk assessment should only by someone who is experienced in health and safety legislation and have a sound understanding of school building construction, in order to give you the best advice on how to manage the risks.
When should I get a fire risk assessment?
A fire risk assessment should always be in place before the building is occupied.
It is also important to review an existing assessment when the building has been refurbished, when floors are to be closed off or other areas ‘mothballed’; or when pupil numbers increase.
Consideration should also be given for any new activities, or hazardous storage that may give rise to increased risk of fire.
OK, I now have a fire risk assessment in place, how can I better protect the school?
We advise you review your fire risk assessments periodically, to ensure any actions are completed, and that it remains ‘valid’. Fire safety is enforced in the UK by the Regional Fire and Rescue Services and is likely to the first document they ask for when visiting. Failure to have one in place can lead to a prohibition notice being served.
Fire safety can also be improved by understanding further how fire may spread in your school, and its effect on the structure. A fire risk assessment will include checks on fire doors and fire compartmentation; however, a specific survey may be needed to understand where building improvements need to be made.
Ensure you have a fire safety policy and procedures to cover emergency evacuation. Practice them regularly, and test and maintain any installed fire extinguishers, fire alarms and emergency lighting.
Sprinklers can be very effective in reducing the effects of fire, but they installed in less than 20% of new schools. If you have them installed in your school, ensure a programme is in place to maintain them through a competent inspector.
Responsible persons must also consider how occupants covered under Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans are to safely escape. This may include the use of fire lifts or evacuation equipment. If you’re evacuation procedures involve the use of refuge areas, consider also how fire marshals may be used, or how persons can communicate when taking refuge at these locations.
Where can I get more advice on fire risk assessments?
The Department for Education have published information to guide school leaders on how to manage fire risks in their schools. The guidance document “Building Bulletin 100: design for fire safety in schools” is useful to reference when planning any improvements to your school, so that they meet current Building Regulations.
The National Fire Chiefs Council lists on their website links to all Regional Fire and Rescue Services within the UK, with guidance often available through community outreach teams.
The teams at Surveyors to Education can also answer any queries you may have on how to better protect your school, either through a proposed CIF application, or if you are an multi academy trust, as part of your good estates management plan. Contact us today on 0116 5070130 or email enquire@s2e.org.uk.
