A common problem with school fire safety is convincing the board to invest! It is not cheap... but it is also not an option you can ignore.
Here's what you need to know...
This guide walks you through the most important steps when reviewing your school's fire safety equipment and offers some advice about approaching the school board.
If your fire system and equipment isn't up to scratch and the worst should happen, the fault lies with the Responsible Person who is solely responsible for the safety of the visitors, staff and pupils.
Your school will have a designated Responsible Person (or persons) to ensure that fire safety systems and practices meet legislation.
This person/s will also bear the consequences of a substandard system, which can include unlimited fines and, in extreme cases, a prison sentence!
Ultimately, the end users must motivate those responsible for taking action to get compliant. This is not only a legal responsibility but a moral responsibility, especially when it concerns children. The risk is far too great to merely maintain the status quo and hope for the best.
Some of the actions required by an education facility under UK legislation include:
A fire risk assessment is a comprehensive fire prevention and readiness tool that reviews the overall fire risk regarding hazards, actions, and skills.
Areas a fire risk assessment will cover are:
The risk assessment is a means to an end but NOT an end in itself - and this is where schools can fall short.
After carrying out the assessment it's critical to contact a certified professional to do the work rather than the caretaker or the local electrician. Read our guide on following up on your FRA here.
If you are concerned about balancing the school's budget with your responsibility to fire safety, you have powerful allies. Properly installed and maintained systems and equipment are mandatory under UK legislation, which provides the leverage needed to address your school board or management.
The school may want to refurbish the art block and invest in new IT equipment, but fire and security systems MUST be prioritised.
Fulfilling the UK legislation is a simple procedure and need not cost a huge slice of ever-shrinking budgets if you get advice from those who understand it...
Blake's have worked with over 200 schools to provide expert advice and quality fire systems that meet British standards and legislation!
In 2011, London Fire Brigade statistics showed that there was a fire every three days in London schools, colleges and nurseries - that's almost 1 fire per school day!
Although fire incident rates in England are thankfully reducing, only continuing education and application of best fire safety practices will keep this trend going. Statistics show that ignoring fire safety initiatives will lead to accidents.
Your school can abide by the law without breaking the bank. Click the button below to download your free eBook, written by the experts, for busy business owners and school finance departments! Get the right fire safety system, at the right price!
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