Fire safety is a critical aspect of maintaining a secure environment in schools and academies. A thorough fire risk assessment not only helps in identifying potential hazards but also ensures that appropriate measures are in place to protect students, staff, and visitors. Fire risk assessments are a legal requirement for schools and academies and they should be reviewed at least annually by a competent person. That is to say, a trained and experienced professional fire risk assessor.
Here’s a detailed guide to how we conduct school fire risk assessments, specifically tailored for schools in Coventry, Warwickshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire:
- Identify Fire Hazards
The first step in a fire risk assessment process is to identify potential fire hazards. This involves recognising sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen.
Common sources of ignition in schools include electrical equipment, heating appliances and systems, and kitchen facilities to mention just a few. Fuel sources can range from paper and books to chemicals in science labs. Ensuring that these elements are managed and stored properly can significantly reduce fire risks and keep schools safe places to be. When a fire risk assessor from JCH Safety visits your school, we walk the property and identify all the ignition sources and fuels that could mix to cause a fire. Every school is different in terms of design and layout, but our experience tells us where to look and the issues which are possibly lurking under the surface which need addressing! As specialist school fire risk assessors we have a lot of experience.
When this information is gathered, we then identify what control measures are already in place to prevent a fire occurring. This includes looking at things such as electrical testing records, gas servicing and machinery inspections. Through a process of analysis, it is possible to identify shortcomings in fire safety and to make recommendations for improvement. We do this by providing an action plan at the end of our fire risk assessments.
- Identify People at Risk
Next, we consider who might be at risk in the event of a fire. This includes students, teachers, administrative staff, and visitors. Special attention is given to individuals with disabilities or special needs, as they may require additional assistance during an evacuation. This can involve students and staff with broken bones, long or short-term health issues, mobility issues, sight and hearing impairments and pregnant people. Furthermore, lone workers are considered and special events such as school shows and open nights are given careful thought. We also consider arrangements for managing engineers and contractors who work and visit the school. Considering the whole school community allows us as assessors to consider fire risk, and who is at risk from fire. Understanding the layout of the school and the locations where people are likely to be at different times of the day is crucial to this. This process of understanding how the school works, allows us to consider what systems should be in place to keep everyone safe at school and to review the fire evacuation strategy that is in place to make sure it is effective.
- Evaluate, Remove, Reduce, and Protect from Risk
This involves the fire risk assessor assessing the likelihood of a fire starting and spreading given the information that has been gathered and the findings of the school inspection. It also involves a consideration of how likely it is that everyone could evacuate safely if a fire started. Evaluating the existing fire safety measures allows the fire risk assessor to determine if they are adequate or if they require updating or even redesigning. This involves checking fire alarms, extinguishers, and escape routes are adequate for example. It may be necessary to implement additional measures to remove or reduce identified risks. For example, ensuring that flammable materials are stored safely, and that electrical equipment is regularly inspected and maintained. Additionally, ensuring the building is in good physical condition is vital. For example, making sure that fire-resistant doors and barriers are in place, in good condition and are suitable to prevent the spread of fire. There is a lot to a fire risk assessment!
- Record, Plan, Inform, Instruct, and Train
Documentation is vital to fire risk assessment. It is important that the findings of the fire risk assessment and the actions to be taken are properly recorded in a document known as a fire risk assessment. We always issue our fire risk assessments in an electronic format. Normally, our fire risk assessments are issued to our clients within 7-10 days from the date of the assessment. From the finding of the fire risk assessment, we can then work with our clients to help them to move forward and make improvements where necessary. It is necessary to share the findings of the FRA with staff and it is important to keep up to date with fire safety training and critical fire evacuation strategies.
- Review
A fire risk assessment is not a one-time task. It should be reviewed regularly and updated whenever there are significant changes to the premises or its use. This could include renovations, changes in the number of occupants, or the introduction of new equipment. Regular reviews ensure that the fire safety measures remain effective and up-to-date. It must be reviewed at least once a year.
Conclusion
Conducting a thorough fire risk assessment is essential for the safety and well-being of everyone in a school. By identifying hazards, evaluating risks, and implementing effective safety measures, schools in Coventry, Warwickshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire can create a safer environment for learning and growth. Regular reviews and updates to the fire risk assessment ensure that the school remains prepared for any fire-related emergencies.
JCH Safety are health and safety consultants & third-party accredited fire risk assessors. We work across the Midlands helping schools and businesses to be safe places to be. If you would like any assistance, please do not hesitate to get in touch.