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FIRE SAFETY IN SCHOOLS
BUILDING OUR FUTURE: SCOTLAND'S SCHOOL ESTATE

2 ISSUES

MEANS OF ESCAPE

1. This section sets out the main issues which are relevant to fire safety in schools.

2. A satisfactory means of escape should allow staff, pupils and any other person in the school to move quickly to a place of safety.

3. Escape from any part of a building will normally be by one of two alternative routes, each leading to a final exit or to a door to a staircase that is protected by fire doors and walls. Rooms with only one exit should accommodate no more than 60 people. Escape routes should be short enough to allow all occupants to escape in two or three minutes. In higher risk areas, such as kitchens, or areas with only one direction of escape, this time may need to be halved. Escape routes providing only one way out should be no more than approximately 15 metres to an exit or stair enclosure or, where two ways out are provided, approximately
32 metres. The fire service can offer advice on the acceptability of existing means of escape.

4. The reaction times to allow for the delay before people start to move should also be considered. This will vary considerably and depend on how well staff and pupils know the fire drill. When a school is used for community purposes, the reaction time will be higher as the occupants may be unfamiliar with the alarm and evacuation procedures.

5. A serious situation may arise if a fire starts in a corridor, since it may not be detected before smoke cuts off escape from nearby rooms. For this reason a corridor which serves as a safe exit for any room should have non-combustible finishes to exposed wall and ceiling surfaces. Escape routes should also have fire resistant walls and ceilings and fire and smoke control doors should be fitted on protected escape routes. If the integrity _ the ability to stop the spread of fire and smoke _ of fire resisting construction or doors is compromised, an entire escape route may be unusable in the event of fire. Examples of common problems are:

• missing or damaged ceiling tiles
• missing or damaged fire barriers in concealed voids
• broken or missing automatic door closers
• fire doors which are damaged, ill fitting or wedged open.

6. Fire doors should never be wedged. An alternative to wedging doors open is to use electro-magnetic door retainers. These are linked to the fire detection system and hold the door open in normal use. If there is a fire they automatically release the doors and let them shut. A building warrant is required before these can be fitted.

7. Final exit doors on escape routes are often fitted with push bars. These are ideal for fire safety, but some types can be forced open by an intruder. Potentially dangerous methods to make push bars secure, such as hooking chairs over the push bars or chaining the push bars shut, should be avoided. Security measures should not compromise the ability of the occupants to escape from a building in the case of fire. It is important to consider whether the type of locking mechanism on doors is appropriate for the use of the building. It could be that the type of locking device is perfectly acceptable during normal school hours but unacceptable for use by members of the public, outwith school hours. In such cases, it is always best practice to design the locking devices for the public escape scenario. Detailed guidance for timber fire and escape doors can be obtained from the Building Hardware Industry Federation Code of Practice.⁹

8. The Technical Standards to the Building Regulations give detailed advice on issues such as temporary waiting spaces in stair enclosures for disabled people. The structural integrity of the stair enclosure including the doors must be able to withstand the effects of fire and inhibit smoke spread into the stair enclosure until all occupants have evacuated the building. Temporary waiting spaces should obviously not be used for storage.

9. Risk assessment should take account of building use. Escape routes should be inspected regularly to check they are not obstructed and that fire exit doors are unlocked. Self closing doors, and those with automatic release devices, should also be checked to ensure they close fully. Any defects should be reported and remedied at the earliest opportunity. Current building standards require that roller shutters must not be used on escape routes or over final exit doors and alternative security measures should be discussed and agreed with the local crime prevention officer, building control officer and fire officer.

10. In existing situations where roller shutters are provided on escape routes and are used to secure the building whilst it is unoccupied, these shutters must not be left down when the premises are occupied. The means of escape requirements for cleaning staff and those using the premises out of school hours need to be assessed and managed. The risk assessment must ensure that all required means of escape are available at all times when the building is occupied.

MINIMISING THE SPREAD OF FIRE

11. Existing buildings may have hidden wall, ceiling or roof voids, which can allow undetected smoke and fire to spread quickly within the building. Whilst the installation of an automatic fire alarm and detection system will provide early warning, the unseen spread of fire makes fire-fighting very difficult and greatly increases the potential for large loss. The installation of fire barriers in concealed spaces and additional fire doors will limit the spread of fire and significantly reduce the area that could be affected. Wall and ceiling surfaces on escape routes can be upgraded with minimal disruption and cost to comply with current minimum standards.

HIGH RISK AREAS

Teaching areas

12. Some school activities carry a higher fire risk, such as:

• design technology
• laboratories
• home economics
• art
• photographic darkrooms
• drama.

Non-teaching areas

13. These include kitchens, offices, science and technology rooms, boilerhouses, most storage areas and electrical switchrooms. Some of these areas, such as kitchens and boilerhouses, have a higher than normal fire risk and particular attention must be paid to fire precautions. All storage areas should be kept clean and tidy. Particular attention should be paid to caretakers' and groundskeepers' stores, stage storage areas, PE stores for foam mats, waste storage areas and similar places where flammable material can accumulate.

Residential accommodation

14. A high standard of fire precaution is required for residential accommodation which should take account of the numbers and ages of pupils. A risk assessment is required in accordance with the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations. See Fire Safety, An Employer's Guide for further guidance. ¹⁰

Activity centres outside schools

15. Activity centres carry certain fire and security risks and school staff should be provided with relevant information on fire and security risks and procedures prior to every visit. School insurance cover may not extend to residential accommodation in activity centres and insurance cover should be checked before the visit.

Displays

16. Corridors often have displays along their length. Stairwells and entrance foyers are a popular location for notices and posters. Displays are often suspended from ceilings, light fittings or placed close to heaters. Sometimes displays are laid out on tables and obstruct escape routes. The cardboard, paper and plastic that go into these displays can be a means of rapid fire spread. Some general principles that can help reduce the risks of fire spread along display materials are:

• never put displays in stairways which are part of a designated fire escape route
• in school corridors, display material should be kept away from curtains, doors and heat sources, so that fire cannot easily spread to the building fabric
• limit the total area used for displays in any one area. The area may be increased if the displays are treated with a proprietary flame retardant spray or locations are agreed with the fire service
• never attach displays to lights, heaters or any fire safety equipment such as smoke detectors or sprinkler heads
• keep displays away from ceiling voids that lack fire barriers
• keep displays away from exits.

17. Displays should not obstruct escape routes or obscure fire notices, fire alarm call points, fire fighting equipment, emergency exit signs or lights. Notice boards should be limited to lengths of three metres with gaps of at least one metre between boards. In corridors, displays should not be placed immediately opposite each other. Hanging displays can trigger intruder alarms at night, resulting in false alarms.

Waste handling

18. Fires starting in externally stored waste are perhaps the most common in schools today. ¹¹ Schools can generate a lot of waste and this should not be allowed to accumulate and should never be stored in the school overnight. At the end of each day, or more frequently if necessary, waste should be collected and taken to a secure external waste storage area, at least ten metres from the building.
If a compound for storing waste cannot be provided, then secure anchor points,
at least ten metres from the building, where waste bins can be secured by a chain and padlock, should be provided if possible.

19. If the waste area is near a building then care should be taken to ensure that bins cannot be pushed against the building, particularly close to windows or roof eaves, and set alight. It might be appropriate to build a new, detached bin store. The design of a bin store should take account of the possibility that the bins inside may be set on fire and should allow their contents to burn safely.

20. If waste skips or receptacles such as recycling containers are brought on to the school site, they should either be removed by the end of the day or be lockable so that their contents cannot be used as fuel for a fire. Waste skips should not be placed within ten metres of a building.

21. It is advisable to fit 'skirts' around the bases of temporary classrooms. These consist of boarding material which prevents combustible materials being placed under the structure which can then be ignited. These also stop the accumulation of ordinary rubbish.

Smoking

22. Many schools have a no smoking policy or restrict smoking to specially designated areas. Wherever smoking is allowed, fireproof receptacles should be provided with notices indicating their position and purpose. Waste bins should not be used as ashtrays and ashtrays should not be emptied into waste bins, but into metal containers.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

23. Computers and other equipment can impose heavy demands on the electrical system. Wiring, plugs and sockets that are overloaded or in poor condition are a fire hazard. The risk of overloading sockets can be a particular problem in winter if supplementary electric heaters are used. Electrical equipment should be switched off when not in use unless it is designed to be permanently connected. A blown fuse should only be replaced after the cause of its failure has been discovered. It should always be replaced with a fuse of the correct rating and never with a fuse of a higher rating or a makeshift fuse from a length of wire.

24. Procedures should be in place for the regular testing and inspection of electrical circuits and portable equipment. ¹² Before using any electrical equipment, it is important to visually inspect it for damage. This inspection should include checking:

• the cables leading to the equipment for fraying and other damage
• the plugs and sockets for cracks, missing parts
• the correct use of a current protection device
• the casing of the equipment for damage and exposed wiring.

25. Flammable material should not be kept in electrical switch rooms or boiler houses and care should be taken to ensure that any materials stored in switch rooms do not obstruct access to the switchgear. All combustibles should be kept well clear of electrical equipment and switchgear.

Portable heaters

26. The use of portable gas or electric heaters should be strictly controlled. Users should follow the manufacturers' instructions and be fully aware of the hazards these heaters can present. It is good practice to discourage use of personal portable heaters and electrical equipment, such as kettles. Where they are allowed, the items should be registered with the school and checked by a competent electrician or gas fitter before use. Portable heaters should be guarded and located so that there is no possibility of them coming into contact with flammable material, including clothing. They should not be positioned on escape routes. When a gas heater is not in use its cylinder should be disconnected. Spare cylinders for portable gas heaters should not be stored inside the school building.

FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS AND CHEMICALS

27. Flammable liquids must be stored in accordance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations.¹³ These regulations require the employer to carry out a risk assessment of any work activities involving dangerous substances to eliminate or reduce the risk as far as reasonably practicable. The storage of flammable liquids should be strictly monitored, with the amounts of flammable liquids and chemicals stored inside the school kept to the minimum necessary for day to day use. Chemicals should be stored in locked areas.

28. Safety principles which should be followed in respect of flammable liquids are:

• ventilation: good ventilation will mean any vapours given off from a spill or leak will be rapidly dispersed.
• ignition sources: ignition sources should be kept away from flammable liquids. Ignition sources include sparks from electrical equipment or welding and cutting tools, hot surfaces, open flames and smoking materials.
• containment: flammable liquids should be kept in suitable containers.
• exchange: can a less hazardous material be used instead of the materials currently used or can the flammable substances be eliminated altogether?
• separation: flammable substances should be stored and used well away from other processes and general storage areas.

29. Flammable liquids can give off large volumes of flammable vapours at room temperature. Mixed with air, these vapours can ignite, often violently. Spilled flammable liquids can flow a long way to an ignition source and then flash back to the source of the leak. Spills on clothing can represent a serious risk of injury if ignited. To help control these risks:

• store flammable liquids in a separate storage building or area, or in a purpose-made bin or cupboard
• dispense and use them in a safe place where there is good ventilation and no source of ignition
• keep containers closed when not in use. If possible, use safety containers which have self-closing lids
• dispense liquids over a tray and keep non-flammable absorbent material handy to mop up spills
• staff should know how to deal with spills. Dispense liquids over a tray and keep non-flammable absorbent material handy to mop up spills
• dispose of contaminated materials safely or call in disposal experts.

30. Rooms containing flammable liquids should be kept locked when not in use. There must be no smoking in any place where a flammable liquid is present. Further guidance is available from the Health and Safety Executive, local authority petroleum licensing officers and the local fire service.

Gas supplies in laboratories and other serviced spaces

31. Wherever possible, an isolating valve should be fitted in each laboratory to enable gas supplies to gas taps on benches to be shut off at the end of the day's activities.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and other gas cylinders

32. Storage and marking of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other gas cylinders should comply with the Health and Safety Executive, Approved Code of Practice. ¹⁴ Cylinders in use should be kept in a secure area, such as a locked room. Spare cylinders should be stored in a safe position, such as a wire cage protected against direct sunlight, or in a ventilated fire resistant structure. The structure should be secured against vandals.

FURNITURE AND FURNISHINGS

33. Upholstered furniture used in schools should comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations. ¹⁵ These regulations require that the filling and covering materials meet certain criteria in respect of their resistance to ignition.

34. Upholstered furniture manufactured prior to regulations may contain foam fillings that are easily ignited, burn fiercely and generate dense toxic smoke. Existing furniture should therefore be checked to ensure it conforms to the regulations. Any furniture labelled that does not conform should be removed from the school site as soon as practicable. Any upholstered furniture offered as a gift should be similarly checked. If in doubt contact the fire service for advice.

35. Curtains, including stage drapes, should be labelled during manufacture to indicate that they are either made from inherently fire retardant fabrics or that they have been chemically treated to achieve fire retardance. The manufacturers' or suppliers' instructions should be followed when cleaning. Some treated materials require regular washing to remove dust build-up which can impair their retardant properties, while other treatments must be reapplied after fabrics have been washed. Existing curtains which cannot be verified as fire retardant may be suitable for treatment. Such treatment is normally professionally applied, although some treatments are available for user-application and some of these may also be applied to stage scenery and decorations.

36. Gymnasium mats and crash pads with cellular foam fillings are a particular hazard in a fire, as they may burn fiercely and generate dense toxic smoke. This type of mat is very popular as they are of high quality. When not in use they should be kept in a securely locked store, which has a minimum fire resistance of one hour.

37. The layout of loose furniture, particularly in open plan or semi-open plan teaching areas, should not obstruct escape routes and should take account of the needs of occupants such as wheelchair users.

BUILDING WORK

38. Any adaptations or modifications to the school should always take fire precautions into account. A building warrant may be required and the local authority building control officer should be consulted in all cases. The local fire safety officer can offer advice on issues such as:

• partitioning rooms
• creating one room from two
• creating a room within a room
• exits or escape routes
• positions of incoming gas or electrical mains
• ventilation systems
• provision of fire exits
• occupant capacities in halls
• security arrangements.

39. Building work can significantly increase the risk of fire and may cause obstruction to escape routes. This may include:

• operations using heat. Plumbing work, paint stripping and repairing flat roofs are possibly the most common examples of high risk work
• storing combustible materials or flammable liquids in, or close to, school buildings, which could act as fuel supply for a fire. Examples include petrol, paints, thinners, propane cylinders and waste skips
• breaking through fire walls. When a school is rewired, or cables are fitted for telephones or computer networks, wiring is often carried above a suspended ceiling and taken through fire walls. Such breaks in the fire barriers should be made good with materials of the same fire resistance
• impacting on the normal security measures of the school making it more vulnerable. An example is scaffolding erected against the building which could give an intruder easy access to upper floors
• reducing the width or availability of escape routes during building work, or by the positioning of ladders, trestles, scaffolding, materials or equipment.

40. These risks can be anticipated by discussing with the contractor how the work
is intended to be carried out. Similarly, arrangements for the proper storage of combustible materials, flammable liquids, gases and the siting of skips can be agreed before the contractor comes on site. Arrangements should be made to monitor escape routes and to prevent obstruction. Where obstruction is essential to the work activity, satisfactory alternative arrangements should be made for the safe evacuation of all occupants in an emergency.

41. If work involves heat processes, such as blow lamps or welding, then a hot work permit system should be used. This identifies hazards associated with the task and allows control measures to be implemented and managed, thereby reducing the risk of fire. Hot work permits require confirmation that fire precautions have been taken prior to work commencing. These arrangements are easiest to make on larger, long term projects, where a method statement will be a requirement from the contractor under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, but are also relevant for smaller repair work. The school should be informed every time a heat process is used, so that any necessary precautions can be taken. All building works should report to the school to discuss their work before they start. Construction sites are not subject to the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations unless the school is still in use but the Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations apply.

Typical hot work permit checklist of fire precautions

Setting up

• fire fighting equipment and systems are maintained and are in service
• fire extinguishers and fire blankets are to hand
• hot work equipment is in good condition
• gas containers/flammable liquid containers to be changed/filled in the open air.

Within 15 metres of the work

• floors swept clean of combustibles and wetted down or covered with non-combustible material where necessary
• combustible materials, hazardous or flammable liquids have been removed or are protected with non-combustible curtains, sheets or shields
• all wall and floor openings and gaps through which sparks can fall have been covered with non-combustible curtains or sheets
• non-combustible covers suspended beneath work to collect sparks.

Work on walls or ceilings

• any combustible material has been protected against sparks or heat
• combustibles moved away from other side of walls and away from metal through which heat can be transferred.

Work on enclosed equipment (tanks, containers, ducts, dust collectors, etc.)

• equipment cleaned of all combustibles and dust
• containers purged of flammable liquids and vapours.

Fire watch

• fire watch to be provided during and until 30 minutes after operation
• to be supplied with fire extinguishers, fire blankets and/or hose reel
• someone to be present who has been trained in basic fire fighting and in sounding the alarm.

Final check

• final checks to be made 60 minutes after completion of any operation
• if contractors have had access to the roof space, check the openings in roof voids are properly closed and locked.

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