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www.ic2cctv.com School fire risk calculator: Is your school high, medium or low risk? Identifying fire risks and the right fire safety management measures to put in place
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Page 1: School fire risk calculator: Is your school high, medium ... · School fire risk calculator: Is your . school high, medium or low risk? Identifying fire risks and the right fire safety

www.ic2cctv.com

School fire risk calculator: Is your school high, medium or low risk?

Identifying fire risks and the right fire safety management measures to put in place

Page 2: School fire risk calculator: Is your school high, medium ... · School fire risk calculator: Is your . school high, medium or low risk? Identifying fire risks and the right fire safety

Identifying fire risks and the right fire safety management measures to put in place

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Fire safety in schools and the sprinkler controversy The Selsey Academy school fire in August 2016, just two weeks before the start of the new academic year, saw much of the school destroyed. This major blaze saw 14 fire appliances and 100 firefighters from Sussex and Hampshire Fire and Rescue attend. The destruction to Selsey Academy was significant, however, school fires are nothing new and there is no shortage of statistical evidence illustrating the scale of the problem. In 2014 there were around 600 school fires. Statistics for 2011 released by the London Fire Brigade showed there were 113 accidental fires at schools, along with 36 arson attacks. In 2008 the former Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) website Teachernet said: “Each year more than 1300 schools in the UK suffer fires large enough to be attended by local authority fire and rescue services.” According to research by the Chief Fire Officers Association there have been 5,132 fires in educational buildings between 2003-04 and 2013-14, resulting in 148 casualties. Children and fire safety is a very sensitive subject. In November 2008 The Firefighters Charity and the DCSF said: “On average, 35 children under the age of 11 are killed in fires in the UK every year, and around 1,170 are injured.” These statistics were drivers of the first National Schools’ Fire Safety Day. Essentially, when it comes to children’s safety in schools, there should be a ‘zero tolerance’ attitude - one injury or death is one too many. Sprinkler systems are highly effective in containing fires and preventing them taking serious hold. As such, automatic fire sprinklers have a significant role to play in preventing casualties, as well as limiting damage and minimising post-fire disruption to academic activity. Against the advice of fire-safety professionals, LAs, insurers and teachers’ unions, the expectation that new build schools should be fitted with sprinklers has been removed from Department for Education (DfE) guidance. An update to the Department of Education’s (DfE) Design in Fire Safety in Schools stated that “Building Regulations do not require the installation of fire sprinkler suppression systems in school buildings for life safety”. In the wake of the Selsey Academy fire and DfE update, Ronnie Knight, a career fire safety professional and the honorary administrative secretary to the all-party parliamentary fire safety & rescue group, wrote to The Times. In a letter published on 27 August 2016 he sought acknowledgement of the value of sprinklers recognised in the government’s BB100 guidance document. Clearly, automatic fire sprinklers have a cost impact when retrofitted to an existing school or integrated into a new build. While it should be a case of ‘safety first and at any cost’, the cost benefit-analysis ultimately dictates whether sprinkler systems are commissioned. 119 large school fires between 2009-14 caused damage estimated at £150m or £1.3m on average. The cost-benefit analysis throws up one clear question: Does it cost £1.3m to install automatic fire sprinklers? However, this is not the whole story. What are the costs for relocating pupils to other educational establishments? It’s not purely a financial question. There’s the impact on pupils due to discontinuity in education, both of those that are displaced and those that need to move over to accommodate them. While the merits of sprinklers are clear, the debate about whether to install them or not is likely to continue. Whatever the way forward when it comes to automatic fire sprinklers, it is useful for each school to understand the risks to the site. Here, we provide a simple tool to help you determine your school’s fire safety risk and indicate the fire safety management options that are appropriate for the level of risk.

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What is my fire safety risk? A good way of determining the fire safety risk is to score your school across a range of standard criteria and use the accumulated score to see the level of threat. The 4 tables below let you score each risk factor on a scale of 0 to 5. A lowest risk (0), and highest risk (5) example is given for each criterion and there are notes to help you assess the likely risk to your school. Tables 1 & 2 are designed to assess your fire prevention measures, while 3 & 4 are designed to assess the measures in place should a fire break out. Simply fill in the number for each factor as it applies to your school and total them in the boxes provided to calculate your risk.

Identifying fire risks and the right fire safety management measures to put in place

LOW RISK HIGH RISK

1.1 Arson / deliberate fire (in the last 10 years)

Zero cases of arson / deliberate fire within school grounds

Arson / deliberate fire common within school grounds

1.1 - Notes to help assess:

0 – None in last 10 years 1 – 1 in last 10 years 2 – 2 in last 10 years 3 – 1 in last 5 years 4 – 2 in last 5 years 5 – 3 or more in last 10 years

1.2 Vandalism (in the last 5 years)

Zero cases of vandalism within school grounds

Vandalism common within school grounds

1.2 - Notes to help assess:

0 – None in last 5 years 1 – 1 or 2 in last 5 years 2 – 3 or 4 in last 5 years 3 – 4 or 5 in last 10 years 4 – 5 or 6 in last 5 years 5 – More than 7 cases in last 5 years

1.3 History of fires

Zero major fires in the school in the last 10 years

One or more major fires in last 10 years

1.3 - Notes to help assess:

0 – None in last 20 years 1 – None in last 10 years 2 – None in last5 years 3 – One or two small fires in last 10 years 4 – One or two small fires in last 5 years 5 – Major fire in last 10 years (Major fire is typically in excess of £50k (primary school) or £100k (secondary school) – at today’s values)

1.4 Fire Incidence of arson in the locality

Locality has low arson rate (as reported to police)

Locality has low arson rate (as reported to police)

1.4- Notes to help assess:

0 – None in last 20 years 1 – None in last 10 years 2 – None in last5 years 3 – One or two small fires in last 10 years 4 – One or two small fires in last 5 years 5 – Major fire in last 10 years “Locality” will typically be a radius of 2 to 5 miles around your school, depending upon local circumstances. Information should be obtainable from your local Community Fire safety Office.

Part 1: Incidence of fire in your school

1 2 3 4 50

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Identifying fire risks and the right fire safety management measures to put in place

Total score for part 1:

LOW RISK HIGH RISK

1.5 Fires in other schools in the locality (in the last 5 years)

Few cases of fire in other schools in the locality Frequent cases of fire in locality

1.5 - Notes to help assess:

0 – none in last 5 years 1 – 1 in last 5 years 2 – One or two small fires in last 3 years 3 – One or two small fires in last year 4 – Major fire in last 5 years 5 – Major fire in last 3 years “Locality” will typically be a radius of 2 to 5 miles around your school, depending upon local circumstances. Information should be obtainable from your local Community Fire safety Office.

Part 1: Incidence of fire in your school

1 2 3 4 50

LOW RISK HIGH RISK

2.1 Security measures - buildings

Good security measures provided for school building Few security measures

2.1 - Notes to help assess:

0 – Most 2 – Many 4 – A few 5 – None

Security measures should be assessed with regard to their appropriateness for the security risks you perceive for your building.

Measures include:

• Good window locks, • Intruder detection • CCTV • Security staff • Doors secure against all but the most determined intruders • Windows and roof-lights protected against intruders, etc.

2.2 Security measures – school grounds

Good security measures provided for school grounds No security measures

2.2 - Notes to help assess:

0 – Many 3 – Some 5 – None

Measures include:

• Good perimeter fencing • CCTV, • Security guards • Car parks well-lit and overlooked, etc.

2.3 Opportunities for arson

Few opportunities for arson Many opportunities for arson

2.3 - Notes to help assess:

0 – Very few 5 – Many

Opportunities include:

• Hidden corners • Rubbish bins • Attached shed, etc.

Limited opportunities include;

• No hidden corners • Locked and immobilized rubbish bins • No attached sheds, etc

Part 2: Your school’s environment and buildings

1 2 3 4 50

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Identifying fire risks and the right fire safety management measures to put in place

LOW RISK HIGH RISK

2.4 Buildings state

Buildings well maintained with no damaged safety systems (e.g. fire doors)

Buildings in disrepair and vandalised

2.4 - Notes to help assess:

0 – Buildings well maintained with no damaged safety systems (e.g. fire doors) 1 – Buildings in good condition 2 – Buildings in generally good condition 3 – Buildings in generally adequate condition 4 – Buildings in generally poor condition 5 – Buildings in disrepair and vandalised

If you believe that the state of repair is not increasing the risks to your building, then score low.

2.5 Building height

Good security measures provided for school grounds No security measures

2.5 - Notes to help assess:

0 – Single-storey 1 – Partly two-storey 2 – Mostly two-storey 3 – 2-storey 4 – 3-6 storeys 5 – Above 6 storeys If you believe that the height is not increasing the risks to your building, then score low.

2.6 Building construction Traditional Lightweight

2.6 - Notes to help assess:

0 – Traditional, brick 1 – Concrete 2 – Steel frame with concrete 3 – Timber frame 4 – MMC (incl. sandwich panels) 5 – Modular, lightweight (consortium)

2.7 Building design and routes for fire spread

Few Many

2.7 - Notes to help assess:

0 – Very few routes for fire spread 1 – Subjective 2 – Few 3 – Limited e.g. a false ceiling 4 – Some 5 – Many

Routes include:

• Connections between small rooms/ cellular accommodation • Hidden areas • Voids and cavities • Combustible construction • Insufficient separation from adjoining buildings • Insufficient separation from adjoining temporary buildings, marquees, etc.

2.8 Building size (total floor area)

Small building Very large building

2.8 - Notes to help assess;

0 – Small building - Building less than 500m2 1 – Building between 500m2 and 3000m2 2 – Medium sized building - Building between 3000m2 and 6000m2 3 – Building between 6000m2 and 9,000m2 4 – Large building - Building between 9,000m2 and 12,000m2 5 – Very large building - Building greater than 12,000m2

Part 2: Your school’s environment and buildings

1 2 3 4 50

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Identifying fire risks and the right fire safety management measures to put in place

LOW RISK HIGH RISK

2.9 Building distribution (separation)

Distributed buildings Single building

2.9 - Notes to help assess:

0 – Small distributed buildings 1 – Small distributed buildings with a few larger buildings 2 – Large distributed buildings 3 – Large distributed buildings with a few smaller buildings 4 – Single building 5 – Single large building

2.10 Risk of fire from school activity

Low High

2.10 - Notes to help assess:

0 – Very low 1 – Small primary school; just kitchens. Low risk, low fire load 2 – Large primary school activity, limited vocational courses 3 – Workshops, vocational activity, such as catering 4 – Known fire risks 5 – High fire risks, high fire load

Consider the use and storage of hazardous materials.

2.11 Out-of-hours use of school facilities (by the public)

None or low out-of-hours use Frequent out-of-hours use

2.11 - Notes to help assess:

0 – None or low out-of-hours use 1 – Little use (once per month) 2 – Some out-of-hours use 3 – Occasional out-of-hours use (once per week) 4 – Frequent out-of-hours use (every day) 5 – Frequent out-of-hours use by people unfamiliar with the premises

If you believe that out-of-hours use is reducing the risks to your building, then score low.

2.12 Building users at risk Low High

2.12 - Notes to help assess:

0 – No “high risk” users (e.g. building with staff access only) 1 – Adults and young adults 3 – Children requiring assistance to escape 4 – Many (infrequent) users who are not familiar with the building 5 – Many users with disabilities (i.e. requiring assistance to escape)

Sleeping risk not included.

Low risk users normally include:

• Permanent staff

Medium risk users normally include:

• Temporary staff • Young persons • Visitors • Contractors

High risk users normally include:

• Children • Special needs • Disabled persons § In wheel chairs § Vision impaired § Hearing impaired § With learning difficulties

• Elderly • With language difficulties • With known medical condition • Out-of-hours users (i.e. unknown users)

Part 2: Your school’s environment and buildings

1 2 3 4 50

Total score for part 2:

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Identifying fire risks and the right fire safety management measures to put in place

LOW RISK HIGH RISK

3.1. Passive fire protection measures

Buildings have adequate fire compartmentalisation and fire/smoke barriers and doors

Overly large fire compartments and lack of fire/smoke barriers and doors

3.1 - Notes to help assess:

0 – Building has extensive compartmentation and other passive fire protection measures (i.e. little or no opportunity for fire or smoke to spread) 3 – Building has some compartmentation and other passive fire protection measures 5 – Overly large fire compartments and lack of fire/smoke barriers and doors (i.e. excessive opportunity for fire or smoke to spread)

3.2. Design relaxations of passive measures (for education reasons)

None Atrium or open-plan areas

3.2 - Notes to help assess:

0 – No relaxations of passive measures 3 – Some relaxations of passive measures 5 – Atrium or open-plan areas Features for which passive measures might be relaxed include:

• Large area spaces • High spaces • Extended travel distances

3.3. Fire detection and warning system

Automated and linked to central control room Human detection and hand bell

3.3 - Notes to help assess:

0 – Automated and linked to central control room 3 – Minimal system (break-glass call points only) 5 – Human detection and hand bell only

3.4. Means of escape (and emergency lighting and signage)

Many exits, short escape routes Few exits, long escape routes

3.4 - Notes to help assess:

0 – Good and safe means of escape with many exits and short escape routes 2 – Adequate means of escape with alternative exits and fairly short escape routes 5 – Poor means of escape, poorly protected and with few exits, long escape routes

Escape routes should have:

• Properly rated fire resisting construction • Penetrations sealed • Fire and smoke resisting doors • Fire and smoke seals intact • Self-closing and/or hold-open devices • Automatic closing devices operate properly • Fire resisting elements properly sealed • Fire resisting windows properly sealed • Appropriate lighting, and emergency lighting • Appropriate signage

3.5. Occupancy density Few people, in small groups Large numbers in a single

compartment

3.5 - Notes to help assess:

0 – Few people, in small groups and no large assembly spaces 2 – Mostly few people, in small groups, occasional larger groupings 4 – Frequent occupancy of large assembly spaces 5 – Regular high-density occupancy of large assembly spaces (e.g. theatres, discos); large numbers in a single compartment

Part 3: Your school’s existing fire safety and fire protection measures

1 2 3 4 50

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Identifying fire risks and the right fire safety management measures to put in place

LOW RISK HIGH RISK

3.6. Training and drills

Good training of staff, frequent drills No training, no drills

3.6 - Notes to help assess:

0 – Good training of staff, frequent drills 2 – Occasional training, occasional drills 3 – Some training, occasional drills 5 – Poor training, infrequent drills

Records of all fire drills should be kept.

3.7. Management (of fire safety)

Good Poor

3.7 - Notes to help assess:

0 – Good management of staff and premises. All of list below followed. 2 – Adequate management of staff and premises. Most of list below followed. 4 – Poor management of staff and premises. Some of list below followed. 5 - Very poor management of staff and premises. Few of list below followed.

Good management includes:

• A fire safety manager will be appointed who is a suitable person and has adequate information, instruction, and training • A safety team will be appointed • Brought-in (combustible) material monitored (and controlled)

• Visitors will be escorted • Numbers of visitors will be manageable • Oxygen and oxidising materials controlled • Dangerous substances/flammable materials will be controlled • Good housekeeping will be carried out: • Refuse bins regularly emptied • Combustible material kept minimal and controlled • Users of the building will be monitored and controlled • Animals in the building will be monitored and controlled • Occupants of building will be monitored and controlled • Lone working procedures will be provided • Isolated working procedures will be provided • High-risk area working procedures will be provided • Contractors supply method statements and RA’s before working on site and receive adequate fire instruction • Permit to work and/or hot work permit system in place (as appropriate)

3.8. Fire Service notification

Automatic None

3.8 - Notes to help assess:

0 – Automatic notification of a fire to the local fire and rescue service 2 – Alarm verification and/or notification to 3rd party service 3 – Manual notification of a fire to the local fire and rescue service 5 – Very limited means of notification of a fire to the local fire and rescue service (e.g. phone in a locked office)

3.9. Fire Service location

Very close Very distant

3.9 - Notes to help assess:

0 – Very close (within 1 mile) 1 – Close 2 – Quite close (within 5 miles) 4 – Distant 5 – Very distant (over 10 miles)

Part 3: Your school’s existing fire safety and fire protection measures

1 2 3 4 50

Total score for part 3:

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Identifying fire risks and the right fire safety management measures to put in place

LOW RISK HIGH RISK

4.1. Impact of fire on users (injury)

Low High (risk of death)

4.1 - Notes to help assess:

0 – Few building users at risk (Essentially no injury risk) 1 – Some building users at risk (Some injury risk) 2 – Large numbers but low density of building users at risk (Risk of injuries) 3 – High density of building users at risk (Risk of multiple injuries) 4 – Large numbers and high density of building users at risk (Risk of fatality) 5 – Very large numbers and high density of building users at risk (Risk of multiple fatalities)

4.2. Impact of fire on learning Low High

4.2 - Notes to help assess:

0 – Essentially no impact on learning 1 – Some impact on learning 3 – Significant impact due to loss of availability of class rooms etc. 5 – High risk of impact on learning (i.e. significant loss of course work and/or disruption to examination opportunities – long term effects on career opportunities)

Consider the availability of temporary alternative accommodation.

4.3. Impact on community Low High

4.3 - Notes to help assess:

0 – Essentially no impact on the community 1 – Some impact on the community 3 – Loss of some amenities (e.g. sports hall). Alternative amenities nearby 5 – High risk of impact on the community (i.e. significant loss of amenity and/or need for extensive movements (public or private transport))

Consider the availability of temporary alternative accommodation and nearby alternative facilities and amenities.

4.4. Potential cost Low High

4.4 - Notes to help assess:

0 – Essentially no significant cost likely as a result of a fire 1 – Some cost likely as a result of a fire (for example, <£10,000) 2 – Limited cost (for example, £10,000 - £100,000) 3 – Loss of part of school (or individual building). Need for temporary accommodation (for example, £100,000 - £500,000) 4 – Significant cost (for example, £500,000 - £1m) 5 – High cost likely as a result of a fire. Need to rebuild whole school, provide transportation for pupils and/or temporary accommodation (for example, >£1m)

4.5. Environmental impact

Low High

4.5 - Notes to help assess:

0 – Essentially no risk of damage to the environment due to a fire (natural material, no asbestos, no risk to local ground water etc.) 1 – Some risk of damage to the environment 3 – Impact on neighbouring properties 4 – Risk of damage to the environment 5 – High risk of damage to the environment in the event of a fire (polymeric materials, paints, asbestos, risk to local ground water etc.) and significant impact on neighbouring properties

Part 4: Consequences / impact of fire on your school (Weight = 4)

1 2 3 4 50

Total score for part 4:

Total score for part 4 multiplied by 4 to weight it:

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Identifying fire risks and the right fire safety management measures to put in place

Fire safety risk calculator scoring Score Total scores

Part 1 Incidence of arson (fire)

Part 2 Environment and buildings

Total score for parts 1 & 2:

Part 3 Fire safety or fire protection measures

Part 4 Consequences of a fire (weighted score)

Total score for parts 3 & 4:

Total score for parts 1, 2, 3 & 4:

Calculate your risk

Calculating your risk Bring the scores from the 4 tables above in to the scoring table below.

Your risk is…

Total score 0 - 40

Total score 41 - 100

Total score 101 - 230

LOW RISK MEDIUM RISK HIGH RISKSummary: The fire safety risk calculator indicates your school is at a low level of risk. Sprinklers may be beneficial.

Summary: The fire safety risk calculator indicates your school is at an average level of risk.

Sprinklers are recommended.

Summary: The fire safety risk calculator indicates your school is at a high level of risk.

Sprinklers should be provided.

The following tables provide more detail on the type of fire safety and fire protection measures that might be appropriate for your school.

Overall score from parts 1, 2, 3 & 4

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Identifying fire risks and the right fire safety management measures to put in place

What could I do to prevent fires breaking out?

Fire safety or fire protection measures appropriate for reducing risk of fire

Part 1 + 2 score 0 - 20

Part 1 + 2 score 21 - 60

Part 1 + 2 score 61 - 85

LOW RISK AVERAGE RISK HIGH RISK

The fire safety risk calculator indicates your school is at a low level of risk with regard to the incidence of fire in the environment and buildings.

Sprinklers may be beneficial.

You may also wish to consider:

• Limited number of entrances

• Improved building security measures

• Improved site security measures

• Better building and equipment maintenance

• Further control of activities likely to cause a fire

The fire safety risk calculator indicates your school is at an average level of risk with regard to the incidence of fire in the environment and buildings.

A sprinkler system is recommended.

You may also wish to consider:

• Improved building security measures

• Improved site security measures

• Better building and equipment maintenance

• Improved control of activities likely to cause a fire

• Improved procedures to ensure that buildings are cleared of materials that can be used for arson

• (Note: a sprinkler system may act as a deterrent to arsonists, but primarily acts to prevent a small fire growing)

The fire safety risk calculator indicates your school is at a high level of risk with regard to the incidence of fire in the environment and buildings.

Sprinklers should be provided.

You may also wish to consider:

• More building security measures

• More site security measures

• Security measures include;

• Good window locks

• Intruder detection

• CCTV

• Security staff / guards

• Good perimeter fencing

• Car parks well-lit and overlooked etc.

• Doors secure against all but the most determined intruders

• Windows and roof-lights protected against intruders etc.

• Better building and equipment maintenance

• Control of activities likely to cause a fire

• Buildings cleared of materials that can be used for arson

• (Note: a sprinkler system may act as a deterrent to arsonists, but primarily acts to prevent a small fire growing)

Parts 1 & 2

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Identifying fire risks and the right fire safety management measures to put in place

What could I do to reduce the impact if a fire does break out?

Fire safety or fire protection measures appropriate for reducing risk of injury, damage, and consequences if a fire does occur

Part 3 + 4 score 0 - 20

Part 3 + 4 score 21 - 50

Part 3 + 4 score 51 - 145

LOW RISK AVERAGE RISK HIGH RISK

The fire safety risk calculator indicates your school is at a low level of risk with regard to the risk of injury, damage, and consequences (if a fire does occur).

Sprinklers may be beneficial.

You may also wish to consider:

• An improved automatic fire detection and alarm system

• Improved procedures to ensure doors are shut at night

• Secure storage (fire cupboards) for documents and coursework

• Better communications with local fire brigade

• Contingency plans, for example for use of alternative buildings

• Better planning, training and more frequent drills

The fire safety risk calculator indicates your school is at an average level of risk with regard to the risk of injury, damage, and consequences (if a fire does occur).

A sprinkler system is recommended.

You may also wish to consider:

• Improved building security measures

• An improved automatic fire detection and alarm system

• Additional fire compartmentalization

• Procedures to ensure doors are shut at night

• Secure storage (fire cupboards) for documents and coursework

• Better communications with local fire brigade

• Contingency plans put in place for use of alternative buildings

• Better planning, training and more frequent drills

The fire safety risk calculator indicates your school is at a high level of risk with regard to the risk of injury, damage, and consequences (if a fire does occur).

Sprinklers should be provided.

You should also consider:

• An automatic fire detection and alarm system

• Additional fire compartmentalization

• Procedures to ensure doors are shut at night

• Secure storage (fire cupboards) for documents and coursework

• Better communications with local fire brigade

• Contingency plans put in place for use of alternative buildings

• Better planning, training and more frequent drills

• Controls on the number of people using the building

For more information on types of fire safety and fire protection measures refer to BB100: “Designing against the risk of fire in schools” (See references section.)

Parts 3 & 4

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Identifying fire risks and the right fire safety management measures to put in place

Next actions Working through this risk calculator gives an indication - and perhaps an appreciation - of the level of detail required to perform a fire safety risk assessment. Some criteria are straightforward whereas others are not. The experience of the person or people contributing to its completion will also play a role in determining how accurately it reflects your school’s overall fire safety risk. Please note that this tool is not intended to be used for risk assessments to satisfy the UK Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The results should merely be read as indicative and the use of the calculator does not constitute or replace the need for a professional fire safety risk assessment. Now you have a better understanding of the threat to your school, you can make appropriate decisions about protection of life safety, buildings and property. When dealing with a topic as important and sensitive as school fire safety, there is a need to make informed decisions about the selection of appropriately qualified firms that are able to provide the expert help you are likely to require. A system of voluntary accreditation means the fire safety business is actually unregulated. This leaves room for well-intentioned one man bands with limited resources. It also provides an opportunity for cowboy operators. As a result, the quality of fire safety services is likely to vary. A poorly executed fire safety risk assessment has the potential to lead to problems such as:

• Inadequate provisions of fire safety equipment

• Incorrect numbers and positioning of detectors, emergency lights and extinguishers

• A poor evacuation plan

• A lack of adequately fire trained staff

• A lack of thought and provision for security

Fire Safety Management is a service that enables schools to take control of managing fire safety risks. The service offers a complete solution to performing fire risk assessments, producing the necessary documentation and providing the installation of any fire safety equipment such as extinguishers or lighting, provision for training, and so on.

To make sure that your fire safety risk assessment is fit for purpose, look for the credentials of the company and its employees. The most experienced fire risk assessors are likely to have a background in the fire and rescue services. Such a background often means they have first-hand experience of firefighting and have been fully trained in fire prevention.

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Help to get school Fire Safety Management right from iC2

iC2 is a leading mid-market CCTV provider and was established in 2001. The business is owned and managed by a team with a collective experience of over 100 years in the electronic security business. iC2 holds CCTV and security accreditations with NSI and BSI.

The increasing integration of electronic security and fire alarms means Fire Safety Management services are a natural extension of our business. The high standards we apply to electronic security are applied to our Fire Safety Management services.

Our fire risk assessment team consists of committed, career fire safety professionals. Training and experience gained during many years with the fire and rescue service means the team is highly motivated, having seen the often devastating aftermath of fire and its effect on people and property.

A prestigious client list including luxury international boutique brands, top flight sporting venues, retail developments and educational and social environments demonstrates how solutions are deployed to meet a variety of requirements.

From protecting high value luxury goods, to fan and public safety and child protection, solutions are deployed to meet a range of legitimate purposes for which they are appropriate and fit for purpose.

SUMMARY

Identifying fire risks and the right fire safety management measures to put in place

SOURCE NOTE

This calculator is based on work carried out by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) which developed two new tools for the UK’s central government department with responsibility for schools in 2007, the Department for Education and Skills (DfES). The source document is: DfES Risk Assessment Tool for Sprinklers in School

BRE Fire and Security: Release 1.4 - 16 July 2007

The original was envisioned as a tool for providing guidance on sprinkler systems. However, beyond the narrow purpose of determining the appropriateness of sprinklers, it provides an insight in to the complexity of fire risk assessment. For many that are responsible for fire safety in schools, it may help to identify gaps in fire precautions. For others, it may serve its original purpose and determine the need for automatic sprinkler systems. For some it may be a driver to seek professional advice. For all, it should inform decision making and help to make schools safer places.

Page 15: School fire risk calculator: Is your school high, medium ... · School fire risk calculator: Is your . school high, medium or low risk? Identifying fire risks and the right fire safety

REFERENCES AND FURTHER READINGTitle: Hold fire: Fire risk assessment Q&A Publisher: iC2 CCTV and Security Specialists (UK) Ltd http://www.ic2cctv.com/white-papers/hold-fire-fire-risk-assessment-qa/ Title: School on fire in London every third day Publisher: BBC Website http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-16468307 Title: Fire safety for schools Publisher: DCSF Teachernet website (National Archives) http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110316231736/http://teachernet.gov.uk/management/resourcesfinanceandbuilding/schoolbuildings/legislation/firesafetyforschools/ Title: Government criticised over quietly abandoning requirement for new schools to install fire sprinklers Publisher: Independent.co.uk http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/government-criticised-over-quietly-abandoning-requirement-for-new-schools-to-install-fire-sprinklers-a7219276.html Title: Building Bulletin 100: design for fire safety in schools (BB100) Publisher: GOV.UK website https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/building-bulletin-100-design-for-fire-safety-in-schools

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iC2 provide you with innovative solutions tailored to you and your sector. We are London-based with a national team of surveyors and engineers that work closely with our clients throughout the UK and internationally.

Our unique consultative approach allows us to tailor bespoke systems to your individual requirements, ensuring that your operational requirements are met.

We appreciate the need to demonstrate the best value to you every time and as a technology-led company, you can expect our cutting-edge and ground-breaking approach to serve your needs for many years to come.

Please feel free to contact us to discuss any requirements you may have. We are happy to give you impartial advice, should you have any queries.

Disclaimer

Limitation of liability:

E&OE. iC2 CCTV Ltd. accepts no liability whatsoever from use of the information contained in this document. Content provided for information purposes only. Advisory notice:

This tool is not intended to be used for risk assessments to satisfy the UK Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Any result obtained should merely be read as indicative and the use of the calculator does not constitute or replace the need for a professional fire safety risk assessment. Should there be any doubt about your obligations and responsibilities, iC2 CCTV Ltd. recommends specialist advice should be sought on all matters relating to fire safety.


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