Fire Risk Assessment for Schools

A school fire risk assessment must reflect how the building is used on a daily basis. We look beyond the physical structure to the human behaviours that create risk.

1. Staff Fatigue and Substitute Risks Most teachers are well-educated on fire safety within their specific subjects. However, accidents often happen due to fatigue-induced mistakes. This might include leaving high-heat equipment running overnight in a workshop or science lab. There is also a significant risk when non-expert substitute teachers use specialist equipment in non-optimal ways. Our assessments highlight the need for robust end-of-day shutdown procedures to mitigate these human errors.
2. Equipment Damage and Behavioural Challenges In many modern schools, equipment risks are not just technical. We often see damage to fire safety assets, such as extinguishers or signage, caused by pupils with behavioural challenges. A proactive assessment identifies these high-risk areas. Consequently, we can recommend more durable solutions or increased monitoring to ensure safety equipment remains functional.
3. The Conflict of Fire Door Convenience Fire doors are frequently propped open in schools to improve the flow of students between lessons. We stress the importance of maintaining every fire door for its intended use. Where compliance is a struggle, we suggest practical changes. This may include recommending the installation of electromagnetic door holders or increased monitoring to prevent students from compromising compartmentation.