A School Fire Risk Assessment is different from other Fire Risk Assessments carried out for a workplace. Schools have their own specific duties concerning fire safety and those responsible for a School (i.e. Headteacher and Governing Body) need to ensure a suitable Fire Risk Assessment is in place.
Who Holds the Legal Duty
This is the headteacher or school principal or governing body of a school. They need to commission a written Fire Risk Assessment for all of the premises of a school, not just for classrooms.
Areas Assessors Focus On
Ignition sources and materials that are likely to burn are found in abundance in science labs, drama costume stores, school kitchens and boiler rooms. Assessors will also look to identify the amount of informal storage in corridors and other areas of the premises.
Pupil Numbers and Evacuation Planning
The Fire Risk Assessment needs to consider the number of visitors to a school for events and for clubs held after school hours as well as for hired out for events. It must also consider the needs of all pupils, especially those with limited mobility and young children who will need to be escorted by an adult in the case of an evacuation. See also Fire Risk Assessment Northamptonshire.
When to Review Your Assessment
They should be reviewed after building work, after a change of use to bring a new area under fire risk assessment or after the provision of a temporary structure such as a classroom.
Keeping Your Records in Order
The written fire risk assessment must be available for any person to read (e.g. school fire inspectors, school staff) at any time. This document must be kept on the premises (e.g. school office), with every review dated and the resulting actions recorded (in a simple log kept with the written fire risk assessment).
Remembering to discharge these duties will protect staff, children and your school.