As the summer holidays approach, we want to make sure that any unwanted fire signals are being managed by Educational Premises/Responsible Person. Here’s a quick advice and guidance note on how you can do that:
- Fire Risk Assessment
Make sure that if there are any significant changes to the premises and organisation that your Fire Risk Assessment reflects this. We understand that many educational premises may start renovation works during this period, and it could impact detection or means of escape. Make sure you have this fire risk assessed!
- Covering smoke detectors
If you are having works carried out on your educational premises, external/internal contractors may cover detection, as dust can trigger the fire alarm. If this is happening, make sure you are either aware that this is a possibility, and are available to check in on the workers in the event of an alarm activation, or that the detection is uncovered when the contractors leave the premises.
- Brief your contractors on your emergency procedures
The responsible person must ensure that any employees undertaking who are working in or on the premises is provided with relevant information such as the risks they are exposed to and the preventative and protective measures taken by the responsible person. Let them know what to do in the event of a fire and emergency!
- Train more than one staff member in fire safety
If a designated staff member who carries out the testing of fire safety is off sick or on leave, testing and servicing must still be conducted. Ensure that you have more than one person who is competent to supervise and interpret the alarm system. Don’t forget to notify your Alarm Receiving Centre (if applicable) when you’re testing!
You may have noticed we have changed the way we attend Automatic Fire Alarms, we still consider Educational Premises as high risk therefore we will still be attending. However, please ensure that you manage these alarms by following the above.
If you would like further advice and guidance or to speak to one of our Business Fire Safety Team members use the Contact us page.
