Page 19 - MB97

Follow us on product
NEWS

Ongoing protection
A fire safety risk assessment is designed
to help identify the fire hazards within
an educational premises. As part
of the risk assessment, the RP must
inspect everything from fire-fighting
equipment and fire doors to staff
training and pupil understanding
towards the school’s procedures in
the event of a fire. As highlighted by
the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service,
a fire risk assessment consists of five
steps:
● Identify the people at risk
● Identify all potential fire hazards
● Evaluate the risk
● Record the findings
● Review and revise
Under the evaluation of risk stage,
various areas of a school’s fire
protection systems are assessed, or FD60, and will delay the spread
including fire detection methods of smoke and fire by 30 and 60
and emergency escape routes. minutes respectively. As part of the
Escape routes, for example, are risk assessment process, the correct
fundamental in the event of a fire location of all fire doors - whether
and rely upon passive fire protection FD30 or FD60 - is determined based
methods, such as fire door sets, that on the risk of the area (FD60s are
will require ongoing assessment and more likely to be installed in kitchen
maintenance. areas for example).
Under The Fire Safety Order 2005, fire All fire doors should also be signed
door sets in the education sector are appropriately, with a British Standard and their hardware - including
a legislative requirement and form sign attached to the face of the door hinges, handles, door closers, locks
a critical role in providing a safer on both sides for FDKS and AFDKC and signage - is correctly installed
educational environment. Emergency (1.5m from the floor). Above all else, and maintained. Upon inspection of
exits conclude escape routes and they must operate as intended. In the a fire door, the RP must review the
should be assembled with ‘fire rated’ circumstance of a fire, it’s vital that certification, gaps, seals, hinges and
doors, which can be rated to FD30 fire doors close fully independently, the closing elements to ensure all is
functioning appropriately. Passive
fire protection is described as the
backbone of fire safety, and so, in
the event a fire door is identified
as defective, it’s imperative that
maintenance is carried out swiftly
and professionally to retain the
integrity of the escape route and
compartmentation.
Fire doors and their hardware are just
one element of a successful fire safety
strategy, and thus one stage of a
fire risk assessment. Yet, these simple,
routine checks can help save lives
and livelihoods. It’s true, fire safety is a
significant responsibility, and it’s one
that should never be overlooked.
For more, visit www.allegion.com

www.modernbuilder.co.uk modern builder - issue 97 oct 19