Operating an effective fire alarm system for your school or college is vital for safety and to comply with the UK fire safety regulations.
From conventional to addressable and wireless systems, this article aims to guide educational institutions through the nuances of selecting, maintaining and effectively operating fire alarm systems.
The Types of Fire Alarm Systems For Schools
The process for choosing an appropriate fire alarm system relies on understanding the suitability of different types of fire alarms for various school sizes and layouts.
For personalised advice and expert guidance tailored to your institution’s unique needs, feel free to speak to our team who specialise in electrical services for schools. Alternatively keep reading to get a deeper understanding of fire safety within the educational environment.
Conventional Fire Alarm Systems
Conventional fire alarm systems have initiating devices like smoke detectors, heat detectors, and manual pull stations wired back to a central fire alarm panel. When a device is triggered, alarms will sound throughout the building.
These systems divide the building into zones, and when a fire is detected, the alarm indicates the zone but not the exact location. Their straightforward design typically suits the requirements for less complex environments where detailed location information is less critical.
Addressable Fire Alarm Systems
Addressable fire alarm systems are more advanced. Each initiating device has an addressable module that communicates back to the panel. This allows staff to know exactly which detector or pull station was activated.
Addressable systems are usually preferable for larger schools with more complex floor plans. This precise detection is essential for larger schools, where quickly locating the source of the fire enables a faster emergency response.
Wireless Fire Alarm Systems
Wireless fire alarm systems connect the various devices with radio signals instead of wiring. This provides more flexibility for installation but also comes with concerns about reliability and interference. Wireless can be an option for both small and large school buildings.
What to Consider When Choosing a Fire Alarm System For Your School
The size and layout of your school will heavily influence whether a conventional, addressable, or wireless system is appropriate.
Smaller schools can function effectively with conventional systems, while larger schools or colleges with multiple buildings or floors typically require the advanced capabilities of addressable systems.
It is also essential to consider safety requirements to ensure the system includes all the necessary features for educational settings. For instance, regulations may require systems to include certain features like voice evacuation alerts.
An experienced fire alarm system installation provider like Akehurst can help recommend and install the ideal system for any school based on its unique profile and needs.
Where to Install Fire Alarms in Schools
The correct placement of fire alarms within schools is integral to the early detection of fires and the prevention of false alarms. The installation should comply with specific building codes and regulations. However, there are general guidelines to follow:
- Alarms should be installed throughout the school to ensure no area is unprotected. This includes all hallways and classrooms.
- Certain rooms in schools are more likely to be the starting point of a fire due to activities performed or equipment used within them.
- Special attention must be given to high-risk areas like science labs due to the presence of chemicals and equipment such as bunsen burners. Special attention must be given to high-risk areas like science labs due to the presence of chemicals and equipment such as bunsen burners.
- In spaces where dust, steam or aerosol usage is high, such as the school gym, theatre stage, and swimming pool area, fire alarms should be carefully selected and positioned to minimise the risk of unnecessarily setting off the detectors.
We can advise on the best setup for your school’s fire alarm system to meet the highest standards of safety.
What are Fire Regulations for Schools?
The UK Government and the Department for Education have set out a range of fire regulations and guidelines for schools and colleges that govern how educational institutions should prepare and respond to fire emergencies.
These regulations are designed to minimise risk and ensure the safety of staff and students. Understanding these regulations is important for legal compliance and protecting the welfare of school staff and students.
Fire Safety in New and Existing School Buildings
Conducting a Fire Safety Risk Assessment is the foundational step to identifying potential fire hazards within a school environment. This assessment evaluates possible fire hazards and assesses the level of risk. This improves fire safety measures and builds an effective management plan, including prevention and evacuation.
The government provide guidance on how to complete a Fire Safety Risk Assessment for people responsible for the school premises.
Schools must equip their premises with appropriate firefighting equipment, including fire extinguishers, hoses, sprinklers, and alarm pull stations.
It is important that regular maintenance checks are carried out on this equipment to ensure its working order and train staff on its use.
Training is a fundamental element of fire regulations. This involves educating all staff, teachers, and students on fire prevention and how to act if a fire occurs. Drills play a critical role in putting training into practice to ensure everyone knows how to evacuate safely.
The installation of a reliable fire alarm system in the correct locations as per the building code is a core requirement. Make sure these alarms are tested regularly to ensure their functionality.
Compliance with fire regulations is an ongoing process that requires schools to keep on top of fire safety laws. Administrators must maintain up-to-date records of all inspections, keep equipment maintained and carry out regular fire drills.
What to do When The Fire Alarm Goes Off In School
Each and every education setting will have its own fire safety policy. Typically, when a fire alarm sounds, everyone should stop what they’re doing and start a quick and orderly exit from the premises. Staff should guide students out of the building through planned evacuation routes, aiming for the nearest exits.
Post-evacuation, staff and students should convene at predetermined ‘safe points’ These zones are strategically located a safe distance from the premises, where staff and students should await further instructions. It is essential to ensure all individuals remain at these points.
In the meantime, a designated staff member must alert emergency services without delay, ensuring the local fire authorities are aware of the situation and can act promptly.
Only after the fire department has announced an all-clear should a thorough reassessment of the school be carried out. Designated staff must inspect the premises to confirm its safety prior to the remittance of students and staff members.
Reviewing Fire Drill Procedures
Familiarity with fire safety procedures is essential for every staff member and student. It is vital they understand the specific actions to undertake when the fire alarm goes off. This familiarity comes with consistent practice, so regular fire drills are an essential exercise. An effective drill plans out the quickest and safest routes out of the school. This way, if there’s a real emergency, everyone can get out quickly and efficiently.
The evacuation plan should complement the fire alarm system, providing clear and accessible routes to safety. By regularly reviewing and updating this plan, schools ensure it remains effective, particularly as changes to the building layout occur.
By frequently reviewing these procedures, schools can ensure that everyone knows how to quickly and calmly evacuate the building during a real fire.
When Should Fire Alarms Be Tested?
Once the fire alarm system is installed, it is the continuous vigilance that follows to ensure the reliability of the system over time. Regular maintenance, testing, and servicing of the fire alarm is vital to prevent malfunctions and guarantee the system remains responsive and effective in the event of a real fire.
A ‘responsible person’ should be designated to conduct a basic operational check of the fire alarm once a month. This involves testing sensor responsiveness, the battery and alarm sound clarity. These checks are essential to catch and rectify minor issues.
In addition to these monthly checks, weekly fire drills are a legal requirement for any commercial building. They are a live test of the alarm system’s operational capacity and the preparedness of the school staff and students to respond as required.
At least twice a year, a comprehensive inspection and test by a professional is essential. This inspection evaluates the overall health of the system, identifies any potential issues that may need addressing, and confirms compliance with the latest fire safety regulations.
Accurate documentation of every fire alarm test, inspection, and drill is crucial. Maintaining detailed records ensures any issues are logged and actioned. It also serves as a record of compliance and a reference point for any future maintenance or servicing requirements.
Why Choose Akehurst For Your School’s Fire Alarm Systems?
At Akehurst, our team of certified electricians specialise in the installation, maintenance, and repair of fire alarms and electrical systems in schools.
With a keen understanding of both national and local fire safety regulations, we handle every step of the installation process, from an initial site evaluation to the customised fitting of your system. We also manage the ongoing maintenance to ensure your alarms always remain effective.
Get in touch with our friendly team for more information.
