"How can we better protect our students and staff from fire risks?" This question should be at the forefront for all school administrators and facilities managers. Fire safety in educational settings isn't just about compliance—it's about safeguarding lives. According to recent data from the Home Office, UK fire and rescue services attend approximately 1,500 fires in educational premises annually, with many being preventable through proper risk management and safety protocols.
Schools present unique fire safety challenges due to their diverse environments, high occupancy, and varied activities. From laboratories to kitchens, each area carries specific risks that require tailored prevention strategies. This guide examines the most common fire hazards in schools and provides practical compliance advice for each risk area, helping you create a safer educational environment.
Electrical faults remain one of the leading causes of school fires in the UK, accounting for approximately 23% of all educational establishment fires according to Home Office statistics.
Primary Electrical Fire Risks
● Overloaded sockets and circuits: Multiple high-current devices plugged into a single outlet or extension lead
● Damaged cables and equipment: Frayed wires, cracked casings on computers and other devices
● Improper charging stations: Particularly for tablets and laptops, often placed in confined spaces with poor ventilation
● Outdated wiring systems: Many older school buildings have electrical systems not designed for current demand
Compliance and Prevention
Regular Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is essential for all electrical equipment, with comprehensive records maintained. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 requires schools to ensure electrical systems are maintained to prevent danger. Fixed electrical installations should undergo inspection and testing every five years by qualified electricians.
Fire alarm systems should include specific smoke and heat detectors in areas with high concentrations of electrical equipment. According to British Standard BS 5839, IT server rooms should have appropriate detection systems installed.
For effective prevention:
● Implement a strict policy against unauthorised electrical items
● Provide sufficient power points to avoid overloading
● Install residual current devices (RCDs) to prevent electrical fires
● Train staff on electrical hazard identification
● Ensure extension leads are used safely and not daisy-chained
● Address messy wiring and electrical systems promptly
● Make sure CO₂ or dry powder fire extinguishers are readily available in areas with significant electrical equipment, with certification checked annually as required by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
School kitchens combine high temperatures, cooking oils, and electrical appliances, creating significant fire risks. According to Fire and Rescue Services data, cooking appliances are involved in approximately 45% of all non-residential building fires.
Primary Kitchen Fire Hazards
● Unattended cooking equipment: Particularly during busy serving periods
● Grease accumulation: In extraction systems, filters, and cooking surfaces
● Faulty appliances: Commercial ovens, hobs, and deep fat fryers
● Improper storage: Flammable cleaning materials near heat sources
Compliance and Prevention
School kitchens must comply with both educational and commercial catering fire safety regulations. The Food Standards Agency guidance emphasises the importance of clean extraction systems, with thorough cleaning recommended every 3-12 months depending on usage.
For comprehensive kitchen fire safety:
● Install appropriate fire suppression systems for cooking areas (wet chemical)
● Ensure regular professional cleaning of extraction systems and ductwork
● Implement strict closing procedures that include turning off all appliances
● Maintain Class F fire extinguishers specifically designed for cooking oil fires
● Schedule regular fire alarm testing that includes heat detectors in kitchen areas
● Train kitchen staff on specific evacuation procedures
Fire extinguisher certification in kitchen areas requires particular attention, with annual maintenance inspections as standard and more frequent checks for high-usage equipment. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires all fire safety equipment to be maintained "in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair."
Science labs present unique fire hazards from Bunsen burners, flammable chemicals, and experiment-related risks. HSE data suggests that while less frequent than other school fires, laboratory incidents can be more severe due to the presence of accelerants.
Primary Laboratory-Specific Risks
● Open flames: Bunsen burners and heating equipment
● Flammable chemicals: Including alcohols, hydrocarbons, and reactive substances
● Exothermic reactions: Experiments generating excessive heat
● Gas leaks: From fixed gas installations or portable gas cylinders
Compliance and Prevention
CLEAPSS (Consortium of Local Education Authorities for the Provision of Science Services) provides specific guidance for UK school laboratories. Their recommendations include:
● Proper storage of chemicals in metal, fire-resistant cabinets
● Clear protocols for Bunsen burner use and supervision
● Laboratory-specific fire alarm testing procedures
● Appropriate fire extinguishers (CO₂, dry powder, and in some cases, foam)
● Emergency shut-off systems for gas supplies
Prevention strategies should include:
● Mandatory safety briefings before practical sessions
● Regular inspection of gas taps and supply lines
● Clear labelling of flammable substances
● Designated fire safety officer for science departments
● Laboratory-specific fire evacuation procedures including chemical spill protocols
Fire extinguisher testing should be complemented by staff training in using the correct extinguisher types for different laboratory fires. Fire alarm services should include verification that laboratory detection systems are appropriate for the specific risks present.
Storage areas often contain high concentrations of combustible materials, from paper supplies to cleaning chemicals, creating significant fire loading.
Primary Storage Area Hazards
● Paper stockpiles: Teaching materials, records, and unused supplies
● Flammable cleaning products: Often stored in confined spaces
● Sports equipment and props: Materials for drama and PE
● Ad-hoc storage in escape routes: Temporarily placed items blocking exits
Compliance and Prevention
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires that escape routes and fire exits must be kept clear at all times. For storage areas:
● Implement a clear storage policy that minimises fire risks
● Ensure cleaning chemicals are stored according to COSHH regulations
● Install appropriate fire detection in storage areas, even those rarely accessed
● Consider fire-resistant storage cabinets for high-risk items
● Maintain clear access to fire-fighting equipment
Fire compartmentalisation is particularly important for storage areas. Fire-resistant doors should be regularly inspected as part of maintenance schedules, and fire alarm testing should verify that detection coverage includes all storage spaces, however small.
For effective prevention:
● Schedule regular inspections of storage areas
● Implement stock rotation to prevent excessive accumulation of materials
● Train staff on proper storage practices and fire risks
● Ensure appropriate fire extinguishers are located near high-risk storage areas
Understanding the different types of smoke detectors is crucial for storage areas, as some detectors may be more suitable than others depending on the stored materials.
While important for creating stimulating learning environments, displays and decorations can contribute significantly to fire spread if ignited.
Primary Display-Related Fire Risks
● Excessive wall coverings: Particularly in corridors and escape routes
● Flammable display materials: Non-fire-retardant papers and fabrics
● Electrical decorations: Temporary lighting, especially during seasonal events
● Obstruction of fire detection: Displays that cover or surround detectors
Compliance and Prevention
Department for Education building guidance recommends limiting wall coverings in circulation spaces. Best practices include:
● Using fire-retardant display boards and materials
● Treating existing displays with fire-retardant sprays
● Keeping displays away from heat sources and electrical equipment
● Ensuring temporary electrical items like fairy lights are PAT tested
● Maintaining clear access to fire alarm call points and extinguishers
For seasonal events and performances, conduct specific fire risk assessments that consider additional decorations. Temporary event electrical installations should be inspected by qualified electricians, and additional fire watches may be necessary for events with larger audiences.
Fire alarm testing should verify that displays don't interfere with detection systems. Emergency lighting should also be checked to ensure it remains visible and effective. Ensure all staff understand that in case of fire, evacuating people takes priority over protecting displays or work.
Fire safety in schools requires ongoing vigilance across all areas. By understanding the specific hazards in different school environments, administrators can implement targeted prevention and compliance measures.
Key takeaways for comprehensive school fire safety:
● Conduct regular, area-specific fire risk assessments
● Ensure appropriate fire detection systems for each environment
● Maintain proper certification for all fire-fighting equipment
● Train staff on environment-specific fire risks and responses
● Document all fire safety procedures and checks
Remember that fire safety legislation requires schools to not only implement fire safety measures but to regularly review and update them. Appointing a dedicated fire safety coordinator can help ensure consistent application of fire safety standards across all school areas.
Regular fire alarm testing, fire extinguisher certification, and staff training on fire alarm services are not just regulatory requirements—they're essential components of a comprehensive safety culture that protects everyone in the educational environment.
For a comprehensive understanding of fire safety in your school, consider reviewing the 5 key elements of fire safety and how they apply to your specific setting.
For a professional assessment of your school's fire safety systems or to ensure compliance with current regulations, contact qualified fire safety professionals who specialise in educational establishments.
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