Multi-page article http://education.gov.uk/b0010638/fire-safety 2012-04-26T15:08:20 Fire safety management Fire safety management Guidance for headteachers and education managers on how to manage fire safety. <![CDATA[<p> Headteachers and other education managers need to manage fire safety in the same way they manage other health and safety issues - by implementing the policies agreed and monitored by the employer (that is, the LA or school governing body). To do this they will usually consult professionals from their LA, their local fire brigade and their insurers.</p> <h1> Regulations</h1> <p> All workplaces are required by the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 to have an emergency plan. The plan should include the actions to be taken by staff in the event of a fire, evacuation procedures and arrangements for calling the fire brigade. It is recommended every occupied room has a fire action notice.</p> <h1> Responsibilities</h1> <p> Responsibility for fire safety in schools is usually shared between the governing body and the headteacher, and also the local authority. Between them, these bodies must ensure fire precautions at the school comply with all relevant health and safety legislation.&nbsp;</p> <p> An&nbsp;appointed fire safety manager should have the necessary authority and powers of sanction to ensure standards of fire safety are maintained. The main aims of fire safety management are to</p> <ul> <li> minimise the risk of fire</li> <li> protect the means of escape</li> <li> limit the spread of fire.</li> </ul> <p> The main duties regarding fire safety management are to</p> <ul> <li> make hazard and risk assessments</li> <li> be responsible for fire safety training</li> <li> produce an emergency plan and put up fire notices</li> <li> conduct fire drills</li> <li> check the adequacy and maintenance of firefighting apparatus</li> <li> consult and implement any recommendations of the local fire brigade</li> <li> conduct fire safety inspections, preferably every term</li> <li> make frequent informal checks to confirm fire safety rules are being followed</li> <li> ensure fire escape routes and fire exit doors and passageways are unobstructed, and that doors open correctly</li> <li> check that fire detection and protection systems are maintained and tested, and records kept</li> <li> ensure close-down procedures are followed</li> <li> include fire safety in the regular health and safety reports to the governing body.</li> </ul> <p> It is useful to keep a fire log book to record essential information such as evacuation procedures, tests on fire fighting equipment, details of training sessions and results of fire drills.</p> <h1> Guidance</h1> <p> The Department has produced guidance on fire safety, which also includes checklists and risk-assessment advice.</p> ]]> false Governor Headteacher Leadership team Local authority Teacher Education and training professionals Department for Education All English DfE emergency funding guidance

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