Fire Safety in Schools and Educational Buildings

What This Requirement Covers

Schools and educational buildings have specific fire safety requirements due to the large numbers of children and young people present, the variety of activities carried out (including science, food technology, and art), and the need for effective evacuation procedures. Building Bulletin 100 (BB100) provides specific fire safety guidance for school design, supplementing Approved Document B.

Key Requirements

Means of Escape

1. Maximum travel distances are generally shorter than for other building types:

- 18 metres in one direction only - 45 metres where alternative escape routes are available

1. Every classroom must have at least one exit leading to a protected corridor or directly to outside
2. Classrooms with more than 60 occupants should have at least two exits
3. Ground-floor classrooms may exit directly to outside as an alternative to a protected corridor
4. Assembly halls and dining areas with more than 60 persons require at least two exits

Compartmentation

1. Schools of more than one storey require compartment floors between storeys
2. The fire resistance of the compartment floor depends on building height (typically 30 or 60 minutes)
3. High-risk areas (science labs, food technology rooms, boiler rooms) should be separated from escape routes by fire-resisting construction

Fire Detection and Alarm

1. A fire detection and alarm system compliant with BS 5839-1 is required
2. The minimum category for schools is typically Category L3 (detection to protect escape routes) or Category L2 (detection in escape routes and high-risk areas)
3. Manual call points must be located at all exit doors from the building
4. The alarm must produce a minimum sound level of 65 dBA in all occupied areas

Specific Provisions for Schools

1. Science laboratories: Fume cupboard and gas isolation systems, fire-resisting enclosure if above ground floor
2. Kitchens: Fire-resisting separation from dining areas, fire blankets and appropriate extinguishers
3. Server rooms and IT suites: Fire detection, portable extinguisher provision, and consideration of electrical fire risks
4. Special educational needs: PEEPs for pupils with mobility or sensory impairments, refuges where appropriate

Practical Compliance Tips

1. Use BB100 as the primary design guide for new school buildings; it supplements Approved Document B with school-specific guidance
2. Carry out a fire risk assessment before the school opens and review annually
3. Practice fire drills at least once per term and record the results
4. Ensure all staff receive fire safety training, including the use of fire extinguishers and evacuation procedures for pupils with disabilities
5. Lock-down procedures should be developed alongside fire evacuation procedures, ensuring they do not conflict
6. Keep escape routes clear of displays, furniture, and stored equipment
7. Consider the impact of school events (concerts, sports days) on the number of occupants and escape route capacity