The crucial role of a fire risk assessment ahead of the new academic year – and who’s responsible by Bruce Robins, Director of CheckFire
Robust fire safety in schools, colleges, and universities is a legal and moral imperative. Of all the risks educational institutions may face, fire hazards remain one of the most devastating – yet they’re often preventable. With closures during the summer break, key decision makers and duty holders have a crucial window to get fire safety preparations under way. It is the ideal time to prioritise compliance with fire safety regulations and ensure the continued protection of students, staff, and property ahead of the autumn term.
Schools, colleges and universities are dynamic, high-occupancy spaces where the risk of fire may be heightened by a variety of factors, including outdated infrastructure, the increased use of lithium-ion battery powered devices, the use of flammable teaching materials, and even arson.
A comprehensive and clearly communicated fire safety plan ensures everyone knows of potential fire hazards and understands the correct precautions and procedures should an emergency take hold.
Understanding regulations for educational premises
The government outlines how fire risk assessments, and the ensuing fire safety precautions, are intended for premises where the main use of the building, or part of the building, is an educational premises. This includes schools, colleges, universities, Sunday schools, academies, adult education centres, after-school clubs, outdoor education centres, and music schools.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is the main piece of legislation governing fire safety in non-domestic buildings in England and Wales. It places a clear legal duty on educational premises to ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors. Under this legislation, the responsibility for fire safety falls to the ‘responsible person’ – typically the headteacher, governing body, or facilities manager. These individuals must take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of fire and ensure procedures are in place for the safe evacuation of the building in the event of an emergency. This includes overseeing the conducting and regular review of the fire risk assessment, maintaining appropriate fire detection and warning systems, providing adequate means of escape, and ensuring staff are properly trained.
The premises’ summer closure presents an ideal opportunity to review and update the existing fire risk assessment, conduct thorough inspections, and implement maintenance work and system testing to ensure every element is fit for purpose to welcome building users back for the new academic year. Time should be taken to consider any changes to the building, occupancy patterns, or curriculum activities that may affect fire risk and hazards – and the findings of the fire risk assessment may change as a consequence.
Fire risk assessment must-know
It is the role of the responsible person to oversee a fire risk assessment undertaken by a trustworthy fire safety expert or ‘competent person’. A crucial element of this assessment is identifying potential hazards found around the building and recognising who may be at risk. In an educational setting, this may be students working in unsupervised areas or visitors unfamiliar with the building.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person should also appoint one or more competent persons (depending on the size and complexity of the premises) to support the implementation of preventative and protective measures. The fire risk assessment should pay particular attention to the identification of vulnerable individuals – such as those with health conditions or impairments, special educational needs, or very young children – to highlight clear plans to minimise the likelihood of a fire breaking out and reduce the impact of each risk.
Once fire risks are identified and eliminated as far as is reasonably possible, steps should be taken to reduce any remaining risks and implement fire precautions where necessary. Key fire safety provisions typically include early warning systems to provide immediate alerts, as well as the installation, and annual service, of the correct type of fire extinguisher for the fire risk within that setting – whether it’s a Class A fire risk given proximity to paper or wood, for example, or a Class F fire risk found in the kitchen. Furthermore, a managed evacuation plan is a legal requirement in educational settings. Escape routes must be adequately signposted and kept clear, fire doors should not be obstructed, and emergency lighting should function correctly. It is the responsible person’s duty to ensure the plan is in place, regularly reviewed, and clearly communicated to all students, staff, and visitors. Fire drills must be carried out at least annually, or as determined by the fire risk assessment, with the government stating the preference for a fire drill each term.
The rising risk of lithium-ion battery fires in education
As technology becomes increasingly integral to education, the use of devices powered by lithium-ion batteries is commonplace. Whether tablets, smartphones, laptops, or e-readers, these rechargeable devices enhance learning but introduce a significant and unique fire hazard. UK fire brigades now attend a minimum of three lithium-ion battery fires a day, according to QBE. The insurance company reported a significant 93% increase in lithium-ion battery fires between 2022 and 2024. The danger lies in thermal runaway, which is where a battery rapidly overheats, bursts, and triggers a chain reaction – leading to difficult-to-extinguish fires that release toxic gas and smoke. The explosive nature of the molten metal and the degree of collateral fires it causes are vast, causing peripheral fires to spread to surrounding areas. This type of fire is more fierce than an ‘ordinary’ fire – necessitating the need to educate students and staff on proper handling and safe charging of these devices.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 has been updated to include the consideration of lithium-ion batteries in fire risk assessments, requiring high-risk environments like educational settings to update their safety protocols. Potential hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries should be addressed and so it’s imperative that the installation of specialised fire extinguishers that are specifically designed to tackle lithium-ion battery fires is considered. Educators and school administrators must understand and stay alert to warning signs of potential battery failure, such as devices overheating, or swelling, and act quickly to remove the affected device from use before disposing of it in accordance with proper procedures.
The worrying rise in lithium-ion battery fires highlights the urgent need for educational institutions to build out their thorough understanding of these unique fire risks and to update fire risk assessments and fire safety measures accordingly.
Collaboration with local fire services
Fire risk assessments must be reviewed and updated regularly, particularly when there are significant changes to the building, its layout, and how it is used. To be sure of ongoing safety, all fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and evacuation routes, must be routinely inspected, annually serviced, and sufficiently maintained by qualified professionals to remain in proper working order and comply with British Standards.
For schools and other educational institutions, building strong partnerships with local fire departments and aligning with current safety regulations, as well as keeping abreast of evolving ones, is crucial. Education authorities should work closely with fire safety professionals to continually refine fire safety protocols and ensure compliance with legal obligations. An ongoing partnership can support schools, colleges, and universities to stay informed about the most effective fire prevention and response practices.
A fire risk assessment is a vital component to ensure a safe and secure learning environment. However, the report is simply a first fundamental step and should not be treated as a tick-box compliance checklist. It is an evolving document under regular review to stay ahead of traditional and newly arising fire hazards in this high-risk setting. Furthermore, fire safety requires active engagement from all building users to embed a culture of awareness and preparedness. Consistently reviewing and updating fire safety measures – and taking advantage of the quieter period ahead of the new academic year – will ensure schools can mitigate fire risk, maintain effective management of their estates, and prioritise safe learning for all.