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As part of the Government’s Building Schools for the Future programme, the Chief Fire Officers’ Association (CFOA) has produced new guidance for the provision of sprinklers in schools.
Covering a 10-15 year period, the programme is built around educational reform and bringing educational buildings up to21st century standards. The use of sprinklers fits into this ethos, says CFOA, as it allows for freedom of design and peace of mind that children’s safety is not reliant only on passive measures.
According to the CFOA, schools are at a greater risk than any other building and are more likely to suffer a major financial loss from fire. Each year more than 1300 schools in England and Wales suffer fires large enough to be attended by local authority fire and rescue services.
“Year on year, when the statistics are published for major fires, educational establishments are always at the top of the list,” commented Tom Carroll, president of CFOA. “It is also a concern that an increasing number of school fires – in some areas over half – are occurring when the schools are occupied.” He continued: “I am hoping that with the launch of this document we can develop a fresh approach to the issues, promote discussion and contribute effectively to the aims of the ‘Building Schools for the Future’ programme.