OSA Fire Risk (Prevention) Policy Statement
The Oratory Schools Association recognises and accepts its responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to ensure as far as is reasonably practicable the health and safety of pupils, staff and others using or visiting the school premises. To this end, and in compliance with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Regulations 2005, the following measures have been put in place.
Fire Risk Assessment
Fire risk assessments have been carried out in all areas of the school. Control measures have been put in place according to need. These assessments are recorded and are open to re-examination on a regular basis or when circumstances change that effect the risk of fire in an area. Follow-up action is taken to ensure that the recommendations recorded in the assessment actually lead to corrective action whenever possible
Fire Detection System
An automatic fire detection and alarm system is in place throughout both sites. Activation of any one of the smoke or heat detectors will automatically sound the fire alarm and, where fitted will close the automatic fire doors. The system is serviced twice yearly under planned, preventative maintenance and an emergency call out system is in place. The system is tested on a weekly basis by means of activating a call point. Each boarding house has an independent system as do the majority of the non-residential buildings. The latest technology fire detection systems were installed in the Prep School and in Faber House in the OS in 2017.
Portable Fire Fighting Equipment
Appropriate fire-fighting equipment is placed around the site. Water, Foam, Powder, Carbon Dioxide and Wet Chemical extinguishers are located in areas appropriate to their use. Fire blankets are situated in all kitchen areas. All fire-fighting equipment is serviced annually by a specialist contractor. It is routinely inspected by the Health and Safety Adviser and used or misused extinguishers are refilled when required. Extinguishers are accompanied by signage compliant with the Health & Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 and based on the HSE L64 (Third edition, 2015).
Means of Escape
All corridors and exit routes are protected by 30-minute fire doors. Routes are kept free from obstruction and all required pictogram signage is in place to direct persons to a place of safety. From every corridor there are two escape routes. Intumescent strips where fitted are checked regularly and replaced when appropriate.
Emergency Lighting
All corridors are fitted with emergency lighting. This is maintained according to the recommendations of the IEE Wiring Regulations, 17th Edition. The emergency lighting is inspected on a regular basis and tested to full run down annually. Many of the emergency lights on both sites have been changed during 2017 to more modern versions with better more reliable batteries.
Fire Procedures
Strict fire procedures are in place. All new members of staff and all new pupils are informed of these procedures on arrival. The procedures are reinforced with set fire drills every term. Fire assembly points are established and their locations along with the fire procedures are published throughout the school. Each boarding house is required to do both a day and night fire drill in the first half of the Michaelmas Term in order to ensure that any new pupils are familiar with the evacuation procedures.
Oxfordshire Fire Service
An excellent rapport and working relationship has been established between the Health and Safety Adviser and the Oxfordshire Fire Service represented by the Community Liaison Officer. Much help and advice has been sought and received. The school fire procedures have been discussed with him and meet his approval.
Fire Log Books
Maintenance and inspection records are kept in a fire log book. Each boarding house, and each separate non-boarding building, has its own log book. Minor incidents, such as false alarms, are also recorded. A new set of books was installed in all locations in summer 2017.
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Fire Risk policy Sep 17