When investigating why schools do not have fire sprinkler systems installed the most frequent reason given is cost. Compared to the cost of repairs after a fire, let alone the cost of any casualties, sprinkler systems would not seem expensive.

However in a bid to counter these criticisms the Sprinkler Industry, in association with Zurich Municipal,  has produced a special specification for sprinkler systems for schools, which will substantially reduce installation costs, whilst maintaining the effectiveness of the system.

A copy of the specification can be obtained by clicking here.

When a school “goes up” it is not just the risk to life (and let’s not forget the lives of the firefighters who will have to make sure no one is left in the school) that is a problem. Usually the school is put out of action or may have lost a substantial part of its facilities. Pupils will therefore have to be found places in other schools; thus increasing overcrowding and posing transport problems to and from school. This “temporary” arrangement may well continue for many months, if not years, whilst the damaged school is being rebuilt. Even where portable classrooms can be used on the original site, there is still massive disruption. This disruption goes far beyond school hours because school buildings have increasingly become a focus for the local community by providing facilities for community events.

Perhaps of more importance than the loss of the school is the loss of schoolwork. GCSEs are based on continuous assessment and course work. If the course work is destroyed students cannot pass their GCSEs. Therefore a major fire can inhibit 1, 2 or even 3 years of pupils passing their GCSEs, so preventing them from gaining the qualifications that are essential to getting a good start in work or from going to university. Thus a school fire can have repercussions on pupils lives many years down the line.