Educational institutions hold a special place in our communities. They are not only centres of learning, but also repositories of history, often housed in buildings with architectural heritage that transcends generations.
Broughton Primary School in Cumbria was founded in 1619 by Lady Anne Clifford and is a historic institution offering free primary education. The school building itself dates to the 17th century, featuring a traditional stone-built structure with some potentially timber-framed elements.
Another example would be Winchester College in Hampshire. Founded in 1382 by William of Wykeham, Winchester College is one of the oldest and most prestigious public schools in the UK. The college buildings include a magnificent Gothic chapel dating back to the 14th century and a cloister with architectural elements from various historical periods.
Ensuring fire safety in these buildings is a complex task and becomes a delicate balance between preserving some of the UK's most irreplaceable historical features whilst meeting modern safety standards that will protect the next generation of bright young minds. It requires skill and a highly specialised approach combined with the very latest in fire safety manufacturing.
At Hochiki Europe, we are experts in understanding the importance of protecting both the occupants of these buildings and the irreplaceable legacy they embody. Here, we explore the key considerations and best practices for achieving fire safety compliance in educational buildings with historical significance.
Historic buildings often incorporate materials like wood, brick, and plaster, which may have lower fire resistance compared to modern construction materials.
Non-standard layouts with narrow corridors, winding staircases, and hidden spaces can pose challenges for evacuation and fire compartmentalisation.
Outdated electrical wiring and overloading can significantly increase the risk of fire.
Buildings designed in a different era may not have been built with accessibility in mind, potentially hindering evacuation for those with mobility impairments.
By identifying these and other potential fire hazards, the fire risk assessment lays the groundwork for the development of a comprehensive fire safety plan.
Compartmentalisation, a fundamental strategy in fire safety, aims to limit the spread of fire and smoke by dividing the building into smaller zones using fire-resistant barriers. In historical buildings, achieving this objective can be a delicate dance. Original features like grand staircases and open floor plans might not offer sufficient fire compartmentalisation. In cases such as this, creativity and collaboration are key.
Modern solutions like fire doors with concealed closures or fire curtains can achieve the required level of fire resistance while preserving the aesthetics of the building. Fire safety glazing, offering transparency while maintaining fire integrity, can be another valuable tool. Consulting with an architect experienced in historical preservation is highly recommended to explore these and other innovative approaches.
Modern fire alarm systems with smoke and heat detection are crucial for early warning and rapid response in case of a fire. However, traditional smoke detectors might not be the most suitable solution for buildings with high ceilings or architectural features that can disrupt air circulation.
Here, aspirating smoke detection systems offer a compelling advantage. These sophisticated systems actively draw air samples from a large area, providing earlier warning of smoke and enabling faster response times. Additionally, they can often be installed discreetly, minimizing visual impact on the historical features of the building.
A well-defined and clearly marked evacuation plan is vital for ensuring the safe and efficient evacuation of all occupants in the event of a fire. However, historical buildings often present unique challenges in terms of escape routes. Traditional escape routes may not be readily adaptable to modern fire safety standards.
A fire safety professional with experience in historical buildings can help develop clear and well-marked escape routes that consider the building's specific limitations. This might involve the creation of additional exits, the modification of existing ones, or the implementation of alternative evacuation strategies like refuge areas.
Regular fire drills are equally important, ensuring staff and students are familiar with the evacuation plan and can navigate it swiftly and calmly in an emergency.
There will inevitably be situations where historical features conflict with modern fire safety standards. In these instances, collaboration and a commitment to finding solutions that respect the building's heritage are paramount.
Consulting with a team of experts that includes fire safety professionals, architects with experience in historical preservation, and representatives from the educational facility is crucial. Their combined expertise can identify alternative solutions and explore the use of special materials that meet fire code requirements while preserving the historical integrity of the building.
For example, flame retardant coatings can be applied to certain historical materials to enhance their fire resistance without compromising their visual appeal.
Founded over 400 years ago by Sir William Paston, Paston College in Norfolk, has transformed over the years from a grammar school for boys into a co-ed sixth form college dedicated to working with young people ages 16-18.
Paston College faced a complex challenge: upgrading their fire safety system across a campus with modern buildings, a historic museum, and a dividing main road. They needed a system meeting strict regulations (BS5839 Part 1 2017, L2 category).
TP Fire & Security tackled this project with Hochiki's ESP intelligent addressable fire detection system.
"The project's complexity involved historic buildings, the museum's protection, and the campus division," explained Kevin Harris from TP Fire & Security. "Hochiki offered the flexibility and ease of installation needed. We could keep the existing system running in phases while installing the new one, ensuring continuous safety for the college."
Minimising disruption and keeping costs low were crucial for the educational facility. Hochiki's reliable and user-friendly system addressed these concerns by reducing false alarms and simplifying maintenance.
"The merger with City College Norwich necessitated the fire safety upgrade," said Lionel Levinson, Estates and Facilities Surveyor. "The campus layout and historical buildings demanded careful handling and top-of-the-line products. We're confident with Hochiki, recommended by TP Fire & Security."
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Regularly scheduled fire safety training sessions for staff and students ensure everyone understands fire safety procedures and their roles in an emergency.
Regular inspection and maintenance of fire alarm systems, sprinklers, fire doors, and other life safety equipment are vital to ensure their functionality in the event of a fire as well as reducing unwanted false alarms. A recent study revealed cost of avoidable fire alarms, such as false alarms and minor incidents, cost the UK nearly £700 million every year. Translate that into education, and the number of hours missed in teaching could be days.
Outdated electrical systems are a major fire hazard. Upgrading the electrical system to meet current standards.
While safeguarding historical buildings presents unique challenges, it is not an insurmountable task. By working with a team of experienced professionals, educational institutions can achieve the highest levels of fire safety while preserving their irreplaceable heritage.
Hochiki's extensive network of skilled systems partners brings together fire safety expertise with a deep understanding of historical preservation. We encourage you to explore the benefits of collaborating with a Hochiki partner to ensure the safety of your students, staff, and the invaluable legacy entrusted to your care.
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