Fire drills and training

Fire drills

Fire drills are intended to ensure, by means of training and rehearsal, that in the event of fire:

• People who may be in danger act in a calm and orderly manner
• People who may have designated responsibilities carry out their tasks to ensure the safety of all concerned
• Escape routes are used in accordance with a predetermined and practised plan
• Evacuation of the building is achieved in a speedy and orderly manner
• An attitude is promoted whereby people react rationally when confronted with a fire

Consideration must be given to the age of the pupils attending the school and whether there are any children with special needs or who have disabilities.

Fire evacuation drills should be held at least 6 monthly, preferably at the commencement of each term.

Instruction, training and recording

During the first week of term, or as soon as possible thereafter, all new entrants being pupils, staff or support staff, should be inducted and shown around the building. The induction training should also include the location of fire escape routes and fire exits.

All members of staff, including kitchen, cleaning staff, and other part time workers shall receive a copy of the schools written fire evacuation procedure/fire emergency plan. Refresher training should be given on a regular basis.

In the case of newly appointed staff, instruction shall be given as soon as possible after appointment. A record of the training and instructions given and fire drills held, shall be entered in the logbook and will include the following:

• Date of the instruction or fire drill
• Duration
• Name of person giving the instruction
• Names of persons receiving instruction
• Nature of instruction or fire drill

Fire drills, which may be combined with the instruction given above, shall be carried out at least every 6 months. The fire drill should simulate that one fire escape route is not available for escape purposes. Each fire drill should be started by a pre-determined signal and the whole premises checked as if any evacuation was in progress.

In large premises a specific person shall be made responsible for organising staff training and the name of one other nominated person to co-ordinate the actions of the staff in the event of fire. Effective arrangements shall be made for a deputy or deputies to carry out the above duties in the absence of the nominated persons.

In smaller premises one specific person shall be made responsible for organising staff training and for co-ordinating the actions of the staff in the event of fire. Effective arrangements shall be made for a nominated deputy to be available to carry out the above duties.