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Why Building Safety in Schools is Critical

School buildings are more than just educational spaces. They are environments where students, staff, and visitors must feel safe. Ensuring the safety of these buildings goes beyond maintaining physical structures. It involves proactive management of risks such as fire, structural issues and compliance with ever-evolving regulations.

This article explores the key safety concerns for school buildings. We’ll consider recent regulatory changes to ensure compliance and protect school communities.

The Current Safety Landscape for Schools

Recent tragic events, including the Grenfell Tower fire, building failures and Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) found in numerous public and private buildings, have placed building safety under intense scrutiny. For educational institutions, the stakes are particularly high due to the vulnerable populations they serve.

Key Safety Risks in Schools:

There are a number of key risks which have been highlighted in recent years. These include:

  • Structural Issues: The RAAC crisis has highlighted the importance of regular structural assessments.
  • Fire Safety: Schools must comply with stringent fire safety standards, including evacuation procedures and fire-resistant materials.
  • Asbestos Management: Many older school buildings still contain asbestos, requiring careful management and removal.
  • Health and Safety Hazards: Slip risks, inadequate lighting, and poor ventilation can also pose dangers.

Recent Regulatory Changes Impacting School Buildings

Staying compliant requires keeping up to date with recent changes in legislation and guidance. Below are some of the key regulatory updates relevant to school buildings:

Building Safety Act 2022 (UK)

The Building Safety Act applies to high rise residential buildings, and those deemed high risk. The Act introduces a more rigorous framework for managing safety risks. Whilst the framework does not directly apply to schools, the general principles of the Act and its focus on accountability and safety management have wider implications for all building types.

The Building Safety Act interacts with the Fire Safety Act 2021, which does apply to all non-domestic buildings, including schools. This means that fire safety regulations stemming from both Acts are relevant to educational buildings.

RAAC Guidance from the Department for Education (DfE)

The Department for Education (DfE) has issued comprehensive guidance to assist educational institutions in identifying and managing Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). This guidance is crucial for ensuring the safety and integrity of educational facilities. Where RAAC is identified, there is government funding in place to help schools pay for removal and / or remedial works.

Building Safety is a Shared Responsibility

Ensuring school buildings are safe is a continuous process. It requires collaboration between surveyors, project managers, school administrators, and regulatory bodies. By staying ahead of regulatory changes and adopting proactive safety measures, you can help create secure environments that allow students and staff to thrive.

Chawton Hill Can Help

Our extensive experience in the education sector means we can support you look after your school buildings and ensure everyone using and working in your school estate is safe and secure. Get in touch today to see how we can support you.