Lifted this,
Secondary schools in England set to fit sprinklers after Government policy
shift
The majority of secondary schools in England that are built or refurbished
will be fitted with sprinklers under a new policy move by the Department
for Education and Skills.
From this summer, new schools or those undergoing major refurbishment will
have to use a new risk assessment and cost-benefit analysis tool to
determine if they should be protected by sprinklers.
Making the landmark announcement at a National Fire Sprinkler Network
seminar on 26 February, Schools Minister Jim Knight MP said: ‘The
Government expects that all but a few low fire risk schools will install
sprinklers.’ He explained that it will be up to schools and local education
authorities to use the new tool and decide on whether a sprinkler system
meets their needs.
The risk assessment and cost-benefit analysis tool will enable schools to
assess if sprinklers are a sensible option and are good value, said the
Minister. ‘There is a need to balance risk assessment against value for
money. Investing in sprinklers pays off in terms of lower insurance
premiums, but it might not be the right solution or be cost-effective in
all cases,’ he added.
The move – which comes after years of political lobbying by stakeholders –
means that the majority of secondary schools built or refurbished under the
Government’s Building Schools for the Future programme will be sprinklered.
Were could I obtain the 'new' risk assessment and cost-benefit analysis tool, This could affect a friends MSc who could use this new one and compare it with the information returned from local authorities.
Thanks in advance.
