School Fire Suppression

Armstrong Priestley has decades of experience in providing effective school fire suppression systems that save pupils’ lives and protect school property.

The size and complexity of school premises, the vulnerability of pupils, plus the numerous ‘hot spots’ in a school environment require fire safety experts like Armstrong Priestley.

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How Fire Suppression Systems Work

Armstrong Priestley fire suppression systems use automatic sprinklers activated by temperature changes in the environment.

The sprinkler heads contain glass phials filled with a heat-sensitive liquid. When the temperature changes, the liquid expands, causing the glass to shatter. The phial acts as a barrier to the flow of water, and once it has been broken, water or another fire-suppressing agent is dispersed from the sprinkler at high pressure.

Our sprinkler systems are fully automatic and will suppress a small fire or prevent a larger blaze from getting out of control. Fire suppression allows time for the school population to safely evacuate the building before the fire brigade arrives.

The importance of Fire Safety in Schools

Schools require exceptionally high levels of fire safety for several reasons.

The vulnerable population

The school population includes very young pupils and students with mobility issues.

Early fire detection and suppression are key for these students, who may have difficulty evacuating the school building quickly if a fire should break out.

The threat of arson

Unfortunately, school premises are often affected by acts of arson. Although this crime typically takes place outside school hours, arson costs educational authorities millions of pounds every year due to damage to school premises.

Hot areas

The typical school environment contains several ‘hot spots’, areas that are most at risk of fire. These include science labs, particularly those where flammable substances are stored, school kitchens, electrical equipment, and server rooms in large academies.

Fire extinguishers can provide initial fire suppression in these areas, but sprinklers offer far more effective protection.

The impact of fire damage on education

Even small fires make classrooms and other facilities unusable, depriving students of study time and threatening exam success.

Armstrong Priestley fire protection projects in educational institutions

We have two decades of experience in installing fire sprinkler systems in schools of all sizes, including small primary schools and large academies.

We have provided effective fire protection in new schools and older premises for many local educational authorities, including Leeds City Council, Sheffield Council, Rotherham Council, and Cleveland Council.

We have installed automatic fire suppression systems in school buildings being constructed by large construction companies, including Willmott Dixon, Bam Construction, Morgan Sindall & Kier Construction.

To date, we have worked on more than 200 school projects.

Typical automatic fire suppression systems for schools

A typical project would be the design, supply, and installation of an automatic fire sprinkler system.

We would first undertake a thorough fire risk assessment of the premises and then design a bespoke fire sprinkler system to provide effective protection for the building and its occupants.

A common school model is a system that comprises a false ceiling, a false ceiling void and exposed mounted sprinkler protection installed throughout the building.

A water tank and pump may also be necessary to ensure an adequate water supply.

The entire system and its components would be designed and installed in accordance with BS EN12845, incorporating technical bulletin TB:221.

You can read about several of our completed school projects here.

The importance of sprinkler system maintenance and inspection for schools

It is crucial to inspect school fire suppression systems regularly to ensure they function correctly. A poorly maintained fire sprinkler system may not provide effective protection in the event of a fire.

Some components, like valves and pumps, may be subject to wear and tear and need replacement.

Accidental damage may occur, and sprinkler systems in schools are often tampered with by mischievous students.

YOU CAN FIND FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT OUR FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS HERE