How to prevent Fires from Spreading

9.1      Flammable Materials

Should be stored in properly closed non-flammable containers away from sources of heat.

9.2      Corridors

Self-closing fire doors are there to prevent fire and smoke from spreading and must not be wedged or propped open.  If a door needs to be kept open then it should be fitted with an approved “hold open devices which automatically close in the event of fire e.g. (Dorguard).

9.3      Displays

Displays are often located in corridors and in entrance foyers of educational premises, and generally comprise materials such as paper, cardboard and plastic which provide a means for the rapid spread of fire.  An assessment should be made on which materials used in temporary or permanent displays could ignite first and what could cause the fire to develop and spread.  Measures to reduce the risk of fire spread could include:

• avoiding the use of displays on walls and ceilings of escape routes unless they have been treated with proprietary  Fire Retardant Spray
• minimising the size and number of display areas to specific areas;
• not putting displays down stairways which are part of a designated escape route or where there is only one direction of escape, (i.e. dead-end conditions);
• the use of display boxes;
• keeping displays away from curtains and light fittings and heaters;
• keeping displays away from ceiling voids which may lack fire barriers;
• ensuring that there are no ignition sources in the vicinity; and ensure displays do not obstruct escape routes or obscure fire notices, fire alarm call points, firefighting equipment or escape signs;
• ensuring 2D displays are pinned flat , as this reduces the likelihood of fire ignition and spread.

9.4      Fire Doors

Can prevent fire and smoke spread if regularly checked and maintained to ensure

• they operate satisfactorily;
• the doors latch and close automatically;
• two lever synchronised doors close in the correct order;
• the doors have been fitted with cold smoke seals and intumescent strips;
• the gap between the door and the frame or between two lever corridor doors is not much greater than 3 mm +/- 1mm.