For most students, going to university is an incredibly exciting experience. There’s so much going on: a flourishing social life, getting used to living away from home and, who knows, maybe even attending a few lectures too! So it’s understandable that fire safety in student accommodation is going to be way down the list of things to think about.
But it’s vital to make sure students are protected from the risk of fire and one of the areas where the risk is at its highest is in their accommodation. There’s no getting away from the fact that the student lifestyle contributes to the level of fire risk. A lot of electrical devices on the go, heavy use of extension leads and chargers, getting distracted while cooking (or even completely forgetting the fact they’ve started cooking after a particularly heavy night of partying): these are just some of the reasons why a fire could break out.
Are you responsible for fire safety in student accommodation?
If you’re responsible for fire safety in any kind of accommodation - halls of residence, rented flats or privately rented accommodation - you’ll already know there are considerable obligations to do everything possible to minimise the risk of fire. The precise requirements depend on the specifics of the type of accommodation so it’s critical you’re familiar with every aspect of what’s required and, if in doubt, seek professional assistance. However, one principle that applies to all is the need to conduct a comprehensive fire risk assessment to systematically identify all fire-related hazards in the premises along with the associated level of risk.
The assessment needs to cover all areas in the accommodation and be regularly reviewed. Following the assessment, actions must be implemented to minimise or prevent the risks identified and that could include a whole range of measures. Are adequate fire, smoke and carbon monoxide detection and warning systems in place (and yes, we do mean thinking about whether alarms are loud enough to wake up sleeping students)? Is there an emergency evacuation plan that students are aware of and are escape routes free of obstructions and, where applicable, clearly signed and sufficiently illuminated by emergency lighting? Depending on the building, it may be appropriate to conduct fire evacuation drills periodically. You should think about whether you have adequate fire-fighting equipment like fire extinguishers available. Your building might need fire doors too; if you do have them installed, make sure students are reminded of the importance of keeping them closed. You’ll need to check all fire safety equipment and systems in place are in good working order by regularly testing and maintaining them too.
Remind students of their responsibilities
But keeping students safe from fire isn’t only down to the people in charge of the buildings that they use and live in. Students themselves need to be reminded they play a vital role too. This should form part of the welcome and orientation in an environment like a hall of residence but even if you are a landlord letting out a private property it makes good sense to have a conversation with your tenants about keeping themselves, and your property, safe. And if it’s your son or daughter who’s just gone off to university, why not take five minutes to talk to them about protecting themselves and others from the danger that fire poses?
Here are just a few pointers to mention:
- Electrical gadgets
- Smoking
- Cooking
- Candles
- Escape routes
- Portable heaters