Back to school on risk assessments

摘要

On the face of it, full marks go to a new school built with a sprinkler system. But as Brian Gibbons explains, its decision to dispense with any portable fire extinguishers just doesn't add up. I am sure that when ministers introduced a risk assessment based fire safety regime, they did not intend it to become a licence to ignore the basic principles of good fire safety practice. However, there are instances where this seems to be the case. A school in southern England is the latest example of a complete disregard for the vital role that fire extinguishers play in protecting lives and property from fire.