In the trade press it can be seen that most articles look at how fresh or replacement air via natural ventilation can lead to a 65% reduction in Sick Building Syndrome (SBB) compared to fixed windows. By using natural or mixed/hybrid ventilation there is a greater reason to ensure that the learning space has the best iIn the trade press it can be seen that most articles reviewing buildings fresh air requirements look at how fresh or replacement air via natural ventilation can lead to a 65% reduction in Sick Building Syndrome (SBB) compared to fixed windows.
By using natural or mixed/hybrid ventilation there is a greater reason to ensure that the learning space has the best indoor air quality (IAQ), but with the inclusion of re-circulated air, natural ventilation sees a decline in such areas as concentration, nasal congestions, fatigue, headaches and much more.
Now, more than ever it’s important with students returning to education in the classroom, where they spend the most time outside of their homes, and parents/guardians want re-assurance that their children are in a safe environment, that ventilation and smoke control in times of fire is controlled.
Today, we picture a world with new technology at our feet, providing efficient ventilation systems; promising emission reductions with controlled harness of natural elements, such as wind and thermal buoyancy to regulate the indoor environment, thus providing lower utility bills and maintenance. This in theory is great, pushing towards Net Zero 2050, therefore the impact of passive ventilation can be amplified alongside other eco-friendly design of buildings, enhancing the environment with effective cooling throughout the day.
A new survey has revealed that over 60% of people responsible for fire safety in their work place believe they could do more to ensure the building is fire safe. The findings, which cover Schools as well as Businesses, show that 10% respondents do not know how to perform a fire risk assessment despite being responsible for the job. The same percentage of respondents also admit to having no knowledge of the new safety law, or what compartmentation means in times of fire.
One of the main reasons why respondents aren’t doing more to ensure their respective building is in line with current fire safety procedures can be put down to the following:-
- 18% Budget restrictions
- 15% Stress and lack of time
- 49% of respondents also admitted they do not train their staff on fire safety
- 12% do not offer any form of fire safety training to employees*
Presently 50 Schools have been identified in the first wave of a 10-year rebuilding programme aimed at ‘Levelling up’ opportunity for all.
The annual fund allocation provided to maintain School buildings in England will increase by over 20%, to 1.8 billion** this financial year (2021), and will commence in autumn 2021.
Schools Minister, Baroness Berridge stated ‘Alongside our ambitious rebuilding programme for the schools in the worst condition, this government is making sure every school has the investment and financial support it needs to build back better for its students’
A further 50 more Schools and Sixth Forms will be added to the programme, projects will range from replacing or refurbishing individual buildings through to whole School/College rebuilds, in addition £438 million from the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) is to be spend on 1,199 Schools in England as announced in June 2021. The North East and North West are set to receive the largest allocation of CIF with £93 million allocated for 273 successful Schools.
Thameside Fire Stopping Limited (TSS) have looked at the current situation and addressed the area of ‘means of escape’ that has been highlighted.
TSS identified through a series of inspections, that there are latent defects within perforated cross roof beams of missing smoke stoppers. These cannot be reinstated without the removal of the roof coverings and then the fitting of fire stoppers.
With perforated cross beams that do not have smoke stoppers installed, this can result in issues with smoke crossing from one room to another room and ultimately dropping into the ‘means of escape ‘thus creating a breach of compartmentation.
In some areas, if the missing smoke stoppers are fitted incorrectly there is no way to re install without removing the roof. The Cori-Seal solution is the answer to missing smoke stoppers.
Currently fire brigades, fire assessors and building controls engineers are simply making notes of the problem, but are not taking the matter further.
This problem is not a one off, there are many buildings with missing smoke stoppers making it a ticking time bomb, and this could result in casualties in times of fire due to smoke inhalation unless this is addressed now!
After the Grenfell tragedy, fire and life Safety is at the forefront of people’s minds, the progression and to make buildings safer has never been more paramount.
Missing smoke stoppers is just one of many areas that needs to be addressed.
Steve Cunningham FSI Dip is the Managing Director at Thameside Fire Stopping Limited and Managing Director of Cori Seal Systems Limited.
For more information:
Website: www.cori-seal.co.uk
Email: info@cori-seal.co.uk
Enquiries: 01634 713535
– ** www.gov.uk/government/news/18-billion-to-keep-schools-in-top-condition