Posted By TBC I had a similar problem when I worked for a large banking organisation. The call centres would have bunting dangling from the ceilings and a paper trail of promotional bits stuck up all along the corridors. I was not Mr Popular when I told them of the possible dangers this poses in a fire situation (fire spread). It also would set off the alarm systems (motion) if in areas, which were not, 24/7 manned. If the paperwork or display stuff is in a protected escape route then they would have to be taken down. I know some teachers and they can’t always see the dangers.

Posted By Kevan Horne In dead end corridors burn rate on walls should be zero. Apart from that it is a risk based and common sense approach. ‘Fire Safety An employer’s guide’ has some information on page 52 and the new guide on risk assessment 'fire safety risk assessment - educational premises' is useful, again page 52 gives specific advice on displays in foyers and corridors. The University of Huddersfield has some useful advice on notice boards in corridors too (www.huddersfield.ac.uk) – given by West Yorks Fire Service. The basic idea is to have small areas of paper with a decent gap between them , to prevent fire passing from one item to another. Enclosing display materials in glass or polycarbonate is an option also. If paper items are fixed at all corners and do not hang loosely this will help prevent the spread of fire, it also prevents easy ignition from an arsonists lighter. Kevan

Posted By Ashley Wood My local primary school in Suffolk has corridors that are covered in art work, pictures, notices, etc. There is also a large photo copier as well in the escape corridor. As a fire consultant I always advocate reducing the amount of materials on walls to the minimum. I am not a kill joy, I am a parent as well as a fire consultant of 28 years and know that this is one sure way for the fire to spread. Forget about encasing the art work between glass as this has its own hazards in a school as well as during a fire. Perspex, possibly, but again this can aid fire spread. The best advice is reduce to a minimum. We live in a world where kids think its fun to start a fire by lighting anything they can find, especially if it results in them being sent home early! It used to be that arson attacks on schools were things that only took place at night and weekends, new figures show that the amount of school arson attacks during the week and during the day is on the increase. Sadly, it is only a matter of time before a fatality results. Do something for the kids, tell the head to reduce the amount of items he/she allows on the walls in escape corridors especially. Ashley Wood Thermatech Fire Consultants