If you refer to:- page 49 of the "Fire Safety Risk Assesment :Guide for Educational Premises" Part 2 : Further guidance on fire risk assessment and fire precautions 1.10 : Particular hazards in corridors and stairways used as escape routes It mentions that items that are a source of fuel, pose an ignition risk, or are combustible and likely to increase the fire loading or spread of fire, should not be located on any corridor, stairway or circulation space that will be used as an escape route. The examples cited are:- #portable heaters, e.g. bottled gas (LPG) or electric radiant heaters and electric convectors or boilers; #gas cylinders for supplying heaters; #cooking appliances; and #unenclosed gas pipes, meters, and other fittings. However, it also mentions that depending on the findings of the risk assessment and where more than one escape route is available, the items cited as examples below may be acceptable if the minimum exit widths are maintained and the item presents a relatively low fire risk: #non-combustible lockers; #vending machines; #small items of electrical equipment (e.g. photocopiers); and #small coat racks and/or small quanitities of upholstered furniture which meets BS 717684 or the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations

Lets apply some brain power here rather than relying on applying someone else’s guidelines and documentation. What impact would a few posters have on the walls? Is there a serious fire risk in that building? Remember schools are expected to put children’s work on the walls- Oftsed inspectors like to see this stuff.

I despair !!!!!!! This is just somebody wanting to have a dig at sombody else. Pictures, poster, notice boards whatever are no problem at all. The other obstacles heaters coffee machine etc are. OFSTED inspectors may ask to see the fire risk assessments

This was a story from last year (it is the telegraph though!) http://www.telegraph.co....risk-say-inspectors.html Covers the same issue, I remembered something about it at the time. The fire report said: "FSO Article 14 (2)(b): Combustible fabric/paper on escape routes would allow a fire to spread quickly and could prevent the means of escape."

I just looked at the article and see what the fire officer is talking about - I fully agree with him. The head talks about destroying the character of the school - well there is something that would destroy the whole school, not just it's character and we all know what that is? This is not just a case of fire risk assessment it is law enforcement by the fire authority and protection of the children. As I say if class "O" is required then don't put anything on the walls that will defeat that standard. The recent fire deaths in London flats were contributed by the walls not being class "O".