Fire Service recommends smoke detectors, sprinkler system at schools

In the wake of the alarming prevalence of school fires which has displaced hundreds of students, the Guyana Fire Service has recommended that fire safety requirements be implemented in reducing the risks associated such disasters.
The GFS noted that fire extinguishers must be hung in all enclosed areas, offices, and spaces, and they must be placed on brackets or stands with their handles some 1.4 metres from floor level to facilitate handling by persons of average height. More so, they should be sited at least 30 feet along all corridors and hallways. All fire extinguishers must be inspected monthly by a certified inspector.
Additionally, smoke detectors must be provided for all enclosed offices, spaces, and hallways throughout the building, and these detectors must be tested every three months. This is in conjunction with an automatic sprinkler system for buildings three floors or higher.
“This system must be capable of maintaining a working pressure of four bars at each sprinkler head during total actuation. An independent water supply source capable of supporting the sprinkler system for a period of not less than half an hour at total actuation must be provided,” it was prescribed.
The Fire Service also recommended that a suitable fire alarm system that is capable of giving sufficient and audible warning throughout the buildings must be provided as well as actuation switches or call points with not less than four switches on each floor. This system must be so connected that the actuation of any point or switch will cause the alarm bells to sound. The fire alarm system must be tested every three months.
All final exits must be constructed to open outward along the line of exit travel. The minimum clear open width of any point of discharge must not be less than 0.9m. In addition, all suitable “Exit” signs that are green in colour, distinctive against a white background, must be conspicuously displayed over the final exits. Directional arrows indicating the way to all final exits must be displayed on walls throughout the building.
“Precise instructions with regard to action to be taken in the event of a fire must be prominently displayed on the walls throughout the building. Fire points throughout the building must be numbered and lettered in white, at least 150 mm in height, with red backgrounds. Suitable storage facilities (racks, shelves, cupboards, file cabinets,) must be provided for all items. They must be constructed or situated in such a way that a free and adequate passageway will be maintained at all times.”
Among the slew of recommendations were that the walls that separate the various rooms must extend from floor to ceiling level; no flammable and combustible liquids must be stored on the premises without permission from the fire department; permission must be obtained from the relevant agencies before the operation of any generator set; and electrical installation must be done in conformity with the regulations of the Government Electrical Inspectors’ Department.
“A fire emergency plan must be specifically designed for the premises. The plan must identify an emergency assembly point, which must be located at least 50 to 100 feet away from the building upwind and be large enough to accommodate all staff. Enclosed areas such as gardens and courtyards are not appropriate. The assembly point should be in a position that does not put staff, visitors, and users of the building at risk from emergency vehicles responding to the incident or from general or other traffic in the vicinity,” the GFS outlined.
An emergency evacuation drill must be done every three months.
The arson attacks on four schools in Guyana over the span of two years saw the displacement of some 1954 students in the education sector. The most recent fire at Christ Church Secondary, which occurred on January 12, 2023, affected 503 students, 39 teachers and nine ancillary staff. From the July 2022 fire at St George’s High School, 397 students, 33 teachers and four ancillary staff were severely affected.
Likewise, in June 2021, North Ruimveldt saw the displacement of 444 students, 40 teachers and five ancillary staff; while 610 students, 38 teachers and 11 ancillary staff were affected by the North West Secondary fire in September 2021. (G12)