Fire safety in
educational buildings
In schools and higher education establishments, the priority is the safety and security of pupils and students. Students are supervised by supervisory staff who must be trained in fire safety. Vigilance is also expected in high-risk areas (laboratories and dormitories).
Educational establishments are considered as type R public-access establishments (ERP).
This includes educational and training establishments, boarding schools for primary and secondary education, nurseries, preschools, daycare centers, kindergartens, as well as holiday camps and leisure centers (without accommodation).
They are subject to the general provisions of the fire and panic safety regulations of the Decree of June 25, 1980 and the specific provisions of the Decree of June 4, 1982.
Additionally, the specific safety plan (PPMS) is a process required for all schools (elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and specialized institutions) by Circular No. 2022-119 of May 29, 2022.
Fire alarms mandatory in all establishments
A fire alarm system is mandatory to provide immediate alerts in case of a fire. The type of alarm to be installed depends on the size of the building.
Establishments that can accommodate more than 300 people must have a fire alarm control panel.
With a security sound system, it is possible to combine both the fire alarm and a comfort sound system for announcements related to the activities of the establishment.
Automatic fire detection as a complement
To complement this system, it may be a good idea (although not mandatory) to install automatic fire detectors, particularly in high-risk areas such as the library (or CDI), computer rooms, sports halls, changing rooms, etc.
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Contact usStaff must be trained in fire safety
Following the activation of the fire alarm, staff are responsible for student safety. Given the large number of supervisors, they bear the greatest responsibility for student safety. Hence the importance of their training and evacuation drills.
In middle and high schools, the ONS (National Observation of Safety and Accessibility of Educational Institutions) requires a fire safety service. This service is composed of one or more teams of at least two people. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, they are responsible for the safety of people and property until emergency services arrive.
Please note that, to assist with evacuation, smoke extraction is mandatory for any establishment larger than 300 square meters.
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Learn moreLaboratory, boarding schools: special areas to protect
Increased fire surveillance in laboratories
Higher education institutions must strictly monitor installations that, by their nature or use, could cause fires, as well as any actions taken by students.
It is advisable, but not mandatory, to install automatic smoke detectors in areas likely to present such risks, such as laboratories, storage rooms, boiler rooms, kitchens, etc.
Boarding schools and hotels, same fire safety measures
If the school offers its students boarding facilities, this building is considered an establishment with a sleeping area. It therefore follows the same obligations as a hotel-type accommodation establishment (link to the sector page). In particular, it is required to install automatic smoke detectors in all rooms and high-risk areas.
An intrusion alarm as part of the PPMS
The Special Security Plan (PPMS) requires the establishment of an internal organization within the school to ensure the safety of students and staff in the event of major risks (natural disasters, technological accidents, intrusions, or even attacks). This system is activated when an intruder alarm is triggered.
There are no national regulations regarding the technical details of this intruder alarm. However, it must be audible throughout the building and distinct from the fire alarm in order to immediately identify the type of threat declared and, consequently, the appropriate behavior.
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For over 60 years, Réseau DEF has supported numerous educational institutions with their fire safety projects, both simple and complex. We work from risk analysis to system implementation and maintenance.
The network’s 60+ companies are all experts in a specific field of fire safety and work together to offer you comprehensive solutions tailored to your sector of activity and your projects, such as solutions dedicated to the PPMS (Special Safety Plan) for educational institutions under construction or renovation. Discover the experts in your country
