Survey Raises New Fire Safety Concerns
The finding from data collected by Allegion UK in May, also reveals that more than one-in-five believes existing fire procedures to be compromised.
Poor training, under-funding, gaps in fire safety knowledge
65 per cent of respondents from the healthcare sector confirmed they had seen fire doors propped open in breach of national fire safety regulations and recommendations.
In education facilities, poor training, under-funding, and confusion over the measures that should be taken in the event of a fire, were given as the main reasons for dissatisfaction.
More than a fifth of respondents in both types of institution also indicated they had experienced a fire safety incident during the last three years.
Discussing the findings, James Keith, end user solution strategy manager at Allegion UK, said:
"Our research suggests facility managers for education and healthcare premises may not be carrying out sufficient protocols, and there are legitimate concerns over the safety of both staff and visitors within these buildings.
"As an industry, we're failing on fire safety standards due to insufficient product knowledge and general complacency. Of course, after the Grenfell tragedy and inquiry, there are a lot of question marks around fire safety regulations.
"We're urging facility managers to review their current fire safety measures, including their exits, doors and evacuation plans, to improve the safety of those who enter such premises."
With the on-going Grenfell Inquiry and Dame Judith Hackitt's Independent Review already placing fire safety under the microscope, Allegion UK's data highlights specific areas that need to be addressed for a better and safer future.
