New guidance on school design and fire protection.

Zurich Municipal, the UK's provider of insurance and risk management to the public services, has launched a new best practice guide, The design and protection of new school buildings and sites.

The updated guide includes changes in legislation, modern methods of construction and the

An average of 20 schools a week are damaged or destroyed by arson, at a cost of 83 million [pounds sterling] in 2004. The guide recommends how to design school buildings so that fire spreads less quickly and the layout makes them less of a potential target for arsonists.

Specific problems highlighted by the guide include:

* Inadequate fire breaks in wall, ceiling and roof voids, which allow fires to spread through buildings unchecked;

* Lack of boundary security and security lighting;

* Inadequate fire detection and an absence of sprinklers;

* Easily accessible, often flat roofs, recessed doorways and other potential hiding places and vulnerable points;

* Lack of appropriate waste storage areas--many fires are started by casual intruders setting fire to rubbish, which then spreads to main buildings.

Graham Page, Senior Risk Management Consultant at Zurich Municipal, said: "With the government pledging to replace and renew all of the country's secondary schools over the next ten to 15 years through the Building Schools for the Future programme, the current boom in school refurbishment looks set to continue. This offers an ideal opportunity to improve the design of school buildings and sites."

The guide has been updated to reflect the fast moving nature of the design and construction industries and to ensure that the advice given to customers reflects modern construction methods and products. It contains detailed practical advice from recommendations to protect the building, eg, through the installation of sprinklers to advice on how design features can enhance personal safety. It also covers areas such contractual liabilities and Exemplar Designs produced by the Department for Education and Skills.

Commenting on the new resource available, Tom Carroll, President of the Chief Fire Officers, Association (CFOA) said: "The Chief Fire Officers, Association is delighted to contribute to this planning for schools document.

"As fire officers and public servants we are only too aware of the upheaval and misery that a fire in an educational establishment causes. The effects on a wide range of community groups can be devastating."