Written question asked by Lady Hermon (Ulster Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 7 March 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 9 March 2007. It was answered by Maria Eagle (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 March 2007 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Schools: Fire Prevention

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what fire safety training is provided to teachers and other school staff in Northern Ireland.

Answer: Fire safety training is the responsibility of individual school Boards of Governors. In order to help them carry out that responsibility, the Education and Library Boards have set out detailed fire precautions guidance in their publication "Health and Safety Manual—A Manual for Principals and Governors". That manual requires school principals to ensure staff receive training in areas such as fire prevention and evacuation and also requires that a safety inspection is completed annually. Principals and governors of schools are further assisted by each board's health and safety practitioner in the preparation of fire evacuation policies and testing of school-based procedures. While primarily aimed at governors in controlled and maintained schools, the manual is also available via the boards' websites to voluntary grammar and grant-maintained integrated schools, whose governors have similar responsibilities.

Secondary information