Virtual Training
(via Microsoft Teams)
Monday 16th November 2026
09.00 to 17.30 (approximately)
A comprehensive one-day virtual training course that provides learners with an advanced understanding of fire risk assessment principles across heritage buildings and educational premises, two building types that present unique fire safety challenges. Candidates will examine how building design, occupancy profiles, management arrangements, fire protection measures and statutory requirements influence fire safety outcomes. Particular emphasis is placed on balancing life safety with property protection in heritage buildings and managing the complexities of high-occupancy educational environments.
Learning Outcomes
Candidates will be able to:
Heritage Buildings
-
- Explain the legislative framework applicable to historic and listed buildings.
- Understand listed building classifications and the role of conservation bodies.
- Distinguish between life safety, property protection and heritage preservation objectives.
- Identify heritage-specific fire risks including combustible construction, hidden voids, inadequate compartmentation and ageing services.
- Assess the suitability of fire protection measures and compensatory solutions where alterations are restricted.
- Develop practical fire safety recommendations whilst preserving historic significance.
Educational Premises
-
- Apply fire risk assessment methodologies to schools and educational settings.
- Assess fire risk based on occupancy, behaviour, age and vulnerability of building users.
- Understand the fire safety requirements of educational guidance documents and legislation.
- Evaluate means of escape arrangements, travel distances, stairways and exit capacities.
- Identify common causes of fire, with particular emphasis on arson prevention and management.
- Assess fire alarm systems, compartmentation and fire protection requirements in educational premises.
- Produce proportionate, risk-based recommendations to improve life safety and resilience.
Trainers
Our courses are delivered by one of our team of experienced trainers. They are also fire risk assessors who bring a wealth of knowledge and understand the practicalities of working in the field.
Our team of trainers include:
Colin Todd, MBE
Managing Director
Established the company in 1982. Overall responsibility for strategic running of the company. Other responsibilities: Expert witness cases. Author of a number of BSI publications, […]
Stephen Underhill
Senior Trainer
Joined in May 2022 Carries out fire risk assessments. Delivers fire safety training.
Cost
£240 plus VAT per delegate – to be prepaid (by cheque or BACS or credit card excluding AMEX).
Included in the cost: The presentation will be shared with you electronically one week prior to the course. Please note that you must have a working camera on the device that is used, and this must be switched on for the duration of the training.
Terms and Conditions
- We have limited places on each course. Therefore, confirmed bookings will be made upon receipt of payment on a first come, first served basis.
- In order to book a place, please complete the online booking form and return with payment in full. On receipt of payment, confirmation of your booking will be sent to you.
- Cancellations within 14 days of the course are non-refundable.
9:00 am Course Opening & Introduction
Heritage Buildings: Context and Fire Safety Objectives
Historic and listed buildings, listed building grades, conservation considerations, and the need to balance life safety with property, asset and business continuity objectives.
Fire Risk Assessment in Heritage Buildings
Regulatory requirements, enforcement considerations, retrospective fire strategies, risk-based reviews and proportionate fire safety recommendations.
Coffee/Tea break
Heritage Building Fire Risks
Combustible construction, timber elements, lath and plaster, hidden voids, compromised compartmentation, ageing electrical systems, heating systems, lightning protection and arson risk.
Heritage Fire Protection and Management
Fire doors, detection and alarm systems, emergency response procedures, salvage planning, public/private events, and working with conservation bodies.
Lunch break
Schools: Context and Occupancy Risk
Why schools are different, occupancy profiles, pupils, staff, visitors, varying ages and abilities, behaviour, out-of-hours use and non-standard layouts.
Guidance, Statistics and Common Causes of Fire in Schools
Relevant guidance including BB100, the DfE Technical Manual, DCLG educational premises guidance, school fire statistics, arson, electrical faults, cooking, equipment misuse and business continuity impacts.
Coffee/Tea break
School Fire Prevention and Hazard Control
Arson prevention, site security, housekeeping, combustible displays, laboratories, workshops, kitchens, plant rooms, storage areas, dangerous substances and areas of special fire hazard.
Means of Escape and Fire Protection in Schools
Travel distances, protected stairways, single stairway buildings, exit capacity, seating and gangways, securing exits, inner rooms, open spatial planning, fire alarm systems, emergency lighting and signage.
Combined Case Study Workshop
Practical workshop applying learning to heritage and school scenarios, including risk prioritisation, conservation constraints, arson prevention, compartmentation, escape routes and management controls.
Final Discussion
5:30 pm Finish