Schools and Nurseries

WireGuards in Schools

IN 2010, 1,970 PEOPLE WERE INJURED IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS BY A RADIATOR OR HOT PIPEWORK. 71% OF THESE INCIDENTS OCCURRED IN A PLACE OF EDUCATION.

All of these incidents warranted a hospital visit.

Due to both their age and their vulnerability, young children are unable to react appropriately or quickly enough if they come into contact with a hot surface.

WHY SPECIFY A WIREGUARD FOR YOUR SCHOOL PROJECT?

In most cases, school funding is managed by the governing body who is responsible for the financial decisions made throughout the academic year.

For both Governors and Headteachers, it is in their best interest to adhere to safety standards as set out by government policy.
Section 175 of the Education Act 2002, and The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 place a duty on the boards of maintained schools and academy trusts to have arrangements in place to ensure that they:

Carry out their functions with a view to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; and

Have regard to the statutory guidance issued by the Secretary of State in considering what arrangements they need to make for the purpose of that section

Source: Governance handbook For academies, multi-academy trusts and maintained schools, 2019

Furthermore, The Headteacher’s Standards state that Heads must, “Provide a safe, calm and well-ordered environment for all pupils and staff, focused on safeguarding pupils.”

Clearly, the safety and well-being of pupils is of paramount importance, and in order for lead decisionmakers to comply with the standards set out by the government, they must adhere to these guidelines.

The points raised above link directly to the need to provide safe resources for pupils-and in all cases manage avoidable risks that could cause harm.

Therefore, a wire mesh guard protecting pupils and staff from radiators and other devices emitting heat is a key feature for a safe educational environment. Mesh radiator covers will prevent surface burns whilst still allowing the radiators to heat up the room efficiently.

FAQs regarding radiator regulations in educational settings:

Are Radiator Guards a Legal Requirement in Schools/Nurseries?

According to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), where assessment identifies that vulnerable people could come into prolonged contact – such equipment should be designed or covered so that the minimum accessible surface temperature does not exceed 43˚C. On the HSE website here, it is recommended that 'precautions may include... providing suitable covers.'

The legislation that applies is:

Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA), section 3;
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSWR), regulation 3;
Provision of Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).

How do I know if my Radiator is a risk?

Most standard steel panel radiators can reach surface temperatures of 75˚C – hot enough to cause serious burns within seconds.

Do I need Radiator Covers on all my radiators?

It is important to assess the individual placement of each radiator around your building. Important things to consider are:

Location – Is the radiator located somewhere that young children will frequent? E.g. Classrooms, Main Hallways, Toilets.
Placement of Radiators – Is the radiator situated near furniture which could cause a young/vulnerable person to become trapped or prevent them from moving away easily in the case of a fall?

Will Radiator Covers affect the heating efficiency of the radiator?

A properly designed radiator cover should not affect the heat flow of the room. Mesh radiator covers will prevent surface burns whilst still allowing the radiators to heat up the room efficiently.

OUR SOLUTION

What are the benefits of our Radiator Guards?

Mesh wire design to allow for free heat flow and to prevent heat loss.
Can be custom designed to allow for access to valves and buttons.
Hook-on, hook-off design for easy removal for maintenance and cleaning.
A range of colours available to match your decor.

Please view our range of standard-size guards here or contact us on 01767 669808.