5 May 2011
The right approach to building design could help cut the massive annual cost of arson attacks, burglary and other crime faced by schools, colleges and universities.
That's the message from leading public sector insurer Zurich Municipal, which has developed a series of design guides aimed at helping cut the cost of crime in the education sector, where, according to Zurich’s claims figures, arson alone costs nearly £70million a year*.
Designs which avoid easily accessible roofs, hidden courtyards and recessed doorways can reduce the risk of buildings being the target of crime or anti-social behaviour.
And simple measures such as installing stronger doors and better quality windows can all help keep educational buildings and the people in them safe.
Zurich Municipal has used its extensive experience of handling claims resulting from arson and other crimes to develop the guides, which help inform and improve building security and fire safety in the education sector.
Aimed at those involved in the provision of new and refurbished educational institutions, the guides advise on issues from sprinkler installation to the latest flood protection measures, as well as giving a property-protection design checklist.
Risks also highlighted in the guide include:
• Lack of investment in fire protection and inadequate firebreaks in ceiling and roof voids leading to fire spreading uncontrollably
• Schools locations in open spaces surrounded by large areas of playing fields increasing the potential for instances of bullying **
• Lack of boundary security, easily accessible roofs and poor quality doors, windows, frames and locking devices leading to the greater potential for burglaries
• Recessed doorways and courtyards providing hidden and vulnerable points which are less easy to supervise and monitor for anti social behaviour
• Inadequate and poorly performing intruder alarm installations failing to alert police authorities at the earliest attempt of break-in
Paul Tombs, Head of Education at Zurich Municipal commented;
“During our many years working with education providers, we have seen firsthand the major impact that issues such as fire can cause to an institution. It is important that they are considered at design stage and reassessed when refurbishing.
“In a new era of academies and free schools and at a time when the importance of fund management is heightened more than ever before, education providers need to avoid the costs of poorly designed and maintained buildings.
“Amid such challenges, these design guides offer solutions to help education providers build and maintain sites that can be cost efficient as well as a positive learning environment.”
Zurich Municipal’s School and Academy Design Guide and Further and Higher Education Design Guide can be requested at:
www.zurich.co.uk/schooldesignguide
