Ruskell raises concerns with Deputy FM over lack of smoke detectors in schools
Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell today (1 Feb) raised concerns about safety in schools with Deputy First Minister John Swinney after a freedom of information request revealed that more than one in four schools in Fife have no smoke detectors.
Mr Ruskell also revealed that not every Fife school is fitted with a fire alarm, and he questioned how appropriate a manual bell or a hand bell is in such an instance.
The Mid Scotland & Fife MSP sought information following the recent fire at Cairneyhill Primary School.
Mark Ruskell MSP said:
“The recent fire at Cairneyhill was only discovered because a security alarm was activated as there was no smoke detector in place. Lessons must be learned, and while the Scottish Government says it has received assurances that local authorities are complying with fire safety in schools, I believe they must question whether hand bell use is appropriate, as that is what some schools are relying on.
"It is also unclear what training is in place for head teachers. I believe the advice the government gives to local authorities must be updated to ensure all schools are fitted with fire safety equipment fit for the 21st century."