Security design typically receives less planning and attention than other school safety measures such as fire suppression.
Rare tragedies like school shootings underscore the need for appropriate security measures in school systems, according to the National Fire Protection Agency. Implementing certain security features can be at odds with other building safety features needed to protect people from fire and other hazards, though.
In an effort to balance security and fire safety features within codes, standards, and planning, NFPA hosted a two-day workshop, “School Safety, Codes and Security”, last December. The meeting included a broad cross-section of stakeholders who influence the decision-making process of school design, administration, operation, and the critical planning elements that first responders have to manage when an active threat occurs.
The findings from that workshop are now available in an NFPA report, "School Safety, Codes and Security." Now, the challenge is to review the report and determine how and where codes, standards, recommendations and planning scenarios can be revised to ensure that security isn’t an afterthought, NFPA says.
This will require a comprehensive effort from the standards and first responder community, as well as from the school administrators consisting of faculty, staff, parents, and those who manage finances.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2020
OSHA construction safety inspections fall 84% during COVID-19 pandemic
Agency focuses on preventing disease transmission in healthcare industry.
Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 8, 2020
Frank Lloyd Wright sites set to reopen and construction jobs rise by 464,000.
Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2020
Reopened offices raise liability risk for businesses and owners
Risks may not be covered by property insurance.
Codes and Standards | Jun 4, 2020
American Wood Council updates report on fire resistance of wood members and assemblies
Provides new examples and background on mass timber calculations.
Codes and Standards | Jun 3, 2020
Virginia makes GCs liable for subs employee wages
New law allows workers to sue GCs for wages in class action.
Codes and Standards | Jun 2, 2020
Designers, owners reinventing restaurants to cope with COVID-19
Options include rearranged seating, mobile ordering, designated flow spaces.
Codes and Standards | Jun 1, 2020
How owners should comply with OSHA roofing safety guidelines
Buildings should have fall protection and restraint provisions for those who go on roofs.
Codes and Standards | May 29, 2020
AIA releases new, updated sustainable project documents
Streamlined sustainable design and construction process included.
Codes and Standards | May 28, 2020
USGBC outlines how it will support pandemic recovery efforts
Includes emergency guidance and upgrades to the LEED green building program.
Codes and Standards | May 27, 2020
Office market could be COVID-19 casualty
As companies get used to work at home, post-pandemic office market could collapse.
