Canvas pictures in fire escape stairwell in a school (ground and first floor only) - do NOT know if they are fire resistant

[Guest Jill]

Hi

Are canvas art photo print framed pictures OK in a fire escape stair well.

Only 5 and well spaced apart but I have n way of knowing if they have been made of fire resistant material (like the curtains in the school) or if they have been treated retrospectively. 

Any advice? will they be acceptable in terms of fire safety?

[AnthonyB]

Display materials and decorations

Displays are often located in corridors and in entrance foyers, and generally comprise materials such as paper, cardboard and plastic which provide a means for the rapid spread of fire. You should evaluate what material could ignite first and what would cause the fire to develop and spread, and assess how materials used in temporary or permanent displays would interact with surface linings and position them accordingly. To reduce the risk of fire spread, you should consider the following:

• avoid the use of displays in corridors and foyers;

• minimise the size and number of display areas to discrete, separated areas;

• do not put displays down stairways which are part of a designated escape route or where there is only one direction of escape (i.e. dead-end conditions);

• treat displays with proprietary flame-retardant sprays;

• the use of display boxes;

• keep displays away from curtains, light fittings and heaters;

• keep displays away from ceiling voids which may lack fire barriers;

• ensure that there are no ignition sources in the vicinity; and

• ensure displays do not obstruct escape routes or obscure fire notices, fire alarm call points, firefighting equipment or escape signs

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-risk-assessment-educational-premises