Health & Safety Update (July 2010)
New guidelines issued to Fire-Fighters
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a policy
statement which should enable Fire-Fighters to respond faster and
more effectively when faced with dangerous situations. The
guidelines advise that whilst the Fire and Rescue Service still
have a duty to protect their workers, this duty under the Health
and Safety at Work Act should not inhibit Fire-Fighters from
protecting the public, a core function of their role. This follows
the findings from a fatal accident enquiry in March that looked
into the circumstances surrounding the death of Alison Hume, who
fell 40 feet down a disused mineshaft near Glasgow. Attending
fire crews were unable to use their equipment to rescue Alison Hume
as they had previously received a memo stating that their rescue
equipment was for saving themselves, not members of the public.
Judith Hackitt, chair of the HSE has stated, "Fire-Fighters
perform a unique and indispensable role. It is part of their job to
intervene in dangerous situations to protect people and property.
The law expects that they will themselves be protected as far as is
reasonably practicable – but in fast moving situations they must
exercise their judgement about what is reasonable and what is
not."
Efforts were eventually made by a local Mountain Rescue Team to
rescue Ms Hume, who sadly died of a heart attack during the
operation to extract her from the mineshaft.