Firms urged to review fire risks
Health & Safety update - 18/05/2011
Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) are cracking down on the fire
call-outs they will and won't attend, due to a growing number of
false alarms. As a result of this, companies across the UK are
being urged to review their fire risks and fire procedures.
The survey from the Fire Industry Association (FIA) revealed
that a total of 12 FRS across the country have altered their
call-out attendance policies. Previously, all FRS operated 'full
attendance' to Automatic Fire Alarm (AFA) signals received from
commercial premises.
Now, however, the FRS in Hampshire are trialling reduced
attendance during working hours, whilst the FRS in Kent will not
attend at all from 2012 unless the fire can be verified.
Norfolk offers have reduced attendance at all times unless the
fire has been verified, whilst Warwickshire FRS will not attend
between the hours of 7am and 8pm unless the fire is confirmed.
The other FRS currently rolling out new attendance policies
include Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cumbria and
the West Midlands.
As a result of the changes, the FIA is urging all businesses to
seek advice from their Fire Detection and Alarm (FD&A) company
and make any necessary changes or updates to fire policies.
Each company should also assign one member of staff to be fire
monitor, and educate them on what to do in the event of a fire
breaking out. The FIA reminded all firms that they are fully
responsible for all fire safety issues and procedures on their
premises.