Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 (As Amended)

Somerset Fire Authority are making contingency plans in an attempt to provide emergency fire cover, There is no doubt, however, that this cover cannot be to the standard to which Somerset businesses and residents are accustomed. You are advised that in the event of an emergency incident at your premises, you should contact the Fire Brigade in the usual manner. This will result in the normal attendance by the Brigade or, in the event of industrial action taking place, you will receive the contingency attendance. The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations require employers to carry out a risk assessment of fire related matters to ensure the safety of their staff, taking account of other people on the premises. These assessments require reconsideration as circumstances change. Employers should, therefore, consider the effects that industrial action by the Fire Service may have upon their undertaking and adjust contingency plans as necessary. Due regard in particular should be given to the possibility that fire appliances may take longer than usual to arrive and may be fewer in number than normal. Guidance on the carrying out of risk assessments is available entitled ‘Fire Safety - An Employers Guide’ from HMSO book shops, ISBN 0-11-341229-0 and is available in electronic format via the internet at:

www.archive.official-documents.co.uk/document/fire/index.htm

Safety from fire is best achieved by preventing fires from starting in the first place. This is no different during any period of industrial action although Somerset Fire Brigade would recommend extra vigilance at these difficult times.

Somerset Fire Brigade website