Firefighters strike – London Fire Brigade

Here are some tips and reminders for those responsible for fire safety during the proposed strike action:

• Achieve far higher standards of fire and security prevention
• Immediately undertake/review fire and security risk assessments and action any deficiencies as appropriate
• Ensure all calls for assistance are made by 999 telephone – and staff awareness / training embeds any changes in procedures
• Prevent waste accumulations both internally and externally, and remove waste promptly
• Secure waste bins at least 8 metres from buildings or in secure storage areas
• Ensure all fire doors are kept closed
• Effectively control of the use and storage of flammable liquids, gases, etc.
• Ensure smoking is strictly controlled around your sites
• Do not use hazardous heaters, such as those with exposed elements
• Operate a strict ‘Hot Work Permit to Work’ system (or prohibit the use of hot work on strike days)
• Instigate security patrols of vulnerable buildings, following an initial assessment of risk
• Raise the awareness of fire safety with your staff and encourage them to be extra vigilant during periods of action
• Review response to fires at your premises, including attendance at the site by persons familiar with the layout of the building and review any fire contingency plans
• Review management practices, in particular means of escape drills, fire and security audits, etc.
• Review responses to fire alarm, sprinkler or other warning devices, particularly outside normal hours of occupation
• Make sure fire hydrants and easily identifiable.  If necessary, have a plan of showing hydrants, stopcocks, electric isolation points etc. near the entrance to the premises
• Ensure that any fire detection and protection measures are fully operational. If a sprinkler or other fire protection systems are to be inoperative for repair or maintenance, then instigate high standards of fire safety management. If practical, ensure that maintenance work is not undertaken on known strike days.
• Ensure key staff are trained in the use of first aid and fire extinguishers
• Ensure that you have adequate and up to date contingency plans in place.

Bonfire Night

Where bonfires are being held, the following advice should be considered:

• Ensure the bonfire / firework display is located at a safe distance from your building and those surrounding your building
• Avoid the use of rocket type fireworks where possible
• Combine small bonfires, i.e. garden displays, into single larger organised events, in a safe location away from buildings and in a managed environment
• Ensure water / hosepipes / manual fire fighting equipment is available and people are trained to use safely
• Introduce a ‘fire watch’ arrangement with regular checks being carried out in the area of any bonfire/fire work display and to the buildings in close proximity