Possible Firefighters Strike – are you prepared?

The mention of possible firefighters’ strikes this winter raises concerns about fire risks at our customers’ premises and the need to be extra vigilant.

If the industrial action goes ahead, there is the possibility of much larger and more devastating fires, not only in respect of the physical damage and life-safety of occupants, but also for business disruption, including uninsured consequential losses.

It is very likely that any fires happening during a period of industrial action will be more serious for several reasons, including:

• A delay in calling out the fire service, particularly if you have an automatic signaling system from your  fire alarm or sprinkler system.  This could arise if priority is given to 999 calls ie human verified calls.
• A delay in the attendance of the reduced number of firefighters, particularly if they are attending other incidents.
• The attendance ie number of fire engines, may be lower than the standard Fire Service response

If the industrial action goes ahead Public Sector organisations have several areas of concern besides those mentioned above:

• Lives of occupants may be at risk, particularly in residential accommodation and homes
• Schools -  where there is an above average arson problem
• If other major incidents occur e.g. flooding, this could affect response times
• The large numbers of buildings to manage and some, particularly consortia schools or historic buildings, could be prone to more rapid fire development
• It is vital that the services to the community are maintained in the event of a serious incident, therefore robust Business Recovery Plans should be in place.

To protect your premises as much as possible you should:

• Undertake far higher standards of fire and security prevention
• Update or review fire and security risk assessments and action any deficiencies
• Make all calls for 999 assistance by telephone
• Prevent waste accumulations 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
• Not use hazardous heaters
• Operate a strict ‘Hot Work Permit to Work’ system (or preferably don’t undertake hot work during strike periods).
• Institute increased security patrols of vulnerable buildings
• Raise the awareness of fire safety with your staff and encourage them to be extra vigilant
• Review response to fires at your premises, including attendance at the site by people who are familiar with the layout of the building and of any fire contingency plan
• Review management practices, in particular means of escape drills, fire and security audits, etc.
• Review responses to fire alarms, sprinklers or other warning devices, particularly outside normal hours of occupation
• Make sure fire hydrants are easily identifiable.  If possible, 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.

Further information

Further information can be obtained from the Fire Protection Association www.thefpa.co.uk

Association of British Insurers www.abi.org.uk

Arson Prevention Bureau www.arsonpreventionbureau.org.uk

If you would like further advice on any fire or security aspect please email info@zurichmunicipal.com

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