Firefighters Set to Stage Two More Strikes in Pensions Row

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has announced further firefighters’ strikes across England and Wales as negotiations with the government and fire employers continue over proposed changes to retirement age and pension rights.

The next round of strikes is set to take place during the run up to Bonfire Night, on Friday 1st November, from 18:30 – 23:00 GMT and again on Monday 4th November, from 06:00 – 08:00 GMT.

The FBU postponed a previous five-hour strike, set for 19th October, after progress was made during talks with the government and fire employers.

Although fire and rescue authorities in England and Wales have robust contingency plans in place, it is advisable to check with your local Fire Service for the level of cover they will be providing and for further advice.

Following some simple steps could help manage risk, reduce the number of calls made to the Fire Service, and ensure the protection of people, businesses and properties.

• Ensure that all pre-existing fire safety measures are active and effective. For example, check that all fire fighting equipment and fire protection systems are working and all fire risk assessments are up to date, before any industrial action starts.
• Emphasise the importance of staff, contractor and visitor vigilance with regards to potential risks, site safety measures, and evacuation procedures.
• Increase security patrols of the common and external areas of a building, to allow monitoring of accumulated combustible material, a common target for arson attacks, and escape routes, which must be kept clear of obstructions.
• Enforce ‘No smoking’ protocols in and around all premises.
• If the fire alarm is activated within a property, the normal building evacuation process must immediately be put into action. Unless the presence of fire is obvious, investigate the source of the alarm to establish whether or not there is a genuine threat. If certain that there is no fire, then the building should be reoccupied. The Fire Service should not be called and the remote monitoring call centre notified accordingly. If, however, a fire is discovered or there is an unaccountable smell of smoke or smouldering, then dial 999 and ask for the Fire Service as soon as possible.
• If a building houses any lifts, the Site Manager must ensure that clear advice is available on how to contact the relevant maintenance company should a lift become stuck. Such details should be provided inside the lift and at the lift alarm receiving points within the building. The Fire Service must only be contacted if the persons trapped are at immediate risk or in significant distress.

Crucially, it remains the responsibility of employers and occupants to comply with fire safety regulations and employ safety measures designed to protect life, independent of Fire Service intervention.

For further assistance on assessing and reducing fire risks, please contact our specialist fire team.

Please note: this bulletin is designed to provide information of a general nature and is not intended as a substitute for professional consultation and advice on a particular matter. All information provided in this communication is intended to provide guidance only and is not intended to supersede internal company policies or guidance. For formal advice on specific items, please contact us. Under no circumstances will the S₂ Partnership Ltd be liable for any damages arising from the use of or reliance on the contents of this bulletin.