Important info for businesses ahead of fire strike

Businesses are being asked to ensure all their staff are briefed about fire safety so both they and businesses stay safe.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) will be deploying Emergency Fire Crews across the county on Wednesday 25 September when firefighters take industrial action between 12 noon and 4.00pm.

These crews will be responding differently to emergencies and will not be trained to the same level as our current crews.

GMFRS’ Head of Protection services Geoff Harris said: “If you are responsible for a business premises you need to consider if you have adequate arrangements in light of the changes to fire service response, which may mean you need to review your fire risk assessment.

“Businesses who have not carried out a fire risk assessment are reminded that it is a legal requirement to have done one irrespective of the industrial action.

“You also need to look at the measures you have in place to prevent a fire and to protect people in your premises so that everyone can escape the building quickly and easily if there is a fire.

“You should ensure all staff are aware of Wednesday’s situation and know how they can help to reduce fire hazards and the possibility of a false alarm.

“If your premises has an automatic fire alarm system during any periods of industrial action GMFRS will not be responding to calls received as a result of the fire alarm operating – consider who will check for fire if an alarm does goes off, which may require extra training.

“We will only be responding to calls where the call is as a result of a fire, not a fire alarm.”

Top tips for businesses: 

• Review your risk assessment and emergency plan – make sure it's up to date 
• Make sure your fire detection systems are working effectively and everyone in the building understands what they need to do should it activate 
• Practise your emergency evacuation plan to ensure your staff and visitors can escape quickly and easily – don't forget that people with disabilities may need extra help 
• Ensure fire wardens are trained and their training is up to date 
• If you have a fire, evacuate the building and call ‘999’ – you will get a response 
• Reduce fire hazards – keep sources of ignition well away from flammable materials or substance 
• Ask staff to be vigilant to the risk of fire and report any concerns 
• Keep escape routes free from obstacles and check signage and emergency lighting 
• Keep fire doors shut (they should always be shut anyway) 
• Switch off electrical equipment when not in use 
• Make sure any fire fighting equipment you have works and that everyone expected to use it knows how to do so safely 
• Reduce the risk of arson – minimise the build-up of rubbish and store it in a safe place. Keep your building secure

You can find out information about completing fire risk assessments in a range of business premises at: https://www.gov.uk/workplace-fire-safety-your-responsibilities/fire-safety-advice-documents