BUSINESSES MUST PREPARE FOR FIRE SERVICE STRIKES

Allianz Insurance is warning businesses to take fire safety precautions, ahead of the first national firefighters' strike in more than a decade.

On Wednesday 25 September, industrial action taken by the fire service will affect many parts of the U.K., resulting in limited resources. Priority will be given to incidents where lives are at risk, which means that authorities may not be able to respond to incidents where only property is being damaged by fire.

Allianz has issued brokers and clients with risk management advice, for before and during strike action, which includes:

Prior to the strike:

• Carry out a routine fire drill to ensure everyone understands what to do in the event of an  emergency
• Ensure fire alarms are tested and in good working order
• Review emergency procedures and arrangements, to ensure all employees can reach a place of safety in the event of a fire
• Keep copies of vital computer data in a suitable secure place away from the premises
• Do not arrange any servicing work to be carried out on security, fire or other safety systems which might cause them to be out-of-action. 

During a strike

• If possible, avoid “hot work”, which involves flames, sparks or the application of heat, such as welding or soldering
• Ensure that extract ducting in commercial kitchens or cooking areas is clean inside and free of an accumulation of grease, as this can prevent a fire spreading
• Do not leave combustible items (including waste bins and skips, pallets or crates) outside of a building as they are often targeted by vandals
• Do not overload electrical sockets and extension leads.

Andy Miller, technical risk control manager, said: “It is vital that businesses make every effort to reduce the chance of a fire occurring and stop its ability to spread quickly, should one happen.”

He adds: “By taking simple preventative measures, companies can protect the lives of their employees and prevent devastating damage to their property.”

ENDS