Ian
(Billy, here, but I can't log on)
I agree with your points concerning the problems in convincing owners/occupiers as to fit hooks within their premises, and you are also right in saying that they have to be justifiable.
The simple fact is that we in the fire service know that using guidelines in premises without tie-off points is a bigger hazard than not using them at all.
The owners/occupiers of premises are unaware of this fact, and this is the first instance where I feel fire authorities are slightly negligent, as we should bring this to the attention of the owners.
Secondly, what can fire authorities do to try and force them to fit the hooks? The answer is transfer the liability to them if they don't!
If we make them aware of the problem and they choose to ignore it, we are not to blame.
We have also got to remember that we are in a unique position in so far that the current fire safety measures are designed mainly to get the occupants out of the building, and they do this to an extremely high standard.
When we arrive in a fire situation, we need additional measures to ensure our safety, and one of these measures is BA guidelines in certain circumstances. You have also to remember that the owners are responsible for our safety if we have to work within the building, and I believe the new fire safety bill will shift the liability even more onto the owners/occupiers.
If a brigade is taken to court over an incident where guidelines were used and it goes wrong, I feel they are in a no win situation.
they cannot blame the owners for not providing tie off points because the brigade never told the owner of the potential risk.
If we have identified a serious disorientation risk within a building and not used guidelines for whatever reason, the brigade could also be at fault as guidelines are a recognised control measure.
Finally, you mention that all roofs do not have fall arrestors in case fire crews have to go up there, but we have additional control measures such as securing lines and roof ladders to minimise the risk.
What additional control measures can we take if there is no securing points for guidelines within buildings and we have identified that guidelines should be considered?
The only choice we have is not to use them, which seems stupid as we know what the problem is, and we also know what the solution is.