Safety of fire crews

[Paul]

mu last post has gone to the bottom??

[Psmith, the most recently active threads appear at the top of the list, the newests postings in the threads appear at the bottom of them.  That's how it works. - Chris H, Moderator]

[jayjay]

Further to this debate on the fire fighting equipment, I have heard (do not quote me) that at the recent Stevenage multi-storey flats fire, which resulted in three deaths two of whom were firefighters, it is alleged that the pump supplying the wet riser had failed/was not operative. The results of the fire enquiry may consider the issue of firefighting provisions?

[Ken Taylor]

Occupiers Liability and Common Law establish duties upon those in control of premises to their visitors and those who they ought to have in mind. I am unaware of any proved application of this to plant and equipment provided solely for the use of firefighters. Health and Safety at Work legislation places duties upon employers and persons in control of workplaces to ensure that they are safe and without risk so far as is reasonably practicable for their employees and others affected by the work of the undertaking. I suspect that there would be all sorts of problems in seeking to show whether an employer or workplace occupier was actually in control of the premises or conducting the undertaking at the time in which it is on fire and firefighters are present and also as to whether it is reasonable for an employer or occupier to adequately appreciate and provide for the safety needs of firefighters in a fire situation. Hopefully the new legislation will establish clear, specific and strict duties in respect of items necessary for safe use by firefighters in the same way that there is now a strict duty to maintain work equipment in a safe condition under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regs

[mark1london]

Colin, having read one of your early posts on here  - it appears you're agreeing with ODPM's line on this!

I will have to go and lie down in a darkened room.