Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) and the Council’s Public Protection Teams will be offering businesses safety messages as part of the National Fire Chiefs Council UK Business Safety Week 2017.
The week runs from 11th – 17th September and aims to make sure businesses and their staff have the information they need to prevent, protect and respond to fire incidents in the workplace. Organisations can also access information on how to comply with the legislation that controls how their business is run.
The week has been scheduled to run at a time when many businesses will be recruiting extra members of seasonal staff in the run up to the Christmas period.
Head of Fire Safety with NFRS Craig Ducat said: “New recruits may not have the same level of fire safety awareness as permanent members of staff, and may not be aware of the steps needed to protect themselves, their customers and colleagues.
“We’ll also be offering businesses input from our Public Protection Teams and traders will be able to discuss current issues and find out where to go for advice if they need it in future.
“The week is also a good opportunity to remind employers of the need to review fire risk assessments and training and make sure existing staff know the importance of fire safety.”
Across the country fire services will be asking businesses to ensure they have taken action to prevent fires in the workplace, take action to protect themselves from arson and make sure all staff know how to respond appropriately in the event of an incident.
Northumberland County Council wish to promote the advice available to businesses regarding regulations, through a series of ‘drop in’ sessions. Business representatives will be able to speak to regulatory inspecting officers from Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, Northumberland County Council’s Trading Standards, Licensing and Environmental Health Services which will be held at:
- West Hartford Fire Station on September 11th from 9am-1pm
- Hexham Fire Station on September 12th from 9am-1pm
- Pegswood Fire Station on September 13th from 9am-1pm
- Alnwick Fire Station on September 14th from 9am-1pm
Councillor John Riddle, Chair of Northumberland Fire Authority, added: “I’m delighted that we’re again working with small and medium size businesses to help them ensure that they are able to operate in a way that is safe from the terrible effects of fire.
“These businesses make a huge contribution to our economy and local communities and we want to help them to do this in a sustainable and safe way.”
Business representatives can find advice on fire safety in their business on the NFRS website by searching for “fire safety” via www.northumberland.gov.uk or by phone to Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service on 01670 621140 or via firesafety1@northumberland.