Merseyside Fire Service urges businesses to stay fire safe

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.

The week has been scheduled to run at a time when many businesses will be recruiting additional members of seasonal staff in the run up to the Christmas period. 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.

It’s 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.

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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
– make sure all staff know how to respond appropriately in the event of an incident
– work with their local fire service to reduce false alarms and enforcement notices

Fire and rescue services across the country will be holding a range of events and activities to engage with businesses in their communities, working with them to help improve their knowledge of fire safety.

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service’s Business Fire Safety Advisers are visiting businesses across Merseyside throughout the week, offering advice and guidance to ensure businesses are fully aware of their responsibilities, and keep staff and customers safe from harm.

NFCC Protection and Enforcement Lead, Mark Hardingham commented: “I’m delighted that the National Fire Chiefs Council is 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 massive contribution to the UK economy and local communities and we want to help them to do this in a sustainable and safe way.”

Group Manager, Andy Groom Head of Fire Safety in Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service said:
‘We hope that Business Safety Week can raise awareness and protect businesses from fire. Many businesses that have a fire in their premises never recover from the impact; resulting in the loss of jobs, livelihoods and amenity in the community. Throughout Business Safety Week Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service will be offering support to business owners to keep safe from fire’.

For free fire safety advice or to request a home fire safety check, call 0800 731 5958.
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service also provides free smoke alarms for Merseyside residents aged 65 or over or those referred by partner agencies.