Tyne and Wear businesses asked to review fire safety precautions

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) is reminding business owners to check that they’re keeping their premises, employees and customers safe from fire.

Businesses are legally required to comply with fire safety legislation, but there’s also lots that can be done beyond that to keep people and property safe. As part of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s Business Safety Week 2019, TWFRS will be providing information and advice to help reduce the number of fire incidents and false alarms in the workplace.

Now is the perfect time to consider fire safety management before the busy festive season begins. This may involve reviewing risk assessments and escape plans ahead of increasing stock and employing temporary staff. There are also additional considerations for retailers that plan to sell fireworks over the Bonfire period.

As well as helping businesses to meet fire safety standards, TWFRS is also responsible for taking action against those that fail to comply. Head of Fire Safety Richie Rickaby explained:

“We carry out enforcement action that is proportionate to the risks presented. Since the start of April 2019, we have served 16 Prohibition Notices on businesses across Tyne and Wear. These are cases where the risk to people in case of fire is so serious that it’s necessary to prohibit or restrict use of parts of the premises until the issues we identified have been corrected.

We appreciate that in the current climate, many businesses may be facing a wide range of pressures and concerns. However, we’d like to remind business owners that there’s nothing more important than public safety.”

Business Safety Week 2019 runs from the 9th to the 15th of September. Follow TWFRS on social media or contact the Business Fire Safety Team for advice on arson prevention, reducing false alarms, preventing common causes of business fires and protecting sleeping accommodation.