Scott Richards
‘It is important that they continue to meet their legal duties’
Fire chiefs are urging businesses to check and update their fire protection measures as they return to company premises after the pandemic.
Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service’s protection team provides advice and guidance to firms to minimise the risk of fire in the workplace. And they are telling businesses not to delay in seeking advice on keeping their staff, stock and premises safe.
The county service will also advise on reducing the risk of arson and false alarms. There were more than 4,700 deliberate fires in businesses in the UK in 2019-20 and most attacks are unplanned and opportunist crimes.
It also assists with fire risk assessments, staff training and checks on fire safety equipment.
Scott Richards, community protection manager at Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service, said: “We know what a challenging 18 months this has been for businesses but it is important that they continue to meet their legal duties. Our work and advice to businesses does not focus on compliance at any cost. Officers will regularly discuss solutions with owners that are more suitable to a particular situation, more pragmatic and easier to manage and, in some cases, more cost-effective.”
Mark Andrews, business engagement lead at the National Fire Chiefs Council, added: “Fire services are committed to helping businesses get back to work so they can continue to make their valued contribution to the economy and local communities. Fire can have a devastating impact on a business with many never recovering. We encourage businesses to get in touch with their local fire service for advice.”
n Contact the NFRS Protection by emailing or call 01604 797000.
