Fire stations in West Sussex to close as part of reorganisation plans
It has been reported that three retained fire stations located at Findon, Keymer and Bosham may be closed due to the reorganisation of West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSF&RS).
This plan, should it go ahead would mean that selected fire stations, including Littlehampton and Burgess Hill, would gain additional cover and a new unit would be built in Horsham.
The new fire facilities planned at Broadbridge Heath would contain a training centre.
A spokesman for the Fire Brigades Union has said that they oppose the move as the service would be poorer in these areas, with response times at night being affected: “In these areas we will be providing a less effective service than we currently provide.”
Residents in Findon have already expressed their misgivings about the ability for the fire service to be able to respond to emergency callouts.
Despite the concerns that it will take the fire crews in these areas longer to respond, WSF&RS has said these closures are in areas with low-risk and that change is necessary to put future resources in place.
It has been confirmed that these proposals are now out for public consultation until the 8th of October, with a decision due the following month.
Fire Warden Training – West Sussex
Informative and practical, adequateley delivered in a timely and efficent manner, will be useful in my job/capacity as fire warden – GD
Very informative & interesting, eye opening – SB
Very useful, thank you for making this interesting and particulary for home tips – DDJ
Very good presentation, very important training well, delivered and thought provoking – RN
Informative and provided high impact at the seriousness of needing fire awareness training – JWP
Very informative and relevant information presented in a very interesting and engaging manner, having attended the training previously thought it might feel repetitive however there many updates and changes that kept it fresh and relevant – BT
Informative and interesting with relevance to work and personal life safety, the training is very relevant for a life time, it extends beyond workplace safety to personal life – SQ
A great range of learning/training media helped keep interest even if it was by shocking us to keep out attention! The training has highlighted a couple of areas whihc i would like to introduce here to ensure that checks are being completed & evidenced properly – HS
Well presented good mix of training aid – GO
Very useful & thought provoking – CD
Very enjoyable & informative – DS
Fire training should be compulsory for everyone – RM
Fire extinguishers to comply with fire safety
It is now a requirement by law that all businesses provide adequate fire fighting equipment for staff to use in the event of a fire. The responsibility for fire safety within a workplace ultimately lies with the employer. Therefore, you need to purchase the right fire extinguishers and offer training on how to use this equipment safely.
A competent person is also expected to test and service the fire fighting equipment at least once a year. When it comes to tackling a fire in the workplace you need to ensure that employees are well versed in what to do. In order to know what fire safety measures and procedures need to be put in place, it is necessary to attend fire warden training by a professional firm.
At the fire training facility your staff will learn all about the types of fire extinguishers available that meet BS EN3 requirements. As well as training courses you can also get fire blankets, safety signs plus fire extinguisher stands, which can be bought online.
When you purchase the fire extinguishers for your business you can also choose to benefit from service contracts ensure that you are complying with the law and that the equipment is in full working condition.
Install fire suppression systems to protect your business
In the event of a fire on your business premises, fire suppression systems have been designed to suppress the ferocity of the fire until fire crews can tackle the blaze, or can even put the fire out on their own. This fire safety equipment is therefore an important component of any system set in place to protect a building, its contents and inhabitants should this situation ever occur.
The equipment is usually installed in mission critical areas of a business like where the company’s computer data is stored as well as in food preparation areas such as kitchens, although they can be placed anywhere at risk to the business. Due to the growing threat of arson, many companies are deciding to install these fire suppression systems on their premises.
The type of system you choose can depend on your industry and the nature of your business. It can also be affected by the products stored in your facilities. You can select from gas, water mist, foam deluge, reaction and kitchen fire suppression systems to meet your requirements.
As well as contemplating the fire fighting and safety equipment you need to install for your business, it is also important to consider fire safety training for your staff.
Investigation launched into plastics factory blaze
An enquiry is now underway following a fire which ripped through a plastics factory in Ripley, Derbyshire at the weekend.
On Sunday evening police had to evacuate people from around 20 houses and seal the street as 20ft high flames tore through Technique Composites on Peasehill Road and fire crews battled to keep the fire under control.
The local residents of Ripley had to leave their homes for 24 hours due to the fact there were two unexploded gas cylinders that needed to be quarantined until they had cooled down.
Police Sergeant Simon Street, explained:
“We’ve evacuated houses that are in the blast zone. It’s purely a precautionary measure.
“Emergency planners from social services are looking after the people who cannot find alternative accommodation.
“The public have been spot on. I’d like to thank them for their assistance and their patience – it has been much appreciated.”
Firefighters from nearby areas including Ilkeston, Derby, Alfreton, Duffield and Clay Cross were required to tackle the blaze as fire ripped through the roof of the factory.
Now the cylinders are no longer a risk, fire teams will be able to assess the premises to determine the cause of the fire, as the investigation begins.