Calls for inquiry into Euston fire alert
The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has called for an investigation to be launched by the Office of Rail Regulation after an incident involving the possible failure of fire detection systems in an escalator at Euston Tube station a few weeks ago.
However, Transport for London (TfL) has disputed the claims and insists the automated alarms were in full working order at the time, when the station had to be closed for around an hour due to the security alert.
The general secretary of the RMT, Bob Crow, said:
“Anyone who is in any doubt as to why we are balloting for action over the threat to safety-critical Tube station jobs only needs to look at the incident report into the Euston escalator fire four weeks ago.
“Fire-detection systems failed and it was only the vigilance and experience of station-based staff that averted what could have been a major disaster.”
In opposition to the union, a statement from TfL said that safety was a “top priority” and that sufficient measures were in place at the time to prevent a serious incident, with London Fire Brigade happy to reopen the station soon after. It read:
“This incident demonstrates the importance we place on having our staff on hand in ticket halls and platform areas to help customers and safeguard their welfare.”
Fire Awareness Training – Glasgow
Good mix of info and videos, very good for raising fire awareness generally – Jackie Finnell
Very comprehensive, covered lots, relevant to everyone – Thank you! – Hazel McLaughlan
Understand how fires can start and the best methods for putting different types of fires out – Donna Hughes
Installing fire safety procedures in guest houses
When it comes to fire safety in establishments such as these, it can bring up different issues than you would find with other business environments. This is mainly due to the fact that, at any one time, there could be a number of people present in the building who are not on staff.
As fire safety is a challenge for these kinds of businesses, it is necessary to install the correct fire fighting and prevention equipment, while it is also important that fire procedures are put in place.
Most of the people on the premises who are coming and going will not know about the measures you have adopted for fire safety and so you need to consider how you will relay this information to them and ensure that your employees are trained to deal with the situation.
So you can be assured that a safe evacuation of the building can take place in the event of a fire it is required that a certain number of staff are trained as fire wardens, depending on the size of your building. These designated personnel can be sent on a relevant course which is specific to the industry.
When looking at the fire training courses available, make sure you only select a qualified and reputable training provider.
Carpet shop accidentally set alight by council workers
It has been reported this week that council workers in Oldham managed to set a carpet store on fire as they attempted to remove weeds from the pavements outside.
Members of staff from Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council were given flame guns to clean up the streets as they attempted to put themselves forward in the Britain In Bloom competition.
However, when carrying out this work they managed to set the front of Roll End Carpets alight.
Jon Riley, 31, whose family own the shop, was present when this happened and he exited the building to see the flames outside the door. He was relieved that the store hadn’t been burnt to the ground.
He said:
“They sprayed [weedkiller] first and then these two blokes came with these blowtorches.
“I didn’t pay too much attention but about five minutes later I could smell burning. I went outside and flames were going up the shop front.
“The blokes were down the road doing somewhere else. I shouted to them and they came running back. We got the fire extinguisher out and then the fire service came.”
The council have offered to pay for the damage to the shop while an investigation is underway into the incident.
Firefighters called to Bolton waste recycling blaze
It has been reported that a fire which broke out at a waste recycling plant in Blackrod on Tuesday night required around 60 firefighters to get it under control.
Fire crews were called to the blaze at the recycling plant on Station Road in the village, which is close to the M61 motorway, shortly before 8pm.
The fire on the plant site caused black smoke to drift across the busy motorway, but no injuries were reported.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are now investigating the cause of the blaze at the waste recycling plant.
When a fire breaks out at a plant such as this one, it is imperative for employees to follow all the procedures that are in place in terms of evacuation and fire safety.
As it is the responsibility of the owner to ensure the safety of workers when on site, it is necessary to ensure there are designated personnel who are trained to be competent at fire safety and know what to do in the case of a fire.
There are fire safety training courses now available to make sure that this is always the case. Your staff will be trained in reducing the risk of fire on the premises and to manage fire safety for the site.