BECTU issue advice on fire strike

A safety checklist has been issued to BECTU representatives ahead of Friday's firefighters' strike.
Branch officers and safety reps have been reminded that the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 places a duty on workers not to put themselves, or those working around them, at risk.
BECTU are also advising that workplace risk assessments, a requirement of the 1999 Health and Safety at Work Regulations, might not have taken account of the extra dangers posed to staff and public by the withdrawal of Fire Service cover.
The union has emphasised the importance of "competent persons" - staff or managers nominated by an employer who are responsible for ensuring that adequate procedures are in place to deal with "serious and imminent danger" in the workplace.
Among the documents issued by BECTU is a safety checklist, which union representatives can use to reassess their workplaces.
Further advice on safety during the firefighters' strike is available from Andy Egan at BECTU Head Office on Tel: +44 (0) 20 7346 0900.
(GB)