Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service is working in partnership with local Community Safety Partner agencies to reduce arson related fires in and around industrial and commercial properties in the lead up to bonfire night. The campaign aims to keep Merseyside safe and clean throughout the bonfire period, by removing the source of anti-social fires – combustible waste.
At this time of year, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service’s resources can be stretched attending fires that have gone out of control. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, all industrial and commercial properties are required to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment, in order to identify and control fire hazards. Good housekeeping is an essential part of this assessment and will lower the chances of a fire starting!
By following this simple advice, you can greatly assist the emergency services by helping to ensure your premises are fire safe:
- Identify a designated individual within your business to take responsibility for the security arrangements of the premises.
- Perform a Fire Risk Assessment to identify potential risks and methods of controlling those risks.
- Monitor the accumulation of combustible materials in and around your premises. You can report build-ups of combustible waste to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 731 5958.
- Ensure combustible waste is kept secure until it is collected or removed.
- Secure any waste or wheeled bins outside to a compound to prevent them being moved.
- Ensure internal escape routes and fire doors are not obstructed by any materials.
- Empty waste bins on a regular basis.
- Please dispose of your waste responsibility. Do not give any combustible materials to young people to use for illegal bonfires.
For more information about Fire Risk Assessments for industrial/commercial premises, visit www.merseyfire.gov.uk or contact Community Protection Department on 0151 296 4000.