Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is reminding local businesses across the city-region about its specialist fire safety team that can help ensure premises remain fire safe as well as Covid-safe.
As non-essential retail re-opens in line with the Government’s roadmap, the local fire service is reminding businesses to ensure their fire risk assessments are up-to-date with any changes brought about by implementing Covid-safe practices.
It is important that when changes in measures to control the spread of Covid-19 are implemented following Government guidance, they are also considered in the context of your premises’ fire risk assessments to help manage and mitigate the risk of fire as much as much as reasonably practicable. Any significant changes identified should be recorded where necessary and actioned as required within appropriate timescales.
In particular GMFRS have highlighted that businesses ensure fire safety equipment remains properly maintained and regularly tested, especially after an extended closure. There may also be changes in risk levels due to the pandemic, such as increased waste, storage or stock levels that need to be considered in an updated risk assessment.
GMFRS also raised concerns that many businesses are leaving emergency fire doors wedged open as a way of making premises more Covid-safe, for example, to reduce contact with surfaces, facilitate a one-way system or to increase ventilation.
Further information and resources to ensure a business’ fire safety is available from the GMFRS website.