| NFRS joins other services in supporting Business Safety Week 2019 | Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is offering businesses fire safety advice as part of the National Fire Chiefs Council's (NFCC's) Business Safety. | https://www.notts-fire.gov.uk/nfrs-news/Pages/NFRS-joins-other-services-in-supporting-Business-Safety-Week-2019.aspx | NFRS joins other services in supporting Business Safety Week 2019 | <p>Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is offering businesses fire safety advice as part of the National Fire Chiefs Council's (NFCC's) Business Safety<br>Week 2019.</p><p>The campaign runs from 9th - 15th September aims to provide those who are with responsibility for businesses and public buildings with<br>information and advice to reduce the number of fire incidents and false alarms in the workplace, both of which impact business safety and<br>productivity.</p><p>The week encourages all businesses to ensure they have taken the steps required by law to protect their business and employees from fire.<br>Advice will also be given on preventing arson attacks, reducing false alarms, and if needed fire safety advice for premises with sleeping<br>accommodation adjacent or above them.</p><p>The lead up to Christmas can be a busy time for businesses so NFCC are calling on people to take the opportunity now to review risk<br>assessments and escape plans in preparation for Christmas as they may take on extra stock and new or seasonal staff. Statistics show that in<br>2017-18 there were 19,033 fires in UK businesses with about 30% (5,293) being deliberately set.</p><p>In the UK electrical fires account for around 33% of accidental fires in the workplace. These fires can be due to electrical faults or misuse of<br>electrical equipment. A rise in these fires is seen during the Christmas period.</p><p>By law, employers should make sure equipment is installed, maintained and used correctly, whether it is owned or leased by the business.</p><p>NFCC’s Protection and Business Safety Vice Chair Guy Keen, said: “About one third of fires in the workplace are due to electrical faults and misuse of electrical equipment. The majority of these fires are likely to be preventable by taking some simple measures, businesses can learn about how to make their premises and their staff safer from fire.</p><p>“We know that many small businesses never recover from the damage caused by fire, so it is really important to factor in fire safety particularly<br>as part of preparations in the run up to Christmas.”</p><p>Chair of NFCC's Protection and Business Safety Committee, Mark Hardingham said: "Fire can have a devastating effect on small and medium size businesses. The NFCC is committed to supporting business and linking them to their local fire and rescue service who can help and advise them on reducing their fire risk.</p><p>"We encourage business owners to get in touch with their local fire service and find out about the help available so business can flourish and<br>support the UK economy and local community in a safe and sustainable way."</p> | | |
| NFRS issues warning regarding old gas cookers following inquest | Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging the public to check their cooker following the death of a man in Bingham who accidently ignited gas which had escaped from open hobs on his cooker. | https://www.notts-fire.gov.uk/nfrs-news/Pages/NFRS-issues-warning-regarding-gas-cookers.aspx | NFRS issues warning regarding old gas cookers following inquest | <p>Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging the public to check their cooker following the death of a man in Bingham who accidently ignited gas which had escaped from open hobs on his cooker.</p><p>HM Assistant Coroner for Nottinghamshire Mr Gordon Clow, found that Mr Ronald Burford 88, of East Grove, Bingham, died from carbon monoxide toxicity after accidentally setting fire to himself at his home on 12 April 2019.</p><p>Fire crews from Newark and Bingham were called at 8.15am to the scene, after they were alerted to a smell of gas from Nottinghamshire Police.</p><p>Returning a conclusion of accidental death, at the inquest held on Thursday 05 September, Mr Clow said: "Since 2008 it has been a requirement that all gas cookers have a device which stops gas coming out of the cooker if the flame is not lit.</p><p>"Mr Burford's cooker did not have that. All four burners on the hob were found to be open, at least to some extent, and it is more likely than not, in my judgement, that something impaired Mr Burford's safe use of the hob and he either did not realise that he had opened all four burners, or he was unable to reliably switch off the burners.</p><p>"Gas would have then built up around the cooker when ignited when Mr Burford attempted to light the cooker."</p><p>The inquest heard how cookers since 2008 have thermocouple installed as standard which stops gas escaping if there is no flame lit.</p><p>Lucie Poxon, Fire Investigation and Arson Reduction Officer at Nottinghamshire said: "If you are worried that yours or a relative's cooker does not have the thermocouple safety feature, I would urge you to get in touch with Cadent who can fit a locking cooker valve, completely free of charge. </p><p>"When locked, the valve stops the flow of gas to the cooker or hob and can be turned on by a carer or family member when the gas is needed. This doesn't interfere with other gas devices, such as central heating.</p><p>"For more information about locking cooker valves, apply for a free fitting at cadentgas.com/lcv or call 0345 835 1111."</p> | | |
