Fire Service offers support to businesses ahead of the FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar is just around the corner and for the first time, it is being held over winter in the run up to the Christmas Festivities.

As part of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service’s ongoing commitment to ensure that acceptable Fire Safety standards in licensed premises are being maintained, they want to support businesses who may be gearing up to showcase this event. 

There is likely to be increased use of licensed premises during this time, therefore, the Service’s advice concentrates on a number of areas, including:  

• The management of safe occupancy levels – can people escape safely? 
• The management of smoking areas that may affect the means of escape – can you ensure safe access and egress? 
• The use of flags, banners, and bunting – are they fire retardant and not obscuring any safety signage? 
• The suitability of the premises Fire Risk Assessment – it may be time for a review. 
• Management of potential pyrotechnics – have you put control measures in place?  
• Suitability of outside venues tents/marquees – are they kept away from ignition sources? 
• Staff training – are you looking to hire new members of staff to assist in the busy period? If so, don’t forget to include fire safety training as part of their induction package. Refresher training for current members of staff may also be worth considering too. 

Business Education Advocate Luke Cook said, “we recognise that licensed premises tend be a lot busier in the lead up to Christmas, so the addition of a World Cup as well can increase the fire risk to everyone who works in or visits premises embracing this global event.  

“We just want to remind owners and managers to think about fire safety precautions whilst they prepare to showcase the tournament and especially if they plan to make changes, such as putting up any decorations.  

“We hope everyone can enjoy the World Cup in a safe environment”. 

To help you with these considerations, there are a number of guidance documents available for your use which you can find in the Service’s Resource Hub. If you need some guidance with your fire risk assessment, you can find more information on the dedicated page. 

If you have any questions or want further guidance, please contact the Business Support Team on 0115 838 8205 or by email fireprotection@notts-fire.gov.uk.