Members of the Fire Brigades’ Union intend to take further strike action across England and Wales on Friday 13 December from 18.00 to 22.00 hours and again on Saturday 14 December from 18.00 to 22.00 hours.
Whilst many of the students may have already left the College for the holiday period and associated research, study and other activities will be commensurately reduced, this is no time to become complacent.
You should consider rescheduling any experiments, work or other processes that might result (should there be a mishap) in a fire or other incident requiring fire service attendance. This includes the use or handling of hazardous materials. Where activities cannot be rescheduled, ensure risk assessments are reviewed, adequate control measures are in place and that there is suitable supervision.
Where possible, avoid the use of high energy or heat producing equipment and machinery. Where use is unavoidable, ensure there are adequate control measures and supervision in place. Ensure all electrical equipment that will not be needed for the duration of the strikes and potentially the whole of the College closure period is switched off and where possible, isolated from the mains supply.
Where quantities of hazardous/flammable materials are normally held for use, ensure they are removed or made as safe as possible. For instance, compressed gas cylinders that will not be needed until the new term could be returned to central stores.
Ensure that the highest standards of fire and general safety are maintained at all times, keeping fire doors closed, fire exits clear and minimal waste accumulation.
Where halls or other residencies are being used, managers and wardens should provide advice and guidance to residents regarding safer cooking methods and procedures, and to never leave cooking unattended. Where possible, discourage use of certain electrical appliances that are common causes of fire, such as hair dryers, straighteners, curling tongues and portable heating appliances. Advise that all electrical appliances should be switched off and unplugged when not in use.
Remind all relevant persons that, in the event of an incident, they are to raise the alarm and contact Security Control at the earliest opportunity and instigate emergency/evacuation plans immediately.
Whilst unlikely, there is a possibility that more strike dates could be announced before the new term. However, please also be aware that FBU members recently voted in favour of additional industrial action short of a strike and will need to declare such action within the next few weeks for the mandate to remain valid.
