GMFRS supports businesses to keep them safe from fire

Business Safety Week, which encourages business owners and managers to stay safe, is led by the National Fire Chiefs’ Council (NFCC) and runs until Sunday, September 12

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is urging local businesses to stay safe as it is revealed that its firefighters attended thousands of incidents involving businesses in the last three years.

From April 2018 to August 2021, the Service attended 2,629 fires involving businesses across the city-region, many of which could have been prevented.

The plea from GMFRS comes as national Business Safety Week kickstarts.

The dedicated week of action, which encourages business owners and managers to stay safe, is led by the National Fire Chiefs’ Council (NFCC) and runs from yesterday (Monday) to Sunday, September 12.

During the week, GMFRS’ fire safety teams will be visiting businesses across the city-region providing advice and support to help prevent fires in the workplace.

Key factors including fire doors, fire risk assessments, evacuation procedures, and sprinklers – which are proven to reduce injuries by 80 per cent, reduce damage to property, and also reduce damage to the environment – will be spotlighted during the week of action.

GMFRS’ Head of Protection Area Manager Paul Fearnhead said: “GMFRS is proud to be supporting this year's national Business Safety Week, helping to keep businesses safe from fire while further raising awareness of the benefits of sprinklers and fire doors, plus much more.

"Greater Manchester firefighters have been called to more than 2,600 fires at businesses since April 2018 – many of which could have been prevented, such as those that started due to poorly maintained appliances or faulty wiring.

“During the week we will support local businesses, as we do all year round, to protect themselves and prevent fires from breaking out at their properties.

"As well as keeping people and buildings safe, our ongoing protection work contributes to our efforts in reducing the economic, environmental, emotional and community impact of fire.”

Earlier on this year, GMFRS joined forces with local businesses to highlight the benefits of having fire sprinklers fitted inside commercial properties, while supporting national Sprinkler Week.

The Service proudly showcased new digital content featuring some of its staff members and representatives from local businesses, including sustainable waste manager Biffa and Love 2 Sleep in Salford, who have shared their experiences and knowledge to encourage others to consider having sprinklers installed.

The films can be found on GMFRS’ YouTube channel and highlight the many positives of having fire sprinklers in place, including how they protect lives and properties, reduce injuries, as well as help the environment.

To find out more about the national campaign follow #BusinessSafety21 on social media, or visit NFCC’s website: https://www.nationalfirechiefs.org.uk/Business-Safety-Week

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.