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New statistics group
THE RECENTLY formed Fire and Rescue Statistics User Group (FRSUG) will act as a consultation forum on issues relating to fire and rescue statistics. It hopes to promote the use of fire statistics to inform policy and practice, including identifying shortfalls in existing data provision. FRSUG comprises numerous representatives from a range of fire-related bodies, including the Fire Brigades Union, Communities and Local Government (CLG), the Fire Protection Association and the World Fire Statistics Centre.
The FRSUG website will shortly be available via the CLG website: www.communities.gov.uk/corporate/
Cigarette legislation
ABOUT 50% of the USA will soon be requiring that only ‘fire-safe’ cigarettes be sold to consumers following changes in state legislation. The USA sees between 700 and 900 fire-related fatalities each year due to cigarette misuse. An increasing number of states are adopting the legislation for fire-safe cigarettes, which are designed to burn more slowly than regular types. The US Coalition for Fire-Safe Cigarettes is campaigning for fire-safe cigarette legislation nationwide.
For more information, visit website: www.firesafecigarettes.org/
Gold standard
LONDON FIRE Brigade (LFB) has won a Gold Award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Occupational Health and Safety Awards 2008, in recognition of its commitment to health and safety. The award will be officially presented to the brigade and other organisations which have met the Gold Award achievement standard at RoSPA’s award ceremony in May. The RoSPA awards highlight good workplace safety management and measures to reduce the number of accidents at work.
Firefighter safety bill
A NEW government bill has been introduced in the USA to reduce the high number of firefighter deaths and injuries. If it becomes law, the Firefighter Fatality Reduction Act will require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to more rigorously assess whether fire departments are complying with standards for safe operations, staffing, training and fitness. DHS will also explore how the US Government can best promote firefighter safety standards and will provide recommendations to Congress, states and local authorities.
Cancer probe
QUEENSLAND FIRE and Rescue Service in Australia is pressing for a nationwide investigation into the high number of cancer cases reported by firefighters in the state. In April 2008, the Australian Government ordered health authorities in the state to test each firefighter for brain cancer after a ‘cancer cluster’ (an area with a higher than expected case of cancer in a given period) was confirmed at Atherton Fire Station. Officers in Toowoomba have since reported numerous cancer-related illnesses and deaths, including brain tumours and testicular cancer. The United Firefighters Union believes the cancer incidents may be linked with exposure to nuclear decay or ionizing radiation during operational firefighting.
Bravery award
THE SOCIETY for the Protection of Life from Fire (SPLF) gives awards to those who exhibit bravery in rescuing people from fires. It encourages members of the emergency services to nominate individuals who have acted heroically in a fire. In meritorious cases, it also awards medals. The society hopes that the launch of its new website, http://www.splf.org.uk/, will help re-rejuvenate interest in the register charity.
Kitemark superbrand
THE FAMOUS Kitemark symbol, developed by the British Standards Institution, has received ‘Business Superbrand’ status. The symbol was selected from thousands of other brands by a panel of 1,400 business professionals for meeting the criteria for quality, reliability and distinction. Recognised as a quality mark, Kitemark symbolises product and service performance for consumers worldwide, and now joins the ranks of other Superbrands, such as Google, Microsoft and the BBC.
Rollercoaster arson
ONE OF the world’s oldest rollercoasters, located at Margate’s Dreamland amusement park in Kent, has been largely destroyed following an arson fire on 7 April. The Grade-II listed scenic railway had not been running for two years and was vulnerable to attack. About 60 firefighters battled for an hour-and-a-half to control the blaze. Built in 1920, the damaged rollercoaster is a great loss to residents who have been campaigning to reopen the ride to bolster local tourism. However, locals believe the structure could be rebuilt. Margate Police and the fire service are appealing for witnesses to come forward with information.
Supermarket sweep
FOOD RETAILER, J Sainsbury plc, is shelving the sale of its chip pans to help reduce some 49% of house fires and about 30 fatalities caused nationally each year by these misused kitchen products. The supermarket will no longer sell chip pans in any of its stores following a partnership with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, which found that 18% of people in the region still use them. The fire service says it is delighted by the partnership and hopes other retailers follow suit.
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