FBU warns of container “bombs” as firework ship set to dock in Felixstowe
The Union has called for urgent action over the storage and transportation of fireworks as a ship laden with them was set to dock at Felixstowe. The FBU warns that fireworks will be moved across the UK in the same ISO storage containers at the centre of the Marlie Farm explosion which killed two firefighters on 3 December last year.
The FBU warns that emergency services and the public are being put in needless danger because of confused regulation, lack of monitoring and the poor labelling of imported fireworks.
It accuses the Government and the Health and Safety Executive of being slow in their reaction to the dangers uncovered at other incidents during the Marlie Farm investigations.
It warns that four major fireworks incidents in the UK and similar incidents in six other countries found: The labelling on imported fireworks is unreliable; regulation is hampered by too many agencies being involved with little co-operation between them; serious concerns that ISO containers are inappropriate for the storage or transportation of fireworks; poor information and guidance for emergency services seriously hampered their ability to prepare and successfully execute their response.
FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack said: “East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service lost Brian Wembridge and Geoff Wicker at Marlie Farm on 3 December last year. Another nine firefighters, a police officer and two members of the public were injured in the explosion.
No action from Government or HSE
“In fires ISO containers packed with fireworks can cause the same devastation as some military bombs and artillery shells. Despite the dangers already identified there has been no action from Government, the Health and Safety Executive or the other regulatory agencies.
“There is now a container ship set to dock at Felixstowe packed with fireworks in ISO containers. It will soon be unloaded and the containers moved by road across the UK. The emergency services don’t know the routes involved, who is transporting them or the final destination.
“Hundreds of containers holding fireworks – potential bombs when in fires - are going to be moved across the UK in the coming weeks. We need immediate action to identify details of every ISO container loaded with fireworks, its journey, the quantity of fireworks, how the containers are marked and their final destination so emergency services can pre-plan their course of action.
“We also have major concerns if these shipments travel through built up areas or are stored in built up areas. We need much better co-operation between Customs, HSE, Trading Standards, fire service and police to achieve an acceptable level of risk.
No effective regulation
“At present there is no effective regulation of fireworks standards, labelling, transportation or storage. Government and its agencies have done nothing to properly address what we have already learned about firework-linked explosions at incidents in the UK and other countries.
“Emergency services and the public are being put needlessly at risk by this inaction. It is unacceptable and only underlines the need for an independent public inquiry into the explosion at Marlie Farm.”
For videos showing the reaction of fireworks stored in ISO containers see: http://www.chaf.info/
SW trade unions add to calls for Cornwall council bosses to go
Trade unions in the South West have turned up the heat on two county councillors by backing FBU calls for their resignation.
The FBU wants councillors David Whalley and Ken Yeo to quit after they failed to withdraw proposals to downgrade Camborne and Falmouth fire stations in the wake of the Penhallow Hotel fire.
Speaking at Saturday's meeting of the South West TUC's Regional Council, FBU Regional Secretary John Drake told more than 50 trade unionists from across the region:
"Not only have these two councillors failed in their duty of care to people in Cornwall, but they also attempted to deflect the blame for the cuts on the pay rise won by firefighters.
"This is outrageous because the councillors - and only the councillors - have the power to take this decision. The firefighters they seek to blame are the same firefighters that warned them of the consequences of their actions."
Nigel Costley, Regional Secretary of the South West TUC, added: "The truth is it wasn't just the firefighters who campaigned to keep the stations open - it was the public as well, including thousands of trade unionists from all walks of life."
http://www.tuc.org.uk
Windsor cuts campaign
The campaign to save Windsor fire station is adding support every day with Tony Benn and local resident Elton John among the great and good rallying behind efforts to maintain 24-hour cover.
Says Michael Rowley, FBU branch rep at Windsor:
“It is fantastic to have the support of Sir Elton and Tony Benn in our campaign to keep Windsor fire station at full strength.
“The proposals to downgrade Windsor during the critical night period will compromise the safety of residents and firefighters, not only in Windsor, but east Berkshire.”
Members and officials are urged to post messages of support onto the campaign website at
www.windsorfirestation.co.uk
Additionally, please sign a 10 Downing street online petition on the proposals to downgrade Windsor fire station from 24 hour cover to 12 hour cover during the day. Log onto
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/windsor-fire-stn
Lothian and Borders delays cuts proposals
Lothian and Borders Fire Board have delayed a decision to reduce evening and weekend cover at Livingston under their integrated risk management plan.
The proposal was to move from two full-time pumps to one full-time available 24/7, one full-time pump weekdays during the day, and a retained pump evenings and weekends. These proposals sparked local protests and have been strongly opposed by the FBU.
The fire board has approved a six-month stay of execution and a working group will be set up to review the situation at Livingston and to come up with other options.
The FBU now has the opportunity to make a presentation to councillors in the working group – a sub-committee of the Fire Board - to explain in detail its proposals for fire cover in the brigade based on the Critical Attendance STandard (CAST), the system developed by the FBU nationally that allows for proper risk-based planning of FRS responses to emergency incidents.
Says Andy Fulton, brigade secretary:
“The second wholetime pump was only introduced in 1998 and Livingston now has one of the fastest growing populations in Scotland. There can be no justification in downgrading it.”
“The chief fire officer talks about ‘best value’ but best value for the local community means them receiving the best fire cover to ensure they are safe in their homes.”
Fund established for Brian Murray and Mark O'Shaugnessy
A fund has been established to assist the families of the Bray firefighters who were tragically killed last week.
The account name is "Bray Firefighters fund" and is held at the Bank of Ireland, Main St., Bray, Co Wicklow.
The account number is 90-10-36 79600876
The two firefighters from the Republic of Ireland lost their lives at an incident in Bray, County Wicklow.
Unlike our own retained firefighters, their families have no rights to a pension for death on duty. They do receive a sum from an insurance scheme but no doubt any donations would be gratefully received. In particular, one of the firefighters has left behind a widow and 15 children.
RDS rights project
The Union has launched a project aimed at retained duty system (RDS) members, following discussions at the Executive Council and with the TUC. The aim of this project will be to ensure that firefighters working the RDS are fully aware of their rights and are well organised within the Union.
Part of this project will involve the creation of a TUC Academy Organiser position to work with the FBU for a 12 month period. The post will involve assisting and organising with local officials of the FBU to ensure that RDS members are well informed and well represented.
This post is currently being advertised through the TUC website:
http://www.tuc.org.uk/organisation/tuc-13769-f0.cfm
Please bring this advert to the attention of people who you feel may be interested in this challenging and exciting position.
FBU national officer election
Sean Starbuck, Executive Council member for Yorkshire and Humberside (FBU Region 4) has been elected as National Officer of the Union.
He secured 9,598 against 7,059 votes for Tam McFarlane, Executive Council member for the South West (FBU Region 13).
The scrutineer’s report will be issued in due course.
Statement by General Secretary on election pledges
General Secretary Matt Wrack has issued the following update to members on his election pledge with regards his personal finances.
“You may recall that prior to my election I made a number of pledges relating to the finances of the union and to my own finances, salary and expenses. As reported previously, we have made good progress in addressing the financial difficulties which the union had previously faced. The following is a report (somewhat delayed) on the operation of my campaign fund during 2006. You can find the explanation of this in an earlier edition of the e-bulletin (Issue 68, September 16 2005).
“I outlined in that report that I intended to set aside £1,000 each month in order to support campaigns within the trade union and labour movement and relating to the fire service or FBU members. I outline below the donations which were made for 2006:
- Working Class Movement Library: £500;
- Manchester Industrial Relations Society (conference on 2002/2003 FBU dispute): £1,000;
- Connolly the film: £500;
- Trades Unions for Refugees: £500;
- Hertfordshire FBU Hardship Fund: £500;
- Merseyside FBU Hardship Fund: £3,000;
- Nottinghamshire FBU Hardship Fund: £500;
- Namibia Trek Charity Challenge: £250;
- The Aaron Goss Ecuador Fund: £250;
- Merseyside Hardship Fund: £2,000
- Total: £9,000
- Carried forward for year: £3,000
“As you will see the bulk of donations were to the hardship funds established for our members taking strike action, including a total of £5,000 to Merseyside.
“A further report will be issued early next year relating to 2007.”
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