Dear Brother/Sister,
HSE Inspection Correspondence - BA Safety Campaign
Members of the Fire Brigades Union are facing one of the biggest threats to our safety in decades.
Previous circulars have identified that the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) have issued dangerous new policy guidance on fighting high-rise fires. The policy, unless challenged, would commit firefighters to being deployed beyond a bridgehead and BA Entry Control Point whilst not under air.
On 27 May 2022 the union submitted a detailed complaint to the HSE concerning the unsafe systems of work now being imposed by some Chief Fire Officers. It took the HSE over a year to respond to the complaint, in which they chose to simply look at the risk assessment process in two Fire & Rescue Services, arguing that the other safety concerns raised were not within their remit. The union wrote to the HSE setting out our serious concerns with their response and investigation of the matter.
The HSE then met with the union, at HSE’s request, and conceded the fact that their investigation, engagement and outcome were unacceptable. They apologised to the union both at the meeting and in writing and committed to a full and proper investigation into the matter which should include engagement with the union.
I am disappointed to report that despite the apologies and assurances this did not materialise.
Instead the HSE has chosen, 17 months after the union submitted the original complaint, to make conclusions based solely on one sided discussions held with CFOs and the NFCC behind closed doors and opted to exclude the union, the professional voice of firefighters, once again.
The union has responded to the HSE setting out why their investigation and conclusions are flawed, unsafe, not competent and an insult to the FBU and the safety and professionalism of its members.
The HSE outcome letter and the union’s response are provided with this circular. Please read and discuss the contents at your branch.
The union’s position remains clear that these revisions to our BA systems of work are unsafe, unlawful and unprofessional.
The union’s advice to members remains the same:
As a professional firefighter & BA wearer you should not put yourself in a position of danger above the bridgehead with non-activated breathing apparatus.
The union has been left with no choice at this stage, following over a year and a half of shortcomings, other than to question the impartiality and competence of the HSE inspection and outcomes. They demonstrate a dangerous lack of understanding of the fire & rescue service operational environment.
The union will now discuss and decide the next steps in this safety critical campaign. Firefighters are not cannon fodder and we won’t allow anyone to treat us as such. Our BA procedures are born from the death and injury of our brothers and sisters and we will defend them.
Further information will follow, in the meantime please discuss this on your branch, brigade and safety committees as a matter of urgency.
Yours in unity,
Riccardo la Torre
National Officer
