Protocol on Health and Safety in the Fire and Rescue Service

The Protocol aims to provide a high standard of health and safety for Fire and Rescue Service staff, an integral part of an effective, efficient and well managed service.  The HSE aims to be asconsistent as possible in the application of health and safety requirements across the country. 

The Protocol applies to all Fire and Rescue Service activities and establishes a procedures to moniter the application, and to resolve any disputes.

The Protocol recognises that firefighters are required to respond in situations that present significant risk to their health and safety.  Fire and rescue authorities must make provision for the core functions described in the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (and equivalent in Scotland).  

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the legal duty of fire and rescue authorities is unchanged. Fire and rescue authorities have to ensure that sufficient risk assessments have been carried out, that operations are planned and properly controlled, and that firefighters and other employees are appropriately trained, equipped and supervised. 

The FRS should ensure that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are undertaken to deal with all foreseeable circumstances.  Risk assessment and safe systems of work should be included when preparing planned operations.  As the nature of FRS work means that not all situations are predictable, firefighters should be given awareness training so that they can assess risks to their health and safety, in individual situations.  

Firefighters need to respond to the demands of rapidly changing situations and cannot rely on adhereing to set procedures.  They should be sufficiently trained to enable operations to be carried out effectively, efficiently and safely.  The command and control structure should  provide firefighters with an appropriate level of supervision for the operational situation concerned. 

Inspection of local authority fire and rescue services is carried out by the HSEs Field Operations Directorate. During inspections, the health and safety management of fire and rescue services will be assesed.  Inspectors interview key members of staff, examine documents and carry out sample visits to ensure compliance with the legal requirements.  Inspectors identify examples of good practice and highlight changes needed. 

It is intended that major planned inspections will be co-ordinated with the Audit Commission programme of Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA). This is to ensure that the burden of inspection is proportionate and planned. HSE inspections of fire and rescue services will be brought to the attention of the relevant HM Fire Service Inspector. 

Reactive investigations may need to be urgent, but where possible Inspectors will contact a fire and rescue service in advance, to let them know the reason for the visit.  

HSE and HMFSI share information on developments that affect health and safety in the FRS, including changes to the organisation of the Service, and new legislation and guidance that affect it.