Unions unite on fire safety

Rail and fire unions are fighting to retain essential fire safety regulations for sub-surface stations, introduced after the 1987 King's Cross disaster in which 31 people died.

A joint campaign was launched at King's Cross on 26 November at a rally organised by the rail unions RMT and ASLEF and the FBU firefighters' union.

As part of its new Fire Safety Order, which will consolidate existing fire safety law in workplaces and is due to come into force in April 2006, the government plans to abolish the Section 12 regulations that prescribe safety standards for sub-surface stations all over the UK.

The regulations stipulate minimum safe staffing levels, fire detection and warning methods and means of escape and firefighting, as well as standards of fire-resistant construction, training and other precautions. These matters are not specified in the Fire Safety Order.

"Without these enforceable minimum standards, operators will be invited to cut corners and compromise fire safety, and it is simply not good enough for them to be replaced with what amount to discretionary measures," said ASLEF general secretary Keith Norman at the rally.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow added: "We are seeking a simple commitment from the government that these sensible and effective measures will be kept in place."