Fire safety threat

Cutbacks in the fire service threaten workplace safety, especially at high hazard sites, the FBU firefighters’ union has warned.

In Cleveland, for example, 60 firefighters’ jobs are at risk, even though the brigade is responsibile for 37 high hazard sites — including a nuclear power station, petrochemical plants and the UK’s busiest port — under the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999.

“There is a real concern there will be yet another cut in the number of firefighters at a time when our rescue responsibilities are greatly increasing,” said Cleveland FBU brigade secretary Steve Watson.