In excess of 50 MEPs have promised they will put fire safety first if they are elected in this weeks (May 22nd) elections. This pledge comes in light of a call issued by the campaign FireSafetyFirst, which has been launched by Fire Safe Europe. This initiative is centered around improving the fire safety protection in hardstanding buildings. Such a campaign was launched in January. It beckons Members and candidate Members of the European Parliament to collaborate with firefighters on the frontline and those in the building industry, to enhance fire safety standards and practices in different premises. These include homes, shops, hospitals and schools - places where Europeans tend to spend their time. As there has been an advancement in the materials and methods used in the construction industry, the fire safety regulations have become outdated. For instance, it only takes three minutes for a small fire in a room to become a full-on blaze. In the 1950s, this figure was five times longer. The reason behind this is there are more flammable materials used in buildings nowadays. Fire Safe Europe states the EUs fire safety test methods, which are based on data collected between 1994 and 2002, do not provide a complete and accurate assessment of whats now on the market. Up to 2.5 million fires that are related to buildings are reported annually in the EU, while their devastating effects can cost as much as €126 billion (£103 billion). Managing director of Fire Safe Europe Juliette Albiac called upon the EU to start taking fire safety in buildings seriously, especially as four out of five of such blazes commence in the home. We want buildings that make us comfortable, that keep us safe from intruders, and that use less energy, she said. She added how pleased she was that MEPs had realised how crucial fire safety was, as it is one of the oldest threats to people. MEP Catherine Bearder spoke of her intention to continue the beneficial work that had already been undertaken. It is essential for us to take action to improve fire safety in Europe, and all citizens should be equally protected, she stated. French MEP Michele Rivasi said: Firefighters and citizens security is an issue which goes beyond our national borders. Commercial buildings, non-domestic and multi-occupancy premises in England and Wales are already forced to undertake a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment carried out under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. While the overwhelming majority of premises do this, if the assessment is thought to have been carried out to an insufficient extent, the Responsible Person can face an unlimited fine or up to two years in prison.
Posted on: Sun, 25 May 2014 15:01:43 +0000
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