BAFE stated in a press release that after Mr Johnson’s announcements yesterday, the government ‘continues to ease lockdown measures in place’, and in particular it was ‘most notably […] pleased’ by the “one metre plus” ruling for England that ‘will help in the continuation of the fire safety industry gaining access to buildings to perform essential fire safety work and maintenance as required by legislation’.
While the organisation awaits ‘further guidance to be released […] in the near future which will assist the industry to determinedly continue with extreme care and diligence’, it added that it will ‘continue to extend its commendation for the fire industry’, as the sector has ‘where possible […] endured to uphold [its] vital work to help premises managers continue to meet their safety obligations’.
BAFE chief executive Stephen Adams commented: ‘From the 4th July, multiple venues that have been closed for a considerable amount of time will reopen. This indicates a large number of buildings that will need to, by law, ensure that their fire safety provisions and systems are appropriate after making changes to accommodate for coronavirus safety measures. Please be safe, review your fire risk assessment and use competent providers to help meet these obligations.
‘Fire and rescue services continue to uphold fire safety legislation and have measures in place to check commercial buildings. Remember all safety measures are in place for life safety, this includes coronavirus, fire and other safety requirements – don’t simply focus on the virus. The last thing anyone wants is for any business to re-open and be struck by fire.’
Last month, the organisation ‘strongly advise[d]’ that fire safety be ‘addressed as soon as possible as we ease out of coronavirus lockdown’, and that measures ‘are not overlooked or deferred further’.