CUMBRIA Fire and Rescue Service has launched a campaign to improve safety for residents who live above takeaways.
The service has joined colleagues across the North West in producing a series of informative videos aimed at takeaway owners to help reduce the risk of death or serious injury by addressing the main issues found in the premises.
A leaflet has also been produced for takeaway owners who have sleeping accommodation above their business to increase awareness of vital fire safety measures and common hazards. Crews across Cumbria will be delivering the leaflet to takeaways in the county.
The key messages that form the campaign are:
- Takeaways must have adequate compartmentation if there is adjoining sleeping accommodation
- It is a legal requirement for takeaways to have a fire risk assessment and it should be updated, reviewed and communicated to staff regularly
- If there is sleeping accommodation above a takeaway, it must be completely separated from the business with 60 minutes of fire resistance or there must be a minimum of 30 minutes of fire-resisting separation and a detection system that covers both the takeaway and sleeping accommodation
- Owners must service and maintain their equipment to prevent a fire
- Owners must never block fire exits and escape routes
- Owners must provide training when they first employ someone and refresh this training regularly
Lauren Woodward, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service’s Area Manager, said: “Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is committing to making Cumbria a safer place for all. This collaboration with our North West partners ensures an optimum use of resources to deliver fire safety messages.
“Our engagement with local businesses is aimed at ensuring they are best placed to operate safely, for both themselves and their staff but also for members of our communities and visitors.”
Mike Johnson, Cumbria’s Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said: “It’s incredibly important that takeaways understand how to avoid fires to keep themselves and residents safe.
“Most fires are avoidable if we put in the effort to ensure our properties are safe and we follow Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service’s guidance.
“I’d urge all takeaway owners to look up this guidance so that everyone can stay safe.”
The videos are available on Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service’s Facebook, X and LinkedIn feeds.
