What's next? Insect surface sprays?
<http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?
in_article_id=115014&in_page_id=34>
Fire extinguishers could be removed from communal areas in flats
throughout the country because they are a safety hazard, it has
emerged.
The life-saving devices encourage untrained people to fight a fire
rather than leave the building, risk *****sors in Bournemouth
decided.
There are fears that their recommendation, which has seen the
extinguishers ripped out of several private, high-rise flats in the
town, could set a national precedent.
Under the Fire Safety Order of 2005, fire *****sments must be carried
out to 'eliminate or reduce risk as is reasonably practical'.
But Mike Edwards, who lives in one of the blocks, said he was
'absolutely staggered' that risk experts thought it a safe decision.
'They are worried we will point them in the wrong direction or use the
wrong extinguishers,' he said. 'But if you are trapped in a burning
building, you will work out how to use one.'
The 61-year-old claimed his neighbours were now worried sick that a
fire could break out.
Dorset Fire and Rescue defended the move, saying: 'Obviously, in some
cases, an extinguisher could come in useful but, with new building
regulations, every escape route should be completely fireproof.'
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents backed their removal
because different extinguishers should be used on different types of
fire.
But the Department for Communities and Local Government denied it
would see them removed from all flats.
'Fire and safety regulations make clear that appropriate safety
equipment must be provided,' said a spokesman.
Independent health and safety consultant Anthony Petitt suggested
training people in their use - 'otherwise it's just putting people at
risk'.
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