Category: News and Views
English firefighters may nix stepladders
Firefighters in Hull, England, and surrounding areas have
been warned by top brass that climbing on step ladders is
a dangerous practice. The warning pertains to a free
service offered by the Humberside Fire and Rescue Service
that deploys firefighters to homes of citizens to install
smoke alarms, The Times of London reported. The
department's bosses said they are reviewing the policy of
using stepladders for the job after union officials
claimed use of stepladders more than 6 feet above the
floor might violate the Health and Safety Executive Work
at Height Regulations 2005. The department's use of
extending ladders on top of its trucks is not in question,
the Times said. Fire officials said they may change
policy and insist that firefighters use platforms rather
than ladders when installing alarms. "The fire service,
just like any other organization, is not exempt from
health and safety legislation," said fire service
spokesman Glenn Ramsden.
That's interesting. Maybe they shouldn't get too close to those hazardous fires.
Bob
lol, this is crazy. lol, they will have to use there fourty or so feet truck ladder and install the alarms inside the window of the fourth floor. lol, that's much safer than a six foot step ladder. hehehehe smiles
shea
I don't know if anyone else caught this but let me just point out that this free service offered by the Humberside fire department doesn't want to use step ladders. I would hazard a guess that on their knees would make the free service a bit easier.