NE W S R E L E A S E FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 30 January 2003
STUC CONCERNED AT REQUISITION HIGH RISE APPLIANCES
Following yesterday's confirmation by the Justice Minister, Jim Wallace, that aerial platforms had been requisitioned from the Scottish Fire Service, the STUC has criticised the Scottish Executive for placing public safety at risk, as well as that of army personnel using these appliances.
Ian Tasker, STUC Assistant Secretary with responsibility for health and safety criticised the move adding,
"The STUC is extremely concerned that public safety will be put at risk as result of inadequately trained personnel being ordered to operate this equipment. It is imperative that only those with sufficient training should be using high rise appliances and that this training should be properly recorded.
It is also concerning that should an injury occur, either to a member of the public or armed forces, as a result of any failure by the Ministry of Defence to exercise their duty of care under health and safety legislation, they are exempt from prosecution. Any similar breach by a local authority employer may result in action being taken against that authority. In view of the Deputy Prime Minister's willingness to progress legislation at the earliest opportunity in order to protect the public safety then it would be appropriate to bring forward legislation to remove Crown immunity from prosecution.
The circumstances behind the transfer of this equipment is also unclear with regard to ownership, as is the insurance liability, and we have concerns that the removal of specialised appliances from stations, means that during the days of normal working firefighters do not have access to this equipment and, consequently, there may well be a risk to public safety."
ENDS
For further comment, please contact : Ian Tasker