PDF version available for download (PDF help)
Unions welcome fire safety regs reprieve
Unions have welcomed the government's decision to delay plans to abolish essential fire safety regulations for sub-surface stations. The rules, which were introduced after the 1987 King's Cross fire that claimed 31 lives, were set to be replaced by a new and less specific fire safety order. Ministers have now indicated that this move, which was opposed by unions, will be delayed for a minimum of three months and perhaps until October. That could leave the existing regulations in place until April 2007. 'This reprieve is excellent news for fire safety in sub-surface railway stations all over Britain,' RMT general secretary Bob Crow said. RMT, firefighters' union FBU and train drivers' union ASLEF had all campaigned against the plan to axe the regulations. 'We hope the government will now use the delay to think again about the wisdom of abolishing specific fire safety measures in favour of what amounts to a discretionary approach,' said Bob Crow. 'Relying on employers not to cut corners is simply not good enough, as far too many people - transport workers and passengers - already know only too well.' He added: 'The minimum standards that the regulations lay down were deemed essential by the Fennell report into the 1987 King's Cross fire, and in today's climate they are even more essential now.'
Briefing document (300 words) issued 27 Jan 2006