§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied that the fire regulations covering warehouses, and cold storage warehouses in particular, are adequate.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerYes. The Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission informs me that fire precautions in certain types of warehouse are dealt with under the Factories Act 1961 or the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963. Some warehouses are not subject to specific fire precautions requirements under either of those Acts but he is satisfied that the general powers under Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 are adequate to protect the safety of persons at work in them. Advice on fire prevention in warehouses is freely available from the staff of the Health and Safety Executive or from fire authorities.
§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Employment, in view of the fire at the Central Cold Storage Company in Walsall, if he proposes to issue any instructions or advice to companies or individuals using polystyrene.
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§ Mr. Harold WalkerAdvice on hazards to persons in the storage, handling and use of expanded plastics is given in Technical Data Note No. 29 (Rev), which can be obtained free of charge from the district offices of Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate. I am advised by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that there are at present no plans to issue other advice, but that the matter will be reviewed if the circumstances of the fire in Walsall reveal any new points. Her Majesty's inspectors of factories discuss the risk with employers and employees as opportunities arise.