HC Deb 20 July 2001 vol 372 cc511-2W
Mr. Sayeed

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to ensure that the training of senior officers in the fire service forms an integral part of safety management arrangements within the Major Accident Hazard Regulations 1999. [4853]

Dr. Whitehead

The Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999 require the operators of certain potential hazardous establishments to prepare on-site emergency plans. The local authority for areas where there are such establishments is required to prepare off-site emergency plans including the involvement of the fire service. These plans are required to be tested at least at three-yearly intervals.

The emergency procedures and training are largely site-specific to the potential risks presented by each establishment. Specific training to enable senior fire service officers to deal with major hazardous materials incidents is provided centrally at the Fire Service College in the form of the Hazardous Materials and Environmental Protection course.

Mr. Sayeed

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list those bodies responsible for training requirements within the fire service which are responsible for safety; and if he will make a statement. [4854]

Dr. Whitehead

Fire authorities, as employers, are responsible for the enforcement of safe systems at work in their local fire service. The Health and Safety executive is responsible for the enforcement of health and safety and the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council provides advice and guidance to the Minister about the appropriate training for the Fire Service.

Mr. Sayeed

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what guidance he has issued to HMI about assessing virtual reality training in the fire service. [4855]

Dr. Whitehead

Updated guidance on the inspection process is regularly issued within Her Majesty's Fire Service Inspectorate (HMFSI). Based on this guidance HMFSI assess virtual reality training arrangements within the overall inspections of brigades.