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Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Answer

Mrs. Gillan: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the average length is of firefighting training given to members of the armed services covering for the striking firefighters; whether all service personnel carrying out firefighting duties have been issued with protective clothing; under which health and safety guidelines the armed service personnel will be operating; what personal liability the members of the armed forces will have whilst attempting to rescue or help people in their firefighting role; and what life insurance he provides to armed service personnel carrying out firefighting duties. [77262] Mr. Raynsford: Personnel have been trained and equipped to provide basic emergency fire and rescue cover. The level of training is dependent on the skills already held by personnel and the role that they would perform in the event of a strike. Drivers and basic crew only require a short training package because of the simple nature of the equipment. Fire Rescue Teams fulfil a more difficult role, which utilises technical equipment in dangerous situations. Some Fire Rescue Teams are already trained and experienced in the use of breathing apparatus and other specialist equipment but additional personnel have also been trained in these techniques. Other support training as well as driver training includes first aid training and specialist equipment maintenance training. Basic training for fire rescue team personnel lasts up to five weeks, depending on skill levels and role, plus any other necessary follow on training. All military personnel carrying out firefighting duties are being issued with protective kit. While providing the emergency cover, military personnel would follow standard health and safety guidelines, and members of the Armed Forces would not be subject to personal liability. Normal insurance cover and support would be provided to all members of the Armed Forces, as they would be for any other operational duty.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

77262; 391 c526W;391 c523-4W

Session

2001-02

Subjects

Army Liability Industrial disputes Health and safety Fire and rescue services Protective clothing Life insurance Training Strikes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk