New group aims to improve fire safety at UK sports grounds
Iain Hoey
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Stakeholders from across UK sports venues form new fire safety group
The Fire Sector Confederation (FSC) has reported that a new working group focused on improving fire safety at sports grounds has been launched.
The Sports Ground Special Interest (Fire Safety) Network held its first meeting recently, bringing together nearly 40 participants from a range of UK venues and organisations.
The group is chaired by Paul Brunt, Fire Safety Manager at Manchester United Football Club, and includes representation from fire officers, suppliers, fire safety professionals, stadium operators and local authorities.
Initiative developed through months of planning by industry leaders
According to the FSC, the initiative was the result of planning by its Executive Director, Steve McGuirk, in collaboration with Paul Brunt and Tim Burgin of the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA).
The network is designed to support the sharing of expertise and knowledge across different types of sports grounds.
McGuirk said: “We are delighted that this special interest network is now up and running, providing a unique platform for professionals with an interest in sports ground safety to come together to focus on developing guidance, influencing standards and improving communication to prevent fires in sports venues.”
He added that the work of the group would contribute to wider industry forums including the National Fire Safety Strategy Board and Fire Congress.
Platform to develop guidance and address safety challenges
Brunt stated that he was pleased with the level of engagement from clubs across multiple sports.
Paul Brunt said: “This is an important milestone in our drive to improving fire safety across all sports grounds in the UK and I am honoured to be the inaugural chair.
“The initial response has been incredibly positive with enthusiastic participation from football, rugby and cricket clubs across the country.
“It is a unique platform to share best practice and tackle challenges collaboratively so that we ultimately inform the best possible safety standards.”
Group to support review of sports ground fire safety post-Grenfell
Tim Burgin of the SGSA explained that the network would play a part in broader fire safety reviews underway following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
Tim Burgin said: “The formation of this group of stakeholders will play a significant role in the review of fire safety in sports grounds prompted by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
“It brings together experts from across the country whose collaboration will be potentially significant in shaping the new Green Guide.”
According to the FSC, participants currently include representatives from Premier League and EFL clubs, rugby union and rugby league, horseracing, cricket, and government fire safety advisors.
Meetings will continue regularly and the group is open to new participants.
New group aims to improve fire safety at UK sports grounds: Summary
The Fire Sector Confederation has launched a new group to improve fire safety at sports venues in the UK.
The group is called the Sports Ground Special Interest (Fire Safety) Network.
Its inaugural meeting included nearly 40 stakeholders.
Paul Brunt, Fire Safety Manager at Manchester United Football Club, chairs the group.
Steve McGuirk of the FSC helped establish the initiative with Paul Brunt and Tim Burgin of the SGSA.
The group includes fire safety officers, equipment providers, stadium operators and public authorities.
It will support policy development through the National Fire Safety Strategy Board and Fire Congress.
The SGSA said the group’s input will support the review of fire safety guidance following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
Experts from football, rugby, cricket, horseracing and government are currently involved.
The FSC invites additional stakeholders to contact the group via email.
