SMALL businesses throughout the North-west have been urged to review their fire safety procedures in the light of firefighters' strikes.

The Federation of Small Businesses -- which represents more than 17,000 members in Lancashire, Cheshire, Cumbria, Merseyside and Manchester -- is also encouraging businesses to ensure that building maintenance agreements are up to date and appliances have been checked.

FSB North West policy officer Paul Henly said: "We have taken the advice of the Fire Service Inspectorate in order to give our members guidance on what action they can take to help minimise any risks as a result of industrial action by the fire service.

"The Fire Inspectorate believes that industrial action will not stop the

overwhelming majority of businesses from operating safely.

"It is always a good idea for businesses to ensure that simple safety checks on appliances are carried out but it also helps if, for instance, they avoid any work involving welding or blowtorches."

More information is available from www.firekills.gov.uk, www.fic-org.uk, and

0845 0800 723.