BUSINESSES were urged not to overlook fire safety as they make changes to the way they operate during the pandemic.

The call comes from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service to remind owners about the everyday fire risks in the workplace.

It is part of a Business Safety Week campaign, which will run all of next week.

Rob MacDougall, chief fire officer for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, pointed out that, while some some new Covid-19 measures are required for places to reopen, they are also a fire hazard.

Some of these include new screens, which could obstruct smoke detection.

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Mr MacDougall added that business must have enough trained staff to support evacuation procedures and measures to support social distancing must not impact evacuation procedures or the ability of emergency service to help.

He said: "It has been a difficult and challenging time for so many people.

"We want to make sure that as businesses adapt in response to Covid-19, they remain fire safe.

"Fire can have a devastating impact on business and with the current pressure on the economy, most will never recover after an incident.

"We asking all businesses to review their fire risk assessments and make sure they are working safety."

Additional advice from the fire service can be found at 365Aliveco.uk