Your questions answered
As we've already said, there's a lot more to the FRS than meets the eye. And as much as this site provides plenty of information about the FRS, there are always going to be questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked ones. Simply click on the question to see the answer.
Q. Do you have to be really strong to be a Firefighter?
A. A common perception is that only big bulky men work in the FRS. When in fact Firefighters come in all shapes and sizes. There is no height restriction and you don't have to be exceptionally strong, but you do need to be fit as being a Firefighter is physically demanding. The equipment can be heavy, but remember you'll be working in teams.
Q. What hours do you work?
A. The station divides its crew into teams, so that there's always the right number of people on duty to respond to an emergency. Most FRS's currently work in shifts of two days followed by two nights then four days off.
Q. Do men and women sleep at the station in the same dorm?
A. Many stations up and down the country have mixed crews. When you're on duty there are areas for women to sleep with separate ones for men.
Q. Are you expected to work alone?
A. Everything we do is about saving lives, be it from a fire, flood or traffic accident. To do this we rely on teamwork. The FRS is not about heroics, it's about looking after your fellow crew members and getting the job done together in the safest way possible.
Q. As a Sikh, what are the rules about wearing turbans on active duty?
A. Members of staff are allowed to wear religious items, if it's part of their religious practice or expression. However, items must not break the Health and Safety at Work Regulations. If unsure, managers will seek guidance from their Occupational Health and Safety team or their Equality and Diversity Manager.
In practical terms, operational Firefighters need to be able to put on their protective clothing quickly in the event of an emergency – this would usually prevent the wearing of turbans by staff on operational duties.
Q. My religion requires me to have a beard. Can I have facial hair and be a Firefighter?
A. Current Health and Safety guidelines require Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus to be clean-shaven to ensure the equipment can work effectively. Research is being undertaken to identify whether there are circumstances in which it is possible to use breathing apparatus safely without removing facial hair. Until the results of the research are published, the FRS will continue to require Firefighters to be clean-shaven.
Q. Does the FRS respect religious holidays such as Diwali and Eid?
A. Most FRS will use the discretion available within the Service's employment rules for granting annual leave, flexitime, time off in lieu, accrued overtime, public holiday leave and unpaid leave to help with requests for time off during religious holidays.
Where it's reasonable and practical, and does not conflict with business needs, requests will be considered favourably. Some FRS will allow staff that wish to reassign the three Christian public holidays (Good Friday, Easter Monday and Christmas Day), to other days that have particular religious or cultural significance.
Q. My son/daughter is a practising Muslim and prays five times a day as well as observing the fast during Ramadan. What arrangements does the FRS have in place to allow him/her to observe the faith?
A. The Service recognises that some religions require extended periods of fasting. Managers would consider how to support staff through such periods.
The Service realises that this requirement and need to pray is a matter of personal choice based on belief. It is the responsibility of each member of staff to advise their manager if they have requirements for prayer whilst at work. As praying during the day is minimal, prayer breaks should be easily fitted into the working hours. Wherever practicable, facilities for prayer will be offered.
Q. What happens if someone feels they are suffering racial discrimination, harassment or bullying?
A. The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 places a duty on public authorities to promote race equality in policy making, service delivery, regulation and employment. Each Service will have policies to deal with staff suffering from racial discrimination, bullying and harassment. There are also organisations, such as the Fire Brigades Union's Black and Ethnic Minority Members group and the Asian Fire Service Association that offer support and advice to individuals.
Q. Do all FRS and their Fire Stations make allowances for special dietary needs, such as cooking with Halal meat? How is this managed?
A. Managers would consult staff on such issues and find a mutually acceptable solution to any dietary issues such as food preparation and storage.
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