Health and Safety Executive

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Myth: Health and safety laws banned poles in fire stations

July 2008

Fireman coming to a pole which has tape around

The reality

It was widely reported that a fire station was built without the traditional pole for 'health and safety' reasons.

As the county's Chief Fire Officer said: 'Whilst every consideration regarding health and safety was taken into account, the reason a pole was not included was purely due to space restrictions.'

Poles are not banned and firefighters around the country continue to use them.

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Updated 2012-12-06