BOSSES are being encouraged to invite firefighters to look around their premises.

Every week Cleveland Fire Brigade is called out to deal with fires in factories, offices, shops and other workplaces on Teesside.

Firefighters are urging employers during National Fire Safety Week to carry out their own fire risk assessments; identifying potential sources of ignition such as electrical equipment, smoking, naked flames and work processes.

They said reducing and controlling the amount of fuel or combustible materials in and around the building, will limit the size of any fire that does break out and also the chance of it spreading.

Assessments should include effective ways of raising the alarm and mapping out escape routes.

Dave Turton, of Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: "The fire brigade can inspect workplaces to ensure that a risk assessment has been done and are available to give advice to assist employers.

"Free leaflets are also available to assist in carrying out risk assessments and to help with the testing and maintaining of fire alarm and emergency lighting systems.

"Apart from the obvious danger of loss of life and injury that fires cause, they also impact on the community, not only in monetary terms and inconvenience but also in job losses as many businesses fail to re-open after a serious fire.''