 Firefighters are unhappy with the home visit instructions |
Firefighters have accused management of "fanning the flames" of attacks on crews by instructing them to report anything suspicious during home visits. Strathclyde Fire Brigade bosses want home safety teams, who fit smoke alarms and give safety advice, to inform the relevant bodies of any concerns.
They said they only want fire crews to carry out their public duty.
But the Fire Brigades Union said its members were being placed in danger under the current guidance.
They fear random attacks on fire crews could increase as a result of the move.
Sandy McNiven, of the FBU, said its members were unhappy with management's instructions.
He told BBC Scotland's news website: "During home visits firefighters have been told to look out for evidence of drugs or alcohol misuse which could result in a serious fire.
"They have also been advised to report any suspect building work to building control and contact management if they find children at home alone.
"But firefighters are unhappy about this. This contradicts earlier guidance which stated firefighters should not make home visits unless an adult over the age of 18 is present."
'Fanning the flames'
Mr McNiven accused management of "fanning the flames" of recent attacks on fire crews and warned the number of attacks could increase if firefighters followed the new guidelines.
Firefighters were willing to report incidents where they thought someone was at risk, for instance, if "cigarette burns were visible on duvet covers", but felt that any other matters should not be their responsibility, he added.
Mr McNiven said management were unwilling to negotiate on the issue.
 Phil Robinson said the policy was not about "snooping" on people |
Phil Robinson, deputy firemaster of Strathclyde Fire Brigade, defended the policy.
He said: "Strathclyde has two to three times more chance of fire deaths than similar size brigades in England and Wales.
"This initiative is about driving down these figures and reducing the horrific toll of fire deaths and injuries in this area.
"Now clearly firefighter safety is of paramount importance to the service but we have to balance that against a duty of public care.
"If an officer was in a household and there was a child left unattended we would see that as a public duty to report that on to the appropriate agency.
"This is not about routine snooping of people in their homes."
Mr Robinson said crews have been encouraged to report evidence of drug and alcohol activity which could lead to a "serious risk" of fire.
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