1. Our Commitment

1.1 Fireground Museum is fully committed to offering all sections of the community the widest possible access to our collections and resources.

1.2 The Museum’s Mission Statement (below) recognises that accessibility is fundamental to the existence and operation of the establishment :

“To explore, preserve and make accessible the history of fire, fire engineering and the fire and rescue services in the Greater Manchester region and, through our collections and resources, to further the education and promotion of fire safety in the community”

1.3 All Museum staff and volunteers are encouraged to present a friendly, welcoming approach when dealing with visitors and users.

1.4 We are committed to continually improving all aspects of our operation, including marketing, admission arrangements, visitor services, display, interpretation, events, correspondence, web services and outreach work, so as to encourage and maximise full access.

1.5 This Policy document should be read in conjunction with the Museum’s related documents, viz.

(i) Data Protection and Privacy Policy

(ii) Safeguarding Policy

2. Definition of Access

2.1 All of our objects, archives and images will be regarded as being accessible under all reasonable circumstances, whether on display in the Museum or held in storage. In the case of stored items or archival material, this may mean “by prior arrangement.” (see also 9.1 below)

2.2 In making this commitment, the Museum interprets “access” in its widest possible sense, to include all sections of the community.

3. Specific Access Needs

3.1 More specifically, the Museum recognises that, for some groups of people, access to a museum may be more difficult, or less familiar, than for others. This may include, for example, those with physical, sensory, cultural, social, financial, intellectual, psychological or emotional barriers to learning from - and enjoyment of – a museum.

3.2 Fireground Museum is therefore committed to removing all possible barriers or obstacles to full access in this context, by means of caring, welcoming staff, adequate circulation routes, clear interpretation and thoughtful visitor services.

3.3 Volunteer staff are at all times on hand to assist visitors with every need, including guiding, directing and assisting with interpretation.

4. Vulnerable Persons

4.1 The nature, location and subject material of the Museum makes it particularly attractive to children and young persons, also often to more senior citizens who wish to engage with the topic. In addition the Museum provides an education offer aimed at pupils and students of all ages, especially primary school age children.

4.2 The Museum recognises that some of our visitors and users may be more vulnerable than others or have special needs. All staff having contact with visitors, either through our education service or general visitor contact, are DBS-checked.

5. Admission, Entry and Parking

5.1 The Museum is provided with adequate signage to welcome and direct visitors to the Museum entrances. Additional directional signage (“brown signs”) is located along traffic routes leading to the Museum.

5.2 Off-street parking for all visitors, accessible via the Richard Street gate, is available immediately outside the Museum rear entrance, with dedicated blue badge spaces. During certain major events, when normal visitor parking is not permitted, the Museum will nevertheless ensure parking for blue badge holders or other visitors expressing special need.

5.3 Both front and rear entrances are of adequate width for wheelchairs, buggies and motorised wheelchairs, with electrically-operated automatic doors.

5.4 For most visitors, normal published admission charges will apply. However, for those visitors who need to be accompanied by a carer(s), there will be no charge for the carer(s). The full scale of charges is displayed at the Museum entrances and on this website.

6. Circulation

6.1 The main Museum displays and services – including toilets, library and café. are located at ground floor only with no steps.

6.2 Adequate gangway and circulation space will be maintained to enable all visitors to enjoy our collections equally.

6.3 The Education Room – also available for hire – is located on the first floor, with stairs and lift access.

7. Visitor Services

7.1 Unisex toilets are provided on ground and first floor levels with a separate, fully accessible toilet on the ground floor.

7.2 Baby-changing facilities are available in the ground floor toilets.

7.3 Interior and exterior seating (including garden area and café) is provided for visitors.

7.4 The Museum endeavours to ensure continuity of access, by maintaining all its premises and visitor services in a clean and safe condition at all times.

8. Research Assistance

8.1 The Museum endeavours to provide assistance to researchers and students by making its object, archives and image collections (including items in storage) available to all (see 2.1)..

8.2 A dedicated library/reading room is provided in the archive suite with full access. Museum staff are also able to assist with requests by means of letter, telephone or email.

9. Restricted Material

9.1 Without prejudice to 2.1 and 8.1 above, the Museum reserves the right to impose restrictions on public access to archives or images it considers to be “sensitive,” in particular any images and reports relating to fires or other incidents which have been (or still are) the subject of fire service, police, HM Coroner’s or insurance investigations, and specifically any images depicting casualties or the interiors of private property. Access to such material will be at the discretion of the curators.

Document approved by
Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum Trust
Approval date
1st August 2026
Review frequency
At least every two years
Effective date
1st September 2026
Last reviewed
1st August 2026
Next review
1st August 2028