FIRMS in East Lancashire could get their fingers burned by new legislation, consultants warn.

Rules coming into force covering firms who handle or transport dangerous goods will hit firms who fail to comply hard.

Companies affected should have appointed a dangerous goods safety adviser from the beginning of this year.

"This legislation is wide reaching and as well as the more obvious, chemical, explosive and gas manufacturers or transporters it could also affect furniture makers, food manufacturers and even brewers," warned Maggie Newton, head of health and safety at Rawtenstall-based First Business Support.

"Firms need to get up to speed with the new law and ensure they have a dangerous goods safety advisor appointed - otherwise they could face major problems."

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