The Act – Section by Section Part 2 – Fire and Rescue Services Chapter 7 – Assaulting or impeding employees and others Section 39 – Assaulting or impeding employees discharging certain functions
61.Section 39 makes it an offence to assault, obstruct or hinder an employee of a relevant authority whilst carrying out their duties under sections 8 (fire safety), 17 (duty to secure water supply) or 61 (enforcing authorities). It also covers persons providing assistance to the relevant authority by virtue of arrangements made for assistance under section 35 and those undertaking a function of the authority by virtue of arrangements made under section 36. The offence is punishable on summary conviction with a period of imprisonment not exceeding 9 months or a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.