KEC Organizes fire safety and Prevention Training for Staff

On Wednesday, February 8th 2023, personnel from the KNUST Fire Unit conducted fire safety and prevention training for staff of the KNUST E-Learning Centre. Considering the vital nature of the equipment and facilities that staff of the Centre operates, it is important that proactive steps are taken to prevent circumstances that can cause damage and loss of this equipment. Fire outbreaks can be one of the causes of loss of life and property hence the need for such a training. This was explained by the Senior Assistant Registrar of the Centre,as the rationale for the training.

Senior Fire Prevention Officer, Mr. Philip Abban and Fire Prevention Officer, Mr. Samuel Koduah were present to take staff through some of the tips and techniques to fight and avoid fires. The program started with Mr. Abban doing a presentation on the basic concepts of fire prevention and safety. He stated that most fire outbreaks occur as a result of either carelessness, ignorance, accident or deliberate acts.

He led participants to discover the various types of chemicals used to fight the different classes of fires. Fires resulting from solid sources, he said, are classified as type A fires and this can be better extinguished using water. A second classification is class B fires which result from liquid sources such as petrol, ethanol etc. These fires, according to Mr. Abban, are to be tended with foam compounds such as dry chemical powder. Class C and E fires are better tended with carbon dioxide extinguishers and they result from gasses and electrical sources respectively. Class D fires, Mr. Abban said, are from metallic sources and require a lot of water to extinguish

He reiterated the importance of the four steps to take when there is a fire outbreak. Those are to raise an alarm, call the fire service, use a recommended extinguisher if it's available or evacuate the scene to save life if the situation becomes critical.

After his presentation, participants were taken outside for hands-on training on how to use the various extinguishers of the Centre. The acronym PASS was now the catch phrase. Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep. Staff of the Centre then took turns to practice the use of fire extinguishers. It was a delight for staff who were thankful for this all important training. They expressed appreciation to management of the Centre and personnel of the KNUST Fire Unit for the opportunity to be trained.

Published:24th February 2023 Source: KNUST E-Learning Centre