PROTECTING THE CITY – THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR FIRE SAFETY AWARENESS SESSIONS

Each year, thousands of homes and establishments are destroyed by fires that could have been easily avoided if safety measures were applied and/or individuals were aware of these measures.  Fire safety training is an essential part of employee training that should be a part of every employee induction. Supermarkets in particular should pay special attention. Last month, aswaaq, organized a fire safety and awareness training session with the Dubai Civil Defense (DCD). Informing and educating over 50 of aswaaq’s employees; the two-hour seminar explained the types of fire & materials used to extinguish each type, evacuation plans & procedures among a number of safety-related topics. In order to continue to prevent fires in Dubai the following safety tips should be adhered to;

• All emergency exists should be marked with visible signs and the exits should not be obstructed or used as storage areas.
• All employees should be familiar with the evacuation plans.
• Fire extinguishers should be serviced and checked regularly, and they should be mounted in visible spots.
• Storage shelves should be at least 30cm below the ceiling so that fire detectors and sprinklers function properly.
• Every employee should know the emergency contact numbers.
• All electrical devices should be inspected routinely.

Employees should also be familiar with how to use portable fire-extinguishers, and once easy way to remember how to use these extinguishers is the acronym PASS, which stands for:
Pull safety pin
Aim nozzle towards the base of the fire
Squeeze the handle
Sweep from side to side

Another acronym helpful to remember in case of fire is RACE
Rescue any person in immediate danger
Alarm, sound off the fire alarms
Contain, try to contain the fire in one area to prevent fire from spreading
Extinguish, use available fire-extinguishers (remember to use the PASS acronym)

To schedule a fire safety session in Dubai for your employees please contact the Dubai Civil Defense, and for more information, please visit the DCD website ww.dcd.gov.ae