Companies enlist more fire marshals for training

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MATSAPHA - In a bid t o save l i ves and property during the ongoing political unrest, some companies in the textile industry have enlisted more fire marshals for basic training on fire and first aid.

This follows the recent pro- democracy protest actions, which culminated in vandalism and looting of business, some of which were burnt ( including shops and cars) and the uncertainty of what could happen next. Worth noting is that the protest actions left damages amounting to about E3 billon, while dozens of people died and others were injured.

Well- placed sources within the textile and apparel sector, who previously mentioned that they have received information that some factories have been targeted by the pro- democracy activists, have taken the initiative of taking more of their staff members, including security guards, to do basic training on fire and first aid.

CHAOS

They said when following the events about the political situation, no one could rule out another violent protest, which could be worse than what they witnessed across the country about a month ago.

“It is on that regard that we have taken the decision to take some of their staff members to basic training on fire and first aid.

“They will use the knowledge to save lives and property either at work or at their place of residences.

“We were shocked to learn that a person is not supposed to attempt to use a fire extinguisher if he/ she is not trained to do so,” the insider said. They revealed that the decision was also influenced by directives they received from their head offices overseas.

PERFORM

Meanwhile, the Eswatini Textile and Apparel Traders Association ( ETATA) said having fire marshals was a requirement and when they are being audited, the issue of fire preparedness is always checked.

The organisation added that they also perform fire drills, which are aimed at checking the preparedness of the fire marshals in controlling the workers to safer places.

Thereafter, it commended the initiative which had been taken by some companies in the sector of increasing the members of its fire marshals, especially for including security guards as at night, the night- watchmen are alone at the factories.

These developments were confir med by Swazi

Pro- Fire Services Director Jackson Gama. Swazi Pro- Fire Services is one of the companies situated in Matsapha Industrial Site, which provides basic fire training and advisory services to ensure that people promote cor porate responsibility in all industries and institutions. The company also deals with fire and emergency protection systems.

In fact, the director said globally, basic training on fire and first aid were a must during such times.

INITIATIVE

He said following the recent pro- democracy protest actions, more companies took the initiative to give such training because the basic rules include that no one should attempt to use a fire extinguisher if he/ she had not been trained. He said this meant that its either untrained people could not render any help if they come across a fire incident even if fire extinguishers are available or if they do try to assist, a lot could be at stake, including their lives.