In Zindiro, Kimironko sector, Gasabo District, on the morning of June 11, fire accidents affected about 18 business owners, whose property value is estimated at Rwf200 million. They also didn’t have fire insurance, according to Alice Singanire, the head of the vicinity.
Eyewitnesses have provided accounts suggesting that a short circuit was the cause of a massive fire that engulfed numerous workshops at the place around 2:45 a.m.
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The cases make one question how vigilant property and business owners should be when it comes to fire safety.
According to Francis Katabarwa, a system integrator at IBMS Africa, a company which, among other services, provides fire alarm and fire suppression systems, properties, especially wood and metal workshops (udukiriro) should build hungers and have all participants working under a closed place.
He said they should also install a fire suppression system and firefighting equipment in each section where they operate.
"They should also install electricity stabiliser in each section where they use electrical machines,” he added.
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IBMS Africa has been working with international organisations such as embassies, NGOs and on fire safety, and as part of their programme, each business entity is required to train all their staff members and have a fire marshal on duty, trained on fire prevention and fire equipment that comes with a certification.
Katabarwa suggests that businesses with security guards should be seriously trained on how to manage small fires before the fire brigade arrives.
Tackling how effectively the existing fire safety regulations or guidelines are enforced in the country, he said the RSSB "Document symbol G/TBT/N/RWA/115” of 2018 doesn’t cover electrical cable conduits specifications and ducts as a whole.
"In some cases,” he continued, "we find buildings running both electrical cables and water pipes in the same ducts. So, all stakeholders should be involved in this, including builders and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers.”
The need for well-trained and certified electricians to conduct commercial and residential electrical installation is also important, according to Steven Sabiti, the Executive Secretary of the Institute of Engineers Rwanda (IER).
He said so far, only 98 electricians are certified within the institution, declaring there are practitioners who conduct the installations but are not certified.
ALSO READ: Fire safety: RURA bids to enforce electrical installation standards
Sabiti said there is a need to raise awareness so that people can hire certified electrical installation practitioners, and for the professionals to be accountable and adhere to standards of practice once they are in practice, as is stated in their oath.
5 basic workplace fire safety tips
Fires can happen anywhere, but they are especially dangerous in the workplace. That’s why it’s important to have a strong fire safety plan in place. Provided below are five basic workplace fire safety tips.
Install fire detection systems
It is vital to install smoke alarms and fire sprinklers in all areas of the workplace, including common areas, storage areas, and exit corridors. One also has to make sure the alarms are tested regularly and that employees know how to operate them.
Prepare an emergency plan
The workplace’s emergency plan should outline the steps that employees need to take in the event of a fire. According to experts, this should also include procedures for reporting a fire, evacuating the building, and providing first aid. It is equally important to review and update the plan regularly to ensure it is up-to-date and reflects the current fire safety procedures in the workplace.
Know your fire extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are an important tool for fighting small fires. It is recommended to make sure that all employees know how to use a fire extinguisher and that there are fire extinguishers located in strategic areas throughout the workplace.
Create fire escape routes
Each floor of the workplace should have at least two fire escape routes that lead to a safe exit. Experts suggest that the routes should be clearly marked with signs and be well-lit. The person in charge at the workplace should also make sure that all employees are familiar with the fire escape routes in their area.
Prevent fire hazards
Different sources state that many fires in the workplace are caused by preventable hazards, such as overloaded electrical outlets, smoking materials, and improper storage of flammable materials. It is recommended to take steps to identify and eliminate fire hazards in the workplace.