Aviation workers equipped with essential firefighting, prevention skills
By Kelechi Ogunleye
Experts specialising in fire and disaster management have initiated a thorough training programme for the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) staff in a strategic move to bolster preparedness and response capabilities.
Conducted by Mr Virgil Akama, Managing Director of Assetbow Ltd, a renowned private firefighting consultancy firm, the training session focused on imparting fundamental fire safety practices and advanced firefighting techniques to enhance the staff’s efficiency in handling workplace fire incidents.
The specialised training, held in Abuja, specifically targeted the NCAA Aerodrome Operations Department, responsible for overseeing critical operational functions at airports across Nigeria.
During the session, participants were guided through proper storage and handling of flammable materials, emergency response protocols, utilisation of firefighting equipment, and effective communication and coordination strategies during firefighting scenarios.
Akama emphasised that such comprehensive training plays a pivotal role in reducing the likelihood of fire incidents at airports, underscoring the potentially catastrophic consequences such incidents could have on the country’s aviation industry.
Potential ramifications highlighted by the managing director included operational disruptions, property damage or loss, injuries or loss of life, flight suspensions, and destruction of crucial business records.
One of the trainers, Mr Quintus Azogu, a retired officer of the Federal Fire Service, delved into detailed drills covering fire hazards, combustion, spread, classification, extinction methods, hazard identification, and incident prevention within typical airport facilities.
Participants, such as Mrs Nafisa Abdullahi, an Assistant General Manager at NCAA, expressed confidence that the training would significantly enhance their ability to manage, mitigate, and prevent fires.
Stressing the importance of their oversight functions, Abdullahi explained that while the Aerodrome department doesn’t directly handle fires, the basic fire training equips them with essential knowledge for firefighting and rescue operations.
Moreover, the participants, drawn from various state offices, are expected to disseminate the acquired knowledge by training their colleagues upon their return.
Abdulbasit Abubakar, another participant, highlighted the training’s significance in enforcing and ensuring compliance with safety regulations at airports.
He noted that the practical knowledge gained would empower the department to monitor the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s fire safety department effectively.
This initiative marks a crucial step in fortifying the aviation sector’s resilience against potential fire emergencies, reflecting a commitment to enhancing safety standards within the industry. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chinyere Bassey/Maharazu Ahmed
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