Every institution that host at least five or more people should have fire-neutralizing equipment such as fire extinguishers, smoke alarms among others. The is to meet the ISO 13.220.01 Protection Against Fire in General and NAQAA Standards. Most often than not, very few institutions prepare their staff on how to operate such equipment.

Cognizant of the importance of having such safety equipment, The Media Academy for Journalism and Communication on Saturday, April 2, 2022 trained its staff and students on how to operate the safety equipment installed at the premises.

Present at the training were the academy’s management, administrative and teaching staff as well as students from the various classes enrolled at the academy.

Speaking before the commencement of the training, Sang Mendy, Managing Director of the Academy said, the training is timely. He said, the Academy is cognizant of the need to train staff and students on how to operate the fire and safety equipment noting that this might help in saving lives and properties.

“Knowing how to neutralize fire when it is at stage one is important in saving lives and properties. This is why we contracted a certified fire trainer to refill and service the fire extinguishers and also to train the staff and students on how to operate them,” Mendy said.

The MD, who actively took part in the training, urged the students to share the knowledge and skills gained during the training with their colleagues in the class.

The head of MDS Fire and Safety Company, Momodou Camara told participants at the training to make sure they raise an alarm anytime they see fire within the building. He also advised that anytime students and staff to check for the direction of the wind; look out for exit, call for the electricity meter to be switched off, rush to the extinguishers, grab them and apply the skills gathered during the training.

While commending MAJaC for organizing such a training, Camara urged management to put signage such as exit doors, high voltage at strategic places and assembling points.

The participants carried out some simulation exercise before the end of the training.