OGUN, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- In the past six months, fire outbreaks across the country have resulted in losses estimated at hundreds of millions of naira.
The incidents have been widespread, affecting various states including Lagos, Abuja, Anambra, and others.
Recently, on June 26, Voiceofnaija.ng reported how fire razed the Christ Embassy Church in Ikeja, Lagos, while a section of the Dangote refinery also caught fire, fortunately without any casualties.
Another blaze swept through the old Kuru market in Abuja on Thursday, causing traders to lose millions of naira in business and livelihood.
These recurring incidents suggest a growing laxity in fire safety measures in our daily activities nationwide.
Here are tips to take note to contain fire outbreaks.
Electrical Safety:
Check electrical equipment and remove defective equipment.
Ensure electrical cords are in good condition.
Plug appliances and lights into separate electrical outlets.
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Avoid using extension cords.
If you require an outlet in an area where there is none, have one installed by a qualified electrician.
Use extension cords safety – not under carpets or across walking areas.
Flammables:
Flammable material are materials that burns readily in a normal atmosphere. Flammable materials include flammable liquids (e.g. petrol), flammable gasses (e.g. propane and butane) and flammable solids (e.g. charcoal, paper).
It is important to identify all flammable materials that are in your workplace so that proper controls can be put in place.
Keep little or no fuel in store in Workplaces as it can cause a greater hazard if there is a fire spark.
Cleanliness and House keeping:
Rags and cloths which have been used to mop up or apply flammable liquids should be disposed of in metal containers with well-fitting lids and removed from the workplace at the end of each shift or working day.
Avoid accumulations of combustible rubbish and waste and remove at least daily and store away from the building.
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Oxygen
Ensure employees are aware of their responsibility to report dangers.
Prevent oxygen enrichment by ensuring that equipment is leak-tight and in good working order.
Avoid smoke where oxygen is being used.
Oxygen should never be used to āsweetenā the air in a confined space.
Call Firefigthers at the smell of fire, never assume it will not result to an outbreak.