Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena
“IT’S important for organisations to equip their staff members with fire safety education, as this helps to mitigate risks and prepare staff for emergencies effectively.”
These were the sentiments expressed by Reggis Sibanda, a fire prevention and safety expert, as he conducted a fire prevention and firefighting session for staff members from Cosmopolitan VIP and its sister clubs yesterday.
The decision to host the seminar followed a spate of fire outbreaks in Bulawayo, which have destroyed property worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. The essential training provided team members with valuable insights into identifying hazards, maintaining equipment, and applying effective firefighting techniques.
A key component of the session focused on hazard identification, where staff were taught how to recognise potential fire risks within their working environment. Good housekeeping also emerged as a critical topic, with participants reminded that maintaining a clean and clutter-free workspace is not only visually appealing but also vital for safety.
On the practical side, staff were trained in the correct use of portable fire extinguishers. Understanding how to tackle small, early-stage fires equips them with the confidence to act swiftly in an emergency.
They practised extinguishing fires in a controlled environment, gaining hands-on experience and learning about different types of extinguishers and their specific applications.
Reggis Sibanda emphasised the importance of equipping employees with fire prevention and firefighting skills, noting that such training protects lives by enabling swift action during emergencies, minimising property damage, and ensuring compliance with legal safety standards.
He explained that trained staff can confidently identify hazards, operate safety equipment, guide guests during evacuations, and help contain fires — preventing minor incidents from escalating into major disasters.
“Fire protection and fire safety are paramount in facilities such as nightclubs. Crowding and intoxication may mean that customers and staff are vulnerable in an emergency. Therefore, it’s critical to have clear signage and trained staff who can assist others during emergencies.
“Fire safety matters in such premises because teaching your staff is the right thing to do. If you don’t do that, you are risking people’s lives. Many venues do not recover after a fire. Despite insurance, the loss of property and disruption to staffing can deal a death blow to a business. This is why planning and reducing risks makes good business sense for companies,” said Sibanda.
Just two weeks ago, a veld fire — believed to have started during a stand-clearing exercise — spiralled out of control and destroyed a house in Burnside. All household property, including a vehicle parked in the garage, was reduced to ashes.
In light of such incidents, Phathisani Nkomo of Cosmopolitan highlighted the importance of proactive fire safety education.
“People have lost properties worth hundreds of thousands of dollars due to fire outbreaks. Before fire erupts, there is a way of preventing the situation — that is why we decided to empower our staff with these skills.,” said Nkomo.
