Rwanda FDA staff empowered on fire safety

On September 11th, staff members of the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) participated in a comprehensive fire safety training led by the Rwanda National Police Fire and Rescue Brigade (FRB). The session was designed to strengthen workplace safety by equipping employees with practical skills and knowledge on preventing, managing, and responding to fire incidents.

This one-day training session, led by Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Jonas Rizinde, focused on empowering Rwanda FDA employees with practical knowledge and skills to prevent and respond to fire emergencies. Participants were educated on key preventive measures, such as identifying potential fire hazards, understanding fire emergencies and implementing precautionary strategies in both professional and domestic settings.

A core component of the program involved explanation and demonstrations of firefighting and rescue equipment where staff learned how to effectively use tools like fire extinguishers and fire blankets that can make a critical difference in the early stages of a fire outbreak. CIP Rizinde emphasized the broader impact of the training, urging participants to become ambassadors of fire safety. “I encourage all Rwanda FDA staff to share the knowledge and skills they’ve gained with their families and communities,” he stated.

He highlighted common fire risks, including overloading electrical installations, tampering with wiring, and mishandling electrical appliances, which can lead to short circuits. For instance, he advised on the safe use of cooking gas (LPG). Rwanda FDA as an institution dealing with laboratories and heavy equipment along with other unique works, CIP Rizinde specifically warned about the dangers of unintended chemical reactions, which could spark fires in such settings. He advised staff to remain vigilant, conduct regular safety audits, and adhere to strict protocols to mitigate these risks and contact 111 in case of emergency.