Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety (OEHS) Holds Fire Safety Workshop to Bridge Theory and Industry Practice
The Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety (OEHS), School of Public Health, has organised a fire safety workshop for both regular and weekend students as part of efforts to strengthen practical safety knowledge and emergency preparedness.
The training, facilitated by DO III Bernard Nyemi- Tei of the Ghana National Fire Service, formed part of the course OEHS 555: Occupational and Environmental Safety.
The seminar was designed not only to fulfil course requirements but also to bridge the gap between theory and industry practice by bringing experienced professionals into the classroom.
The workshop is one in a series of seminars being organised by the Department, where resource persons from industry are invited to share practical insights that complement classroom instruction. This particular session focused on fire safety.
During the training, students were introduced to the fundamentals of fire safety, including how fires start and how they can be prevented. They were guided on how to identify common fire hazards in homes, laboratories, offices and storage facilities, such as faulty electrical wiring, cooking equipment, open flames and flammable materials.
DO III Nyemi- Tei, emphasised that fire safety goes beyond regulatory compliance, noting that it is essential for protecting lives, property and financial resources. He explained that effective fire prevention measures help to reduce injuries, limit damage to infrastructure and ensure the continuity of business and institutional operations.
Students were also taken through Ghana’s fire safety regulations, which require designated facilities, including schools, hospitals, workplaces and public buildings to obtain fire safety certification. Compliance with these regulations, he noted, ensures that occupants can evacuate safely in the event of an emergency.
The session further covered the appropriate response for each type of fire and received practical instruction on the correct use of fire extinguishers using the P.A.S.S. method: Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep.
The workshop highlighted the importance of early detection systems, functional alarms and clearly marked emergency exits. Students were advised to attempt to extinguish a fire only at its early stage and only if it is safe to do so. In all other cases, they were encouraged to evacuate immediately, proceed to the designated assembly point and alert the fire service.
The role of fire wardens was also discussed, with emphasis on their responsibility to prevent potential hazards, coordinate evacuations and safeguard occupants during emergencies.
Participants engaged in practical demonstrations and hands-on exercises with fire extinguishers and emergency response procedures, equipping them with the skills and confidence to respond effectively in real-life situations.
The Department noted that the workshop forms part of its broader commitment to promoting a culture of safety and preparedness among students, ensuring they are well-equipped to manage fire risks on campus and in their future workplaces.
