People have been urged to implement safety measures to prevent potential fires as temperatures continue to soar in Bahrain.
Every summer a number of fires are reported in the kingdom, most caused by electrical short circuits or gas leaks.
In June this year, the GDN reported about a campaign carried out by the Civil Defence Directorate, aimed at spreading awareness about fire safety.
The drive included visits to buildings and inspecting workshops across the kingdom’s four governorates, to educate tenants and workers about the health and safety standards.
“Neglecting to inspect and maintain gas cylinders is one of the most important causes of accidents and fires in homes, restaurants and labour accommodations,” said the Interior Ministry’s General Directorate of Media and Security Culture in a column.
“Some people are ignorant of how to behave correctly when a gas leak occurs, and from this point of view the Civil Defence Directorate seeks to provide protection, prevention and safety to members of society through follow-up and guidance,” added a statement.
“We aim to prevent fires and preserve human lives by recommending practical applications, conducting awareness lectures and undertaking field visits, all of which contribute to reducing the number of fires and accidents.”
The statement noted that following some simple, but important, guidelines can help prevent fire accidents and explosions caused by gas leaks.
“With regards to the safe and proper means of storing gas cylinders, it is required to periodically check them and their extensions including the pipes, hoses and valve,” it said.
“Also, to ensure safety, avoid exposure to heat that can damage the pipes, and replace the damaged pipes immediately to prevent gas leakage.”
Inspect rubber hose connections to ensure there are no cracks and that it is of good quality and it is long enough to avoid any sharp twists. Check for leaks by using soap foam and don’t forget to switch off gas stoves and ovens after use as well as making sure they are clean and not clogged.
“When a gas leak is discovered in the house, first thing is to make sure the gas valve from the main source is closed tightly,” the statement continued.
“The place should also be immediately evacuated and ventilated by opening windows and doors. Do not turn on or off any electrical switches at that point or ignite matches to search for the leakage.”
Parents are also being urged to educate their children about safety instructions and warn them not to be in the kitchen while cooking or touch any hot surfaces such as the oven door and so forth.
Also people can add a gas leak detector to kitchens and make sure that cylinders are placed inside well-ventilated and sealed cupboards away from direct sunlight or reusable materials to avoid any form of ignition.
The GDN had previously quoted a fire systems expert as saying that fire extinguishers in homes and/or buildings should be properly maintained and in good working condition.
Also, be aware of fire escape routes in your building and the fire assembly point nearest to your building, and inform your family members as well, especially children and the elderly.
It is also important not to panic, keep emergency numbers handy and take part in fire drills organised and held in your building.
In October 2018, a gas cylinder explosion led to the collapse of a three-storey building in Salmaniya in which four people died and 28 others were injured. Nearly 200 people had to be evacuated.
And, in July the same year, around 40 tenants were evacuated from a building in Manama after fire spread from a restaurant on the ground floor.
The blaze quickly spread from the kitchen of Mirpur Restaurant on Shaikh Abdulla Road, near Dilmun Centre, and three employees who were inside at the time of the fire had a narrow escape.
The fire was reportedly ignited by a gas cylinder leak.
mai@gdnmedia.bh
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