BSP staff learn to put out fires

OFFICERS from three Bank South Pacific branches in Lae spent two days learning fire safety skills.
The 16 men and women led by Top Town branch manager Mary Kundi attended a theory class at Okari Campus on Wednesday and a skills drill at the Lae Fire station.
Chief Fire Commander Bal Kenna and two other officers taught them the basic principles of how to use fire extinguishers at workplaces to attend to a fire in its initial stages.
“Imparting basic fire knowledge and skills to companies, government agencies, including schools, is the activity plan for 2012 apart from familiarisation visits to institutions and companies for fire educational awareness,” Kenna said.
A similar training was held for InterOil employees.
Kundi said it was important to know the basics of how to put a fire out in its initial stage before it spreads.
She said companies should encou­rage staff to learn such skills to ensure they had a basic knowledge of how to protect lives and property.
Three staff each, including security guards, were selected from the three branches at Lae Top Town, Lae Commercial and Main Market.
“The involvement of security guards was important.
“They are our nose, eyes, legs and protector at the workplace who can move around immediately to attend to situations when and if it occurs,” Kundi said.
She said the training for BSP staff would be held bi-annually.