TAIB staff get fire marshal training

SOME 33 employees of the Brunei Islamic Trust Fund or Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (TAIB) received certificates after completing their fire marshal training courses last month, which was aimed to educate participants on basic knowledge in handling emergency situations.

The fire marshals consisted of staff and officers from various departments and branches of Perbadanan TAIB that previously took a three-day course conducted by the Fire and Rescue Department at its headquarters in Berakas. The training was held from November 16-18 for the first batch and November 23-25 for the second batch.

The fire marshal training course was led by Station Officer Noorzali Apong from the Public Relations Unit of the Fire and Rescue Department.

The training included theoretical, practical and fitness aspects, where participants had basic physical training and briefing on fire prevention, proper use of different types of fire extinguishers, fire hydrant drills, building evacuation and victim rescue procedures.

"The training course was aimed at educating the participating officers and staff with the basic know-how in handling emergency situations," said Muhd Hisyamuddin Mahmud, one of the participants and assistant officer (Sales) of Perbadanan TAIB Delima Branch.

"This knowledge would come in useful should an unforeseen incident happen at work, and knowing the basic procedures can minimise the impact of damage and save lives."

He added that the fire marshal's role is to ensure that all officers and staff in the building are accounted for and the information collected will later be relayed to the senior marshall and reported to fire and rescue officers.


A participant of the fire marshal training course (R) receiving a certificate from TAIB acting managing director Pg Hj Abdul Rahman (L)
"The most challenging part in our training was going through the 'Dark Room', where we had to overcome our fear and panic," said participant Pg Mohd Nazid Pg Mohd Karim from the main branch.

"The training has been beneficial to the participating officers and staff as it has helped build our confidence and courage."

"Overall, it has been a fun and exciting training course and the extra valuable knowledge we gained can not only be used at work, but in other places as well such as at home."

"I personally feel that the toughest part in our training was carrying and rolling the heavy firehoses. We never thought it would weigh that heavy when we saw the firefighters carry them during their operations until we had a hands-on experience on them during our training last month," said Hj Mohd Yakkub Hj Tuah from the Administration section.

"I believe this training should be practised by every organisation, government or private, as it will help save lives and reduce casualties in the event of fire in the building," he added.

"This is the first time such training was provided to our officers and staff, and this is by far the most effective way of ensuring safety in our premises. Previously, all personnel were only briefed by the Fire and Rescue Department by visiting our offices," said Noraidah Mohd from Customer Service section.

"We want to ensure that at least two members of staff from all our branches in the country have this kind of safety training," she said, adding that safety is one of Perbadanan TAIB's priorities.

The certificate presentation was held yesterday at the Tarindak d'Seni Restaurant at the Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Training Centre.