BGMEA, an organisation of entrepreneurs, has urged its members to adhere to 10 precautions to prevent fires and damage in garment factories. On Sunday (19 June), the organisation’s president Faruque Hassan called on all BGMEA members to abide by the directive.
Warnings to be followed;
- Ensure that all types of machinery, lights, fans, irons, etc. are turned off under the supervision of a responsible person before closing the factory at night.
- Turn off the main electrical switch, and regular inspection by a BSc Engineer or at least a Diploma Engineer of all electrical wiring and other electrical equipment, boilers, and various types of machines used in the factory.
- Do not place any goods or combustible objects within three feet of the main electrical switchboard or any electrical installation.
- Keep the stairs and paths of movement in the factory unobstructed and keep the floor gate, main gate, and all stair-gates open round the clock during operation.
- Provide trained personnel in the factory to deal with emergencies and employ a responsible officer experienced in related fields and security guards trained in fire fighting at all times to oversee the safety of the entire factory.
- To keep the required fire extinguishers, water-filled drums, buckets, and hose reels in the factory for immediate fire extinguishing and to keep them operational at all times.
- To prevent sabotage or antagonistic fires, important areas of the factory should be kept under close circuit cameras and arrangements should be made to keep them running round the clock, if necessary, hidden cameras must be installed.
- Alternative emergency lights and fire alarms must be installed on the factory floor and stairs and regularly checked to see if they are fit for work.
- To maintain records of conducting regular exit drills of the factory so that no worker is injured in the accident.
- In case of a fire accident in the factory, immediately call the fire service and BGMEA emergency number.
