The Department of Community Safety, Roads, and Transport (DCSRT) in the Free State Province has taken a significant step towards ensuring the safety of taxi operators, drivers, and passengers.
On 12 September 2023, they organized a fire awareness workshop, emphasizing the importance of fire safety and the critical role of fire extinguishers in vehicles.
The Leslie Monnanyane Hall in the Mangaung Metro Municipality served as the venue for this insightful workshop. The DCSRT collaborated with fire safety expert, Mr. Chris Van der Walt, who conducted the workshop, aiming to equip taxi, meter taxis, and learner transport association operators with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent fires and effectively manage fire-related situations.
Fire hazards can pose a significant threat to public transport operators and their passengers. Knowing how to handle such situations is not just an option; it is a necessity. Fire safety training is essential for several reasons:
• Protecting lives: In the event of a fire, swift and informed action can save lives. Taxi operators and drivers need to be aware of the best practices for evacuating passengers safely.
• Minimising injuries: Understanding fire safety procedures can significantly reduce the risk of injuries. The workshop Operators can learn how to navigate through smoke-filled environments and assist passengers in doing so.
• Preventing damage to property: Fires can cause substantial damage to vehicles and property. Knowing how to use fire extinguishers effectively can help contain fires and limit their destructive impact.
Fire extinguishers are crucial tools in fire safety. Fire extinguishers allow for swift action in the early stages of a fire, helping to prevent its escalation. Having a functional fire extinguisher on board ensures that operators can protect their passengers, particularly the Scholar Transport Drivers who transport learners to and from school. It provides peace of mind for parents and guardians knowing that their children are in safe hands. Fire extinguishers not only save lives but also safeguard the vehicles themselves, reducing repair costs and downtime for operators.
The workshop concluded with an open discussion, allowing participants to voice their concerns and gain clarity on the importance of fire extinguishers. The interactive session emphasized that being prepared is the first step towards preventing fires and effectively managing them when they occur.
In the pursuit of safer public transportation, the DCSRT’s commitment to educating and empowering taxi operators and drivers through training courses like this fire awareness workshop is commendable. By equipping them with essential knowledge and skills, the department is not only ensuring the safety of those on board but also contributing to the overall safety and security of the Free State Province’s transportation system.
Department of Community Safety, Roads, and Transport (DCSRT) in the Free State Province hosts fire awareness workshop https://t.co/yyRHkBWlut #ArriveAlive #FireAwareness @BurnshieldZA pic.twitter.com/dIWrDmQcED
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) September 14, 2023
