CHSS Gulf, one of the leading providers of health and safety training and consultancy in the region, is offering fire safety courses and audits to corporations as an in-house program.

The basic course is a practical introduction to fire safety in new and existing workplaces and also fire risk assessment fundamentals and systems, fire emergency plans, inspections and hazard reports using computer software, said a CHSS official.

CHSS Gulf is currently conducting an in-house program with a major Kuwait company wherein four batches of personnel are undergoing a two-day seminar and workshop.

'The participants are expected to carry out access assessments for fire appliances and fire fighters; assess means of escape, fire alarm systems and portable fire fighting equipment provision; carry out fire inspections and be aware of fire equipment testing requirements; and develop a fire emergency plan,' he explained.

The health and safety training and consultancy is also providing fire audits to commercial establishments like malls and mixed-used buildings where recommendations are developed to prevent fire accidents.

After six months, CHSS Gulf can visit the establishments to review whether the appropriate precautionary measures have been instituted.

UK-based CHSS Gulf principal consultant on fire safety David Black pointed out that fire was becoming an increasing risk for many companies in a wide range of sectors.

'Every year hundreds of people are killed and injured in fires. Billions of dollars are lost through business disruption, property damage and increased insurance premiums and a large percentage of businesses never recover after a fire,' he noted.-TradeArabia News Service