26 certified as fire safety monitors

Food For the Poor (FFP-Jamaica), in partnership with the Jamaica Fire Brigade, recently completed a fire safety training programme for its staff, at its Ellerslie Pen, Spanish Town, office.

At the end of the exercise, 26 persons, representing various departments, were certified as fire safety monitors.

Ron Burgess, chief operations officer at FFP-Jamaica said, "This is part of a new initiative that encourages a proactive approach to safety in the workplace."

Under the direction of Fire Brigade personnel, the trainees participated in fire drills, and learned how to properly use fire extinguishers. The overall training programme included three sessions.

Following an evaluation of their performance, the participants were presented with certificates designating them safety monitors/fire wardens.

"Fire safety is very important, especially training in preventative methods," said Susan Moore, director of health care at FFP-Jamaica. "We are placing emphasis of this activity, especially because our staff members need to be aware of the right way to react or respond in emergency situations."

In a second phase of the programme, staff working at the charity's Our Lady of the Poor Clinic and Christian Care (a facility for elderly residents operated by FFP-Jamaica), also will be provided with instruction and certification in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation training.

The staff will be offered similar training to enhance their skills at administering basic first aid techniques.

"This type of training is not just relevant in the workplace, we are hoping that our staff members who benefit from the education will be able to assist others, such as family members and persons in their communities, in times of crises," said Burgess.