Fire Safety Training at Rhodes University

  What if?

In order to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (1993), Rhodes University staff should have training in fire safety, so they know how to prevent fires, as well as deal with fire emergencies, safety and evacuation. Courses in Grahamstown are conducted by the Makana Fire & Rescue Services. To attend this course, RU staff should:

1. Submit a completed Fire Safety Course Application RU Staff + Letter of Designation for a RU Fire Marshal:‌ RU Fire Marshal Agreement - to the SHE Officer (deadline: 10 days before the start of a course)

2. Receive confirmation from the SHE Officer that they have been accepted on the course.

Note: RU staff who undergo this training should not be treated as an alternative to the local Fire & Rescue Services! They will be placed on the list of RU Fire Marshals and will have the following responsibilities:

1. Promoting general fire awareness and fire safety in your workplace.
2. Familiarising yourself with the operation of fire fighting equipment in your workplace.  
3. Checking fire fighting equipment in your workplace on a regular basis to ensure it is in working order and has been serviced. 
4. Identifying items, equipment and areas in your workplace which may be a fire hazard.
5. Reporting any unserviced or damaged fire fighting equipment or fire hazards to your HOD/manager/supervisor for necessary action, and to your health & safety representative for inclusion in health and safety report.
6. Checking emergency escape routes on a regular basis to ensure they are not obstructed.
7. In the event of a fire emergency:

• ensure that the building Emergency Coordinator or HOD/manager is advised immediately.
• assist in identifying the type of fire (a. solid; or b. liquid/gas; or c. electrical) to ensure that the correct method of extinguishing is used;
• assist the building Emergency Coordinator during evacuation procedures; 
• assist in ensuring that occupants only re-enter the building when instructed to do so by the Makana Fire Officer or building Emergency Coordinator.

RU Staff Fire Safety Training

• Fire safety talks: All University RU staff and students should attend. More info: Campus Protection Unit, 046-603.8146/7 or cpu(at)ru.ac.za

• Fire drills: All University staff and students should attend fire drills organised by their section / department / division. These should be organised annually or quarterly (as is the case for most residences).

• Elementary fire fighting course: RU staff who work full-time and intend to remain at the University for the foreseeable future may apply to attend. More info about this course below, or contact RU Safety, Health & Environmental Officer, 046-603.7205 or safety(at)ru.ac.za

• Download and complete both forms and submit to the SHE Officer (deadline: 10 days before the start of a course):

  Fire Safety Course Application RU Staff + Letter of Designation for a RU Fire Marshal:‌ RU Fire Marshal Agreement 

Elementary Fire Fighting Course

RU staff on a recent fire safety course

This course, run by Makana Fire and Rescue Services, aims to train fire teams to effectively deal with fires through theory and practical application which covers fire fighting, prevention, safety and evacuation.

More info: RU Safety, Health & Environmental Officer, 046-603.7205 or safety(at)ru.ac.za

• Course venue: Makana Fire Department, Knight Street - please report at the control room.

• Course facilitator: Mr Robert Brooks or Ms Vuyokazi Sam.

• Entry requirements: Only candidates who are medically and physically fit should participate in the course.

Firefigher's carry (for unconscious casualty)

• Indemnity: Candidates may be required to complete an indemnity form.
• Identity: Candidates may be required to show their identity documents.
• Protective clothing: On Day 2, candidates should wear comfortable clothing and non-slip shoes / takkies (or if possible, a full overall, boots / strong shoes, safety helmet, and gloves).
• Refreshments: Tea breaks: 15 minutes (tea/coffee will be made available). Lunch break: 13h00 - 14h00 (please organise your own lunch & soft drinks).
• Certificates: Candidates will receive a certificate of attendance - once payment has been made (by the Estates Division for RU staff).
• Duration: Day 1 (theory): 08:30 - 16:00. Day 2 (practical): 08:30 - 13:00 (ends early).

Key Content on Day 1 (theory):

• chemistry of combustion
• heat transmission
• fire spread
• classification of fires
• cause of fire
• fire precautions
• fire extinguishers
• fire equipment
• fire safety at the workplace
• pre-plan for fires
• safety signs

Key Content on Day 2 (practical):

• use of fire extinguishers
• use of firefighting equipment
• practical drills
• organising a fire team
• evacuation procedures

Return to Rhodes University's Safety front page. Questions/Suggestions? Contact safety(at)ru.ac.za