Apply multiple measures to end fire outbreaks in schools

With reference to the fire that gutted St Bernard Secondary School, Mannya in Rakai District and many similar fires that have occurred at other schools such as Naalya SS, Budo Junior, St Augustine College, etc, in the past, I would like to offer some solutions to mitigate these fires that have become almost endemic in Uganda.

First, the Education Standard Agency (ESA) does not have the technical capacity or expertise to inspect the health and safety status of schools, especially the dormitories, which are the key target for school fires. Schools also do not have safety personnel, equipment, policies and guidelines on health and safety yet they accommodate big numbers of students in dormitories, dinning halls and classrooms.

There is an elaborate Occupational Health and Safety Act 2002, but there has been no enforcement in schools due to either ignorance, negligence or lack of management commitment towards health and safety of students, staff and property.

The mandate of protecting students, staff and property lies in the hands of the school management. Therefore, schools should have safety policies, trained and qualified safety personnel to implement the policy and ESA guidelines. The guidelines must also be broadened in scope to include other school safety concerns and must be enforced as required.

The ESA should use a multi-sectoral approach with the occupational health and safety department in the Ministry of Labour and the Uganda Police Force so as to help implement and enforce safety standards in schools.

Schools administration should have at least one qualified in health, safety and wellness personnel on the board of governors and school administration. Staff and children should be trained in safety measures and routine fire drills, first aid and evacuations. It is imperative that staff in all line ministries, agencies and schools should be routinely trained in health and safety.

Among the measures that can be put in dormitories to mitigate fire outbreak include having fire extinguishers at least after every 30 metres in the dormitory. Training of wardens and staff in safety measures and fire prevention teams in schools and carrying out fire drills. There should be a clearly designed, adequate and obstacle free emergency exit and escape routes.

Also ensure that there is proper house-keeping and less crowding in dormitories. These are some of the measures that both schools and government can implement to help reduce fire outbreaks in schools.

Phil Atiye,
[email protected]