This was announced by the Atebubu-Amantin district fire commander Assistant Divisional Officer ADO1 Francis Tetteh at a day’s training workshop for fuel station managers and attendants in Atebubu.

He said his outfit will ensure strict compliance with the directive which will be at no cost to beneficiaries adding that the law will deal with those who go contrary.
ADO1 Tetteh told the operators that as required by Legislative Instrument 1724 they are to obtain fire certificates before the commencement of business and made a number of recommendations that will ensure safe working environments.

He said fuel stations are required to construct fence walls of up ten feet on three sides of their facility to safeguard against spillage and have fire hydrants or mechanized boreholes in front of their stations.

The district fire commander said it is important to have a constant source of power supply in order to avoid the use of naked fire like lit candles within the facility.

He spoke about the importance of fire notices, directional signs and instructions and said these should be conspicuously displayed at vantage points within the facility.

“Smoke, heat or flame detectors, hose reel water systems, portable fire extinguishers and emergency fire alarm systems should be put in place to boost fire detection and suppression capacity while all staff including security guards should be trained on how to handle potable firefighting equipment.” He said.

The district fire commander said his outfit will be forced to make recommendations for the closure of operators who do not meet these basic safety requirements.
Participants were also taken through what they should do in case of fire, types of fire extinguishers, when and how they should be used.

They were also shown films on the causes and ravages of fire after which questions bothering on the subject were addressed by the fire commander and his lieutenants.

Participants expressed their gratitude to the GNFS for the insights and pledged to cooperate to ensure safety at their premises.