HMC workshop discusses fire safety measures

The Hamad Medical Corporation’s Occupational Health and Safety department has conducted a workshop focusing on lessons learnt on safety from the recent tragic fire incident at the Villaggio mall. About 160 HMC staff, including senior management, have taken part in the workshop. During her opening remark, the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) executive director Dr Huda al-Noaimi called for careful consideration of the reasons behind the tragedy that occurred at Villaggio saying: “We should ensure that all our hospitals are applying required safety precautions, and understand that safety is the responsibility of all, not only some departments or some staff. Everyone should contribute to ensuring safety and security throughout the corporation.” Dr al-Noaimi emphasised that HMC staff at all levels should take part in developing the tools and techniques required to raise the general level of awareness about safety. “This will help to ensure that all HMC facilities and premises are free of all kinds of hazards, particularly fire hazards,” she noted. Civil Defence Authority’s Fire Prevention department director Brigadier Aman al-Sulaiti delivered a detailed statement on the Villaggio fire, and displayed a number of photos showing different stages of the rapid response and rescue efforts of Civil Defence personnel. He urged the participants to strictly adhere to safety and security standards required for the issuance of any licence. Brig al-Sulaiti stressed the need for co-ordination with the Civil Defence department before making any changes or renovations in health facilities, in order to ensure that these changes are made in accordance with safety and security standards. He also explained that causes of fire incidents in any location are usually due to improper storage of equipment in cartons heaped up to the ceiling, leading to the failure of the sprinklers and alarm systems. Slits at the roof may also increase the spread of fire, he said. HMC Quality Management department executive director Dr Badriya al-Ali spoke about the optimal efforts being exerted by the Corporation to enhance safety plans and procedures in case of disasters. “Our advisers from the Joint Commission International regularly review all our safety plans to ensure that they are competently implemented throughout all our facilities. However, individual commitment remains a key factor to avert such tragic incidents,” she said. Dr al-Ali added that the Quality Management department is collaborating with all departments with the HMC hospitals in the practical implementation of safety plans, while highlighting the importance of teamwork by all working at the Corporation including patients, staff and public.