WHEN examining the overall approach to fire safety, our attention tends to focus on the government and the Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA). Rarely do we turn the spotlight on ourselves or the members of our communities. However, it is time to delve into our responsibilities and the appropriate actions we must take.
Over the past five columns, I have emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in implementing and championing the 3P approach, namely precaution, prevention, and protection. This approach revolves around people – the individuals who can make a significant impact.
Instilling the importance of fire safety measures lies in our hands. As highlighted in my previous columns, the five critical components, namely Authorities, Designers, Builders, Inspectors, and Occupiers, are all important, but the fifth component, occupiers, plays a significant role in safeguarding their property and themselves against fire hazards.
The various educational and advocacy initiatives that the department has embarked on have a common aim of raising awareness at all levels of society to cultivate fire safety knowledge and skills. Imparting this knowledge and skills intends to create a resilient community that is aware of fire risks and the measures to manage or tackle such risks.
The department often focuses on the 3L syndrome – lupa (forgetfulness), leka (carelessness), and lalai (negligence) – to increase people’s understanding of how this syndrome can lead to detrimental consequences. Once people are aware of the 3L, they would be more mindful of their daily activities, whether at home or at work, to prevent untoward incidents stemming from these tendencies.
Moving forward, it is also crucial to address the unsafe ABC – Attitude, Behavior, and Conditions. These are the actions people often take without realizing the potential danger they pose to their daily lives, particularly in relation to fire incidents, which can claim lives, damage or destroy properties, and have adverse environmental effects.
When it comes to fatal fires in both commercial and private buildings, common causes include delayed awareness of fire, locked or blocked exits, occupants unaware of alternative escape routes, and untenable escape routes due to smoke logging. Additionally, inadequate numbers, sizes, and designs of escape routes contribute to the severity of such incidents.
We must reflect on this thought: “The first duty of business or life is to survive, and the guiding principle is not the
maximisation of profit or life endurance, but purely the avoidance of loss.” Through a deep understanding of the 3P and unsafe ABC, we can effectively safeguard ourselves from danger or fire.
Always remember, fires and incidents never make appointments as they are often uninvited guests. What are the contributing causes of accidental fires or incidents? They are rooted in human unsafe acts and environmental unsafe conditions. We must take responsibility for these factors, act, and bring about change to ensure our safety.
In the face of fire, we have two options: to fight or to flee. Having knowledge of the basic 3P provides a significant advantage in terms of survival. Fire is our common enemy, so we should not allow it to become our master. By understanding our enemy and being the first line of defense, we can effectively combat the threat.
Consider aspects such as building design, construction, and structural integrity, insulation, stability, geometric configuration, arrangement of building contents (fire load), and thermal conductivity. From these points, we can develop preventive strategies. We must strive to eliminate or control ignition sources and fuel supplies, use materials with low ignitability, and incorporate non-combustible materials.
Lastly, we need to understand the concept of protection. What measures should we have in place if precautions and prevention fail? How can we cushion the impact or gain total control? Familiarise yourself with the strategy. As the renowned military strategist Sun Tzu once said, “People should not be unfamiliar with strategy. Those who understand it will survive, those who do not understand it will perish.”
Comprehensive fire safety coverage can only become a reality if the department is fully committed to enforcing its legal obligations. Simultaneously, citizens, building owners, and custodians of infrastructure, essential facilities, and critical facilities must wholeheartedly comply with relevant acts, codes, and standards.
Let us all take responsibility, for fire safety is a collective effort that begins with each and every one of us.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
