XN000022-1973-02-09 — Page 6

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Friday, February 9, 1973

FIRE PREVENTION COURSES TO COMBAT FIRE HAZARD

The Industrial Safety Training Centre of the Labour Department,

in conjunction with the Fire Services Department, is organising 28 one-

day fire prevention courses for industrial workers.

The main purpose of the courses is to provide participants with

basic. knowledge of fire prevention and fire fighting, industrial housekeeping,

safe storage and the handling of inflammable liquid and other highly

combustible materiala.

Each course concludes with a demonstration of various fire

extinguishers.

Mr. A.H. Carter, Industrial Safety Training Officer of the Labour

Department, said: "Torty-three similar courses were organised last year

and I was appalled at the poor response. Of over 20,000 registered and

recorded industrial undertakings, only 68 or 0.34 per cent had sent their

staff to attend these courses.'

"Safety training is one of the most effective means to prevent

or reduce industrial accidents and it is a pity that the majority of

employers do not appreciate the value of these training courses." #1

Mr. Carter went on to say that in 1972 direct fire losses exceeded

$100 million.

"Many fires would not have developed had they been dealt with

prompty by trained personnel," he remarked.

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