Petrol Tanker Bursts Into Flames After Collision on Nairobi Southern Bypass
Jan 24, 2026
Fire Extinguisher Safety: What Every Worker Needs to Know
Fire extinguishers are the first line of defense against small fires in workplaces, markets, schools, and public buildings. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), many workplace fires become deadly because early fire-fighting efforts are delayed or done incorrectly (ILO, 2020).
Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher properly can save lives, property, and livelihoods but only if it is used safely and correctly.
1. Know the Types of Fire Extinguishers
Not all fires are the same, and using the wrong extinguisher can make a fire worse.
Class A Ordinary combustibles (paper, wood, cloth)
Class B Flammable liquids (fuel, oil, paint)
Class C Electrical fires
Class D Flammable metals (mainly industrial use)
Class K Cooking oils and fats
Most workplaces use ABC dry powder extinguishers, which are suitable for common fire risks (NFPA, 2022).
2. Learn the PASS Technique
Fire extinguishers should only be used on small, manageable fires. The correct method is the PASS technique:
- Pull the safety pin
- Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
- Squeeze the handle
- Sweep from side to side
This technique is recommended by fire safety authorities worldwide (NFPA, 2022).
3. Know When NOT to Use an Extinguisher
Never attempt to fight a fire if:
- The fire is spreading rapidly
- You don’t know what is burning
- The area is filled with heavy smoke
- Your escape route is blocked
In such cases, evacuate immediately and call emergency services.
4. Inspect and Maintain Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers must be:
- Clearly visible and accessible
- Properly labeled
- Inspected regularly
- Serviced by certified technicians
Kenya’s Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA, 2007) requires employers to provide and maintain fire-fighting equipment.
5. Train Workers Regularly
Fire extinguishers are only effective if workers know how to use them.
- Conduct fire safety training
- Hold regular fire drills
- Display simple fire extinguisher instructions
Training reduces panic and improves emergency response (ILO, 2021).
Conclusion
Fire extinguishers save lives only when they are the right type, well-maintained, and used correctly. Every worker should know where extinguishers are located, how to operate them, and when evacuation is the safer option. Fire extinguisher safety is not optional it is a basic workplace safety responsibility.
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"pageID": null,
"pageTitle": "Emerging Fire Risks in Modern Workplaces",
"pageSlug": "emerging-fire-risks-in-modern-workplaces",
"headline": "Emerging Fire Risks in Modern Workplaces",
"isRoot": "1",
"pageCont": "Fire incidents remain one of the most serious threats in workplaces. As industries modernize, new fire risks are emerging, making it essential for organizations to reassess their fire prevention and safety protocols.
Common Modern Fire Hazards in Workplaces
- Overloaded electrical circuits often caused by multiple devices, poor wiring, or outdated systems.
- Lithium-ion batteries used in power tools, laptops, backup systems and prone to thermal runaway if damaged or poorly stored.
- Flammable chemicals found in maintenance rooms, labs, cleaning departments, and industrial facilities.
- Improper storage of combustible materials including paper, packaging, and flammable waste.
- Poor housekeeping, dust buildup, cluttered exits, and blocked fire equipment increase fire spread potential.
- Faulty heating or cooling systems.
Key Health & Safety Impacts
Workplace fires can lead to:
- Severe injuries and fatalities
- Smoke inhalation and respiratory harm
- Long-term trauma and psychological stress
- Damage to property and business disruption
- Legal and financial liabilities
Even small fires can result in significant downtime and safety risks.
Warning Signs That Should Never Be Ignored
- Flickering lights
- Burning smell near outlets
- Overheated chargers or batteries
- Tripped breakers
- Blocked fire exits
- Visible dust on electrical equipment
- Missing or expired fire extinguishers
Effective Fire Prevention Measures
Employers can reduce fire risks by implementing the following:
- Regular electrical inspections, ensure wiring, sockets, and circuits are safe and compliant.
- Safe management of lithium batteries, use approved chargers, avoid overcharging, and isolate damaged batteries.
- Install smoke detectors and heat sensors especially in server rooms, storage areas, and workshops.
- Maintain clear evacuation routes. Keep aisles and exits free of clutter.
- Provide adequate fire extinguishers and ensure workers know which type to use (CO2, foam, dry chemical)
- Enforce chemical storage protocols
separate flammables and use proper ventilation
- Train employees in fire response including alarm activation, extinguisher use, and evacuation procedures.
- Conduct routine fire drills to improve readiness and reduce panic during real emergencies.
With proper risk assessment, proactive equipment maintenance, and employee training, organizations can significantly reduce fire-related risks and protect both people and assets. Effective fire safety is not optional, it is a critical responsibility for every employer.
", "showContent": "1", "pageDesc": "A concise guide to modern workplace fire hazards, their safety impacts, and the essential fire prevention measures employers must implement to protect employees and property.", "dateCreated": "Nov 23, 2025 5:03 PM", "date_modified": "2025-11-24 07:48:40", "author": "Nderitu ", "postParent": "584", "isParent": "0", "pageImage": "uploads/img/pages/modern-workplace-fire-risks-emerging-hazards-and-how-employers-can-prevent-them.webp", "showImage": "1", "imgThumbnail": "uploads/img/pages/thumbnails/modern-workplace-fire-risks-emerging-hazards-and-how-employers-can-prevent-them.webp", "medium_thumbnail": "uploads/img/pages/medium-thumbnails/modern-workplace-fire-risks-emerging-hazards-and-how-employers-can-prevent-them.webp", "small_thumbnail": "uploads/img/pages/small-thumbnails/modern-workplace-fire-risks-emerging-hazards-and-how-employers-can-prevent-them.webp", "xs_thumbnail": null, "active": "1", "showOnNav": "0", "pageType": "Blog", "carouselID": null, "template": "2", "icon": null, "featuredPage": "0", "slideImage": null, "slide_image_small": null, "webp_slide_image": null, "webp_slide_image_sm": null, "slideTitle": null, "slideCaption": null, "showCaption": "0", "hasComments": "0", "font_icon": null, "footer_link": null, "page_video": null, "header_image": "uploads/img/headers/modern-workplace-fire-risks-emerging-hazards-and-how-employers-can-prevent-them.jpeg", "menuImage": null, "youtube_playlist": null, "slider_title_color": "#f6921e", "slider_caption_color": "#ffffff", "caption_position": null, "slide_overlay": "0", "page_intro": null, "short_intro": "A concise guide to modern workplace fire hazards, their safety impacts, and the essential fire prevention measures employers must implement to protect employees and property", "cta_text": "Fire Safety Program Today", "cta_url": null, "menu_title": null, "section_title": null, "embedded_page": "0", "resource_page": "0", "show_header": "0", "require_subscription": "0", "show_menu_title": "0", "image_url": null, "featured": null, "banner": null, "color": null, "date_created": "Nov 23, 2025", "parentSlug": "osh-news/fire-safety", "grandparentSlug": "osh-news", "url": "osh-news/fire-safety/emerging-fire-risks-in-modern-workplaces", "parentTitle": "Fire Safety", "title": "Emerging Fire Risks in Modern Workplaces" }, { "pageID": null, "pageTitle": "Student killed in Petrol Container Fire", "pageSlug": "student-killed-in-petrol-container-fire", "headline": null, "isRoot": "1", "pageCont": "A Form Three student died while a 36-year-old man was seriously injured when a container with 26 drums of petrol, each holding 500 litres, caught fire at the Mokowe Jetty, Lamu County.
\r\nEyewitnesses said the fire that broke out at about 12.30pm on Friday was caused by a generator that was being used to pump petrol from a lorry to the container. Mokowe Jetty Offloaders Association Chairman Mohamed Athman Yusuf said student Mohamed Farid, 16, was the son of the owner of the container.
\r\nA faulty generator pumping fuel from a lorry into the container is said to have produced sparks that caused the explosion. The youth was holding the fuel pipe. \"A lorry had come from Mombasa to Mokowe with petrol. When it was connected to the container to pump petrol into the drums, a generator normally used to run the pump produced sparks which caused the container to blow up,\" he said.
\r\n\"The one who died was inside the container with his assistant. We tried to put out the fire but were overwhelmed,\" said Mr Yusuf.
\r\nThe injured man was taken to King Fahad County Hospital and the body to the mortuary there.
\r\nMr Yusuf pointed out that the county had not responded by 3pm.
\r\nResident Abdalla Omar pointed an accusing finger at the Lamu government, saying it failed to respond to the tragedy. \"The county hasn't responded up to now. It is unfortunate that we were left on our own. We expected them to bring a fire engine but we haven't seen any,\" Mr Omar.
\r\nKenya Navy Soldiers from the Manda Naval Base who were sent to the scene put out the fire in at least six hours.
\r\nMokowe Jetty on Lamu's mainland has at least four petrol containers. Residents have called on the county to come up with laws regulating their operations because of the risks they face.
\r\nAddressing journalists shortly after the incident, Basuba Ward Representative Barissa Deko said the county needed laws against the sale of petrol in residential areas. \"The incident should serve as a warning. It would be better for fuel dealers to be allocated a separate place for their operations. It's risky for petrol to be sold like soda in every kiosk. It's especially dangerous when a fire breaks out,\" said Mr Deko.
\r\nAbdishukri Osman, the Kenya Ports Authority's Lamu Jetty Superintendent, said safety considerations were made in construction of the jetty in Lamu. \"The new jetty will have separate sections, including petrol stations, and a fire station for quick response to tragedies,\" he said.
\r\nMr Osman asked business people to be cautious and the county to distribute fire fighting equipment.
\r\n", "showContent": "1", "pageDesc": "A faulty generator pumping fuel from a lorry into the container is said to have produced sparks that caused the explosion.", "dateCreated": "Apr 20, 2019 8:35 AM", "date_modified": "2024-10-27 23:12:54", "author": "Administrator", "postParent": "584", "isParent": "0", "pageImage": "uploads/images/202011/image_750x_5faa263b88e57.jpg", "showImage": "1", "imgThumbnail": "uploads/images/202011/image_750x415_5faa263b96fa0.jpg", "medium_thumbnail": null, "small_thumbnail": "uploads/images/202011/image_100x75_5faa263ba2d7c.jpg", "xs_thumbnail": null, "active": "1", "showOnNav": null, "pageType": "Blog", "carouselID": null, "template": "2", "icon": null, "featuredPage": "0", "slideImage": null, "slide_image_small": null, "webp_slide_image": null, "webp_slide_image_sm": null, "slideTitle": null, "slideCaption": null, "showCaption": "1", "hasComments": "0", "font_icon": null, "footer_link": "0", "page_video": null, "header_image": null, "menuImage": null, "youtube_playlist": null, "slider_title_color": null, "slider_caption_color": null, "caption_position": null, "slide_overlay": "0", "page_intro": null, "short_intro": null, "cta_text": null, "cta_url": null, "menu_title": null, "section_title": null, "embedded_page": "0", "resource_page": "0", "show_header": "1", "require_subscription": "0", "show_menu_title": "1", "image_url": "", "featured": null, "banner": null, "color": null, "date_created": "Apr 20, 2019", "parentSlug": "osh-news/fire-safety", "grandparentSlug": "osh-news", "url": "osh-news/fire-safety/student-killed-in-petrol-container-fire", "parentTitle": "Fire Safety", "title": "Student killed in Petrol Container Fire" }, { "pageID": null, "pageTitle": "A Framework for Fire Safety in Informal Settlements", "pageSlug": "a-framework-for-fire-safety-in-informal-settlements", "headline": null, "isRoot": "1", "pageCont": "Over one billion people today live in slums, refugee camps and internally displaced persons camps in which fires pose a major threat. Fire causes 130,000 deaths globally per year, almost half of which occur in the low/low-middle SDI[2] countries, which are home to many informal settlements. In light of this, Arup's Fire Engineering and International Development team spent the last three years visiting informal settlements, conducting interviews with community leaders, fire and rescue services, NGOs, academic institutions and social businesses, and reviewing technical and academic literature to gain a deep understanding of the nature and scale of fires in informal settlements.
Arup announced the release of its Framework for Fire Safety in Informal Settlements, ahead of the UN International Day for Disaster Reduction held on 13th October. Based on three years of in-depth research, the framework proposes a new way to think about fire risk in informal settlements. It aims to help NGOs, aid organisations and governments consider fire safety holistically and provides recommendations to help communities build their resilience.
Danielle Antonellis, Fire Safety Engineer at Arup, explains: \"The global problem of fire safety in informal settlements remains largely neglected. It is often not incorporated in wider disaster planning, despite being recognised as a significant risk. Our research highlighted a major gap in fire safety knowledge, experience, assessment tools and construction guidance for these communities and the organisations which support them. This framework is an initial step to closing that gap and building resilience.\"
The Framework provides a common language around fire safety for a wide range of stakeholders seeking to improve fire safety in these high-risk communities. Acknowledging the devastation a single fire can have, the Framework for Fire Safety in Informal Settlements is organised around four stages of the fire disaster cycle. It offers practical guidance to help NGOs, aid organisations and governments guide individual households, communities and cities to take proactive action at each of the following stages of the fire disaster cycle:
- \r\n
- Mitigation - measures to prevent or reduce the likelihood, severity, and consequences of fire.
- Preparedness - strategies, procedures, resources and training that influence and inform stakeholders' fire response and recovery.
- Response - actions taken during a fire incident to save lives, protect property and critical infrastructure.
- Recovery - actions taken in the aftermath of a fire incident, both immediately to assist with healthcare and welfare, and longer-term to return communities to normal life and bring about improvements in fire safety.
Jo da Silva, Leader of Arup International Development, adds: \"With informal settlements, including slums, refugee and internally displaced persons camps, continuing to grow exponentially now is the time to empower these communities with fire safety knowledge and resources so they can become more resilient. Fire represents as a significant risk to lives and livelihoods, and needs to be considered in the context of other shocks and stresses vulnerable communities face. A holistic approach is needed that include hazard-specific action to reduce risk, alongside action to strengthen the resilience of communities to multiple hazards. We hope that this framework will support the incorporation of fire safety within decision-making on upgrading informal settlements as well as disaster planning. \"
\r\n
Source: ReliefWeb
A middle aged man died on Sunday night after a fire engulfed a local pub at Cheburbur area in Eldoret.
\r\nThe deceased, who was a night guard at the pub, burned beyond recognition in the inferno that razed down the entire premises.
\r\nEldoret East OCPD Richard Omanga said the man is suspected to have been drunk at the time of the incident, hence, he could not save himself.
\r\nThe cause of the fire could not be immediately established. The body of the deceased was taken to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
\r\nSource: Citizen TV
", "showContent": "1", "pageDesc": "A middle aged man died on Sunday night after a fire engulfed a local pub at Cheburbur area in Eldoret.", "dateCreated": "Oct 2, 2018 3:40 PM", "date_modified": "2024-10-27 23:12:54", "author": "Administrator", "postParent": "584", "isParent": "0", "pageImage": "uploads/images/202011/image_750x_5fae7e371032c.jpg", "showImage": "1", "imgThumbnail": "uploads/images/202011/image_750x415_5fae7e3723ab7.jpg", "medium_thumbnail": null, "small_thumbnail": "uploads/images/202011/image_100x75_5fae7e372f186.jpg", "xs_thumbnail": null, "active": "1", "showOnNav": null, "pageType": "Blog", "carouselID": null, "template": "2", "icon": null, "featuredPage": "0", "slideImage": null, "slide_image_small": null, "webp_slide_image": null, "webp_slide_image_sm": null, "slideTitle": null, "slideCaption": null, "showCaption": "1", "hasComments": "0", "font_icon": null, "footer_link": "0", "page_video": null, "header_image": null, "menuImage": null, "youtube_playlist": null, "slider_title_color": null, "slider_caption_color": null, "caption_position": null, "slide_overlay": "0", "page_intro": null, "short_intro": null, "cta_text": null, "cta_url": null, "menu_title": null, "section_title": null, "embedded_page": "0", "resource_page": "0", "show_header": "1", "require_subscription": "0", "show_menu_title": "1", "image_url": "", "featured": null, "banner": null, "color": null, "date_created": "Oct 2, 2018", "parentSlug": "osh-news/fire-safety", "grandparentSlug": "osh-news", "url": "osh-news/fire-safety/security-guard-killed-in-pub-fire", "parentTitle": "Fire Safety", "title": "Security Guard Killed in Pub Fire" }, { "pageID": null, "pageTitle": "Fire Rips through Korogocho Market Barely a Day after the Gikomba Fire", "pageSlug": "fire-rips-through-korogocho-market-barely-a-day-after-the-gikomba-fire", "headline": null, "isRoot": "1", "pageCont": "A Fierce fire ripped through Korogocho Market barely a day after the Gikomba Market fire tragedy. Property of unknown value was destroyed and stalls reduced to ashes.
\r\nAccording to the treasurer of the market Mr. Nicholas Mwange, the fire broke out a few minutes to 10pm. The flames are said to have started in the central section of the informal market, which has shanty eateries and kitchens.
\r\nMr. Mwange says that they suspect the owner of the restaurant forgot to drench the flames before leaving. According to some witnesses the fire spread quickly, flattening the tin stalls and destroying stock.
\r\nKorogocho Senior Chief Nyabuto Omachi said there were no casualties but around 120 traders were affected by the fire. The only people who were at the market when the fire broke out were the watchmen.
\r\nA combination of efforts between the traders, residents, firefighters from the Nairobi county government and the Kenya Red Cross helped contain the fire
\r\nKorogocho market has over 5,000 traders and mainly serves estates in Nairobi's Eastlands, including Kariobangi, Dandora, Baba Dogo, Buruburu, Huruma and Kiamaiko.
\r\n\r\n", "showContent": "1", "pageDesc": "A Fierce fire ripped through Korogocho Market barely a day after the Gikomba Market fire tragedy.", "dateCreated": "Jun 29, 2018 11:27 AM", "date_modified": "2024-10-27 23:12:54", "author": "Administrator", "postParent": "584", "isParent": "0", "pageImage": "uploads/images/202011/image_750x_5faba056e5519.jpg", "showImage": "1", "imgThumbnail": "uploads/images/202011/image_750x415_5faba05702f24.jpg", "medium_thumbnail": null, "small_thumbnail": "uploads/images/202011/image_100x75_5faba0570df63.jpg", "xs_thumbnail": null, "active": "1", "showOnNav": null, "pageType": "Blog", "carouselID": null, "template": "2", "icon": null, "featuredPage": "0", "slideImage": null, "slide_image_small": null, "webp_slide_image": null, "webp_slide_image_sm": null, "slideTitle": null, "slideCaption": null, "showCaption": "1", "hasComments": "0", "font_icon": null, "footer_link": "0", "page_video": null, "header_image": null, "menuImage": null, "youtube_playlist": null, "slider_title_color": null, "slider_caption_color": null, "caption_position": null, "slide_overlay": "0", "page_intro": null, "short_intro": null, "cta_text": null, "cta_url": null, "menu_title": null, "section_title": null, "embedded_page": "0", "resource_page": "0", "show_header": "1", "require_subscription": "0", "show_menu_title": "1", "image_url": "", "featured": null, "banner": null, "color": null, "date_created": "Jun 29, 2018", "parentSlug": "osh-news/fire-safety", "grandparentSlug": "osh-news", "url": "osh-news/fire-safety/fire-rips-through-korogocho-market-barely-a-day-after-the-gikomba-fire", "parentTitle": "Fire Safety", "title": "Fire Rips through Korogocho Market Barely a Day after the Gikomba Fire" }, { "pageID": null, "pageTitle": "Fire Razes down Lukenya University Administration Block ", "pageSlug": "fire-razes-down-lukenya-university-administration-block", "headline": null, "isRoot": "1", "pageCont": "
A mysterious fire destroyed the administration block of Lukenya University in Makueni County, in the wake of Wednesday morning. No casualties were reported among the students and staff.
\r\nThe block that houses the Vice Chancellor's office and that of his deputy, the finance and the exams offices was reduced to ashes, the university’s community, neighbours and the county fire brigade helped contain the fire though nothing was salvaged.
\r\nThe students' leadership accused Makueni County government of laxity in putting out the fire saying the firefighters did not arrive in time. \"We woke up and started fighting the fire in vain. The fire fighting vehicle had to come all the way from Wote headquarters,\" said Were.
\r\nVitalis Ogur the Kibwezi Assistant County Commissioner was part of the team that led efforts to contain the fire. Mr.Ogur said that they are yet to establish the cause of the fire.
\r\n\r\n", "showContent": "1", "pageDesc": "A mysterious fire destroyed the administration block of Lukenya University in Makueni County.", "dateCreated": "Jun 28, 2018 11:33 AM", "date_modified": "2024-10-27 23:12:54", "author": "Administrator", "postParent": "584", "isParent": "0", "pageImage": "uploads/images/202011/image_750x_5faba1905ca33.jpg", "showImage": "1", "imgThumbnail": "uploads/images/202011/image_750x415_5faba190704c7.jpg", "medium_thumbnail": null, "small_thumbnail": "uploads/images/202011/image_100x75_5faba1907b92b.jpg", "xs_thumbnail": null, "active": "1", "showOnNav": null, "pageType": "Blog", "carouselID": null, "template": "2", "icon": null, "featuredPage": "0", "slideImage": null, "slide_image_small": null, "webp_slide_image": null, "webp_slide_image_sm": null, "slideTitle": null, "slideCaption": null, "showCaption": "1", "hasComments": "0", "font_icon": null, "footer_link": "0", "page_video": null, "header_image": null, "menuImage": null, "youtube_playlist": null, "slider_title_color": null, "slider_caption_color": null, "caption_position": null, "slide_overlay": "0", "page_intro": null, "short_intro": null, "cta_text": null, "cta_url": null, "menu_title": null, "section_title": null, "embedded_page": "0", "resource_page": "0", "show_header": "1", "require_subscription": "0", "show_menu_title": "1", "image_url": "", "featured": null, "banner": null, "color": null, "date_created": "Jun 28, 2018", "parentSlug": "osh-news/fire-safety", "grandparentSlug": "osh-news", "url": "osh-news/fire-safety/fire-razes-down-lukenya-university-administration-block", "parentTitle": "Fire Safety", "title": "Fire Razes down Lukenya University Administration Block " } ]