The oil and gas industry in Saudi Arabia is one of the most prosperous parts of their economy. As the global oil leader that produces around 12% of the aggregate output, Saudi Arabia owns one-fourth of the world’s total oil reserves.
But despite the Kingdom’s contribution to energy production by making 12 million barrels of oil a day, it struggles with the risk of fire accidents. Owing to the flammable nature of vapors and gases in oil-production facilities, fire explosions can happen anytime. The nature of work is such that all fire hazards can’t be eliminated from the premises. But workers can be trained in firefighting to control damage in case of an explosion and save lives.
Firefighter training is essential for survival beyond the scope of oil and gas production as well. Unexpected fire breakouts have also occurred such as the one at the new Saudi rail station in Jeddah in 2019 and another major fire at a fodder market in August 2020.
If you want a lowdown on the essentials of firefighter training, keep reading.
Physical Strength
Firefighting is for the fittest among us all. It puts your physical strength, agility, and endurance to test when you’re in a situation where fire has broken out and victims need saving. That’s why firefighter training is an intensive process that screens out the best firefighters with the potential to save people. The training includes stamina-building exercises, weight training, and high-intensity cardio. The activities involve lifting and carrying sacks of sand by rope, running up and down stadiums, or jogging.
Live Training
Training with inanimate objects is an ordinary scenario that is not half as exciting as live training. Firefighters don’t just need physical prowess to perform well in a high-risk situation; they need critical thinking and quick decision-making abilities to win. That’s what they learn in live training. Trainers create a prototypical scene with a model building on fire to give the trainees a chance to put their training to test.
Their own safety comes first, which is why they dress in high-tech, fire-resistant clothing that can withstand up to 1,200 Fahrenheit. Before setting out for the day and into the fire scene, they get a thorough briefing of what to expect. An instructor guides them into the burning building and assigns tasks that are to be performed according to the rules of their teachings.
Types of Burn Sites
There are three main types of burn buildings that include simulated structural fire buildings, acquired structures, and traditional buildings. Traditional buildings can resist multiple fire breakouts because they are made with robust materials. Even though they will eventually collapse, they can withstand a few live training sessions. Training institutions usually use hay, wood pallets or straw to ignite fires.
Acquired buildings are abandoned houses or condemned buildings. In order to use these structures, trainers go through the process of seeking permission from their owners or getting a legal permit. There should be no liens or insurance on the property. Before the live training is conducted, communities living nearby are alerted and given sufficient time to make necessary arrangements.
Simulated structural fire buildings are advanced fire training sites with computerized controls to manage the fire. Built-in devices ignite fires on the trainer’s command and also create artificial smoke using non-flammable aerosol. These artificially engineered spaces allow firefighters in training to get a real-life firefighting experience before they’re out extinguishing fires in real accidents.
If you’re interested, we offer firefighting training courses as well as IOSH training programs, IADC training programs, first aid training, and much more. We understand the value of life and wish to instill a safety-conscious attitude in workplaces. For details, contact us right here.