315 inspectors to get training on electrical safety

Some 315 inspectors will receive training on electrical safety to help reduce risk in the country's garment sector, the International Labour Organisation said yesterday.

The initiative was launched at the training complex of Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence (BFSCD) in Mirpur in the capital, said the UN agency in a statement.

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Inspectors from the BFSCD, the Department of Inspections for Factories and Establishments, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association will gain in-depth knowledge on fire safety.

Electrical faults are responsible for 75 percent of fires at the garment factories in Bangladesh, according to the BFSCD.

BFSCD Director General Ali Ahmed Khan said electrical short circuits are the main cause of fires in the garment sector.

The training will help reduce risks and ensure compliance with national codes and standards on building and worker safety, not only in the garment sector but across all industries.

ILO Country Director Srinivas Reddy said this training is an important element of strengthening the regulators' capacity to enforce laws and rules governing workplace safety.

The BFSCD has organised the training with support from the ILO's Fire and General Building Safety project funded by the US Department of Labour.

Experts from Bureau Veritas will conduct the training to raise awareness of potential electrical safety hazards, build understanding on the design of fire detection and alarm systems and provide a basic understanding of schematics.

Each participant will receive training for three days. The training will continue in batches until October.