Assessing the Impact of Fire Safety Training at a University’s Information and Communication Technology Unit

Abstract

Over the years, the educational institutions have had fair share of unfortunate fire incidents. Although incidents of fire are rare and occasional, the chaotic and unplanned nature of responses when fire incidents occur show the extent of preparation staff and students have in dealing with these crises situations.  In a computing environment within a university, even though the likelihood occurrence of fire originating from equipment such computers, cables and network devices is unpredictable, the impact on operations of a tertiary institution is greatly affected. When it occurs, it leads to loss of critical application systems which support teaching, learning and administration, damage to expensive equipment, loss of stored records and finally leading to life threatening consequences to occupants. The study employed quantitative method to evaluating impact of fire safety training. Data was obtained using survey questionnaire to gather responses from those who attended in the event hosted by Takoradi Technical University’s Directorate of Information and Communication Technology(ICT) Services. Descriptive statistics was used in data analysis to give meaning to figures. Results revealed that the training program built the capacity of participants to respond to fire safety issues appropriately and knowledgeably. Based on the findings it was recommended fire safety training be organized frequently for members of the  university community for them to be able respond appropriately to crises situations should it occur.

Keywords: Fire, university, incident, safety

DOI: 10.7176/IKM/9-4-07

Publication date: April 30^th 2019