Organogram of Fire Safety Cell

At the heart of the knitwear industry in Bangladesh, the BKMEA Fire Safety Cell stands as an unwavering guardian. This critical unit, led by a seasoned fire safety expert, plays a paramount role in safeguarding lives and property within the knitwear industry.
A well-structured team, comprised of specialized units, is the core of the Cell's strength. Technical specialists offer insights into fire prevention and response strategies. Trainers diligently educate factory workers on safety protocols, empowering them with knowledge to mitigate risks effectively. Meanwhile, dedicated support staff ensure the smooth execution of day-to-day activities, enhancing operational efficiency.
Through this collaborative approach, the Cell fosters a holistic approach by collaborating closely with other BKMEA departments, like engineering and compliance. This synergy ensures comprehensive fire safety measures are implemented across member factories. By prioritizing prevention, education, and collaboration, the Fire Safety Cell forms a safety net, safeguarding the well-being of workers and the continuity of businesses within the knitwear industry. Ultimately, it fosters a secure working environment for all stakeholders involved.

Head of the Department

Core Objectives of Fire Safety Cell

The objectives of establishing the Fire Safety Cell within the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) are comprehensive and geared towards ensuring worker safety and well-being, while also promoting sustainable business practices. The Fire Safety Cell is committed to:

1. Implementing sustainable fire safety practices to prevent incidents and safeguard employees, assets, and long-term business viability.
2. Developing and enforcing comprehensive fire codes aligned with national and international standards for uniform fire safety practices across all factories.
3. Promoting fire safety awareness through training, education, safety audits, consultancy services and communication programs for both factory management and workers.
4. Regularly monitoring and assessing fire safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment and ongoing compliance.
5. Encouraging teamwork between employers and employees to create a shared responsibility for workplace fire safety.
6. Cultivating a culture of safety excellence within leadership, prioritizing fire prevention as a core principle of reliable factory operations.
7. Equipping stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge through targeted training and capacity building initiatives to effectively tackle fire safety challenges.
8. Implementing workshops, training sessions, and awareness campaigns to educate stakeholders on fire safety best practices and empower them to prevent fire incidents.
9. Developing and implementing robust fire safety plans and standardized emergency response protocols for effective fire emergency management, minimizing potential harm.
10. Developing and disseminating clear, actionable messages that highlight fire prevention practices and the importance of fire protection systems.

By pursuing these comprehensive objectives, the Fire Safety Cell, BKMEA, demonstrates a proactive and holistic approach to fire safety. This commitment will not only safeguard employees, assets, and business continuity but also foster a culture of safety excellence within the garment industry. Through a combination of preventative measures, educational initiatives, and emergency preparedness, the Fire Safety Cell aims to empower stakeholders and minimize the risk of fire incidents. This unwavering focus on fire safety will ultimately contribute to a safer and more sustainable working environment for all.

Strengths of the BKMEA Fire Safety Team

The BKMEA Fire and Safety Team stands out for its commitment to fire prevention and risk mitigation, ensuring worker safety and business continuity within the Bangladeshi knitwear industry. Their dedication and fire safety expertise make them a valuable asset and a key strength, underpinning their vital role.

1. Commitment to Continuous Improvement:
The BKMEA Fire and Safety Team is on a relentless pursuit of fire safety excellence. We continuously refine our protocols through regular reviews, after-incident analysis, and member feedback. This fosters a culture of learning and adaptation, ensuring our team stays ahead of the curve. Recognizing fire safety as an ongoing journey, we actively research and implement the latest advancements in fire safety technology within member factories. This unwavering commitment translates to a demonstrably safer environment across the knitwear industry.

2.  Experienced and Dedicated Personnel:
The cornerstone of our success lies in the unwavering dedication and extensive experience of our personnel. BKMEA boasts a team of seasoned professionals with unparalleled expertise in fire and safety management. Their profound knowledge is matched by an unwavering commitment to upholding our mission of safeguarding lives and property. Our team members are relentless in their pursuit of the highest safety standards, consistently exceeding expectations in their duties.

3. Expertise Training and Certification:
The BKMEA Fire and Safety Team, known for its rigorous training and certification process, equips team members with comprehensive programs adhering to national and international safety standards. This ensures every individual is equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle a wide range of fire and safety scenarios effectively. We ensure our team stays abreast of the latest advancements and best practices in fire safety through continuous education and re-certification.

4. Proactive Approach:
The BKMEA Fire and Safety Team doesn't just wait for incidents to happen. They proactively conduct regular factory audits, identifying and eliminating potential fire hazards before they can cause harm. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of fire outbreaks, keeping workers and factories safe. 

5. Awareness Building:
The team champions fire safety as a shared responsibility. They proactively develop awareness programs and workshops, engaging both factory management and workers. This empowers everyone to contribute to fire prevention and a secure work environment.

6. Collaborative Approach:
Safety isn't a one-man show, and the BKMEA Fire and Safety Team recognizes this. We believe in a collaborative approach, working hand-in-hand with local fire departments, emergency services, and other stakeholders. This two-way street allows us to share knowledge, coordinate efforts, and ensure a unified, effective response to emergencies.

7. Rapid Response and Efficiency:
In emergency situations, where time is of the essence, the BKMEA Fire and Safety Team shines due to its rapid response capabilities. Our strategic placement within key areas and well-coordinated communication systems ensures swift mobilization of our team. Efficient response protocols and a well-rehearsed chain of command empower us to act decisively, mitigating risks and managing incidents with precision.
Furthermore, the BKMEA Fire Safety Team fosters collaboration across the knitwear industry. By bringing factories, government agencies, and other stakeholders to the table, we can share best practices and resources. This comprehensive strategy strengthens the overall fire safety network within our community.

8. Comprehensive Safety Programs:
Prevention is a critical aspect of our approach to fire and safety. The BKMEA Fire and Safety Team implements comprehensive safety programs that include the following:

• Safety Audit:
  Audits and assessments provide vital management control for Fire Safety Management, Security Management, and Risk Management Programs. Audits focus on the policies and procedures to verify compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards. They help to ensure programs are properly designed and implemented. Further, audits also identify program deficiencies so that recommendations can be developed for corrective action.
   
• Senior Master Trainers Training:
  Senior Master Trainers Certificate training on Essential Occupational Health and Safety (EOSH) patronized by ITC-ILO (International Training Center-ILO). It’s an internationally recognized training Program.
   
• TOT (Training of Trainers):
  Training organized by GIZ on Advanced and Moderate c3 Training Technique, Industrial Fire Safety Management & Audit Technique, Environmental Safety, Occupational Health & Safety, International Major Standards, Process of Policy Procedures, CSR (Corporate Social Responsibilities) Activities etc.
   
• Expertise Developed on the Areas Of:    
  ·         Bangladesh Labor Law-2006.
  ·         Bangladesh Labor Law-2006 (Amended-2018).
  ·         Fire Act & Rules and Regulations.
  ·         BNBC (Bangladesh National Building Code).
  ·         Building Safety, Fire & Electrical Safety.
  ·         Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), Environmental Safety, Chemical Safety and Management System.
  ·         Buyers Code of Conducts (CoC).
  ·         CSR (Corporate Social Responsibilities) Activities etc.
   

Finally, to say, the BKMEA Fire Safety Team stands firm in its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property. Our highly skilled trainers utilize the C3 training methodology to deliver a comprehensive range of programs, including skill development, semi-skill development, upskilling, and awareness training. This ensures all trainees gain the necessary knowledge and expertise to prioritize safety.

This unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property is underscored by the BKMEA Fire Safety Team's core strengths.  In fact, our expert-led training, cutting-edge technology, swift response capabilities, extensive safety programs, seasoned personnel, collaborative approach, and dedication to continuous improvement all contribute to setting the benchmark for fire and safety management within our industry.

Activities of Fire Safety Cell

Established in 2009, the BKMEA Fire Safety Cell is a dedicated team working tirelessly to improve fire safety in Bangladesh's garment industry. Recognizing the importance of this sector to the nation's economy, the Cell offers a range of core activities to member factories. These activities focus on both preventing fire incidents and ensuring preparedness in case of an emergency. These activities focus on:

1. Conducting Risk Assessments:
To prioritize worker safety, the BKMEA Fire Safety Cell takes a proactive approach to risk management. A team of safety experts conducts thorough on-site inspections at member factories, focusing on machinery, electrical systems, material storage, and work practices. By evaluating potential incidents, the Cell assigns risk scores to prioritize safety measures like guards, training, and improved ventilation. Regular reviews and updates ensure continuous improvement, especially after workplace changes or incidents, ensuring a comprehensive and adaptable approach to safety.

2. Training Needs Assessment:
The BKMEA Fire Safety Cell plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of workers and property within the knitwear industry. To ensure continued effectiveness, a comprehensive Training Needs Assessment (TNA) is essential. This assessment will identify knowledge gaps and areas for improvement, leading to a more competent and prepared team. Consequently, training programs are tailored to address the unique challenges and requirements of each workplace.

3. Training and Development Programs:
The BKMEA Fire Safety Cell designs and implements comprehensive training and development programs to enhance fire safety awareness and preparedness. These programs cover various aspects of fire safety, such as fire drills, prevention strategies, emergency response, and the proper use of firefighting equipment. The aim is to equip employees with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent and respond to fire incidents effectively.

4. Workshops and Seminar Organization:
To promote continuous learning and engagement on fire safety topics, the Fire Safety Cell organizes workshops and seminars specifically designed for industry professionals. These events provide a platform for sharing the latest practices, regulatory updates, and technological advancements. Workshops and seminars also facilitate discussions and networking, fostering a culture of safety within the industry.

5. Fire Safety Awareness Material Distribution:
The BKMEA Fire Safety Cell is committed to keeping workers safe. One key activity is distributing fire safety awareness materials to member factories. These informative resources, in both Bangla and English, can include posters, booklets, and infographics. They educate factory staff on fire prevention, extinguisher use, and evacuation procedures. By equipping factories with these materials, the Fire Safety Cell empowers them to create a safer work environment for all.

6. Safety Audits and Inspections:
Fire Safety Cell prioritizes the well-being of all occupants by diligently conducting routine audits and inspections to enforce fire safety regulations. These assessments identify hazards, verify the effectiveness of safety measures, and ensure compliance with standards. Through rigorous safety protocols and prompt corrective actions, we guarantee high safety standards at all times. These proactive measures not only mitigate risks but also foster a secure environment for everyone involved.

7. Technical Expertise and Consulting Services:
The BKMEA Fire Safety Cell offers expert consulting services to help organizations improve their fire safety practices. This includes providing technical guidance on fire prevention systems, emergency response planning, and fire safety equipment maintenance. The cell's expertise allows organizations to implement effective fire safety solutions tailored to their specific needs.

8. Project Management and Coordination:
In collaboration with ILO, GIZ, ADB, and the Ministry of Finance, BKMEA spearheads various safety projects to drive industry development. Managing fire safety initiatives is a complex task requiring meticulous planning and coordination. The Fire Safety Cell tackles this challenge by overseeing project execution, ensuring timely completion, adherence to budget constraints, and compliance with the highest safety standards. BKMEA achieves this through effective stakeholder coordination, resource management, and rigorous progress monitoring, ultimately guaranteeing the successful achievement of project goals.

9. Collaborative Approaches:
Collaboration is key to advancing fire safety. By fostering collaboration, the BKMEA Fire Safety Cell plays a key role in advancing fire safety. The cell works closely with government agencies, industry bodies, and other national and international organizations to share knowledge, resources, and best practices. Through these collaborative efforts, the cell aims to improve fire safety standards across the industry and foster a collective commitment to safety.

10. Knowledge Sharing:
The Fire Safety Cell actively facilitates knowledge sharing among stakeholders. This includes disseminating research findings, case studies, and lessons learned from past incidents. By encouraging open communication, the cell helps organizations stay informed about emerging fire safety challenges and solutions, enabling them to adopt best practices and prevent future incidents.

11. Research and Publication:
Through ongoing research and publication efforts, the BKMEA Fire Safety Cell stays abreast of the latest fire safety best practices, technologies, and regulatory changes.  The dynamic nature of fire safety necessitates continuous learning and adaptation. This ensures the cell's activities and recommendations reflect current standards and innovations, providing organizations with the most effective and relevant fire safety guidance.
The BKMEA Fire Safety Cell offers a comprehensive library of resources, including research-based training manuals and safety books. These materials are designed to equip factory management with the knowledge and skills necessary to become true safety experts within their facilities.

Research & Publication

The BKMEA Fire Safety Cell is dedicated to ensuring the safety of workers and the continued success of the garment industry. Through research and collaboration, we develop and disseminate fire safety best practices. Our publications equip factories with vital knowledge on fire prevention, preparedness, and response.
This commitment extends to comprehensive fire safety training programs for workers and management. Together, we can create a safer and more fire-resilient garment industry for Bangladesh.

Empowering garment factories since 2009, the BKMEA Fire Safety Cell is committed to building a safer tomorrow. The dedication of this team to protecting workers and factories is evident in their ongoing safety training programs. Through comprehensive training programs, the BKMEA Fire Safety Cell equips member factories with the knowledge and skills to prevent fire hazards and ensure worker safety. A cornerstone of this initiative is the "Fire Safety Training Manual," a practical handbook published in October 2009. This manual is essential for anyone working in the ready-made garment industry. It covers a wide range of fire safety topics in two key chapters:
1. Understanding Fire: This chapter delves into the nature of fire, including types of fuel, fire extinguishing methods, common fire causes, fire equipment, chemical safety, electrical safety and measures for preventing fire accidents.
2. Fire Drill Preparedness: This section equips readers with the knowledge and procedures for preventing fire accidents and preparing for fire drills.
The "Fire Safety Training Manual" is a valuable resource not only for the garment industry but also for any industry seeking to create a safer working environment for its employees. In fact, its benefits extend beyond the garment industry. By studying this manual, individuals gain invaluable insights into fire safety practices, equipping them to effectively mitigate risks. Its relevance extends beyond the garment industry, serving as a vital resource for any sector committed to ensuring the safety of its workforce and facilities. In short, fire safety isn't just about garments; it's about protecting everyone in the workplace.

While fire safety is paramount in any industry, it holds particular significance in the knitwear sector due to the abundance of flammable materials. Recognizing this critical need, the BKMEA Fire Safety Cell has emerged as a frontrunner in fire safety awareness since 2009. Their dedication to training knitwear workers in effective fire prevention protocols, such as the use of fire extinguishers, has fostered a safer working environment for countless individuals. These initiatives within the knitwear garment industry primarily aim to cultivate a culture of safety by ensuring a well-trained workforce and mitigating fire hazards.

In a concerted effort to streamline these training endeavors, the Fire Safety Cell authored and disseminated the "Fire Safety Training Manual" tailored specifically for the knitwear industry in November 2013. The manual covers a wide range of crucial topics, including:

• The science behind fire;
• Electrical safety practices for industrial settings;
• The importance of fire drills.
• Essential first aid knowledge.
• Chemical safety protocols.
• Preventive measures to minimize fire incidents.
• Emergency fire service contact information.
• Relevant regulations, including BNBC-2006, Labor Act-2006, and Fire Prevention & Extinction Act 2003.

This comprehensive manual serves as a valuable fire safety reference guide. By perusing this manual, individuals gain insights into fundamental aspects such as the principles of fire combustion, electrical safety standards applicable to industries, the imperative nature of fire drills, first aid essentials, chemical safety protocols, preemptive measures against fire accidents, emergency contact information for fire services, pertinent regulations like BNBC-2006 and the Labor Act-2006, as well as the Fire Prevention and Extinction Act 2003.

In today's dynamic world, fire incidents pose a significant threat, particularly in rapidly urbanizing and industrializing regions. Recognizing the urgency of fire safety, the BKMEA Fire Safety Cell has been tirelessly working to safeguard its member factories since 2009. As part of this initiative, BKMEA took a significant step towards industrial fire safety by publishing a comprehensive book. The first, titled in English as "Industrial Fire Safety Management & Risk Assessment," was published in December 2015. This informative resource aims to equip all relevant personnel with both theoretical knowledge and modern technology-driven fire safety mechanisms to empower all stakeholders in the industry.

In fact, this book equips readers with in-depth knowledge of fire safety, structural safety, and relevant industrial laws, rules, and regulations on fire safety and occupational health. It offers comprehensive guidance on fire equipment, evacuation drills, reporting protocols, and rescue methods, emphasizing electrical and chemical safety. Additionally, it discusses integrating fire safety into building design and addresses workplace hazards such as confined spaces, noise, vibration, slips, trips, and falls, offering practical prevention methods. Disaster management principles, focusing on the RMG sector, are introduced. Roles for safety officers and security guards are clarified, along with a structured approach to fire risk assessment and insights into building approval procedures for regulatory compliance.

Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of learning from past incidents and observations, exploring best practices in fire safety. It analyses changes in fire and building codes and regulations, incorporating research findings to provide a comprehensive picture of fire safety advancements. By raising awareness of best practices across various industries, this book acts as a catalyst for creating safer working environments for all. The BKMEA Fire Safety Cell believes this book will satisfy any safety-related questions and problems faced especially in the garment industry.

In addition to its other publications, the BKMEA Fire Safety Cell published a book in March 2017 titled “পোশাক শিল্পকারখানায় অগ্নি ঝুঁকি ও নিরাপত্তা ব্যবস্থাপনা” in Bengali.
BKMEA believes these two books “Industrial Fire Safety Management & Risk Assessment”, in English & “পোশাক শিল্পকারখানায় অগ্নি ঝুঁকি ও নিরাপত্তা ব্যবস্থাপনা” in Bengali will serve as invaluable resources for garment industry professionals.
There are 9 chapters in this book, “পোশাক শিল্পকারখানায় অগ্নি ঝুঁকি ও নিরাপত্তা ব্যবস্থাপনা”. Such as-

The main objective of this book is to address upcoming challenges by learning from past incidents and observations. It will cover the best fire safety practices, changes in fire and building codes and regulations, and research outcomes based on experiments and studies.
By equipping factory owners, managers, and workers with the necessary fire safety knowledge and skills, such publications play a pivotal role in fostering a safer and more secure work environment for all garment workers.