The Standard Group on Wednesday, February 22, clarified that the commotion witnessed at its Mombasa road offices was a result of a fire drill at the giant media house.
In a statement, the company stated that the drill was led by Nairobi City County in the presence of security officers.
Additionally, the Mombasa Road-based firm explained that the fire drill was planned to ensure the safety of its employees by ascertaining that they were well prepared in case of a fire emergency.
“In order to ensure the safety of our employees, The Standard Group PLC successfully conducted a fire drill this morning at the Standard Group Centre, along Mombasa Road.
“We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and assure our stakeholders that our premises are well equipped in case of a fire emergency,” the media group stated.
In videos seen by Kenyans.co.ke on Wednesday, February 22, staff of the media organisation assembled outside the premises, with fire engine present.
Some of the journalists who earlier spoke to this writer intimated that the drill had disrupted mid-morning programming.
“I was about to go on air, but I was told that it was not possible because of a fire incident,” the reporter explained.
“It was nothing serious to worry about, it was just a drill. Our normal programming continues,” another journalist stationed at the Mombasa Road offices revealed.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2007, and Fire Risk Reduction Rules, 2007, a fire drill should be conducted at least once every 12 months.
The Act further states the importance of conducting fire drills noting that they enable staff to get used to exiting a building quickly hence reducing panic in a real-life situation.
Moreover, it states that fire drills should be used as a way of testing escape routes to evaluate their effectiveness
“During fire drills, checks can also be carried out on alarm systems to ensure they are working correctly and that emergency exits are unobstructed.
“Overall fire drills help improve safety, so that you will be best prepared in case a real fire does occur. They should be conducted in the presence of fire marshals,” the Act details.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE