Technical staff of MTC to be trained in fire-fighting

In a reply to a complaint lodged by social activist K Anbazhagan at the Directorate of Industrial Health and Safety in regard to the lapse in safety measures across the depots last year, the department confirmed that inspections were conducted at eight depots and found that fire safety measures are adhered to strictly. Subsequently, the department also conducted training sessions. It further added that similar training sessions will be organised in all depots soon.

Each depot employs more than 100 technicians, who are part of the maintenance team and they are tasked with the upkeep of vehicles. Until now, technicians attached to Perambur, Vyasarpadi, MKB Nagar, Basin Bridge, Anna Nagar, Tondiarpet I and II and Aynavaram depots have completed their training sessions.

During the training session, the staff were taught to follow security measures when a fire breaks out in the facility, controlling the fire and cubing massive damages and casualties and do first-aid among others. These sessions were conducted between September and November last year.

“Only vehicles with major faults are sent to the main Central Workshop in Chrompet. The rest of the vehicles, including mechanical failures, are undertaken at the respective depots. There are chances of fire mishaps while carrying out works inside the facility. The training was given in order to equip them,” a top official attached to the MTC said.

Last year, the MTC had sent drivers and conductors for compulsory three-day training to the Central Bus Driving school, in order to hone their skills.