Fire extinguishers often sit quietly in the corners of buildings. Day after day, people pass by them without a second glance, unaware of the critical role these lifesaving devices play. When an unfortunate fire breaks out, bystanders often watch helplessly, minds fraught with dread, as the raging flames rapidly consume their surroundings.
Mr Prakash explaining the procedure of using a fire extinguisher to students during the hands-on session
This is exactly the kind of situation that the UTAR Occupational Safety and Health Committee (OSH) is committed to preventing on its campuses. In collaboration with the Department of Safety and Security (DSS) Kampar Campus, representatives from the Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) Kampar Campus at OSH organised a workshop for students of Kampar Campus on 23 July 2025, titled Fire Safety 101.
The workshop consisted of a theoretical session and a hands-on session, conducted by DSS Senior Assistant Manager Mr Prakash Rama (who is also a part of the OSH) and his colleagues.
Mr Prakash has over 14 years of extensive experience in the safety and security industry. His expertise spans diverse sectors such as international semiconductor organisations and higher education institutions. Throughout his career, Mr Prakash has handled critical safety responsibilities, including armed guarding, escort services, and security coverage for high-end clients in high-risk environments.
During the theoretical session, Mr Prakash covered a wide range of topics, including common fire hazards and methods of extinguishing fires. He explained the fire triangle, classifications of fire, and essential safety protocols when tackling fires. He also emphasised the R.A.C.E. concept (Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish) and elaborated on each step. “If a fire breaks out, always remember to save anyone in immediate danger and sound the fire alarm first. You can think about containing the fire after that, because you never know if the fire will go out of control. However, if a fire goes out of control, don’t be a hero and evacuate immediately. Your safety is the priority,” he advised the students.
Mr Prakash showing real-life statistics of fire incidents in Malaysia
He also introduced students to different types of fire extinguishers, namely the dry chemical fire extinguisher and the carbon dioxide fire extinguisher, along with their appropriate usage. To reinforce this, Mr Prakash introduced the P.A.S.S. concept, which outlines the correct steps for operating a fire extinguisher — 1) Pull the pin, 2) Aim low at the base of fire, 3) Squeeze the discharge lever, and 4) Sweep side to side.
‘Having real-world experience makes all the difference.’ To foster an in-depth understanding on the usage of fire extinguisher, the hands-on session, conducted in a controlled environment, offered students an invaluable opportunity to experience the extinguishment of fire themselves. Students not only learned how to operate fire extinguishers but also practised extinguishing flames using a fire blanket.
Students trying their hand at using fire extinguishers to put out fires during the hands-on session
Students putting out fires on a stove using a fire blanket
In cases like fire breakout and medical emergency, Mr Prakash also advised students to contact the nearest corresponding departments, which can include fire department, hospital, and police station. He remarked, “If any emergency occurs on campus, you should immediately contact the DSS hotline for assistance. However, should anything happen outside of the campus, it is recommended to call the nearest branches of your required department. Calling 999 is viable, but calling the departments directly will always be faster and sometimes be critical in saving lives. Hence, having the contact numbers of the emergency departments in your area is important.”
The DSS Hotline:
(+6016) – 2100 863 (Kampar Campus)
(+6016) – 2100 861 (Sungai Long Campus)
Also present at the workshop were CFS (Kampar Campus) Head of Department of Science and Engineering Ms Ooi Siew Fong, CFS (Kampar Campus) academics Ms Hoh Ming Chee, Ms Elaine Lau Ying Man, Pn Nor Habibi Saadah binti Musa, Ms Tulasi Subramaniam, and Mr Thiagarajan Viran; DSS (Kampar Campus) Assistant Manager Mr Manimaran Patchippen, and DSS Securities En Ahmad Sabri bin Mohd Nasir, Mr Mahetiran Rethinam, En Mohamad Saiful Nizam bin Masran, Mr Nareish Venu Marimuthu, En Rosli bin Dawood, and En Sharizan bin Zainon.
As the event concluded, students left with not only a working knowledge of the R.A.C.E. and P.A.S.S. procedures but also a greater appreciation for the importance of emergency preparedness and remaining calm under pressure. The humble fire extinguisher, once overlooked as mere décor, is now seen through the eyes of these students as a powerful, potentially life-saving tool, ready to be used with confidence and purpose when the need arises.
Fire is cool — but it’s a dangerous master. Even in a group photo, you can see (from left) Pn Nor Habibi Saadah, Ms Hoh, Ms Tulasi, Ms Ooi, Mr Prakash, Mr Manimaran, Mr Mahetiran, Mr Nareish Venu, En Ahmad Sabri, En Mohamad Saiful Nizam, and En Rosli standing a few feet away from the flames
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