Ishwardi (Pabna) Correspondent :
A 14-day advanced training program has been completed for firefighters to master specialized firefighting techniques in radioactive zones at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.
The training, titled “”Fire Fighting Training on radio-chemical, electrical and explosive and fire-hazardous area for On-Site Fire Fighter at Rooppur NPP” was conducted from 10 to 23 November.
Deputy Chief of the Training Division, Md. Moniruzzaman, provided the information on Saturday.
It has been learned that the in-depth 80-hour course included both theoretical and practical sessions.
At the end of the course, participants gained comprehensive skills in specialized firefighting techniques for radioactive areas, safety protocols, radiation level monitoring, use of dosimeters, contamination control, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
The overall supervision of the training was conducted by the Head of the Training Division, Md. Golam Shaheenur Islam, and Deputy Chief Md. Moniruzzaman. Course coordination was supported by Fire Safety Department trainer Syed Nazmul Hossain.
Moniruzzaman said that a total of 23 firefighters participated in the first phase of the program. Among them were 1 Senior Station Officer, 3 Leaders, 15 Firefighters, and 4 Drivers (Firefighters).
All of them successfully passed the theoretical and practical examinations. Training for an additional 12 firefighters is currently underway in the second phase.
He further stated that trainees gained hands-on experience with the modern automatic firefighting systems installed at the NPP.
The training included the Deluge System, Water Mist System, Inert Gas System, Foam System, and Dry Chemical Powder System.
Trainer Syed Nazmul Hossain said that during the second week, practical exercises using specialized firefighting vehicles were conducted in the presence of representatives from the General Contractor Atomstroyexport (ASE) and Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL).
The vehicles used included 4 water tenders, 1 foam tender, 1 special vehicle for firefighting in gas- and smoke-filled environments, 1 fire pump truck, 1 fire rescue truck, 1 radiochemical monitoring vehicle, 1 communication and lighting truck, 1 pump-hose fire truck, and 1 aerial fire vehicle.
Managing Director of Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited, Dr. Zahedul Hasan, said that the training will play a vital role in ensuring overall safety at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant by developing the necessary human resources and enhancing emergency response capabilities in radiation-risk environments.
According to him, the training has given a new dimension to the safety culture of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and will significantly contribute to the human resource development essential for Bangladesh’s nuclear energy program.
This international-standard specialized training will further strengthen the safety culture of the Rooppur project.
