The authorities in Santiago de Cuba have mandated fire prevention training for all workers in the state sector, self-employed individuals (TCP), and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MIPYMES) operating in the area.
The announcement was made by Aris Arias Batalla, provincial vice president of the Volunteer Firefighters Association of Cuba (ABVC), who shared the details in a post on Facebook.
According to the explanation given, this measure responds to the requirements established by Law 116, the current Labor Code in Cuba, which recognizes the right of workers to occupational safety and health, including specific fire prevention actions.
The training will take place at the provincial headquarters of the ABVC, located at Comando 1 (Martí Street), and will last five days: four theoretical sessions and one practical session with a final exam.
Participants must present their identity card and pay a fee of 500 Cuban pesos, either in cash or via electronic transfer.
A special warning was issued to self-employed workers who provide delivery services for purchasing liquefied gas: if they do not present the certification of having completed the training, they will be prohibited from accessing the gas cylinders that they manage through that service.
The statement indicates that there is a maximum period of 30 business days to formalize participation in the course.
Non-compliance will be considered an omission subject to sanctions, in accordance with Decree 141/1988 regarding internal order offenses and Law 151/2022 of the Cuban Penal Code.
The initiative is part of a set of regulations that strengthen fire safety in workplaces, such as Resolution 59/2023 from the Ministry of the Interior (related to community training) and the Cuban technical standard NC96-00-08, which governs extinguishing methods and evacuation protocols in the event of fires.
In June 2023, following the tragic death of a family of seven in Havana due to the explosion of two electric scooters, Cuban Orlando Rodríguez announced that he would be offering free classes on safety in the use of scooters.
The objective was to raise awareness among citizens about the dangers of improperly handled lithium batteries and to prevent future tragedies. The educational sessions, conducted with open batteries and practical examples, included essential knowledge on maintenance, fault diagnosis, and techniques to reduce the risk of explosions.
Few days later, on July 3rd, a fire caused by a faulty electrical installation destroyed a home and damaged others nearby in Matanzas. Although no injuries were reported, the incident, which occurred on Domingo Mujica Street, raised concerns about the vulnerability of domestic networks in Cuba.
The combination of aging electrical lines, frequent improvisations, and a shortage of replacement materials has increased the frequency of these incidents. Neighbors noted the quick response of the firefighters but lamented the lack of official statements regarding preventive measures or assistance for those affected.
In response to the increase in these events, the Cuban Fire Department has published a series of specific preventive measures to avoid electric motorcycle fires.
Among the recommendations were to let the battery cool down before recharging it, to avoid using it indoors without supervision, and not to make technical modifications that contradict the manufacturer’s specifications. There was also a warning about the dangers of using homemade batteries, which have been responsible for multiple recent explosions.
These measures were shared on social media by official media outlets such as Televisión Camagüey, in an effort to raise public awareness about the risks associated with the misuse of these increasingly popular vehicles on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mandatory Fire Training in Santiago de Cuba
Why has mandatory fire training been implemented in Santiago de Cuba?
Mandatory training has been implemented to comply with Law 116 of the Labor Code of Cuba, which aims to ensure occupational safety and health, including fire prevention. This measure is taken in a context of frequent fires in the region, increasing the need to improve preparedness and response to these events.
Who should participate in the fire training in Santiago de Cuba?
Training is mandatory for state sector workers, self-employed workers (TCP), and MIPYMES operating in Santiago de Cuba. This includes those who provide messaging services for the purchase of liquefied gas, who must present certification to continue operating.
What are the consequences of not completing the mandatory fire safety training?
Failure to comply with training is considered an omission subject to penalty according to Decree 141/1988 on internal order offenses and Law 151/2022 of the Cuban Penal Code. This may include fines and other penalties for offenders.
Where and how will the fire training be conducted in Santiago de Cuba?
The training will take place at the provincial headquarters of the Cuban Volunteer Firefighters Association (ABVC), located at Command 1 on Martí Street. The course lasts for five days, consisting of four theoretical sessions and one practical session, and participants must present their identity card and pay a fee of 500 Cuban pesos.
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