On August 8, 2024, within the premises of Impact Hub Kathmandu, a loud alarm rang abruptly at around 11:45 AM, interrupting our office chores. At that moment, everything stopped — tasks, meetings, consultations, — IHK members and all the tenants made their way to the designated muster point, leaving behind our ongoing works. For those who didn’t hear the alarm, Romi Shrestha and Dol Prasad Dulal, Fire Warden for the drill intervened, ensuring everyone evacuated safely. At the muster point, Bini Rana Magar, Incident Commander of the drill, ensured the safe evacuation of all individuals and provided clear instructions to remain calm and secure. This activity ensured that our team understood the need to be prepared and support each other during times of emergencies.
In a world where we have started to realize the importance of workplace safety as a fundamental right of the employees, ensuring workplace safety is vital for the workers’ safety and mitigating any potential risks to life and property. This ensures that the individuals in the workplace are protected and can resume operations after the disruption. Implementing effective safety protocols and emergency plans minimizes the potential for damage, enhancing the ability to recover efficiently and help others for rescue, even in the wake of significant unfortunate calamities.
Impact Hub Kathmandu and Fablab Nepal, in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering, have completed the “Building Safe Engineering Designs and Practices in Nepal” project. This comprehensive initiative included nine safety-focused workshops conducted across engineering institutions in four provinces: Bagmati, Lumbini, Koshi, and Gandaki. To further promote safe engineering practices, the project also distributed essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to participants.
As a key component of the project, Impact Hub Kathmandu conducted a safety drill on August 8, 2024, in collaboration with the Nepal Occupational Safety & Health Academy (NOSHA). This drill aimed to enhance community preparedness for potential safety hazards and was conducted under the expert guidance of NOSHA professionals. Located in the heart of Nepal’s capital, Impact Hub Kathmandu is a dynamic hub for entrepreneurs, innovators, and social changemakers. With its growing community, ensuring the safety and well-being of all members remains a paramount priority for the organization.
All of the members gathered at Muster Point during the safety drill
The safety drill, a key initiative aimed at enhancing emergency preparedness across the Hub’s diverse community, was a resounding success Participants were guided through evacuation procedures., focusingon the practical steps to take in the event of a fire, earthquake, or other emergencies.
Beyond evacuation plans, workplace safety encompasses comprehensive preparedness, including risk assessments, regular safety drills, and training on handling emergencies. To ensure the staff was well-prepared to lead the drill and manage potential emergencies effectively, a one-day training session was conducted by the Nepal Occupational Safety & Health Academy (NOSHA) on August 2, 2024. Bini Rana Magar was trained as the Incident Commander, responsible for overseeing emergency operations, while Romi Shrestha and Dol Prasad Dulal were designated as Safety Wardens, trained in evacuation procedures, hazard management, and first aid. This preparatory training ensured a smooth execution of the safety drill, with designated leaders prepared to guide the community through any emergency. This training equipped the staff to effectively lead the drill and manage potential emergencies.
One-day training session conducted on August 2, 2024, by the NOSHA for designated three key staff members
Following the drill, a debriefing session was held with the key staff members, the management team, and the NOSHA representatives to review the drill’s successes and identify areas for improvement, such as refining evacuation procedures and addressing minor communication gaps. Overall, the drill was deemed effective in reinforcing core safety protocols. The team concluded that regular safety preparedness is essential and agreed to conduct safety drills twice a year. This ongoing commitment ensures that the organization remains vigilant and well-prepared for future emergencies, fostering a resilient and safety-conscious environment.
Certificate of Appreciation from NOSHA for Impact Hub Kathmandu’s successful safety drill
Lastly, we extend our sincere gratitude to the Royal Academy of Engineering for their crucial support in making the “Building Safe Engineering Designs and Practices in Nepal” project a success. Their commitment to advancing safety and engineering excellence has been instrumental in strengthening our preparedness and resilience. We also thank the Nepal Occupational Safety and Health Association (NOSHA) for their expert guidance throughout this process. Together, we are fostering a safer and more secure environment at Impact Hub Kathmandu.
