Everything You Need To Know About Fire Safety Industry & Laws?In?India

Recently, I was interacting with my industry peers on industrial safety & fire safety. During our conversation, I found that there is massive misunderstanding, misinformation, and virtually no clarity on the fire safety industry and the relevant laws. I was literally shocked to find that basic information that everyone should know is even not known to industry peers. 

This gave me an impetus to deep dive into this topic.

According to the Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India report 2020, a total of 11,037 cases of fire accidents were reported in the country during 2020. Despite that, there is no uniform legislation regarding fire safety in India.

In 2017, a major fire broke out at the Kamala Mills compound in Mumbai, killing 14 people and injuring several others. The incident was attributed to the lack of fire safety measures in the building, including blocked fire exits and unsealed ducts.

In 2019, a fire broke out at a coaching center in Surat, Gujarat, killing 22 students. The incident was attributed to the illegal construction of the building, which lacked proper fire safety measures and emergency exits.

In 2020, a massive fire broke out at a factory in Delhi, killing 43 people. The incident was attributed to the lack of fire safety measures in the building, including blocked fire exits and insufficient ventilation.

• Inadequate infrastructure for firefighting is a significant issue in India, with many fire stations understaffed and equipped with outdated and poorly maintained equipment and vehicles.
• Illegal constructions that do not follow fire safety norms are widespread in India, posing a significant risk to occupants and firefighters.
• The lack of proper fire safety equipment and measures in many buildings is a major challenge, with fire alarms, sprinklers, and fire-resistant materials often missing or not maintained properly.
• The government of India has taken some steps to improve fire safety conditions, including implementing regulations and guidelines, initiating awareness campaigns, and providing training programs.
• However, greater implementation and enforcement of fire safety regulations and guidelines, stricter penalties for violations, adequate staffing and modern equipment for fire stations, and public awareness and education are critical needs to address the fire safety problem in India.

• At present, fire prevention and fire fighting services are organized by the concerned States Union Territories (UTs), and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
• The National Building Code (NBC) of India, 2016: Published by the Bureau of Indian Standards, NBC is a “recommendatory document”, and state governments are expected to incorporate it into their local building by-laws, making the recommendations a mandatory requirement.

It mainly contains administrative regulations, general building requirements such as fire safety requirements, structural design, and construction (including safety) provisions.

• Model Building Bye Laws, 2003: Under Modern Building Bye Laws 2003, fire clearance is the responsibility of the Chief Fire Officer at each point. The concerned Development Authority must provide the building plans to the Chief Fire Officer for clearance purposes.
• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): Guidelines by National Disaster Management Authority stipulate fire safety requirements for public buildings, including hospitals along with design guidelines relating to maintaining a minimum level of open space, exit mechanisms, stairs, and evacuation drills.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

• Fire Safety Legislation and Audit: India needs strong fire safety legislation with an effective time-to-time audit mechanism to reduce the vulnerability of urban fires.
• Corporate Safety Responsibility: Building corporations need to ensure proper vulnerability assessments before construction and maintain basements free of obstructions to maintain proper escape channels.
• Fire Hazard Response Plans: It is imperative that every Urban Local Body develops a fire hazard plan in partnership with the administration, fire brigade, and health department and conduct regular mock drills in public spaces to facilitate awareness among the people and swift recovery from unforeseen fires.
• Modernization of Fire Safety Equipment: Finances and assistance should be provided by the government to bolster and modernize fire departments with equipment like smoke detectors, fire hose cabinets, and automatic sprinkler systems.

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In summary, the poor fire safety conditions in India require urgent attention. Stricter regulations, increased funding, public education, and proactive measures by businesses are necessary to improve fire prevention and response capabilities. By working together, we can prioritize fire safety and create a safer future.

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