Fire safety: Centre asks city hospitals to follow regulations
An action taken report (ATR) is to be submitted within 60 days. The chief secretary has forwarded the directives to the MC, which deals with fire safety and related aspects.
The development is crucial for Chandigarh, where several hospitals have received notices for failing to comply with fire safety norms laid down by the municipal corporation. Although the civic body conducts fire audits from time to time, many prominent buildings in the city have not obtained the fire safety NoCs till date.
The letter from the director general of fire services to the chief secretary reads, "Fire safety in hospitals and nursing homes is a matter of utmost importance, given the critical nature of these institutions. Any fire-related incident on such premises can lead to tragic consequences, including loss of lives and disruption of essential health services. In this regard, this directorate has issued multiple advisories and communications highlighting the need for urgent attention towards this issue.
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In view of this, it is requested that necessary directions be issued to the fire services and other concerned departments, such as health, urban local bodies, PWD, and electrical safety departments, to conduct fire safety audits and inspections of all govt and private hospitals and nursing homes using the enclosed checklist and as per the local rules, regulations, and requirements."
The letter authorises UT fire services to continue with existing practices in vogue, besides implementing these guidelines and prioritising inspection of facilities with ICUs, oxygen support systems, and critical care units.
Authorities have also been directed to conduct regular fire drills and training for hospital staff.
The director general of fire services informed that they have prepared a checklist for the inspection and audit of fire safety measures in hospitals and nursing homes in alignment with relevant provisions of the National Building Code 2016, guidelines issued by NDMA, standards of the Bureau of Indian Standards, and advisories of the ministry of health and family welfare.
Box: Key hospitals flouting fire norms
Hospital | Status of FSC | Action taken
1: PGIMER | FSC for 10 buildings not obtained | Discrepancies conveyed
2: Mental Health Institute, Sector 32 | FSC applied | Pending due to discrepancies
3: GMCH-32 | FSC under process | Pending due to discrepancies
4: GMCH-48 | FSC expired | Reminder issued
*FSC- Fire safety certificate
MSID:: 123238344 413 |
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