2024-03-26 01:52:19
New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) have issued advisories to all states regarding measures to prevent fire incidents in hospitals during the summer season. States will have to conduct inspections in all recognized hospitals under their jurisdiction and conduct special monitoring of electricity meters in hospitals. On the instructions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Health Ministry has issued this advisory and all the states have been asked to take necessary steps based on this advice. There should be regular reviews of the hospital infrastructure to enforce the fire safety standards prescribed in the National Building Code 2016. Special attention will have to be paid to fire safety audit. This includes ensuring proper ventilation systems, fire resistant doors and emergency lighting in corridors and staircases.
As temperatures rise during the summer season, fire in hospitals becomes a major threat. It is necessary to conduct a complete fire safety audit to check whether all necessary measures have been taken to prevent fire in hospitals. Conduct on-site inspections to ensure that fire fighting systems including fire alarms, fire smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, fire hydrants and fire lifts are in place and fully functional. The advisory states that electricity load audit will also be conducted. Hospitals should conduct regular power load audits, especially when adding new equipment or converting vacant spaces into ICUs.
The rules for fire prevention should be followed completely. Fire NOC rule is necessary, if any hospital does not have Fire NOC then the states will have to take strict steps regarding it. Hospitals should regularly inspect fire-fighting equipment such as fire extinguishers, hydrants and alarms. This includes checking expiration dates on fire extinguishers, making sure hydrants are accessible and have adequate water pressure, and that fire alarms are operational and audible throughout the location.
Enforce strict no-smoking policies in areas with oxygen tanks or piped oxygen. These areas should be clearly marked on signage and staff should be trained on the risks associated with high oxygen areas. Use power management systems to monitor power loads and prevent overloading. Make sure that multiple high-power appliances are not connected to the same circuit. In case of fire, special review of evacuation management should be done. Every hospital will have to prepare an SOP to follow in case of a fire incident.