Fire safety is an important concern for all of us. Most people may never face a major fire breakout but dont think it will never happen to you. Fire is an unpredictable catastrophe, which can occur any time. Hence, it should be ensured that one is always prepared for any such emergency. According to Indian law, minimal fire safety equipment is mandatory for any developed property.
Fire Safety arrangements have become the basic necessity for MNCs (Multi National Companies), Offices, Schools, High Rise Buildings, Multi Storey Buildings/Houses and Shopping Complexes. Carbon Monoxide Detector, Smoke Alarms, Fire Extinguishers, Escape Ladders, Fire sprinkler systems, Fire doors & frames, Water storage etc. are some of the important Fire Safety Installations. Installation of fire safety device is offered as a part of project by builders or developers. But regular inspection as well as annual servicing is necessary to maintain the Fire Safety Equipment in good working condition.
Following are some useful tips for installation and maintenance of fire safety device.
- Fire Escape: Fire escape plan or routes are to be provided with a sign. The preferred words for signage leading to an exterior fire escape are Fire Escape or Fire Exit. If your home or apartment doesnt have an emergency fire escape plan, make an outline of your entire floor area and mark the escape route one showing normal exit through hall or stairways and another showing emergency exit in case fire blocks hallways or stairs.
- Fire Escape Access: If you live in an apartment building, your apartment should have access to both the main stairwell and an alternate fire escape. If you or someone in your family is physically disabled, make sure that their bedrooms have several exits that they can access easily or are situated on the ground floor near an exit.
- Fire Safety audit: The fire license is issued based on the adherence to National Building Code provisions with respect to fire safety. In India, fire audits are conducted by third party for the purpose of issuing statutory clearance for occupation of the high rise buildings.
- Identifying the fire hazards: Fires occur when the three things viz. a source of ignition, fuel and oxygen are present together and the fire risk could increase depending on the proximity of these materials to each other. It is important to understand what materials in your work area or apartment are flammable and combustible so that you may properly store and isolate them from ignition sources.
The primary goal of fire safety efforts is to protect building occupants from injury and to prevent loss of life and the secondary goal is to prevent damage or loss of valuable. Ensure that fire safety device in your apartment or building is maintained regularly and the devices are in good working condition. Never block or lock the Fire Escape route which will trap you in case of emergency.
