The advisory, directed at State Health Departments and State Disaster Management Authorities, outlines crucial steps to be taken:
Thorough Inspections: Hospitals must undergo comprehensive fire safety audits to ensure compliance with regulations. This includes assessing the functionality of fire-fighting systems such as alarms, detectors, extinguishers, hydrants, and lifts.
Electrical Load Audits: Addressing the issue of inadequate electrical load capacity is paramount. Hospitals are instructed to conduct regular audits and rectify any discrepancies, especially in areas like ICUs.
Fire NOC Compliance: Strict adherence to regulatory requirements, including obtaining valid fire No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) from state fire departments, is mandated.
Additionally, a detailed set of instructions has been provided to Chief Secretaries of all States and UTs for dissemination among accredited hospitals. These instructions encompass various measures to ensure fire safety compliance:
Regular Maintenance: Establishing maintenance schedules for fire safety equipment, including monthly checks and quarterly tests, is essential.
Oxygen Safety: Implementing strict policies regarding smoking and heat sources in areas with oxygen tanks or piped oxygen is crucial.
Combustible Material Control: Auditing hospital construction materials to replace combustible ones with non-combustible alternatives, especially in patient care areas, is advised.
Staff Training: Continuous training programs for staff on fire prevention and emergency procedures, along with bi-annual fire drills, are recommended.
Evacuation Plans: Developing comprehensive evacuation plans with clear escape routes and designated safe assembly areas is essential.
States/UTs are also urged to conduct follow-up reviews to ensure the effective implementation of these critical safety measures.
