Indian Express 17.11.2009
Follow fire safety regulations: residents of highrises told
In a letter, BMC says buildings over 13 floors should have fire safety equipment in place
Following the recent mishap in a high-rise in Thane that claimed lives of six firemen, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has decided to send notices to high-rise buildings across the city asking the residents to have their internal fire fighting equipment in place. Starting next week, the BMC will send letters to housing societies asking them to follow current fire regulations about internal fire-fighting devices in buildings beyond the 13th floor.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Manisha Mhaiskar said that the BMC’s fire brigade department is equipped to fight fire externally only up to the 13th floor. “It is the standard norm followed worldwide. Any building beyond 13 floors should have all necessary fire fighting equipment in working condition so that firemen can act fast when a fire breaks out,” Mhaiskar said.
The current norms require buildings to have, among other things, a fire-proof refuge area on each floor beyond the thirteenth floor where people can be evacuated. There should be fire detectors, fire extinguishers, fire exits and a fire alarm on each floor.
Mhaiskar said that these norms are usually flouted by most buildings. “The residents are unaware or indifferent to these requirements. If they can invest heavily in manicured green lawns, gymnasium and spa facilities, why can’t they ensure that the fire fighting systems are acquired and functioning? After all it is for their safety,” she added.
Chief Fire Officer Uday Tatkare said, “Buildings have hose pipes on each floor but many a times the pumps are dysfunctional because of which water does not reach the pipes. In the letter, we have asked residents to repair such dysfunctional devices.” But Mhaiskar admitted that the letter can only act as a warning and a request. The BMC does not have authority to penalise those not complying with the norms. “Following the implementation of the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act of 2006, civic corporations will have the power to take action. As of now we can only request residents to take the necessary precautionary steps,” Mhaiskar added.
