In the past few years, there have been many fire accidents taken place. Most of them were quite noticeable. These accidents attracted the attention of the government towards the fire safety rules and regulations. After those accidents, the government has become very strict regarding fire safety. Now, everywhere, like buildings, educational institutions, hospitals, hotels, nursing homes, underground complexes, industrial storage, meetings, banquet halls, and hazardous occupancies, it is compulsory to follow fire safety measures under the fire safety rules and regulations. Under the same rules and regulations, fire department NOC is also compulsory. In case of violation, heavy fines and penalties will be levied; therefore, one must comply with them.
What are Fire Safety Rules and Regulations in India?
Fire safety rules and regulations are those guidelines with the help of which fire accidents can be prevented. These are necessary so that such incidents related to fire can be prevented. The primary purpose of these fire safety rules and regulations is to prevent accidents in various places. The other important purpose is that in case of fire, accidents ensure the safety of the people and the property. Some of the common safety measures are mentioned below:
Fire and Electrical Safety
- Regular maintenance of buildings is necessary in order to eliminate fire accidents.
- To prevent the combustion, safe disposal of waste materials is mandatory
- There are different electrical codes and standards for different buildings, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, etc, which need to be followed.
- Regular inspection of the electrical systems
- Regular maintenance of electrical systems.
- To prevent electrical fires, it is necessary to have proper grounding as well as wiring.
- There must be periodic inspections by the local fire authorities
- Ensure that the building does not exceed the maximum occupancy limit
- Storage of the flammable materials must be proper
- Storage of the flammable chemicals must be done properly so that they cannot cause any harm.
- Having adequate ventilation is necessary to avoid the buildup of flammable gases.
Fire Safety Equipment
- Installation and maintenance of smoke detectors,
- Heat detectors are also necessary in buildings, hospitals, schools, etc.
- Fire alarm systems must be there in order to prevent fire accidents
- Regular testing of fire alarm systems
- Installation of fire extinguishers and automatic fire sprinkler systems.
- Fire hydrant and hose reel systems must be installed for larger buildings and industrial facilities.
Fire Safety Training
- Development of emergency evacuation plans with clearly marked exit routes.
- Conduct fire drill training
- Training employees and the other occupants on evacuation procedures.
- Awareness regarding the fire safety signs, including
- Must train the employees and occupants with respect to the exit signs and fire extinguisher locations
- Must shower knowledge regarding the actions one must take during the time of emergency and how to use emergency contact information
What are the Fire Safety Rules and Regulations issued by the Government?
As there are different laws applicable to different things in India, there is no particular law where fire safety rules and regulations have been mentioned. In India, rules and regulations regarding fire safety have been mentioned under various laws. Some of the key laws where fire safety-related provisions have been given are mentioned below:
- The National Building Code consists of various provisions that are related to fire safety. These provisions pertain to safety protocols to be observed during the construction of a building, which encompasses the use of fire-resistant materials and the installation of comprehensive fire safety equipment throughout the structure.
- Fire Services Act is the next regulation of the government, which is for the fire safety of the buildings. This law is a state legislature that needs to be maintained by all the states. According to this law, local authorities must conduct routine inspections to prevent fire accidents.
- PESO stands for the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization, and its main role is to oversee the safe handling, storage, and transportation of materials that can catch fire or explode. This regulates fire safety in industries where there is the use of hazardous substances.
- Factories Act of 1948, which is particularly applicable to factories, also provides rules and regulations regarding fire safety with respect to factories.
- Electrical rules are there in order to prevent electrical fire-related accidents.
- Environment Protection Act of 1986, which talks about environmental safety, also gives guidance regarding fire safety because, indirectly or directly, fire accidents harm or pollute the environment as well.
- Chemical Accidents Rules, 1996 are there for the industries that are related to any type of chemicals. They give ideas regarding emergency planning, preparedness, and response in case of an accident, including fire accidents, as well.
- Some local-state laws are also applicable.
- The Explosives Act and Rules are the legal regulations that control how explosives and similar materials are handled, stored, and transported.
- The Indian Boiler Regulations are like the rulebook for how boilers are used in India. They’re in place to ensure that boilers are used safely and to prevent any risk of fires or explosions.
How to Use Fire Extinguishers?
There is a proper way of using fire safety extinguishers as per the fire safety rules and regulations. Some of the usages of the fire extinguishers are given below:
- Tackle the fire with the wind behind you.
- Extinguish fire at the base.
- Flowing or dripping fires must be extinguished from top to bottom.
- Use enough fire extinguishers simultaneously.
- Beware in case the fire reignites.
- Do not return used fire extinguishers to their original position without refilling.
- The fire extinguisher is to be refilled.
What are the Different Classes of Fire Extinguishers
Some of the key classes of fire extinguishers and their usage as per the fire safety rules and regulations are mentioned below in the table:
| Name | Usage | Example of Fire |
| Water extinguisher | Fires involving solid material, mainly of organic nature, which normally burn with embers | Wood, paper, textiles, car tires etc. |
| Dry chemical extinguisher with ABC extinguishing agent | Fires involving solid material, mainly of organic nature, which normally burn with embers | Wood, paper, textiles, car tires etc. |
| Carbon dioxide extinguishers | Fires involving liquid or liquid-forming material | Petrol, oil, fat, varnish, resin, wax, tar, ether, alcohol, plastic etc |
| Dry chemical extinguisher with metal extinguishing agent | Metal fires | Aluminium, magnesium, lithium, sodium, potassium and their alloys etc. |
| Fat fire extinguisher | Fires involving edible oils and fats | Fat-fryers and deep-fat-fryers |
Conclusion
There are multiple fire safety rules and regulations in India. For example, there are separate rules and regulations with respect to factories, industries, environment, schools, hospitals, etc. However, the objective of all these rules and regulations regarding fire safety is to prevent fire accidents. Well-established law helps individuals and organisations to comply with them so that fire accidents will be prevented. Fire safety is necessary because fire accidents cause irreparable damage. Hence, without ignorance, one must comply with these rules as well as regulations.
