Ensuring Fire Safety in Public Buildings: Adherence to the National Building Code

Fire safety in public buildings remains a critical issue in India. Despite the existence of robust guidelines under the National Building Code (NBC), lack of enforcement by states has led to devastating fire disasters. This blog delves into the current state of fire safety regulations, the guidelines under the NBC, and the pressing need for effective implementation.

Background

Fire accidents in public buildings are a recurrent tragedy in India. Recent incidents, such as the hospital fires in Bharuch (Gujarat), Virar (Mumbai), and Mumbra (near Thane), have resulted in the deaths of at least 37 people. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 330 people died in commercial building fires in 2019. When residential buildings are included, the fatality rate rises significantly to 6,329. Common causes of these fires include electrical failures, non-compliance with safety laws, and lack of modern fire safety technology in public buildings.

Legal Provisions for Fire Safety Compliance

National Building Code (NBC)

The NBC of India, published by the Bureau of Indian Standards, provides comprehensive guidelines for fire and life safety. Although initially recommendatory, the Home Ministry has urged states to incorporate these guidelines into their local building bylaws, making them mandatory.

Key Guidelines under NBC:

1. Design and Materials:
   • Specifications for fire-resistant materials in exterior walls, interior bearing walls, floors, roofs, fire check doors, and fire enclosure exits.
2. Building Classification:
   • Classification of buildings by use (e.g., residential, educational, institutional, assembly, industrial).
   • Recommendations for the location of buildings to prevent hazardous structures from coexisting with residential, institutional, office, and business buildings.
3. Fire Safety Technologies:
   • Incorporation of automatic fire detection and alarm systems, automatic sprinklers and water sprays, fireman’s lifts, and fire barriers.
4. Exemptions:
   • Local fire services may grant exemptions in cases of practical difficulty, although this provision should be used sparingly and with caution.

Additional Measures

1. Fire Safety Committees:
   • Conduct periodic audits of fire installations, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and other electrical equipment in Union government hospitals.
2. Third-Party Accreditation:
   • The Health Ministry mandates third-party accreditation for fire safety and requires a mandatory fire response plan in every hospital.
3. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):
   • Mandatory requirements for fire safety in public buildings, including maintaining minimum open safety spaces, protected exit mechanisms, dedicated staircases, and regular evacuation drills.
4. Supreme Court Directives:
   • States must carry out fire safety audits of dedicated COVID-19 hospitals.

Challenges in Implementation

Evidence indicates that states often lack the manpower to ensure compliance with the NBC and other safety codes. For instance, a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report (2010-2015) highlighted significant deficiencies in Maharashtra, where only 11 out of 53 government buildings inspected had fire extinguishers, and the rest lacked basic fire-fighting installations. Similarly, broader regulations in Tamil Nadu and Kerala do not consistently reference the NBC.

Way Forward

To improve fire safety in public buildings, several measures need to be adopted:

1. Mandatory Fire Liability Insurance:
   • Implementing compulsory fire liability insurance for all public buildings to ensure protection for occupants and visitors. This would also encourage external inspections and regular safety checks.
2. Regular Audits and Inspections:
   • Conducting regular, independent audits and inspections to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
3. Public Awareness and Training:
   • Organizing fire safety workshops and drills in local communities, schools, and public buildings to educate people on fire prevention and emergency response.
4. Upgrading Fire Safety Infrastructure:
   • Investing in modern fire-fighting technology and equipment, and ensuring they are properly maintained and operational.

By adhering to these guidelines and prioritizing fire safety, India can significantly reduce the risk of fire accidents and protect lives and properties.

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