MCD issues urgent preventive measures for fire safety of its buildings

New Delhi [India], May 31 : In the wake of recent fire incidents in Delhi, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has issued urgent preventive measures for the fire safety of its buildings.
These measures will be adopted in hospitals, dispensaries, schools, community centres, multi-level parking, zonal offices, and other MCD buildings, the civic body said.
Officials are directed to implement fire safety instructions, which include inspection of firefighting systems, electrical load audits, the installation of smoke detectors, fire alarms, and automatic water sprinklers.
In view of recent fire incidents, the MCD has issued urgent preventive measures for the fire safety of its buildings. These measures will be adopted in hospitals, dispensaries, schools, community centres, multi-level parking , zonal offices, and other buildings where there is a large gathering.
The Electrical Department must regularly inspect fire-fighting equipment such as fire extinguishers, hydrants, and alarms. This includes checking the expiration dates of extinguishers, ensuring hydrants are accessible and have adequate water pressure, and ensuring that fire alarms are operational and audible throughout the facility, the MCD instructed.
The MCD has also asked to establish a maintenance schedule for all fire safety equipment. This should include monthly checks of fire extinguishers and quarterly tests of fire alarms and hydrants. It has also asked to conduct electrical audits biannually to evaluate the building's power consumption, particularly in high-demand areas like ICUs.
In areas with oxygen tanks or piped oxygen, strict no-smoking policies and controls on heat sources should be implemented, the civic body said.
It has also asked to ensure that fire smoke detectors and fire alarms are installed in all hospital areas, particularly in patient rooms, hallways, and common areas.
Materials used in hospital construction and furnishings should be identified, and combustible materials should be replaced with non-combustible or fire-resistant alternatives, especially in patient care areas, it said.
Electrical ducts should be inspected to ensure they are sealed with materials like intumescent, fire-stop sealants that prevent the spread of fire and smoke through openings.
Power management systems should be used to monitor electrical loads and prevent overloading. It should also be ensured that multiple high-power devices are not connected to a single circuit.
Automatic sprinkler systems and accessible hose pipes should be fitted in critical areas, including ICUs and operation theatres, the MCD said, adding that these systems should be in sync with the fire alarm system that has to be activated in the event of a fire.
Hospital infrastructure should be regularly reviewed and updated to comply with the latest fire safety standards outlined in the National Building Code 2016, it said. This includes ensuring a proper ventilation system, fire-resistant doors, and emergency lighting in corridors and stairwells.
Fire Safety No-Objection Certificates should be annually renewed as per the Fire Safety Rules of the Government of NCT of Delhi, the MCD said. This includes submitting up-to-date fire safety plans and records of equipment maintenance and staff training.
The MCD has also asked to implement a continuous training programme for all staff on fire prevention, emergency procedures, and the use of fire-fighting equipment. Bi-annual fire drills, including evacuation drills, should be conducted to ensure staff, doctors, and patients know how to respond in an emergency.
Comprehensive evacuation plans should be developed that include clear, well-marked escape routes, emergency exits free of obstructions, and designated safe assembly areas, the MCD said. Plans should be displayed prominently throughout the hospital and in staff training programmes, and each hospital has to formulate a Standard Operating Procedure that has to be followed in case of a fire incident, it added.
By implementing these measures, MCD aims to significantly enhance the fire safety and preparedness of its buildings, thereby safeguarding the lives of residents, employees, and property.