Friday, August 18, 2017

TN contemplating on giving more power to TNFRS to ensure fire-proof buildings

Chennai:

The state government is planning to give more power to Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Service as the state is working on formulating a area-based comprehensive fire safety management plan for Chennai's Central business district (CBD) or the city's main business and commercial area like T Nagar as well as key commecial areas of Chennai Metropolitan Area.



The study will chalk out main business and commercial area in the city as well as commercial areas in the Chennai Metropolitan Area that are vulnerable to fire and come out with a action plan on how to fight and control fire in these areas.



During a recent review meeting chaired by Housing Secretary held earlier this month, it was suggested to increase the scope of fire service with more enforcement powers.



Sources indicated that the plan will also look into consulting private fire safety training institutes for fire safety management plan.



V Sivaramakrishnan, a fire consultant, has welcomed the move by the government to involve fire safety training institutes. However, he said that the government has to ensure that the fire fighting equipment are being installed by the licensed fire safety consultants.



“Currently, the importance of fire safety is lacking while designing a building. The builders take help of unprofessional persons to install fire equipment which can prove costly for human life during a crisis like situation,’ he added.



Meanwhile, the officials are planning to include rules guaranteeing that the building follows Fire Safe Building Practices. This could be included at the time of issuing building permit. This could include use of fire resistant materials in the construction of building.



The government is also contemplating of including third party annual fire safety auditing of buildings. It is learnt that most of the organisations, including hospitals are trying to cut cost by not implementing the basic fire safety norms. Citing an example, Sivaramakrishnan said that a leading hospital in the city refused to implement fire safety norms as the organsisation fears it will affect their profits.



How to implement fire safety plan for Chennai:

1. List out priority business and commercial areas in the heart of the city and commercial areas around CMA and prepare techniques to contain fire during exigencies

2. Third party annual fire safety auditing of buildings

3. Inclusion of Fire Safe Building Practices clause for issuing building permit

4. Ensuring the fire safety equipment is installed by licensed fire consultants

5. Giving more enforcement powers to TNFRS

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