HCOs: Must Prepare for Rigorous Fire Safety Audits According to NABH Standards After Jhansi Tragedy
HCOs (Health Care Organizations) across Uttar Pradesh need to prepare for comprehensive fire safety inspections after the tragic fire incident at Jhansi Medical College, which claimed the lives of 11 infants. In response, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister, Brajesh Pathak, has directed the Health and Medical Education Department to carry out a thorough review of fire safety measures in all medical facilities throughout the state.
This move aims to assess the current state of fire safety measures in hospitals and identify any deficiencies or potential hazards that could lead to similar incidents. The directive underscores the government’s commitment to preventing further fire-related tragedies in medical facilities and ensuring the safety of patients and staff.
“In the wake of the tragic fire incident at Jhansi Hospital’s NICU, it is crucial to reiterate the fire safety guidelines outlined by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH).
Here are the guidelines and standards given by nabh needs to be followed by Healthcare organisations as per recent annexure dated March 7, 2024
In light of this, all HCOs are reminded to:
1. Conduct regular fire risk assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
2. Implement robust fire prevention measures, including proper storage of flammable materials, maintenance of electrical systems, and installation of fire detection and suppression systems.
3. Provide regular training to staff members on fire evacuation procedures, including the safe evacuation of patients with special needs.
4. Establish clear communication channels and emergency response protocols to coordinate effectively in the event of a fire or other emergencies.
5. Periodically review and update fire safety policies and procedures to address emerging risks and incorporate best practices.
As temperatures escalate during the summer months, hospital fires become a significant threat. To prevent this, the Union Health Ministry and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) have issued a joint advisory to all States/UTs underscoring the paramount importance of proactive measures in preventing such devastating incidents. State Health Departments and State Disaster Management Authorities have been directed to work in close collaboration to ensure that all accredited hospitals within their jurisdiction take immediate action on the following:
• Thorough Inspections: Conduct comprehensive fire safety audit / on-site inspections of all hospitals to assess fire safety compliance. Ensure that fire-fighting systems, including fire alarms, fire smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, fire hydrants,and fire lifts, are present and fully functional.
• Electrical Load Audits: Address the critical issue of insufficient electrical load capacity. Hospitals must regularly conduct electrical load audits, particularly when adding new equipment or converting spaces into ICUs. Any identified discrepancies must be promptly rectified.
• Fire NOC Compliance: Hospitals must strictly adhere to regulatory requirements and obtain valid fire No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) from their respective state fire departments. Prioritize re-calibration of electrical loads in older buildings constructed before adopting fire safety norms.
Following are the instructions that need to be carried out to prevent occurrences of fire incidents in hospitals and other healthcare facilities:
According to NABH standards, hospitals must ensure that fire safety measures, including the installation of smoke detectors, fire alarms, and emergency lighting, are fully functional in all critical areas such as Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). Furthermore, hospitals are required to conduct regular fire drills for staff, maintain clear evacuation routes, and ensure that fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment are easily accessible and up to date. The recent tragedy underscores the urgent need for strict adherence to these guidelines to prevent such disasters and ensure the safety of vulnerable patients.”
Here is a full Information mentioned below in the attached pdf regarding Fire Safety Norms and Preventive Measures needs to be taken by Hospitals Fire Safety Department:
Summary:
In response to the tragic fire at Jhansi Medical College that claimed the lives of 11 infants, Uttar Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister, Brajesh Pathak, has mandated a comprehensive fire safety inspection across all medical facilities in the state. This initiative aims to evaluate current fire safety protocols, identify potential hazards, and address deficiencies to prevent future incidents. Additionally, the state will align with the fire safety guidelines set by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH), focusing on enhancing safety measures, conducting regular fire drills, and ensuring proper equipment and training to safeguard both patients and hospital staff.
