Jhansi witnessed a heartbreaking tragedy as a fire broke out on November 15,2024 in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Uttar Pradesh, India. The devastating incident claimed the lives of at least 10 newborns and left over 16 others severely injured, raising serious concerns about hospital safety and emergency response measures.
In response, both the central and the state government have issued advisories and strict directives to conduct thorough fire safety audits in hospitals. In light of this development, TISHHA NEWS / YASHI ASTHANA brings you this comprehensive go to guide to ensure your healthcare facility is equipped the way it should be.
Fire safety in hospitals is a critical aspect of healthcare infrastructure, ensuring the safety of patients, staff, and visitors.
Regulatory Bodies in India
In India, fire safety regulations for hospitals are governed by the National Building Code (NBC), guidelines from the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH), and state-specific laws such as the Uttar Pradesh Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Act. These norms mandate robust fire-fighting systems, regular audits, staff training, and adherence to oxygen safety protocols. Recent government advisories emphasize the need for proactive measures like periodic fire audits and valid No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to mitigate risks. By following these standards, hospitals can create a safer environment and reduce the likelihood of fire-related incidents.
Ensuring fire safety in hospitals is a critical responsibility governed by various regulations and guidelines in India to prevent Fire cases like Jhansi Tragedy.
National Building Code of India (NBC): The NBC provides comprehensive guidelines on building construction and safety. Part 4 specifically addresses fire and life safety, detailing requirements for fire prevention, life safety in relation to fire, and fire protection. Hospitals must adhere to these standards to minimize fire hazards. According to NBC :
- Building Design and Construction: Hospitals must be designed with fire-resistant materials and compartmentalization to prevent fire spread. This includes fire barriers and partitions to contain potential fires.
- Fire Detection and Alarm Systems: Installation of automatic fire detection and alarm systems is mandatory to ensure early fire detection and prompt evacuation.
- Means of Egress: Hospitals should have clearly marked, unobstructed escape routes, including staircases and exits, to facilitate safe evacuation during emergencies.
- Firefighting Equipment: Provision of appropriate firefighting equipment, such as extinguishers, hose reels, and automatic sprinkler systems, is required to control and extinguish fires effectively.
- Emergency Power Supply: An uninterruptible power supply for critical systems, including fire alarms, emergency lighting, and life-support equipment, is essential to maintain functionality during power outages.
- Staff Training and Drills: Regular training programs and fire drills for staff are crucial to ensure preparedness and effective response during fire emergencies.
For detailed Information, Below is an attached file consisiting of rules and regulations by NBC.
National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH): NABH has issued advisories emphasizing the importance of fire safety in healthcare organizations. These advisories outline essential measures hospitals should implement to ensure compliance with fire safety norms, such as regular fire safety audits and staff training. NABH
The National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) emphasizes stringent fire safety measures in healthcare organizations. Key recommendations include:
- Regular Fire Safety Audits: Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify and mitigate fire hazards.
- Staff Training: Implement ongoing fire safety training and conduct regular evacuation drills to ensure preparedness.
- Fire Prevention Measures: Properly store flammable materials and maintain clear evacuation routes to prevent fire incidents.
- Compliance with Statutory Obligations: Obtain necessary approvals and registrations from local authorities to meet legal fire safety requirements.
Detailed Information regarding Fire Safety Advisories is available in the below PDF.
State-Specific Regulations: States may have their own fire safety regulations. For instance, the Uttar Pradesh Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Act, 2005, outlines specific requirements for fire safety measures in buildings, including hospitals. Hospitals in Uttar Pradesh must comply with this act to ensure safety. UP Police
Recent Government Advisories:
In response to incidents of hospital fires, the Union Health Ministry and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) have issued joint advisories to states, underscoring the importance of proactive measures to prevent such incidents. These advisories direct state health departments to conduct thorough fire safety audits, ensure functional fire-fighting systems, and obtain valid fire No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) from respective state fire departments.
State Health Departments and Disaster Management Authorities are instructed to collaborate and ensure that accredited hospitals within their jurisdiction take the following actions:
- Comprehensive Inspections: Conduct thorough fire safety audits and on-site inspections to assess compliance. Verify that fire-fighting systems—such as alarms, smoke detectors, extinguishers, hydrants, and lifts—are installed and fully operational.
- Electrical Load Audits: Regularly audit electrical load capacity, especially when adding equipment or converting spaces into ICUs. Address and rectify any identified discrepancies promptly.
- Fire NOC Compliance: Ensure hospitals obtain valid Fire No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) from state fire departments. Older buildings must recalibrate electrical loads to meet current fire safety standards.
A detailed INFORMATION is present on the link where a press release held on March3, 2024
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2016232&utm
Hospitals are critical facilities that demand adherence to stringent regulations and guidelines to ensure safety, operational efficiency, and patient care. Standards from organizations like the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) and the National Building Code (NBC) provide a structured framework for hospital design, construction, and operation. Below is an integrated overview of key guidelines addressing essential components such as building design, safety systems, emergency preparedness, and equipment management.
Effective hospital design ensures safety, functionality, and inclusivity:
- Structural Integrity: Adherence to NBC Section 8 for fire resistance, earthquake resilience, and location-specific seismic safety.
- Layout: NABH mandates zoning to separate sterile, non-sterile, and administrative areas, ensuring infection control and smooth operations.
- Ventilation: Advanced HVAC systems with HEPA filters, as per NBC and NABH, maintain air quality in critical areas like ICUs and operating rooms.
- Accessibility: Compliance with NBC Chapter 12 ensures ramps, elevators, and Braille signage for inclusivity and ease of navigation.
By- YASHI ASTHANA
