Odisha govt to get strict on fire safety guidelines

In the backdrop of the fire mishap in Delhi official complex, DG Fire Services S K Upadhyay has issued instructions to all Assistant Fire Officers of the districts, Deputy Fire Officers of all circles and Range Fire Officers of the State to strictly enforce the guidelines of Odisha Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Rules, 2017. 

The DG has laid emphasis on fire safety audit of installations of hotels, lodgings and guest houses, all educational buildings above 12 metres or built up areas above 1000 square metres, cinema halls, multiplex, all clinical establishments above 12 metres or more than 3 floors, business or office building above 12 metres or built up area more than 500 square metres, places of congregations like auditorium, convention halls above 500 square metres built up area; warehouses above 500 square metres, coaching centres/hostels, factories and industries etc. as enumerated under Rule-9. 

The DG has also issued instructions for ensuring appointment of Fire Safety Supervisors of Buildings as enumerated under Rule-15.

Moreover, all field officers of the Fire department have been asked to ensure displaying of photocopies of Fire Safety certificates to different establishments of the State at all conspicuous places in all floors as per Rule-17. 

The DG also instructed all Fire Officers, Deputy Fire Officers and Assistant Fire Officers to inspect the above-mentioned categories of buildings under the provision of Rule-18 and then follow up action under Rules 19 & 20.

Similarly, the DG has instructed Fire Safety audit/ inspections of all district headquarters hospitals, Collectorates and high-rise government buildings where frequent movement occurs on a priority basis by May 21. 

At the same time, all fire station officers have been instructed to take fire prevention and fire safety measures in temporary structures as enumerated under Rule-10. 

While vendors have been advised not to use loose or open electrical wiring to avoid fire mishaps, fire station officers have also been instructed to co-ordinate with various market committees for community participation towards fire safety and fire prevention in busy market places/ daily markets etc.