Thanks to damp compliance with fire safety rules, several commercial high-rises in Kochi stand highly vulnerable in case of a major fire accident.
A fire safety audit of commercial high-rises in the city, initiated by the Fire and Rescue Services Department in the backdrop reports of major fire accidents coming in from Mumbai and Bengaluru, has revealed glaring lapses on the part of building owners. As part of the surprise inspections, which began on Tuesday, officials visited four hospitals and two shopping malls.
During the inspection, officials examined whether the buildings had adequate exit routes and exit signages, alternative evacuation plans in case of power failure, and efficacy of fire safety equipment and house-keeping department, among others.
“The inspection on Tuesday revealed that emergency exits in most buildings remained permanently blocked, while in some, entry and exit points are not clearly demarcated. Further, most fire fighting equipment in the buildings — the first line of defence in case of a fire — are defunct in the absence of periodical maintenance,” said Dileepan, Divisional Fire Officer, Ernakulam.
The sprinkler valves in some buildings — a necessary safety condition — remain permanently closed, while water hose reels are stuck and not working. At least two of the three building blocks of a prominent hospital were found functioning without a No Objection Certificate from the Fire Department.
The officials also found that security staff at the buildings had little idea about operating even a fire extinguisher.
The inspection will go on till next week, and the report, including findings and recommendations, will be submitted to the District Collector next week.
“All that the Fire and Rescue Services Department can do is report the violations to the authorities concerned, who are mandated to collar violators,” officials said.
