The fire department now is more concerned about preventing fire and not fighting it.
It’s been more than a year since the Carlton Towers tragedy struck the city. However, lessons about fire safety seem to be taking a backseat. Karnataka Fire and Emergency Services director BG Chengappa said on Saturday that more than 50% of the buildings in the city are not following fire safety norms and are hence prone to accidents.
Addressing a seminar on fire safety, organised by the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), Changappa said that the department issues the no objection certificate (NoC) for buildings that are 15 metres from the ground.
“But in reality, these buildings are improvised on after obtaining the certificate and no proper measures are taken to install emergency equipment. And this, in turn, makes such buildings prone to fire mishaps,” he said.
Chengappa added that a minimum of two staircases are required to be included while designing a building. But in most cases, often one or two of these staircases appear closed for cost-cutting measures. These buildings are prone to fire accidents.
He said that the department is more concerned about preventing fire and not fighting it. Open spaces help them reach out to people more quickly. People usually die of smoke inhalation and suffocation rather than the fire itself. Lifts and service ducts are also causes of accidents.
Lifts should not be used for evacuation during an emergency as they are dependent on electricity. The first precaution taken during fire emergency is cutting power supply.
Fire and Emergency Services Director (Technical) Dr BK Hamppagol emphasises on training the employees in all the units. While installing the equipment, the employer should make it a point to train his employees in basic emergency measures. People panic because they are not aware or prepared to handle such situations and hence make hasty decisions.This training, therefore, can help them for community service.
Trained people should take an initiative during emergencies and should not turn a blind eye. Maintenance of equipment and training are very important.
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