DNA EXCLUSIVE: ESIC Kamgar Hospital flouted several fire norms

Investigation into what caused the blaze at ESIC Kamgar Hospital on Monday has exposed number of pitfalls in its fire and safety measures. The installation and operation of extinguishers, maintenance of the fire detection system (including the fire alarm system and layout of sprinklers) was not in tune with the provisions of the National Building Code (NBC), the Maharashtra Fire Prevention & Life Safety Measures Act and the Maharashtra Hospital and Nursing Home Act.

Sources at the government-run hospital in Marol and the Mumbai Fire Department admit that a recently-conducted fire safety audit had exposed a series of lapses in the fire and safety machinery.

"As per the Maharashtra Fire Prevention & Life Safety Measures Act, an occupier of a building has to submit a certificate from the licensed fire contractor to ensure that all fire and safety systems are not only in working conditions but are also efficient. The certificate has to be submitted to the Fire department in January and July every year. ESIC Kamgar Hospital submitted no such certificate," said a senior hospital functionary. He added that most sprinklers in the building were installed in passages, in contravention of the National Building Code.

"Monday's fire also shows that by and large, administrations of private and government hospitals are not serious about fire and life-safety measures, and often cite a shortage of funds (as the excuse for this)," says MV Deshmukh, former director and fire adviser to the Maharashtra government.

The city's former chief fire officer, Pratap Karguppikar, said there is no concept of evacuation drill in hospitals. "In most hospitals, it was found that the fire alarm system was not up to the mark and of good quality. Maintenance of such a system is of paramount importance and it should be upgraded," he says.

Deshmukh adds that as per the provisions of National Building Code the height of hospitals was restricted to 45 metres. "However, the Maharashtra government amended its Fire Prevention & Life Safety Measures Act in 2015 and relaxed this condition. This led to a hike in hospital height to even 80 meters, jeopardising the safety of patients," he said.