Fires are happening on regular basis and there is loss of precious life. Everyone feels fire can never happen to him or her and only happens to others.
Have you ever thought why this is happening of late on regular basis, there are several points to focus on :
- We did not have high rise buildings in past few decades maximum were 7 storeyed.
- Glass facade is the bane for high rise, poses challenges to fight fires and also traps smoke inside which can be very hazardous to building occupants and fire fighters
- Improper Ventilation system and smoke control design , most buildings have elaborate arrangement for smoke detectors, hydrant & sprinklers but the architechts or consultants ignore to take into consideration the smoke control and pressurisation system design for exit paths and lift lobbies
- Comfort gets highest priority with everyone just adding on electrical loads without a proper thinking - there has to be Video Conferencing, High Power UPS, spot lights in every room, IT equipments, Airconditioners increased post construction thinking there is an infinite power source available and cables can carry unlimited power . This happens with everyone of us and earlier generations were probably not exposed to such a change what our generation has seen in last 20 years. A due diligence is necessary to see that post construction what extra loads you can add and what is capacity of your wiring and power source.
- Improper design of electrical ducts leading to smoke & fire migration to other floors
- Regular interior changes to make your office or house look more swankier.
- Getting electrical work done from people who are not so qualified about design or know anything about electrical & fire safety, in India it is usually the local electrician who is consulted who in variably is interested to make some quick bucks and without considering what would be after effects he alters the wiring and electrical loads
- Managing Committes of society are not aware of the fire, electrical or gas hazards which they have in their buildings
- Quality of Switches, cables, lights is deteriorating day by day to bring down the cost
- Electrical fittings call for switch mode power supplies which are many times sourced from Lamington road market which are in most cases Chineses and designed by amateurs
- Wiring of the house is never upgraded since occupied and no one thinks in terms of changing electrical loads, they just go on adding. Split, Window ACs get added for comfort stressing cable insulation
- No Electrical safety thought out in terms of ELCB, MCB, good earthing
- There are no fire extinguishers in many offices and even if they are there very few people know how to operate them
- High rise buildings have long exit paths as you need to use stairs when there is fire in the building, it will take you a longer time to escape & exit and imagine if there is fire in stairs or staircase is narrow. One does not realise that in fires full of Carbon Monoxide you cant even climb down one floor and you would collapse
- Refuge floors are usually kept locked and no one can find keys as everyone is panicking during fire
- Frequent fire drills not conducted and people panic during fire
- Do you know that life lost is not usually due to fire but due to gas which emits from fire. Mumbai Fire Brigade lost one of their able fire fighters in the mishap a great loss for fire fighters family and othe brigade. Cant we be responsible to keep our fire systems intact, the approach is very casual from building owners and managing committee to these systems - let us learn from these mistakes and take things seriously
- High Rise premise owners need to consult specialists for fire safety, security, and even natural disasters liek earthquake, lightning and floods
How We Can Help as Consultants :
We have spent a long time in studying fire and its effects and why fires happen and how to keep it away from you.
Many managing committe may not be aware that as office bearers they have tremendous responsibility and are liable by law of the land and any loss of life can be treated as criminal negligence. Maharashra Government has passed Life Safety Act 2006 will immediately take an action against office bearers. Managing Committee are doing a honorary job for well being of the societies in most cases but they are ignorant of this side of law which holds them responsible.
A RIsk Management of Your Premises by our Fire Experts can help you identify all risks prevalent on your premises and what are the best mitigation measures possible.
Our Mission is to Save Precious Life & Asset with Our Engineering & Technology Excellence !