The High Court has mandated prompt action regarding the issuance of fire safety notifications. Failure to comply may result in the court considering a halt to all building plan approvals within the city. Whereas, the Maharashtra State Government has made significant efforts to enhance citizen safety. The state has introduced more rigorous policies, including the integration of IoT systems, the deployment of Quick Response Vehicles, the implementation of Fire Evacuation Lifts, and the recent proposal for fire training simulators, particularly relevant in an era where high-rise buildings dominate the landscape.

According to last year’s data, Maharashtra is home to 6,712 high-rise buildings and 378 skyscrapers, with Mumbai alone accounting for 3,629 high-rise structures and 362 skyscrapers.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has consistently urged the relevant departments to prioritize fire safety regulations. Following the Chembur fire incident, he pledged a thorough investigation to determine the fire’s cause. During the Monsoon Assembly Session of 2024, he raised concerns regarding fire safety, highlighting that Mumbai has experienced approximately 13,000 fire incidents in the last three years, which have resulted in 65 deaths. He underscored the urgent need for the installation of fire evacuation lifts in buildings exceeding 70 meters in height.

The Chief Fire Officer of Mumbai has repeatedly emphasized the necessity for the public to adhere to fire safety regulations. He underscored the critical role of public awareness in fire safety, asserting that the safety of individuals is dependent on their behaviors. By following established guidelines and properly using fire extinguishers, citizens can greatly mitigate the risk of loss of life and property.

In 2018, the fire department, in partnership with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and based on recommendations from PEATA and MCHI, mandated that Fire Evacuation Lifts be incorporated as essential safety features in high-rise buildings to facilitate quicker life-saving responses during fire emergencies. In July 2022, the Maharashtra Energy Department revised the regulations and issued an advisory along with specifications aimed at preventing the fraudulent production of this critical equipment. This requirement was subsequently incorporated into the UDCPR and is currently under evaluation by the Bureau of Indian Standards for possible inclusion in the National Building Code.

In addition to Fire Evacuation Lifts, buildings must be equipped with fire safety measures, such as Water Tanks, Power Tanks, Hose Pipes, Fire Drills, Fire Extinguishers, Evacuation Drills, Water Sprinklers, and Fire Pumps.

As the court prepares to deliberate today on the timeline for finalizing the notification regarding fire safety regulations, it is essential to enforce stricter standards to avert tragedies akin to the Chembur Fire.

Also Read: India’s First ISI-Certified Fully Insulated Fire Door

The post Maharashtra Strengthens Fire Safety Regulations: A 5-Year Review appeared first on Square Feat India.

As the monsoon season has begun, people are concerned about fire safety and evacuation preparedness. The nation has witnessed devastating fire incidents of Delhi Baby Care and Rajkot Gaming Zone Fire which have shaken people nationwide. These incidents have raised questions about Fire Safety and Fire Evacuation preparedness, especially now that we are entering the monsoon season, which is prone to major fire accidents.

During monsoons, the increased water indoors and outdoors can lead to issues like waterlogging, short circuits, potholes, and electrical system failures that can trigger fires. The uprooting of trees due to heavy rains is another risk factor that can cause fires. The BMC has recorded 106 complaints about the uprooting of trees or branches falling due to rains between June 9 and 22. In the 2023 Monsoon Season, Mumbai recorded 1500 fire calls from June to September.

In the monsoon, common factors such as traffic jams, waterlogging, falling branches, and narrow lanes make firefighting and rescue operations difficult as fire brigade officials struggle to reach the destination in time. There is also a risk of short-circuits due to heavy rains, causing the smog to spread in seconds, particularly in a coastal city with high wind velocity. As a precautionary measure, the MMRDA has established a 24×7 control room for the Monsoon Season. The southwest region is at risk of various weather hazards, including wildfires, flash floods, and dust storms in the monsoon, making it crucial for high-rises and older buildings in the city to assess and set up adequate fire evacuation frameworks to deal with distress calls.

To ensure safety, a fire evacuation lift provides a much better option compared to other fire evacuation systems. It can be used seamlessly for evacuating people stranded inside the building,  allowing firefighters to reach higher floors faster and safer. These lifts are equipped with advanced technologies like IoT, a trap door for emergency exit, a non-combustible material cabin, and side panels with ceramic wool with a two–hour fire rating, making them essential during the monsoon.

Fire safety protocols and Evacuation preparations to follow during Monsoon:

1.     Preventive Maintenance of Fire Suppression System: It is important to regularly check and test fire sprinklers and extinguishers, especially during the monsoon season. Make sure to inspect and replace batteries in smoke detectors and fire alarms to ensure they are working properly. Also, cover outdoor electrical equipment and appliances to protect them from rain and reduce the risk of electrical failures.

2.     Property Maintenance: Clear gutters to prevent water accumulation near structures, Trim trees and shrubs to reduce the risk of lightning strikes. Clear brush at least thirty feet away from the building and remove anything blocking access to fire hydrants and fire department connection lines.

3.     Safety Protocols: Develop an evacuation plan in case of emergencies and ensure everyone is well-versed in the escape routes. Unplug unnecessary appliances and avoid windows during severe thunderstorms. The buildings having a height of 70 meters or above should install the Fire Evacuation Lift and get trained to use it during an emergency.

4.     Waterlogging Mitigation: To combat waterlogging, MMRDA has strategically stationed 131 de-watering pumps across project sites to ensure efficient drainage. The occupants need to take care of garbage disposal to avoid waterlogging.

5.     Safer Infrastructure Projects: In Mumbai, around 200 high-rise buildings are under construction, increasing the chances of fire accidents. These projects need routine check-ups of electrical machinery, functional fire safety equipment, and the installation of fire evacuation lifts for faster and safer evacuations to obtain the Fire NOC.

6.     Security from Health Threats: The smoke generated by wildfires poses the greatest health threat to those with heart and lung conditions, especially older adults and children. Having fire evacuation lifts in buildings, malls, schools, and hospitals can prevent the spread of smoke or fire and allow people to evacuate themselves on time without waiting for the fire brigade.

In summary, the integration of fire-resistant materials in building construction significantly enhances safety by containing fires, preserving structural integrity, protecting escape routes, and minimizing property damage. Adherence to rigorous fire safety standards and installing fire evacuation lifts will create more resilient and secure environments.

Dr. Vikram Mehta, is the MD of SPARTAN Fire Evacuation Lift

Also Read: The Need For Vertical Fire Brigade In High-Rise Constructions

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Maharashtra, the most populous state of India, is growing vertically high. It is known for its Infrastructural boom during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is symbolized for its high-rise constructions and commercial establishments. Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra, alone has 362 skyscrapers and 3,629 high-rise buildings, which makes it the frontrunner in high-rise construction. The growth is permanent as the high-rise construction will always have the logic of being practical to resolve high-density urban development. With the high demand and growing constructions, one question remains permanent i.e., the safety of Occupants living in high-rises.

In high-rise constructions, safe and reliable fire safety and evacuation norms become crucial. The amenities create demand, but the safety standards create a recall for your business. From March 2017 to March 2022, the capital city of Maharashtra received around 23K Fire calls in which 157 people died and 1100 people were badly injured. To address this concern, on 20^th July 2022, the Maharashtra Energy Department came up with an enactment for the introduction of fire evacuation lifts. It has revolutionized vertical safety in High Rise Buildings during fire emergencies. It has been a year since the enactment, and we have seen Builders, Societies, Architects, Engineers, and Fire Brigade Departments applauding a forward-thinking approach to safety in high-rise buildings.

The enactment has raised the safety standards of the rising infrastructure market. The Fire Evacuation Lift – a unique blend of architectural foresight, safety excellence, and cost-efficiency. This vertical safety solution does not just focus on life safety; it also ensures substantial benefits to developers and builders. In Mumbai, more than 40 Fire Evacuation Lift has been installed in a year, which shows the responsibility of builders towards the occupants. These lifts are faster and safer for firefighters to reach higher floors in case of emergencies. It is the safest evacuation equipment for occupants of all ages including pregnant women / differently-abled persons and Pets. But it serves equal and substantial benefits to the builders.

Benefits to High Rise Builders:

1. FSI Saving:

a.     Optimize the Floor Space Index (FSI) in your favor by installing a Fire Evacuation Lift

b.     With optimized FSI, capitalize on the opportunity to increase the sellable space by up to 3000 Sq. Ft.

c.     The increased sellable space can lead to significant financial benefits up to 3 Crores

d.     The Fire Evacuation Lift comes out as a more economical choice than the traditional fire lift with a fire tower.

2. Safety & Efficiency:

a.     Firefighters are the first responders in these scenarios, and their safety is paramount for effective rescue operations. Ensures that the firefighters can reach affected floors quickly, saving valuable time during rescue operations.

b.     The lift’s design and functionality prioritize the safety of building occupants of the high-rise building during fire emergencies. The lift can be used to safely evacuate residents, especially those who are unable to use stairs, while firefighters can focus on extinguishing the fire.

c.     In emergencies, time is of the utmost importance. Fire evacuation lifts offer a significantly faster means of escape compared to stairwells within fire towers. As per government norms, the Fire Evacuation Lift can evacuate around 90 to 100 people in 3o minutes.

d.     The lift can significantly reduce the risks that firefighters face, such as smoke inhalation, building collapse, or getting trapped in the building. 

3.     Reliable in Adverse Conditions:

a.     Fire evacuation lifts are designed to operate even in adverse conditions, including power outages or mechanical failures.

b.  They are equipped with 30-minute backup power systems and emergency communication devices, ensuring their functionality when it matters most.

The acceptance by the builders to install the Fire Evacuation Lift in future projects stands as a testimony to their commitment to safety, innovation, and prudent financial management. It shows that the building is not just aesthetically pleasing but also prioritizes the safety of its occupants. This visionary move will not only set new safety standards but will also resonate with potential buyers who appreciate the integrated approach of safety with utility.

Dr. Vikram Mehta, is MD of SPARTAN Fire Evacuation Lift (fondly known as the Fire Evacuation Man of Maharashtra).

Also Read: The Need For Vertical Fire Brigade In High-Rise Constructions

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