Date:26/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/26/stories/2008092657930200.htm

Tamil Nadu

Building owners sensitised to fire safety measures

Staff Reporter

KARUR: Owners of buildings that did not posses no objection certificate from the Fire and Rescue Department regarding safety measures but suffer any untoward incident would be prosecuted for criminal negligence, according to Director, Fire and Rescue Services, K.R. Shyam Sundar.

Speaking at an interactive session with owners of multi-storey buildings, special buildings and pyrotechnic dealers in Karur on Wednesday Mr. Shyam Sundar said that the aim of the meeting was to instill a sense of responsibility on the part of the building owners and to sensitise them to the need of the situation. They had a social and professional responsibility to get the clearance from the Fire and Rescue Department regarding the safety measures in their buildings, he pointed out.

The enlisted buildings or establishments should conduct a mock drill once a month and create awareness among users on the measures they should adopt in case of a fire, Mr. Shyam Sundar explained to the audience. First thing people caught in a building engulfed by fire should do was to remain calm and not become panicky, plan quickly for finding the way out by lying flat and creeping towards exit with eyes closed, he observed.

In Karur, there were 190 special buildings that were less than 15 metres high. Of them only 121 establishments have secured the Fire and Rescue Department’s clearance certificate. Similarly of the 671 nulti-storey buildings in the district only 116 have got the certificates.

We consider buildings constructed prior to 1999 as old buildings and they would be granted certificates only after alternative fire prevention measures and escape mechanism were in place. As regards buildings constructed after 1999, the department would insist on fire fighting equipment, proper alternative exits and fire alarm installation before granting the certificate.

Owners of buildings that did not possess the department’s clearance would be held criminally liable in case of any fire or other similar mishap, Mr. Shyam Sundar warned and urged the owners to execute their responsibility.

Superintendent of Police K. Shanmugavel, Divisional Fire Officer I.J.L. Nathan and other officials participated in programme.