Hidden Fire Risks in Hospitals: Prevention and Safety Measures
India witnessed 33 major hospital fires between 2010 and 2019 out of which 78% were attributed to electrical short circuits. Alarmingly, only 19 of these facilities had functional firefighting systems. Most fires broke out at night (72.72%), frequently near ICUs, where mobility challenges and critical equipment amplify the risks.
Hospitals, designed to save lives, ironically face hidden dangers that can jeopardize them. Fires, often triggered by overlooked risks, pose a grave threat to vital medical infrastructure, life-saving operations, and vulnerable patients. The intricate web of electrical devices, flammable substances, and complex layouts demands stringent fire safety protocols.
In this blog we will take you through the common risk factors which jeopardise hospital fire safety and the proactive measures which if implemented can mitigate such risks.
Negligent Attitude Towards Fire Safety
Negligence in hospital fire safety can have catastrophic outcomes. Recent incidents, such as the Baby Care Newborn Hospital fire in Delhi that killed six infants and the Sealdah ESI Hospital fire in Kolkata caused multiple casualties and highlighted recurring issues. Faulty wiring, electrical system failures, and inadequate fire detection mechanisms are often at fault. The 2021 AMRI Hospital fire in Kolkata is a grim reminder of these risks.
Common Threats to Hospital Fire Safety
Poor maintenance, untrained staff, and missing fire suppression systems exacerbate fire risks, leading to rapid spread and endangering lives. Following are the key areas that need attention:
Electrical Medical Equipment
Malfunctioning medical equipment such as dialysis machines and ventilators may short-circuit and cause fires due to nearby flammable materials.
Electrical Installations
Faulty electrical connections, such as overloading sockets, damaged plugs, or faulty distribution panels, can result in overheating and sparks that cause fires. UPS systems and battery rooms pose significant fire risks Fire hazards are particularly relevant in UPS systems using lead-acid batteries, which can release hydrogen gas during charging.
Chemical Products
Flammable chemicals including disinfectants and cleaning solutions can result in fire and explosion if kept in inappropriate stores.
Air Conditioning, Heating, and Ventilation
The accumulation of dust within the HVAC system causes a malfunction, which leads to overheating and increases fire risk.
Regulatory Framework: Fire Safety Norms for Indian Hospitals
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) defines fire safety guidelines such as installation of fire alarm and detection systems, Sprinkler and other fire suppression systems, emergency lighting and signage.
National Building Code of India 2005 which was later updated in 2016 sets comprehensive fire safety standards for all buildings, including healthcare facilities. These guidelines mandate fire prevention and protection systems, fire safety planning and evacuation procedures and the fire resistance of building and construction materials.
The state-specific fire safety guidelines are governed by laws and regulations, such as the Delhi Fire Service Act and the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, which require strict compliance for hospitals.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires most companies to provide fire safety training for their employees. It includes the proper use of fire extinguishers, vigilance in daily fire safety routines and evacuation in emergency situation.
IS 2189, NFPA 72, and EN 54 standards recommend the use of multiple types of fire detectors to ensure early and reliable fire detection. IS 2189 specifically provides guidelines for the planning, design, selection, installation, and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems, ensuring their effectiveness in various environments.
Additionally, IS 15301 outlines the requirements for the installation and maintenance of fire-fighting pumps, which play a critical role in active fire protection. Adhering to these standards enhances fire safety measures, ensuring a well-rounded approach to fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems in India.
Fire Safety Measures That You Can Take
Fire Detection Systems
Fire detection design entails a detailed evaluation of building layouts, risk factors, and regulatory requirements to strategically position smoke, heat, and other sensors for comprehensive protection. They trigger an early warning and automatic notice to the fire station. Different types of fire detection systems need to be integrated with the building management systems for example an automatic fire alarm requires PA system connection
Fire Suppression Systems
Sprinklers and fire extinguishers should be placed in every room where combustible materials like oxygen cylinders are located. The chemical storage for fire safety requires dedicated, well-ventilated rooms with fire-resistant construction, proper labelling, limited quantities of flammable materials, segregation of incompatible chemicals, and strict adherence to “first in, first out” inventory practices, along with staff training on safe handling and emergency procedures.
Material Safety Data Sheets MSDS are extremely important as they provide critical information on chemical hazards to reduce risks of accidents and illnesses.
Key Contents of MSDS are:
- Identification: Product and supplier details.
- Hazards: Physical and health risks (e.g., fire, reactivity).
- Prevention: Safe handling, exposure reduction, and emergency preparedness.
- Response: Emergency actions like first aid and fire response.
Evacuation Plans
ICU/OT evacuation in India follows NDMA guidelines, requiring annual drills and emergency preparedness. Hospitals must equip ICUs and OTs with accessible evacuation tools and maintain designated emergency routes. Comprehensive plans include evacuation procedures, triage systems, and staging areas. Regular drills ensure patient and staff safety during emergencies.
Clear signage, obstacle free emergency routes and clearly designed floor plans ensure a smooth evacuation process. Personalized evacuation plans are essential for vulnerable patients, especially those immobile or unconscious.
Color-coding evacuation routes in hospitals improves clarity during emergencies. Green marks safe exit routes, Red indicates danger zones, and Yellow highlights caution areas. Illuminated signage ensures visibility, helping staff, patients, and visitors evacuate safely and efficiently.
Floor fire wardens ensure fire safety and efficient evacuation on each hospital floor. Their roles include inspecting safety equipment, assisting patient evacuations (especially from ICUs/OTs), coordinating with fire teams, conducting training and drills, and ensuring everyone is evacuated and accounted for.
Fireproofing the Building
Fire-resistant materials, such as fire-rated doors and walls ensure that critical areas like electrical rooms and labs have fireproofing and ventilation systems to prevent smoke spread.
Regular Fire Safety Inspections
Routine inspections facilitate collaboration with fire protection services to identify gaps and minimize risks during emergencies through quick responses and effective solutions.
Fire Hydraulic Calculation
Fire hydraulic calculation is a way to find the amount of water needed to put out a fire. It’s performed by taking into account the fuel load (wood, paper, etc.), the area of the room being burned, and the height above floor level where the water is released.
Conclusion: Proactive Fire Safety is Non-Negotiable for Hospitals
Hospitals are pillars of life-saving care, but hidden fire risks threaten their critical role in society. From electrical equipment failures to poorly maintained fire suppression systems, these dangers can lead to devastating consequences. However, with hospital fire safety awareness, robust fire safety protocols, and strict compliance with regulations, such risks can be effectively mitigated.
Investing in proper fire detection systems, regular safety inspections, tailored evacuation plans, and comprehensive staff training is essential to safeguard lives, assets, and healthcare services. A proactive approach to fire safety not only ensures compliance but also reinforces trust in the institution’s commitment to safety and care. Protecting hospitals from fire hazards is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a moral imperative.
Feel free to reach out to Wire Consultancy to ensure that your hospital complies with fire safety standards. We provide end-to-end tailored solutions designed for safety and efficiency.
Write to us at info@wireconsultants.com