Oct 23, 2021
Fire Security Solutions: A Pre-requisite of Every Business
Fire, it has been claimed, is one of humankind’s greatest inventions but also among its deadliest adversaries too. Fire does not discriminate – from trees and animals in forests and jungles to institutions, structures and human lives in urban areas.
In India, fire is ranked among the top ten causes of disruption to business activities and operations as per the Indian Risk Survey in 2019.
Off-late, the need to be vigilant against flammable threats has been highlighted by serious fire-related incidents across our society - from the high-security premises of the Central Bureau of Investigation in June this year to a fire in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a designated COVID-19 facility in Bharuch, Gujarat in late April 2021 that led to the death of around 18 people. More recently in August, a major fire broke out following a faulty electric circuit at the Haldia Petrochemical plant in West Bengal.
The greater focus on prevention and fire safety measures also comes from the shortage of immediate help – one of the key factors in containing blazes – that is documented by the lack of fire fighting stations, personnel and suitable equipment. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in 2017 informed Parliament that against the requirement of 8,559 fire stations, the country had only 2,987 fully functional fire stations. The MHA further stated that to reduce incidences of fire-related casualties and losses, India needed an additional 559,681 trained firefighters, 221,411 pieces of firefighting equipment and 9,337 firefighting vehicles.
The Ignition of Doom
In today’s economic and social context, fires do not only result in the loss of lives but also the destruction of data that represents our digital journeys today. Both are invaluable assets to institutions in society that hold huge importance, and in the absence of which, many businesses can find it difficult to revive post the debacle.
Investing in Smart Solutions
With prevention being the preferred option when it comes to fire safety, users can opt for connected and proactive technologically advanced fire security solutions today that offer a comprehensive check and protection. For instance, fire-resistant storage cabinets are an efficient solution that is old-school but remains highly effective in terms of securing a company’s data such as NDA’s, Business Plans, Contracts and Intellectual Property, both in paper and digital form. This form of fire insurance offers an opportunity to prioritize human safety without worrying about the loss of data and other important documents.
However, it’s essential to conduct a comprehensive study and invest in a quality locker that is well designed with the right material that fire cannot destroy. To acquire the best, one must look for lockers that are tested as per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) guidelines and also hold certifications such as IS 14203:2017 and IS 14561:2014. Furthermore, products that adhere to international standards set by UL (Underwriter Laboratories) and SP (Special Publication) are considered to be reliable. The other aspect to consider is the duration of fire resistance that a locker offers. It is best to opt for cabinets that deliver protection against fire for a few hours.
There are a plethora of fire security solutions like sprinklers, extinguishers and more that are available today. Companies should opt for ones that cater to their fire security requirements efficiently. However, quality and authenticity are paramount. One must always select products that are tested, certified and built with premium quality that stands ‘the test of flames.’
Precautionary Measures to Undertake
To ensure the maximum protection of an institution, it takes more than equipment. Certain practices can help eliminate the huge risk of devastating loss and can save the life of people and a company too.
1. Precise installation of fire safety systems.
2. Periodical Fire Safety Audit.
3. A well-planned evacuation strategy.
4. Educating the staff members on fire safety.
5. Regular lubrication of mechanical equipment to avoid friction that may cause a fire.
6. No smoking except in a designated zone.
7. Report any loose electrical wires that can cause a fire.
8. Have access to immediate basic fire extinguishing equipment such as portable fire extinguishers, sand buckets, etc.
9. Make sure no exits and fire equipment are blocked.
10. Install quality fire-rated doors.
11. Conduct regular building audits.
12. SOPs to immediately attend to any malfunctioning machinery.
With the right equipment and the right practices, an organisation’s present and future can be saved. It is therefore important for every company to implement a well-assessed and comprehensively designed fire safety policy to mitigate fire risks and disasters and ensure uninterrupted business continuity.
Setting impeccably high standards for Fire Safety Solutions, Godrej & Boyce since its inception has offered avant-garde products that offer the highest level of safety. Offering tested and certified fire-resistant cabinets that can withstand the harshest flames and more, the company has covered prominent aspects of fire safety. Providing advanced products that are synonymous with brilliance and thereby eliminating the worry of business continuity.
References:
https://ficci.in/Sedocument/20487/India-Risk-Survey-2019-ficci.pdf
https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/fire-breaks-out-at-cbi-office-due-to-short-circuit-no-damage-to-property-121070800661_1.html
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/bharuch-hospital-fire-that-killed-18-senior-fire-official-suspended-pending-inquiry-says-govt-to-hc-7338692/
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/fire-accident-at-haldia-petrochemicals-none-injured/article35716658.ece
https://ficci.in/pressrelease/2806/india-risk-survey-ficci-press-release.pdf
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/country-has-less-than-3000-fire-stations-against-8500-needed/
https://www.controlfiresystems.com/news/how-to-prevent-fires-in-the-workplace/
https://scroll.in/article/966998/the-reasons-for-the-boiler-blast-at-neyveli-power-plant-in-tamil-nadu