The failure of safety norms

Source– The post is based on the article “The failure of safety norms” published in The Hindu on 22th September 2022.

Syllabus: GS3- Disaster and disaster management

Relevance– Fire safety norms

News– The article explains the reason behind the incident of fire at a hotel in Telangana and the steps that need to take place to prevent such accidents.

What were the reasons behind the fire accident?

There was absence of set-back spaces and escape routes.

Fire Fighting equipments were defunct.

Spiral staircase around the elevator shaft.

The basement was utilised illegally for commercial purposes.

Absence of smoke management and emergency lighting.

What are the issues with fire safety norms of the state government?

The Building Registration Scheme of the state government allowed builders to circumvent the norms.

Applicability of fire safety norms is another issue. Only buildings above a certain height are required to seek safety clearance.

What needs to be done?

Amendment to fire safety norms to include all commercial buildings irrespective of their height within the ambit of fire safety norms.

There should be proper enforcement of fire safety norms.