TN Govt directs all hospitals to complete fire safety audits within a month

Ramanathapuram: In response to the massive fire incident at the Government Medical College and Hospital in Ramanathapuram, the Tamil Nadu Health Department has directed all government hospitals to complete fire safety audits within a month.

As per the state government order, the hospitals have been asked to fix any issues if identified in the report issued by the fire and rescue department. It also specified that the audits would be carried out with the help of the Fire and Rescue Services Department officials. 

An official from the Fire and Rescue Services Department has identified inadequate fire safety training for hospital staff as a key factor in the failure to prevent fire incidents in hospitals.

Also read- Massive Fire breaks out at TN Medical College Hospital

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that a massive fire broke out in the administrative wing on the second floor at the Government Medical College and Hospital in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram. Seven fire tenders were pressed into service to control the blaze. Fortunately, there were no casualties.

To ensure patient safety, the government has asked the hospital authorities to conduct fire safety audits and comply with the fire safety guidelines, TNIE reports. 

In Coimbatore, fire officials have created a detailed checklist for hospitals to ensure they meet safety standards. The inspections will cover critical areas like panel boards and electrical wiring, oxygen supply systems and tanks, condition of fire extinguishers and Building materials to check for flammability.

Officials highlighted several challenges in implementing fire safety measures, including insufficient fire-fighting equipment, poor maintenance of electrical wiring and systems, and the unauthorized storage of flammable materials. They emphasized that the audit aims to address these issues comprehensively to ensure public safety during emergencies.

Speaking to The Daily, a senior health official said, “Fire accidents have brought to light the importance of safety measures and compliance with safety guidelines. The State Health Department has instructed hospitals across the state to have fire-safety compliance strictly adhere to regulatory requirements and obtain valid No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services Department (TNFRS).”

E Raja, medical superintendent of Pollachi Government Hospital, said, “Along with inspecting the panel boards, oxygen supply manifold room, oxygen supply tanks, generators at buildings, and the presence and working condition of fire extinguishers, the officials will also check loose wiring, condition of wall and roof materials whether it is flammable or not.”

An official from the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services Department said, “Besides other safety factors, managing the emergency of hospital infrastructures including ageing buildings and complicated systems inside the hospitals is also difficult for fire and rescue personnel during accidents. Usually, the demo to the staff is given twice a year. However this year we planned an additional demo to prepare them for emergency safety. Hospitals should be encouraged to create and regularly update fire safety plans including the evacuation procedures and train their staff on it.”

Also read- 7 killed after massive fire breaks out at Tamil Nadu Hospital