Safety regulations flouted in industrial areas: Fire dept
NEW DELHI: Speaking after the recent fire in a factory in Bawana, Delhi Fire Services (DFS) chief GC Misra said that a large number of industrial areas — such as Bawana, Peeragarhi, Narela, Mohan Industrial Estate, Arjun Nagar and Vishwas Nagar — in the capital are vulnerable to fire outbreaks as they deal with combustible materials.
“Industries in these areas are potential fire hazards because of the kind of combustible materials they deal with. The rate of combustibility determines the level of hazard associated with each industry. Hence, for safety reasons, these are far away from residential areas,” said Misra.
Officials said that major causes for fire outbreaks in these units are closed exits, hazardous chemicals and use of poor construction materials. According to fire officials, fire safety norms are flouted in many of these industrial units. A senior fire officer said that there should be an alternative exit at the back of every factory building and the entrance to the terrace should be kept open at all times so that occupants can be rescued in case of a mishap. But these norms are hardly followed. Most of these factories do not renew their fire clearances, officials added.
Atul Garg, deputy chief of the fire department, said 30,285 fire calls were received from across the capital in 2016-17.