Fire safety management in high rises is inadequate
Real Estate

Fire safety management in high rises is inadequate

Fire safety management in high rises is inadequate because lifts cannot be used during a fire and getting down stairways can be difficult. Also, the rule requiring 6 metres of open space on three sides and access in the front for fire engines is often not followed in redevelopment projects and smaller buildings in Mumbai. Once a building is constructed, space for fire exits cannot be created.

The term ‘Caveat emptor’ under the Contract Act means “Buyer Beware” so the sale of goods is the buyer’s responsibility but in a complicated thing like housing it is the responsibility of the agency which passes these approvals. It is not clear who is responsible for ensuring that fire safety rules are followed during construction and after occupancy.

Rules exist on paper but it is unclear who ensures that they are implemented. How can a buyer ensure all norms are followed in a complex building project? Whose responsibility is it to enforce the fire safety rules and norms? What is the penalty for illegal construction and how does it help the victims? How does a penalty matter to people who lost their lives or to relatives of people who've lost their lives? How can compliance with rules regarding sprinklers, smoke detectors, fire exits, etc, be ensured after occupancy? My concern is over who's in charge of ensuring rules are followed because the damage is invariably loss of life.

- Naushad Panjwani, Chairman, Mandarus Partners

Fire safety management in high rises is inadequate because lifts cannot be used during a fire and getting down stairways can be difficult. Also, the rule requiring 6 metres of open space on three sides and access in the front for fire engines is often not followed in redevelopment projects and smaller buildings in Mumbai. Once a building is constructed, space for fire exits cannot be created. The term ‘Caveat emptor’ under the Contract Act means “Buyer Beware” so the sale of goods is the buyer’s responsibility but in a complicated thing like housing it is the responsibility of the agency which passes these approvals. It is not clear who is responsible for ensuring that fire safety rules are followed during construction and after occupancy. Rules exist on paper but it is unclear who ensures that they are implemented. How can a buyer ensure all norms are followed in a complex building project? Whose responsibility is it to enforce the fire safety rules and norms? What is the penalty for illegal construction and how does it help the victims? How does a penalty matter to people who lost their lives or to relatives of people who've lost their lives? How can compliance with rules regarding sprinklers, smoke detectors, fire exits, etc, be ensured after occupancy? My concern is over who's in charge of ensuring rules are followed because the damage is invariably loss of life. - Naushad Panjwani, Chairman, Mandarus Partners

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Shoals' Q3 2024 revenue falls 23.9% due to project delays, supply chain

Shoals Technologies Group, a U.S.-headquartered manufacturer of electrical balance of systems (EBOS) for solar, energy storage, and e-mobility, reported a 23.9% year-over-year (YoY) decline in revenue, which dropped to $102.2 million in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024. This decline was mainly attributed to project delays and supply chain disruptions. The company posted a net loss of $300,000, a significant improvement compared to the $9.8 million net loss in Q3 2023. Adjusted net income was reported at $13.9 million, reflecting a 58.2% YoY decrease. Adjusted EBITDA stood at $24.5 million, a 4..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

FTC Solar sees 67% YoY decline in Q3 revenue from lower volumes

FTC Solar, a U.S.-based provider of solar tracker systems, reported a revenue of $10.14 million in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024, surpassing analyst expectations by $240,680. However, this figure marked a 66.8% year-over-year (YoY) decline compared to the same quarter in 2023, primarily attributed to reduced product volumes. The decline in solar tracker revenue was mainly due to an 82% decrease in the amount of MW produced, which was negatively impacted by delays in customer projects. This was partially offset by an increase in the average selling price (ASP), which led to better pricing an..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Dilip Buildcon wins bid for BharatNet Phase III broadband project

Dilip Buildcon announced on Tuesday, November 12, that its STL-DBL consortium had submitted the lowest bid for BSNL's BharatNet Phase III broadband connectivity project. The USOF-funded project, which aims to provide middle and last-mile connectivity in Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh, is valued at Rs.1,625.36 Crore. Dilip Buildcon holds a 70.23% stake in the implementation of the project. The project is expected to be completed in three years, and the corporation will secure a 10-year maintenance contract. In recent days, BSNL has awarded several contracts for the BharatNet project. On Monday, No..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000