Kozhikode: The fire and safety assistant divisional officers who conducted a detailed inquiry in Odisha in the backdrop of a major hospital fire there and compared the situations and steps taken in similar conditions here will submit their suggestions to the fire and safety DGP A. Hemachandran Monday.
The officers, Arun Bhaskar (Kozhikode) and T. Rejeesh (Kasargod), completed their investigation in Bhubaneswar from October 25 to 27. Kerala, with low fire and safety checks and infrastructure for fighting a major tragedy, could anytime expect an accident similar to the Bhubaneshwar Medical College tragedy that claimed 21 lives, the officials had said, after the probe.
Their major recommendations include properly fixed firefighting installations and life safety measures in every hospital building and a sufficient number of exits.
They also insist a hotline between the local fire brigade and major hospitals and all the hospital staff given proper theoretical and practical training in first-aid firefighting. A Proper evacuation plan and exit signs should be ensured at all strategic points on each floor, besides periodic inspection of the hospital by the fire service.
The officers found that the main cause of the fire tragedy was a lack of proper smoke detection and alarm system in the hospital and use of air condition ducts without dampers. Another major reason was the lack of properly fixed firefighting system in the hospital building.
Mr Bhaskar said there was a delay in informing the fire and safety officials regarding the incidents and some of the bystanders of the patients informed the fire brigade and the hospital authorities.
