Pimpri Chinchwad: PCMC Fire Brigade Issues Notices to 623 Hospitals for Fire Safety Compliance
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri Chinchwad, 21st June 2024: The Fire Brigade of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has issued notices to 623 hospitals and medical clinics, requesting information on fire prevention measures within ten days. Following this, inspections will verify the operational status of these measures. Additionally, notices will be issued to all private schools in Pimpri Chinchwad next week.
In response to a series of fire-related accidents in hospitals, the PCMC Administration has taken action by notifying 623 private hospitals and clinics in Pimpri Chinchwad. Hospital and clinic managers have been instructed to provide details within the stipulated period regarding their internal fire safety measures and the functionality of installed systems. Subsequently, fire brigade officials will conduct inspections to ensure compliance. Obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the fire brigade has been made mandatory, with annual renewal required. This certification process includes updated fire safety plans, equipment maintenance records, and staff training on fire prevention, emergency procedures, and the use of fire extinguishers.
Inspections will focus on critical aspects such as the presence and expiry dates of fire extinguishers, adequate water pressure, and functioning audible alarms throughout the facilities. Electrical audits in sensitive areas like intensive care units, management of flammable materials, availability of fire retardants, and audits for replacing flammable materials in patient care zones will also be scrutinized.
Furthermore, fire prevention measures at all private schools in Pimpri Chinchwad will undergo inspection, with notifications scheduled for issuance next week.
Deputy Commissioner of PCMC’s Fire Department, Manoj Lonkar, stated, “Fire safety notices have been issued to hospitals and clinics in Pimpri Chinchwad. Upon receiving the information, we will verify the functionality of their fire safety systems. Obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the fire department is mandatory. Hospitals will not be granted medical licenses without this NOC.”
