Mumbai: At least 51 lives have been lost for hospital fires in Maharashtra in the last 14-15 months, placing the spotlight on how public and private facilities have failed to prevent the incident.
The majority of these fires are in the Covid-19 hospital, where patients are tied to oxygen or living support, which inhibits their chances of running away or saved immediately.
Fire experts have shown that covid Wards and Icus can be axis box with alcohol from the remaining cleansers in the air.
The rich oxygen supply for patients can be perfect fuel, if there is a small leak in the pipeline or cylinder.
Above all, the absence of a fire extinguisher, along with a lack of strict audit in the hospital, proved to be a deadly combination for patients.
The year began with a destructive fire at the Bhandara District Hospital which led to the death of ten babies.
It was followed by various incidents in Mumbai.
Fire November 6 at the Ahmednagar Civil Hospital, who claimed the life of 11 Covid patients, had penetrated the ICU.
Initial investigations have found that firefighting equipment is inadequate.
Pratap Khargopikar Ex-Chief Fire Officer said that prevention was the key.
For this reason, hospitals must have a good fire detection system, such as alarm.
“Is that a temporary or permanent structure, all must have a good detection system because it allows people to escape,” he said.
Next is to have a very competent fire extinguisher system.
Experts of Fire Nilesh Ukunde previously told TOI that in cases of electrical failure caused by too often using machines mixed with developing alcohol clouds and pressure waves were produced.
This can cause explosions and phenomena called flashovers to swallow bed and curtains.
Khargopikar said that hospitals must start investing in fireproof paint, curtains and sheets.
“It is also important to continue to check the ward and an icus for oxygen leakage,” he said.
A senior fire official from Mumbai said that most Covid care centers were established as a field hospital in a pandemic situation.
“The fire engine system may not be given too important.
However, even if they cannot hold on to the Guidelines for the Indian National Building Code (NBC), they must regulate sprinklers, fire alarms if possible, or portable water pump stations,” he said, adding that adding that Staff must be trained to be trained using the system.