Fire brigade report on 26/11 attacks suggests safety measures in hotels………Dhanya Nair

The fire brigades report on the extent of damage Taj Mahal Palace and Tower suffered during the 26/11 attack is out. The report also includes an 11-point recommendation on security measures after having a detailed discussion with the tourism department. According to the sources, these measures will be beneficial for any five-star hotel in case of sudden fire on a large scale.

A circular had come from the tourism department after the 26/11 attack. We came up with the recommendations after getting this letter. These guidelines were chalked out considering the fact that foreign diplomats stay in these high-end hotels, said Deputy Chief Fire Officer P D Kargupikkar.

Considering that inadequate free moving space proved a challenge during the rescue operations, the report suggests to make adequate free moving space mandatory, especially in the kitchen area and keep the same free of any obstruction all the time.

The fire spread fast due to heavily furnished rooms. This proved to be the biggest challenge, said Chief Fire Officer AV Sawant. The report recommends that carpets, curtains, furniture, runners and suspenders used for false ceiling be made of non-combustible material or be treated with fire-retardant materials.

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Since it was the first time hotels in the city were faced with this kind of situation, the report also recommends to provide guests with an extra key which can used to open the windows from inside in case of an emergency. The report also states to put the word Exit in bold red letters and place the same on every entrance and exit inside the building. During the attack, the hotel had such a board in green colour. Its important for guests and staff to be well-versed with the interior layout of the hotel to facilitate easy evacuation, said Chief Fire Officer A V Sawant.

The report also mentioned about the electrical system and the role it plays during fire accidents. Electrical wiring should be laid in metal conduit, the recommendation suggested. All electrical systems should be provided with adequate number of distribution boards too. Keeping in mind that any kind of storage close to electrical wiring and installations only prove as an obstacle, the report states that no storage should be kept nearby these sensitive areas.

Detailing about the importance of trained security staff, the report also stated that security staff in hotel should adequately train their fire fighting personnel to effectively handle fire fighting equipment during any emergency situation. It also stated that hotel authorities should keep all fire handling equipment in pristine condition. If these recommendations are implemented properly, fire fighting and evacuation process become easier and our work can be done in a more effectively, said Sawant.

We have not yet received the report officially, hence we are not aware of the recommendations. But we have always worked closely with all the concerned authorities. Hence, we will definitely comply and put these recommendations to practice, said corporate spokesperson for the Taj hotels, Parinita Gauri. The fire brigade report will be soon presented to the municipal commissioner for final discussion before it is forwarded to other civic committees.

Clarifying the importance of these measures, fire officials said it would make a mandatory checklist for the industry. Five star hotels are expected to adopt these measures soon. Its an important checklist for them, said Kargupikkar.

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