New Delhi: With hospitals susceptible to fire incidents because of excessive electrical masses and oxygen-rich environments, the federal government has come out with up to date guidelines that focus on affected person security throughout emergencies and phased evacuation methods tailor-made to the wants of critically unwell and motionless sufferers.
The Nationwide Guidelines on Fire and Life Security in Healthcare Facilities (2026) mark a big improve in fire security preparedness throughout hospitals, the Union Well being Ministry mentioned.
The guidelines broaden evacuation planning with specialised protocols for high-risk teams, together with sufferers in ICUs, NICUs (Neonatal Intensive Care Items), PICUs (Pediatric Intensive care Items) and operation theatres.
The revised framework, which updates the 2020 guidelines, has been developed by the Union Well being Ministry in session with specialists from the Directorate Common Fire Providers, Civil Defence and Dwelling Guards, Bureau of Indian Requirements, Faculty of Planning and Structure and AIIMS establishments.
Officers mentioned hospitals stay significantly susceptible to fire incidents because of excessive electrical masses, oxygen-rich environments and the presence of advanced medical tools, necessitating a extra strong and standardised security method.
The guidelines undertake a complete risk-based technique, figuring out crucial zones corresponding to intensive care models, operation theatres, oxygen storage facilities and electrical installations for focused interventions.
Detailed provisions have been outlined for fire detection and alarm programs, suppression mechanisms, electrical security and medical gasoline pipeline programs.
A key characteristic of the up to date doc is its emphasis on affected person security throughout emergencies. It recommends horizontal and phased evacuation methods tailor-made to the wants of critically unwell and motionless sufferers, making certain minimal disruption to life-support programs.
The guidelines additionally launched a strengthened governance and accountability framework, clearly defining roles for hospital administrations, fire security committees and designated security officers to make sure coordinated response throughout fire emergencies.
To construct institutional preparedness, the doc mandates common coaching programmes, induction modules and mock drills for healthcare personnel. It additionally requires periodic security audits and steady monitoring to strengthen a tradition of fire security throughout establishments.
In comparison with the sooner model, the 2026 guidelines present expanded technical protection, together with superior measures for smoke administration, electrical programs and medical gasoline security, together with detailed annexures outlining unit-specific protocols for areas corresponding to ICUs and neonatal care models.
Aligned with provisions of the Nationwide Constructing Code (2016), the guidelines shall be carried out alongside the upcoming Nationwide Constructing Building Requirements (2026) and related state rules.
The ministry mentioned the up to date framework is predicted to cut back fire-related dangers, enhance security for sufferers and healthcare staff, and guarantee continuity of important well being providers throughout emergencies, whereas selling uniform security practices throughout states and union territories.
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