Fire Department Flags Serious Safety Lapses
New Delhi: The trauma building of Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital has come under scrutiny after a detailed inspection revealed multiple critical fire safety violations. Due to these lapses, the Delhi Fire Service has refused to renew the building’s Fire Safety Certificate, raising concerns over the safety of patients and staff.
Inspection Conducted in Presence of Officials
According to the notice issued on December 4, fire department officers inspected the trauma building on November 14, accompanied by representatives from concerned departments. The visit uncovered a series of loopholes in safety compliance, indicating severe negligence in maintaining essential firefighting infrastructure.
Multiple Major Shortcomings Recorded
During the inspection, officials documented at least fourteen major deficiencies. These shortcomings point to significant risks within one of the capital’s most prominent government hospitals, making it vulnerable in case of any fire-related emergency.
Fire Tender Access and Lift Safety Compromised
The notice highlighted the absence of a mandatory six-metre-wide motorable road with a nine-metre turning radius required for fire tenders. Additionally, the lifts were found unprotected without dedicated lift lobbies in the basement. Although smoke detectors were installed, many of them were found non-functional.
Key Fire Systems Missing or Non-Functional
The inspection report further revealed that essential systems such as pressurisation for lift shafts, staircases, and lobbies were not provided. The automatic sprinkler system was either not working or missing, including in areas above the false ceiling—an important zone for fire control.
Hydrants, Hose Reels and Fire Doors in Poor Condition
Officials noted that hose reels, though installed, were not in working condition. Several fire check doors were missing, and fire pumps were not set to auto mode. Shockingly, the overhead water storage tank was not connected to the firefighting system, further compromising readiness.
Water Storage Capacity Below Requirement
The building’s storage tank capacity was found to be only 30,000 litres, whereas the mandatory requirement is 50,000 litres. The notice also pointed out unauthorised temporary structures on the fifth-floor terrace and incomplete staircases that do not extend to the terrace as per the sanctioned plans.
Fire Safety Certificate Rejected
Citing these severe inadequacies, the fire department officially rejected the application for the Fire Safety Certificate. The notice clearly states that occupancy of the building without proper fire safety arrangements would be at the risk and liability of the hospital authorities, as per PTI.
