WHY WE FAIL

to Protect Lives & Properties By KP Dominic

Neglecting Safety: The Hidden Cost of

Complacency and Poor Planning
Despite technological advancements, growing awareness, and extensive
safety regulations, the loss of lives and properties due to preventable
incidents remains alarmingly high. In India, fire accidents, building
collapses, industrial mishaps, and other preventable tragedies claim
thousands of lives and cause immense property damage annually. The
question that arises is: why do we continue to fail in safeguarding lives
and properties?

This article delves into the systemic, cultural, and operational factors
contributing to these failures and outlines actionable steps to mitigate
them.
 THE ROOT CAUSES OF FAILURE

1. Lack of Preventive Measures

Inadequate Risk Assessments: Many establishments skip essential risk
assessments, such as fire risk evaluations or structural integrity checks, due
to cost considerations or lack of awareness.
Reactive Approach: Safety measures are often implemented only after
disasters occur, rather than proactively.

2. Non-Compliance with Safety Regulations

Weak Enforcement: Regulations like the National Building Code (NBC) and
other safety guidelines are poorly enforced due to corruption, resource
constraints, or inefficiency.
Lack of Accountability: Builders and facility managers often prioritize cost-
cutting over compliance, knowing penalties are rare or lenient.

3. Inadequate Infrastructure and Resources

Outdated Systems: Many buildings still rely on outdated fire suppression
systems, alarms, or evacuation procedures.
Underfunded Emergency Services: Fire departments and disaster response
teams often lack the equipment, personnel, and training required for
effective response.

4. Human Negligence
Poor Maintenance: Electrical wiring, fire alarms, and escape routes are often
neglected, leading to increased risk.
Complacency: People underestimate risks or assume incidents won’t
happen to them, leading to lax attitudes toward safety.

5. Lack of Public Awareness

Safety Ignorance: Many individuals and organizations lack basic knowledge
about fire safety, evacuation procedures, and emergency response.
Limited Training: Drills and training sessions for employees, residents, and
the public are rare.
 THE ROOT CAUSES OF FAILURE

6. Urbanization Without Planning

Unplanned Growth: Rapid urbanization often leads to overcrowded buildings,
inadequate fire exits, and insufficient safety measures.
Unauthorized Constructions: Illegal constructions rarely adhere to safety
norms, creating hazards for occupants and neighbors.

7. Insufficient Data and Analysis

Lack of Documentation: Comprehensive data on past incidents, risk factors,
and safety measures is often unavailable or underutilized.
Poor Incident Analysis: Lessons from previous disasters are not
systematically analyzed or integrated into future planning.

Consequences of These Failures

The consequences of failing to protect lives and properties extend beyond the
immediate loss of life and assets:

Economic Impact: Disasters result in significant financial losses for

individuals, businesses, and governments.
Psychological Trauma: Survivors and families endure long-term emotional
and psychological suffering.
Loss of Trust: Negligence and failures erode public confidence in authorities,
builders, and safety systems.
 STEPS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE

FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

A Must for Every Structure and Building in India

While we explored what causes the failure to protect lives and

properties from fire accidents, let us now understand the actionable
and practical methods of a comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment
(FRA). FRA is not just a legal requirement but a vital measure to ensure
the safety of occupants, assets, and the environment.

This article further explores the importance of FRA, references relevant

codes and practices, and analyzes a case study highlighting the dire
consequences of neglecting this essential practice.

India faces thousands of fire-related incidents every year, leading to

devastating consequences for human life, property, and economic
stability. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), fire
accidents claim over 25,000 lives annually, with a significant number
of these fatalities occurring in residential and commercial buildings.

Alarmingly, many of these tragedies could be prevented through the

implementation of proper fire safety measures, which can be
systematically identified and addressed with a comprehensive Fire
Risk Assessment (FRA).
 FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

Fire Risk Assessment is a systematic evaluation of potential fire

hazards, their associated risks, and the implementation of measures to
mitigate these risks. It involves:
Identifying fire hazards (sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen).
Evaluating the risks to people, property, and operations.
Implementing preventive and protective measures.
Regularly reviewing and updating the assessment.

Reducing Economic Impact

Fire accidents can result in significant financial losses for
businesses and individuals, including costs associated with damage
repair, legal fees, insurance claims, and lost productivity.
Periodic audits help ensure fire safety measures are effective,
minimizing financial risks.

Regulatory Framework in India

India's fire safety regulations are governed by several codes and
standards, including:
1. National Building Code (NBC) of India 2016: Provides guidelines on
fire prevention, life safety, and fire protection in buildings.
2. Factories Act, 1948: Mandates fire safety measures in industrial
settings.
3. Model Building Bye-Laws, 2016: Highlights the need for compliance
with NBC fire safety norms.
4. IS 14489:1998 (Code of Practice for Occupational Safety and Health
Audit): Recommends conducting fire safety audits.
5. Electricity Act, 2003: Focuses on fire risks due to electrical
malfunctions.

These codes emphasize the necessity of conducting a Fire Risk

Assessment as part of compliance with safety standards.
 FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

Why Fire Risk Assessment is Crucial

1. Human Safety: Protects lives by identifying and mitigating risks.
2. Asset Protection: Safeguards critical infrastructure and investments.
3. Legal Compliance: Avoids penalties and liabilities under fire safety
laws.
4. Operational Continuity: Minimizes downtime and disruptions caused
by fire incidents.
5. Environmental Conservation: Reduces the ecological impact of fires.

Steps to Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment

1. Hazard Identification:
Inspect electrical systems and appliances.
Assess storage and handling of flammable materials.
Evaluate ventilation and airflow that could feed a fire.
2. Risk Analysis:
Determine the likelihood of fire hazards.
Assess the potential impact on occupants and property.
3. Implementation of Controls:
Install and maintain fire detection and suppression systems.
Design and mark emergency exits and evacuation routes.
Train occupants and staff in fire safety procedures.
4. Review and Update:
Conduct periodic reviews and update the FRA to address new
risks.
Ensure regular audits to validate compliance with safety
standards.
 GLOBAL BEST PRACTICES & INDIA

Compliance with International Standards

NFPA 551: The National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) guide on
FRA provides a structured approach to assessing fire safety in
buildings.
ISO 31000: Risk management guidelines emphasize a systematic and
comprehensive approach to risk assessment and management.
BS 9999: The British Standard for fire safety in building design
recommends a risk-based approach to fire safety, integrating FRA
into building design and operations.

Regulatory Framework in India

India's fire safety regulations are governed by several codes and
standards, including:

1. National Building Code (NBC) of India 2016: Provides guidelines on

fire prevention, life safety, and fire protection in buildings.
2. Factories Act, 1948: Mandates fire safety measures in industrial
settings.
3. Model Building Bye-Laws, 2016: Highlights the need for compliance
with NBC fire safety norms.
4. IS 14489:1998 (Code of Practice for Occupational Safety and Health
Audit): Recommends conducting fire safety audits.
5. National Electrical Code of India 2023: serves as a comprehensive
guideline for ensuring the safe and efficient use of electricity in
India. It outlines practices, standards, and regulations for electrical
installations in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The
2023 edition introduces updates to address advancements in
technology, emerging trends, and evolving safety requirements.

These codes emphasize the necessity of conducting a Fire Risk

Assessment as part of compliance with safety standards.
 CALL TO ACTION

Every individual, organization, and community has a role to play in

ensuring fire safety. Take action now to protect lives, properties, and
the environment:

1. Conduct Regular Fire Risk Assessments: Evaluate fire hazards in

your home, workplace, and community spaces to identify and
mitigate risks effectively.
2. Ensure Compliance with Fire Safety Codes: Adhere to standards like
the National Building Code (NBC) and other relevant guidelines to
prevent legal and safety liabilities.
3. Engage Certified Professionals: Hire qualified experts to carry out
comprehensive FRAs and implement corrective measures promptly.
4. Invest in Training and Awareness: Educate employees, residents,
and stakeholders on fire safety protocols, evacuation plans, and the
importance of FRA.
5. Implement Advanced Technologies: Utilize modern fire detection
systems, IoT-enabled monitoring, and fire-resistant materials to
enhance safety.
6. Stay Updated and Proactive: Regularly review and update your FRA
to address changes in infrastructure, usage, or emerging risks.

Architects, developers, and facility managers must collaborate with fire

safety experts to conduct regular Fire Risk Assessments. Policymakers
should enforce stricter penalties for non-compliance while incentivizing
best practices in fire safety. Together, we can build a safer and more
secure India.

Protect what matters most. Begin your journey toward a fire-resilient

future today. Remember, prevention is better than cure. Act now before
it’s too late.