Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In the wake of a fatal fire reported recently in the State, the Inspectorate of Factories and Boilers has issued a fresh set of fire-safety directions for all industrial units, calling for strict adherence to avoid accidents, regulatory breaches and financial liability.
The circular stresses that the measures outlined are only a minimum requirement and that factory operators must adopt any additional precautions mandated by other authorities, depending on their processes and the level of fire risk. It also reiterates that factories must conduct quarterly fire drills and maintain a valid Fire NOC from the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services.
A key emphasis is on keeping all detection and firefighting systems in working order, with equipment appropriate for the specific types of fire hazards on site. Units have been asked to prepare an On-Site Emergency Plan as required under Rule 90W of the Goa Factories Rules, 1985, ensure that all employees are trained in emergency procedures and inform neighbouring units and the public on what to do in the event of an incident.
The advisory further mandates that factories deploy a sufficient number of trained firefighting personnel, with staffing levels based on the size of the establishment, workforce strength and number of shifts. Internal roads and pathways are to be kept clear at all times to allow swift evacuation and emergency access.
Facilities storing or handling flammable or explosive materials must install proper lightning protection systems. In zones where combustible vapours or explosive gas mixtures may form, only flameproof electrical gear is permitted, and strict grounding and bonding procedures must be followed to prevent static-charge build-up.
High-risk installations such as ventilation ducts and pneumatic conveyors are required to have smoke or flame arresters and automatic suppression mechanisms. Regular checks of machinery and electrical circuits must be carried out to spot hazards like short-circuiting and rectify them promptly.
The advisory also directs factories to ensure well-lit fire exits on every floor, with signage displayed in languages understood by most workers. All exit routes must open directly into unobstructed outdoor areas or public roads, and buildings must be fitted with a fire alarm system audible throughout the premises.
