Chapter 8: FIRE SAFETY LAWS

Delhi Fire Prevention and Safety Act, 1986

Many of the high-rise buildings in the Delhi have not yet been provided with inbuilt fire fighting arrangements, which are considered to be very essential from fire safety point of view. To ensure safety of such buildings and their occupants, the Building Bye-laws were adopted and duly notified by the Delhi Administration of 23rd June 1983. The Building Bye-laws are further being up-dated.

The Delhi Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Act, 1986 has already been notified by the Government of India in a Gazette on 12th December, 1986 and rules framed there under are in force from 2nd March, 1987.

1.Building Plans for Multi-storied / Special Buildings like Hotels & Restaurants-

For multi-storied buildings which are more than 15 m height and for special buildings like Hotelsl, industrial, storage and hazardous substance, the following additional information shall be furnished/indicate in the Building ­

Access to fire appliances/vehicles with details of vehicular turning circle and clear motorable access way around the building;

Size (width) of main and alternate staircases along with balcony approach, corridor, ventilated lobby approach;

Location and details of lift enclosures;

Location and size of fire lift;

Smoke stop lobby/door where provided;

Refuse chutes; refuse chamber, service duct, and etc

Vehicular parking space;

Refuge area, if any;

Details of Building Services - air conditioning system with position or dampers, mechanical ventilation system, electrical services, 

boilers, gas pipes etc.;

Details of exits including provision of ramps, etc. for hospitals and special risks;

Location of generator, transformer, and switchgear room;

Smoke exhauster system if any;

Details of fire alarm system net work;

Location of centralized control, connecting all fire alarm system, built-in fire protection arrangements and public address system, etc

Location and dimension of static water storage tank and pump room;

Location and details of fixed fire protection installations such as sprinklers, wet risers, hose reels, drenchers. CO2 installations etc.; and

Location and details of first aid fire fighting equipments/installations.

2.Issue of No Objection Certificate

Once the guidelines have been issued by the fire department the application for obtaining no objection certificate may be submitted to the Chief Fire Officer by the builder/owner of the premises.

The owners/builders are further advised to ensure the compliance of all the fire safety guidelines before the approach the Chief Fire Officer for No Objection Certificate. No inspection fee is levied by the fire service for such inspection or issue of NOCs. In case of any difficulty the matter should be reported to the Dy. Chief Fire Officer or the Chief Fire Officer. The Chief Fire Officer or Dy. Chief Fire Officer may also be contacted in case there is a delay in carrying out the inspection or issue of fire safety guidelines, or issue of NOC after the inspection has been carried out etc.

The department does not levy any charges for this job for the time being.

An Act to make more effective provision for the fire prevention and fire safety measures in certain buildings and premises in the Union territory of Delhi.

The Bill, accordingly, provides for the following, among other matters, namely:-

(i) All buildings having such height as may be specified by rules and premises used for storing explosives, explosive substances and dangerously inflammable substances, shall be provided with the requisite fire prevention and fire safety measures.

(ii) Provision has been made for inspection of buildings and premises by the nominated authority, appointed by the Chief Fire Officer, for ascertaining the adequacy or contravention of fire prevention and fire safety measures required to be taken by the occupier or owner of the building or premises.

(iii) Contravention of any of the provisions of the Bill will be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine extending to fifty thousand rupees, or with both. In the case of continuing offences, the offender will be liable for punishment of fine up to three thousand rupees for every day for which the offence is continued.

(iv)  Provision for an appeal against any notice or order of the Chief Fire Officer or the nominated authority to the Appellate Tribunal and against the order of the Appellate Tribunal to the Administrator has been proposed

3. The Bill seeks to achieve the above objects.

 It extends to the whole of the Union territory of Delhi.

SECTION 03: INSPECTION OF BUILDINGS, PREMISES, ETC

(1) The nominated authority may, after giving three hours' notice to the occupier, or, if there be no occupier, to the owner of any building having such height as may be specified by rules framed under this Act, or premises, enter and inspect the said building or premises at any time between sunrise and sunset where such inspection appears necessary for ascertaining the adequacy or contravention of fire prevention and fire safety measures:

Provided that the nominated authority may enter into and inspect any building or premises at any time if it appears to it to be expedient and necessary to do so in order to ensure safety of life and property.

(2) The nominated authority shall be provided with all possible assistance by the owner or occupier, as the case may be, of the building or premises for carrying out the inspection .

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(3) When any building or premises used as a human dwelling is entered under sub-section (1), due regard shall be paid to the social and religious sentiments of the occupier.

The requirements by Delhi Fire Service for Approval of Building plans to get NOC

Two sets of Building Plans through Building Authority.

Building plans must contain all information’s as prescribed by Bye-law No. 6.2.4.1