Basic primer about fire safety systems in hospitals" (Updated 2026)

-2026

Medical-gas pipeline systems should be constructed of oxygen-compatible materials (brass, bronze, or stainless steel) and permanently colour-coded and labelled for identification.

• Pipelines should be routed in dedicated shafts or concealed spaces away from egress routes, refuge areas, and electrical equipment rooms to avoid exposure to ignition sources. No gas pipelines should pass through exit staircase or exit passageways.

Electrical installation may comply National Electrical Code of India 2023 (SP-30). All bio medical equipment should comply the respective IS 13450 or IEC 60601 standards

special care for electrical installation which includes wiring, protective devices and earthing (for protection from electric shock and electrical fire) should be taken in the health-care facilities in general and sensitive areas like ICUs, NICUs, OT and recovery rooms etc. in particular.

High rise buildings (15 m and above in height) should receive special attention with respect to fire .

All aspects of the design, installation, and maintenance of the fire detection and alarm system should comply with the requirements of IS 2189.

Basic industrial gas cylinder cabinets-(single-cylinder/manual)-₹40,000 – ₹1 lakh

 

Fire detection and alarm system

The system should incorporate automatic detectors - such as smoke, heat, and flame sensors - strategically placed to ensure complete coverage of all occupied and concealed areas.

Fire Hydrant System and Hose Reels  -in accordance with the comprehensive requirements set forth in IS 13039.

 The fire hydrant system, comprising both wet and dry hydrants together with hose reels, is intended

to supply firefighters and in-building personnel with an immediate and reliable water supply for fire

suppression. This system is especially critical in large or high-rise healthcare facilities where accessing

external water sources may be delayed.

 

 Smoke exhaust system - 

The smoke exhaust system is designed to remove smoke from fire-affected areas,

Integrated control systems, including smoke sensors and automatic dampers, should be used to coordinate

the operation of the fans and adjust airflow to maintain performance under changing conditions.

• The smoke exhaust system should be fully integrated with the fire detection and alarm systems to ensure automatic activation upon detection of smoke.

• Coordination with exit pressurization and emergency lighting systems is essential .

 

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) Integration

• HVAC integration ensures that heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems work in harmony with

fire and smoke control measures. This integration helps to limit smoke migration, preserve tenable egress

routes, and support the overall fire safety strategy during an emergency.

 

Immediate Detection and Alarm Activation

• Any person discovering fire, unusual heat, visible smoke, or the smell of smoke, even if uncertain of the

cause, must immediately report the condition to the fire control room and facility in-charge present in the

area at the time.

• Immediately activate the nearest manual pull station or alarm-initiating device.

• Initiate “Code Red” (Fire Emergency) announcement through the hospital communication system

• All employees and staff, particularly those at or near the compartment where the fire originated, should

follow the R.A.C.E. procedure:

o Rescue anyone endangered by the fire to a safe area.

o Activate the alarm.

o Confine the fire by closing all windows and doors.

o Evacuate/Extinguish the fire.

• Dial 101 or 112 (Unified Emergency Number) to alert the Fire Service

 Can be displayed in hospitals running in high rise buildings( > 15meters height)

Medical locations are classified into Group 0, Group 1 and Group 2.

•Group 0 locations, where no applied parts are intended to be used.

•Group 1 medical locations, where ME equipment or MES are intended to be used externally or invasively on

any part of the patient and where discontinuity of the electrical supply, does not represent a risk to the safety

of the patient.

•Group 2 medical location, where ME equipment or ME systems are intended to be used intrusively, externally or

invasively to any part of the patient and where discontinuity of the electrical supply, such as protection against

electric shock, represents a risk to the safety of the patient.

Suggestive Minimum requirements of Fire Fighting Installations

(Table 7 of Part 4,Vol 1, NBC 2016 )

Note: Refer to the above table

1.

MOEFA System shall also include talk-back system and public address system for the occupancies given in the

table for (d) (I) (iii) under A-5, (a) (I) (iv) and (a) (2) under C-I, and (a) (2) under D-I to D-5, in all buildings 15 m

and above in height, except for A-3 and A-4 occupancies where these shall be provided for buildings of height

24 m and above. These shall also be provided in car parking areas more than 300 m2 and in multi-level car parking irrespective of their areas.

Annexure - 2

Suggestive Minimum requirements of Fire Fighting Installations

(Table 7 of Part 4,Vol 1, NBC 2016.

1.IMA AP STRONGLY OBJECTING TO SPRINKLER SYSTEMS Which are INEFFECTIVE, DANGEROUS TO MEDICAL EQUIPMENT and COSTLY 

2.IMA AP DEMANDS-

RISK STRATIFIED  CATEGORIZATION RATHER THAN HEIGHT AND BED STRENGTH BASED CATEGORIZATION.

3.ALL STRUCTURAL -CIVIL REQUIREMENTS  like second stair-case,emergency exit SHOULD BE PROSPECTIVE,but not retrospective compliance. 

4.IMA AP strongly advocate for total relaxation of norms and regulations for non-risky and less risky establishments running in low rise9below 15meters) buildings, from the ambit of fire safety statute & guide-lines. they will applyfor "fire compliance certificate" by installing minimum safety gadgets and self affidavit for the same.