Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 15: SKIMS today said that it is the only hospital in Kashmir and one of few in the country which has comprehensive fire safety mechanism in place.
“Fire Safety in hospitals is inherent in its design considerations. With its wide road for easy accessibility for fire tenders on all sides, fire exits/escape routes, SKIMS follows the National Building Code”, the SKIMS spokesman said in a statement in response to a story published in Excelsior.
The spokesman said that the buildings are compartmentalized with appropriate fire rating between compartments. “Appropriate storage of water in the form of underground sources, reservoir tanks, lifting system, overhead storage and distribution through a hydrant/wet riser system are in place”, she said.
“Fire extinguishers, ABC type are always refilled and positioned on all the floors. Co2 extinguishers, sand-buckets and other modern gadgets are available. Proper maintenance of all the fire fighting systems is periodically carried out”, she added.
She said that a full-fledged Fire and Security Department well trained in fire fighting and prevention for fires is always ready. “Mock drills are undertaken to identify any gaps which are duly filled”, he added.
“Meeting of Fire Safety committee is held periodically to evaluate fire safety mechanisms and advise on issues. SKIMS ensures safety of its patients, visitors and staff of which fire safety is of utmost concern”, she said.
“The hospital has full-fledged fire service station within campus besides, Fire Hydrant System which is functional and dependable in any emergency. Besides, well demarcated emergency exit routes available in all patient care areas including Out Patient Department, wards and emergency. The emergency exit is also illuminated by battery backed lighting system which remains functional even during power failure”, she added.
