Since the unorganised sector is still the majority, it needs a combined effort of the government and the public to kickstart safety as a revolution.

Rohit Harjani, Country Manager Indian Sub-continent, Hochiki

Hochiki is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of quality fire detectors and alarms for commercial and industrial applications. In an interview with B2B Purchase; Rohit Harjani, Country Manager Indian Sub-continent, Hochiki gives an overview of the fire safety culture in India.

It is often said that fire safety in India is a matter of ‘paper action’ only. What’s your comment on this?

I do not agree with this as fire and security industry is a professional industry which is growing at double digit YOY. There is a lot of professionalism in Tier-1 cities. Fire department needs more independence with big budget for fire safety and security to hire and train professionals and grow the fire brigade at par with the defence forces because fire departments are guards for domestic safety. India needs fire professionals even in remote areas to prevent and save lives like what was done on 9/11.

How challenging it is to bring in fire safety culture in India?

Bringing in fire safety culture is a challenge in India. The step that the government has taken is that it made a law and has taken serious steps to implement the law. Fire and security hazards should be included as a part of course curriculum. The very reason is that LPG is used in every household and I consider it one of the biggest hazards. Fire and gas detectors should be made mandatory for every household with fire departments to be made responsible for doing surprise checks in houses.

Why commercial buildings’ fire safety systems in India need a makeover?

New commercial buildings are doing the best they can. The fire systems are there. The only thing that is needed in new buildings is the maintenance of the systems. Commercial buildings with conventional systems should be phased out and new technologies should be implemented. Old commercial buildings where the fire alarms and safety systems are not there, fire departments are doing their bit to issue notices and get them to comply with law. Very strict maintenance laws must be put in place and stringent monetary penalties must be put in force.

Why it is essential to incorporate fire safety mechanism at the project implementation stage?

In India, all new buildings in tier-1 cities and organised sector in tier-2 and tier-3 cities incorporate fire safety mechanism must before the installation stage sets in. Involvement of professionals like Architects, MEP consultants and later the sub-contractors and system integrators give a professional look to the system. Since the unorganised sector is still the majority, it needs a combined effort of the government and the public to kickstart safety as a revolution.