ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): A fire safety audit of the Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital has identified a lack of 34 fire and life-safety requirements, raising concerns over emergency preparedness, a day after 14 newborns were killed in a fire incident at Islamabad’s PIMS Hospital.
The Capital Emergency Service of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) said that “it conducted this audit in accordance with the CDA Building Standard for Fire Prevention & Life Safety Regulations, 2010, and applicable Pakistan Building Code provisions.”
According to the audit report, gas leakage was detected near the hospital’s main kitchen, while electrical wiring was reported to be in very poor condition.
Moreover, the report alleged that no proper emergency exits were available at several critical hospital areas, with some exits found closed or obstructed.
In addition, automatic fire detection, manual fire alarm, sprinkler system, hose reels, wet risers, yard hydrant, and fire pump arrangements were not provided.
“Dedicated underground and terrace firefighting water storage tanks were not provided,” the report added. “Proper evacuation arrangements for patients at the ICU, CCU, and NICU were not available.”
The audit further found that the hospital lacks a formal emergency response and evacuation plan.
“Assembly area, emergency lighting/exit signs, basic fire safety, training, and first-aid firefighting team were not in place,” as per the report.
The report also included inadequate housekeeping, a lack of non-slip stair protection, the absence of fire blankets or personal protective equipment, glass anti-shatter protection, and compartmentation of critical areas.
Recommendations
The CDA report has directed the relevant authorities to immediately restore all emergency exits and correct the reported gas leakage and unsafe electrical wiring.
It also recommended that the hospital administration establish emergency evacuation arrangements and provide essential fire detection, alarm, suppression, and firefighting water-supply systems.
“Emergency preparedness, staff training and first-aid firefighting arrangements should also be established on priority,” it mentioned.
The CDA has stated in the audit report that all “corrective installations and arrangements are to be undertaken through PEC-registered firms under the supervision of relevant PEC-registered consultants, as applicable.”
