Telangana Fire Services proposes risk-based classification to simplify industrial Fire NOCs

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Fire safety rules for industries in Telangana could soon be based on the level of risk involved, with establishments proposed to be classified as low, medium or high-risk under a framework being examined by the Telangana Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defence Department. The move is aimed at simplifying Fire NOC procedures while ensuring that safety requirements match the hazards posed by each industry.

The proposed G1/G2/G3 classification was discussed at a workshop with industrial stakeholders in Secunderabad on Monday. Under the system, G1 would cover low-hazard industries, G2 medium-hazard and G3 high-hazard establishments.

Factors such as fire load, hazardous materials, storage, electrical and process risks, occupancy and the potential impact of an incident would determine the classification.

The department is examining proportionate regulatory requirements for each category rather than applying conditions that may not be relevant to a particular industry or process.

Participants also discussed simplifying and standardising procedures for provisional, occupancy and renewal Fire NOCs. Category and industry-specific fire and life safety checklists, along with minimum safety requirements appropriate to different risks, are being considered.

Technology formed another major part of the discussions. The department is exploring IoT-based monitoring of firefighting systems, intelligent detection and alarms, aspirating smoke detection, thermal monitoring, gas and leak detection and automated suppression systems.

Such systems could provide real-time information about whether critical firefighting infrastructure is functional and allow corrective action to be taken when faults are detected.

The workshop also covered third-party fire safety audits, periodic testing, preventive maintenance, emergency drills and continuous compliance between statutory inspections and renewals.

Representatives from industrial associations and major industries, architects, structural engineers, fire safety and MEP consultants, safety professionals and other stakeholders participated in the workshop held at St. Mary’s College of Pharmacy.

The department said feedback received during the consultations would be examined while refining the proposed Fire NOC procedures, industrial risk classifications and technology-enabled fire safety framework.

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