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Hospitals on High Alert for Fire Safety
28 Aug
Summary
- Hospitals must ensure safe evacuation from critical units.
- Fire-fighting equipment requires immediate inspection and repair.
- Designated staff will act as fire wardens during night shifts.
Health facilities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are implementing stricter fire safety protocols, including the mandatory safe evacuation of staff, patients, and attendants from critical areas like nurseries and ICUs. This directive follows a fire incident at a hospital in Islamabad and mandates the immediate inspection and maintenance of all fire-fighting equipment, such as extinguishers and alarms.
Ensuring oxygen safety through proper cylinder management and placement is also a priority. Hospitals must conduct thorough inspections of electrical connections, air-conditioning units, and medical equipment to identify and rectify potential fire hazards. A designated staff member will serve as a fire warden in NICUs, labour rooms, and ICUs during each night shift.
Written emergency evacuation plans will be prominently displayed, with clear responsibilities assigned for patient evacuation, especially for neonates and non-ambulatory individuals. All staff must be familiar with emergency exits and shut-off points. These directives extend to basic health units, with a comprehensive physical inspection required within 72 hours and a certificate of compliance to be submitted.
