Fire safety is a critical concern for residents of housing societies, as it can mean the difference between life and death in the event of a fire. That’s why the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act of 2006 requires all housing societies with buildings over 15 meters (about 5 floors) to conduct a fire audit. This is an important step in ensuring the safety of residents and their property.
According to Clause 3 (3) of Chapter II of the act, it is the responsibility of the owner or occupier to provide the Chief Fire Officer or nominated officer with a certificate (FORM B) from a licensed agency proving that the building complies with fire prevention and life safety measures. This certificate (FORM B) must be provided upon request, and it serves as proof that the building has the necessary fire safety measures in place.
In addition to this certificate (FORM B) must be provided twice a year in January and July to confirm that these measures are being properly maintained. This is an important step in ensuring that fire safety measures are not just in place, but also functioning as intended. It’s crucial for housing societies to make sure that their fire safety measures are regularly inspected and properly maintained to prevent any accidents or fatalities.
As we are already in the month of January, it’s important for all housing societies to make sure they are in compliance with these requirements. Failing to do so can result in penalties for the Managing Committee members, and more importantly, it puts the safety of residents at risk.
However, getting the FORM B certificate in itself is not enough to ensure the safety of residents.
Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act Checklist:
There are a few related things that housing societies should do to ensure they are meeting the requirements of the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act.
1. First and foremost, it’s obviously important to conduct a fire audit to identify any potential risks or hazards. This can be done by a licensed agency, and it should include a thorough inspection of the building and its systems to ensure that everything is up to code.
2. Secondly, it’s important to implement any necessary changes or upgrades to the building. This might include installing smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, or other fire safety measures as required.
3. Thirdly, it is of paramount importance to make sure that all fire safety equipment is properly maintained and in good working order.
4. And finally, it’s important to educate residents about fire safety. This might include holding regular drills or distributing informational materials to help people understand what to do in the event of a fire.
By taking these steps, housing societies can help ensure the safety of their residents and avoid any potential issues with the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act.
For getting your building protected, call VACCIFIRE on +91 22 3946 4343 or WhatsApp us on +91 86574 42816 or email us on [email protected]
Don’t let your society be caught off guard – take the necessary steps to ensure fire safety and avoid any potential issues.
