The Fire and Security Association of India (FSAI) opened its Nagpur chapter recently with an aim of creating awareness about firefighting system in commercial and high-rise residential buildings. FSAI is a non-profit organization representing the fire protection, life safety, security, building automation, loss prevention and risk management domains. “In commercial and residential buildings, the focus all the while has always been on the amenities, without much thought to the fire safety standards,” said Ajeet Raghavan, National Secretary of FSAI, while sharing insights about FSAI and its activities across 14 chapters in India.
FSAI aims to work closely with the government and all other stakeholders to enable the Indian fire and security industry to reach global pre-eminence with better regulatory framework. Director of National Fire College in Nagpur, S Shamim, who was the chief guest at the launch of the Nagpur chapter, spoke on fire safety in commercial and high rise buildings and dwelt on the existing conditions and the need for awareness while planning high-rises.
Shamim mentioned that FSAI should work as a force to bring all experts from society on a common platform to make the buildings fire proof. In his speech, NMC’s chief fire officer Rajendra Uchake pointed out that Nagpur lacks where fire and safety norms are concerned and organizations like FSAI should spread awareness through knowledge sharing programmes in the city. He also pointed out that architects and builders too have a major role to play in making buildings fire safe. “Fire safety should be a matter of high priority. Usually, firefighting systems do not get much attention while planning commercial buildings,” he said. Secretary of FSAI, Pune and promoter of FSAI Nagpur chapter, Virendra Borade and vice-chair of academic development from FSAI, Sachin Shendokar were also present during the launch.
