Better safe than sorry: Rajuk issues 16 directives to prevent fire accidents

In the wake of the devastating fire at a commercial building in the capital’s Bailey Road that left 46 people dead, the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) has issued a notice of 16 guidelines to prevent fire accidents.

The notification, signed by Rajuk Director (Development Control-1) Mohammad Samsul Haque has been published in public interest recently in various newspapers.

“Several fire accidents have taken place recently. Proper use has not been seen in many constructed or under-construction buildings. In this regard, the city residents and related departments or organisations have been specially requested to follow the 16 instructions properly for the safety of life and property,” Rajuk said.

The guidelines are as follows -

 

1. Buildings should be constructed as per Dhaka Metropolitan Building (Construction, Development, Preservation and Removal) Rules, 2008 and Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC), 2020.
2. Buildings should not be constructed violating the approved design.
3. The occupancy certificate of the building is mandatory and has to be renewed every five years.
4. It is illegal to set up any kind of hotel or restaurant or store flammable materials in commercial buildings without the permission of the concerned authority.
5. The effectiveness of firefighting and other safety devices maintained in the building should be regularly checked or supervised. Fire drills should be conducted from time to time with the help of the Fire Service and Civil Defense.
6. Fire safety plan has to be duly followed, fire door quality has to be as per Rajuk approved design and stairways of the building have to be kept smoke-free and unobstructed at all times.
7. Emergency exit routes must have at least 2-hour fire resistance capability.
8. Use of correct BSTI-approved electrical equipment in the building should be ensured.
9. The gas connection of the building and the functioning of the stove should be checked regularly.
10. If a gas leak is sensed inside any building, doors and windows should be opened. Accidents may occur if the electric switch or gas stove is turned on at that time.
11. No license shall be granted for any other use other than the use specified in the design approved by Rajuk.
12. No utility service connection (electricity, gas, water etc.) can be provided without an occupancy certificate.
13. All types of utility services (electricity, gas, water, etc.) shall be disconnected in case of any other use other than the permitted use.
14. A proper fire extinguishing system should be kept in the building.
15. Substandard, defective or expired cylinders can not be used in the building.
16. Designing the interior of buildings or structures with combustible materials should be avoided.