Workshop stresses need for robust fire safety protocols in Telangana’s industrial sector

B. Rajagopala Rao, Director of Factories, Government of Telangana
and Chairman, National Safety Council, Telangana Chapter addressing the gathering in Hyderabad on Monday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The National Safety Council (NSC), Telangana chapter, in technical collaboration with the Department of Factories, Government of Telangana, organised a one-day workshop on ‘Fire Prevention and Mitigation in Factories’ at the KLN Prasad Auditorium Hyderabad on Monday. The workshop saw the participation of around 360 delegates from various factories across Telangana.

Addressing the gathering, B. Rajagopala Rao, Director of Factories, Government of Telangana and Chairman of NSC Telangana Chapter, highlighted the growing concern of fire incidents not just in industrial settings but across residential complexes, commercial buildings, hotels, malls, schools and hospitals. He noted that while Telangana, home to several oil, explosive, pharma, and chemical units has a relatively lower rate of factory fire accidents compared to other States, there is no room for complacency.

“From the procurement of materials to their disposal, every stage must include a clear fire safety protocol,” he said. He also urged factory managements to adopt measures such as issuing hot work permits, maintaining good housekeeping, ensuring multiple exits and ventilation, implementing earthing and bonding systems and reducing hazardous inventories. He highlighted the role of mutual aid agreements between neighbouring factories in managing fire emergencies effectively.

Y. Mohan Babu, Joint Chief Inspector of Factories, reiterated the need for industries to identify and eliminate fire hazards at the source, underlining the role of proactive management in ensuring worker and workplace safety.