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21 Non Negotiable Fire & Life Safety Checks

India is building faster than ever — with skyscrapers rising, metro cities expanding, and glass façades gleaming with promise. But beneath this shine lies a dangerous truth: over 70% of commercial and residential buildings in major Indian cities are unsafe when it comes to basic fire and life safety norms.

We buy property based on square footage, builder brand, and location. But we forget to ask the most important question: Will this building protect my life in an emergency?

This article is not about fear — it's about awareness. Because the greatest tragedy is not a fire breaking out — it’s not being prepared for it

Life Safety Is not a Luxury

According to the National Building Code of India (NBC 2016), every building must comply with strict safety measures — fire exits, pressurized staircases, certified electrical systems, smoke detectors, and emergency evacuation plans.

But here’s what we’ve found :

  • Buildings with blocked exits.
  • Fire doors that don’t shut and non compliant
  • Elevators with no rescue mechanism.
  • Electrical panels with exposed wiring.
  • Basement shafts acting as chimneys during fires

And stil, people buy these properties every day — unknowingly stepping into ticking time bombs.

21 Safety Essentials Every Buyer Must Check (With NBC Guidelines)

Whether you’re purchasing an office space, showroom, or flat
high-rise — here’s your safety checklist backed by NBC 2016 :

Was Fire Department Consulted at the Drawing Stage?
  • NBC Part 4, Cl. 2.2.2
  • Drawings must be approved by the fire authority before construction begins — not after
Are Structural & Architectural Plans Sanctioned?
  • All designs must be approved by local municipal bodies. Any deviation after sanction is a red flag.
Are Lobbies & Staircases NBC-Compliant?
  • NBC Part 4, Cl. 4.4.2.4
  • Check for proper width, ventilation, enclosure, and travel distance.
Are Vertical Shafts Properly Sealed Between Floors?
  • NBC Part 4, Cl. 3.4.6.3
  • Fire-resistant sealing prevents fire from traveling upward like a chimney.
Are Cables & Distribution Panels Fire-Protected?
  • NBC Part 4, Cl. 3.4.7
  • Cables must run through fire-rated ducts, and panels must be properly enclosed.
Are Staircases Pressurized?
  • NBC Part 4, Cl. 4.4.2.5
  • Pressurization keeps staircases smoke-free during fire — your only escape path.
Are Elevators Fitted with ARDs?
  • NBC Part 8, Sec 5, Cl. 5.1.2.2
  • Automatic Rescue Devices bring lifts to the nearest floor during power failure.
Are Lift Cabins and Doors Fire-Rated?
  • NBC Part 8, Sec 5, Cl. 5.1.2.3
  • Ensures containment of fire within lift shafts.
Can Mobility-Impaired Persons Be Evacuated Safely?
  • NBC Part 4, Cl. 4.1.6
  • Evacuation chairs or lifts must be available for differently-abled occupants.
Is There a Designated Refuge Area?
  • NBC Part 4, Cl. 4.9
  • Required for high-rises — safe zones to wait during evacuation.
Is a Setback Area Available for Fire Access?
  • NBC Part 3, Cl. 8.2.3
  • Setbacks are critical for fire truck movement and rescue operations.
Are Cladding Materials Fire-Tested?
  • NBC Part 4, Cl. 3.4.11
  • ACP and façade materials must be certified by NABL-approved labs.
Are Fire Doors Certified on Each Floor?
  • NBC Part 4, Cl. 3.4.6.1
  • Look for ISI-marked, 2-hour fire-rated doors with auto-closing mechanisms.
Is the Fire Control Room NBC-Compliant?
  • NBC Part 4, Cl. 3.4.12
  • Must have fire panel, building plan, emergency lighting, and communication systems.
Is Adequate Water Storage Provided for Fire Use?
  • NBC Part 4, Cl. 5.1.2.1
  • Dedicated tanks must be sized based on the building’s occupancy.
Are Hydrants, Risers, & Sprinklers Tested and Approved?
  • NBC Part 4, Cl. 5.1.2.2
  • Third-party vetted and pressure-tested systems only.
Are Fire-Stop Materials Used Between Floors?
  • NBC Part 4, Cl. 3.4.6.2
  • No open ducts or gaps — all penetrations must be sealed with intumescent material.
Is the Active Fire Alarm System Functional?
  • Includes smoke detectors, sounders, strobe lights, and a fireman’s talk-back system.
Are Fire Marshals and ERTs Trained?
  • NBC Part 4, Cl. 6.1.2
  • Look for records of fire drills, mock evacuations, and personnel training.
Is the Fire Occupancy Certificate (FOC) Valid?
  • Ask to see the latest FOC — many buildings operate without one.
  • Have There Been Post-Approval Deviations?
llegal basements, partition changes, or encroachments compromise safety.
  • Verify what's on paper vs what’s built.

Safety Awareness is Nation-Building

If you care about your family, your eImployees, your tenants — then you must care about life safety. Fire safety isn’t the Fire Department’s job alone. It’s your responsibility as an owner, buyer, or occupant. A single life lost to a preventable fire or electrical fault is one too many.

Final Word : Don’t Just Buy Property — Buy Peace Of Mind

India doesn't just need more buildings — it needs safer buildings. Not just better infrastructure — but better awareness. The future isn’t smart unless it’s safe

So before you buy or rent that dream space, ask the only question that truly matters :

"If something goes wrong, will this building protect me?"

If the answer is yes — sign. If not — demand better. Because life safety is not an extra feature. It’s the foundation.

About the Author

K.P. Dominic is a seasoned expert in Fire, Life Safety, and Infrastructure Protection, with over 36 years of industry leadership. He is the Founder of organizations like NFE, FOCUS, and FSAI As the Managing Director of Blue and Gray and the driving force behind Lifeline Equipment International, Dominic champions affordable evacuation solutions to ensure no one is left behind during emergencies. His mission is simple: Safer buildings. Inclusive evacuation. Better lives.

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