The Government of Andaman and Nicobar Islands has recently introduced the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Fire and Emergency Service Regulation, 2019 to provide for the maintenance of a Fire and Emergency Service and to make more effective provision for the fire prevention and fire safety measures in various types of buildings and premises in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the matter connected therewith.
This regulation extends to the whole of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and it will come into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
Aim of the Regulation
- Provide for organization, superintendence, control and maintenance of a Fire and Emergency Service.
- Provide for the fire prevention and fire safety measures for various types of buildings and premises in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Obligations on the part of Owners/Occupiers to ensure measures for fire prevention and emergency life safety.
- To appoint a fire safety officer, having such qualifications as may be prescribed.
- To supply water during emergency when in control of water source.
- To provide fire prevention and life safety measures –
(i) provide minimum fire-fighting and life safety installations as provided in the Bye-Law;
(ii) maintain the fire prevention and life safety measures in operational condition at all times, in the manner and specifications specified in Bye-Law.
- To take such precautions as specified by notification from time to time.
- To remove encroachment or objects or goods likely to cause the risk of fire when directed by competent authority.
- To furnish certificate regarding compliance of the fire prevention and life safety measures.
- To furnish to the Fire Officer a certificate in the prescribed form twice a year (in January and July) regarding the maintenance of fire prevention and life safety measures.
- Not to occupy the building or premises when safety certificate has been cancelled due to default.
- To send a compliance report to the Fire Officer.
- To furnish all information in their possession to employees of Fire and Emergency Service.
Obligation for Owners of multi-storied or special buildings
- Obtain ‘Fire Safety Certificate’ from Fire and Emergency Services
- Equip building with automatic sprinkler systems, fire alarms and fire extinguishers to prevent or extinguish fire.
Source: Andaman and Nicobar Police
