Fire Safety Compliance Checklist for Gujarat Factories

1. Fire Extinguisher Compliance (IS 2190)

• ✓ One 5 kg ABC extinguisher per 200 sq m of floor area
• ✓ Correct extinguisher type for each specific fire hazard (CO₂ at electrical panels, wet chemical in kitchen)
• ✓ Extinguishers mounted at 1–1.5 m height on wall brackets
• ✓ Maximum 23 m travel distance to nearest extinguisher (15 m for Class B areas)
• ✓ All pressure gauges in green zone, no physical damage visible
• ✓ Last service date within 12 months, service certificate on file
• ✓ ISI mark visible on all cylinders
• ✓ Red location signs above each unit

2. Fire Exits and Emergency Egress

• ✓ Minimum 2 fire exits for any floor area over 200 sq m
• ✓ Exits minimum 1 metre wide (1.5 m for assembly areas)
• ✓ Exit doors open outward (never inward or sliding)
• ✓ Exit routes completely unobstructed at all times
• ✓ Emergency lighting activates automatically on power failure
• ✓ All exits clearly marked with illuminated running man signs (IS 9457)
• ✓ Exit signs have battery backup tested monthly
• ✓ Assembly point marked outside building and communicated to all staff

3. Fire Alarm System

• ✓ Fire alarm system installed for factory areas over 500 sq m
• ✓ Smoke detectors in office areas and storage
• ✓ Heat detectors in high-temperature production areas
• ✓ Manual call points (break glass) at each exit and stairwell
• ✓ Alarm audible throughout entire premises
• ✓ System tested monthly (functional check)
• ✓ Annual comprehensive test with certified technician report on file
• ✓ Alarm panel accessible and labelled

4. Hydrant System (for factories over 1,000 sq m or high-risk)

• ✓ Dedicated fire pump (diesel backup for power failure)
• ✓ Minimum water storage tank as specified by fire inspector (typically 50,000–1,00,000 litres)
• ✓ Internal hydrant outlets at maximum 30 m intervals
• ✓ External yard hydrants where required
• ✓ Hydrant cabinets with hose reel, nozzle, and wrench inside
• ✓ Quarterly pump test conducted and recorded
• ✓ Annual full system test with pressure readings documented

5. Documentation and Records

• ✓ Valid Fire NOC certificate displayed at premises entrance
• ✓ AMC agreement copy on file (certified contractor)
• ✓ Monthly inspection records for all extinguishers
• ✓ Fire drill records: date, time, number of participants, evacuation time
• ✓ Safety officer appointment letter on file
• ✓ Emergency Action Plan (EAP) document prepared and distributed
• ✓ Fire evacuation plan poster displayed in each section
• ✓ Employee fire training records (initial training + annual refresher)

6. Signage Requirements (IS 9457)

• ✓ Fire exit signs: illuminated or photoluminescent, visible from 10 m
• ✓ No smoking signs in hazardous areas
• ✓ Fire action notice in each room or section
• ✓ Fire extinguisher location signs (red, above each unit)
• ✓ Fire hydrant location markers
• ✓ Sprinkler shutoff valve markers (where applicable)
• ✓ Hazardous material storage warning signs

7. Staff Training Requirements

• ✓ Fire safety orientation for all new employees
• ✓ Annual fire safety refresher training
• ✓ Practical extinguisher training (live fire or simulation) for designated staff
• ✓ Designated fire wardens trained (one per 50 workers recommended)
• ✓ Fire warden contact list posted at each fire alarm panel
• ✓ All employees know: nearest exit, assembly point, whom to call

Inspection-Ready: Documents to Keep at Reception

When a fire inspector or DISH officer visits, have these ready immediately:

1. Valid Fire NOC certificate
2. Current AMC certificate
3. Last 12 months of extinguisher service records
4. Fire alarm test certificates
5. Most recent fire drill record
6. Safety officer appointment letter