Apply NBC norms strictly: Fire DG

Vijayawada: Md Ahsan Raza, director general, disaster response and fire services department, on Thursday directed fire officials to ensure strict implementation of National Building Code (NBC) to prevent fire mishaps.
Speaking at a fire safety committee meeting held at the collector’s camp office, Reza said No Objection Certificate (NOC) was mandatory for the buildings above 15 metres of height.
Vijayawada Municipal Commissioner V Prasanna Venkatesh said Occupancy Certificate (OC) will only be given for the newly constructed buildings after they obtained NOC from fire safety department.
“The enterprises and managements of hotels, hospitals and cinema halls have to take steps to appoint safety officer at the premises on the lines of industries and sensitse their staff about fire safety measures,” Prasanna Kumar said.
He advocated measures such as mockdrills and sensitising the staff working at theatres, hospitals, educational institutions, hotels and shopping malls on fire safety.