Warning bells: LHC firefighting system desperately needs upgrade

Survey finds much of required equipment is lacking on court premises

LAHORE: The firefighting and alarm system of the Lahore High Court is in dire need of an upgrade, according to a safety survey of the building. However, judges and litigants can now feel a tad bit safer as Punjab Rescue 1122 is acquiring the necessary equipment.

A three-member committee, comprising a Lahore High Court representative, Rescue 1122 officer Shahid Waheed Qamar and Civil Defence District Officer Sadaqat Malik conducted a survey of the system and concluded the firefighting system was outdated and needed upgrading on an immediate basis.



The home department has ordered Rescue 1122 to procure and install of the equipment, promising Rs16 million for the purpose.

The surveyors, in their recommendation, said that existing equipment must be inspected on a regular basis. It shall be ensured that all types of existing fire extinguishers and other equipment are kept in good working order at all times.

All types of fire extinguishers will be installed on the wall at a height of four feet from the floor. Guards and security staff will be specifically trained to use them for any emergency situation. These staffers shall be made responsible for tackling fire after office hours.

Periodic safety and firefighting training programmes must be conducted, they said. The surveyors recommended a capacity-building programme for the existing firefighting staff. “Regular fire drills need to be carried out. Outdated and damaged electrical wiring needs to be replaced. Parking should be maintained in a proper lane system. Doors must be cleared for emergency evacuation and fire detection and alarm systems must be installed.”

As far as the installation of the latest equipment is concerned, the recommendation stated that in the 12-Court Block, the alarm system was out of order and must be immediately replaced. Besides, there was a need for six C02 fire extinguishers with a capacity of 5kg each, two shovel fireman axes and AFFF fire extinguishing equipment with a capacity of 10 litres.

In the 08-Courts Building, the fire alarm was out of order and needs immediate replacement. Besides, there is a need for three CO2 fire extinguishers with a capacity of 5kg and a shovel fireman axe. The firefighting equipment of 04-Court Building also needs urgent attention and requires four CO2 fire extinguishers with a capacity 5 kg, four hose reels of 100ft and a shovel fireman axe.

As far as the fire alarm system in the Administration Block is concerned, five CO2 fire extinguishers with a of 5 kg and an AFFF fire extinguisher of 10 litres are needed, along with 100 feet of five hose reels of 100 feet.

The surveyors added the 06-Court Building also has an outdated fire alarm system. Besides, it needed five CO2 Fire Extinguishers with a capacity of five kg and five hose reels (100 feet).

The chamber of the chief justice needed the installation of an alarm system, two CO2 fire extinguishers with a capacity of five kilogrammes and two hose reels (100ft).

The surveyors also recommended an external fire hydrant system. They stated it should have a standard-sized outlet of 2.5 inches, preferably a pillar type wheel, and installed throughout the premises at suitable distances not exceeding 100 meters. It was also recommended that the hydrants are not blocked by any type of storage. Each hydrant should be capable of giving a discharge of at least 250-500 gallons per minute of water at 50-80 PSI and be installed at a nearby in hose box.

Rescue 1122 has invited tenders bids for the provision of the mentioned equipment which is estimated to cost Rs16.215. Last date of purchase of tender is February 13 and receipt is February 14. Delivery period is three months after the receipt of the tender and the venue of tender openings is the committee room of the Emergency Services Academy Rescue 1122 near Jinnah Bus Terminal Thokar Niaz Beg.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 31^st, 2017.