PIMS fire: Minister orders safety audit of maritime institutions
- Minister Chaudhry mandates a 15-day fire safety audit for all maritime facilities, prioritizing KPT Hospital
Following a tragic fire at PIMS that killed 14 infants, Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry ordered an immediate, comprehensive fire safety audit for all institutions under the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, due in 15 days.
- Tragic fire at PIMS hospital killing 14 infants.
- Minister's order for immediate fire safety audits.
- Comprehensive scope of the mandated fire safety audits.
Expressing grief over the recent fire incident at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry ordered on Thursday an immediate fire safety audit of all institutions under the Ministry of Maritime Affairs.
In a statement, the minister said that all institutions must submit the audit report of every building within 15 days.
“Fire safety audits will be conducted of offices, hospitals, residential buildings, and warehouses. Special priority should be given to the fire safety audit of the Karachi Port Trust Hospital,” Chaudhry said.
His directions come after at least 14 infants were killed when a fire broke out at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital on Wednesday.
Rescue sources said the fire started after an air-conditioner compressor exploded inside the nursery.
Meanwhile, as per a letter addressed to the heads of the organisations, “All Heads of Organizations/Departments under the Ministry are directed to immediately conduct a comprehensive fire safety audit of all buildings and premises under their respective control, including offices, hospitals, residential buildings, workshops, warehouses, oil piers and other facilities. KPT Hospital shall be accorded particular priority in this exercise.”
The audit shall cover the following:
• Availability, functionality and maintenance of fire extinguishers, fire alarms, smoke detectors, hydrants, sprinklers and other fire-fighting equipment, as applicable.
• Condition of electrical wiring, distribution systems, generators, UPS systems and other potential fire hazards.
• Availability and accessibility of emergency exits, escape routes, stairways and fire exits, ensuring that these remain clearly marked and free from obstruction.
• Adequacy of emergency lighting, signage and evacuation arrangements.
• Availability of fire evacuation and emergency response plans, including designated assembly points and responsibilities of staff.
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