KARACHI: In response to the tragic fire at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) that resulted in the loss of 14 newborn lives, the Sindh government has made it compulsory for all privately operated schools in the province to implement ten strict fire safety protocols immediately.
Rafia Javed, Additional Director of Registration at the Directorate of Inspection and Registration of Private Institutions under the School Education and Literacy Department, issued an official notice to all private school principals and administrators across Sindh.
“To prevent any future tragedies and ensure safety, it is now mandatory for all private schools to adopt and rigorously enforce the following ten fire safety measures without delay,” the notice emphasized.
Key Measures Include:
– Fire Prevention Equipment: All school buildings must be equipped with operational fire alarms, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers on every floor and at crucial points. These systems should undergo regular checks, maintenance, and servicing.
– Emergency Exits: All escape routes, staircases, and emergency exits must be kept unlocked, clearly marked, well-lit, and free from obstructions to facilitate quick evacuation.
– High-Risk Area Safety: Electrical systems, laboratories, kitchens, generator rooms, and other high-risk zones must be inspected periodically and certified safe by qualified professionals.
– Evacuation Plans: Updated fire evacuation maps, detailed floor plans, and safety instructions should be prominently displayed in classrooms, hallways, and common areas.
– Fire Drills: Schools are required to conduct at least two fire drills per academic year, with proper documentation of dates, observations, and improvements made.
– Staff Preparedness: Teachers and administrative staff must regularly train in fire response, evacuation procedures, and basic first aid techniques.
– Support for Vulnerable Students: Special arrangements should be in place for the safe evacuation of children with disabilities, preschoolers, and other at-risk groups.
– Designated Assembly Points: Schools must identify and clearly mark external assembly points, with attendance checked immediately after evacuation.
– Re-entry Protocols: Entry back into the premises is only permitted once clearance is granted by authorized emergency or safety officials.
– Compliance and Record Keeping: Schools must adhere to all fire safety regulations, maintain valid safety certificates, and keep detailed inspection and maintenance records for review.
The directive calls on school authorities to disseminate these safety measures among staff and enforce strict compliance “in letter and spirit.” Authorities warned that failure to comply will result in disciplinary actions and possible sanctions against violators.
