Fire safety related challenges faced by existing hospitals: A review

Abstract

Background: Hospital fires are real dangers and have historically caused life and property damages. A review of major research databases like Scopus, IEEE Xplore Digital Library, IET site, PubMed, Cochrane library and ASCE Library was conducted to explore fire safety challenges faced by existing hospitals and possible recommendations made thereof to overcome such challenges. Methods: The review was conducted for key words- “Fire safety”, “Hospital Fire”, “Fire risk” and “Fire safety challenges”. The search found 684 articles in total which were screened for relevance to research area and 27 articles were reviewed in detail. Findings: There is poor enforcement of law by agencies. Retrofitting for conformance to fire safety regulations is difficult. Issue like faulty equipment, improperly kept inflammable material, evacuation difficulties due to higher acuity of patients, operational issues like maintenance of all fire safety equipment and installations, and training of staff, etc. are highlighted. Conclusion: Focussed interventions and an all-encompassing fire safety risk management plan is the need of the hour. Significant insights into critical issue of fire safety is of immense benefit to healthcare professionals as a basis to make hospitals safe places.