Telangana eases fire NOC rules for existing schools and colleges
Revised guidelines allow flexibility for older educational buildings regarding open spaces and staircase widths while maintaining safety standards.
The Telangana Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defence Department has simplified the process for issuing Fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to existing schools, junior colleges, and intermediate colleges, according to The Hindu. The new rules, announced by Director General of Fire Services Vikram Singh Mann, apply to applications submitted on or after November 10.
The revised guidelines address infrastructure challenges in older buildings. Educational institutions can now use their existing open spaces instead of being forced to create new ones. If setbacks are insufficient, institutions must install water curtains on sides not bordering a road and provide a four-way fire brigade inlet.
Requirements for second staircases have also been modified. Buildings taller than nine metres must have a second staircase regardless of floor area, while those below nine metres require one if the floor area exceeds 500 square metres. The previous 1.5-metre width standard is relaxed to allow the maximum width possible based on available space.
Safety measures remain mandatory. For buildings up to 15 metres, institutions must provide at least four fire extinguishers per floor. Buildings with a ground plus two floors or more must also have electronic fire alarms, hose reels, a 10,000-litre terrace water tank, and a pump with a 450-litre per minute capacity.
For structures between 15 and 30 metres, requirements include downcomers, hose reels, a 25,000-litre terrace water tank, and a pump providing 900 litres per minute. Schools must also ensure exits are unobstructed and display evacuation plans.
Occupancy NOCs issued under these rules will be valid for three years. Institutions are required to apply for renewal two months before the certificate expires.