Hochiki Europe’s Rohit Harjani on Evolving Fire-Safety Legislation and “Poor” Awareness in India

Rohit Harjani, country manager for Hochiki Europe in India, explains to IFSEC Global India how fire-safety legislation is evolving along Western lines but that education and raising awareness remains a work in progress.

IFSEC Global: What is the size of the fire safety and protection market in India?

Rohit Harjani: The Indian fire safety and protection market currently stands at £110m with huge growth potential over the coming years. To align the country with western legislation and futureproof sectors such as petrochemical, oil and gas and manufacturing, the Indian Government has introduced mandatory fire protection regulations.

As a result, the market in India is growing at an unprecedented rate and growth is being bolstered by an increase in awareness from businesses.

IG: What are the major challenges facing this industry?

RH: Currently, the main obstacle for the fire safety industry is a lack of education on the importance of implementing robust fire safety measures and the positive impact safety solutions can have on long term business security. The level of understanding, in terms of how best to protect your business and prevent fires, is also poor.

After-sales support from original equipment manufacturers also remains low. Once the solutions are installed, companies give little advice or guidance to their customers. Manufacturers must ensure they use their industry knowledge to support businesses before and after a purchase to guarantee greater effectiveness.

IG: What are your views on the fire safety laws in India?

RH: The laws currently in place, such as the No Objection Certificate, are working very well. The standards that have been brought into place by UL and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are also helping businesses to comply with these laws. The document information given by the NFPA, for example, supports companies in understanding the buildings they inhabit and what adaptations are required to make each building safe.

A committee has also been formed to review the National Building Code (NBC) and recommend changes for improvement, which demonstrates India’s desire to match its regulations with western nations.

IG: What role do you think the Indian Government needs to play in the implementation of basic fire safety measures?

RH: Our Government needs to ensure its regulations are accessible to everyone and are as clear and concise as possible. This will ensure companies have a strong understanding of what’s required of them to meet compliance guidelines.

The Government can also take additional steps to futureproof the safety market by introducing further education and qualifications for fire safety officers. The officers must understand exactly what they need to do to comply with the regulations they enforce and how best to advise a business on adherence.

IG: How can the number of businesses implementing fire safety equipment be increased?

RH: Recent media reports show us that some Indian businesses aren’t implementing fire safety equipment which will protect them and their assets.

Therefore, manufacturers such as Hochiki Europe, and key stakeholders, such as the Fire and Security Association of India, must work together to find a solution to this common problem and provide the guidance, advice and reassurance businesses are seeking.

Industry leaders share a responsibility to educate India’s businesses on the importance of fire safety solutions and how these systems can protect employees and building users.

IG: What kind of fire safety systems are needed in building a smart city?

With India’s growing economy and the high level of technology available to us, it’s no surprise we’re trying to make our cities more efficient. In a smart city, fire safety technology such as automatic water cannon systems and motion sensing systems can be introduced without continual employee care, presenting a clear cost saving.

Addressable Emergency lighting systems, addressable fire and smoke detection systems, CCTVs, perimeter fencing systems, access control systems and BMS systems should all be introduced to ensure the highest level of quality and compliance is in operation.