Dear Editor,
Fire sprinklers being installed in commercial buildings (three levels and higher), malls, gas stations, hotels, manufacturing facilities, sawmills, oil and lubricants storage facilities, and chemicals and medical facilities should be mandatory by law.
Internationally, fire sprinklers are mandatory, most fire departments have the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and conduct which provides standardized guidance. In Guyana, the National Bureau of Standards – Code for Buildings- Part 3: Fire Safety use and Occupancy serves as the guiding building code. The Ministry of Public Security – Guyana Fire Service is the main authority in the issuing process of the fire permit for buildings to be erected/constructed. Further, it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Public Security – Guyana Fire Service, insurance companies, banks, and other building loan institutions to ensure building owners or developers construct in accordance with the established codes/standards.
In Guyana, we continue to witness more fires and yet [to my knowledge] the relevant authorities have not mandated building owners/developers to follow the stipulated codes and the installation and use of fire sprinklers. Notably, companies such as Digicel GY, Citizens Bank, and MovieTowne Mall have installed fire sprinklers in accordance with the NFPA13 standards. Clearly, they understand the importance of protecting their business and safe guarding lives.
I have to ask, to what extent are insurance companies, government, and private institutions knowledgeable of fire sprinklers and its importance. Why the standards and codes are not being fully enforced?
Recently, there was a fire at the Giftland Mall. We have to ask what if this had occurred either at a time when patrons were present or at a section of the mall that had patrons at the time and probably where gas lines are present [i.e. the cafeteria].
I would therefore like to render my expertise to any institution or agency whether government or private in relation to developing and installing fire sprinkler systems in accordance with national and international guidelines.
We witnessed another fire at DeSinco Trading where the fire department could not extinguish to save the property, no life was lost, but had there been occupants trapped in that building they would be dead because of the time that was spent extinguishing the fire. Had Fire Sprinklers been installed the fire would have been contained and extinguished as to aid the fire department. We have many commercial buildings that need Fire Sprinklers protection. The fire department has to implement the installation of Fire Sprinklers protection for commercial buildings that are uncontainable fire risks, etc. motor vehicles. oil and lubricants, pharmaceutical bonds, chemicals bonds etc.
Yours faithfully,
Vishul Ishwaridin
