In order to regularize standards for the construction of temporary medical care units – or field hospitals – the Military Fire Department of the Federal District (CBMDF) published, this Tuesday (5), an ordinance with rules to be followed. The measure will be applied while the Covid-19 pandemic lasts.
Although temporary, the facilities must follow basic fire and panic safety measures, such as fire extinguishers, lighting, signage, emergency exits, and a Fire and Panic Prevention Plan (PPCI). However, other items, such as fire sprinklers, wall hydrants, and smoke detectors, will not be mandatory.
“Given the exceptional nature of the construction of this type of unit, which has a specific operational timeframe, the risks are lower, with no crowds of people other than patients, doctors, and health teams. Thus, with a reduced audience and environment, the rules can be adapted, as visualizing the space as a whole is easier,” explained the head of the Security Department, Colonel Claudio Góes.
He also explains that, despite some equipment not being required, safety is not compromised. “The very structure would not allow fire hydrants to be attached to the walls, for example. Adaptations are possible, but safety remains,” he reassures.
The adjustments also enable greater savings for the government. “These are environments that will not be permanent. The guardhouse was built based on standards already defined in other states and also with the corporation's expertise, always ensuring the safety of users,” explained Colonel Góes.
All information – such as paved area, number of beds, type of construction material or adaptation to be used, floor plan or sketch of the facilities showing the specific destination of each room, support areas, widths of corridors and doors, indication of capacity per room, waiting areas, and other relevant technical information – must be submitted to the CBMDF. The corporation will inspect compliance with all measures.
Also according to the ordinance, permanent buildings used for the installation of temporary medical care units, such as what is happening at the Mané Garrincha stadium, do not need to be regularly licensed by the CBMDF for this specific purpose, and structures already approved by the corporation may be used. However, they must present mitigating measures and a Fire and Panic Prevention Plan (PPCI), due to the adaptations made.
SOURCE:
FIRE MAGAZINE
