Frequently Asked Questions

Fire extinguishers are categorized by the type of fire they can extinguish:

• Class A (solid combustibles wood, paper): Water or ABC Dry Chemical
• Class B (flammable liquids oil, petrol): CO2 or ABC Dry Chemical
• Class C (flammable gases LPG): ABC Dry Chemical
• Class D (metal fires): Special Dry Powder (metal specific)
• Class K/F (cooking oils): Wet Chemical
• Electrical fires: CO2 or ABC Dry Chemical

As per IS 2190, workplaces must provide extinguishers appropriate to the fire risks present.

• ISI-marked helmets with chin straps
• High-visibility vests (Class 2 or 3 as per risk)
• Safety shoes with steel/composite toe (IS 15298)
• Cut-resistant or task-specific gloves
• Fall protection: full-body harness with double lanyard & shock absorber (IS 3521) for work at height
• Eye/face protection: safety goggles or face shields as per task
• Hearing protection where noise >85 dB(A)
• Respiratory protection matched to airborne hazards (N95/FFP2 or cartridges)

Employers must provide PPE free of cost, ensure fit checks, and replace damaged gear.

Most state fire services and NBC Part 4 guidelines advise:

• Full evacuation drill: at least once every 6 months
• Tabletop/departmental drill: quarterly
• Record drill outcomes, gaps, and corrective actions

High-rise, industrial, and assembly occupancies may require higher frequency per local fire authority directives.

• Advance warning: “Work in Progress”, speed limit boards, detour arrows
• Pedestrian channelizers/barriers with retroreflective tape
• Night visibility: flashing lamps or reflective cones
• Guardrails or barricades around trenches/openings
• Site entry board with contractor and emergency contact

Follow IRC:SP:55 and local traffic police permits for urban work zones.

• Identify hazards: oxygen deficiency/enrichment, toxics, flammables, engulfment
• Atmospheric testing: O₂, LEL, CO, H₂S before entry and continuous monitoring
• Ventilation plan and isolation (LOTO, blanking, double block & bleed)
• Rescue plan with retrieval system and trained standby attendants
• PPE and communication confirmed on the permit

Issue entry permit only after controls and rescue readiness are verified.

• Segregate by hazard class: flammable, corrosive, toxic, reactive, biomedical, e-waste
• Use color-coded, labeled, closed containers; keep incompatibles apart
• Secondary containment for liquids; drip trays for oils/chemicals
• Maintain manifests and tie-up with authorized recyclers/disposal facilities
• Train staff on spill response and storage limits

Follow Hazardous & Other Wastes Rules, 2016 and local PCB guidelines.

• Clear policy aligned with POSH Act; share during onboarding
• Multiple reporting channels: email, hotline, digital form, ombudsperson
• Constitute Internal Committee; publish members and timelines
• Assure confidentiality, non-retaliation, and interim safeguards
• Track cases to closure with documented actions and training refreshers

Regular awareness sessions and leadership messaging sustain trust in the system.