PANJIM: In a bid to ensure fire safety in shops and other establishments, the State government has made fire extinguishers mandatory for commercial establishments in the State.
The notification issued on Thursday by Home Department states that all establishments, guest houses, temporary structures, beach shacks are required to abide by the notification and the owner shall furnish a self declaration.
The notification states that shops and establishments having an area of up to 50 sq mtrs shall have one portable fire extinguisher confirming to Bureau of Indian Standard-2190. Two portable fire extinguishers will be mandatory for shops and establishments having an area above 50 sq mtrs and up to 100 sq mtrs.
The notification further states that shops and establishments which use LPG commercial cylinder up to 50kg in an area of 50 sq mtrs shall have an additional portable fire extinguisher.
Shops and establishments which use LPG commercial cylinder beyond 50kg shall be as per Bureau of Indian Standard-6044 (Part 1) for storage and use of LPG cylinder, no objection certificate from the department is required, the notification stated.
Panjim Hotels and Traders Association (PHATA) said that traders would be making a representation to the government and meeting the minister concerned to exclude small traders from the notification.
PHATA president Barnabe Sapeco said that hotels can bear the annual cost but it will be difficult for the small traders.
