The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released the National Guidelines on Fire and Life Safety in Healthcare Facilities (2026). These guidelines have been developed through extensive consultations with experts from a wide range of leading institutions and hospitals, ensuring a robust and comprehensive framework to enhance fire safety across healthcare facilities.This document provides comprehensive guidelines and standards for fire life safety management in healthcare facilities in India. The guidelines comprehensively address multiple critical dimensions, including governance frameworks, risk assessment and mitigation, infrastructure planning, emergency response systems, training and capacity building of healthcare personnel, compliance mechanisms, and awareness generation. They also incorporate updated provisions for specialized high-risk areas such as Intensive Care Units (ICUs), Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs), and Operation Theatres (OTs), where stringent safety protocols are essential. Importance of Fire and Life Safety in Healthcare Ensuring high safety standards in healthcare facilities is vital for protecting patients, staff, and infrastructure. Healthcare facilities are uniquely vulnerable to fire hazards due to the high concentration of patients with limited mobility, widespread use of oxygen and other medical gases, complex electrical systems, and storage of combustible materials. Past incidents in India have demonstrated that even small lapses can lead to catastrophic consequences for patients, staff, and infrastructure. Recent studies have consistently identified electrical faults as the predominant cause of hospital fires in the country, especially short circuits and malfunctioning air conditioners or medical equipment. Smaller proportions of such incidents are linked to flammable chemicals, poor storage of combustibles, battery storage devices, and unsafe storage and renovation practices. Scope of the guidelines The Fire and Life Safety Guidelines are intended to provide guidance to all healthcare facilities, especially those covered under NBC 2016 Group C, Institutional Buildings - specifically hospitals, nursing homes, maternity and child-care centres, sanatoria, rehabilitation centres, psychiatric hospitals, and any other healthcare occupancy where patients may be incapable of self-preservation in the event of a fire. More specifically the guidelines are applicable to healthcare facilities categorized as C1 and partially C3 type which includes mental hospital/ sanatoria. 1 cl.3.1.4 of Part 4, Vol 1, NBC 2016 11 Guidelines cover measures across the entire fire safety continum, namely: Fire Prevention: Design, construction, electrical safety, medical gas handling, hazardous material management etc. Life Safety: Evacuation planning, means of egress, compartmentation, smoke control, drills, and staff responsibilities etc. Fire Protection: Fire detection, alarms, hydrants, sprinklers, extinguishers, and firefighting systems etc. Overview of the guidelines Governance and Responsibilities in Fire Safety Hospital administration holds overall responsibility for compliance, fire safety planning, and staff training. Fire Safety Committees and designated Fire Safety Officers oversee risk assessments, fire drills, and coordination with external agencies. Risk Assessment and Fire Safety Planning Regular fire hazard assessments are mandatory, with documentation and annual audits involving local fire services. Facilities must categorize risk zones (high, moderate, low) and develop detailed Fire Safety Plans covering prevention, detection, evacuation, and external coordination. Infrastructure and Safety Measures Fire prevention includes material safety, electrical safety, and proper storage of combustibles. Fire detection and suppression systems such as alarms, sprinklers, hydrants, and extinguishers are essential for early response. Buildings must comply with NBC ‘Fire Zones’ 1 standards, with non-combustible major structural elements in institutional occupancies. Existing buildings are exempt unless altered or hazardous. Internal finishes, false ceilings, and suspension systems should be non-combustible to prevent fire spread. Medical gases like oxygen pose fire hazards; storage and pipelines must be controlled, colour-coded, and routed away from ignition sources. Gas pipelines should use oxygen-compatible materials. Electrical safety measures include avoiding overloading, using certified equipment, regular wiring checks, and proper earthing. Critical areas like ICUs and OTs require special electrical protections. High-rise buildings need special fire safety planning, including compartmentation, fire doors, fire-resistant zones, and fireman’s lifts. Means of egress and refuge areas are essential. Emergency Response and Evacuation Procedures Clear protocols for immediate fire response, evacuation routes, assembly points, and incident reporting are critical. Regular drills and staff training ensure preparedness and effective evacuation during emergencies. Immediate detection involves reporting and activating alarms following R.A.C.E. protocol. The Fire Command Centre coordinates response and system control. Evacuation prioritizes horizontal movement, especially for ICU and critical patients, with detailed plans, staff training, and designated assembly points. Regular mock drills and incident reporting are essential. Proper signage, emergency lighting, penetration sealing, and storage practices are vital for containment and safe evacuation. Systems should include automatic smoke, heat, flame detectors, manual call points, and central control panels. Integration with other fire safety measures ensures coordinated response. Regular testing and maintenance are mandatory, with records kept for at least three years. Fire Suppression Systems Sprinkler systems designed per IS 15105 and hydrant/hose reel systems per IS 13039 are critical for early fire control. They must be integrated with detection systems. Portable fire extinguishers should follow IS 2190 standards, with appropriate types for different fire classes. Smoke Exhaust and HVAC Integration Smoke exhaust systems must effectively remove smoke, with fans and ductwork made from noncombustible materials. They should activate automatically with fire detection. HVAC systems should operate independently during normal conditions and integrate with smoke control during emergencies to prevent smoke migration and maintain safe egress. Training, Compliance, and Community Awareness All staff undergo fire safety induction, with specialized training for ICU, OT, and security personnel on patient evacuation. Regular audits, fire safety certificates, and awareness campaigns promote a safety culture within healthcare facilities. Fire Safety Procedures and Reporting Immediate reporting of fire, heat, or smoke is mandatory unless prior report has been made. No regulation should delay reporting actions. Fire drills must be conducted quarterly during the first two years and biannually thereafter. Records of drills must be maintained for three years and be accessible for inspection. Fire Safety and Patient Orientation Fire safety instructions must be prominently displayed in multiple languages, with clear signage, pictograms, and illuminated signs. Patients and visitors should receive orientation on exits, assembly points, and fire protocols during admission, reinforced periodically. To read the complete guidelines, click here.