Dhaka airport's fire safety system lags behind international standards

Airports are such facilities, where a large number of passengers, employees, and aircraft operations are carried out every day. A large quantity of fuel, electrical equipment, and mechanical materials is used here which can create the apprehension of fire incidents. So, an effective and well-organized fire safety plan is essential for protecting lives, minimizing property damage, and ensuring business continuity. However, unfortunately, the grade of fire safety systems at our international Hazrat Shahjalal Airport is far behind international standards.

The entire system design has not been done here by any skilled designer and no effective plan has been implemented as well. I suggested that an official of the Fire Service issue a letter to the airport authorities in this regard three years ago. I do not know whether that has been done.

Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defense, and Bangladesh Airport Authorities should have been aware of this in advance. If they had been aware in advance, taken steps and the airport had been brought under the fire detection protection system and a fire safety plan had been done appropriately by a skilled engineer or consultant. The accident today would not have happened. So I would like to say that we need to be more aware so that such terrible fire accidents do not happen in important establishments in Bangladesh in the future. I have presented a detailed discussion below on what fire safety measures can be taken at a state-of-the-art airport to avoid major accidents.

Fire safety is a very important issue at a state-of-the-art airport, because there is a frequent presence of people, fuel, electrical equipment, aircraft, luggage, and commercial establishments. The main fire safety issues are mentioned step by step below:

1. Fire prevention system
Electrical safety: All electrical connections, panels, and cabling should be installed and inspected regularly according to international standards.

Fuel storage and transportation safety: Jet fuel storage areas should be separate and explosion-proof.

No smoking areas: Smoking should be completely prohibited except in designated “Smoking Zones”. And fire sensors should be installed in kitchens, hangars, and cargo areas.

2. Fire detection & alarm system
Smoke, heat, and flame detectors: Smoke, heat, and flame detectors must be installed in airport terminals, baggage areas, control towers, parking lots, and hangars.

Automatic alarm system: If a fire is detected, the signal should be immediately sent to the central control room and related areas. In addition, integrated monitoring with CCTV and Building Management System (BMS) should be maintained at all times.

3. Fire suppression system (sprinkler system)
Foam-based system: Fuel tanks and hangars should be used in terminal buildings, cargo, and administrative buildings.
CO₂ or clean agent system: Control rooms, server rooms, and electronic areas should be installed.
Portable fire extinguishers: An Adequate number of Portable fire extinguishers should be installed in each specific zone.

4. Fire prevention and rescue (Firefighting & Rescue Operations)
Airport fire station must be category dependent (according to ICAO). In addition, it is advisable to have multiple high-capacity fire trucks at category 9 or 10 airports. Apart from that, the Rapid Intervention Team should be able to reach the scene within 3 minutes. There should be special foam tenders and rescue units on the runway and apron.

5. Safe evacuation and planning
Emergency exit signage & lighting: The Emergency exit signage and lighting system should have a battery backup that will continue to light even if there is no power.
Evacuation plan & fire drill: Regular drills should be arranged for passengers, employees, and security staff.
Public Address system (PA): A Public Address system should be arranged to give clear instructions in an emergency.

6. Regulations and training
The standards of ICAO Annex 14, NFPA & Civil Aviation Authority should be followed. And at least once a year, staff training should be provided on basic fire extinguishing and emergency response techniques.

7. Advanced technology (smart fire safety integration)
Fire detection (Video Analytics): Automatic alerts should be provided on smoke or fire detection.
IoT-enabled sensors: Real-time monitoring should be kept on at every important location.
Digital twin system: Simulation and predictive analysis should be facilitated in emergencies.

If the airport authorities follow the above points properly, hopefully such incidents will not happen again at the airport in the future.

M A Rashid Tipu: Former Accord, Fire Safety Engineer and Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS)