Telangana Fire Services proposes risk-based classification to simplify industrial fire NOCs

Fire safety rules for industries in Telangana could soon be based on the level of risk involved, with facilities classified as low, medium or high risk as per the framework reviewed by the Telangana Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defense Department. The move is intended to simplify Fire NOC procedures while ensuring that security requirements match the hazards posed by individual industries.

The proposed G1/G2/G3 classification was discussed at a workshop with industry stakeholders in Secunderabad on Monday. Under the system, G1 would cover low-risk industries, G2 medium-hazard and G3 high-hazard facilities.

Classification is determined by factors such as fire load, hazardous materials, storage, electrical and process hazards, occupancy and potential impact of an accident.

The Department reviews reasonable regulatory requirements for each category rather than applying terms that may not be relevant to a particular industry or process.

Participants also discussed the simplification and standardization of procedures for provisional, occupation and renewal of fire NOCs. Fire and life safety checklists for specific categories and industries are considered, along with minimum safety requirements corresponding to different risks.

Another significant part of the discussions was technology. The department is researching IoT-based monitoring of firefighting systems, intelligent detection and alarms, suction smoke detection, temperature monitoring, gas and leak detection, and automated suppression systems.

Such systems could provide real-time information on whether critical fire infrastructure is operational and enable corrective action to be taken when faults are detected.

The workshop also included third-party fire safety audits, regular testing, preventative maintenance, crash drills and ongoing compliance with statutory inspections and renewals.

Representatives from trade associations and major industries, architects, civil engineers, fire safety and MEP consultants, safety experts and other stakeholders attended the workshop held at St. Mary’s College of Pharmacy.

The department said feedback received during the consultation will be explored in refining the proposed fire NOC procedures, industrial risk classification and technology-enabled fire safety framework.

Published – 28 Sep 2026 22:11 IST