A new Firefighters Law will enter into operation in Colombian territory from mid-2013.
The measure orders the implementation of new actions and equipment in terms of prevention and safety: it will be mandatory, for example, to have fire extinguishers, evacuation ladders and smoke detectors; as well as a staircase to access high places or descend, an axe, ventilation areas and wide corridors.
"Just as people were educated to put their seat belts in the car, the same will happen with this issue of prevention," says Carlos Augusto Rojas, representative to the House and promoter of the law.
From the date of regulation of the measure, one year will be given as a deadline for the owners of homes, bars, restaurants, movie theaters, theaters and large surfaces to implement the changes and execute the adjustments to the constructions.
According to the regulations, in those buildings that have more than four floors, a hydraulic-pipe network must be installed that allows the mounting of fire cabinets, smoke detectors and light evacuation systems that mark the exits.
For houses or buildings of less than four floors (including bars, restaurants and small movie theaters) the demands change. This is explained by Captain Andrés Miranda, national coordinator of the Fire Department: "They must install a system with smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and ladder."
For new urban projects, the builder must take into account that just as it is essential to design the bathrooms or the social area, it is of vital importance to install a hydraulic network that guarantees the safety of the residents. "It is mandatory to present in the design the fire prevention systems, which must, in addition, have the technical review of the firefighters and their approval," says Rojas.
For large surfaces, such as shopping centers, factories, warehouses, theaters or cinemas over 400 square meters, "they will have to design emergency exits, areas of natural or artificial ventilation, swing doors, hydraulic systems, smoke detectors, stairs and fire extinguisher," says Miranda. In addition, it indicates that the costs of adaptation will be borne by the builder or the owner.
If the buildings are cultural heritage, technical studies will have to be done when implementing the adaptations so as not to damage or deteriorate their architecture.
According to Congressman Rojas, "Colombia is the only country that was lagging behind in a public policy of prevention vis-à-vis the countries of Latin America; therefore, this advance must be seen not as a negative imposition, but as very positive news."
