Warehousing and logistics are essential components of the supply chain and play a crucial role in supporting the growth and development of national infrastructure. The logistics industry involves the transportation, storage, and distribution of goods across the country. However, with the growth of the logistics industry comes the need for an unwavering commitment to safety, particularly when it comes to fire safety. In light of this, The theme for Fire Service Week 2023 is “Awareness in Fire Safety for Growth of National Infrastructure (AGNI)”, which emphasizes the importance of fire safety for the maintenance and improvement of the physical and organizational structures and facilities that are essential for the functioning and development of our country. It also urges us to be aware and alert of the fire risks and hazards that we face in our daily lives and work activities, and to take appropriate measures to prevent and respond to them.

The History of Fire Service Week

Fire Service Week has a historical significance that dates back to 14th April 1944, when a massive and devastating fire broke out on a ship named SS Fort Stikine at the Bombay Dockyard. The ship was carrying 1,200 tons of explosives, cotton bales and oil drums. The fire resulted in two giant blasts that killed around 800 to 1300 people, including 71 firefighters who were trying to extinguish the fire.

The Fire Service Week was first observed in 1956 as per the recommendation of the Standing Fire Advisory Council (SFAC), which is an apex body constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. SFAC also suggested to observe 14th April as Fire Service Day or Martyr’s Day every year to commemorate the memory of the brave firefighters who lost their lives during the dock explosion. Since 1995, Fire Service Week is being observed from 14th April to 20th April all around the country. The week also coincides with the birth anniversary of Sir Ksheshrao Chaubey, who was the founder of the first organized fire service in India.

The risks of fire in warehousing & logistics industry

The risks associated with fire incidents in warehousing and logistics can be significant, and they can vary depending on the nature of the goods being stored or transported. Some of the common risks associated with fire incidents in the logistics industry include:

Combustible and flammable goods: Many goods stored in warehouses and transported through logistics facilities are combustible and flammable. These goods include chemicals, aerosols, fuel and other hazardous materials. If not stored or transported correctly, they can cause fire incidents.
Electrical faults: Many logistics facilities use electrical equipment such as lighting, conveyor belts, distribution panels, transformers and other machinery. If these electrical systems are not well-maintained, they can cause electrical faults that can lead to fire incidents.
Human error: Human error is a significant contributor to fire incidents in the logistics industry. This can include improper storage of goods, improper handling of equipment, and other mistakes that can lead to fire incidents.
Arson: The risk of arson in the logistics industry cannot be ignored. Arson can cause significant damage and can put the lives of employees at risk.

How Ecom Express is committed to Fire Safety

At Ecom Express, we recognize the importance of fire safety and have taken several steps to ensure that our warehouses and logistics facilities are safe and secure. Some of the measures we have taken include:

Conducting fire risk assessments, regular safety audits and inspections to identify potential fire hazards and ensure that our facilities are up to code. This involves identifying potential fire hazards and taking appropriate measures to mitigate these risks. We keep updating our checklist and developing a strong audit system in compliance to legal obligations.
Investing in state-of-the-art fire safety equipment, including fire alarms, sprinkler systems, extinguishers & automatic suppression system, to ensure that we are well-equipped to handle any fire incidents. Fire detection systems such as smoke detectors and heat sensors, etc can detect fire incidents at their earliest stages and trigger alarms, alerting employees to evacuate the facility.
Adhering fire safety protocols by ensuring compliance to safety procedures, instructions, safe risk assessments, Statement of Procedures (SOPs) for transportation of different types of goods and material.
Internal & external trainings to employees on fire safety is critical for ensuring that they are aware of the potential fire hazards in the facility and are equipped with the knowledge and skills to prevent fire incidents and respond appropriately in the event of a fire. Training is conducted on topics such as fire prevention, the use of fire safety equipment, evacuation procedures & emergency response protocols.
Stakeholder engagement by collaborating with local fire departments, this involves sharing information on the facility’s fire safety measures, and conducting regular fire equipment demonstration, fire tender & mock drills and training sessions in collaboration with the local fire department.
Ecom Express is a leading end-to-end logistics solutions provider with a focus on speed, reliability and innovation. We offer customized solutions for e-commerce companies across India. To know more about our fire safety provisions , please contact our Corporate EHS Lead at somya.g@ecomexpress.in