How likely are you to install safety/exigency paraphernalia as mandated by building code in premises that are your responsibility?

03/02/2019

By : Prolite Autoglo

LET US PLAY THIS MIND GAME
 
Scenario 1:
 
Let me assume you are the owner/builder/developer/architect of closed premises such as a mall, building, highrise, hospital, department store, godown or any other at any stage from pre-construction to completed and delivered.
 
I approach you one day with a plan to install emergency lights, route marking and photoluminescent signages and exit signs as required by the building code and rules associated with any construction activity. I explain to you how important it is to ensure that in the unlikely but entirely possible situation that an accidental fire or blackout takes place due to short circuit, grid failure, sabotage or any other reason, the best way of securing the lives and limbs of the people trapped inside, as also important documents or property, would be to heed my advice. How likely are you (let’s say in percentage terms) to agree with me and do the needful by incurring voluntarily the costs of such paraphernalia which would hardly be a big one as compared to perhaps even the décor and interiors of the said premises?
 
0%?- 10%,- 50%,- 100%?
 
Scenario 2:
 
Let me assume you are the owner/builder/developer/architect of closed premises such as a mall, building, highrise, hospital, department store, godown or any other at any stage from pre-construction to completed and delivered.
 
A devastating fire happened one unlucky day and burned down the said premises or inflicted huge damage. Important and costly material was charred and perhaps, lives were also lost. The police and fire department authorities reached your door and scrutinized all the documents relating to the premises and quizzed you as to what you had done on your part to deal with such an accident. You were informed that you could face possible imprisonment and heavy fine due to negligence for not having proper safety security material installed. You have had a tough time dealing with it but finally survived it all and even at huge cost re-built the same facility that was charred and want to restart your life with the new set up.
 
I approach you with the same offer as in scenario -1.;
 
How likely are you (let’s say in percentage terms) to agree with me and do the needful by incurring voluntarily the costs of such paraphernalia which would hardly be a big one as compared to perhaps even the décor and interiors of the said premises?
 
0%?- 10%,- 50%,- 100%?