Fire and Safety Section
Introduction
The Fire and Safety Section (FSS) is dedicated to uphold the highest standards of fire safety across the entire campus and community. The section contributes to maintaining a safe environment for residents, staff, students, and visitors. FSS addresses a wide range of safety requirements on campus, with its primary focus areas including:
- Fire safety
- Electrical safety
- Construction safety
- Road safety
- Biosafety
- Chemical safety
- Mess safety
There is a Fire and Safety Advisory Committee, consisting of personnel from diverse areas of the institute, who provide suggestions and recommendations on safety-related issues and strategies. The section undertakes various regular activities, such as safety inspections of hostels, academic and administrative units, and residential areas. It also prepares standard operating procedures (SOPs) for various safety aspects and organizes awareness programs, events, training, and drills in collaboration with other departments such as Electrical Maintenance, the Security Section, and the Estate Office.
The section emphasizes that safety is a personal responsibility and expects every individual on campus to remain cautious for potential hazards, act responsibly, and report any safety incidents.
Safety Policy
The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment in all its institutional activities. IIT Bombay strives to ensure the well-being of students, faculty, research staff, technical personnel, and the entire community through safe work practices and teamwork.
IIT Bombay also strives to continually enhance safety performance by conducting hazard assessments, implementing controls, ensuring legal compliance, and providing safety training.
IIT Bombay firmly believes that the responsibility for safety must be shared by all those involved in any activity on campus.
Standard Operating Procedure
Laboratory Safety
Equipment safety
Improper use and lack of maintenance of laboratory equipment can cause accidents in laboratories. Adhering to manufacturers operating and maintenance instructions will help to prevent breakdowns and injuries.
Equipment Safety
Electrical safety
Electrical equipment can cause serious injuries and fires if standard procedures are not followed during operation and maintenance.
Electrical Safety
Machine Safety
Unguarded moving parts of machines/equipment and the sudden or uncontrolled release of their power systems can result in serious injuries. Personnel working with machines must be aware of the risks involved and follow safe work practices.
Machine Safety handout
Cryogenic safety
Cryogenics is the science of ultra low temperatures.Low temperatures are achieved by the liquefaction of gases.Liquid nitrogen and liquid helium are used widely in research laboratories. Improper handling of cryogens can result in serious injuries.
Cryogenic safety
Fire safety
Research laboratories have many potential sources which can cause a fire. A fire can disdisrupt research activities, cause property damage and can endanger lives.
Fire safety
Laser safety
Lasers find wide application in various fields. Lasers have the potential to cause serious injuries or permanent disability if precautions are not taken to ensure safe operation
Laser safety
Radiation safety
Radioactive isotopes occur naturally or can be generated artificially. They emit ionizing radiation in the form of electromagnetic waves or energetic particles. Exposure to ionizing radiation above permissible limits can result in serious biological damage.
Radiation Safety | Radiation Safety Manual
Gas cylinder safety
Certain specific properties of compressed gases make them highly useful in various research activities. These gases, however, can be dangerous if not handled in an appropriate manner. Many of the odorless and colorless gases are highly toxic and flammable and this calls for utmost care while handling them.
Compressed air usage | Gas Cylinder Handout | Gas Cylinder Safety Manual
Chemical safety
Wide range of chemicals are used in research laboratories of the Institute, each with its own inherent hazards. An understanding of the potential hazards and precautions required in handling of chemicals is of outmost importance in preventing exposure to chemicals and mishaps.
Chemical Safety | Chemical safety manual
Biosafety
Bio-related research activities may involve manipulation of microbial, animal or plant cells. The risks associated with these activities arise from the samples and /or the procedural requirements. Adherence to standard microbiological techniques and using facilities suitable to the risk level of the pathogen helps to protect the researcher from laboratory- acquired infections.
IBSC Proforma | Bio safety manual final | BIO SAFETY IITB HANDOUTConstruction safety
Works other than new constructions
Safety, Health & Environment- Conditions of work for Contractors
Emergency Response
Fire
Actuate the manual fire alarm call point.
- Alert everyone in the area. Inform the security section/Quick response team.
- Evacuate the building and assemble at the designated assembly area.
- Inform the fire station if the fire has spread.
Chemical Spill
- Contain the spill by using the appropriate spill kit.
- Evacuate the area if necessary and inform emergency services.
- For small spills, neutralize the chemicals as required and clean up using the appropriate absorbent materials.
- For large spills, follow the established evacuation procedures and contact emergency response teams.
Chemical Splash
Splashes on the skin
- All chemical splashes on the skin must be immediately flushed under running water.
- If the splash has happened on a large area of the body, an emergency shower must be used.
- Contaminated clothing must be removed while flushing the body. Continue flushing for at least 15 minutes.
- Get immediate medical attention.
Splashes of the eye
- Eyes must be immediately flushed with copious amount of water for at least 15 minutes.
- An eye wash fountain must be used for the same.
- During a chemical splash, a spasm may develop in eye lids and keep them firmly shut. So while flushing, the eye lids must be raised with fingers to ensure that no chemical remains in the space below the eye lid.
- Get immediate medical attention.
Active Shooter or Armed Intruder
If you hear of an active shooter or intruder on campus, follow these steps:
- Lock yourself in a room—secure doors and windows.
- Turn off lights and stay low to avoid being seen.
- Stay quiet and keep your phone on silent to receive updates.
- Follow instructions of authorities and stay calm.
Emergency Contact
| # | Place | Number |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quick Response Team | 9167398598, 9833338989 (Female) |
| 2 | Duty Inspector (Security Section) | 022-2159(1100/1112) |
| 3 | Ambulance (IITB) | 022-2159 (1110) |
| 4 | IIT Bombay Hospital | 022-2576(7051/7052) |
| 5 | Electrical maintenance Division (Lift Safety) | 022-21592171 and 9167637928 |
Safety Compliance Undertaking
Safety is a primary concern and therefore the Institute has made safety undertaking mandatory for the students. A list of safety videos and ppts pertaining to students of each Academic Unit of the Institute is available on laboratory safety web portal.
Students are advised to read/view them carefully to get themselves familiarized, before signing an undertaking.
Note for new entrants
An undertaking must be submitted by every student within fifteen days of obtaining LDAP access, without which his/her LDAP access will be withdrawn.
Note for the existing students
An undertaking must be submitted by all the students within fifteen days from the first communication from ASC asking to sign the undertaking. (Details mentioned above will be circulated by ASC to all students)
Undertaking*
- I have read/viewed the safety videos and safety ppts prescribed for me.
- I will comply with the safety norms while working in the laboratory and other places of the Institute.
- I understand that non-compliance will invite disciplinary action.
*This is an electronic undertaking and does not require submission of any physical document.
Contact us
| # | Name | Office Contact | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fire and Safety Office | 022-2159-3051 | office.fss[]iitb.ac.in |
| 2 | Safety officer | 022-2576-7034 | safetyofficer[]iitb.ac.in |