Ahmedabad: To prevent disasters like the one at Rajkot’s TRP Game Zone last year, where 27 people tragically died in a fire during welding work, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has introduced a new set of strict rules for any work that involves heat or flames — also known as hot works —across Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (Auda) areas.
These guidelines will apply to all construction sites where hot work is carried out, such as electric or gas welding, brazing, cutting, or any other activity that generates heat. From now on, builders and developers must formally commit to following these safety protocols at the time of getting development permissions. This commitment must be made on a Rs 300 stamp paper. The rules must also be followed throughout the construction phase, before the Building Use (BU) permission is granted.
The AMC has uploaded the standard operating procedures (SOPs) on its website and invited public suggestions for the next 15 days.
These SOPs outline detailed safety precautions that must be taken by developers, contractors, and even housing society committees. The city’s fire and emergency services and estate department will be responsible for enforcement, including conducting surprise checks to ensure compliance.
Some of the key rules include maintaining a safe 35-ft distance from any flammable material during hot works. If that’s not possible, fireproof blankets and curtains must be used to create a barrier. Hot work areas must be cordoned off, warning boards such as ‘No Entry’ and ‘Hot Works Welding’ must be put up, and unauthorized people kept out. A person should be put on fire watch, ready to raise an alarm if needed, throughout the work.
In case of an accident, the developer or contractor will be held responsible. For residential societies, the secretary and chairman will be accountable. Burning waste on site is strictly prohibited, and proper disposal of materials post-welding is mandatory. At least 200 litres of water must be always kept nearby, and workers must wear protective gear.
A fire evacuation plan should be in place. The path to the safe assembly point must remain open, and an escape route should be prepared. Proper ventilation must be arranged to expel smoke.
Smoking is prohibited in areas where flammable materials are stored. A 6-meter-wide road is mandatory for fire equipment access to every building. Rules have been established for underground welding and other hot works, allowing the use of LPG, LOX, and MPS within permissible limits.
Importantly, no hot work can begin without a special permit issued by the developer to the contractor. The SOP also bans wooden structures during such tasks—only metal pipes or scaffolding can be used.
A 21-point checklist must be completed before granting hot works approval, and a 10-point checklist for equipment inspection must be fulfilled. A nine-point checklist for gas welding and cutting has been created and must be implemented. Supervisors and fire watch personnel must be appointed during hot works.