Diwali is a time of joy and festivity across India, but for healthcare institutions like hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes, it also presents unique safety challenges. With the increased risk of fire hazards, pollution, and potential accidents during celebrations, it's essential for healthcare facilities to implement strict safety protocols. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of preventive and safety measures hospitals should take before, during, and after Diwali, ensuring a safe environment for both staff and patients.

Before Diwali: Proactive Safety Measures

Preparation is key when it comes to ensuring safety during Diwali. Hospitals must take several steps to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with fire and safety regulations.

Fire Safety Drills and Training

• Staff Training: 

All hospital staff, including nurses, doctors, support staff, and security personnel, should undergo fire safety training before Diwali. This training should include the use of fire extinguishers, emergency evacuation procedures, and basic first-aid techniques for burn victims.

• Drills: 

Conduct fire drills to ensure that staff can respond quickly in case of a fire. Drills should be tailored to each department, considering the mobility challenges of patients in intensive care or those with limited movement.

Firecracker-Free Zone Policy

• Strict Regulation: 

Hospitals should implement a strict "firecracker-free" policy within and around the premises. Firecrackers pose a significant fire hazard, and the risk is even greater in hospitals where flammable materials such as oxygen tanks are present.

• Signage and Communication: 

Place clear signage around the hospital stating that firecrackers are prohibited. Inform staff, visitors, and patients about this policy well in advance.

Pollution and Respiratory Precautions

• Air Purification Systems: 

Ensure that air purification systems are in good working condition, especially in areas where patients with respiratory issues are being treated. Hospitals should invest in high-quality HEPA filters to minimize indoor pollution caused by fireworks.

• Stocking Respiratory Medications: 

Anticipate an increase in respiratory complaints due to Diwali pollution. Ensure the hospital is well-stocked with inhalers, nebulizers, and other medications for asthma and COPD patients.

Electrical and Lighting Safety

• Safe Use of Decorations: 

If the hospital decides to use lights or other decorations, ensure that they meet safety standards. Use LED lights, which are energy-efficient and less prone to overheating compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.

• Electrical Inspections: 

Before putting up any lighting or decorations, have a licensed electrician inspect the hospital’s electrical systems to ensure there are no short circuits or faulty wiring. Additional load should be balanced in all three phases.

During Diwali: Ensuring Fire and Pollution Safety in Hospitals

During the Diwali festivities, hospitals must be extra vigilant. Celebrations, while important for morale, should not compromise the safety of patients and staff.

Fire Safety Protocols

• Fire Extinguishers and Hydrants: 

Ensure that fire extinguishers and fire hydrants are easily accessible and fully functional. Regularly check that fire alarms are working and are audible throughout the hospital.

• Restricted Use of Open Flames: 

Candles and diyas, which are traditionally used during Diwali, should be strictly prohibited in hospital premises. If required for religious purposes, ensure that they are kept in designated safe areas under supervision and away from flammable materials.

• Designated Smoking Areas: 

Hospitals should ensure that designated smoking areas are well away from critical areas like patient wards, oxygen cylinders, and flammable storage rooms. Strictly enforce the non-smoking policy inside the hospital.

Managing Air Quality in Hospitals

• Indoor Air Quality Monitoring: 

Continuously monitor indoor air quality, especially in ICUs, neonatal care, and respiratory wards. If air quality worsens due to external pollution, consider moving susceptible patients to rooms with better filtration systems or increasing indoor ventilation. Ventilation systems can also be regulated to reduce intake of external polluted air. 

• Mask Distribution: 

Provide N95 or equivalent masks for staff, particularly those working in emergency rooms, to protect against airborne pollutants that may seep in from outside.

Staff Rotation and Workload Management

• Staff Well-being: 

The festive season often leads to increased absenteeism or fatigue among hospital staff. Ensure that there is adequate staffing to cover critical shifts during Diwali, and rotate staff to avoid burnout.

• On-call Personnel: 

Ensure that a sufficient number of key personnel, such as fire safety officers, maintenance staff, and emergency room doctors, are on-call during the festival. Overloading any one team could lead to gaps in the safety protocol. 

Managing Visitors and Celebrations

• Limiting Visitors: 

While Diwali brings in more visitors, hospitals should control the number of people allowed into patient wards. This is especially important in high-risk areas like ICUs and post-operative care, where a large number of visitors can increase infection risk and cause distractions during emergencies.

• Organizing Controlled Celebrations: 

If the hospital plans to hold any celebrations, such as lighting diyas or distributing sweets, they should be done in designated common areas away from patient wards and emergency areas.

After Diwali: Post-Festival Safety and Maintenance

Once the festival is over, hospitals need to conduct a thorough check to ensure that no residual risks are present and that the premises are back to full operational safety.

Clean-Up Operations

• Firecracker Remnants: 

Ensure that the hospital grounds are inspected for any leftover firecracker debris or flammable materials. The cleaning team should be briefed on proper disposal methods to avoid igniting any dormant fire hazards.

• Air Quality Checks: 

Even after Diwali, pollution levels may remain high. Continue monitoring indoor air quality and keep air purifiers running for a few days post-festival, especially in critical care units.

Equipment and Safety System Inspection

• Recheck Fire Equipment: 

Conduct a thorough check of fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and hydrants to ensure they were not tampered with or damaged during the festival. Refill extinguishers as needed.

• Electrical Systems: 

Have maintenance staff inspect all electrical connections and decorations used during Diwali. Remove any temporary wiring and restore the hospital’s usual electrical configuration.

Safety Checklist for Hospitals During Diwali

Here’s a quick checklist that hospitals should follow to ensure safety during Diwali:

1. Pre-Diwali Preparation:

   
   

   • Conduct fire drills and train staff in fire safety.

   • Install clear signage prohibiting firecrackers and open flames.

   • Check and stock up on respiratory medications.

   • Perform electrical inspections of lighting and decorations.

     
     

2. During Diwali:

   
   

   • Ensure all fire extinguishers and alarms are functional.

   • Prohibit the use of open flames (diyas, candles) in patient areas.

   • Monitor air quality in critical care areas.

   • Limit visitors in sensitive wards like ICUs.

   • Rotate staff to avoid burnout and ensure on-call personnel are available.

     
     

3. Post-Diwali:

   
   

   • Inspect hospital grounds for firecracker remnants and flammable debris.

   • Recheck fire and electrical systems.

   • Continue air purification, especially in respiratory wards.

   • Conduct a final staff debriefing on any safety incidents during the festival.

Hospitals play a vital role in ensuring that Diwali celebrations remain safe for both patients and healthcare providers. By adopting a proactive approach, enforcing strict fire safety measures, and managing air quality, hospitals can protect their patients while allowing staff to enjoy the festival in a responsible manner.

With the right precautions, Indian hospitals can light up Diwali with safety, health, and joy.

References

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j.firesafetyjournal.2022.102895. Singh, Aman. "The Impact of Fireworks on Air Quality During Diwali in India." Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 130, no. 6, 2021, pp. 120-126. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP8202.

Roy, Meera. "Respiratory Health in India During Diwali: A Comprehensive Review." Journal of Clinical Respiratory Research, vol. 32, no. 7, 2023, pp. 312-317. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-41889.

"Electrical and Fire Safety Regulations for Healthcare Institutions in India." Indian Journal of Hospital Safety, vol. 28, no. 4, 2022, pp. 70-78.

Patel, Nishant. "Managing Indoor Air Quality in Hospitals During Indian Festivals." Indoor Environmental Quality and Health Care, vol. 19, no. 4, 2021, pp. 102-110. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-021-9899.