In recent days, the Jalisco state It has been the scene of at least four fires in different factories, without so far there An updated technical standard in terms of fire protection.
This situation has igniting the alerts between authorities and risk management experts, who insist on the urgency of modernizing regulation to Avoid major tragedies.
Sergio Ramírez Lópezdirector of the State Civil Protection and Fire Unit of Jalisco, acknowledged that the current Civil Protection Law of the State, with several years of age, gives the agency the power to authorize security measures, but It does not clearly define what these measures should be.
“The law establishes that it is our responsibility to authorize compliance with security measures, but there is no part of the norm that establishes what they are,” said Ramírez López, who has also been one of the most active voices in the proposal of a new state regulations.
What regulations exist in municipalities in Jalisco in case of fire?
Despite the absence of a technical standard at the state level, some municipalities have begun to take their own measures. In Zapopan, A technical guide has been developed With specific criteria For civil protection personnel, leaving aside regulations outdated or without livelihood.
In Guadalajara, meanwhile, already Compliance with these guidelines is required within the new risk management regulations.
Ramírez López emphasized that the responsibility of supervising security in companies It does not fall only into Civil Protection. Other instances such as the Ministry of labor, the Ministry of Energy, the State Water Commission (CEA) and the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) also They have specific regulations.
-However, he stressed the importance of having a regulation that prioritizes human security and fire prevention from a comprehensive approach.
“In labor issues there are some aspects that must meet security measures, but in civil protection matters it is urgent regular with a clear approach to the safety of people,” he said.
What is the rule they seek to implement in Jalisco against fires?
In this context, one already works on a new State Standard of Human Security and Fire. This regulation would include the obligation that companies, according to their characteristics, Install automatic sprinkler systems, known as active control systemsthat act in the face of high temperatures detection without the need for human intervention.
“It will no longer be necessary for someone to arrive with a hose to fight the fire. Even if there is no one, the system is activated alone. There is a very important efficiency,” Ramírez explained.
The official said that this initiative is being developed in collaboration with the Mexican Association of Fire Professionals, the Mexican College of Risk Management Professionals, consultants, business cameras and various sectors involved. There is already a concrete proposal and a meeting is expected next week to continue its analysis and possible implementation.
Meanwhile, the recent fires They continue to be an alert signal which recalls the urgency of moving towards effective and modern regulation that guarantees the safety of neighboring workers, facilities and communities.
AM
