Following the recent blaze at Gul Plaza, a leading academic has issued a stark warning that fires in large shopping centres, fuelled by a mix of chemicals, polymers, and dyes, cannot be extinguished with water alone and may even be intensified by it, releasing toxic gases and requiring specialised powders to be controlled.
These views were expressed by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah, Director of the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at the University of Karachi, during a lecture at the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry today.
Prof. Raza Shah stressed the need for concrete measures by relevant authorities to save lives, noting that the Gul Plaza incident was intensified by the diverse range of items present. He pointed out that the combustion of such materials generates varying degrees of heat and poisonous fumes.
‘Government and management of all malls should ensure the safety of the visitors and all personnel working in the mall and should implement safety protocols to minimize exposure to hazardous and unhealthy situations within the working premises,’ he stated.
The professor identified large shopping plazas as high-risk areas because merchants handle materials that can be irritant, explosive, flammable, or a health hazard.
He explained that, globally, fires in major retail complexes often stem from several causes, including the absence of personal protective equipment (PPE) when dealing with electrical wiring, inexperience in fixing mechanical problems, mishandling of materials, and a lack of knowledge about emergency procedures.
The infrastructure and design of shopping centres also play a pivotal role in creating a safe environment. Prof. Raza said that electrical circuits, humidity control systems, and ventilation require proper installation and periodic monitoring by experts to ensure their effectiveness.
He asserted that a significant factor in maintaining safe working conditions is the individual attitude and behaviour towards safety operations. He called on the government to establish and enforce laws and regulations concerning safety, adding that the direct responsibility lies with the government to develop protocols for all buildings and ensure their implementation.
However, he also emphasised that despite a safe working environment, each individual is accountable for their own safety. He noted that no safety department can succeed without the support and cooperation of the workers within an organisation.
Citing his practical experience, which includes authoring an internationally-released book on the subject, Prof. Shah mentioned that his work provides an authoritative reference on fire safety procedures and the handling of materials applicable to laboratories, industries, and large buildings like Gul Plaza.
He concluded that most accidental injuries can be minimised if proper systems and safety-oriented attitudes are in place. To establish a true culture of safety, everyone must remain mindful of maintaining a secure environment, even with advancements in technology.