The Labour Department, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh on June 03, 2026, issued the Draft Madhya Pradesh Shops and Establishments (Fire and Hazard Prevention) Rules, 2026.
The following has been stated:
• The rules aim to strengthen fire prevention, emergency preparedness, electrical safety, and management of hazardous materials to protect workers, customers, and property.
• Every establishment will be required to install and maintain adequate fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers conforming to BIS standards. Fire extinguishers shall be inspected every six months and serviced annually. Establishments employing 10 to 50 workers shall install fire alarms and smoke detectors, while those employing 50 or more workers or having a built-up area exceeding 500 square metres shall install automatic sprinkler systems.
• The draft mandates emergency preparedness measures such as at least two independent emergency exits, outward-opening exit doors, fire escape staircases in multi-storey buildings, display of evacuation plans, and conduct of mock fire drills every six months. Employers will also be required to provide basic fire safety training to employees and designate a Fire Safety Officer or responsible person for safety compliance.
• The rules also prescribe safe storage and handling requirements for flammable materials, gas cylinders, and hazardous chemicals, including ventilation standards and “No Smoking” signage.
• Establishments shall maintain a Fire Safety Register containing records of installation, inspection, and maintenance of fire safety equipment. Any fire incident or major hazard shall be immediately reported to the local fire authority and the Labour Department. Inspectors will have the authority to verify compliance, and violations may attract penalties under the Shops and Establishments Act.
• Special provisions have been proposed for high-risk establishments such as shopping malls, hotels, cinema halls, warehouses, and chemical storage facilities. These establishments will be required to obtain and periodically renew a valid Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC). Certain buildings covered under the Madhya Pradesh Bhumi Vikas Rules, 2012 will also be required to undergo annual fire audits, with audit reports uploaded on a designated public portal to ensure transparency and regulatory oversight.
The detailed document is attached below.
