Head of Occupational Health and Safety Department, Prof. Dr. Fahri Erenel, Evaluates the Kartalkaya Fire
Istinye University’s Head of the Occupational Health and Safety Department and Faculty Member of the Political Science and Public Administration Department, Prof. Dr. Fahri Erenel, shared insights into the possible causes of the hotel fire in Bolu and provided recommendations on what should be done in the event of a fire. Following the devastating hotel fire in Kartalkaya, Bolu, discussions continue regarding the cause of the fire and why it could not be brought under control. Prof. Dr. Fahri Erenel, an occupational safety expert, highlighted critical points that may have contributed to the incident. He emphasized that the hotel’s failure to comply with the Regulation on Fire Protection of Buildings was among the factors leading to the disaster and also provided essential recommendations for fire emergencies.
“Failure to comply with regulations is among the causes”
Regarding the issues surrounding the Kartalkaya hotel fire, Prof. Dr. Fahri Erenel stated:
“The main issue lies in the failure to implement the measures explicitly outlined in the regulations, as well as the negligence of those responsible for inspections. The fact that the hotel was not designed in accordance with the Regulation on Fire Protection of Buildings is one of the primary causes. According to the regulation, the following should be in place: the use of fire-resistant materials, emergency signage, the presence and fire resistance of emergency escape stairs, emergency alarm buttons, escape corridors, warning and extinguishing systems, and smoke control mechanisms.
Even if a workplace is classified as low-risk, it is still required to employ an occupational safety expert. The failure to conduct necessary inspections by this expert or the employer’s failure to comply with identified risks are contributing factors. Employers are responsible for continuously conducting or commissioning risk assessments. It is evident that this assessment was either not conducted or, if it was, its findings were not adhered to. Even if an emergency response plan existed, the extent to which it was implemented through drills and whether these drills were properly recorded are crucial aspects.
Additionally, it is important to determine whether an emergency response team was formed in accordance with the emergency plan and whether this team was structured considering the hotel’s 24/7 operation. The adequacy of training and equipment, the presence of a protocol with the fire department, and the execution of joint drills based on a common scenario are also significant concerns. Lastly, the manner and sufficiency of occupational health and safety training provided to staff should also be examined among the key issues contributing to this incident.”
