FESA 2026 highlights fire and safety challenges in pharma sector
FESA 2026 in Hyderabad brought together fire, security and EHS experts to address safety challenges in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The seminar highlighted a six-pillar safety approach and showcased technologies including AI video analytics, thermal imaging and advanced fire detection systems
Hyderabad: The Fire and Security Association of India (FSAI), Hyderabad Chapter, with the support of the Council of EHS Professionals (CEP), organised ‘FESA 2026 (Fire, Electrical, Security and Automation) for Pharma’, bringing together industry leaders, EHS professionals, fire and security experts, technology providers and policymakers to address safety challenges in the pharmaceutical sector.
The one-day seminar was inaugurated by G V Narayana Rao, Director, Telangana Fire Services, in the presence of Y Mohan Babu, Director of Factories, Department of Factories; Sarvesh Singh, CEO, Telangana Life Sciences; and Tapas Saha, President, CEP. Manoj Wahi, President, FSAI Hyderabad Chapter, and Huzefa Hussain, Secretary, FSAI Hyderabad Chapter, were also present.
Pharma manufacturing involves flammable solvents, combustible powders, hazardous chemicals, high-temperature processes, reactors, dryers, pressure equipment and extensive electrical systems, creating complex fire and explosion risks. Solvents can generate flammable vapours, while APIs, excipients and intermediates can form combustible dust clouds during milling, granulation, drying, spray drying and material handling. Electrical faults, static electricity, hot work, equipment overheating, gas leaks and poor housekeeping can further escalate risks.
FESA 2026 advocates a six-pillar approach to prevent hazards, detect them early, suppress fires effectively, contain fires and explosions, respond through trained teams and drills, and recover through business continuity and disaster recovery.
FESA 2026 showcased solutions that enable pharma companies to transition from reactive firefighting to proactive and predictive safety, including advanced fire and gas detection, AI-based video analytics, thermal imaging, automatic sprinkler, foam, water-mist and clean-agent systems, among others.