ABSTRACT
This research looked into causes of fire outbreaks in
market buildings. The objectives were; to examine the causes of fire outbreaks,
to determine the strategies on improving fire prevention measures on market
buildings and to highlight various fire preventive measures observed in market
buildings. Several literatures related to fire outbreaks/safety in market
buildings were critically reviewed to garner more understanding on the subject
matter which formed the secondary data’s. These were obtained from books,
journals, newspaper supplements, internet and online databases. While the
primary research data was collected through questionnaire forms, interviews and
observations. Results of the research were discussed under thematic sub-
sections in line with research objectives. From the findings, it was found that
power fluctuations, cooking with naked fire in the market and overloading of
electric appliances were the major causes of fire outbreaks in the market
buildings. From the findings on the major strategies on improving fire
prevention measures on market buildings are increased public participation in
fire safety training, installing fire equipments, enhanced funding towards fire
safety, seeking approval before building works and full compliance with set
building by laws. While the findings on the preparedness measures to fire
disasters are; awareness of an emergency communication system, existence of a
fire assembly point/emergency shelters, existence of emergency population
warning methods, availability of an emergency fire disaster kit, training on
emergency services, frequent regular inspection/ maintenance and accessibility/efficiency
to fire hydrants. It was concluded that adequate fire safety measures are not
in place and therefore ought to be established. The research therefore
recommends that owners and property managers should involve fire experts in
fire safety, inspection of the fire-fighting infrastructure, and enhancing fire
safety measures and programmes.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
Fire is the rapid or sudden oxidation of a material in the exothermic
chemical process of combustion, releasing heat, light and various reaction
products. (Wikipaedia, 2009).
Fire outbreak in
the country has indeed assumed an alarming proportion. In Nigeria today, there
is barely a day without one accident or the other and most has to do with fire
outbreak. Fire is often described as the greatest servant but the worst master
– difficult to control when it turns into inferno – as it wrath on burning and
scorching everything on its path. As we all know, it has no respect for man;
rich and poor alike.
Fire is caused by several factors.
Boateng (2013) posited that improper electrical fittings, use of substandard
electrical materials, defective generators, power fluctuations resulting from
frequent power outages and illegal tapping from the national grid are some of
the possible causes of fire outbreak. Anaglatey (2013) says the rise in fire
outbreak could be traced to intense harmattan, overloading of electrical
appliance on the same fuse and improper electrical installation in homes and
workplace. He continues that illegal, improper and old wiring system as well as
cooking in the home and workplace with naked fire is some of the major causes
of frequent fire outbreaks. Abu (2013) reports that 75% of fire outbreak in
some West Africa countries including Ghana and Nigeria are caused by smoking, 15% out of ignorance
and 10% out of accidents.
According to Sheffrin (2003) whenever
there is fire outbreak it is never a pleasant incident, usually resulting in
serious problems for the residents of the property affected. He defined fire as
a chemical reaction in which a substance combines with oxygen in the air and
the process is accompanied by the emission of heat, light and sound. This menacing nightmare is one problem that is engulfing Nigeria right
now as rampant fire outbreaks are paramount with more modernized/conventional
surroundings in the past few years. Investigations conducted so far by all
institutions concerned including the team from the United States of America
have shown that the calamities are caused largely by accidental and careless
handling of gas equipments, electricity and naked fires in our markets, homes, offices
and industrial settings. There are countless things that can actually set a
house or building on fire. Many times fire occurs because of a person’s
carelessness but other times its just fate and nobody can be blamed for it.
Over the years many fire incidents
have occurred in public places due to some unforeseen circumstances such as the
use of explosives, ethnic crises, and accidents. However there are eminent
needs for buildings, tunnels and many other concrete infrastructures to be
assessed for inherent residual strength and changes in physical appearance
following fire accidents. After a severe fire, structure could be repaired rather
being demolished. Many fire affected buildings in Nigeria in recent years have
been demolished while some others are left dilapidated; consequently there is a
persistent requirement for structures to be forensically assessed after fire
damage to ensure safety and enable appropriate repaired to be planned and
implemented. It is necessary to evaluate fire-affected structures in a
systematic manner to determine the extent of damage and in order to propose
appropriate repair or re-construction. According to Ekhase (2011) the intensity
and duration of fire can be estimated by observing the damage.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Without any iota of doubt, fire outbreak has led to considerable amount
of loss of lives and properties thereby leading to a deep fall into economic
problems, ranging from individual family’s to the nation at large. Stemming
from this, the statement of the problem is thus itemized below:
1. Ignorance leading to storage of fuel or other combustible substances
around market places or shops.
2. Careless handling/usage of appliances including gaseous and electrical
appliances etc.
3. Inabsolute knowledge on fire safety principles/prevention.
4. Overloading of electrical appliances/faulty electrical wiring.
5. Overheating of electronic equipment (poorly ventilated storage for
electrical component or fittings.
1.3 Aim and Objectives
The aim of this study is to investigate the causes of fire outbreak in
market buildings to serve as basis for the upturn of loss of lives and
properties. In order to achieve this aim, the study is set out with the
following objectives.
1. To examine the causes of fire outbreak in market buildings.
2. To determine the strategies on improving fire prevention measures on market buildings.
3. To highlight various fire preventive measures to be observed in market
buildings.
1.4 Scope and Delimitation
The scope of this project is to particularly encompassing the
investigation of causes of fire outbreak essentially in market buildings. The
geographical scope is on Benin City, hence by quantitative analysis and the
help of structured questionnaires administration around the study area and
direct access to the located citizenry, various conditions causing major
challenges (fire management) will be critically accessed. And also, researches
involving questionnaires administration normally meets with various limitations
including time, mobility and funds to meeting different targets.
1.5 Significance of the Study
The study would enhance people’s knowledge on market buildings fire
management and causes to this great menace thereby postulating the areas to
effective management and prevention. It would also help market residents to
know the fire safety measures and causes to be particularly vigilant about. The
research document produced from the study therefore, would serve as a reference
material for students, researchers and policy makers.
The ability to understand and predict the patterns of fire ignitions will
also help managers and decision makers to improve the effectiveness of fire
prevention, detection and control.
1.6 Study Area
The study area is Benin City, Edo State. A city of estimated population
of 1,147,188 inhabitants by the 2006 population census. It is the capital of
the state in Southern Nigeria. It is approximately 40 kilometres North of the
Benin River. It is situated 320 kilometres by road East of Lagos. Benin is the
centre of Nigerias rubber industry, but processing palm nuts for oil is also an
important traditional industry. The original people and founders of the Edo
State Empire and Edo people were initially ruled by the Ogiso (Kings of the Sky)
dynasty who called their land Igodomigodo.
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