A Study of Fire Safety in Hostel Design: Case Study of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

In addition to offering residents a comfortable indoor environment, a hostel structure must also secure their safety. Hostel buildings should be made to be easily able to handle such emergencies and prevent unfavorable fire incidence since it concerns the safety of the building's residents. This is due to the necessity of fire safety and protection. The study aims to determine what causes fires and how to make hostels safer. Through case studies and interviews, data for the study was gathered. A case study was carried out in hostel in three universities: Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, University of Nigeria Enugu campus, and Babcock University, Ogun state. The analysis of the data showed that both passive and active methods are used to ensure fire safety in buildings. The active measures include the control of smoke and heat propagation in buildings by either the natural or forced ventilation of fire compartments. In contrast, the passive measures are related to building materials and the response of the building construction to the fire. The study suggests that a comprehensive approach should be used to ensure fire safety in hostel buildings and designs, taking into account factors like building compartmentalization, fire-resistant building components, automatic sprinkler, and fire alarm systems, fire hydrants, firefighting appliances, providing open spaces, and muster points with proper signages.