Fire Safety Management in Malaysian Higher Educational Institutions

Abstract

Most universities and college campuses across Malaysia are engaged in developing policies, programmes, and systems to reduce fire risks, and maintain fire safety. Although the awareness of fire disasters has increased among some parts of the society, the concept of fire disaster preparedness and response in universities has not been sufficiently explored. Therefore, this paper aims to establish a conceptual framework fire safety management plan in Malaysian Higher Educational Institution. The method used by this paper is synthesizing previous articles from selected journals and conference proceedings, reports, standards on disaster risk management, higher institution contingency and fire safety plans, and existing guidelines from authorities. The key elements of fire safety variables from the previous literatures assist this study in developing a conceptual framework related to fire safety management plan. The findings of this paper include the elements of fire safety management like organizational responsibilities (mitigation/prevention), emergency preparedness including emergency facilities, emergency contact details, information, and communication training, and testing and reviewing (response & recovery). The establishment of this conceptual framework of fire safety management can guide the management teams at higher educational institutions in delivering information to Emergency Response Team (ERT) to ensure its effectiveness. Moreover, this framework will help the management team to adopt, validate, and evaluate, which enhances the ability to detect crisis signal that will minimize losses.