Operational Assessment of Fire Safety Status of Existing Commercial Buildings at Birtamode, Jhapa, Nepal

Abstract

The study was carried out to analyze the current fire safety status of existing commercial buildings at Birtamode, Jhapa. This research is focused on two commercial buildings; Hanuman Central and One stop mall (Birtamode, Jhapa). These building are selected for research as both of the buildings are considered as largest shopping malls and they also vary in planning and construction technology. Standard fire safety status check was done with comparing with NBC 107:1994. A standard check list was prepared and compared with current status of buildings. Data was collected from site visits with check list and key informant interview. During survey of the existing commercial building it was found that not all the guideline mentioned in NBC 107: 1994 was followed. Many aspects of door detailing and stairs detailing were considered in Hanuman Central whereas in case of one stop mall staircase was narrow. Design aspect of Hanuman Central was found more advanced. There were four Exit route however only two of them lead to open space. One escape route lead to basement parking and another was behind the building from where street was nearly 300 m far. Semi enclosed stairs were present in all four buildings. No proper signage of exit was found. One stop mall seems to be more prepared and concerned about the fire safety. Smoke detector, dry powder extinguishers was found in working condition. Water hose reel was installed but ws not functional as water tank was not operational and also lack of trained manpower was main problem there. It had four exit, two staircase and two escalators.