Preparedness and Costing on Fire Safety Installation in Commercial Buildings

Abstract

Purpose: The study was carried out to analyze the awareness among the management, occupants and concerned authority of selected commercial buildings at Birtamode, jhapa and prepare the tentative cost of additional tools and equipment’s needed. Design/Methodology/Approach: 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. The fire safety preparedness and awareness of management, occupants were analyzed. After then preparedness and awareness of concerned authority like fire fighters, Municipality and Nepal police were analyzed. Data was collected from occupants, management and concerned authority based on the questionnaires survey, site visits with check list and key informant interview. Information regarding fire safety preparedness and awareness was presented in tabular form, charts and Key informants interview and questionnaire. Findings/Result: Fire safety preparedness were lacking due to lack awareness on evacuation procedure and equipment’s operation. Management seems to be more focused on financial aspect rather than safety. Lack of proper firefighting equipment’s, equipment’s in poor condition, unmanaged electrical wires is the existing problem in the buildings. Concerned authority (Birtamode Municipality) had a fire Fighting team with a six fire men with a tank and fire fighting vehicle. But the new technologies like GPS were not introduced to firefighter. There were many cases reported where due to communication gap between the fire fighter and residents, the response was late which resulted more damage. Lack of fire hydrant near the major commercial buildings created problem for fire fighter to refill their water tank. Narrow roads inside the municipality, poor implementation of fire safety code were major problem for fire fighters. The tentative cost for the installation of fire safety tools and equipment’s Rs 5, 15,000 and Rs 9, 50,000 for one stop mall and Hanuman central respectively. Originality/Value: The study may be a guiding document for professionals, entrepreneurs and occupants for improving awareness and preparedness by obtaining cost components against fire safety. Paper Type: Research paper