By Anih, Ejike Kingsley
ABSTRACT
The growing awareness of the importance of fire safety consideration in building has led to the emergence and recognition of different fire safety measures in the design and construction of buildings. This independent research project is therefore aimed at identifying the nature, causes and effects of fire in buildings with particular reference to Automobile/Auto mall canter and to suggest appropriate measures that can be applied to avert or reduce the fire outbreak in such facilities.
Fire can occur either by electrical malfunctioning, arson, carelessness and natural occurrence. Fire safety measures include those that are planned during the design of a building or implemented in structures that are already standing, and those that are taught to occupants of the building.
This research will address the issue of fire in general and fire safety in automobile/auto mall. It will research on design characteristics of buildings, safety awareness in design and building practices. The study will identify various causes of fire in buildings and other related facilities or structures, how they can be prevented and ways by which architects and designers through planning from concept stage can use elements of circulation such as elevators, escalators, stairs, hall ways, courtyard to mention a few and other fire safety precaution in the prevention of fire, and as a means for providing escape (for persons and goods) during fire outbreak.