Chapter 1: Introduction
Since time immemorial cases of fire outbreak from the basement f buildings has been a common phenomena. Such fire usually razes down the building as such fire outbreaks are usually realized when it is too late to salvage the situation. The focus of this research was a study on fire safety with a specific outlook on the safety measures that can be implemented within the basement areas of buildings. The study explores the causes of the fire outbreaks. It describes the various processes by which fire can spread from one point in the building to ravage whole building. The paper gives a detailed explanation of the places where fire routes itself to spread through the building to cause damage. These include the internal lining of the buildings, through doorways, via staircases as well as through the walls and the partitions of the buildings. Additionally, the research seeks to explain the means by which a fire that has been lit and can be controlled as well as put out. It also explains specifically on how to ensure safety within the basement of a building; explaining the precautionary measure that can be taken to ensure that the basement of a building is always safe from fires. It describes the procedure that are supposed to be followed in the event that there is a fire outbreak in the basement. The paper deals with the variety of fire output techniques, describing how each is implemented and the scenario that it is supposed to be preferably used. This is usually dependent on the causative agent of the fire to be put out. The research aims at clearly brining out the tact of handling and controlling a fire outbreak that may ensue from parts of the building; paying a key note attention to the fire that may emanate from the basement of the building. The control of such fires is also dully expressed and noted.
1.1: Aims and Objectives
The research was carried out in general to find out the causes of basement fire outbreaks and the strategies and techniques that are normally undertaken in order to put out such fire outbreaks. Broadly, the objectives of the paper can be listed as:
i. How basement fires started
ii. How basement fires spread
iii. The construction elements that promote such fire outbreaks
iv. How basement fires are controlled
v. The main tools and equipment used to combat such fire outbreaks
vi. Prevention of future fire outbreaks.
Consequently the study aims at bringing forth the dangers of basement fire outbreaks as well as the safety measures that can be implemented in the event that one occurs. The paper aims at acknowledging the fact that several structural discrepancies in the construction of buildings could contribute to the potential hazard of basement fire outbreaks. Consequently, it aims at educating on the basic measures that should be placed under high consideration during the construction of the building.
1.2: Research Methodology
In conducting the research for this paper several means were used to acquire the information that is presented. This methods resulted in the conclusion that have been attained in this paper. To begin with, there was study of topical books, journals as well as peer reviewed papers that gave an insight into the topic. In order to get a clear picture of the basement structures, the researcher visited several buildings with various designs of basement structure. This enabled the researcher to compound the findings on basement fire outbreaks as well. It also assisted in the drawing of conclusions on the basic structures and equipment that can be integrated during the construction of buildings to implement fire control measures. Additionally, the researcher had to visit the hospitals to engage in the study of the hospital structure, identify potential fire points and causes within the hospital. This helped to draw conclusions on the different aspects of the hospital that have to be considered to ensure fire outbreaks are controlled. The researcher also consulted and interviewed officers at the fire department to get an insight into the various fire fighting equipment and the appropriateness of their usage. A study of the structural elements of a building had to be studied as well. This involved interviews conducted with construction workers as well as architects. This gave an insight into understanding the various construction elements that can be used to protect against the outbreak of a fire. A case study of the Nayef Building tragedy was considered to give a clear picture of the hazardous nature of basement fires.
The dangers posed by basement fires cannot be underestimated, as it can result to heavy casualty as well as deaths as illustrated in the Nayef building tragedy. As is illustrated in the paper, the concern for human safety when it comes to cases that deals with fire is of grave importance. It is highly encouraged that the outlined measures of construction to always be implemented. Additionally the implementation of the basic principles of fire safety has been emphasized. These comprise the installation emergency lighting, clearing of objects along the fire escape routes as well as installing of smoke detectors for early warning of fires. There has also been the discussion of a proper basement layout that minimizes the chances of fire outbreaks. Additionally proper basement layout makes it easier to control and put out in case of an eruption. The paper also concludes that there should always be proper ventilation within buildings that can be easily accessed during fire emergencies. The paper has also discussed the various fire stopping materials that can be accessed and integrated into the general building structure to help curb fire. These have been listed as foam, small cavity barriers, plugs/ blocks, pipe closures as well as mortars.
It is evident that this research does not suffice in detailing all the precautionary measures that tend towards the protection of humans from harm by fire. There is further possibility for more research to be indulged to further the subject. The following hinge points can be fundamentally targeted as potential research fields for the implementation of fire safety in buildings especially basements. The study of fire flow water consumption. This study looks into the quantity of fire protection water that may be required to put out a fire in case of a fire outbreak in a building.
Additionally, the impact of sprinklers on fire flow water consumption could be researched upon. This would give an indication of the necessity of the sprinklers in taming fire. Further research could also be conducted on the applications of fire protection systems. This will seek to integrate different fire control techniques that will protect both humans and the building from damage as well as injuries when a fiery disaster occurs (Fire Protection Research Foundation, 2012). The following up of this research areas will lead to the enhancement of safety and protection of the public that utilize the facilities under which they are implemented.
