Evaluation of the Factors to Consider for the Development of Appropriate Guidelines for Designing Markets in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria with Less Fire Problems
Odaudu, Ugbede Sunday
Department of Architecture
Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria
Email: arcodauduugbede@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Nigeria does not have an original National Fire Safety Code; frequent fire outbreaks in market places is a serious challenge Nigeria is facing and they have led to loss of lives of many people and destruction of valuable properties. In order to reduce this problem, a study was carried out on markets in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria to determine the development of appropriate guidelines, in order to improve the designs of markets in Nigeria with less fire problems. The primary research data are from the discussions that were made with staff of the Federal Fire Service of Nigeria, National Association of Nigerian Traders, and managing company of the markets that were studied with regards to fire outbreaks in markets. They are also from the direct observations of the current conditions of the markets with regards to fire outbreaks. The secondary research data are from the reviews of the relevant literature. The results of the research showed that there is no provision for water reservoir(s); there is no proper market keeping in markets that were studied. The results also showed a wrong allocation of electric control fuses in shops; indicated absence of mini fire service stations in markets in the study area. Among other recommendations for this research are: in the development of guidelines for designing markets in Nigeria with less fire problems, there must be water reservoirs of a minimum capacity of 16,000 litres (4,000 gallons) at different intervals or a specified location for fighting fires, depending on the sizes of markets. The walls of the front verandahs or corridors should be where electrical power distribution boards will be mounted to allow open and quick access for the removal of electrical power fuses. All markets must have a mini fire service station for the immediate fighting of fire outbreaks before the arrival of major firefighting vehicles from the main fire service stations.
Keywords: Designs, Fire, Guidelines, Markets, Nigeria.
