FIREPROOF NEPAL: AFFORDABLE SAFETY SOLUTIONS
FIREPROOF NEPAL: AFFORDABLE SAFETY SOLUTIONS1.Introduction and Background
Recently Nepal has witnessed devastating fires in Singhadurbar, government offices, shopping complexes, and business infrastructures during the Gen Z protest. These unforeseen events highlight the urgency of fire-resistant construction methods, built-in safety measures, and relevant fire safety approaches in the field of civil engineering. While fire disasters are the center of attraction after the catastrophe, they can actually be prevented via engineering design that integrates fire safety measures. By detailed analysis and implementation of the below-mentioned strategies feasible in the Nepalese context, we present a pathway for engineers and path-makers to make buildings safer without prohibitive costs. The initiation could act as ease and relief during any unexpected fire hazards in the country. Huge losses of identity, ancient treasures, histories, and data could be minimized to a large extent.
2.Current Issues
Due to the absence of proper formulation of fire safety protocols during the construction and design, we have been led to destruction during every unforeseen circumstance. Many buildings in Nepal lack integrated fire protection systems. Property owners and the designers prioritize minimizing upfront cost, and regulatory oversight is weak. The installed systems, like hydrators, sprinklers, and smoke detectors, are poorly maintained. However, ICIMOD (2019) notes that delay in the implementation and updating of procedures of National Building Code NBC 107 acts as a gap so that a small fire escalates quickly into a large disaster in Nepal.
3.Structural Inbuilt Fire Safety Measures
The method comprises active and passive fire protections. Systems such as sprinklers and hydrants, which are programmed to detect and respond, are called active fire protection. Similarly, the ones that are built into a structure internally to block or minimize fire spread are passive fire protections. These include fire-resistant materials, compartments, fire doors, etc.
3.1. Sprinkler Systems
In this approach, a network of pipes is installed in fire-prone zones of a structure. It is programmed in such a way that when the heat-sensitive element detects the temperature of 68°C (or another rated value), the system operates and discharges water/nitrogen over the fire area. These pipes can control or suppress fires early, reducing the damage. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA, 2021) studies show high effectiveness: sprinklers generated in 92% of cases and controlled 97% of fires where they were operated.
3.2. Fire Hydrants
Fire hydrants are special water outlets installed along roads, near buildings, and in large complexes. With a few turns of a valve, these sturdy devices can transform ordinary city water into a life-saving stream. NFPA (2022) explains that fire hydrants work on the principle of providing quick access to water through high pressure.
3.3. Passive Fire Protection
3.3.1. Passive Fire Protection (PFP) aims to control fire and smoke through compartments such as fire-resistant walls, floors, and ceilings so that fire doesn't spread rapidly to other parts of a building. The walls are made up of fire-rated concrete, fire-rated gypsum boards, masonry, etc.
3.3.2. The method includes fire stopping at penetrations (pipes, ducts, and cable trays), so fire and smoke cannot pass through gaps or joints in partitions of floors.
3.3.3. Installation of fire dampers/smoke dampers in duct-work so active ventilation doesn't carry fire/smoke across compartments.
3.3.4. Intumescent coatings, or fireproof coatings, on the structural steel when heated, swell and form an insulating layer, slowing the rise of steel temperature.
3.3.5. Designing buildings with natural features favoring safety, cross ventilation, adequate escape routes, firebreak corridors, and noncombustible finishing materials.
3.3.6. However, promoting community awareness, drills, and maintenance culture also acts as influencing factors; similarly, neglect and ignorance are considered the biggest gaps.
The perks of having PFP methods are that these are least affected by power outages or human error, and no activation or regular maintenance is needed.
4. Role of Civil Engineers and Policy
Civil engineers are regarded as the guardians of safety. It is the utmost responsibility of an engineer to initiate uses of fire-resistant material like reinforced concrete, treated steel, and fire-rated glass. As highlighted by the Kathmandu Post(2023), ensuring compartmentalization planning, escape routes, and integration of fire technology such as smart sensors, fire modeling, and simulation tools is essential, alongside the implementation of safety codes such as NBC 107.
5. Conclusion
At the end of the day, buildings and structures are more than walls, beams, and bricks; instead, they are the places where people live, dream, and feel safe. The true strength of a building doesn't lie in how tall it stands but lies in how well it can safeguard people from within. Law enforcement with routine inspection acts as a vital change maker in planning a fireproof state. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2022) emphasizes that consistent inspection and law enforcement are as critical as infrastructure itself in reducing fire-related harm.
6. References
iv. NFPA. (2022). Fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems. National Fire Protection Association. https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards
Comments
Post a Comment