Evaluation of Fire Protection Systems in Buildings

Abstract

The general objective of this research is to study and evaluate the fire protection systems used in the National Telecom Corporation (N.T.C) Tower in Khartoum town. The specific objectives include the study of different systems used in the N.T.C building for fire protection and the building design and to compare them with the National Standards. Also the research aims to recommend suitable solutions needed and prepare a modular document to be applied by designers for similar buildings in Sudan. The methodology followed to achieve this research includes the information taken from the specific references, experts (National fire Protection Association NFPA and British standard BS), specialized companies in the field, site visits and the civil defense authority, also the careful study of the project and making comparison between the project safety requirement applied and the International Codes such as the National fire Protection Association NFPA ( which is approved by civil defense in Sudan ) and with the British standards . The case study results include that the N.T.C. building is designed architecturally and structurally according to the NFPA code. Also the fire alarm and protection systems of the N.T.C. building, and the public addressable system, access control and evacuation plan are well designed and satisfied standards according to the NFPA code standards. The study recommends that the building should be provided with clear signs to improve the access control in the last floor to guide people for the escape landing area. Also a stair case in suitable place with short distance after last staircase flight . Also the stair-cases hand rails should be increased in height for more safety, or fixing horizontal net (in the U shape staircase) for safety because the crowdness of people in case of incident will be dangerous. Also it is recommended that fire design must be considered as part of the overall building design of the structure and not an item to be considered at the end. And the insurance companies should provide their services for fire incidents after achieving the fire safety requirements by civil defense authority certification , in addition to training of personnel in this field ,.. etc.