Firm identifies solutions to electrical fire in buildings

Global power management company Eaton, has identified the need for a stringent policy on the administration of the Fire Code as the solution to incessant electrical fire in commercial and residential buildings in Nigeria.  This was the outcome of a one-day stakeholders’ engagement forum organised by Eaton Nigeria to discuss fire incidents in commercial and […]

Global power management company Eaton, has identified the need for a stringent policy on the administration of the Fire Code as the solution to incessant electrical fire in commercial and residential buildings in Nigeria. 

This was the outcome of a one-day stakeholders’ engagement forum organised by Eaton Nigeria to discuss fire incidents in commercial and residential buildings.

The session ‘Enhancing electrical safety in buildings’ featured safety experts from the Lagos State Safety Commission, Lagos Fire Service, Associations of Consulting Engineers, Eaton fire solutions experts, the media and other stakeholders.

 “Incidences of electrical fire is a growing concern everywhere in the world and one of the major causes of injuries, loss of property and even death.  As stakeholders, it’s important that we begin to take more than a cursory look at fire safety measures right from the planning to the completion stage,” the Regional Manager, Eaton West Africa Mr. Charles Iyo said.

Faced with increasing spate of fire incidents in residential and commercial buildings across Lagos State, Adebiyi Adeyinka, Director of Safety Training and Education, Lagos State Safety Commission advised for a proactive strategy to minimize risks and enhance fire safety.

He said:  “Every building must have a fire safety policy that must be available to the occupant within the premises clearly stipulating preventive measure for fire incidences.” According to him, “The role of government is to support with laws and regulations governing fire safety. However, every individual or corporation must be willing and ready to comply by the national building code.” 

Engineer Peter Ewesor, Nigerian Electricity Management Service, identified the existence of substandard electrical equipment as a key challenge to be tackled decisively if fire outbreaks in buildings are to become a thing of the past.