Dear Editor,
The recent fire on Sunday, February 12 at Seventh Street Winsdor Forest, West Coast Demerara, was avoidable or could have been minimal for many reasons. Firstly, the electric power supply system by The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) entity in Guyana badly needs overhauling in view of constant blackouts (since I was a school boy 40 years ago) and, with constant switching on and off deadly high voltage power surges are produced. According to reports it is this power surge that resulted in sparks from the fuse box controlled electric distribution system.
Now, if the location of the box was away from combustible materials this would not have precipitated any fire (unless the converse was done by placing flammable materials near the fuse box). Anyway, with appropriate electric design codes, using the correct material such an occurrence would not have taken place. The death of 60 year old Mr. Mohabir, while greatly tragic, could also have been prevented, however, a lack of communication led him to believe that his grandson was still in the building, causing him it hurry back inside where he became trapped and was burnt to death. It remains a defying question if the GPL would assume responsibility for the onset of this disaster.
Guyana needs a complete overhaul of its building codes and safety standards. Here are some solutions:
1. Some buildings in Guyana, generally do not confirm to the country’s building codes. Single family homes are secretly converted into tenant occupied residences so that homeowners can accommodate family members and get some rental income. The flaw in this is that the original plumbing and electric systems for a single family have to support tenants with additional appliances for the same outlets. In other words, in a single family house the electrical system was built to accommodate one microwave oven, several air conditioners and a fridge, however, having tenants’ means more appliances—enough to induce overloading of the electrical circuits. In some cases, extension cords are hidden under carpet, and their multiple connections could induce sparks from overload which in turn could result in burning the carpet. Then there is the scenario where persons break off the earth safety prongs in three way plugs to accommodate two way plug-ins. No need to state this is a serious fire hazard.
2. Single Room Occupancy buildings (prevalent in Hospital and University neighbourhoods) and other multi-family buildings should be inspected on a yearly basis, not only in order to prevent fires, but to see that they conform to their specific Occupancy codes.
3. In Guyana, the building codes and zoning regulations should be updated to allow a minimum space of roughly eight feet between buildings to facilitate evacuation as well as allow access to firefighters.
4. Given the spate of recent fires on commercial buildings, it should be mandated that all commercial buildings be fitted with modern sprinkler systems to prevent their entire destruction in case of fire. Automated oxygen retardant systems (halogens is often used) should also be installed inside commercial buildings so that an increase in temperature (say at 110 F) will trigger off the chemical spray which will reduce atmospheric oxygen thus containing the fire. Smoke alarms should be installed in homes and along the corridors of commercial buildings which are the principal pathways for smoke.
5. Bonds, regardless of what is stored, need to be sectionalized, much like the compartments in ships, like oil tankers. All compartments must be entirely sealed and fire-proof. This, coupled with periodic safety inspections, must be the way forward. Storage of cooking gas containers must never be inside a closed building. Propane is highly flammable (we cook with it) and needs to be stored outdoors: any leakage/explosion will dissipate harmlessly into the atmosphere.
6. Perhaps the worst aspect of construction in Guyana is the electrical system, materials and installation codes, all of which should be updated to reach international standards. For example, the main power distribution center in both residential and commercial buildings should be equipped with Fly Back Circuit Breakers in the event of an over load. GFCI ground fault circuit interrupter) instead of regular outlets (points) must be used wherever water is used, like kitchens and bathrooms. The circuit will shut down, along with others, whenever there is overload).
7. Fire hydrants which are generally taken for granted by many instead they should be seen as a means of emergency water supply to out fires. For the safety of all Guya-nese, young or old, the Bureau of Standards must make it its duty to monitor the quality of electrical fittings and accessories, most of which are imported from China. And while these electrical accessories are cheap, the Bureau of Standards should not sacrifice life for cost. And the Housing Authority must determine the safety features and occupancy of commercial buildings.
8. In the final analysis the authorities should put safety first and institute polices which must be mandated by law, to prevent further tragedies. All commercial buildings must be insured, have sprinkler systems and undergo a yearly inspection by the Fire Department where pitfalls will be identified and corrected. Fines must be imposed on all forms of non-compliance if Guyana is truly serious about preventing fires.
Sincerely,
Leyland Chitlall Roopnaraine
