Dennis Kuria

MINISTRY OF LANDS, PUBLIC WORKS, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT STATE DEPARTMENT FOR PUBLIC WORKS ELECTRICAL DIRECTORATE INSPECTION OF THE STATUS OF THE FIRE DETECTION AND SOUND ALARM SYSTEM DONE ON 26TH JULY, 2024 AT DCI TRAINING CENTER - SOUTH C ISSUED BY: Chief Engineer (Electrical), Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, State Department of Public Works, P. O. Box-, Nairobi AUGUST, 2024 ATTENDANCE No. NAME 1. DESIGNATION ORGANIZATION ENG. LAMECK MWAMBI (TEAM CHIEF SUPERINTENDING FIRE SDPW LEADER). OFFICER 2. DENNIS KURIA ELECTRICAL ENGINEER SDPW 3. JACKLINE OGONDA QUANTITY SURVEYOR SDPW 4. NICHOLAS SAYIANKA SENIOR INSPECTOR FIRE SDPW OFFICER 5. Arch. JUSTUS MWENDA SUPERINTENDING LANDSCAPE SDPW ARCHITECT 1.0. INTRODUCTION The inspection was conducted by a team of technical officers from State Department for Public Works. The objective of the Inspection was in line with the client’s request for assessment of the status of the existing fire detection and suppression system. The electrical inspection was mainly focused on the fire detection and sound alarm system which comprises of: Fire Alarm Panel, Smoke detectors, Heat detectors, Break glasses, Alarm sounders, Emergency exit signs and other accessories. 1.1. OBSERVATIONS Upon inspection of the fire detection and sound alarm system, it was established that: • The system in place to detect fire and send alert within all establishments of the training center in the event of a fire breakout, was not functional. • There was an existing fire detection system with break-glasses only. Other components such as fire alarm panel, fire alarms, Exit LED lamp signs, heat and smoke detectors which are essential for effective fire detection were missing in the system. • Since there were on-going works in the dormitories, it was to be confirmed whether the fire detection and sound alarm system was part of the scope of works. • The fire alarm control panel could not be located. • There were no smoke detectors in all rooms/offices and no heat detectors in the kitchen. • Some of the break-glasses were broken or missing but the Patrice box present. • The fire detection system needs new wiring. • The break-glasses were insufficient as they were only in the dormitories. • There were no LED lit fire exit signs. • There were no lightning arrestors near fuel tanks to protect them from lightning. 1.2. RECOMMENDATION Based on observation we recommend the following: • Training of the client user on the operation and trouble-shooting of the fire detection and sound alarm system. • Establish whether the fire detection and sound alarm system works are part of the scope of the ongoing renovation works for the dormitories. • In case the fire detection and sound alarm system works are not captured as part of the on-going renovation works, a new system be installed with an addressable fire alarm control panel, smoke detectors in the rooms and offices, heat detectors in the kitchen, sound alarms and resettable break-glasses. • Existing fire break glasses be removed. • Existing wiring for the break glasses be removed. • Installation of lightning arrestor for the fuel tanks which are located far away from other structures. • Install LED lit fire exit signs. Report prepared by: Report checked by: …………………… …………………… D. Kuria Eng. Mugendi Ass. P. E. E. P. E. E. 1.3. APPENDIX: SITE PHOTOS Fire Break-glass missing-wiring Points on masonry ceiling-for ongoing dormitories’ exposed, Patrice box present refurbishment-*Need to establish their use from the ongoing scope of works. Existing Break-glass at corridor ends of the dormitories.