MNO2603 ASSESSMENT 3 2024 SEMESTER 2 We often read of many instances where fires have erupted in buildings and the occupants have to be evacuated as quickly as possible in an effort to prevent injury and loss of life via means of egress. Explain the mean

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BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213

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Table of Contents
Question 1 [10 Marks] ....................................................................................................................... 3
Outdated equipment lack of administrative support ................................................................ 4
Question 2 [10 Marks] ....................................................................................................................... 7
Question 3 [20 Marks] ..................................................................................................................... 10
Question 4 [20 Marks] ..................................................................................................................... 13
List of References ............................................................................................................................ 17
IMPORTANT NOTES TO CONSIDER ........................................................................................................ 18




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Question 1 [10 Marks]

It is evident from the article above that there have been concerns about the
occupational health and safety with regards to fires in buildings. Identify, with evidence
from the article, the various issues surrounding the outbreak and control of fires in
these buildings. (Remember to reference the sources you consult).

Non-functional smoke doors due to ineffective magnetic systems.

Kwara Kekana, spokesperson for Gauteng Health also confirmed in responses to
questions from Spotlight that “the smoke doors are not used as the magnetic system
on the doors was no longer effective and they were recommissioned”. Smoke doors
are used to prevent the spread of smoke in a building when there is a fire.

Lack of building and floor plans for firefighters.

Two senior firefighters from the City of Johannesburg who spoke to Spotlight, say the
two failings (mentioned by Kekana above) alone would sink a basic inspection or
compliance audit. It was also not just the fire doors and the hydrant couplings that
were faulty at Charlotte Maxeke. They say firefighters were not given building and floor
plans of the hospital’s emergency exit plan when they arrived on the scene the day of
the fire on April 16. The emergency exit plan is essential for those needing to enter a
burning building. Smoke detection systems, fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and the
mechanisms that would have triggered the magnetic smoke doors were also not in
working condition.

Non-functional safety systems

Various fire-related safety systems were not working. For example, smoke detectors,
fire alarms, sprinkler systems. According to the case, there was also water flow and
low pressure to the hydrants besides non-compatible hose couplings. The two men
asked to have their identities withheld. Kwara Kekana also confirmed that fire hydrant
couplings were not compatible with the fire hoses on Johannesburg Fire Service fire
engines because “some had been stolen”. Spotlight has requested, but not received
a copy of the fire audit/ inspection report from the Gauteng Health Department, the



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