MNO2603
ASSIGNMENT 3 (SEMESTER 2)
DUE DATE: 10 September 2024
Written Assignment Submission Guidelines:
Please ensure that your assignment is submitted electronically through the myUnisa platform no
later than …September 2024. Kindly note that fax or email submissions will not be accepted.
NB: Assignment submitted to the lecturer(s) through email will not be considered.
QUESTION 1
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.
ANSWER:
The article reveals several critical issues regarding fire safety at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital. Key
problems include:
1. Faulty Smoke Doors: The smoke doors at the hospital were not functional because the magnetic
system was no longer effective, compromising their ability to prevent smoke spread during a
fire.
2. Incompatible Fire Hydrants: Fire hydrant couplings were incompatible with the fire hoses of the
Johannesburg Fire Service. This issue was exacerbated by the theft of some couplings, leading
to inadequate water supply for firefighting.
3. Ineffective Fire Detection Systems: Essential fire safety systems such as smoke detectors, fire
alarms, and sprinklers were not operational, contributing to the severity of the fire.
ASSIGNMENT 3 (SEMESTER 2)
DUE DATE: 10 September 2024
Written Assignment Submission Guidelines:
Please ensure that your assignment is submitted electronically through the myUnisa platform no
later than …September 2024. Kindly note that fax or email submissions will not be accepted.
NB: Assignment submitted to the lecturer(s) through email will not be considered.
QUESTION 1
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.
ANSWER:
The article reveals several critical issues regarding fire safety at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital. Key
problems include:
1. Faulty Smoke Doors: The smoke doors at the hospital were not functional because the magnetic
system was no longer effective, compromising their ability to prevent smoke spread during a
fire.
2. Incompatible Fire Hydrants: Fire hydrant couplings were incompatible with the fire hoses of the
Johannesburg Fire Service. This issue was exacerbated by the theft of some couplings, leading
to inadequate water supply for firefighting.
3. Ineffective Fire Detection Systems: Essential fire safety systems such as smoke detectors, fire
alarms, and sprinklers were not operational, contributing to the severity of the fire.
