FIRE-SAFETY DESIGN FRAMEWORK FOR BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTES IN ABUJA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Fire safety in biomedical research institutes requires integrated architectural, engineering, and operational strategies due to the presence of hazardous materials, complex laboratory systems, and critical research assets. However, fire-safety provisions in many developing-country research facilities remain reactive and insufficiently integrated into architectural planning. This study develops a fire-safety design framework for biomedical research institutes in Abuja, Nigeria, based on an assessment of existing research facilities. A mixed-methods approach combining case-study audits and questionnaire surveys was adopted. Three federally established research facilities were assessed using seven fire-safety design strategies, while 103 facility managers and laboratory personnel participated in the survey. Findings revealed poor fire-safety integration, with overall compliance scores of 34%, 37%, and 51% (mean = 41%). Major deficiencies included inadequate fire compartmentation, incomplete detection and suppression systems, absence of HVAC fire-safety integration, poor hazardous-material management, and weak institutional preparedness. Survey results confirmed low awareness of regulatory requirements, emergency procedures, and fire-safety management practices. The study proposes the Safe Science Fire-Safety Design Framework, integrating passive protection, active systems, building services, hazardous-material control, and safety management. The framework provides a context-specific approach for improving the fire resilience of biomedical research institutes in Nigeria and similar developing-country settings.