Compliance of fire prevention systems in educational institutions

a case study in Santa Catarina

Abstract

This study assesses the compliance of fire safety systems in an educational building in the civil engineering department of the Federal University of Santa Catarina. The requirements of the 1994 fire safety standards, in force at the time of the fire prevention and protection plan, were compared with the current normative instructions of the Military Fire Brigade of Santa Catarina. The methodology consisted of on-site inspections, preparation of a plan for completed work, and application of normative checklists. The results showed significant non-conformities, despite the necessary safety systems being in place. In particular, deactivating the battery bank renders the emergency lighting and evacuation signage in one of the blocks unusable. In addition, some of the fire extinguishers are obstructed or depressurised, and the fire hydrant components are incomplete. In general, the building does not meet the safety requirements for its occupancy profile, underscoring the need to maintain and update the fire prevention and protection plan. The conclusions reinforce the importance of continuous fire safety management in educational institutions to ensure people's safety and protect public property.