Edinburgh Napier University

  High rise buildings all over the world are becoming popular due to their capacity in ensuring optimum use of land, increasing urban density and housing more number of households. Despite the numerous advantages, occupants of high-rise buildings are confronted with fire safety challenges. In view of the aforementioned, this study examines the perception of high-rise building occupants in Lagos State with a view to ensuring fire safety consciousness. Random sampling method was used in gathering data from occupants of 1004 estates through a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 172 questionnaires were obtained from the occupants and used for the analysis. The data were analysed with statistical package for social science (SPSS version 17), using frequency and mean score (descriptive statistics), while correlation analysis (inferential statistics) was used for the test of hypotheses. The study revealed that fire policy regarding the development of high rise building focuses more on active policies, involving the provision of equipment to combat fire outbreaks rather than policies that facilitate easy means of escape. Also, there is a positive relationship between fire safety measures provided by the facility managers and prescribed fire safety standards. This implies that if facility managers ensure that occupants are aware of fire safety measures. Their level of compliance with the prescribed fire safety standards in the building increases and in return will enhance occupants’ safety. This study recommends that investors should incorporate more ways and means of escape in the high rise buildings development plan. Also, facility managers should educate the occupants on fire safety measures and ensure their participation in a fire drill or other training related to life safety. Furthermore, the government should set up a regulatory body to monitor and assess fire safety facilities and measures put in place for in high rise buildings.