Published Article

The main aim of the study was to assess design features and choice of construction materials as the determinants of ideal fire hazards –free factory architecture in Akwa Ibom State. The study was Akwa Ibom State. The study adopted both descriptive and case study survey research design. The population of the study consisted of all experts in architecture, civil engineering, structural engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and other sections of environmental science. Also included are workers of paint manufacturing industries in Akwa Ibom State. The sample size consisted of 150 respondents obtained from 30 architects, 30 civil engineers, 15 structural engineers, 30 electrical engineers, 15 mechanical engineers and 30 workers in locally paint manufacturing companies. They were selected using stratified random sampling technique. The data collected was analysed using statistical technique such as regression analysis. The statistical techniques helped in testing the hypothesis at 0.05 alpha level and at 148 degree of freedom. The study revealed that there is significant extent of design features, construction material choices on the extent of fire hazards in factory in the study area and that effective planning and design for prevention and control of fire significantly promotes the ideal factory architecture with a well-defined layout for paint production and packaging. The study concluded that fire incidents in a paint factory is a critical undertaking to identify their causes and implement effective prevention strategies. Paint factories pose unique fire risks due to the presence of flammable substances, volatile solvents, and ignition sources within their operations. Understanding the root causes of fire incidents is essential to mitigate potential hazards and safeguard the safety of employees, the environment, and valuable assets. Prevention strategies focuses on enhancing fire safety practices within the paint factory. One of the recommendations made was that the installation and maintenance of special installations and sensors to ensure their functionality in the industrial buildings is necessary in order hinder the occurrence of fire or possibly reduce its effect where its control becomes inevitable.