Exploring the Economic Effects of Industrial Fires in Ghana A Case Study of Manufacturing Industries in Tema Metropolis.

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MAY, 2015
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Abstract
This study is aimed at exploring the economic effects of industrial fires (A case study of manufacturing industries in the Tema metropolis). It undertakes a review of accidental fires and its economic effects on industrial buildings. Advocates argue that industrial accidental fires have huge effects on the economy. The objective of the research was to identify the causes and economic implications of fire outbreaks in industrial buildings. Hence, the specific objectives included: to identify major causes of industrial or institutional fires; to identify the economic loss of fire outbreaks in industrial buildings; and identify preventive measures to avoid fire outbreaks in industrial buildings. The research design was survey research which employed both quantitative and qualitative tools. The qualitative method involved the use of open-ended questionnaires whiles the quantitative procedures involved the use of closed-end questionnaires etc. Data collected from the survey was analyzed using descriptive statistics (cross tabulation, percentages, etc). Simple random sampling technique was employed as a means to select respondent industries. Respondents were made up of senior officers especially safety officers in manufacturing industries. The sample size was seventeen (17) manufacturing industries in Tema. The survey revealed that, the major cause of accidental fires in manufacturing industries was overheating of equipment. It was also realized that manufacturing industries despite their importance in the economy were faced with a lot of challenges. Some of these were temporary relocation of firms and increase in payments of insurance premiums as a result of accidental fires. Lastly the study revealed that the best ways to prevent accidental fires in industrial buildings included compliance with safety standards during designing and construction of houses and industrial structures or buildings.
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A dissertation submitted to the Department of Building Technology College of Art and Built Environment in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science.
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