Lagos moves to ensure safety in high-rise buildings

In a move to ensure the safety of occupants of high-rise buildings, the Lagos State Government has sensitised facility managers to the importance of risk management in such buildings.

This was disclosed by the Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr Lanre Mojola, on Monday.

He said, “This topic focuses on tall buildings and according to Section 202 of the International Building Code which is recognised globally, any building from 75 feet (22,860 metres) and above is regarded as a tall building. Tall buildings are unique because they have their distinct ways of management from a regular building and this is due to the hazards that are embedded within them.

“It is important that facility managers have a general understanding of risk assessment of tall buildings. There are issues with ventilation and air conditioning in tall buildings, particularly in the hot climate we are in, causing distress to occupants. We also have issues with electrical fault testing, water safety, and leadership commitment to safety.”

On his own part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr Sesan Ogundeko, before enforcement of compliance, the commission would first engage in awareness programmes.

President of the International Facility Management Association, Nigeria chapter, Mr Segun Adebayo, urged facility managers to prioritise risk management in their services.

“Of course, data information shows that attention needs to be given more to high-rise buildings and we as professionals will undertake to deliver quality, sustainable and professional services to our employers of labour,” he said.