Fire Regulations in Industrial Companies and the Level of Impact and Risk: The Case of the Municipality of Soledad, Atlantico

Abstract

The risk of fire is ubiquitous: no matter the human activity, there will always be the associated probability of fire generation. However, if started, the potential impact of fire will depend on different factors such as the activity, the materials stored, and the prevention and control measures deployed, which includes the minimum requirements of current legislation. The main objective of this research is to understand the factors that influence compliance and non-compliance with fire regulations by large companies, considering the case of the municipality of Soledad, Colombia. As part of the methodology, a descriptive statistical approach was used for the analysis, considering companies' compliance in recent years, and related these data to the level of risk and the impact that a conflagration would have on premises, people, and the environment. A Chi- Square association test was applied, and additionally, a Cramer's V test was applied to determine the magnitude of the association. The database used for the study was provided by the Volunteer Fire Department of Soledad, Colombia. They are responsible for carrying out the compliance control audits of the companies in the municipality. Among the results, compliance with the standards by most companies and a statistically significant association between impact, level of risk, and variables such as emergency brigades, fixed fire systems, among others, were observed.