Evaluation on Physical Components of Buildings Related to Safety Management System: A Case Study of the Mahamakut Building (Building Code: SCI25), Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University

Abstract

This research is a part of a pilot project to develop an emergency preparedness and responds/ risk management system: a case study of the Mahamakut Building (Building Code: SCI25), Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University which is focused on physical components of the building. The objectives of this study are: 1) to evaluate physical conditions of building facilities and equipment for establishing building database and for developing a guideline for a laboratory safety management, and 2) to propose recommendations for correcting defects found during building inspection and assessment. Conducted as an empirical research, the study is covered on area usages and zoning of the building, emergency and fire protection system, safety equipment used in a laboratory building. In addition, the study also engaged laboratory safety assessment based on National Building Codes as well as, the ESPReL safety inspection checklist according to the Thai Industrial Standard Institute TSI 2677. Evaluated by the National Building Code, these categories of defects are 1) building firmness, 2) building system and equipment, and 3) building system and equipment performance. Evaluated by TSI 2677, defects include 1) architectural system, 2) interior architecture: furniture and equipment 3) structural system 4) electrical system 5) sanitary system 6) air-conditioning and ventilation system, and 7) emergency and communication system. The result shows that there are other factors affecting lab safety of physical environment, namely chemical inventory management, waste categorization and management, and emergency preparedness and responds. Recommendations from architectural and engineering experts for appropriate corrective actions and solutions can be included in both short-term and long-term action plan, depending on time and budget.