Analysis of the fire hazard posed by petrol stations in Stellenbosch and the extent to which planning acknowledges risk

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The study aimed to investigate the extent to which land-use planning in Stellenbosch, SouthAfrica, considers the fire-risk posed by petrol stations, and the implications for public safety,as well as preparedness for large fires or explosions. In order to achieve this, the study firstidentified the land-use types around petrol stations in Stellenbosch, and determined the extentto which their locations comply with the international and national planning regulations. Petrolstations within a six-kilometre radius from Stellenbosch's centre were used as study sites.Second, the study examined the risk of fires/explosions at petrol stations. Third, the studyinvestigated Stellenbosch Municipality's institutional preparedness to respond in an event of afire/explosion at a petrol station. These results suggest that the siting of petrol stations does notcomply with the international and national good practices, thus exposing the surroundingdevelopments to fires and explosions. The results also suggests that land-use planning does notconsider hazards created by petrol stations. In addition, while observation at petrol stationssuggest the potential for major fires, Stellenbosch Municipality's preparedness to respond topetrol station fires appears low, due to the prioritisation of more frequent events.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University