Integrated Framework for Fire Safety and Electrical Hazard Assessment in Large-Scale Industrial and Commercial Facilities: A Mixed-Method Analysis

Abstract

Fire safety and electrical hazard management remain critical challenges in large-scale industrial and commercial facilities due to the increasing complexity of electrical infrastructure, operational processes, and occupancy requirements. This study developed and evaluated an integrated framework for fire safety and electrical hazard assessment using a quantitative cross-sectional research design. The study aimed to examine the relationships among fire protection effectiveness, electrical hazard exposure, preventive maintenance compliance, emergency preparedness, organizational safety culture, infrastructure characteristics, and integrated safety performance. Data were collected from 240 respondents representing 60 industrial and commercial facilities, including manufacturing plants, warehouses, commercial office complexes, logistics centers, and mixed-use developments. Information was obtained through structured surveys, facility safety audits, electrical hazard assessment forms, and fire protection evaluation checklists. Statistical analyses were conducted using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, independent sample t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that organizational safety culture achieved the highest mean score (M = 4.18, SD = 0.46), followed by preventive maintenance compliance (M = 4.12, SD = 0.48), fire protection effectiveness (M = 4.08, SD = 0.52), and integrated safety performance (M = 4.05, SD = 0.43). Electrical hazard exposure recorded a comparatively lower mean score (M = 2.31, SD = 0.61), indicating moderate levels of residual risk. Correlation analysis demonstrated strong positive relationships between integrated safety performance and organizational safety culture (r = .801, p < .001), preventive maintenance compliance (r = .758, p < .001), and fire protection effectiveness (r = .712, p < .001). Multiple regression analysis identified organizational safety culture (β = 0.372), preventive maintenance compliance (β = 0.284), and fire protection effectiveness (β = 0.233) as the most influential predictors of integrated safety performance. The final regression model explained 68.4% of the variance in safety performance (Adjusted R² = .684, F = 66.38, p < .001). Comparative analyses further indicated that commercial office facilities achieved the highest safety performance scores, while warehouses exhibited the highest electrical hazard exposure levels.