A study conducted in 2023 by the National Building Review Board shows that 90% of health clubs used firewood as a source of fuel.
Unlike electric-type steam baths and saunas, which have preinstalled precautionary measures against system overloads, the wood-fired ones do not.
“Many of the designs and installation methods of the wood-fired systems were not based on engineering principles but skills obtained on the job. This has resulted in unsafe installations with no monitoring and control mechanisms and hence increased risks of explosions and fire outbreaks. The risk assessment concluded that for every 10 health clubs, 9 were potentially explosive and required immediate corrective action,” said Hebert Zziwa, the spokesperson of NBRB.
After the study, Zziwa said NBRB developed guidelines for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of biomass-fired sauna, steam, and hot water generation equipment for health clubs.
See guidelines below: https://t.co/0Za9Spppmk
Zziwa’s comment comes days after a sauna went off in Munyonyo, Kampala. 3 people were severely injured in the incident.
“Ask your service provider for an occupation permit issued by the Building Committee. It is proof that the building ( Steam bath or sauna) satisfied the building control requirements,” said Zziwa.
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