The essential aspects of fire safety management in high-rise buildings

Abstract

Quite often if not always, it is the occupants for no mistake of their own who fall victim to fire. Besides damage to their belongings and property, some occupants are burned to death for not knowing what to do in the event of fire. Even though high-rise buildings are provided with the most sophisticated fire safety features, assurance of safety to building occupants is questionable and held in doubt. Fire outbreaks occur as a result of “human factors�, such as carelessness, negligence or simply a lack of fire safety awareness. In response to this, fire safety management has become an integral aspect in the daily operations of high-rise buildings. This study presents the results of the investigation on fire safety management in high-rise buildings. The objectives of the study are to identify the aspects of fire safety management that influences fire safety of high-rise building users; to establish the most critical of these aspects; and to identify methods to improve fire safety of high-rise building users. The methodology for conducting the study involved literature review, data collection and analysis of results using the Average Index Method. The process of data collection involved obtaining primary data from the respondents by conducting questionnaire surveys at the selected building case studies. From this study, it is determined that the three most critical aspects of fire safety management are the education and training of high-rise building users in fire safety; the implementation of fire and evacuation drill procedures; and to provide clear signage indicating exit routes and location of fire safety equipment. The three best methods to improve fire safety of high-rise building users are to ensure that flammable materials are stored in a safe area; to conduct more educational and training programs for users; and to ensure that there are clear or “glow in the dark� signage indicating exit routes and location of fire safety equipment. It is hoped that this study will provide some useful insight on the important aspects of fire safety management and thus, help guide high-rise building users to safeguard both their life and property.