Fire safety assessment for older adults in high-rise residential buildings in India: a comprehensive study
International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation
ISSN: 2398-4708
Article publication date: 20 September 2022
Issue publication date: 3 July 2023
Abstract
Purpose
The statistics show that older adults have been major fire victims in high-rise buildings. However, the fire safety building codes in most countries are not inclusive and do not reflect provisions for older adults. The research aims to develop a fire risk assessment index system for older adults living in high-rise residential buildings in India. The study further develops a fire rating system to improve fire safety provisions in high-rise buildings in India.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper employs Delphi, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy comprehensive risk evaluation techniques. It considers 18 in-depth interviews and group discussions with builders, developers, architects, policymakers, and fire safety experts and consultants to develop a fire risk assessment system for older occupants living in high-rise residential buildings in India.
Findings
The fire protection systems and fire management systems are not as per the needs of older adults. The egress system components need improvisation considering the challenges of older adults.
Research limitations/implications
The study is limited to older adults living in high-rise residential buildings in the capital city of Gujarat, Ahmedabad.
Practical implications
This study will assist policymakers in developing fire safety standards that are targeted to the needs of older persons living in high-rise residential buildings during a fire evacuation.
Originality/value
While several approaches for measuring fire risk in high-rise residential buildings exist, no such system has been developed specifically for older adults in India.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors thank the Institute of Architecture and Planning, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, for assisting in this research and professors from the School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal, for their constant support in the research process as a part of the doctoral program at the Institute.
Citation
Kumar, A., Khare, R., Sankat, S. and Madhavi, P. (2023), "Fire safety assessment for older adults in high-rise residential buildings in India: a comprehensive study", International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, Vol. 41 No. 3, pp. 625-646. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBPA-02-2022-0030
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited