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Article
Publication date: 9 November 2015

Muizz O. Sanni-Anibire and Mohammad A. Hassanain

The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated approach to fire safety assessment, through combining the outcomes of a checklist tailored to the requirements of the…

1184

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated approach to fire safety assessment, through combining the outcomes of a checklist tailored to the requirements of the International Building Code (IBC), and an evacuation simulation tool (EVACNET4), applied to a student housing facility as case study.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors reviewed relevant literature and previous studies pertaining to fire safety assessment and management. An assessment checklist was developed according to the requirements of the IBC. EVACNET4 simulation tool was utilized to model the evacuation of the facility under review. The results derived from the aforementioned steps were correlated to identify potential corroborating or conflicting issues pertaining to the safe evacuation of building occupants in the occurrence of a fire incident.

Findings

Fire safety provisions were found to be adequate, and the building can be evacuated safely in about 190 seconds, should a fire occur. The architectural design aspects of the exit doors which might cause potential bottlenecks were identified.

Originality/value

A completely fire safe building does not exist, and thus more integrative approaches to fire safety assessment and management will reduce to the least extent possible fire risks. A holistic fire safety management of campus housing is of paramount interest to the campus community, and the building industry at large.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 33 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2000

K.G.B. Bakewell

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐17; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐17;…

23736

Abstract

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐17; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐17; Property Management Volumes 8‐17; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐17.

Details

Journal of Property Investment & Finance, vol. 18 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-578X

Article
Publication date: 8 April 2014

Thomas Simpson, Dan Wheatley, Vivienne Brunsden and Rowena Hill

The purpose of this paper is to discuss methods of capturing the impact of fire and rescue service (FRS) community safety work which directly aims to reduce the occurrence of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss methods of capturing the impact of fire and rescue service (FRS) community safety work which directly aims to reduce the occurrence of specific incidents.

Design/methodology/approach

The impact assessment method described focuses on addressing one of the major problems with regards to attributing outcomes to FRS community safety work; the influence of external factors. This paper looked to assess the incident trends within a case study UK FRS within the context of the following external data sets: first, incident trends within other UK FRSs; second, demographic trends; and third, incident data from other public services.

Findings

There were instances, either across the whole region served by the case study FRS, or within specific districts, where evidence suggested a strong likelihood of the community safety work of the case study FRS contributing towards an observed reduction in incidents. These findings were established through filtering the impact of widespread external factors, which could impact upon incident figures.

Research limitations/implications

The utility of this impact assessment relies upon FRS consistently recording the specific aims and focus of individual community safety activity, so that any positive outcomes can be attributed to a particular group of community safety initiatives.

Originality/value

This paper discusses how an evaluation process, to determine the likelihood of community safety impacting upon incident numbers, can be practically applied to a FRS.

Details

Safer Communities, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-8043

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 February 2022

Martin Lyubomirov Ivanov, Wan Ki Chow, Tsz Kit Yue, Hing Lung Tsang and Wei Peng

The purpose of this paper is to check and fill the gap between the existing fire safety regulations for newly built tall buildings in Bulgaria and those in areas with rapid…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to check and fill the gap between the existing fire safety regulations for newly built tall buildings in Bulgaria and those in areas with rapid economic growth in the Asia-Oceania regions like the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Mainland China, by making comparative analysis and identifying good practices. The main focus is on the development of fire safety designs, facilities and management, which shall be recognized as essential parts of facility management in tall buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

Bulgarian regulations are analyzed and then compared with those in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Mainland China. In addition, the scientific aspect of fire load density in the fire codes is discussed. The possibility of implementing a fire engineering approach to supplement prescriptive codes is outlined. The essential roles of fire safety management and fire safety culture are presented.

Findings

Key points and recommendations that are worthy for discussion about incorporation in the Bulgarian tall buildings fire safety requirements are upgraded requirements for fire load density, detection and sprinkler systems in tall residential buildings, refuge floors, ventilation/air conditioning control systems, full-scale burning tests and fire engineering approach. The importance of fire safety management is emphasized as a main, key component in facility management.

Originality/value

The research is the first study focusing on implementation of additional and specific fire safety regulations for tall buildings in Bulgaria.

Details

Facilities , vol. 40 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2001

K.G.B. Bakewell

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18;…

14155

Abstract

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

Details

Journal of Property Investment & Finance, vol. 19 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-578X

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2000

Eric W. Marchant

Fire safety is a performance characteristic of buildings. The technological functions of fire safety systems interact with the systems that are necessary for other environmental…

2527

Abstract

Fire safety is a performance characteristic of buildings. The technological functions of fire safety systems interact with the systems that are necessary for other environmental control systems and to fulfil other performance characteristics expected from the building. For some aspects of fire safety the systems needed to generate the ambient environment and the control expected over the ambient environment are conceptually the same systems that are needed for the control of the environment that changes because of the intrusion of products of combustion. Outlines the interactions between fire safety needs and the systems that help to generate and monitor the ambient environment.

Details

Facilities, vol. 18 no. 10/11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 1999

John Hinks and Marie‐Cécile Puybaraud

This paper reports some interim findings from organisational research into site fire safety which looks at the relevance of Contractor and Facilities Manager attitudes to safety

3091

Abstract

This paper reports some interim findings from organisational research into site fire safety which looks at the relevance of Contractor and Facilities Manager attitudes to safety as a component of the overall safety process. Presents a discussion on some of the practical problems associated with Facilities Managers managing the maintenance of fire safety during alterations works. Commences with an illustration of the Facilities Management context of site fire safety that draws upon a number of relevant fire events. It is intended to provoke a wider debate on the relevance of the Facilities Management role in protecting the business. A Project Safety Plan checklist is suggested for Facilities Managers, based on the authors’ review of existing construction site fire safety guidance and codes of practice. Explores a broadening of the Facilities Management role, as interface manager, which in most cases of refurbishment and alterations will constitute the common managerial link to the core business.

Details

Facilities, vol. 17 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2000

K.G.B. Bakewell

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐17; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐17;…

23743

Abstract

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐17; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐17; Property Management Volumes 8‐17; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐17.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2002

W.K. Chow and Gigi C.H. Lui

Consequent to an arson fire killing 17 persons in a Hong Kong karaoke in 1997, fire safety provisions in karaokes has raised public concern. Government officers and the services…

Abstract

Consequent to an arson fire killing 17 persons in a Hong Kong karaoke in 1997, fire safety provisions in karaokes has raised public concern. Government officers and the services industry have agreed to upgrade fire safety provisions. But before deciding what to do, facilities for the existing karaokes are the subject of a review. A simple fire safety ranking system was proposed in 1999 for existing karaokes. They were grouped on the basis of their fire facilities and management system. The system was criticized for being inapplicable to local industry, as a result of failing to solicit views from the services industry. That system has since been revised. Trial runs in 19 existing karaokes were carried out in 2000. Now, the system is more suited for local use as it is simple. Hence advocates the use of the system to the Hong Kong Fire Authority for assessing fire safety of existing karaokes.

Details

Facilities, vol. 20 no. 13/14
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 July 2012

William L. Pessemier and Robert E. England

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive model of safety culture for the US fire service.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive model of safety culture for the US fire service.

Design/methodology/approach

Based upon a modified version of Cooper’s Reciprocal Determinism Model, the research uses two sets of exogenous variables, labeled Safety Management System and Safety Related Behaviors, to explain a dependent variable called Organizational Safety Climate. The model has been used successfully to improve safety performance in other high risk, high performance organizations. Using survey data collected from over 1,000 firefighters in three medium‐sized US municipalities, the theoretical model is tested.

Findings

Results from multiple regression analyses provide strong support for the hypothesis that individual perceptions of safety management and safety behavior predict individual perceptions of safety climate, both at the “fire service” organizational level and at the individual department level.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of the study include a cross‐sectional design, the use of self‐reported perceptions for the variables, and the fact that the three mid‐sized US fire departments from which data were gathered self‐selected to participate in the study.

Practical implications

A practical feature of the theoretical model tested is the ability to create “safety report cards” for each of the 12 dimensions that define the three variables used in the study.

Social implications

This model holds the promise of reducing firefighter injuries and deaths by identifying managerial and behavioral safety improvement areas within US fire departments.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this research represents the first attempt to both identify and test empirically a safety culture model for the US fire service.

21 – 30 of over 14000