Investigate fire safety aspects of high rise buildings in Sri Lanka: strategies framework

Abstract

High Rise Buildings (HRB) have become much popular in recent years. Due to high occupancy in high rise buildings they have become high risk type facilities in case of fire. Properly designed, maintained and operated fire protection and detection systems have become much significant in high rise buildings. Ineffective fire protection and detection systems may lead to fatal disasters. The study aims to identify and analyze fire safety management (FSM) aspects of HRB and to discover the management role in improving the FSM aspects for safe working and living environment for users of HRB. A literature review, preliminary survey, questionnaire survey and interviews were conducted to gather relevant information. The data collected from high rise condominiums, hotels, hospitals, offices and professionals from the fire service department. According to the research findings, mainly 22 FSM aspects were identified which need to be addressed in HRB. Conducting more education and training programs, providing clear signage indicating exit routes and location of fire safety equipments, and providing and maintaining a high-tech passive and active fire protection measures were identified as the top three FSM aspects in HRB in general. Finally, inspection strategies framework was proposed to assist managerial level to minimise the fire hazardous occur in HRB