Building Construction for the Fire Service

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION FOR FIRE SERVICES

Building Construction for Fire Services

Introduction

In case of fires , the most crucial parameter determining the extent of loss and success of fire-fighting efforts is building design . Among all the major building fire catastrophes , inadequate design has emerged as the chief cause of human casualty , impeding rescue and fire fighting activities . In the modern age of complex and high rise buildings , it is important therefore to modify building construction designs to provide greater leverage in case of fires

Major issues in designing for firefighting p

While constructing a new building , the major issues in construction and design aspects of buildings are (Building Design

1 . Choosing appropriate site for construction : Its common experience that conterminous structures , especially those located in congested area , are highly vulnerable as cause and victim of major conflagrations especially because rescue activities are severely hampered by lack of clear approach and access to firefighting equipments

2 . Strengthening and consolidating building structure : Another major issue related to building construction is faulty design and construction of building itself . Weaknesses in design parameters render the structure vulnerable to collapse in case of fire , a fact which can completely jeopardize efforts of fire services

3 . Exits : Appropriate location of exit is most important issue in case of fire eruption . Exit is extremely vital for people entrapped in the structure to escape , as well as for firefighters to enter the premises and combat the fire

The general principles used in exit location are (Exit Requirements

Buildings , especially those constructed for human occupancy , must have sufficient number of exits with adequate width to provide an easy and safe passage for people in case of fire

All the exits in a building should be free of every possible obstruction

Even in case of design alterations , or shift in construction parameters there should not be any change in number or width of exits as against the requirement

Exits in a building premises should be easily approachable , visible and well marked . Direction boards should clearly point towards the location of the exits

There should be ample illumination throughout the exit with provision of emergency lights which continue to operate even in case of power failure due to fire

Exits should be equipped with preliminary fire fighting equipments However , care should be taken that placement and location of these equipments should not , in any way , obstruct the exit or cause any impediment in escape route

The design and construction of exits should be done in a way so as to provide continuous means of escape without entering the building Further , the exits should be constructed to provided fastest way of leaving the premises

Exits should lead directly to an open space that is outside building premises located at a place where risks from fire are minimal

Exit Types : There are various types of exits that can be used depending the size , location and requirement of the building . Exits may be horizontal or vertical . It can identified as corridors , doorways external staircases , terraces or...