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, 41(3), pp. 625-646. ISSN 23984708
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.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | ahp; fire risk assessment; fire safety; high-rise buildings; older adults |
| Index terms: | methodology, high-rise building, building code, interview, evaluation technique, management system, builder, risk assessment, high-rise residential building, architect, India, statistics, fire safety |
| Subjects: | practitioner, mathematical modelling, profession, construction type, data collection methods, evaluation and assessment methods, financial risk, Geography, health safety and environment, research methods, management, regulatory law |
| Topics: | Construction Technology, Roles and Professions, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Cost Management, Health and Safety, Organizational Design, Legal Issues |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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