An integrated fire safety assessment of a student housing facility

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 354-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muizz O. Sanni-Anibire ◽  
Mohammad A. Hassanain
Keyword(s):  
Fire Safety ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Safety Assessment ◽  
Safety Management ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Student Housing ◽  
Simulation Tool ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Housing Facility

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.

Fire risk of apparel manufacturing buildings in Sri Lanka

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
R.M.D.I.M. Rathnayake ◽  
P. Sridarran ◽  
M.D.T.E. Abeynayake
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Fire Safety ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Safety Management ◽  
Fire Risk ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Apparel Manufacturing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Importance Index ◽  
Indirect Impacts

Purpose The total essence of apparel manufacturing buildings (AMBs) is highly influenced by fire incidents which are caused direct or indirect impacts to the present building structure or even in old age. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate the fire risk of AMBs in Sri Lanka. Design/methodology/approach A literature review was conducted to explore the local and international fire incidents in AMBs and identify 24 factors that contribute to fire risk of AMBs. A questionnaire survey with professionals who have the knowledge and experience related to past fire incidents and 18 interviews with professionals of fire safety management were carried out. Content analysis was involved to evaluate interviewees’ opinions and relative importance index was involved to rank identified factors that contribute to the fire risk of AMBs. Findings The results revealed that due to the business nature of AMBs hold a high risk for fire incidents. The study discovered 83.4% of high fire risk prevailing in AMBs in Sri Lanka. Faulty wiring, welding work with electrical sparks and accumulation of waste fabric, paper and other garbage recognized as the top three factors that contribute to the fire risk of AMBs in Sri Lanka. Finally, the strategies proposed to eliminate identified all 41 factors that contribute to the fire risk of AMBs in Sri Lanka. Originality/value The paper helps to guide facility owners regarding the fire safety of AMBs in Sri Lanka.

An assessment of fire safety measures in healthcare facilities in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Ebekozien ◽  
Clinton Aigbavboa ◽  
Solomon Oisasoje Ayo-Odifiri ◽  
Nuzaihan Aras Agus Salim
Keyword(s):  
Fire Safety ◽  
Safety Management ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Safety Measures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Electrical Faults ◽  
Fire Accidents ◽  
Safety Rules

PurposeThe occurrence of fire accidents in hospital buildings has become a serious challenge and more serious in developing nations. The purpose of this paper intends to assess fire safety measures in Nigerian hospital facilities. The significance of this study is to ensure that the design and construction of hospital facilities enhance the safety of users and properties.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected via a case study and questionnaire survey and administered to the facility users. The study survey is to assess the respondents' perception of fire safety measures in hospital facilities and suggest possible policy measures that will be employed to enhance safety.FindingsThis paper found that 91% of the respondents have awareness of fire safety measures in hospital facilities. Electrical faults and combustible materials were identified as the frequent causes of fire occurrences in hospital facilities. This can be averted where flammable materials and electrical appliances are correctly installed, and safety rules enforced. Findings show that safety rules are lax in public than standard private hospitals.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is limited to fire safety measures in Nigerian healthcare facilities. Future research is needed to evaluate the level of compliance from design, construction and post-construction of precautionary fire safety measures in hospital facilities in Nigeria.Practical implicationsThis paper recommended that designers and hospital administrators should improve on fire safety measures via the development of fire safety management plan and education. Thus, enforcement of fire safety measures in hospital facilities as specified in building codes should be implemented and monitored during and after the design of the hospital buildings. Findings provide valuable lessons on how to improve the fire safety measures in healthcare facilities across the states and other developing countries with similar healthcare situations.Originality/valueThis paper demonstrates that the stakeholders, especially government agencies concern with approval and enforcement of fire safety measures in healthcare facilities need to reawaken to her responsibility because of the lax implementation across the states.

On-campus university student housing facility services prioritisation framework

Facilities ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 20-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fredrick Simpeh ◽  
Winston Shakantu
Keyword(s):  
Water Security ◽  
Student Housing ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Maintenance Service ◽  
Housing Services ◽  
Housing Facility ◽  
Housing Facilities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a prioritisation framework that can guide the provision and management of on-campus student housing facility (SHF) services of southern Ghana Universities. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopted a phenomenological research strategy. Data was collected by means of focus group discussions (FGDs); a total of ten FGDs were conducted. Observations were also done during the site visit to augment the FGDs. The data were analysed thematically. Findings The study found that some services are perceived as “extremely important” and “basic” while others are seen as “unimportant” and “indifferent”. Services including; electricity, water, security, internet, cleaning service, maintenance service, generator, ventilation (fan), health service, library service, electric socket, study furniture, refuse collection, pest control and fire extinguisher were perceived by students as “extremely important”. However, not all of these services were perceived as “basic” requirements. Practical implications The framework can be used as a guide by facility and hostel managers to effectively prioritise and manage the services required in a university SHF. Moreover, when designing, constructing and adapting student housing facilities, the framework can be used as a guide to ensure that all critical services are provided in the student housing facilities. Originality/value Although several studies have been conducted on student housing, studies that specifically focuses on the services required in a SHF and the prioritisation of such services is lacking. This study combines students’ requirements, importance levels of requirements, and classification of requirements to develop a prioritisation system for student housing services.

Fire safety management of public buildings: a systematic review of hospital buildings in Asia

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 497-511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naziah Muhamad Salleh ◽  
Nuzaihan Aras Agus Salim ◽  
Mastura Jaafar ◽  
Mohd Zailan Sulieman ◽  
Andrew Ebekozien
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Fire Safety ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Safety Management ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Technical Management ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThere is increasing recognition amongst healthcare providers on the necessity to improve fire safety management in healthcare facilities. This is possibly not yet satisfactory because of recent fire incidents in Asia. This paper set out to analyse the literature because of the paucity of systematic reviews on fire safety management of public healthcare facilities and proffer preventive measures.Design/methodology/approachThirty related studies were identified with the support of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses via Scopus and Web of Science databases.FindingsInfluencing factors, hindrances to fire safety management and preventive measures for fire-related occurrence in Asian hospital buildings were the three themes that emerged from the reviewed. The factors that influence fire in Asian hospital buildings were categorised into technical, management and legislation factors.Research limitations/implicationsThe recommendations of this paper were based on literature that was systematically reviewed but does not compromise the robustness concerning fire safety management in hospital buildings across Asian countries. Much is needed to be known regarding fire safety in healthcare buildings across Asian countries. This paper recommended exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach as part of the implications for further studies. This will allow in-depth face-to-face interviews and increase the generalisability of future findings concerning fire safety management in hospital buildings across Asian countries to a larger population.Practical implicationsAs part of the practical implications, this paper recommends fire safety management plan as one of the practical possible measures for addressing technical, management and legislation factors. Also recommended is training and fire safety education of healthcare staff in collaboration with safety firefighters to address major issues that may arise from management factors. The government should upgrade the safety technology equipment in healthcare facilities as part of measures to mitigate issues concerning technical and legislation factors. Also, the identified factors are part of the theoretical contributions to the advancement of knowledge and this brings to the front burners new opening.Originality/valueThis is probably the first systematic review paper on fire safety hospital buildings in Asia.

scholarly journals Safety Assessment in Road Construction Work System Based on Group AHP-PCA

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xianyong Zhang ◽  
Shifeng Huang ◽  
Shenjun Yang ◽  
Renfang Tu ◽  
Lianghai Jin
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Safety Assessment ◽  
Safety Management ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Road Construction ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Risk Indicators ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Construction Safety Management

The effectiveness and the safety of road construction depend on many factors that pose the greatest risk to system safety. The aim of this study is to conduct a comprehensive assessment for these risk factors to contribute to the safety performance of road construction. To achieve this goal, this study constructs a hierarchical safety assessment framework comprising comprehensive risk indicators according to rich work experience and a relevant literature review and then proposes a group AHP-PCA (group analytic hierarchy process-principal component analysis) to calculate the weights of relevant risk factors. The important rankings of a case study using GAHP-PCA show that professional skill, safety education, and work attitude are the most important factors, which are consistent with the experience and knowledge of road construction safety management. The results also demonstrate that judgment dispersion naturally existing in classical AHP can be effectively reduced when combined with PCA, which is the innovation point of the method given in this article.

Performance evaluation and prioritization of organizations based on knowledge management and safety management approaches using DEA

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hadi Shirouyehzad ◽  
Farimah Mokhatab Rafiee ◽  
Negin Berjis
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Data Envelopment Analysis ◽  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Safety Management ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Data Envelopment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Car Industry ◽  
Isfahan Province

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a method for performance assessment of organizations based on integrated approach of knowledge management and safety management using data envelopment analysis, and the proposed model is then applied in the car industry in Isfahan province to be checked. Therefore, deficiencies can be highlighted and possible strategies can be evolved to improve the performance. Design/methodology/approach As data envelopment analysis is a robust mathematical tool, it has been used to evaluate organizational performance. For discovering the organizational performance of knowledge management and safety management by data envelopment analysis (DEA), the first step is to specify proper criteria. To this end, in this method, the indices in both approaches of knowledge management and safety management were identified. Then, inputs and outputs were specified. Knowledge management and safety management were determined as input indices, and customer satisfaction and accident indicators were the output indices. It is noteworthy that each output index was used one time. In the next stage, performance of organizations was assessed based on both determined approaches and via data envelopment analysis. Finally, the organizations were ranked. Findings The suggested method was implemented in the car industry in the Isfahan province. The obtained results disclosed that among 12 decision-making units, 4 units are efficient when customer satisfaction is the output and 5 units are efficient when accidents indices are the output. In ranking with customer satisfaction as the output, Sepahan Atlas Pump Company was ranked first via super efficiency method, data envelopment analysis and similarity to ideal solution. In ranking with accidents as the output, Sepahan Atlas Pump Company ranked first via strong efficiency method and Sanatgar Company ranked first via data envelopment analysis and similarity to ideal solution. Originality/value Knowledge has been recognized as one of the valuable resources, and knowledge management would greatly effect improvement of job quality. Knowledge level increase is led by better performance and less errors. Consequently, it can enhance the organizational health and safety. There are some studies which have been conducted on safety management or knowledge management performance analysis. The organizational performance evaluation based on integrated approach of knowledge management and safety management is an important issue which is less considered in theory and practice. Thus, the authors have proposed a method which is able to evaluate the organization based on this integrated approach with functional indices, which resulted in accurate results, and finally, ranking can show the organization status to determine proper strategies.

The role of evidence-based design in informing health-care architects

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fouad Jalal Mahmood
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Support Design ◽  
Design Decisions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Traditional Design

Purpose This study aims to trace the relationship between the evidence-based design (EBD) process and decision-making during the architectural design process, the barriers to informing health-care architects and possible methods to overcome these barriers. Design/methodology/approach This study aims to explore the barriers to the EBD process during the design process by reviewing the relevant literature and future steps to overcome these barriers and support design decisions. Findings The study shows that EBD is a relevant, useful tool for providing evidence that positively affects design decisions. This study divides EBD barriers into simple barriers and complex barriers, depending on the nature of the barrier. Additionally, methods to overcome these barriers are discussed to ensure the best use of EBD findings with a significant impact on health-care design decisions, as they are core elements in informing architects, especially when combined with the traditional design process. This study investigates how likely it is for the EBD to contribute optimally to design decisions depending on architects’ skills and cooperation with researchers. Originality/value This study can apprize health-care architects of the need to consider the role of EBD in improving the quality of design decisions, and the importance of combining EBD with the traditional design process to implement optimal design decisions.

A code-compliance framework for fire safety in student housing facilities

Facilities ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 423-436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad A. Hassanain ◽  
Jamilu A. Garkuwa ◽  
Muizz O. Sanni-Anibire
Keyword(s):  
Fire Safety ◽  
Student Housing ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Modeling Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Precautionary Measures ◽  
Code Compliance ◽  
Housing Facilities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the development and implementation of a qualitative, code-compliance framework for property managers of student housing facilities. Design/methodology/approach The paper identified the fire safety code requirements for student housing facilities and arranged these requirements in the form of a checklist, which was further validated by professional experts. Additionally, the paper presented an IDEF0 (Integrated Definition for Function Modeling) framework model that illustrates a stepwise process for the deployment of the checklist. A case study was conducted on three similar student housing facilities in a university campus to demonstrate the application of the framework. Furthermore, the findings from the case study were reported along with recommendations to improve the degree of compliance with the requirements of fire safety codes. Findings The developed framework was validated by professional experts and through a case study. Fire safety provisions were mostly found to be adequate in the case study building. The authors proposed several actions to improve the current status of fire safety in the building. Originality/value The paper serves to disseminate awareness about the occurrence of fires, their severe consequences and precautionary measures in student housing facilities. It also provides a standardized checklist for ease of use by property managers who may be unable to understand the technical terminologies found in fire safety codes and standards. Thus, the developed framework is of tangible value to property managers, building specialists and student housing administrators.

The importance of integrated therapies for personality disorder in forensic populations: attending to content and structure of delivery

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane L. Ireland ◽  
Elisabeth Hansen
Keyword(s):  
Personality Disorder ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Core ◽  
Cognitive Components ◽  
Effective Components ◽  
Integrated Therapy ◽  
Core Elements

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide some practice considerations for working with personality disorder, focusing on the application of assessment, formulation and therapy to complex populations such as forensic clients. In addressing this it outlines the concept of a Multi-Modal Integrated Therapy (MMIT) and how this is applied to personality disorder intervention. Design/methodology/approach – The core elements to consider in the provision of an integrated approach are outlined, informed by a review of the relevant literature. The paper does not aim to provide evaluation data but is intended to be a clinical practice document. Findings – The value of integrating the effective components of therapy to address all aspects of working with forensic populations is evidenced. It is argued that appropriate approaches will capture cognitive components (including Early Maladaptive Schemas and also adaptive schemas), Cognitive Analytic Therapeutic approaches and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy components to produce an effective framework to capture the complexities of personality disorder in forensic populations. Practical implications – The paper outlines how a move away from focusing on a single approach to understanding and intervening with personality disorder is key with complex populations, such as those found within forensic settings. The authors argue that practitioners should focus routinely on the importance of integration of principles relevant to personality disorder work. Originality/value – The paper argues for: Adopting a truly multi-modal integrated approach to interventions with personality disorder, highlighting the importance of MMIT. The importance of accounting for complexity in personality presentation in forensic populations and capturing positive as well as negative functioning. The value in identifying what is effective within existing therapies and applying these components as part of a wider package. The core elements of an effective approach are indicated.

Developing a framework for fire safety management plan: the case of Malaysia's public hospital buildings

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mastura Jaafar ◽  
Nuzaihan Aras Agus Salim ◽  
Naziah Muhamad Salleh ◽  
Mohd Zailan Sulieman ◽  
Norhidayah Md Ulang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fire Safety ◽  
Public Hospital ◽  
Safety Management ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Healthcare Facilities

PurposeGlobally, several studies have shown that hospital building is charged with multiple inherent risks because a large number of users are vulnerable in tragic events. Thus, the need for the fire safety management plan (FSMP) has been proved as an instrument to mitigate fire and related risks in healthcare facilities. In Malaysia, FSMP regarding public healthcare building is yet to be explored in-depth. Therefore, this paper explores the information necessary to develop the FSMP framework for public hospital buildings.Design/methodology/approachThe paper’s objectives were accomplished via a combination of five face-to-face interviews and observations of five selected public hospitals in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. The five key participants were across the five public hospitals and collated data analysed through thematic analysis with the assistance of MAXQDA 2018.FindingsFindings show that fire safety stakeholders practice system, fire safety action plan and fire risk management were the three main variables that promote fire safety programme and will improve FSMP for Malaysia’s public hospital buildings.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper’s data collection is limited to Penang, Malaysia, and a qualitative research approach was used, but this does not deteriorate the strength of the findings. Future studies are needed to consider validating findings from this paper via a quantitative approach.Practical implicationsThe suggested framework can be employed by Malaysia’s public hospital authorities as a guideline to mitigate fire hazards in the country’s healthcare facilities.Originality/valueThis paper is encouraging hospital operators and other key stakeholders to improve on their FSMP for healthcare buildings across Malaysia as part of the study implications.

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