scholarly journals Study on the Improvement of Domestic Barrier-free Standard and Response Manual to Secure Evacuation Safety for Blind Persons

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-148
Author(s):  
Donggoo Seo ◽  
Kyungsuk Cho ◽  
Jongho Lee ◽  
Sangheon Kim
Keyword(s):  
Fire Safety ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
The United States ◽  
Emergency Evacuation ◽  
Safety Education ◽  
Free System ◽  
Safety Standards ◽  
Evacuation Safety ◽  
Blind Persons ◽  
Barrier Free

There are approximately 290 million blind people worldwide. Among them, approximately 40 million people are severely blind. Although systems and policies have been improved to enhance the convenience of the visually impaired, the standards related to evacuation safety in the case of fire have not been sufficiently improved. Therefore, in this study, to ensure the safe evacuation of the visually impaired in case of fire, domestic fire safety standards were derived by analyzing the development status of a domestic barrier-free system and related manuals based on the characteristics of evacuation behaviors of the visually impaired, as well as by reviewing the cases in the United States and the United Kingdom. As a result, the following measures were derived: 1) improving the display method for landmark elements, 2) customized fire safety education and training for employees, and 3) a plan to develop a personal emergency evacuation planning manual in accordance with the characteristics of a building. It is expected that these objectives can be used to improve fire safety standards and manuals and to develop related technologies for the visually impaired.

The safe tweet: social media use by Ontario fire services

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 179-191
Author(s):  
Sharon Lauricella ◽  
Kristy-Lynn Pankhurst
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Fire Safety ◽  
Fire Service ◽  
Safety Education ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Safety Standards ◽  
The Public ◽  
Fire Services ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how fire services use social media to educate the public about safety and fire prevention. Design/methodology/approach Grounded theoretical methods were employed in a rigorous qualitative analysis of five significant fire services’ Twitter accounts in Ontario, Canada. Findings Seven main themes emerged from the data, with an overarching conclusion that tweets made by fire service organisations and professionals do not focus primarily on fire safety. Research limitations/implications This paper addresses a gap in the literature in terms of understanding how social media communicates information about all three lines of defence against fire, with a focus on the first two: public fire safety education, fire safety standards and enforcement and emergency response. Practical implications The authors suggest that fire services need to employ a more segmented approach to social media posts with an objective to engage and educate the public. Originality/value This paper is the first extensive qualitative analysis to consider the particulars of fire services’ social media presence.

scholarly journals Experimental Study on Fire Risk Assessment of Windows by Material (II)

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 19-25
Author(s):  
Byeong-Heun Lee ◽  
Yun-Seong Kim ◽  
Seung-Hyun Jin ◽  
Young-Jin Kwon
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Fire Safety ◽  
Fire Risk ◽  
The United States ◽  
Fire Prevention ◽  
Exterior Wall ◽  
Safety Standards ◽  
Test Standards ◽  
Wall Openings ◽  
Equal Thickness

In this study, the fire safety standards for windows in Korea, the United States, and Japan were compared to prevent fire expansion through exterior wall openings. Experiments on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and aluminum window frames widely used in Korea were performed. The tests were conducted according to KS F 2845, in which frames with equal thickness and area in a single-window form and 1 h fire-resistance glass with an 8 T thickness were combined. The experimental results showed that the PVC window was approximately 9 min, and the aluminum window was approximately 26 min. However, in Korea, there are no test standards for windows installed at the opening of exterior walls. In addition, fire safety standards for windows should be established along with designations of fire prevention zones.

Pediatric Playground-Related Injuries Treated in Hospital Emergency Departments in the United States

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (5) ◽  
pp. 584-592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah L. Adelson ◽  
Thitphalak Chounthirath ◽  
Nichole L. Hodges ◽  
Christy L. Collins ◽  
Gary A. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Departments ◽  
Closed Head Injury ◽  
Injury Rate ◽  
The United States ◽  
Injury Surveillance System ◽  
Safety Standards ◽  
Average Patient ◽  
Impact Attenuation ◽  
Standards And Guidelines ◽  
Hospital Emergency Departments

This study analyzed pediatric playground-related injuries data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. An estimated 5 025 440 children <18 years were treated in US emergency departments for playground-related injuries during 1990-2012, averaging 218 497 children annually. The average patient age was 6.5 years. The overall annual injury rate declined during 1990-2007 ( P < .001) and then increased during 2007-2012 ( P < .001). The climbing equipment–related injury rate remained constant during 1990-2009 and then increased during 2007-2012 ( P = .014). The concussion/closed head injury rate increased during 1990-2008 ( P < .002) with the rate almost doubling from 2008-2012 ( P < .001). Falls accounted for 76.7% of all injuries and 87.7% of injuries to the upper extremities. Injuries resulted in hospitalization for 4.3% of patients. Despite current playground safety standards and guidelines, a large number of playground-related injuries continue to occur. Revised impact attenuation criteria for playground surfacing materials should be implemented and evaluated to more adequately prevent fall-related upper extremity fractures.

A Comprehensive Review of Spirit Drink Safety Standards and Regulations from an International Perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 431-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao-Na Pang ◽  
Zhao-Jie Li ◽  
Jing-Yu Chen ◽  
Li-Juan Gao ◽  
Bei-Zhong Han
Keyword(s):  
Maximum Level ◽  
The United States ◽  
International Perspective ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Hydrocyanic Acid ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Safety Standards ◽  
Standards And Regulations

ABSTRACT Standards and regulations related to spirit drinks have been established by different countries and international organizations to ensure the safety and quality of spirits. Here, we introduce the principles of food safety and quality standards for alcoholic beverages and then compare the key indicators used in the distinct standards of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the European Union, the People's Republic of China, the United States, Canada, and Australia. We also discuss in detail the “maximum level” of the following main contaminants of spirit drinks: methanol, higher alcohols, ethyl carbamate, hydrocyanic acid, heavy metals, mycotoxins, phthalates, and aldehydes. Furthermore, the control measures used for potential hazards are introduced. Harmonization of the current requirements based on comprehensive scope analysis and the risk assessment approach will enhance both the trade and quality of distilled spirits. This review article provides valuable information that will enable producers, traders, governments, and researchers to increase their knowledge of spirit drink safety requirements, control measures, and research trends.

Visual Impairment is Not Blindness

1971 ◽  
Vol 65 (10) ◽  
pp. 334-336
Author(s):  
Benjamin Wolf
Keyword(s):  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Essential Difference ◽  
Basic Principles ◽  
Functional Potential ◽  
Blind Persons ◽  
Partially Sighted ◽  
Visually Impaired Persons

□ Visual impairment is not necessarily blindness and the requirements of visually impaired persons are in many ways significantly different from those of blind persons. All too often agencies for the blind have not distinguished between these different requirements in providing services. The essential difference is that blind persons must rely on their other senses in order to function, while partially sighted persons must be helped to use whatever vision they have in coordination with their other senses. In providing services to partially sighted persons, the following basic principles should be considered: 1) Full service requires the cooperation of medical, physical, and behavioral specialists; 2) Services for partially sighted clients should be individualized on the basis of their differences in degree and quality of sight; 3) Whatever vision the client has should be augmented or strengthened through either mechanical or physical means; and 4) Clients should be helped to enhance their perception to its maximum functional potential.

scholarly journals Evidence-based practices of effective fire safety education programming for children

2021 ◽  
Vol 10.47389/36 (No 2) ◽  
pp. 34-41
Author(s):  
Kamarah Pooley ◽  
Sonia Nunez ◽  
Mark Whybro
Keyword(s):  
Fire Safety ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Safety Education ◽  
Education Programs ◽  
Evidence Based Practices ◽  
Fire Services ◽  
School Based ◽  
The World ◽  
Evidence Based Guidelines ◽  
Safety Knowledge

School-based fire safety education programs are implemented by fire services organisations around the world to improve children’s fire safety knowledge and skills. Such education is considered the single most modifiable strategy that fire services organisations can implement to reduce the risk that children will misuse fire or be harmed by fire. Despite this, there are no overarching and evidence-based guidelines for the development of new programs or the evaluation and modification of existing ones. To fill this void, a rapid evidence assessment of existing literature was conducted. Results revealed 25 evidence-based practices that held true in a variety of contexts and methodologically diverse studies. These practices inform an empirical framework that can be used to guide fire safety education programs for children.

scholarly journals Leading causes of blindness and visual impairment in the region of Eastern Herzegovina

2006 ◽  
Vol 59 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 15-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lala Ceklic ◽  
Slobodanka Latinovic ◽  
Petar Aleksic
Keyword(s):  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Population Based ◽  
World Health ◽  
Visual Disability ◽  
Common Causes ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Blind Persons

Introduction. Visual impairment and blindness are serious social and health problems in the world. 1992 classification of visual disorders by World Health Organization has recently been implemented. The goal of this study was to determine common causes of visual impairment and blindness in the region of Eastern Herzegovina. Material and methods. In this population based study we have analyzed medical records stored in the regional Association of Visually Impaired and Blind Persons of the Republic of Srpska (Trebinje, Bileca, Foca, Eastern Sarajevo). The analysis included sex and age distribution of registered population, classification and leading causes of visual disability and blindness. Results. There are 298 registered persons with visual disability and blindness in the region of Eastern Herzegovina and Eastern Sarajevo. The prevalence of visual impairment and blindness in the aforementioned region is 0.1%. Among the studied population, there are more males than females with visual disability or blindness (56% versus 44%). Most (78%) of registered persons are blind, and only 22% are visually impaired. 43% of registered population are in the IV category and only 8.38% are registered in the II category. Only 2% of registered population are children. Common causes of visual disability and blindness in the region of Eastern Herzegovina are: glaucoma (22%), cataract (17%), myopia alta (13%), diabetic retinopathy (12%) and ocular trauma (11%). Common causes of children's visual impairment include: optic nerve anomalies, congenital cataract and premature retinopathy. Discussion and conclusion Compared with literature data, common causes of blindness and visual impairment in the region of Eastern Herzegovina do not differ significantly from those in other regions. Registration is based on the WHO model, but it is possible only by performing active epidemiological studies. .

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