In all office buildings, keeping safe from fire is of the utmost priority. Whether you are trying to prevent a fire in the first place or deploying tactics to fight one, certain procedures should be followed. Living or working in a high rise building increases the importance of these tips, as flames do spread quickly and it can become difficult to escape to safety.
1. Suitable Detection Alarm Systems
Implementing the proper fire alarms and detection systems in a high rise is of top importance for following effective fire safety procedures. Without a means of detection the building’s fire suppression systems will never trigger sprinklers to fight the flames. And without alarms the occupants in the high rise may only find out there’s a fire once it has grown too large and cut off any escape routes to the exits and ground floor.
2. Maintain Automatic Suppression Systems
High rise buildings that are built according to proper fire code will always have automatic suppression systems in place. This includes automatic sprinklers, smoke ventilation systems and alarms that automatically notify the fire department. Failure to maintain the system can be disastrous. Good fire safety means scheduling routine checks and maintenance including making sure vents are clear, sprinklers are working and the flame detection alarms work.
3. Post Evacuation Plans
In a large tower that sees plenty of daily visitors there will always be people present who may not fully know the layout of the building. Should a fire break out it is imperative that all guests know where to go. Take the time to draft an evacuation plan for every floor that clearly marks exits down to the ground and how to get to them. Also note whether elevators will be out of service during a fire and where access stairwells are.
4. Prevent Fire through Construction
Utilizing proper construction and design methods can help prevent fires in a tall building. Keep floor spaces open and crowded areas away from each other so flames can’t easily spread. In walls or room partitions make sure to use fire-resistant approved paints and materials to help create flame barriers within the building. These small details are key to slowing a fire down and allowing occupants to escape to safety.
5. Provide Safety Training
The best way to make sure people and property are safe within the building even before a fire breaks out is to make sure all occupants working there are trained in current fire drill operations. Safety training courses are low-cost and cover all the basics such as how to handle large crowds in a crisis, how to direct occupants to evacuation routes and how to properly suppress a fire if needed. It is training that can be invaluable during the panic of a fire high up in a skyscraper.
