In the bustling city of Karaj, Iran, a groundbreaking study has shed new light on the critical factors affecting fire safety in high-rise buildings. Led by Seyed Hossein Mousavi, a M.Sc. in Health, Safety & Environment from the Department of Environmental Science at the Islamic Azad University in Tehran, the research employed an innovative integrated approach to identify and rank these factors. The study, published in ‘Muhandisī-i Bihdāsht-i Muḥīṭ’ (Environmental Health Engineer), utilized the ANP-DEMATEL method to delve deep into the complexities of fire safety in urban environments.
The research focused on six key criteria: firefighting regulations, fire safety training, policies and equipment management, review of previous incidents, attitudes of contractors in design and construction, and the speed of rescue operations. These criteria were further broken down into 32 sub-criteria, each meticulously screened using the Delphi technique. The findings revealed that the ‘speed of rescue operations’ emerged as the top priority, with a final weight of 0.222. This underscores the urgency of swift response times in mitigating fire risks in high-rise buildings.
Mousavi emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, “The speed of rescue operations is crucial. It’s not just about having the right equipment; it’s about being able to deploy it quickly and efficiently.” He further highlighted the importance of policies and equipment management, noting that this criterion had the most interaction with other factors. “Effective management of policies and equipment can significantly enhance overall fire safety,” he added.
The study also identified the ‘attitudes of contractors in design and construction’ as a highly influential factor. Notably, the sub-criterion ‘not using low-quality and cheap materials with the aim of more profit’ was ranked first among all sub-criteria, with a final weight of 0.061. This revelation underscores the need for stringent oversight during the construction phases, ensuring that fire-resistant materials are used and that design standards are rigorously enforced.
The implications of this research are far-reaching, particularly for the construction and energy sectors. High-rise buildings, which are increasingly common in urban landscapes, require robust fire safety measures to protect both residents and emergency responders. The findings suggest that investing in advanced fire extinguishing technologies and ensuring the presence of well-equipped fire stations across the city are essential steps. Additionally, the study highlights the need for specialized traffic routes in crowded city centers to facilitate quick access for fire engines.
As cities continue to grow vertically, the insights from this study will be invaluable in shaping future developments. By prioritizing the speed of rescue operations and ensuring that contractors adhere to high safety standards, urban planners and developers can create safer, more resilient high-rise buildings. This research not only enhances our understanding of fire safety but also sets a precedent for future studies in this critical area.
