Precautionary measures to be taken regarding high-rise building construction
Posted on: 02/Jun/2017 3:51:24 PM
The experts in the field of disaster management have suggested that the facility of integrated exchange of communication must be provided in order to tackle during moments of emergencies like earthquakes or fire accidents, especially in all high-rise buildings.
It is a general practice observed in countries like America and Canada to construct high-rise buildings at least 15 km away from the urban centre. The required transport facilities will be subsequently arranged.
However, in our country, it has been a practice to construct high-rise buildings in narrow places in urban centres. This makes rescue activities during any emergency almost impossible and poses a very tough challenge.
When high-rise buildings are constructed, care should be taken to leave a gap of at least 10 metres in all directions. Only this would enable movement of vehicles to enter and leave and it is essential to install smoke detectors on every floor of the building. The smoke detectors must be checked periodically whether they function properly. Maps showing the locations of emergency exits should be posted in all important locations in the building.
Safety exercise rehearsals must be conducted once in every 6 months. Only this can ensure that the residents/employees will become fully aware of safety measures in case of any emergency.
Integrated communication exchange facility must be available to enable expedite the safety operations. A large tank full of water must always be made available to be used during emergencies.
How to prevent electricity leakage?
The sparks occur in places due to the high heat intensity or poor maintenance of electrical components such as wires.
Generally, no wiring and checks of electrical fittings are required up to 10 years of the building. However, it is a compulsory exercise to employ a licensed wireman to check all the electric fittings and arrangements. In the case of any damage, the equipment must be repaired/replaced immediately.
If any mild shock is experienced while touching the fan, fridge, or the air-conditioner in high-rise buildings, it is important to immediately check the safety of the wiring. Switch off the equipment immediately. Wiremen, with the equipment known as megger, will be able to detect any leakages while checking the wiring from the energy meter box to the individual electrical plug points. Any leakage detected must be immediately rectified.
External Staircases:
As per the National Building Acts, there must be a specified gap between each floor of construction in the multi-storeyed buildings used by the public.
Fire-fighting equipment and provision for quelling the fire must be provided inside the building. Wide staircases and the electrical lift facility must be provided for the public to use. The most important aspect is the provision of external staircases in the high-rise buildings.
There must be a provision for the exit to the external staircase from each floor. This will provide an easy emergency exit for the public to quickly get out of the fire-affected or earthquake-affected buildings. Even the fire-fighting squads can use this external staircase to quell the fire.
In case these precautionary measures are not provided as per the legal requirements, the building licence must be cancelled immediately.
