How should fire systems be in buildings, and how should fires be handled?

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.32739/uha.id.58260

Explaining how to take precautions against fire, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Specialist Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan stated that in buildings with four or more floors, fire extinguishers should be placed every 25 meters, and these extinguishers should be mounted on the wall 30-40 cm above the ground.

Highlighting critical details, from fire extinguishers to escape routes, Dr. Uçan emphasized: “Every building must have at least two fire escape stairs. Floor plans must be present on each floor, showing how people can evacuate and through which routes they can escape.”

Stating that fire precautions are mandatory for buildings with four or more floors, Asst. Prof. Uçan added, “During a fire, all these systems must function flawlessly.”

 

 

Head of the Department of Occupational Health and Safety at Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan, explained how to take measures against fire.

If the corridor length exceeds 25 meters, 2 or 3 extinguishers may be placed

Pointing out how to take precautions against fire in a building, Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan said, “First, let’s look at fire precautions that should be taken in buildings with four or more floors. Initially, buildings must have fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers should be placed every 25 meters. These extinguishers should be mounted on the wall 30-40 cm above the ground and should be regularly inspected. If the corridor length exceeds 25 meters, 2 or 3 extinguishers may be placed, depending on the size and structure of the building.”

Every building must have at least two fire escape stairs

Emphasizing the importance of fire escape stairs, Dr. Uçan said: “Every building must have at least two fire escape stairs. Depending on the size of the building, this number can increase; for instance, some buildings may have three fire escape stairs. Floor plans should be present on every floor, showing how people on that floor can evacuate and through which routes they can escape. When visiting a building, hotel, or hospital, we must examine such informational guides. These guides are critical for knowing how to act during a fire.”

Emergency buttons and fire cabinets are a must!

Drawing attention to emergency buttons, Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan continued his remarks as follows: “This button should be broken to trigger an alert when a fire starts. This alert should be audible, enabling quick action. One of the biggest issues in Turkey is the inability to read such instructions during an event, especially in the dark. Emergency exit lights must be present and powered by systems like batteries, generators, or backups to show the exit direction when the power is out. Buildings must have fire cabinets, which typically contain a hose that can reach an area of 25 meters.”

Fire escape areas must be free of objects

Emphasizing that fire escape doors must not be locked, Dr. Uçan noted: “Fire escape stairs can be made of steel outside the building or located inside. These stairs are vital for evacuating people during emergencies. However, unfortunately, items are often stored in areas where fire escape stairs are located in apartments. This should never happen. These areas, part of the fire plan, must be kept completely clear, as these items could create serious obstacles during an evacuation. Additionally, every floor must have a sign indicating the floor number.”

Sprinkler systems and smoke detectors are critical for early intervention

Dr. Uçan stated that while sprinkler systems might not be necessary in ordinary apartment buildings, they are essential in buildings where many people are present and made the following remarks: "When the alarm is triggered or smoke is detected during a fire, these systems activate automatically. Their built-in glass safety mechanism breaks, spraying water to suppress the fire and prevent its spread. These systems are crucial for fire safety. Smoke detectors should also be present. When these detectors sense smoke, they trigger an alarm and activate the system, playing a critical role in early intervention.”

Regular Inspection and Maintenance Are Essential!

 Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan stated that fire pumps should be tested monthly and undergo comprehensive maintenance once a year, smoke and heat sensors in fire detection systems should be checked every six months and calibrated if necessary, and fire alarm panels should be inspected monthly to ensure that the system is operational and reported accordingly. He also emphasized the importance of having sprinkler systems inspected and tested annually by expert teams, escape routes and stairs checked weekly, and ensuring that doors are open and free from obstructions.

Generators must activate immediately, and fire pumps must operate!

Highlighting the importance of fire pumps in fire response, Dr. Uçan explained that “In the event of fire suppression and power outages, generators quickly activate. Pumps spray water from sprinklers onto the fire area. The system must not fail due to power cuts. Diesel-powered systems should back up electric generators. During a fire, power is automatically cut off as per safety protocols. When this happens, the generator activates, and fire pumps immediately start operating. Large buildings have substantial water tanks with a dedicated reserve for fire emergencies. Even if the water in the tank runs out, the reserve compensates for it. These systems ensure uninterrupted water supply. Once the sprinkler system activates, it sprays water to suppress the fire. Additionally, when firefighters arrive, these systems assist them.”

Drills are vital!

Dr. Uçan stressed the importance of periodic drills and outlined system inspection intervals as follows:

Sprinkler Systems: Inspected and tested annually by expert teams.

Fire Pump Group: Tested monthly and undergoes comprehensive maintenance once a year.

Fire Detection Systems: Smoke and heat sensors are checked every six months, calibrated if needed, and fire alarm panels are inspected monthly to ensure functionality.

Escape Routes and Stairs: Inspected weekly to confirm doors are open and free of obstacles.

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)