Means of escape from fire
Most fire-related deaths occur because people don’t escape before they are affected by either smoke or by the fire itself. ‘Means of escape’ is therefore an important aspect of any building design.
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By Ed Soja – 1 February 2008, Build 104, Feature article
Most fire-related deaths occur because people don’t escape before they are affected by either smoke or by the fire itself. ‘Means of escape’ is therefore an important aspect of any building design.
By Kevin Frank – 1 April 2019, Build 171, Feature article
Resolving firestopping compliance issues in existing buildings can be difficult. BRANZ research is helping bring consistency to the process of determining what is reasonable and practicable when undertaking building alterations.
By Ian Page – 1 October 2013, Build 138
A BRANZ project found that over 10% of owner-occupied housing is at risk should a fire break out. Several things can be done to help fireproof homes, and most are reasonably low cost.
By Ed Soja – 1 April 2014, Build 141
When residential buildings have a wall less than 1 m (or sometimes 5 m) from the boundary, there are requirements for the boundary walls to have specific fire resistance ratings (FRR) and exterior surface finishes.
By Phil Jackson – 1 April 2019, Build 171, Feature article
With changes to the law, there’s a good argument for businesses to perform scenario-based trial evacuations to ensure they can evacuate everyone, including people requiring assistance, in the event of a fire.
By Amanda Robbins – 1 October 2008, Build 108
Although roof fire vents are used in New Zealand to remove smoke and heat from a building during a fire, there are currently no standards to ensure their ‘effectiveness’. a BRANZ research project aims to change this.
By Ed Soja – 1 June 2011, Build 124, Feature article
Many changes can take place during the life of a building, including the components of passive fire protection.
By Peter Whiting – 1 October 2012, Build 132, Feature article
Changes to Building Code clauses C1–C6 Protection from fire have meant significant changes to the fire safety specifications for interior surface linings.
By Ron Green – 1 June 2013, Build 136, Feature article
It’s a topic bound to raise some heat, but a fire industry practitioner bemoans the current situation in which fire stopping around service penetrations is frequently inadequate. Why? And what should be done?
By Amanda Robbins, Nikki Buckett – 1 April 2014, Build 141
At present, it is unclear how people with disabilities cope when exiting a building in a fire. A current BRANZ research project is investigating the accessibility of emergency egress in commercial buildings to find answers.