Abstract
Although there is a growing international movement
toward the use of engineered or performance-based fire
safety design, current practice is dominated by prescriptive-
based design. In prescriptive-based fire safety
design, only those requirements prescribed by appropriate
building regulations, installation standards, or approved
documents tend to be applied. Because these requirements
typically include fire protection measures, such as
fire detection and signaling systems, automatic sprinkler
systems, fire compartmentation, and emergency egress
systems, there is often an assumption that occupants,
employees, and users of a facility will be safe should a fire
occur. However, there are a variety of factors that could
affect the actual fire safety of a facility that comply with
the appropriate regulations. Fuel type, loading, configuration,
and location can change, leading to an increase
in fire risk. Occupants may not see, hear or understand
fire alarm signals as fire alarm signals. Fire detection and
signaling systems, fire suppression systems, or smoke
management systems may not be 100 percent functional
at all times. Fortunately, many of these factors can be
controlled for, if they are understood and addressed,
within a fire safety management plan. To assist with such
planning, this paper discusses various human behavior
and response issues that may affect life safety during a
fire or emergency, and provides suggestions for integrating
these issues into a fire safety management plan.