The Enhancement of Fire Safety in Small-Scale Senior Citizen Welfare Institutions Based on Fire Protection Defense-in-Depth Strategy

Abstract

The number of elderly living in small-scale senior citizen welfare institutions in Taiwan has been increasing. Hence, enhancing the quality of care and safety of the residents in these institutions is a pressing issue. Our research team visited and reviewed data on 53 small-scale institutions in Tainan based on in-depth fire protection defense strategies and proposed a three-layer protection mechanism. The results showed that: (1) half (50%) of these institutions only meet the old anti-seismic system; (2) 26 (49%) institutions have multi-story buildings, thus, more staff needs to be arranged for night shifts to enable emergency responses on each floor; (3) all institutions have fire detectors; (4) 84% of the elderly living in these institutions are mobility-impaired and need to rely on the assistance of staff for evacuation; (5) most institutions (91%) employ foreign female caregivers which mostly work on night shifts; thus, routine training of emergency response should also consider the abilities of the foreign caregivers; (6) 35 (66%) institutions arrange only 50% of the day-shift manpower for the night shift; (7) 37 (70%) institutions should evaluate whether the function of their fire detectors is affected by fan air; and (8) 11 (21%) institutions use inflammable materials for furnishings to create a “cozy” atmosphere. This study also suggests that preventing smoke from spreading from a room that is on fire to other areas is an important evaluation item. Hopefully, these findings can serve as a reference for countries that are facing an increasingly aging population.

Fire Safety Status and Evacuation of Medical Facility Considering Elevated Oxygen Concentrations

“…According to Mufeng Xiao et al [12] utilizing Pathfinder to apply the physical features of library patrons and the movement speed that reflects these traits, the evacuation time might be decreased. Hung et al [13] investigated potential fire safety risks and recommendations for small old people rehabilitation facilities for improving fire safety were provided. Many other related types of research are being done using underground complexes for a fire emergency.…”

Fire safety status and evacuation of medical facility considering elevated oxygen concentrations

“…According to Mufeng Xiao et al utilizing Path nder to apply the physical features of library patrons and the movement speed that re ects these traits, the evacuation time might be decreased [14]. Hung et al [15]. 's investigation of potential re safety risks and recommendations for small old people rehabilitation facilities for improving re safety were provided.…”

Egress Safety Criteria for Nursing Hospitals

“…Jiawen et al [5] used Pathfinder to simulate fire emergency egress in subway stations. Hung et al [6] investigated potential hazards in fire safety and provided the enhancement of fire safety in small-scale senior citizen welfare institutions. Li et al [7] conducted a study on the egress behavior of urban underground complexes in a fire emergency.…”