Short Guide on How to Ensure High-Rise Building Safety

Improving high-rise building safety is crucial for preventing incidents that result in injuries and fatalities.

Homeowners with apartments in high-rise buildings can ensure that the building management and body corporate are keeping up with maintenance. However, the rise in building safety also involves a combination of proactive measures, advanced technologies, and adherence to regulations.

A Wake-Up Call

High-rise or multi-story buildings are more prone to fire than a typical residential standalone property. Tower blocks of high-rise flats are six floors or more; you can not imagine fire safety without recalling the Grenfell Tower.

At 24 floors, it was a tall tower block. The fire that destroyed it was caused by remedial work, and the new, flammable exterior cladding made it spread rapidly and was impossible to extinguish. Lives were lost.

The Grenfell fire was a wake-up call for all high-rise living, fire prevention, and safety.

Staying inside proved fatal in the Grenfell fire, whereas in most cases, in buildings designed to be fire-resistant, this would have been the proper instruction.

Many cities and urban areas feature high-rise residential areas in some of the world’s top cities, including Hong Kong, New York, London, and Singapore.

Building up instead of out is the future, so all residents should know how to prevent a fire and be prepared to deal with fire hazards.

Safety of High-rise Structures

For fire safety improvement, tenants and residents can determine what fire detection and suppression systems have been installed in their buildings.

Regular fire drills and reminders of evacuation procedures should also be held. All new tenants should be instructed on what to do in the event of an emergency, such as a fire.

Fire safety training should be a prerequisite for all building staff, contractors, parents, and visitors, such as tradespeople and contractors.

Safety training should also include emergency evacuation plans. Ensure your building has a relevant, comprehensive, and well-managed emergency evacuation plan with clear and visible exit signs, and that stairwells are well-lit and easily accessible.

Evacuation drills can be annoying. However, they also save lives and ensure occupants are familiar with evacuation routes.

Maintenance and Building Tech

Maintaining the building’s structure, systems, and safety features requires regular inspections.

To manage the task effectively, a comprehensive maintenance program is necessary to address any identified issues promptly.

The goal is to uphold the structural integrity of the building, including foundations and load-bearing elements. The building requires routine inspections with structural engineers and remedial work to address any issues of wear, corrosion, or damage.

Intelligent building technologies for real-time monitoring of various systems (e.g., HVAC, electrical, plumbing) save lives. Both new and old buildings can benefit from early warning systems that detect anomalies and potential hazards.

The building must comply with local building codes, safety standards, and additional requirements associated with high-rise buildings.

Handling Natural Disasters and Emergencies

Everything starts with a plan. Develop plans for handling natural disasters and other emergencies specific to the building’s location.
Consider incorporating resilient design principles in building construction and retrofits.

Establish relationships with local emergency services and coordinate emergency response plans with them to ensure effective collaboration.

Tips for Occupants In An Emergency

In an emergency, panic can set in, and common sense can go out the window. Here are some tips for dealing with an emergency in a high-rise building.

Use the Nearest Staircase

Usually, the staircase is not dangerous when a fire breaks out. High-rise buildings are designed and constructed using fire-retardant materials. Fire in a high-rise building is mainly confined to one apartment or floor, keeping the staircase safe. In the event of a fire, seek the nearest staircase to exit the building.

If you’re concerned about the status of your building, you can get your building surveys on the EWS1 Portal to determine whether the high-rise building is safe from fire.

Of course, if the survey has weaknesses, find out what’s been done about them. You may need to relocate from your flat to a safer residence.

Call for Emergency Help

When you live in a building with many more inhabitants, you might think someone else has already called the helpline in case of a fire. Sometimes, people panic and may forget to call the firefighters, instead focusing on their escape.

It is best to make a call yourself as fast as possible. It can help prevent the fire from spreading and damaging the high-rise building. You can make a call while you are in a hurry to exit the building.

Stay Calm – Panic is Contagious

When you learn of a fire in your building, attempting to get out as fast as possible is not always the safest thing. First, feel the door with the back of your hands. If it feels hot, then it means that your story or floor is in a dangerous situation.

Stay calm and contact the authorities if you are unable to leave your flat. In the meantime, get a wet towel and seal the door cracks from where the smoke enters. Continue breathing at a steady pace and inform your helpers of your location.

Know Your Building

Every high-rise building has its features and design. Ignorance is deadly when it comes to fires, as they are unpredictable.

If you were living in your own house, you’d be aware of its construction and condition, and if there were areas that needed repair or replacement. While obtaining details on high-rises is more arduous, your safety and that of your fellow residents are top priorities.

Remember, being forearmed is being forewarned. Early detection of vulnerabilities and safety hazards can prevent a major disaster like Grenfell. Have a fire safety plan for your building. Ensure your flat or apartment has fire extinguishers and know the location of the exits and staircases.

Where are the fire hose adapters fitted in the building? You can request a building map or conduct a complete survey yourself. Whatever you do, it isn’t a waste of time or effort; remember, it can be life-saving when you know how to minimise risk and avoid danger.

Hong Kong’s 10,000 High Rise Buildings

In light of major disasters like the Grenfell Tower in London, there is a regulatory framework and compliance requirement in Hong Kong, a city with over 10,000 high-rise buildings.

The Information Services Department says over 10,920 buildings had been inspected as of the end of February 2024.  Approximately 40% were fully compliant, which has left thousands needing remediation.   There were some 3600 prosecutions and 360,000 directions issued.  But despite this situation, you should know that Hong Kong is a significant business hub in the Asian region, and you can find more details here about the reasons for choosing HK for your business expansion.

A special duties team has also been established to systematically inspect the high-risk mixed-use buildings, i.e., those with both commercial and residential uses.  Additionally, there is a Building Safety Loan Scheme to speed up the upgrades.  Hong Kong experienced a fatal fire in the Garley Building in 1996, and subsequently, sprinklers were mandated in all high-rise buildings.

Summing Up

By combining these measures, building owners can create a safer environment for occupants and reduce the risks associated with high-rise structures. Regularly updating safety measures and staying informed about advancements in building safety technology is crucial for maintaining a secure environment.

Occupants can act quickly to escape danger. Save yourself first, then look after those who need your help. However, do not reenter the building. Take a first aid course to learn how to help others who are injured.