Fire risk assessment in selected commercial buildings in Mashhad based on NFPA 101 standard in 2018

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Fires in residential buildings, commercial complexes, and small and large industries cause a lot of financial, human, and environmental damage in different communities annually. This study is conducted with the aim to evaluate the fire risk in the selected commercial buildings in Mashhad, Iran. METHODS: This was a descriptive-cross-sectional and applied study conducted in the spring of 2019 on 10 separate commercial buildings in Mashhad. First, the necessary checklists for fire risk assessment from the NFPA 101 standard were prepared and compiled by the researcher, and the necessary information was completed according to the field surveys and obtaining the urban planning documents of the buildings. The information collected was then analyzed in the Computerized Fire Safety Evaluation System (CFSES) software for final evaluation of the buildings. FINDINGS: In general, the total number of commercial buildings examined (10 cases) was in an unacceptable condition in all three areas of fire risk, including the fire control, exit, and general safety aspects. In addition, the fire risk situation in older buildings (5 cases) was worse than in new buildings (5 cases). CONCLUSION: The fire risk assessment score of the commercial buildings studied in terms of fire control, exit route, and general safety aspects was unacceptable and none of the buildings evaluated obtained the minimum safety score in these three aspects. Therefore, to improve fire safety in commercial buildings, valid fire safety regulations and standards, including NFPA 101, must be observed to prevent fire accidents and irreparable financial and human losses.