Analysis of user-related risks in fire-safe building design

Fire safety encompasses protection from fire, limitation of the spread of fire and smoke, fire suppression, and the provision of rapid and safe means of escape. Human behavior plays a crucial role in ensuring an effective evacuation. It is well-established that users’ physiology, psychology, and behaviors during emergencies impact building usage conditions. Fire safety in buildings may not be fully achieved solely through meeting fire-safe design regulations and legal requirements; instead, a comprehensive approach that offers solutions tailored to user characteristics is necessary. Therefore, adapting fire safety measures in buildings to align with building- and user-specific attributes is deemed essential for facilitating timely and safe evacuations.
In this study, risks associated with different users in direct interaction with the building’s function are identified and analyzed within the context of fire-safe building design. Userrelated risks are determined through a systematic literature review and meta-analysis and are evaluated in conjunction with fire incidents that occurred previously. According to the analysis results, the identified user-related risks for fire-safe building design are categorized into three groups: Risks associated with individual, social, and situational characteristics. Determining the risks associated with users who need to be evacuated during building fires is considered crucial for comprehending user characteristics, response times, and behavior patterns, as well as for developing effective evacuation strategies. It is argued that preventive measures addressing these risks could help avert or minimize casualties during fires.