The Effectiveness of Shanghai World Financial Centre Evacuation Procedures - Assignment Example

Title: Planning Processes in Emergency Administration  Running head: The effectiveness of Shanghai World Financial Centre Evacuation procedures Name Institutional Course Tutor Date Introduction: The research study proposal already done presented an aspect of fire and service management in particular evacuation procedures in buildings and apartments. This modified research study tends to present an analysis of the effectiveness of Shanghai World Financial Centre Evacuation procedures and why these procedures have been chosen. The paper covers research objectives, aims, and research questions, significance of the study, methodology, literature review, and theoretical orientation of the study, limitations, discussion and finally conclusions. Evacuation procedures play a significant role especially when dealing with fire emergencies as well as other natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, eruptions, hurricanes, tsunamis, chemical spills and cyclones (Averill & Song ,2007,pp.25-45). Shanghai World Financial Centre is a strategically building located in the heart of Pudong’s Lujiazui district in China. It is a commercial building 492 meters hence over the years it has become destine symbolic world business centre in which people from around the world come together to enjoy as well as share wealth of information, knowledge and culture and explore new business opportunities. With the current raising need for safety measures in buildings in the event of fire or any other emergency Shanghai World Financial Centre has put in place high technological safety measures in case of any disaster or fire emergency (Allan, 2009,pp.123-135). The building has in place refuge floors, fireproofed empty spaces constructed every 10 or 15 floors and are meant to protect people during evacuation. Since Shanghai World Financial Centre is a Modern high rise buildings it has been built with unique fire protection devices which can be used in the event of fire. Moreover, the business centre has in place specific evacuation procedures developed for its occupants in the event of fire emergency (Allan, 2009, pp.123-135). The study intended to investigate the effectiveness of these evacuation procedures as well as whey they were chosen by Shanghai World Financial Centre. Aims/Objectives: The aim of this study is actually to examine as well as make a thorough analysis of Shanghai World Financial Centre fire evacuation system, effectiveness of evacuation procedures and why they have been chosen by the organization. In order to make concrete conclusions about Shanghai World Financial centre evacuations system and the effectiveness of the evacuation procedures, the study will make comprehensively analysis of various evacuation systems and its evacuation procedures. The study shall develop a primary questions that shall be used as bait to achieving the set objective as shown below indicated below; What are the evacuation procedures in place How effective are these evacuation procedures What other systems are in place as response measures for fire management Why have these evacuation procedures chosen for the building The Literature Review: In the recent past, the world’s disaster profile has been dominated by fire disasters and other technological accidents that disrupt people’s livelihoods, destroy infrastructure, divert planned use of resources, interrupt economic activities and retard development. In the pursuit of reducing vulnerabilities to risks, many institutions have formulated a program in Fire Disaster management to institutionalize mechanisms of addressing fire disasters including the development and implementation of various evacuation procedures(Vince, 2008,pp.34-58). Evacuation procedures can be described as clear step by step procedure for the occupants to vacate a building in an orderly and safe manner during an emergency in order to limit the number of deaths and other injuries resulting from the fire or the disaster. Evacuation procedures in addition help in assembling occupants of the building at a safe place for a roll call. Emergency evacuation therefore can be described as the immediate and rapid movement of people away from threat or an actual occurrence of a disaster or fire. Modern buildings today especially skyscrapers are usually made of strong fire resistant materials. They are equipped with extremely sensitive water sprinklers and enclosed stairwells which ensure that fire is confined to rooms. Buildings have floor plans and evacuation procedures visible on every floor to facilitate the orderly evacuation of people in the building as way of avoiding a stampede during an emergency (Vince, 2008,pp.34-58). With increasing number of fire emergencies and other disasters in the world various countries have implemented different building codes and control measures related to fire and other disasters organizational management(Bukowski, 2007,pp.159-168). In specific every building today has evacuation procedures primarily as a safety management measure during fire emergencies as well as during other disasters for its occupants. Recent fire disaster events, the successive reports on fire incidences and the reconnaissance survey within the government counties as a case study have all stressed the central role of fire sensitization in all sustainably planned and integrated strategy for fire disaster management (Bukowski, 2007,pp.159-168). Emergency response plan is basically a forward plan in which scenarios and objectives are agreed on, managerial and technical actions precisely defined and potential response systems laid down in order to give bearing in response to an emergency. In the recent past, the world’s disaster profile has been dominated by various disasters (natural and human induced) and other technological accidents that disrupt people’s livelihoods, negatively affect the infrastructure, leads to the diversion of the resources contrally to the earlier plans, it also disrupts the activities of any affected community and the desired developments put to a standstill, most of the governments have formulated a program in emergency or Disaster management to institutionalize mechanisms of addressing any emergencies(Vince, 2008,pp.34-58). On recent data on disaster events, the successive reports on fire incidences and the reconnaissance survey within the emergency response organizations and even the Municipality as a case study have all stressed the central role of preparedness, protection, prevention and the response sensitization in all sustainably planned and integrated strategy for any response and disaster management. Therefore, an emergency plan can be said to be a forward plan in the processing where the which objectives and the scenarios are tested, and the technical capabilities of the society put to actions in a well defined manner and the potential response of the systems put in preparation so that it prevent or effectively respond to any call of emergency. Modern emergency services actually rely on accurate and timely information about location of incidents, crimes or assets and often dispersed sources of data (Peacock and Kuligowski, 2004,pp.56-70). Since the Fire and Rescue service management has been over the years perceived to be a public service entity which deals with life and death situations, many governments as well as organizations have taken a duty to implement resilient communications systems primarily to improve efficiency levels as well as raise the terms of quality and reach communications during a fire emergency through the emergency services evacuation procedures (Menon,2007,pp.67-87). According to statistics over one billion pounds have been invested by the local government in a Fire and Resilience programme mainly to ensure effective, resilient capability communication systems which can effectively respond to seamlessly in all situations of emergency, day to day incidents, large incidents which need regional response or other large national disasters which can be caused by terrorism, accidents or nature (Charles, 2009, pp.89-100). Research indicates that effectiveness of any emergency response can actually be broken into one single factor which is the ability of a fire and rescue service authority to respond, receive and act on timely information. This calls for a resilient communication structure which actually withstands all the pitfalls of day-to- day operations as well as large-scale incidents of fire and other disasters. According to the British Journal on Fire Safety (2008, pp.56-70), expedient as well as accurate handling of fire alarms or calls is considered much important for a successful outcome of any incident In the daily scenarios, fire-fighters have been trained to use communications systems as well as equipment to receive alarms, give and receive commands, request for any assistance and report on the conditions. Given the fact that, most of the fire-fighters come from different agencies to provide mutual aid to each other during different incidences it is always essential that structures be implemented which ensures a unified chain of command as well as information sharing. Communication systems and evacuation procedures therefore are very important in fire and rescue service authorities since ineffective communication systems or channels can put at risk lives of many people despite the good work of fire and rescue service (Charles, 2009,pp.89-100) Methodology: Research method selected in collecting data determines the efficiency of the research proposal project. The study was on carried out on out on Shanghai World Financial Centre and primarily the research endeavoured to examine the effectiveness of the organizational evacuation procedures as well as the evacuation systems in place and why they have been chosen. In this proposal data was collected through Questionnaires, telephone, email as well as using in depth follow up interview scripts. This actually incorporated interviews with some of the Shanghai fire emergency employees as well as other disaster management employees. Strict examination of data collected through quantitative (through closed-ended structured questions), qualitative (through unstructured open ended questions) was done. A combination of both methods helped to exhaustively evaluate the importance of proper effectiveness of the evacuation procedures. A research design encompasses various frameworks that are employed for the compilation and examination of data (Bell, 2005, pp.67-70). According to a number of previous studies, a qualitative research design is the most appropriate for case study since its main rationale is to explain their state of affairs, occurrence, quandary or incident ((Bell, 2005, pp.67-70). Bell argues that given the fact qualitative research design is formless, supple and has a methodology that is open-ended; it creates an atmosphere that allows respondents to freely answer questions. Structured questions though are best in directed inferences, where the researcher is looking for specific information. The questions are structured with different choices available and tabulation is done on the scale of the structured questions. Qualitative research designs are less manipulative as they allow the respondents to air their views concerning the issue under investigation. Explanatory research design employs a case study is a very significant aspect of a qualitative research design (Zikmund, 2003, pp.45-50). The research proposal used combination of interviews and questionnaires in collection of data. The major motive behind the selection of this method is to guarantee that the data collected is most up to date and thus suitable for use by other organizations all over the world. Sample and sampling Sample Population The target sample consisted of hundred respondents who were selected randomly from various departments as well as areas of Shanghai World Financial Centre. The respondents who were involved in the research study were selected using random sampling where no particular characteristics were used in the selection. Target Area The research modified research study tends to present an analysis of the effectiveness of Shanghai World Financial Centre Evacuation procedures and why these procedures have been chosen Data collection Methods Data Sources The research utilized quantitative method of data collection through the use of primary sources of information. Questionnaires containing the research questions were printed and distributed to the one hundred respondents in various areas and departments of Shanghai World Financial Centre. Each respondent was required to fill the questionnaire as well as answer all the four questions. After filling the questionnaires, respondents involved in the research were required to return the filled questionnaires to the researchers within two weeks. Survey instruments such as Likert –scale was used as a method of data collection where evaluation questions were printed and distributed to one hundred respondents. Data Collection Instrument According to Zikmund (2003, pp.45-50), an interview is an efficient design in collection of good quality research findings. This research examines communication system in United Kingdom Fire and Rescue service. The questionnaire employed a Likert scale (structure questions) which permitted respondents to give out suggestions and ideas in relation to Shanghai World Financial centre evacuation systems, procedures and there effectiveness during a fire emergency. Questionnaire Design Two sets of questionnaires were used: for working in fire and disaster management departments and the other for individuals working in other areas of the building. Both questionnaires consisted of the following questions. What are the evacuation procedures in place How effective are these evacuation procedures What other systems are in place as response measures for fire management Why have these evacuation procedures been chosen for the building Data Collection The questionnaires were presented to the target population one hundred respondents. Other interviews were conducted through telephone interviews for top-level and middle-level management, officers in disaster and management departments while physical administration of the questionnaires was undertaken to other officers other areas of the building. For the case of telephone interviews, the answers were recorded and later transferred to soft and hard copies. Face to face interviews were important as the researcher could study the emotions and feeling of the respondents when they are answering the questions. It is also important in case an issue need to be clarified. This technique is applicable when dealing with fewer respondents in the lower level management of the company. This is because due to there schedule they could avail more time to be with the researcher. However for the top level mangers telephone interviews were more appropriate. Alternatively E-mail and Internet were used to conduct the interviews due to its cost effectiveness and reliability. It is cheap and convenient. Ethical Considerations: The information collected from all the participants was kept private and confidential and only the results in figures containing the total view in opinion of this people were released to the public in a quantitative way Access Issues: The study conducted was limited to small sample of staffs and employees who worked as fire safety officers in fire and disaster management department as well as other areas of the building. This clearly indicates that the study was just limited to participants who actually managed to be employed in the study limiting 100% participation which would have given more definite results to the study. This study had several limitations associated with it. There are different limitations for this study. However, it is expected that these limitations will not affect the methodology and validity of the data collected. The sample population consisted of only one hundred respondents selected randomly hence the response received from the respondents maybe biased as some respondents may have deliberately given out false information which could interfere with the accuracy of the study. Additionally, due to time limitation the scope of the study is very narrow hence the sample selected may not represent a true picture of Shanghai World Financial Centre evacuation procedures effectiveness. Timescale: The research study was anticipated to take approximately four months to it’s completion including data collection, analysis and findings analysis. Bibliography: Allan, G A (2009). Fire Risk: Fire Safety Law and Its Practical Application. London: Thorogood Publishing, pp.123-135 Averill J. D. and Song W. (2007). “Accounting for Emergency Response in Building Evacuation: New York: Book Press,25-45 Bukowski, R. W. (2007). “Emergency Egress Strategies for Buildings”, Interflam 2007. London: England Press, pp.159-168 Bell, J. (2005) Doing Your Research Project: A Guide For First-Time Researchers In Education, Health And Social Science (4th Edition), Maidenhead: Open University Press,pp.35-40 Charles, M (2009).Fire Prevention and Communication Service. London: Wiley and Sons, pp.89-100 Dennet, M (2007). Fire Attack: An Integrated Strategy. Publisher: Jeremy Mills Publishing,pp.34-50 Volume 6; published November 2010,pp.78-89 Serials in the British Library, Volume 14, Issue 2. Publisher: British Library, Bibliographic Services Division, 2009,pp.45-50 Menon, S (2007). Fire and Flood. Publisher: The Rosen Publishing Group,pp.67-87 Peacock R. D. and Kuligowski E. D. (2004). Movement During Fire Emergencies. Publisher: National Institute of Standards and Technology,pp.56-70 Vince, I (2008). Major accidents to the environment: a practical guide to the Seveso II directive and COMAH regulations. Scotland: Academic Press,pp.34-58 Zikmund, W. (2003), Business Research Methods, Ohio: Thompson South-western,pp.23-45 Report Executive Summary This report presents an overview of research findings on the effectiveness Shanghai World Financial Centre evacuation procedures and the reasons why these evacuation procedures were chosen by the organization in relation to the building. The report basically covers the research findings results in relation to the research study. Introduction Emergency evacuations plans are usually developed in buildings to ensure the safety of its occupants hence for any building its always necessary that a benchmark as well as evacuation time for different hazards and conditions is established. Emergency evacuations therefore involve using the best practices, regulations as well as simulations especially when it comes to the modelling of the flow of people in a building. Proper emergency evacuations procedures therefore involve the efficient use of multiple exits, contra flow lanes, special technologies which ensures fast, full and complete evacuation among other aspects. It is always important to have an escape plan (Dennet, 2007, pp.78-89). Most buildings authorities therefore hold fire drills to make sure that everyone knows what to do during a fire. Ideally there should always be two quick and safe escape routes chalked out. That way even if one of them is blocked people can make it out into a safety through the other. In such cases therefore it is always necessary that when climbing down an iron fire escape, one should be sure that there is no fire raging below. These escapes are important though today they are not common (Bukowski, 2007,pp.159-168). Research Findings analysis From the study ,it is quiet evident that Shanghai World Financial Centre has in place proper evacuation procedures which have over the years proved to be effective in case of a fire emergency as well as any other disaster such as earthquake.. From the study findings the organization has implemented the following evacuation procedures; When you discover a fire emerge its necessary for an individual to raise the alarm. In case of fire kindly evacuate using the nearest evacuation point placed on each of the floor’s building Phone the police or fire Brigade or any Ambulance service using the stated phone number All occupants are supposed to ensure that the fire doors are not wedged in the open position since fire doors are actually meant to maintain compartmentation of a building in the event of a fire. This will help in preventing smoke from spreading as well as it will provide sufficient resistance as way of protecting the means of escape in case the fire door is wedged open. This is because when the floor door is wedged open, smoke can quickly penetrate throughout a building hence cutting off some of the escape routes. In the event of fire evacuation, do not use lifts since in the event of fire electrical power is usually the first building service to fail hence there is a possibility that you could be trapped between the floors. In such a case consider the nearest evacuation exit as well as other alternative escape routes marked in Red. The building has in place exit doors with a Redlam bolt system which is a system accepted by the Fire Brigade and it usually prevents access into a building though it will allow escape in the event of an emergency evacuation without the need for a Key. The bolt securing the door is a spring loaded and held in locked positions by a glass tube in case of fire emergency it is necessary for the glass to be broken primarily as way of releasing the bolt and allowing escape. A small hammer has been fixed adjacent to the Redlam bolt primarily for the purposes of breaking the glass but in the event of a fire and no hammer is available use a shoe or other handy object since it’s difficult to break the glass using bare hands. When you walk towards an escape door fitted with a Redlam Bolt it may appear padlocked, the padlock is purely a means for gaining access to the glass tube. The padlock will not prevent escape smash the glass tube to allow an escape. These will allow automatic activation of the fire alarm system as well as an actuation (break glass) point. In the event of evacuation make sure you assemble at evacuation places marked in black using arrows. In this situation you are not required to enter a building which has no evacuation emergency control measures in place until it has been declared safe by the Fire Brigade, Police or other authorized person Like any other building safety measure is a major concern for Shanghai World Financial Centre hence the building has Evacuation floors located at every twelve floors in the event of emergency. Seniors as well as disabled persons are guided to the protected areas and wait for the arrival of emergency personnel during fire emergency (Bukowski, 2007,pp.159-168).Evacuation procedures have designed in a manner to provide effective measures during fire emergency hence in most cases elevators are not used in time emergency. To increase the effectiveness of Shanghai World Financial centre, the financial centre is working in hand with the government to implement emergency power supply for evacuation by elevators Conclusion Fire incidents have over the years brought a greater need for building occupants as well as emergency responders to implement important fire management measures as way of reducing incidents of death as well as injuries in the event of fire. Due to the changing conditions of the buildings evacuation procedures have became essential during emergency situations. Shanghai World Financial Center fire has implemented a number of evacuation procedures as well as other fire emergency control procedures which over the years have proved to more effective given the structure of the building. Primarily, these evacuation procedures where chosen due to the nature of the building. In addition, the world financial centre has in place refuge floors as well as lifts running on the running on the outside of the super columns on diagonal corners of the building. The lifts have been designed primarily as a tool of providing refuge floors for the occupants during egress in fires (Charles, 2009, pp.89-100). Read More