Some Constraints in the Evacuation - a Short Review

• Type: Chapter or Part of a Book
• Date: 2014

Authors

Ana Lourenço (Author) FEUP; João Santos Baptista (Author) FEUP

Book

Title: Occupational Safety and Hygiene II

1º Edition

Pages: 417-421

ISBN: 978-1-138-00144-2

Electronic ISBN: 978-1-315-77352-0

Publisher: CRC Press

Indexing

ISI Web of Science

Scopus

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Other engineering and technologies

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Technology > Safety technology

Other information

Abstract (EN): The evacuation strategies have evolved over time. However, there are gaps for vulnerable groups such as children and elderly. In this paper it is intended to understand the approaches and their outcomes, to the problematic of evacuating these particular populations. Through literature review, it was found that the physical and psychological characteristics are crucial to saving lives, so it is essential to understand these limitations, predict behaviors and adjust emergency plans. On the other hand, evacuation is safe and effective when performed timely, but not all people have the same travel speed. Someone considered normal has a travel speed of 1.30 m.s-1, while for an elderly and a child, on average, speed decrease, respectively to 0.67 m.s-1 and 0.80 m.s-1. For these reasons it is essential to carry out emergency drill involving these groups, testing the effectiveness of planning, minimizing any possible impact on occupants.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific