Victorian Access Consultant Network Meeting Presentation 15 April 2016

Safer Evacuations For All: PEEPs And GEEPs

Safer Evacuations for All:NCC 2016 & BeyondSafer Evacuations for All:NCC 2016 & BeyondVictorian Access Consultants Network MeetingFriday, 15 April 2016

Lee Wilson, Universal Design & Accessible Egress Advocate

Presentation for

Thank you. As you probably know, Im an access consultant with Equal Access here in Melbourne,

But outside work Im also an advocate for introducing accessibility concepts into building evacuations and emergency planning.

Where ever possible I talk about these issues. In fact, about 6 weeks ago I presented at the Australian Network on Disability Meeting, and I was talking to the State Government about some of this stuff last week.Yesterday I was talking to the ABCB about these concepts too.

Today Im here to talk about how we can provide Safer Evacuations for allAnd to provide a brief outline on Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans or PEEPs. As well as Generic (or Group) Emergency Evacuation Plans or GEEPs

I also want to touch on the NCC and BCA access provisions, from 2011 to 2016. So we have a lot to get through.And I titled this presentation today Safer Evacuations for all, NCC 2016 and Beyond1

An Important Message

The focus on access into premises to enable people with disability to fully use a building, needs to be matched with arrangements for their safe egress in the event of a fire

Safer Evacuations for All: NCC 2016 & Beyond, by Lee Wilson

(adapted from Scottish Government 2007 publication)

But why isnt it?

So before I begin Id like to read a very important message:


And these requirements are reflected in the cartoon on the screen showing a lady who uses a wheelchair staring at the sign on a passenger lift, whilst there are flames behind her.

The sign in the cartoon says In case of fire do not use elevator use stairs.

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Planning for Emergencies

History has shown that planning for emergency evacuation dramatically increases the chance for successful evacuation(Loy, Hirsh & Batiste 2006)


But we need to plan for everyone's abilities

So when we consider planning for the needs of all building occupants, theres a great quote I like:

History has shown that planning for emergency evacuation dramatically increases the chance for successful evacuation

This means we need to provide an equitable approach to planning for emergencies and plan for everyone.

That is reflected in the cartoon on the screen showing a fire fighter standing in the doorway of a lift that can be used during emergencies. The fire fighter is calling out to a person with a guide dog and telling him to walk towards the lift.

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Before we begin, a quick video:

New Years Eve in Dubai


Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2016/01/01/middleeast/dubai-address-hotel-fire-photographer-rescue/

OK, so before we get right into it, I have a little video

What Id like to do today is highlight some issues that people with some level of activity limitation or impairment may face during an evacuation.

Some of this information isnt that nice, but it is a reality that people around the world need to think about and plan for.So without further ado.

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To put that into content with todays presentation:

Source: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/01/dubai-skyscraper-fire-briton-tells-of-rescuing-disabled-mother

Now to put that into perspective with what Im talking about today:

During that same fire a British family was celebrating New Years eve in the Address Hotel.

And this guy had to carry his mother down 15 flights of stairs.

In the end her had to strap her to his back and find his own with carrying his mother down the stairs

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Presentation OverviewHow I came to be here todayThe gap in legislationWhat is NCC and Beyond?New risk factorsEmergency planning


Now today Ill be quickly going through a few areas:How I came to be here todayThe gap in legislationTalk about what I am now calling NCC and BeyondDiscuss some emerging risk factorsAnd outline factors for good emergency planningAnd thats a photo of being people being treated after making it out of the Address Hotel

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Presentation Overview, cont.


Present PEEP and GEEP templatesEnhanced measures for safe evacuationOccupant warning conceptsNCC requirements: 2011 to 2016 Conclusions Question time

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)Group (or Generic) Emergency Evacuation Plans (GEEPs)Enhanced measures for safe evacuationEnhanced wayfinding conceptsOccupant warning system considerationsIll quickly summarise the BCA egress requirements from 2011 through to 2016 And well then wrap everything up, have a few questions maybe, and if we have time a discussion on some of these concepts7

How I Came To Be Here TodayStudying Masters degreeCompleted 8,000 word thesisContinued writing over 40,000 wordsReleased evacuation guidebook:Evacuation of People with Disability & Emergent LimitationsStarted The Accessible Exit Sign Project


This journey all started for me in mid 2013 as part of a research thesis for university.

What I thought would be a relatively easy topic turned out to be complex,in fact its been described as a can of worms by a building code group in the UK 20 years ago. It still is

After I completed the 8,000 word thesis, I kept writing.

In I ended up with over 40,000 words and turned this into an industry guidebook titled Evacuation of People with Disability and Emergency Limitations

Admittedly, it was finished very quickly and rushed into the market, but Im updating it now. At the very least, I hope it can get some important discussions going in Australian workplaces.8

The Gap in LegislationInternational LawAustralian Legal Framework:Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992Commonwealth Work Health and Safety Act 2011State / Territory based Work Health and Safety lawsNational Construction Code (adopted into building legislation)


One critical issue I identified is that this area seems to falls between the regulatory cracks, and though the DDA provides an overarching obligation to provide equitable access into buildings, getting people is often overlooked.

This therefore throws the bulk of the responsibility onto the manager of a workplace to ensure a safe work environment.

Whats even scarier, is that the building code and premises standards under the DDA have for almost 5 years increased the level of accessibility into buildings, without thinking about getting everyone out in an emergency.

And of course, we have the international convention that Australia has signed and ratified the rights of PWDs 9

What is NCC 2016 & Beyond?Exceeding minimum Deemed-to-Satisfy provisionsTesting boundaries of accepted practicesChanging attitudes and mind-setsDeveloping new Performance Solutions (Alternative Solutions)Adopting an integrated and holistic approach to evacuation


Exceeding minimum Deemed-to-Satisfy provisionsTesting boundaries of accepted practicesChanging attitudes and mind-setsDeveloping new Performance Solutions (Alternative Solutions)Adopting an integrated and holistic approach to evacuation

Emerging Risk Factors


Flammable cladding debacle Emergency management decisionsTerrorist threats & arson threats3 year NCC edition (NCC 2016, until NCC 2019)

11Flammable cladding debacle Emergency management decisionsTerrorist threats & arson threats3 year NCC edition (NCC 2016, until NCC 2019)

Flammable Cladding


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EmergencyManagement Decisions

Dubai New Years Even Fireworks


The fire at the Address Hotel continued to burn during a fireworks display at the nearby Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building13


Terrorism

Belgium airport & subwayParis Batacan Theatre

Brussels 23 March 2016, Airport 8am peak hour, 2 explosions, 11 dead, 81 injuredMallbeek Station 9.11am, 3rd explosion, 20 dead, 100 injured

Belgium's health minister Maggie De Block said earlier the toll was 31 dead and 250 injured.

Many of the dead and wounded at the airport were badly injured in the legs, one airport worker told Reuters, suggesting at least one bomb in a bag on the floor.

attacks on Brussels Airport and a rush-hour metro train in the Belgian capital early on Tuesday, triggering security alerts across Europe and a manhunt for at least one suspect.

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Terrorism cont.

Sydney Lindt Caf siegeWorld Trade Centre

A very small number of these products proved successful in 2001 when occupants with mobility impairments were assisted to safety in evacuation chairs operated by co-workers down the fire isolated stairs. In one such example the evacuation of a mobility impaired person from the 69th floor in the 1993 bombing took over six hours as there were no plans in place for his evacuation. With development of a PEEP and assistance from co-workers the same person evacuated the building in 90 minutes during the 2001 attacks (NFPA 2007, Madsen et al, 2001). This is possibly the best example of the use of an evacuation chair, and a testament to the spirit of people evacuating the building on a day, when ordinary people did extraordinary things (Madsen et al, 2001). It took four co-workers to get him down the stairs, rotating responsibilities as they did so. 15 minutes after exiting the tower the building collapsed.In another example provided by Loy, Hirsh & Batiste (2006) a worker on the 68th floor was evacuated to safety in an evacuation chair because her employer had made that investment after the 1993 bombings, and had implemented a PEEP. An important item to consider in this case is that the person made a conscious decision to evacuate and participate in the evacuation process, including leaving her $8,000 electric wheelchair behind.

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Emergency PlanningFEMA (US) believe the key elements of emergency preparedness include:Detection of fire before it restricts movement of occupantsNotification of danger and that evacuation should commenceMovement of people via fire protected egress routes to a building exit


A critical part of the success of any evacuation is good planning

The Federal Emergency Management Agencyin the US believe the key elements of emergency preparedness include:Detection of fire before it restricts movement of occupantsNotification of danger and that evacuation should commenceMovement of people via fire protected egress routes to a building exit

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Enhanced Measures for Safe EvacuationAccessible evacuation routes (or accessible means of egress)Emergency evacuation liftsLarger fire stairs with refuge areas, with communication (WIP)Emergency information in tactile, audible & visual formatsEvacuation chairs and other devices (if no evacuation lift)


But heres the good stuff now, we can make buildings safer:Buildings need to provide better provisions, and some of these concepts are being implemented overseas, but adoption in Australia is very slow:Accessible evacuation routes (or accessible means of egress)Emergency Evacuation LiftsLarger fire stairs with refuge areas, & with communicationEmergency information in tactile, audible & visual formatsEvacuation chairs and other devices

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Enhanced Wayfinding Concepts


Accessible exit signs used for:Refuge AreasEvacuation liftsEvacuation chairsIncreased contrast of exit route featuresPhoto-luminescent markers around featuresTactile evacuation diagramsAccessible exits routes on evacuation diagrams

Wayfinding is an important aspect to how people can navigate their way out of a building during an emergency:Accessible exit signs:Refuge AreaEvacuation liftsEvacuation chairs example signsIncreased contrast of exit route featuresPhoto-luminescent markers around featuresTactile evacuation diagramsAccessible exits routes on evacuation diagrams

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Occupant Warning ConsiderationsBreak glass alarms in accessible locationsRefuge communication systemsVisual warnings / alarmsVibrating pads and pillowsHearing augmentation linked into occupant warning systems


Theres a few simple things we can do to help occupants in buildings who might be delayed in responding to an alarm:Accessible break glass alarmsRefuge communication systemsVisual warnings / alarmsVibrating pads and pillowsExit point soundersMass notification systems (mobile phones & pagers)New technology (smart phone apps, computer notifications)

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Occupant Warning Considerations, cont.Mass notification systems (mobile phones & pagers)Exit point soundersNew technologySmart phone appsComputer notificationsBluetooth beaconsAudible information


Theres a few simple things we can do to help occupants in buildings who might be delayed in responding to an alarm:Accessible break glass alarmsRefuge communication systemsVisual warnings / alarmsVibrating pads and pillowsExit point soundersMass notification systems (mobile phones & pagers)New technology (smart phone apps, computer notifications)

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Document the PEEPsPEEP considers individual needsAssesses characteristics of the specific buildingEssential document for each employee who may be delayed in their ability to respond, react or evacuate


A generic type plan will not address everyones unique needs

PEEP considers individual needsAssesses characteristics of specific buildingEssential document for each employee who may be delayed in their ability to respond, react or evacuate A generic type plan will not address everyones unique needs.There are reports of users of wheelchairs in the World Trade Center either forgetting about their own device under their desk and not having any exposure to their designated evacuation chair since the initial demonstration after the earlier bombing in 1993 (Isaacson-Kailes 2002, Byzek & Gilmer, cited in National Council on Disability 2005).

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What are GEEPsGeneric arrangements that cater for EVERYONEIts more complex to manage public buildingsPeople in unfamiliar environmentsNot aware of evacuation arrangementsDont follow cues or instructionsIgnoring members of public or visitors = significant risk


Generic arrangements that cater for EVERYONEIts more complex to manage public buildingsPeople in unfamiliar environmentsNot aware of evacuation arrangementsDont follow cues or instructionsIgnoring members of public or visitors = significant risk

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NCC 2016 arrives 01 May 2016and is here for 3 Years


NCC 2015 BCA Vol One

NCC 2016 BCA Vol One

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NCC 2016 5 Parts


The National Construction Code Series 2016 as released by the Australian Building Codes Board on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia and States and Territories of Australia. Note This is not an ABCB endorsed presentation

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NCC 2011 Volume One


The purpose of BCA 2011 included aligning the BCA with the Premises StandardsD3.3(a)(iii) 30% contrasting nosing strip in F.I.S.Otherwise nothing specific for the needs of people with disability. Reliant of BCA Part D1 and D2 and emergency management controls under OHS laws.

Now I want to go back in my BCA time machine to ay 2011 when the Premises Standards Access Code and BCA were aligned,

At that time, the BCA relied essentially on the previous BCA requirements for exits, and these are outlined in BCA Parts D1 and D2.

But that that time, Part D3 was also amended to include the requirement to include luminance contrasting nosing strips in F.I.S.

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NCC 2012 Volume One


Disability egress provisions remained limited to those already in NCC 2011.

No changes.

But then in May 2012 the BCA made no further changes to the egress provisions for people with disability

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NCC 2013 Volume One


The purpose of BCA 2013 included enhancing the egress provisions for people with disabilityNew Performance Requirement DP7. To facilitate use of lifts to evacuate occupants in addition to exits. Functional Statement EF3 amended to permit the use of lifts to evacuate occupants from a building in addition to exits.Performance Requirement EP3 amended to permit use of lifts to evacuate occupants from a building in addition to exits.

But in May 2013 it was a huge year

The biggest change being the introduction of Performance Requirement DP7, which allows the use of lifts for evacuation.

Along with this, Functional Statement EF3 and Performance Requirement EP3 were also updated to reflect the new DP7.

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NCC 2013 Volume One cont.


DtS amendments:D1.0(a), D2.0(a), D3.0(a) Exclude DP7 from statement (DtS compliance meets Performance Requirements)D1.0(c) States compliance required with DP7 if using lifts for evacuationD2.21(a) D type lever type door handlesD3.6(a)(ii) & Spec D3.6 Clause 2 Braille & tactile exit signsD2.15(c) Threshold ramp / step ramp in exit door when opening to road/ open spaceD2.17(a)(vi) One x Clause 12 handrail in required exit ramp or stair (either F.I.S or non F.I.S.)

29D1.0(a), D2.0(a), D3.0(a) Exclude DP7 from statement (DtS compliance meets Performance Requirements)D1.0(c) States compliance required with DP7 if using lifts for evacuationD2.21(a) D type lever type door handlesD3.6(a)(ii) & Spec D3.6 Clause 2 Braille & tactile exit signsD2.15(c) Threshold ramp / step ramp in exit door when opening to road/ open spaceD2.17(a)(vi) One x Clause 12 handrail in required exit ramp or stair (either F.I.S or non F.I.S.)

NCC 2014 Volume One


Egress provisions amendedDtS amendment:Specification A1.3 Table 1 2013 edition of AS 4586 'Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials' has been referenced Table D2.14 added and D2.10(c) (F.I.S ramps), D2.13(a)(v) (stair nosing) & D2.14(a)(ii) (landings) updated accordingly

So before I begin Id like to read a very important message:


And these requirements are reflected in the cartoon on the screen showing a lady who uses a wheelchair staring at the sign on a passenger lift, whilst there are flames behind her.

The sign says In case of fire do not use elevator use stairs.

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NCC 2015 Volume One


Disability egress provisions are revisedDtS Amendments:D1.0(a), D2.0(a), D3.0(a) Includes reference to Part G4 for buildings in alpine areasD2.0(c), D3.0(c) States compliance required with DP7 if using lifts for evacuation (omitted from 2013 update)D3.6(a)(ii) - Amended to be more accommodating of the description of the range of storeys/levels where signs may be required, for example, on 'ground' or 'basement' levels

In 2015 there were only subtle changes

Buildings in Alpine areas got a special mention

The Clauses D2.0 and 3.0 were updated (after they forgot to do it in 2013)

And the wording of the requirement for Braille and Tactile exit signs under Clause D3.6 was tweaked to allow descriptions in the naming of the floor level31

NCC 2016 Volume One


Disability egress provisions were limited to those in NCC 2015.

No changes.

32But in 2016 we see no changes in this area

NCC 2016Volume One


Relevant Performance Requirements:

DP4 exits to allow safe evacuationDP5 fire-isolated exitsDP6 exits with appropriate dimensionsDP7 if used, appropriate evacuation lift

Our old favouritesDP4 Exits must be provided from a building to allow occupants to evacuate safely, with their number, location and dimensions being appropriate to (a) the travel distance; and (b) the number, mobility and other characteristics of occupants; and (c) the function or use of the building; and (d) the height of the building; and (e) whether the exit is from above or below ground level. DP5 To protect evacuating occupants from a fire in the building exits must be fire-isolated, to the degree necessary, appropriate to (a) the number of storeys connected by the exits; and (b) the fire safety system installed in the building; and (c) the function or use of the building; and (d) the number of storeys passed through by the exits; and DP6 So that occupants can safely evacuate the building, paths of travel to exits must have dimensions appropriate to (a) the number, mobility and other characteristics of occupants; and (b) the function or use of the building.

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NCC 2016Volume One


Relevant Performance Requirements (cont.):

CP3 safe orderly evacuation in protection buildingCP4 maintain tenable conditions without smoke, heat, toxic gases, etcGP4.1, GP4.2, GP4.3, GP4.4, GP4.5 Alpine buildings

Structural integrity issues during evacuation

CP3 A building must be protected from the spread of fire and smoke to allow sufficient time for the orderly evacuation of the building in an emergency.

CP4 To maintain tenable conditions during occupant evacuation, a material and an assembly must, to the degree necessary, resist the spread of fire and limit the generation of smoke and heat, and any toxic gases likely to be produced, appropriate to (a) the evacuation time; and (b) the number, mobility and other characteristics of occupants; and (c) the function or use of the building; and (d) any active fire safety systems installed in the building.

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NCC 2016Volume One


Relevant Performance Requirements (cont.):EP2.1 smoke detection and warningEP2.2 tenable conditions in evacuation routeEP3.1 stretcher facilities in emergency liftEP3.2 emergency liftsEP3.3 signs to warn of lift use in emergencyEP3.4 accessible features in any liftEP4.1 visible exits and paths to exitsEP4.2 suitable signs or means of identification of exitsEP4.3 occupant warning systems

Fire Engineering aspects interlinked with accessibility:

Smoke hazard managementSmoke detection and warningSafe evacuation routesStretcher facilitiesEmergency lifts in buildings over 25m effective height or a Class 9a buildingDo not use lift signs, what about use lift signs?Lifts suitable for use by PWD35


Where to with NCC 2019?Only time will tell!

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Increased use of Alternative Solution (or Performance Solutions)

Quantification of Performance Requirements

Examples and Guidance information from ABCB

Who knows????

Conclusions & RecommendationsWe need more industry guidanceChanges in social and attitudinal factorsChanges to legislation and AS 3745Adopt an accessible means of egress conceptBetter and more intuitive wayfinding systemsEveryone needs to work together to develop plans


So in summary, I believe We need more industry guidanceChanges in social and attitudinal factorsChanges to legislation and AS 3745Adopt an accessible means of egress conceptBetter and more intuitive wayfinding systemsEveryone needs to work together to develop plans

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Get the FREE Guidebookwww.accessibleexitsigns.com/evacuation-guide/


Evacuation planning is a critical component of life safety, including evacuation for persons with disabilities

United States Access Board

Please also download my little evacuation guidebook

I have to apologise though at this stage this is only available as a PDF document.

I have tried to source funding on two occasions to convert this to accessible formats, but do date Ive been unsuccessful.

The guidebook is also being updated at present and I hope to release a revised edition by mid-year.

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Read my articles on Sourceable.net


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Questions?For further information please contact Lee Wilson:Mobile: 0438 580 729Email: [email protected]: www.leewilson.com.au


Anyquestions?

Thank you for your time

Thank you for your time today

If you have any questions happy to discuss

Please remember to use the sign up sheets at the back to get a copy of my documents emailed to you, or to subscribe to my websites.

Thank you40

Victorian Access Consultant Network Meeting Presentation 15 April 2016

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Transcript of Victorian Access Consultant Network Meeting Presentation 15 April 2016