Movable Fire Lord Survey for the Residential Care Homes for the Elderly Persons in Hong Kong

摘要

Fire safety in the Residential Care Homes for the Elderly Persons (RCHEs) in Hong Kong with physically disabled and mentally impaired elders is a great concern. In order to understand the potential fire severity inside RCHEs, the movable fire load density (FLD) has to be surveyed. Questionnaire surveys were conducted to find the quantities of the movable combustible items inside 28 RCHEs throughout Hong Kong. Residents' beds, bedside cupboards and wardrobes, which are made of wood, plywood or aluminum plates, account for the major pieces of furniture found. The movable FLD in typical bedrooms in RCHEs were calculated and the ignition sources were further identified. From the results, it is found that the estimated movable FLD ranged between 596 MJ/m2 to 1127 MJ/m2 did not exceed the limit of 1135 MJ/m2 as stated in the local codes. This reveals that the situations in RCHEs are acceptable. And this may result from the implementation of several requirements imposed by the Social Welfare Department in 1989 on the manufacturing of upholstered furniture, mattress materials and other related accessories used. Finally, proper fire safety management strategies are recommended to govern the FLD and the possible fire risks in RCHEs.