Building Management Hawaii April/May - (Page 26)

High-rise Hotspot Preventing fires in high-rises requires heightened focus. By Brian Uchima A lthough the risk of fire in highrises is lower than in other buildings of the same property use, high-rise building managers have a particularly tough job when it comes to fire prevention due to the scale and complexity of their fire protection systems and the number of people who must be trained or educated. Making things even more difficult is the advanced age of many of Hawaii’s high-rises. Four occupancy classes account for half of high-rise fires in the United States: • apartments and condominiums (which account for 44 percent) • hotels • facilities that care for the sick • office buildings According to statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 15,700 structure fires in high-rise buildings per year between 2005 and 2009 (a high-rise being more than 75 feet, or seven stories, above grade). These incidents resulted in an average of 53 deaths, 546 injuries and $235 million in direct property damage per year. While preventing fires is everyone’s business, property managers hold a heavy share of the responsibility. By using proper controls and implementing rigorous training and education programs, loss of life and property losses can be minimized. Let’s review a high-rise fire that occurred in Ontario, Canada, on Jan. 6, 1995. Early that morning, insuRance The branches grow because of the trunk. “ an improperly discarded cigarette butt ignited a couch in a fifth-floor unit. The unit occupant attempted to extinguish the fire but was unsuccessful, and within a minute the fire was out of control. The occupant escaped the unit but failed to close the door that led to the corridor. Fire and smoke quickly filled the corridor, triggering the smoke detector. Those on the fifth floor who immediately evacuated made it out of the building. Those who hesitated had little choice but to retreat back into their units because the corridor was filled with heavy smoke. The building was designed with two enclosed stairwells. Although the stairwells were equipped with self-closing doors, one door did not close properly, allowing smoke to enter the stairwell, rise and permeate the upper corridors. BEYOND MANAGEMENT When it comes to Hawaii, our roots run deep. 2013 marks our 40th year of serving Hawaii. We’ve recommitted ourselves through new leadership, a reinvigorated management vision and team, and an unwavering integrity that defines all that we do. To mark this change, we’re changing our name from Certified Hawaii to Associa Hawaii. While our name is different, our people and our commitment to serve Hawaii remains beyond what you’ll find anywhere else. 737 Bishop Street, Mauka Tower, Suite 3100 | Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 836-0911 | Fax: (888) 608-4021 | www.associahawaii.com Delivering unsurpassed management and lifestyle services to communities worldwide. 26 AHI-13-003 BMH Ad 2.indd 1 April - May 2013 BMH 2/4/13 10:10 AM www.buildingmanagementhawaii.com http://www.associahawaii.com http://www.buildingmanagementhawaii.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Building Management Hawaii April/May

Lifts: Elevators & Escalators
Service Providers Leverage Cutting-Edge Technology
Time To Modernize?
Ready To Switch Gears?
Concrete: Restoration & Repairs
When To Test For Lead
3 Steps For A Solid Spalling Job
Deep Secrets
Phase The Work
Concrete Restoration
Tips On How To Reduce Spalling On Newer Buildings
The Difference Between Repair & Restoration
Insurance
Equipment Breakdown Insurance
High-rise Hotspot
EDITORIAL
Toolbox Talk: How to choose the correct ladder for the job.
Industry News and Movers & Shakers
On Site: Saving Staff

Building Management Hawaii April/May