Understanding Refuge Areas in Buildings: A Guide for Safety

Posted On August 9, 2024

God forbid, but what if one day a fire breaks out or an earthquake shakes your building? It’s scary to even think about it, right?

But, knowing there’s a safe spot within your building premises that you can go to, is a real lifesaver. That’s where refuge areas come in.

They’re these designated safe zones that are set up to protect people during emergencies, giving them a secure place to wait for rescue teams.

So, stay with us as we talk about what a refuge area is, why it’s super important, and the rules that govern its design and use.

Getting to Know Refuge Areas

So, a refuge area is basically a safe spot within a building where you can wait out during an emergency.

Whether it’s a fire, earthquake, or any other scary situation, these spaces are there to keep you safe until help arrives.

You can usually find them on certain floors, and they’re made with fire-resistant materials and packed with safety features to keep you safe from smoke, fire, and any building problems.

Why Refuge Areas Matter?

• Safety in Emergencies: When there’s a fire, earthquake, or other disaster, refuge areas are like safe havens. They give you a secure place to wait until help arrives and gets you out safely.
• Following the Rules: It’s important for tall buildings to have refuge areas to meet building codes and rules. This helps in getting permits and making sure everyone stays safe.
• Keeping Things Calm: In emergencies, people can get panicky, and things can get chaotic. Refuge areas provide a calm, organized space where people can stay safe and reduce the chances of accidents.
• Making it easier for rescuers: Refuge areas are easy to get to, so firefighters and emergency teams can find and help people quickly.
• Fireproofing: These areas are built to resist fire, so they can keep you safe until the flames are put out.
• Strong and sturdy: Refuge areas are reinforced to hold up in emergencies like earthquakes, so they’re a reliable place to stay safe.

Rules and Guidelines

When setting up refuge areas in buildings, it’s important to follow these key guidelines and rules:

• National Building Code (NBC): This code provides detailed guidelines for building refuge areas, covering everything from their minimum area and location to the required safety features.
• Fire Safety Norms: These rules call for using fire-resistant materials, ensuring proper ventilation, and installing clear signage in refuge areas to keep them safe and accessible during a fire.
• Regular Safety Checks: Building authorities frequently inspect refuge areas to ensure they meet safety standards. Any issues found must be promptly addressed to uphold the area’s safety.
• Emergency Illumination: Adequate lighting is essential in refuge areas to ensure visibility during emergencies. Emergency lighting systems should undergo regular testing and maintenance to ensure they remain in optimal condition.

Design and Construction Considerations

• Smart Placement: Refuge areas are strategically situated on specific floors to ensure quick access for everyone. They are often positioned on different floors to cover a larger area.
• Spacious Design: These areas must have ample space to accommodate everyone who might need to use them, providing enough room for both sitting and standing.
• Fire-Resistant Construction: Building refuge areas with materials like reinforced concrete, fire-rated doors, and fireproof glass is essential to ensure they can withstand fire.
• Effective Ventilation: Good ventilation is vital for preventing smoke buildup, ensuring there’s fresh air for everyone during an emergency.
• Clear Signage: Visible signs directing to refuge areas should be placed throughout the building, helping everyone locate the nearest safe spot quickly during an emergency.
• Communication Systems: Refuge areas should be equipped with communication systems such as intercoms or emergency phones, enabling people to stay in touch with rescue teams and receive updates on the situation.

Maintenance and Upkeep

• Regular Inspections: It’s crucial to conduct routine checks to ensure that refuge areas are in good condition and compliant with safety standards.
• Emergency Drills: Organizing regular drills helps familiarize everyone with the location of refuge areas and how to utilize them, which can reduce panic during real emergencies.
• Signage Updates: Make sure signs indicating refuge areas are always up-to-date and easy to spot.
• Maintenance of Fire-Resistant Features: Regularly inspect and maintain fire-resistant materials, doors, and ventilation systems to ensure their functionality during emergencies.

What’s an Alternate Refuge Area?

For high-rise buildings exceeding 70 meters in height and comprising more than 24 storeys, regulations mandate the inclusion of an additional refuge area. Typically reinforced with concrete cantilever projections, these alternate refuge areas are situated at mid-landing levels of staircases to provide supplementary protection.

Commercial building requirements specify a minimum width of 15 square meters, while residential buildings necessitate 10 square meters. It is crucial to keep the corridors leading to these areas unobstructed and to paint them in high-visibility colours to ensure easy identification.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that stairways and elevators do not open directly into these refuge areas, as they should retain their designation as safe, emergency-use spaces only.

How Refuge Areas Affect Real Estate?

• Property Value: Buildings equipped with well-designed and compliant refuge areas often command higher property values. Prospective buyers and renters perceive these safety features as significant benefits, leading to increased demand.
• Market Appeal: Properties featuring modern safety amenities, including refuge areas, distinguish themselves in the real estate market. They provide residents with peace of mind, which can be a compelling selling point.
• Compliance and Investment: Builders and developers who prioritize the implementation of proper refuge areas not only adhere to regulations but also enhance the building’s reputation. This dedication to safety can attract more buyers and investors, making it a prudent long-term investment.
• Futureproofing: Robust refuge areas can help future-proof a building as safety regulations advance, ensuring its continued attractiveness and compliance for years to come.

Refuge areas in buildings are essential for the safety and well-being of occupants.

In addition to meeting safety standards, they also contribute to enhancing the property value and appeal in the real estate market.

By recognizing their significance and complying with regulations, it’s possible to ensure that both safety and investment are properly addressed.

At Save Max, we prioritize accuracy and reliability in every piece of information we share, making us a trusted source for all your real estate needs. As a leading brokerage company in India, we offer a diverse portfolio of projects and properties across major cities, including Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Bangalore, Pune, Kolkata, and Chandigarh.