Uncovered Witness: Fire Science Revelations Wojciech Wegrzynski

In this mini-series of the Uncovered Witness - Fire Science Revelations, we cover the subject of the means of escape - the technical solutions in our buildings meant to allow for human evacuation in case of a fire.

In the second episode of this mini-series, we cover the fire engineering solutions for building automation that influence the evacuation processes in the buildings. Reflecting on the Beverly Hills Supper Club tragedy, where the systems were not present, we try to evaluate what tools the engineers have in their toolbox.

In this episode, we cover some fundamental approaches to fire safety engineering, such as evaluating Available and Required Safe Egress Time, calculating tenability and using computer modelling. We briefly discuss detection, suppression and smoke control. More information is provided on evacuation elevators and the challenges related to two-way communication that may be necessary to get the most out of them. Finally, we end the episode by discussing how sometimes legislation leaves too much space for free interpretation by the engineers and cases in which this may backfire.

Guests featured in this podcast episode:
Prof. Daniel Nilsson, University of Canterbury, Halliwell Fire ResearchDr Coleen Wade, Halliwell Fire ResearchJosh Gibbons, Halliwell Fire ResearchRelevant Fire Science Show episodes:
Fire Fundamentals on Building AutomationFire Safety Engineering with Dr Ricky CarvelSmoke toxicity Part 1 and Part 2 with prof. David PurserThis show is produced by the Fire Science Media for Halliwell Fire Research. Executive producer - Monika Węgrzyńska, scripting and production - Monika and Wojciech Węgrzyńscy, sound engineer - Mikołaj Jarząbek. All rights reserved. 2024.

In this mini-series of the Uncovered Witness - Fire Science Revelations, we cover the subject of the means of escape - the technical solutions in our buildings meant to allow for human evacuation in case of a fire.

In the third and final episode of the mini-series, we discuss what makes or breaks the design of an evacuation sign. While it may seem like a simple design choice (make it green and make the arrow point in the correct direction?), there are, in fact, many elements that influence the human perception of the sign. We tap into the tragic fire in Daegu Metro, which illustrates what happens when the signs are present but inaccessible. 

We connect the design of evacuation signage to the theory of affordances, presenting a framework for evaluating its design. We give examples of good and poor affordances and explain the consequences of non-fire engineers' actions, who may unwillingly alter the sign's readability.  

Guests featured in this podcast episode:
Prof. Daniel Nilsson, University of Canterbury, Halliwell Fire ResearchLuke de Schot, Halliwell Fire ResearchJosh Gibbons, Halliwell Fire ResearchRelevant Fire Science Show episodes:
Human behaviour misconceptions that lead to (mis)modelling with Enrico RonchiModelling human behaviour in wildfire evacuation with Erica KuligowskiThis show is produced by the Fire Science Media for Halliwell Fire Research. Executive producer - Monika Węgrzyńska, scripting and production - Monika and Wojciech Węgrzyńscy, sound engineer - Mikołaj Jarząbek. All rights reserved. 2024.

In this mini-series of the Uncovered Witness - Fire Science Revelations, we cover the subject of the means of escape - the technical solutions in our buildings meant to allow for human evacuation in case of a fire.

In the first episode of the series, we discuss exit capacities and flow rates. How do we know how many people can fit in the building? What do the models look like, and where did they come from? What data do we have at our disposal, and how relevant is it?

We also refer to the tragic fires in Beverly Hills Supper Club and Gothenburg discothèque fire. What lessons are in those tragedies, and how insufficient exit capacity was one of the critical components of the disaster.

We also cover modern technologies such as VR and automated systems to count people, and we look forward to their future use in building fire safety.

Guests featured in this podcast episode:
Prof. Daniel Nilsson, University of Canterbury, Halliwell Fire ResearchLuke de Schot, Halliwell Fire ResearchJosh Gibbons, Halliwell Fire ResearchRelevant Fire Science Show episodes:
Human walking speed and factors that influence it with John GalesThe future of evacuation modelling with Enrico Ronchi and Ruggiero LovreglioThis show is produced by the Fire Science Media for Halliwell Fire Research. Executive producer - Monika Węgrzyńska, scripting and production - Monika and Wojciech Węgrzyńscy, sound engineer - Mikołaj Jarząbek. All rights reserved. 2024.

My name is Wojciech Węgrzyński. I'm a professor at the Building Research Institute in Poland, a fire safety engineer, and an enthusiast for fire. In my podcast, Fire Science Show, I interview experts in the field every week on the newest and best knowledge about fire. Catering to fresh and seasoned engineers, it provides unparalleled professional development for any practising FSE.

In this podcast, I am joining HALLIWELL Fire Research to provide a more fundamental insight into fire science. With content that does not require any prior knowledge, we hope to guide the listener from the basics into the real fire science revelations. With an in-depth discussion of past catastrophic fires and the most impactful research, we build a sound foundation on where the knowledge on fire comes from. We also take a look into the future and how the field may change in the coming years.

"Uncovered Witness" aspires to foster a deeper appreciation for fire science, highlight the critical role of fire safety in architectural and engineering design, and encourage a multidisciplinary approach to improving fire safety standards. By making fire science accessible to a diverse audience, including lawyers, investors, architects, and others, the podcast underscores the universal relevance of fire safety knowledge and its impact on society. Through education and awareness, it aims to inspire improvements in fire safety practices and designs, contributing to the prevention of fire-related tragedies.
This show is produced by the Fire Science Media for Halliwell Fire Research. Executive producer - Monika Węgrzyńska, scripting and production - Monika and Wojciech Węgrzyńscy, sound engineer - Mikołaj Jarząbek. All rights reserved. 2024.