CFPA E Guideline No 19 2009

CFPA-E No 19:2009
Fire safety engineering concerning

evacuation from buildings
CFPA-E-GUIDELINES
FOREWORD
The European fire protection associations have decided to produce common guidelines in order to
achieve similar interpretation in European countries and to give examples of acceptable solutions,
concepts and models. The Confederation of Fire Protection Associations in Europe (CFPA E) has
the aim to facilitate and support fire protection activities across Europe/work in European/work in
the European countries.
The market imposes new demands for quality and safety. Today, fire protection forms an integral
part of a modern strategy for survival and competitiveness.
This guideline is primarily intended for those responsible for safety in companies and
organisations. It is also addressed to the rescue services, consultants, safety companies etc so
that, in the course of their work, they may be able to help companies and organisations to
increase the levels of fire safety.
The proposals within this guideline have been produced by the AIAS - Associazione professionale
Italiana Ambiente e Sicurezza and the author is Tiziano Zuccaro from Italy.
This guideline has been compiled by Guidelines Commission and adopted by all fire protection
associations in the Confederation of Fire Protection Associations Europe.
These guidelines reflect best practice developed by the countries of CFPA Europe. Where the
guidelines and national requirement conflict, national requirements must apply.
Zrich, , 8 June 2009

CFPA Europe
Stockholm, 8 June 2009

Guidelines Commission
Dr. Hubert Regg

Chairman
Tommy Arvidsson
Chairman
CFPA-E-GUIDELINES
GUIDELINE No 19:2009
1
2
3
4
5
Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 4
Scope................................................................................................................................ 4
Key terms.......................................................................................................................... 4
Prescriptive approach to evacuation .................................................................................... 8
Engineering approach: evaluation of evacuation safety conditions ........................................ 8
5.1
General ..................................................................................................................... 8
5.2
ASET time quantification ............................................................................................ 9
5.2.1 General.................................................................................................................. 9
5.2.2 Fire scenario .......................................................................................................... 9
5.2.3 Design fire scenario .............................................................................................. 10
5.2.4 Calculation of design fire scenarios ........................................................................ 10
5.3
RSET time quantification .......................................................................................... 12
5.3.1 General................................................................................................................ 12
5.4
Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 13
6 European guidelines ......................................................................................................... 13
Annex A: Physiological effects of exposure to fire .................................................................... 14
Annex B: Definitions and characteristics of fire scenarios .......................................................... 17
Annex C: Considerations regarding the principal fire simulation software ................................... 22
Annex D: Calculations of RSET time ......................................................................................... 25
Annex E: Main characteristics of evacuation models .................................................................. 42
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CFPA-E-GUIDELINES
1 Introduction
0B
Saving human life is the most important objective in fire protection processes. Proper evacuation
plans are essential to reach this objective. Two methods can be considered:
The first is the prescriptive method which deals with the size and number of exits together
with the maximum length of the escape routes;
The second is the performance method which deals with the maximum time limit for
evacuation.
The first method is based on three main points:

density of people;
flow of people;
length and width of evacuation routes.
The second method establishes if the required evacuation time is less than available safety egress
time.
2 Scope
1B
The main scope of this guideline is to supply valid support for the evacuation strategy to allow
occupants, anywhere within the structure, to be able to evacuate to a place of safety.
3 Key terms
2B
Accessibility
The accessibility of an item or a product related to a specific risk concerns the degree of proximity
of the user to the item or product, where the risk can occur. Depending on the particular risk, this
concept may concern a person or only a part of his/her body (e.g. hand, finger) or even a thing
handled by a person, and applies to the possibility of contact (shocks, hot surfaces etc.) or critical
distances (electrical shocks, radiation, etc.).
Actions
Actions which may affect the compliance of the works with the essential requirements are brought
about by agents acting on the works or parts of the works. Such agents include mechanical,
chemical, biological, thermal and electro-magnetic agents.
Active fire protection measures
Systems and equipment installed to reduce danger to persons and property by detecting fire,
extinguishing fire, removing smoke and hot gases, or any combination of these functions.
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Alarm
Sudden attention or action for protection of persons or property (ISO 8201, 1987)
Critical conditions for occupants
Limit values for temperature increase, oxygen depletion and concentration of toxic combustion
gases that seriously endanger life safety in a certain time
Design fire scenario
A design fire scenario is a subsystem of fire scenarios and represents the most probable or
onerous of them. They are a specific fire scenario on which an analysis will be conducted.
Emergency
Imminent risk of serious threat to person or property
Escape route
Route forming part of the means of escape from any point in a building to a final exit
Available safe egress time (ASET)
Calculated time available between ignition of a fire and the time at which tenability criteria are
exceeded in a specific space in a building
Escape time
Calculated time from the ignition until the time at which all the occupants of a specified part of a
building are able to reach place of safety
Evacuation time
In relation to the orderly movement of persons to a place of safety in case of fire or other
emergency this is the interval between the time of a warning of fire being transmitted to the
occupants and the time at which all of the occupants are able to reach a place of safety.
Exit (fire emergency)
Doorway or other suitable opening giving access towards a place of safety
Exit signs
Signs which clearly indicate an exit
Fire
A process of a combustion characterised by emission of heat accompanied by smoke and / or
flame
Rapid combustion spreading uncontrolled in time and escape
Fire alarm installation
Combination of components for giving and audible and / or visible and / or other perceptible
alarms of fire. The system may also initiate other ancillary actions.
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Fire alarm, alarm of fire

Warning of a fire originated by a person or by an automatic device.
Fire rescue team
Public or private organisation with the aim of safeguarding life and fighting fires.
Fire compartment
An enclosed space in a building that is separated from other parts of the same building by
enclosing construction having a specified period of fire resistance, within which a fire can be
contained (or from which a fire can be excluded), without spreading to (or from) another part of
the building.
Fire detector
Device which give a signal in response to certain physical and /or chemical changes accompanying
a fire.
Fire door
A door or shutter, which, together with its frame and furniture as installed in a building, when
closed is capable of meeting specified performance criteria.
Fire exposure
Thermal actions affecting the product.
Fire hazard
The potential to lose a life (or injury) and / or damage a property by fire.
Fire resistance
The ability of an element of a building construction to fulfil for a stated period of time the required
load bearing function, integrity and / or thermal insulation specified in the standard fire resistance
test.
Fire risk level
A function relating to the probability of fire causing a loss of life (or injury) and / or damage the
property and the degree of harm caused.
Fire safety installations
Those installations concerned with services, alarm and detection, installations for means of escape,
suppression and fire fighting equipment.
Fire scenario
A qualitative description of the course of a fire with time, identifying key events that characterise
the fire and differentiate it from other possible fires It typically defines the ignition and fire growth
process, the fully developed stage and the decay stage, together with the building environment
and systems that will impact on the course of the fire.
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Fire separating walls

A wall which separates two adjoining fire compartments.
Hazard analysis
Analysis carried out in order to evaluate the potential for loss of fire or injury and / or damage to
the property.
Heat Release Rate
It is the rate at which the combustion reactions produce heat. The term burning rate is also often
found. The heat release of a burning item is measured in kilowatts (kW).
Ignition
Initiation of combustion.
Movement time
The interval between the time the occupants make the first move and the time at which all of
them are able to reach a place of safety.
Place of safety
A predetermined place in which persons are in no immediate danger from the effect of fire.
Note: The place of safety may be inside or outside the building depending upon the evacuation
strategy
Pre-movement time (Delay time to start)
Perception of the alarm + alarm interpretation + actions
Time interval between the warning of fire being given (by an alarm or by direct sight of smoke or
fire) and the first move being made towards an exit.
Required safety egress time (RSET)
Calculated time required between ignition to detection and the time at which the evacuation is
completed.
Smoke
A visible suspension of solid and /or liquid particles in gases resulting from combustion.
Smoke control door
Door set designed to reduce the rate of spread or movement of smoke during the fire.
Tenability criteria
Maximum exposure to hazards from a fire that can be tolerated without causing incapacitation.
Travel distance
Actual distance that needs to be travelled by a person from any point within a building to the
nearest exit, having regard to the layout of walls, partitions and fittings.
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Travel time
Time needed once movement as begun, for all of the occupants of a specified part of a building to
move to a place of safety.
Type of occupancy
Subdivision of occupancies as a function of the age, awareness and mobility of the occupants, the
type of fire load, and kind of activity of occupancy.
4 Prescriptive approach to evacuation

3B
The majority of building codes and fire safety standards used today are prescriptive.
Prescriptive codes find their roots in the 19th century when major conflagrations created the need
for specific building provision.
These codes have been made without effectively evaluating their adequacy, excessiveness, or
conflicts with other requirements. This has created codes based on empiricism and experience,
rather than a scientific understanding of fire. Many advances in fire safety have been made, but
they have not been incorporated into everyday fire safety practice.
The traditional basis of prescriptive life safety design is concentrated on physical provisions for
means of escape. Prescriptive methods on the evaluation of evacuation safety are based on:
number of exits and maximum width and length of escape routes

maximum time for evacuation
managerial strategies to keep escape routes available and safe
The speed of occupants is assumed to be around 0.5 m/s and the time to escape about 3 -5 min.
These values can be sufficient for the majority of the situations but in some cases they can be
insufficient. In these situations an engineering approach is necessary.
5 Engineering approach: evaluation of evacuation safety conditions

4B
5.1 General
The performance method depends on the definition and comparison between the time available
for occupants to reach a safe place, ASET (Available Safe Escape Time (the time at which
tenability criteria are exceeded in a specific space) and the time occupants take to reach a safe
place RSET (Required Safe Escape Time; it is the escape time).
The engineering approach points to set a margin of safety, given by the difference between ASET
and RSET time. This margin of safety may be useful for the uncertainties in the prediction of the
two times.
6B
Tsafety = TASET TRSET
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Performance method may be used in complex or innovative buildings where a prescriptive

approach could not be good. The engineering approach can also evaluate and validate the
solutions of prescriptive methods.
5.2 ASET time quantification
7B
5.2.1 General
10B
ASET time quantification involves the ignition of fire and its spreading. It is the calculated time
between the ignition of a fire and the time at which tenability criteria are exceeding because of
smoke, toxic effluents and heat.
The endpoint of an ASET calculation is the time when conditions in each building enclosure are
considered untenable.
Untenable conditions occur when it is predicted that an occupant inside or entering an enclosure
is likely to be unable to save themselves (is effectively incapacitated) due to the effects of
exposure to smoke, heat or toxic effluent.
The prediction of ASET requires estimation of the time-concentrations (or intensity) curves for the
major toxic products, smoke and heat in a fire.
Information about physiological effects of exposure to fire is set out in Annex A.
5.2.2 Fire scenario

1B
Calculating ASET time depends on the nature of the fire, because combustion products make the
space uninhabitable.
The concentration and nature of the combustion products and their spread depend on the
following factors:
Chemical elements of substances involved in combustion
Maximum temperature
Oxygen concentration
In general, all these factors influence combustion.
To calculate ASET time, it is necessary to make a detailed study of the fire, from the ignition to its
development.
Fire scenario is what ISO PTDS 16733 - Fire safety engineering selection of design fire
scenarios and design fires reports to define the study of the fire.
In ISO PTDS 16733, scenario is a qualitative description of the course of a fire with time
identifying key events that characterize the fire and differentiate it from other possible fires. It
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typically defines the ignition and fire growth process, the fully developed stage, and decay stage
as well as systems that impact on the course of the fire and the nature of the local environment.
5.2.3 Design fire scenario

12B
To characterize fire scenarios, logical process to be followed may be summarized into three points:
1. Taking into consideration all possible fire scenarios
2. Defining design fire scenarios like the subsystems of the most probable and onerous
possible scenarios
3. Calculating design scenarios
The number of possible design scenarios is quite high. For this reason, their number is normally
reduced using design fire scenarios.
Some information about the definition of fire scenarios and individuation of design fire scenarios
are put in Annex B.
5.2.4 Calculation of design fire scenarios

13B
A design fire is characterized from the fire growth of building products and building content; the
fire growth could be defined by the actual HRR history of the products or it could be a generalized
HRR history of a product category. The definition of HRR represents the identity card of the fire
and is the necessary factors to both calculate the rate of smoke production and the input
parameters for fire simulation software.
Figure 1 Example FDS output
ASE
Smoke Layer <
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ASE
Smoke Layer <
The calculations of design fire scenarios using a fire simulation model have the principal aim to
calculate the movement of fire effluent, the concentrations of toxic gas and the temperature of
smoke. These parameters are compared with the tenability criteria chosen for the ASET
calculation.
Some considerations about the principal software programmes for simulating fire growth are put in
Annex C.
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5.3 RSET time quantification

8B
5.3.1 General
14B
Escape time (RSET) in safe conditions depends on four different times, influenced by occupants
physical and behavioural characteristics. The four times are:
Detection Time: the time from the beginning of ignition to its detection by a manual or
automatic system. It may vary according to the fire scenario, the fire detection system (if in place)
and the ability occupants have to detect the fire.
Alarm Time: the time from the detection to triggering a general alarm;
Pre-movement time: the time from detection to the moment the first occupant starts moving;
Travel time: the time occupants take to move from where they are to a safer place. It has two
sub-components:
Walking time: the time occupants take to walk to the exit. It may be expressed as a
distribution of individual times or as a single time, as to say, the average time required to
walk to the exit or the time the last occupant need to walk to the exit. Walking time
depends on the walking speed of each occupant, their distance from the exit, physical
dimensions of the building and the distribution of the occupants;
Flow time: the time occupants take to flow through exits and escape routes. Flow time
depends on the flow capacity of the exit.
t RSET = t det + t a + (t pre + t trav )

Figure 2 RSET
ASET
RSET
tdet
ta
tpre
Recognition
Detection
time
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Allarm
time
ttra
Response
Pre movement
time
Evacuation
Time
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The four times are strongly influenced by human behaviour, for this reason it is not easy to give
them an exact value. For the analysis, occupants behaviours in real and simulated emergencies
have been observed.
Some information about the definition of these times is put in Annex C.
5.4 Conclusion
For a safe evacuation, the precise design of escape routes in relation to the distance to a place of
safety and to the evacuation time has a crucial importance, therefore we have to pay attention
and consideration to all the opportunities provided by the development of the Fire Safety sciences.
9B
The choice of the most suitable approach and calculation methods for a correct evacuation design
belong to the engineer, and can rely on various opportunities, from the most simple manual
calculation to the most sophisticated software simulation, depending on the objective and the level
of accuracy intended.
6 European guidelines
5B
Guideline
Guideline
Guideline
Guideline
Guideline
Guideline
Guideline
Guideline
Guideline
Guideline
Guideline
Guideline
Guideline
Guideline
Guideline
Guideline
Guideline
Guideline
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
1:2002
2:2007
3:2003
4:2003
5:2003
6:2004
7:2005
8:2004
9:2005
10:2008
11:2005
12:2006
13:2006
14:2007
15:2007
16:2008
17:2008
18:2008
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Internal fire protection control

Panic & emergency exit devices
Certification of thermographers
Introduction to qualitative fire risk assessment
Guidance signs, emergency lighting and general lighting
Fire safety in residential homes for the elderly
Safety distance between waste containers and buildings
Preventing arson information to young people
Fire safety in restaurants
Smoke alarms in the home
Recommended numbers of fire protection trained staff
Fire safety basics for hot work operatives
Fire protection documentation
Fire protection in information technology facilities
Fire safety in guest harbours and marinas
Fire protection in offices
Fire safety in farm buildings
Fire protection on chemical manufacturing sites
14
Annex A: Physiological effects of exposure to fire

15B
ASET time depends proportionately to the effects of exposure to fire on people. Briefly, the
following are most common physiological effects 1 :
F
Effects due to radiant heat

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a. Hyperthermia
b. Body surface burns, caused by radiant heat and smoke.
c. Respiratory tract burns, caused by hot gases and smoke.
Heat is dangerous for people because it may cause dehydration, breathing difficulties, asphyxia
and burns.
The tenable limit of air temperature is about 150 C. The exposure needs to be very short and the
air dry.
The temperature is lower if the air is wet. Unfortunately, in case of a fire, water vapour content is
quite high. Air temperature tenable limit for a short time is about 60C.
Table 1 Tenability limits for a radioactive and convective heat
Mode of heat transfer

Radiation
Convention
Intensity
< 2,5 KW/m2
2,5 KW/m2
10 KW/m2
<60 C 100% saturated
100 C < 10% H20
110 C < 10% H20
120 C < 10% H20
130 C < 10% H20
150 C < 10% H20
180 C < 10% H20
Tolerance time
> 5 min
30 s
4s
> 30 min
8 min
6 min
4 min
3 min
2 min
1 min
Source: PD 7974-6:2004 Human factors: Life safety strategies Occupant evacuation, behaviour and
condition
Detailedguidanceonestimationoftheeffectsofindividualasphyxiatesgasesandtheinteractionsbetweenthem
aregiveninBS78992.
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Effects due to the production of fuel gases

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a. Visibility reduction
Cause inability in escaping
b. Irritancy to eyes and respiratory tract
Ability to escape through building spaces and ability to locate escape routes and exits depends
upon the effects of irritancy and visual obscuration.
Visibility distance is a very important element. Decreasing visibility distance, decreases the
possibility to find a safe place.
Occupants are likely not to use an exit if the visibility distance is less than approximately 3m.
Irritant smoke causes a reduction of visibility and flow speed.
Irritants in fire effluent consist of a range of organic compounds, including acrolein and
formaldehyde, which are likely to be present in any fire effluent atmosphere at concentrations
depending upon the chemical composition of the fuel and the fire decomposition conditions.
Asphyxia/Toxicity
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Even if fuel gasses get colder and room temperature decreases to 15C, they continue to be
gases. Most common fuel gasses are:
Table 2 Most common fuel gases
Carbon oxide (CO)

Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Hydrogen sulphide (H2S)
Hydrocyanic acid (HCN)

Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
Nitrogen peroxide (NO2)
Sulphurous anhydride (SO2)

ammonia (NH3)
Acrylic aldehyde (CH2CHCHO)

phosgene(COCl2)
Carbon monoxide
Carbon oxide develops from fires breaking out in enclosed spaces and in oxygen shortage.
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Characteristics
Colourless
Odourless
Not irritating
During fires, it is the most dangerous toxic gas because it is highly toxic and because it is usually
produced in high quantity.
Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide is an asphyxiate gas. It is not toxic, but during a fire it takes the place of oxygen
When oxygen levels decrease to rates lower than 17% per volume, carbon dioxide causes
asphyxia.
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It quickens and stimulates breathing. Having just 2% of CO2, breathing speeding and deepness
increases 50% comparing to normal conditions. Having 3% of CO2, breathing speed and deepness
doubles (100%).
Hydrocyanic acid
Hydrocyanic acid develops in small quantities from ordinary fires, after an incomplete combustion
(oxygen shortage) of wool, silk, acrylic, polyamide and urethanic resins. It has the characteristic
odour of bitter almonds.
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How it acts
Hydrocyanic acid stops the respiratory chain, disabling tissues which need a high level of oxygen
(heart, nervous system) to function.
Phosgene
Phosgene is a toxic gas developed from combustion of materials with chlorine (plastic materials).
It is very dangerous in enclosed spaces. I
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How it acts
Entering in contact with water or humidity, phosgene splits into carbon dioxide and hydrochloric
acid. Hydrochloric acid is very dangerous because it is extremely acidic and able to reach
respiratory tracts.
Reference value is I.D.H.L: Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health: it calculates the
concentration of toxic substances in a healthy person after an exposition of 30 minutes without
causing serious damages on person health.
Table 1 Most common combustion products I.D.H.L. values
Substance
Formula
I.D.H.L. (ppm)
Carbon monoxide
CO
1200
Carbon dioxide
CO2
40000
Hydrocyanic acid
HCN
50
Ammonia
NH3
300
Hydrochloric acid
HCL
50
I.D.H.L. Values may be found in the substances chart.
Effect due to the reduction of oxygen concentration

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During combustion, the oxygen level decreases and fuel gases are produced. Oxygen decrease is
very dangerous: at rest, people need 10l/min of oxygen in about 20 inspirations of 0,5l each;
every inspiration having 16% of oxygen concentration. A person shows serious symptoms if the
concentration of oxygen is lower than 14%.
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Annex B: Definitions and characteristics of fire

scenarios
16B
Definitions of fire scenarios

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As far as the definition of the fire scenarios is concerned, it is essential to identify and retrieve all
the information that can contribute to the possibility that a fire could start, on the way that it could
be caused and spread. Also, information concerning the potential possibility of causing harm to the
occupants, building structures and their contents.
For each scenario three characteristics should be defined
1. characteristics of the fire
2. characteristics of the building
3. characteristics of the occupants
Figure 1 Fire scenarios
Characteristics of the fire

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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
nature of combustibles;
geometric arrangement of the fuel;
geometry of the enclosure;
ignitability of the fuel;
rate of heat release characteristics;
ventilation; state of doors (open or closed ). Lapse of time during which fire may develop
doors may open or closed
7. external heat flux;
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8. exposed surface area;

9. Suppressions system.
The characteristics of the type of fuel (quantity, type, ignition timing and sequence) and the
ventilation conditions (geometric enclosure characteristics) are essential to determine the heat
release rate during the fire. This definition represents the identity card of the fire and is the
necessary element in order to both calculate the rate of smoke production and the input
parameters for fire simulation software.
A full specification of a design fire through heat release rate includes the following phases:
incipient phase characterized by a variety of sources, which may be smouldering,

flaming or radiant;
growth phase covering the fire propagation period up to flashover or full fuel
involvement;
fully developed phase characterized by a substantially steady burning rate as may occur
in ventilation or fuel-bed-controlled fires;
decay phase covering the period of declining fire severity;
extinction when there is no more energy being produced.
Table 1 Heat release rate

Heat
Release
Rate
INCIPIENT
GROWTH
FULLY
DEVELOPED
DECAY
Flashover
Sprinkler
activation
Sprinkler controlled fire
Time
Source: ISO TR 13387-2 Design fire scenarios and design fires
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Characteristics of the building

When a fire scenario occurs, the characteristics of the building must be detailed with a full
description of its physical nature , its contents and the environmental conditions. This will influence
the evacuation of the occupants, the growth and development of the fire as well as the
movement and diffusion of the fuel.
Generally the following characteristics are taken into consideration:
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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
architectural characteristics (height, width, enclosures);

structural characteristics ;
presence of fire detection systems , active and passive (working or not)
purpose of the building;
time of response of internal fire emergency teams;
environmental factors;
presence of natural and mechanical ventilation.
Characteristics of the occupants

In order to determine the capability of response to evacuation of the occupants during emergency,
the characteristics of the occupants must be defined. Generally the following is taken into
consideration:
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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
number of occupants;
distribution in the building;
alertness (asleep or wake)
specific purpose (hospitals, prisons , etc.);
focal points;
physical capability, sensorial and mental;
familiarity with the environment;
physical and psychological conditions
The factors concerning the characteristics of the occupants, essential aspect for the evaluation of a
safe evacuation shall be discussed in more detail in the paragraphs dealing with time calculation
RSET.
Characteristics of design fire scenarios

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By means of the information gathered it is possible to assume the most serious scenario which
could reasonably or probably occur in the event of fire.
Once all these aspects are determined and are taken into consideration by experts, or by means of
analysis of probability a sub-group of the fire scenario project is defined.
The number of possible design scenarios is quite high. For this reason, their number is normally
reduced using design fire scenarios, following two different ways:
a. Probabilistic way: is based on the probability that a fire may break out. It studies the
possible consequences. This method is used by industry, where data on probable damages,
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components and equipment characteristics are more reliable. Methods used are: Hazop,
FMEA, Fault tree analysis and Event tree analysis. Probabilistic methods are hardly used by
civil engineering, because of the lack of significant statistical data.
b. Expert judgments: according to this method, the most serious fires are assumed to
happen. This is the way mostly used by civil engineering, even if it is quite hard finding a
number of fire scenarios which are sufficiently different each others. The expert judgement
way doesn't need to know the fire frequency.
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The following is an alternative method which refers to NFPA 101 ( live safety code): in this
method, the code suggests 8 fire scenarios. A limit of the method is the high number of analytical
calculations it needs to cover the different scenarios hypothesis. Another limit is the seriousness of
supposed scenarios. For example: estimation of what may happen if exits are blocked by burning
materials, or building estimation when a protection system doesnt work.
It is necessary to mention ISO TR 13387-2 Design fire scenarios and design fires because it
suggests a method to define design fire scenarios based on the following points:
Type of fire: The most likely type of fire scenario can be determined from consideration of
the items most commonly ignited, the ignition source and location of the fire from relevant
fire incident statistics.
Location of fire
Potential fire hazards
Systems impacting on fire
Occupant response
Event tree
Consideration of probability
Consideration of consequences
Risk ranking
Final selection
Typically, it is an idealized description of the variation with time of important fire variables such as
heat release rate, fire propagation, smoke and toxic species yield and temperature. At the end it is
obtained those fundamental elements for the definition of the time of ASET.
When evaluating a safe evacuation all the characteristics of the fire, the building and its
occupants likely to cause a critical evacuation, are taken into consideration. For example;
Detail of fuel ( development speed and toxic/suffocating gasses)

Fire location in places where it is difficult to control or near emergency exits.
Sleeping occupants .
Once the project fire scenario has been selected we have got all the information (characteristics of
the fire and details of enclosure where it has developed) together with formulas, statistics and fire
simulation modules, in order to determine those parameters at the base of time ASET.
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The knowledge of these parameters, with regards to time, allows us to establish the exact moment
in which the conditions of the environment do not guarantee the possibility to evacuate in safe
conditions. (ASET TIME).
The procedure to establish the ASET time is highly specialized and an expert knowledge of the
chemical and physical properties of the substances is required, to be able to use these results
during the output supplied by software, especially in the case of toxic substances.
The PD 7974-6:2004 Human factors: Life safety strategies Occupant evacuation, behaviour and
conditions , because of the difficulties to optimize the necessary information concerning the
calculation of the toxic concentrates, a conservative approach based on the no exposure concept
is recommended. This concept suggests to refer to, as per ASET time, the time that hot smoke at
ceiling height takes to reach 2,5 m from the floor along the exit ways. When the temperature at
ceiling height does not reach 200C heat radiation is still bearable and the occupants are able to
evacuate in a space with air which is still clean.
The height and temperature of hot smoke are easily calculated by the fire modelling software at a
cost which is less costly than the costs involved in the calculation of the concentrations of toxic
gases.
Figure 2 Fire Scenarios and Design fire Scenarios
CFPA-E-GUIDELINES
22
Annex C: Considerations regarding the principal fire

simulation software
17B
Feature from An Updated International Survey of Computer Models for Fire and Smoke STEPHEN M. OLENICK* AND DOUGLAS J. - CARPENTER Journal of FIRE PROTECTION
ENGINEERING, Vol. 13May 2003
The principal aim of this Annex is to show the most common type of fire model giving a short
description of two types. The categories chosen for computer fire models include zone models,
field models:
Zone Models
U
A zone model is a computer program that predicts the effects of the development of a fire inside a
relatively enclosed volume. In most applications, the volume is not totally enclosed as doors,
windows, and vents are usually included in the calculation. Zone models for compartments have
been developed for both single-room and multiroom configurations. The zonal approach theory to
modelling plume and layer development in confined spaces was applied to fires by several groups
in the 1970s, e.g. Zukoski . The zonal approach divides the area of interest into a number of
uniform zones, that when combined, describe the area of interest as a whole. Within each of these
zones, the pertinent conservation laws (i.e. mass and energy), in the form of mathematical
equations describing the conditions of interest, are solved. The zonal approach for an enclosure
fire usually divides an enclosure into two distinct zones: the hot upper smoke layer and the lower
layer of cooler air. The plume acts as an enthalpy pump between the lower layer and the hot
upper smoke layer. In reality, depending on the room size and heat release rate of the fire, there
is no perfectly defined interface between the hot upper smoke layer and lower layer and the hot
upper smoke layer is not an uniform temperature (as higher temperatures are observed closer to
the fire and plume); however, the use of two uniform zones allows for reasonable approximations
of the development of a fire in an enclosure under many conditions. Table 1 lists the zone models
which have been identified :
Table 1 Fire Zone models
CFPA-E-GUIDELINES
Model
Country
Description
ARGOS
ASET
DENMARK
US
ASET-B
BRANZFIRE
US
NEW ZEALAND
BRI-2
JAPAN/US
Multicompartment zone model

One room zone model with no
ventilation
ASET in Basic instead of Fortran
Multiroom zone model, including
flame spread, multiple fires, and
mechanical ventilation
Two-layer zone model for
multistory, multicompartment
23
Field Models
CALTECH
CCFM.VENTS
US
CFAST/FAST
US
CFIRE-X
GERMANY
CiFi
COMPBRN-III
COMF2
FRANCE
US
US
DACFIR-3
DSLAYV
FASTlite
FFM
FIGARO-II
US
SWEDEN
US
US
GERMANY
FIRAC
US
FireMD
FIREWIND
US
AUSTRALIA
FIRIN
US
FIRM
US
FIRST
US
FMD
HarvardMarkVI
HEMFAST
HYSLAV
US
US
US
SWEDEN
smoke transport
Preflashover zone model
Multi-room zone model
with ventilation
Zone model with a suite of
correlation programs-CFAST is
the solver, FAST is a front-end
Zone model for compartment fires,
particularly liquid hydrocarbon
pool fires
Multiroom zone model
Compartment zone model
Single room postflashover
compartment model
Zone model for an aircraft cabin
Single compartment zone model
Feature limited version of CFAST
Zone model for determining
untenability
Uses FIRIN, includes complex
vent systems
One room, two zone model
Multiroom zone model with
several smaller submodels
(update of FIRECALC)
Multiroom zone model with ducts,
fans, and filters
Two zone, single compartment
model
One room zone model, includes
ventilation
Zone fire model for atria
Earlier version of FIRST
Furniture fire in a room
Field models, like zone models, are used to model fire development inside a compartment or a
series of compartments. While a zone model divides the compartment into two zones, and solves
the conservation equations (i.e., mass, energy, and momentum) within these zones, a field model
divides the compartment into a large number (on the order of thousands) of control volumes and
solves the conservation equations inside each control volume. This allows for a more detailed
solution compared to zone models. Because there are more than two uniform zones, a field model
can be appropriate for more complex geometries where two zones do not accurately describe the
fire phenomenon. They can also be used for fires outside of compartments such as large outdoor
fuel tank fires. While field models provide very detailed solutions, they require detailed input
CFPA-E-GUIDELINES
24
information, and usually require more computing resources in order to model the fire. This can
create a costly time delay in obtaining a solution while zone models usually provide a solution
more quickly . This trend of increasingly growing numbers of field models stems from improved
computer hardware which allows for faster, more complex computational techniques. Table 2 lists
the field models which have been identified.
Table 2 Fire field models
CFPA-E-GUIDELINES
Model
Country
Description
ALOFT-FT
US
CFX
UK
FDS
US
FIRE
AUSTRALIA
FLUENT
JASMINE
US
UK
KAMELEON
FireEx
NORWAY
Smoke movement from large

outdoor fires
General purpose CFD software,
applicable to fire and explosions
Low Mach number CFD code
specific to fire-related flows
CFD model with water sprays
and coupled to solid/liquid phase
fuel to predict burning rate and
extinguishment
General purpose CFD software
Field model for predicting
consequences of fire to evaluate
design issues (based on
PHOENICS)
CFD model for fire linked to a
KOBRA-3D
GERMANY
MEFE
PORTUGAL
PHOENICS
RMFIRE
UK
CANADA
SMARTFIRE
SOFIE
SOLVENT
UK
UK/SWEDEN
US
SPLASH
UK
STAR-CD
UNDSAFE
UK
US/JAPAN
finite element code for thermal

response of structures
CFD for smoke spread and heat
transfer in complex geometries
CFD model for one or two
compartments, includes
time-response of thermocouples
Multipurpose CFD code
Two-dimensional field model for
the transient calculation of smoke
movement in room fires
Fire field model
Fire field model
CFD model for smoke and heat
transport in a tunnel
Field model describing interaction of
sprinkler sprays with fire gases
General purpose CFD software
Fire field model for use in open
spaces, or in enclosures
25
Annex D: Calculations of RSET time

18B
Following paragraphs will explain each time, giving information taken from literature.
Detection Time
U
In an automatic system, detection time depends on the sensitivity of the system. Automatic
system planners calculate the detection time. Lacking an automatic detection system, detection
time is estimated basing on the planned fire scenario. The following are the characteristics of a fire
scenario which may cause a delay on fire detection:
Occupants characteristics: sensory skills and activities they are involved in;
Building characteristics;
Fire characteristics: speed of spreading, smoke, etc.
Alarm Time
U
Guidance on estimation of alarm time is provided in PD 7974-6:2004 Human factors: Life safety
strategies Occupant evacuation, behaviour and condition. It reports three different alarm levels:
Level A1
The building is provided with an automatic fire system. Once the fire has been detected, the
system activates the alarm throughout the all building. The time from the detection to the general
alarm is zero.
Level A2
Even in this case the building is provided with an automatic fire system but the general alarm is
not immediate. A pre-alarm is transferred to the safety room (pre-alarm system). In this case, the
pre-alarm time depends on the safety management strategy. In any case, pre-alarm time should
go from 2 to 5 minutes. Safety management evaluation allows a more exact range definition.
Level A3
A manually activating alarm system is located near the source of the fire. In this case a range time
definition is very far from being exact because it depends on fire scenario and occupants
characteristics: age, role and responsibility in the building, training in case of fire.
Planning an alarm system, it is important to take into consideration the building structure:
in a small single storey building, it is necessary to sound an immediate general alarm
throughout the building (Level 1);
in a big multi-storey crowded building, it is advisable to have a staged fire alarm system:
first the warning system in the floor affected is activated, then the warning system in the
floor upstairs so as not to have a simultaneous evacuation and congestion at the exits.
CFPA-E-GUIDELINES
26
Pre-movement Time
U
This may be sub-divided into two components:

Recognition
The time from the general alarm to the time occupants begin to respond. It may be divided into
two elements:
Alarm receiving: time used to receive the alarm of cue.
Alarm processing: time to understand the alarm of cue received and then processed is an
evacuation warning.
During the recognition time, occupants continue with the activities they were engaged with before
the alarm of cue.
The recognition time ends when occupants decide to take some action in response to the
emergency cues received.
For simple evaluations the average or the slowest recognition time may be taken for each group of
occupants. For complex evaluations recognition time may be assigned to each individual.
The following are suggestions to minimize recognition time:
1. the system should provide precise instructions under varying emergency situations;
2. instructions should be capable of varying in the different parts of the buildings so as to
provide occupants with the information tailored upon the actions they are desired to take;
3. alerting tones should precede voice instructions to capture occupants attention;
4. pre-recorded messages may be used in pre-planned situations;
5. in health care occupancies, where the staffs are trained to notify and assist occupants with
evacuation, it is advisable to alert just those individuals who need to take action, to have a
maximum life safety benefit from a fire alarm system. Others can be notified, but not
alerted.
Response
The time from the alarm recognition to the time occupants decide to respond, but before
beginning the evacuation.
Examples of activities undertaken during the response time:
1. investigative behaviour, including action to determine the source, reality or importance of a
fire alarm or cue;
2. stopping machinery/production processes or securing money and other risks;
3. seeking and gathering together children and other family members;
4. fighting the fire;
CFPA-E-GUIDELINES
27
5. the time involved in determining the appropriate exit route (i.e. wayfinding); and the time
involved in other activities not fully contributing to effective evacuation where necessary
(for example acting on incorrect or misleading information);
6. alerting others
Pre-movement time may vary considerably for different individuals or groups of individuals located
within the same enclosure or in different enclosures.
Elements to be taken into consideration to estimate recognition and response time are as follows (
list taken from PD 7974-6:2004 and from ISO/TR 13387-8):
a) Building parameters:
1. occupancy type;
2. floor plans, layout and dimensions;
3. contents;
4. warning system;
5. fire safety management emergency procedures;
6. signs;
7. lighting;
8. location of exits and complexity of enclosure layout.
b) Occupant status:
1. number and starting location of occupants. The code occupant load of a
room is the maximum number of persons anticipated to be present for a
given configuration or use. Where there is no other information available, the
number should be estimated according to use, for example dividing the area
of the room or the story by an appropriate occupant load factor. Potential
changes in occupancy load data need to be considered. Conservative design
requires use of the maximum potential occupant load. Designers should be
mindful that the numbers and distribution of occupants in a building will
change with the time and the activity.
U
2. characteristics of the occupants: gender, age. In general, female are more

likely to alert or warn others to evacuate in response to fire cues than man. In
a health care centre, male staff tends to fight the fire, while female staff is
more likely to take protective action and rescue patients. Age influences both
the capability people have to recognize an alarm and their quickness in
acting. Old and young people find more difficult recognizing an alarm , but
once young people have decided to move, they are quick and strong to face
smoke and heat. Old people and children have difficulties in evacuating
without assistance.
U
3. activities of the occupants before the emergency.

U
4. family or group relationships. Response to alarms or fire cues is affected by

whether people are alone or with others. The presence of other people can
have an inhibiting effect on the definition and initiation of action from initial
U
CFPA-E-GUIDELINES
28
ambiguous cues. They are likely first to attempt to reestablish the group.
People who are alone tend to respond more rapidly to ambiguous cues. In
addition, the speed of movement will often be dictated by that of the slowest
member of the group.
5. occupant condition: physical and mental ability. A proportion of the population
may be impaired (cognitively and/or physically) or will present some level of
limitation related to injury, illness poor health, or other medical conditions.
The initial response of disabled people may involve a considerable preparation
time before moving. Their movement is significantly influenced by the nature
of their disability and building elements such as doors, ramps and stairs.
People with a hearing disability may require special means of notification of a
fire, although their evacuation movement may not be different than mobile
occupants. People with a visual disability may perceive audible information
such as a fire alarm or a voice communication message but might need
assistance to find a suitable evacuation route.
U
6. alertness: depends on factors such as activities, time of day, sleeping or

awake
U
7. role and responsibility: the rules and responsibilities of occupants during the
normal use of the building will, in an emergency, influence their behaviour
and the behaviour of the others. Sufficient, well trained, and authoritative
staff will shorten the ambiguous, information-gathering phase of premovement time.
U
c) Fire simulation dynamics:

1. building condition and fire location;
2. visibility of smoke or fire;
3. exposure to fire effluent or heat;
4. fire alarm status and type;
5. other warnings or cues (for example from management or other occupants);
6. active protection status.
The analysis of all these elements allows the recognition and response time evaluation for each
occupant or for group of occupant per enclosure.
Quantification of Pre-movement time
The pre-movement time is given by:
the time from the spreading, recognition and processing of the alarm to the first occupants
moving;
the time the rest of occupants take to move to a safer place.
CFPA-E-GUIDELINES
29
Pre-movement time has a normal log distribution: the number of people starting moving increases
rapidly and they form a very long queue.
There are two times to take into consideration: the first occupants pre-movement time (i.e. 1st
percentile) and the last occupants pre-movement time (i.e. 99th percentile).
In PD 7974-6:2004 Human factors: Life safety strategies Occupant evacuation, behaviour and
condition, a table analyses the two pre-movement times and the so called behavioural
scenarios.
Behavioural scenarios summarise the elements used to define recognition and response time. The
table is useful to give a value to recognition and response time. In any case, just a close analysis
of the elements in a), b), c) allows a total understanding of the table.
The following is a brief scheme of the behavioural scenarios. (Refer to the rule for a detailed
explanation of the elements).
PD 7974-6:2004 refers 4 elements to define behavioural scenarios:
1.
2.
3.
4.
occupancy type;
alarm system;
building complexity;
safety management system.
The first element gives a sub-division into six categories:

Table 1 Occupant Category
Category
A
B1
B2
Ci
Cii
Ciii
D
E
Occupant
alertness
Awake
Awake
Awake
Asleep
Managed
occupancy
Asleep
Medical care
Transportation
Occupant
familiarity
Familiar
Unfamiliar
Unfamiliar
Familiar
Occupant
density
Low
High
High
Low
Enclosures/complexity
Examples
One or many
One or few
One with focal point
Few
Unfamiliar
Unfamiliar
Unfamiliar
Low
Low
High
Many
Many
Many
Office or industrial
Shop,restaurant,circulation
space Cinema,theatre
Dwelling
Serviced flats,halls of
residence,etc.
Hotel,hostel
Residential
Railway station/Airport
Source: PD 7974-6:2004 Human factors: Life safety strategies Occupant evacuation behaviour and condition
The other each element is divided into three categories as follow:
Alarm levels:
Level A1: an automatic detection system which gives a general alarm throughout the building.
CFPA-E-GUIDELINES
30
Level A2: an automatic detection system which doesn't give an immediate general alarm but
transfers a pre-alarm to the security room (pre-alarm system).
Level A3: a manually activated alarm system near the affected area.
Building Level:
BUILDING LEVEL B1: (simple supermarket) represents a simple rectangular single storey building
with one or few enclosures and a simple layout with good visual access, prescriptively designed
with short travel distance, and a good level of exit provision with exits leading directly to the
outside of the building.
BUILDING LEVEL B2: (simple multi-storey office block) represents a simple multi-enclosure
building, with most features prescriptively designed and simple internal layouts.
BUILDING LEVEL B3: represents a large complex building. This includes large building complexes
with integration of a number of existing buildings on the same site, common with old hotel or
department stores, also large modern complexes such as leisure centres, shopping centres and
airports. Important features are that internal layout and enclosures involve often large and
complex spaces so that occupants may be presented with wayfinding difficulties during an
evacuation and the management of an evacuation therefore presents particular challenges.
Management Level:
MANAGEMENT LEVEL M1: the normal occupants (staff or residents) should be trained to a high
level of fire safety management with good fire prevention and maintenance practice. For awake
and unfamiliar there should be a high ratio of trained staff to visitors. The system and procedures
are subject to independent certification, including a regular audit with monitored evacuations for
which the performance must match the assumed design performance. This level would usually also
imply a well designed building with obvious and easy to use escape route (to level B1 or at least
B2), with automatic detection and alarm systems to high level of provision (level A1).
MANAGEMENT LEVEL M2: similar to level 1, but have a lover staff ratio and floor wardens may not
always be present. There may be no independent audit. Building features may be level B2 or B3
and alarm level A2. The design escape and evacuation times will be more conservative than for a
level M1 system.
MANAGEMENT LEVEL M3: representing standard facilities with basic minimum fire safety
management. There is not independent audit. The building may be level B3 and alarm system A3
A good guide for fire safety management is BS 5588-12.
Having once found the behavioural scenario close to the occupants situation, the following table
from BS 7974-6 may be observed to have a rough estimate of pre-movement time. Specifically,
the table gives the 1st percentile and 99th percentile pre-movement times.
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31
Source: PD 7974-6:2004 Human factors: Life safety strategies Occupant evacuation, behaviour and condition
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32
It is possible to have pre-movement time from others literary sources. The following table gives a
rough estimate of pre-movement time, basing on the elements already analysed in the previous
table.
Table 2 pre-movement time
Occupancy type
Office, commercial and industrial buildings,
schools, colleges and universities
(Occupants awake and familiar with the
building, the alarm system, and evacuation
Shops, museums, leisure-sport centers, and
other assembly buildings (Occupants awake
but may be unfamiliar with the building,
alarm system, and evacuation procedure.
Dormitories, residential mid-rise and highrise (Occupants may be asleep but are
predominantly familiar with the building,
alarm system, and evacuation procedure.)
Hotels and boarding houses (Occupants
may be asleep but are predominantly
familiar with the building, alarm system,
and evacuation procedure.)
Hospital, nursing home, and other
institutional establishment (A significant
number of occupants my require
assistance)
W1
(min)
W2
(min)
W3
(min)
<1
>4
<2
>6
<2
>5
<2
>6
<3
>8
W1: live directives using a voice communication system from

a control room, or live directives in conjunction with welltrained, uniformed staff that can be seen and heard by all
occupants in the space
W2: nondirective voice messages (prerecordered) and/or
informative warning visual display with trained staff
W3: warning system using fire alarm signal and staff with no
relevant training
Note:
For occupants in a small room/space of fire origin who can
clearly see smoke and flames at a distance, adopt the relevant
time given for the W1
For occupants in a large room/space of fire origin who can
clearly see smoke and flames at a distance, adopt the relevant
time given for the W2, unless W1
For occupants outside room/space of fire origin who cannot
clearly see smoke and flames, adopt the relevant time given
for the warning system in operation
Source: Adapted from Fire Safety Engineering In Building, Part 1: Guide to the application of Fire Safety Engineering
Principles, Table 21, British Standard Institute, DD240, London, 1997
Once given a value to the pre-movement time using the tables, PD 7974-6:2004 suggests to
simplify the complex analysis of evacuation time, considering each occupant position, premovement time, walking time and the effects occupants density have on walking time (subject
analysed in the following paragraph), just using two estimations. It may be used for any building
enclosure, considering two simple cases:
1. a case where the enclosure is sparsely populated with a density population of 1/3 of the
design population
2. a case where the enclosure contains the maximum design population
For both case, the largest exit should be discounted.
In the first case, evacuation time depends on the pre-movement time of the last group of
occupants deciding to leave and on the time they take to travel to the exit and walk through. As
long as occupants density is low, their walking speed won't be impeded and there won't be
queuing at the exits.
t RSET = t det + t a + (t pre ( 99 thpercentile ) + t trav ( walking ) )
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It has to be done a conservative estimation of the walking time using the maximum direct travel
distance to the exit. The walking speed has to be considered to be that of one of the last
occupants, not influenced by density.
In the second case, evacuation or RSET time depends on the pre-movement time and walking
time of the first group of occupants deciding to evacuate (1st percentile) plus the flow time
through the exits where queues are likely to be formed.
t RSET = t det + t a + (t pre (1stpercentile ) + t trav ( walking ) + t trav ( flow ) )

The longer case should be used for design purposes and, in most scenarios, the second case will
represent the longest required escape times.
In case modelling software cannot be used, the equation makes the calculation easier.
When the evacuation involves simultaneous evacuations from many enclosures into an escape
route (corridor or stairs), evacuation time depends on the flow capacity of the escape route where
flows from different enclosures merge. In this case hand calculation cannot be carried out simply,
for this reason it is advisable to use computer simulation models.
The flow rate of occupants from individual enclosures depends upon the nature of the merging
flows at the landings of the escape stairs with occupants from other enclosures and on the flow
capacity of the stairs
In the case of a multi-stored building where two floors are evacuated simultaneously and the flow
from the upper floor merges with the flow from the floor below, the method described in SFPE
Handbook estimates that the flow rate from each floor will be half the maximum flow rate from
each storey exit. In some crowded situations, the flow of occupants from in a stairwell from the
upper floor may dominate, so that to some extend occupants from the lower floor cannot evacuate
until those from the upper floor have gone.
Travel Time
Travel
1.
2.
3.
time depends on three components:

walking time: the average travel distance to a safe place for the occupants;
time to queue;
flow time through the exits
To estimate the three components, three elements have to be considered:

a) walking speed
The movement time is obtained by summing the horizontal and the vertical movement time
Horizontal travel speed
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34
International literature quotes unimpeded walking speed in occupants without physical

disabilities as going from 1.2 m/s to 1.25 m/s. Such walking speed may be referred to in case
population density is less than 0,54 persons/m2. In case population density value gets higher,
occupants walking speed gets impeded: walking speed decreases proportionally to density
increase. When population density exceeds 3.8 persons/m2 speed is considered zero, according
to the following equation:
S = K aKD
S = speed along the line of travel
D= density (persons/m2)
K=velocity factor
a=constant 0.266 m2/pers (2.86 ft2/pers)
Table 3 Velocity factor
Egress Component
Corridor, aisle, ramp, doorway
Stair Riser
Stair Tread
mm (in.)
mm (in.)
S1: 190 (7.5)
254 (10)
S2: 272 (7.0)
279 (11)
S3: 165 (6.5)
305 (12)
S4: 165 (6.5)
330 (13)
K (m/s)
1.40
1
1.08
1.16
1.23
K (ft/min)
275
196
212
229
242
Other than using the equation, movement speed as a function of density may be taken from
Figure 1:
Figure 1 Movement speed as a function of density
CFPA-E-GUIDELINES
35
Reports have taken into consideration groups of grown-up people without any physical disabilities
(not real situation). For this reason Proulx 2 has estimated a walking speed of about 0.45 m/sec for
old people and children younger than 6 years. Walking speed of grown-up people impeded by
trolleys, luggage or children taken by hand, varies from 0.22 to 0.79 m/s. Specific estimations
have been done considering disabled people. They have confirmed individual walking speed
variability. Literature may give experimental examples on walking speed estimations. The following
are estimations taken from the Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering:
F
Speed on horizontal surface

Range
Interquartile range
1,00
Standard
deviation
0,42
0,10-1,77
0,71-1,28
0,80
0,32
0,24-1,68
0,57-1,02
No aid
0,95
0,32
0,240,1,68
0,70-1,02
Crutches
0,94
0,30
0,63-1,35
0,67-1,24
Walking sticks
0,81
0,38
0,26-1,60
0,49-1,08
Rollator
0,57
0,29
0,10-1,02
0,34-0,83
No locomotion disability
1,25
0,32
0,82-1,77
1.05-1,34
Electric wheelchair
0,89
0,85-1,77
Manual wheelchair
0,69
0,35
0,13-1,35
0,38-0,94
Manual wheelchair
0,36
0,14
0,11-0,70
0,20-0,47
Assisted manual
wheelchair
1,30
0,94
0,84-1,98
1,02-1,59
Assisted ambulant
0,78
0,34
0,21-1,40
0,58-0,92
Subject Group
Mean
All disabled
With locomotion
disabilities
Source: Table 3-13.2 from Section 3, Chapter 13: Movement Of People: The Evacuation Timing, The SFPE Handbook
of Fire Protection Engineering, 3rd Edition, NFPA Inc., Quincy, Massachusetts, 2002
Vertical travel speed

International literature reports a maximum walking speed variation for physically able people from
1.1 m/s to 0.85 m/s. This estimation refers to a density of people less than 0,54 persons/m2. In
the case where the density is higher, occupants are impeded and walking speed decreases
proportionally to density increase. When density exceeds 3.8 persons/m2 walking speed is zero,
according to the following equation:
S = K aKD
The meaning of each term is the same as that in the previous equation. Factor K refers to table 6.
Other than using the analytical equation, it is possible to refer to the diagram (figure 1).
2
ProulxG.,Evacuationtimesandmovementtimesinapartmentbuildings,FireSafetyJournal,24,1995
CFPA-E-GUIDELINES
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The following estimations about speed on stairs have been taken from Handbook of Fire Protection
Engineering:
Speed on stairs
Standard
Range
deviation
Ascent
Interquartile
range
Subject Group
Mea
n
With locomotion
disabilities
0,38
0,14
0,13-0,62
0,26-0,52
No aid
0,43
0,13
0,14-0,62
0,35-0,55
Crutches
0,22
0,19-0,31
0,26-0,45
Walking stick
0,35
0,11
0,18-0,49
Rollator
0,14
Without
disabilities
0,70
0,24
0,55-0,82
0,55-0,78
Descendent
With locomotion
disabilities
0,33
0,16
0,11-0,70
0,22-0,45
No aid
0,36
0,14
0,11-0,70
0,20-0,47
Crutches
0,22
Walking stick
0,32
0,12
0,11-0,49
0,24-0,46
Rollator
0,16
Without
disabilities
0,70
0,26
0,45-1,10
0,53-0,90
Source: Table 3-13.3 from Section 3, Chapter 13: Movement Of People: The Evacuation Timing, The SFPE Handbook
of Fire Protection Engineering, 3rd Edition, NFPA Inc., Quincy, Massachusetts, 2002
b) Specific flow
Specific flow is found by multiplying velocity and density. It states the number of people walking
past a point per metre of effective width (door or passageway) per second. Specific flow is similar
to the mass flow in a hydraulic system.
FS = S D
Substituting S with the previous equation:
FS = S D = (K aKD) D = (1 aD) KD
FS= Specific flow (persons/ms), (persons/fts),
S = speed along the line of travel (m/s), (ft/s),
D= density (persons/m2), (persons/ft2),
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K=velocity factor ,
a=constant 0.266 m2/pers (2.86 ft2/pers)
Even specific flow is a function of density, it varies according to the square of density and not
proportionally to it as velocity does. The following is a diagram which describes the specific flow
progress, referring to vertical and horizontal travels. The progress of the diagram is that of a
parabolic curve which has concavity pointing to the bottom. In the first part, the parabolic curve
increases because of the increase of density. When density is 1.9 persons/m2 (at the top of the
curve), the specific flow rate is maximum. In the second part, the parabolic curve decreases:
specific flow rate is zero and density 3.8 persons/m2.
Figure 2 Specific Flow as a function of density
It's important to point out the maximum flow capacity for each egress component (corridors,
stairs) to give some remarks on flows fusion and transition in egress components. Table 4 shows
maximum specific flow rates.
Table 4 Maximum Specific Flows
Egress Component
Corridor, aisle, ramp, doorway
Stair Riser
Stair Tread
mm (in.)
mm (in.)
190 (7.5)
254 (10)
272 (7.0)
279 (11)
165 (6.5)
305 (12)
165 (6.5)
330 (13)
Fs pers/s m of Effective Width

(pers/s ft of Effective Width)
1.32 (24.0)
0.94
1.01
1.09
1.16
(17.1)
(18.5)
(20.5)
(21.2)
Where egress components have boundary layers, occupants flow keeping a distance from walls or
other obstacles. Doing this, they may have room to move laterally in case of necessity. The result
CFPA-E-GUIDELINES
38
width is given taking away from the all width a variable value given by experimental estimations.
Some of the values are reported in table 5.
Table 5 Boundary Layer Width
Boundary Layer
Component
mm (inch)
Theater chairs, stadium benches
0
(0)
Railings, handrails
89
(3.5)
Obstacles
100
(4)
Stairways, door, archways
150
(6)
Corridors and ramp walls
200
(8)
Source: Adapted from fig. 3-14.4 Section 3, Chapter 14: Emergency Movement, The SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection
Engineering, 3rd Edition, NFPA Inc., Quincy, Massachusetts, 2002
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c) Flow capacity
It is the number of occupants walking through an egress per second. It may be given multiplying
the specific flow with the effective width:
FC = FS Le
Substituting Fs with the previous formula:
FC = FS Le = (1 aD)KDLe
Fc = flow capacity (persons/s), (pers/s)
FS= Specific flow (persons/ms), (persons/fts)
Follow two particular situations:
Merging Egress Flow
Figure 3 Merging Egress Flow
The combined flow rate of people entering an intersection equals the flow rate of people from
intersection:
Fc1 + Fc 2 = Fc3
Fs1 Le1 + Fs 2 Le 2 = Fs 3 Le3
Fs 3 =
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Fs1 Le1 + Fs 2 Le 2
Le 3
40
If the combined flow rate of egress components leading to intersections are greater than the
specific flow rate for the egress component (see the maximum specific flow rate in table 7 leading
from the intersection, a queue is expected to form. If a queue forms, the analysis can continue,
considering that the flow rate in component 3 is equal to the maximum capacity of the component.
Transition in Egress Component
Figure 4 Transitions in Egress Component
When the width of the egress component changes, then the specific flow is also expected to
change. The new specific flow is determined by the following relationship:
Fc1 = Fc 2
Fs1 Le1 = Fs 2 Le 2
F L
Fs 2 = s1 e1
Le 2
Again, if the incoming specific flow rate leading to the transition point is greater than the capacity
of the flow rate for the egress component leading from the transition (see the maximum specific
flow rate in table 7), a queue is expected to form at the transition. Specific flow rate after
transition is equal to the maximum flow rate which is likely to be actually found.
Impact of smoke on movement
The emergency movement speeds reported was derived from experiments and observations
conducted in smoke-free environments. The remarks in the previous paragraph do not take into
consideration the effects of dense smoke. Physiological effects of exposure to smoke have already
been discussed previously. Behaviour effects given by seeing the smoke have to be discussed. In a
smoke-logged corridor, people tend to turn back rather than continue through the smoke-logged
area. In other situations, when people see fires behind them, they tend to move through the
smoke.
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The presence of smoke will impact movement in two ways:

It can decrease the probability that occupants will move into an area or continue their
evacuation 3 .
It can reduce their walking speed: both the density and optic-irritating properties of the
smoke can impact movement speed.
F
As a supplement on smoke effects, Table 6 taken from PD 7974-6:2004 Human factors: Life
safety strategies Occupant evacuation, behaviour and condition:
Smoke density and irritancy
Smoke optical density (Dm-1)
None
0.5 (1.15) non irritant
0.2 ( 0.5 ) irritant
0.33 (0.76) mixed
Table 6 Smoke effects

Approximate visibility
Reported effects
Diffuse illumination
Unaffected
Walking speed 1.2 m/s
2m
Reduced
3m
30% people turn back rather than enter
Suggested tenability limits for buildings with:

Small enclosures and travel distances;
Large enclosures and travel distances;
D*m-1=0.2 (visibility 5m)

D*m-1=0.08 (visibility 10m)
PD79746:2004Humanfactors:LifesafetystrategiesOccupantevacuation,behaviorandcondition,reportsapproximately
thatoccupantswillnotuseanescaperouteifthevisibilityinthatrouteislessthanthreemeters.
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Annex E: Main characteristics of evacuation models

19B
Evacuation modelling Review

During the last 35 years several researchers have written many reports concerning evacuation
dynamics. Since from 1969 we have surveys describing:
the movement of people including disabled people,
models for evacuation simulations,
models which predict the effects of various fire products (heat, toxic and narcotic gases,
etc.).
There have been several identifiable generations of evacuation models (which are all still in use):
1st generation models involve manual calculations applying mainly prescriptive
assumptions;
2nd generation models employ computer based flow/hydraulic calculations;
3rd generation models use more sophisticated computers than simple flow/hydraulic
calculations;
4th generations models are the actual state of art and consider several factors (which are
discussed below).
Actually the main factors influencing the evacuation performance, and the main factors involved in
evacuation modelling, are:
the spatial configuration of the building (number of exits, exit width, travel distances, etc.),
the procedures (training, knowledge, signage, etc.),
the environment (smoke, toxic gases, debris, etc.),
the human behaviour (response time, travel speeds, route finding, etc.).
All these factors interact and contribute to evacuation performance in a so complex manner, that
the latest models have to employ numerical and computational processes involving the use of
computers to simulate the evacuation process.
The attempts to simulate evacuation with computer modelling fall in two different categories:
1. the movement and behaviour models
2. the ball bearing models.
The first model takes in account both the physical characteristics of buildings (spatial
configuration), and the characteristics and responses of the individual to the external stimuli
produced by fire (reaction times, individual behaviour, etc.).
The second model considers people as objects which automatically respond to the external
stimuli, treating the population within a building as a mass and not as an individual.
Within these categories we have further ways to represent:
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43
the buildings enclosures,

the population and their behaviour,
the simulation type.
The enclosures can be represented as fine or coarse network. In each method space is divided
in sub-regions (or nodes): the size of these regions is the distinguishing parameter
The coarse node method considers the space divided into segments representing a whole room
or passageway. The occupants movement is evaluated from segment to segment (e.g.: from room
to room), without a precise definition of the their real position; so, the representation is less
detailed
The fine node method divides the entire floor space in a collection of nodes (often several
hundreds) with fixed size and shape (e.g. 0,5 x 0,5 squares). The occupants movement is
evaluated from node to node; so the representation is more accurate regarding both the
enclosures geometry (including obstacles) and the population, which can be treated as individual.
The population, instead, can be represented in an individual perspective or in a global
perspective.
The individual perspective allows several attributes to be assigned to population, which can be
used to define the movement and decision making process (if this feature is available). Therefore
is possible to represent several population and to trace even a single egress history.
The global perspective does not recognise the individual attributes, defining population as a
homogenous whole without differences. Therefore it is possible to establish only average results,
representing evacuation details on the basis of the occupants who escape.
Finally, the simulation itself can be approached in three different ways: optimisation, simulation
and risk assessment.
The optimisation models assume that people evacuate efficiently, making the best choice in every
situation (evacuation paths are optimal), and that flow features of people and exits are optimal.
They tend to consider only large population of occupants.
The simulation models try to reproduce the movement and behaviours observed during real
evacuations. For these reasons the results tend to vary greatly, as does the accuracy which rely on
the sophistication of the model.
The risk assessment model tries to identify the hazards of an evacuation in fire condition,
quantifying the associated risks. This model needs many repeated tests with significant statistical
variation.
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Main characteristics of evacuation models

Evacuation models are hugely available on market. The choice of methods applicable to different
design situations is very important.
Figure 1 Commercial simulation models
A best evacuation model for each situation does not exist.

The decision to adopt a particular model should agree with computer estimations and limitations.
In general, detailed outputs correspond more complex inputs and longer execution times.
Internal parameters have to be distinguished from the external ones. In the model, some internal
parameters may be modified (i.e. In fluid dynamics the dimension of the diagram and the time
step).
External parameters give input rates. They may be distinguished into three categories:
geometrical category (environmental dimensions, ventilation system and access between
areas);
set parameters: knowing about thermic release, velocity of mass reduction, fuel
distribution;
thermophysical category: for example, walls properties (conductibility, specific heat,
density, etc.)
The following are some characteristics on simulation models which are useful to take into
consideration for a better choice:
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1) documentation added to the model:

1. General information: general information has to report model deficiencies, particularly,
model deficiencies about fire hazards. This is a very important point because the correct
interpretation of results depends on it.
2. Users' technical and manual documentation: users should be able to know basic scientific
references of algorithm. Technical documentation should give users useful information to
understand the characteristics of the model:
definition of what kind of fire is, or the functions the model carries out;
description of theoretical and physical laws which are at the base of the model;
equations which rule the process;
identification of the most important hypothesis and their limits on application;
description of mathematical techniques and processes, and algorithms used;
list of auxiliary programs or data files needed;
information about data sources, contents and use;
2) application on the different buildings: not all models can be applied to every kind of
buildings:
Model used for the all buildings
Model for simulation of residential buildings
Model specialized in areas linked to public transport
Model to be used in buildings with the maximum height of 20 m
Model which allows simulation with just an evacuation exit.
3) Modelling method
1. Not behavioural: just movements are considered.
2. Implicit behaviour: models which study implicit behaviour, delaying reaction to the alarm
(reaction time) or giving occupants characteristics which influence movements during
evacuation.
3. Conditional behaviour (or based on rules): individual or group of occupants reactions
during evacuation, influenced by environmental conditions (if-then behaviour: if smoke
density is higher then nn, then walking speed is reduced).
4. Functional analogy: models using equations to represent occupants.
5. Artificial intelligence: models basing on simulation of human intelligence.
6. Probabilistic: models which use rules and conditional behaviour basing on probabilistic
models. Repeating the same simulation more times, results may be different.
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4) Data on fire: It states if user can use information on the fire during simulation.
1. Model can have information on fire from other models.
2. Model allow user to insert data about fire, referred to specific times.
3. Model has a fire simulation model in it.
4. Model can not have information about fire; it simply simulates the fire (it is similar to a fire
training simulates in a building)
5) data visualization: it can visualize overcrowding and critical points in a building. It is a good
way to control probable mistakes in the model.
1. 2-D Bi-dimensional visualization
2. 3-D Tri-dimensional visualization
3. N Model with no ability to visualize
6) validation: method which validates the software and test result rightness is very important.
1. Validation basing on norm.
2. Validation basing on data from fire prevention training and evacuation experiments.
3. Validation basing on data from literature about evacuation experiments.
4. Validation basing on other models.
5. Models with no validation suggested.
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CFPA-E No 19:2009

Fire safety engineering concerning

Zrich, , 8 June 2009

Stockholm, 8 June 2009

Dr. Hubert Regg

The first method is based on three main points:

Fire alarm, alarm of fire

Fire separating walls

4 Prescriptive approach to evacuation

number of exits and maximum width and length of escape routes

5 Engineering approach: evaluation of evacuation safety conditions

Tsafety = TASET TRSET

Performance method may be used in complex or innovative buildings where a prescriptive

5.2.2 Fire scenario

5.2.3 Design fire scenario

5.2.4 Calculation of design fire scenarios

Smoke Layer <

Smoke Layer <

5.3 RSET time quantification

t RSET = t det + t a + (t pre + t trav )

Internal fire protection control

Annex A: Physiological effects of exposure to fire

Effects due to radiant heat

Mode of heat transfer

Effects due to the production of fuel gases

Carbon oxide (CO)

Hydrocyanic acid (HCN)

Sulphurous anhydride (SO2)

Acrylic aldehyde (CH2CHCHO)

I.D.H.L. Values may be found in the substances chart.

Effect due to the reduction of oxygen concentration

Annex B: Definitions and characteristics of fire

Definitions of fire scenarios

Characteristics of the fire

8. exposed surface area;

incipient phase characterized by a variety of sources, which may be smouldering,

Table 1 Heat release rate

Sprinkler controlled fire

Characteristics of the building

architectural characteristics (height, width, enclosures);

Characteristics of the occupants

Characteristics of design fire scenarios

Detail of fuel ( development speed and toxic/suffocating gasses)

Figure 2 Fire Scenarios and Design fire Scenarios

Annex C: Considerations regarding the principal fire

Multicompartment zone model

Smoke movement from large

finite element code for thermal

Annex D: Calculations of RSET time

This may be sub-divided into two components:

2. characteristics of the occupants: gender, age. In general, female are more

3. activities of the occupants before the emergency.

4. family or group relationships. Response to alarms or fire cues is affected by

6. alertness: depends on factors such as activities, time of day, sleeping or

c) Fire simulation dynamics:

The first element gives a sub-division into six categories:

The other each element is divided into three categories as follow:

W1: live directives using a voice communication system from

t RSET = t det + t a + (t pre ( 99 thpercentile ) + t trav ( walking ) )

t RSET = t det + t a + (t pre (1stpercentile ) + t trav ( walking ) + t trav ( flow ) )