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ioh 2025, 22(1): 48-65 |
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Research code: 9611139007
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Salari Pak S, Zakerian S A, Fatemi F, Gharib S. Assessment and optimal design of lighting of emergency exit route based on standards and human time performance: Case study of a combined cycle power plant. ioh 2025; 22 (1) :48-65
URL: http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-3650-en.html
URL: http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-3650-en.html
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , seif.gharib@gmail.com
Abstract: (1192 Views)
Introduction: Lighting of escape routes is crucial in emergency evacuations because it provides the necessary lighting for safe and rapid evacuation. The aim of the present study is to assess the lighting conditions in emergency evacuations before and after interventions.
Material and Methods: The interventional study was conducted in the emergency lighting system of the control unit of a power plant. Firstly, the study assessed the emergency lighting levels, individuals' evacuation speed, visibility of signs along the escape route, and the ability to identify escape routes. These items were assessed during a simulated electrical system failure scenario using recorded movement speeds from night vision cameras and a designed checklist. Secondly, necessary interventions, including the installation of fluorescent tapes, were carried out in the emergency exit routes, and finally a reassessment was conducted after a two-week interval from the intervention.
Results: The results indicated a significant difference in the evacuation time before and after the intervention. The post-intervention evacuation time had a significant decrease (P-value < 0.0001). The mean evacuation time decreased from 38.8 ± 10.4 seconds before the corrective action to 27.7 ± 8.66 seconds after the intervention. Additionally, a significant difference in the assessment of the escape route was observed between pre- and post-intervention. The mean assessment score of routes increased from 18.6 ± 1.56 before the intervention to 22.5 ± 2.1 after the corrective action. The mean illumination intensity of the escape route pre- and post-intervention was 5.52 ± 2.02 and 19.90 ± 2.47, respectively.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the modifications the design of exit routes and installation of fluorescent tapes and exit signs could improve the decision-making abilities of individuals to find and use the exit routes. Moreover, proper design of emergency exit routes can be effective in reducing congestion and alleviating stress in critical conditions. The results demonstrated individuals’ satisfaction with quickly and easily finding the exit route after the design of appropriate emergency exit route.
Material and Methods: The interventional study was conducted in the emergency lighting system of the control unit of a power plant. Firstly, the study assessed the emergency lighting levels, individuals' evacuation speed, visibility of signs along the escape route, and the ability to identify escape routes. These items were assessed during a simulated electrical system failure scenario using recorded movement speeds from night vision cameras and a designed checklist. Secondly, necessary interventions, including the installation of fluorescent tapes, were carried out in the emergency exit routes, and finally a reassessment was conducted after a two-week interval from the intervention.
Results: The results indicated a significant difference in the evacuation time before and after the intervention. The post-intervention evacuation time had a significant decrease (P-value < 0.0001). The mean evacuation time decreased from 38.8 ± 10.4 seconds before the corrective action to 27.7 ± 8.66 seconds after the intervention. Additionally, a significant difference in the assessment of the escape route was observed between pre- and post-intervention. The mean assessment score of routes increased from 18.6 ± 1.56 before the intervention to 22.5 ± 2.1 after the corrective action. The mean illumination intensity of the escape route pre- and post-intervention was 5.52 ± 2.02 and 19.90 ± 2.47, respectively.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the modifications the design of exit routes and installation of fluorescent tapes and exit signs could improve the decision-making abilities of individuals to find and use the exit routes. Moreover, proper design of emergency exit routes can be effective in reducing congestion and alleviating stress in critical conditions. The results demonstrated individuals’ satisfaction with quickly and easily finding the exit route after the design of appropriate emergency exit route.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Safety
Received: 2024/06/10 | Accepted: 2025/04/19 | Published: 2025/04/28
Received: 2024/06/10 | Accepted: 2025/04/19 | Published: 2025/04/28
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