Proactive building fire risk management: a conceptual framework

Abstract

Purpose Proactive building fire risk management (PBFRM) emphasises taking proactive actions to identify and address potential risks, thereby enhancing safety. Many studies exist on building fire, but few focus on PBFRM. This paper aims to fill this research gap by developing a conceptual framework of PBFRM. This research systematically identifies and explores the building fire safety recommendations from the perspective of their application for this purpose. Design/methodology/approach Within the scope of this research, a total of 109 articles were selected systematically following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol, followed by their comprehensive review with respect to the research objectives. Findings The identified recommendations were categorised and explained based on their purposes for PBFRM. They include inherent safety and prevention; detection and warning; control; emergency response; risk assessment and management; and addressing vulnerabilities and enhancing capacity. The findings of this research indicate that the identified recommendations contribute to preventing or mitigating building fire and exposure, addressing vulnerabilities for risk reduction and enhancing the capacity to manage residual risk. Originality/value The research findings, along with the recommended future research, will be valuable to policymakers and practitioners in the building fire safety sector. They will help enhance relevant policies and practices to further strengthen the application of building fire safety recommendations for implementing PBFRM. These findings and their implications will thus proactively address the risks associated with building fire incidents, thereby reinforcing building fire safety.