Area of Refuge in High-Rise Buildings (AOR)
Introduction
In emergency situations, such as fires or earthquakes, providing a safe haven within the building becomes crucial. PEC Engineering Consultancy provides advanced engineering solutions for designing and implementing Areas of Refuge (AOR) according to the highest local and international safety standards, to protect lives and ensure effective response to difficult evacuation situations.
What is an Area of Refuge?
It is a protected area within the building, designed to accommodate people who cannot use stairs or quickly leave the building during emergencies, such as the elderly, people with disabilities, or when passages are blocked due to danger. This area provides a safe and secure environment until emergency teams arrive.
When is an Area of Refuge Necessary?
- In multi-story or high-rise buildings
- When there are users with special needs
- In facilities requiring partial or temporary evacuation procedures
- Within emergency plans for commercial, residential buildings, and public facilities
Area of Refuge (AOR) System Components
- Clear directional signs to identify refuge location
- Emergency call station for communication with rescue teams
- Main control panel for monitoring requests and alerts
- Written instructions for evacuation and proper conduct
- Fire, pressure, and smoke-resistant equipment
PEC Services
- Integrated design of refuge areas in compliance with Saudi Building Code
- Site study to determine optimal locations within the building
- Integration of refuge system with comprehensive alarm and evacuation system
- Complete supervision of implementation and handover
- Updating and developing existing buildings to include effective refuge areas
Benefits of Area of Refuge
- Enhancing safety levels in high-rise buildings
- Ensuring special needs individuals are not overlooked during emergencies
- Supporting organized evacuation plans and reducing chaos
- Compliance with civil defense and occupational safety requirements
- Reducing legal risks and responsibilities for facility owners
Why Choose PEC?
- Extensive experience in emergency and safety systems
- Strict adherence to national and international codes
- Customized solutions that suit the building's nature and users
- Complete integration with other building systems to ensure comprehensive response