User Manual

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Siemens Switzerland Ltd
Building Technologies Division
The fire control room of such a building should contain a ventilation control
panel from which the firechief can override any automatic controls.
Infrastructure
3.5.4. High-rise hotels
Characteristics These buildings are usually found in the heart of large cities. They are
characterized by their skyscraper appearance and usually have underground
parking areas.
General Because of their design and the extremely high concentration of people and
property, these hotels are potentially high-risk buildings.
They must conform to very stringent building standards in terms of fire resistance
and protection. High-rise buildings are usually segmented (fire
compartmentalization) and are equipped with fire doors, escape stairways and
air handling systems designed to minimize smoke-related problems.
Alarm and evacuation See regional hotels with 4 or 5 floors.
In an emergency, many people in high-rise buildings tend to feel trapped. It is
therefore essential that the information over the voice alarm system is clear and
only endangered areas are evacuated in an initial phase. Clear directions must be
given to escaping persons via live voice messages.
Toxic smoke is one of the foremost hazards in high-rise hotels. Very early smoke
detection by sensitive and reliable detectors is extremely important. Early
warning allows prompt initiation of countermeasures and possible evacuation
before dangerous situations can develop.
Other considerations
Due to their height and numerous doors, they may have extensive escape routes.
These buildings are usually inaccessible to firefighters from the outside and by
conventional means (ladders). Escape routes in such buildings are extremely
vulnerable. Since elevators are the principal means of transportation and must
not be used in case of fire, (pressurized) emergency staircases are the only
means of vacating the building in a conventional manner.
Escape routes
3.5.4-1 High-rise hotel