Development of a Fuzzy Fire Risk Evaluation Model for Building Construction Sites in Hong Kong

Abstract

Earlier research works on fire risk evaluation indicated that an objective,

reliable, comprehensive, and practical fire risk evaluation model is essential

for mitigating fire occurrence in building construction sites. Nevertheless,

real empirical studies in this research area are quite limited. This journal

paper gives an account of the second stage of a research study aiming at

developing a fuzzy fire risk evaluation model for building construction sites

in Hong Kong. The empirical research findings showed that the overall fire

risk level of building construction sites is 3.6427, which can be interpreted

as “moderate risk”. Also, the survey respondents perceived that “Restrictions

for On-Site Personnel” is the most vital fire risk factor; with “Storage of

Flammable Liquids or Dangerous Goods” being the second; and “Attitude

of Main Contractor” the third. The proposed fuzzy fire risk evaluation

model for building construction sites can be used to assess the overall fire

risk level for a building construction site, and to identify improvement

areas needed. Although the fuzzy fire risk evaluation model was developed

domestically in Hong Kong, the research could be reproduced in other

nations to develop similar models for international comparisons. Such

an extension would provide a deeper understanding of the fire risk

management on building construction sites.