The Characteristics of Blind and Visually Impaired People Evacuation in Case of Fire

Abstract

This work presents the results of a survey aimed at identification of key issues concerning the provision of fire safety of people with visual impairments). The questionnaires were passed to All Russian Association of the Blind and distributed by them to places of labour application (plant for the production of electrical appliances) of this group of disabled people. A methodology for field observations of flows movement consisting of blind and visually impaired people has been developed based on the results of this survey. This methodology takes into account not only the type of route (horizontal, inclined or door), but also the level of people awareness about the features on this route. Statistical processing of data and the regularities identified on its basis enabled us to describe the parameters of flows movement. It was found that the familiarity with egress route is a key factor for the safety of visually impaired people: if familiar route is blocked and number of abled-body staff is insufficient, evacuation would be failed.