Question

In high-rise buildings, the method adopted to prevent ingress of smoke in an enclosed fire staircase is \underline{\hspace{2cm}}.

• A. Polarization
• B. Pressurization
• C. Perpetuation
• D. Fumigation

Hint:

Always remember: In fire staircases, pressurization = safety. Without it, smoke easily seeps into escape routes, causing casualties.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Fire Safety Challenge.
In fires, smoke inhalation is a greater hazard than flames, causing suffocation, obscuring vision, and hindering escape. High-rise building enclosed stairwells must remain smoke-free.

Step 2: Smoke Control Principle.
Smoke moves from high-pressure areas (fire zones) to low-pressure areas (stairwells). By maintaining higher air pressure within the stairwell shaft, smoke intrusion can be prevented.

Step 3: Pressurization Defined.
Pressurization is achieved by mechanical fans supplying continuous fresh air to the stairwell, ensuring: \[P_{\text{staircase}} > P_{\text{adjacent rooms}}\] This creates outward airflow from the stairwell to adjacent areas, blocking smoke entry.

Step 4: Incorrect Options Rejected.
- (A) Polarization → Electrical phenomenon, irrelevant.
- (C) Perpetuation → Means to continue, not applicable to fire safety design.
- (D) Fumigation → Chemical pest control, unrelated.

Step 5: Conclusion.
Only pressurization effectively addresses the problem.

Final Answer: \[\boxed{\text{Pressurization}}\]