A Global Comparative Analysis of Means of Escape Route Regulations for Student Hostels

Educational institutions are vital in developing a country's human capital. Student hostels provided by educational institutions offer shared living spaces for students. These facilities must comply with building standards and incorporate safety features. Fire incidents in student hostels can severely impact students' lives. Tragic events, such as the 2017 fire at the Madrasah Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah in Malaysia and a similar incident in Georgetown, Guyana, underscore the critical importance of robust fire safety. The International Association for Fire Safety Science emphasises the need to enhance fire regulations, especially where significant differences exist in building codes and regulations between countries, through Agenda 2030. Therefore, this research aims to distinguish the means of escape requirements outlined in the building standards of Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and the United States for student hostels. This study employs a qualitative approach for data collection, utilising archival document evaluation and expert validation. The research compares building standards from Malaysia (UBBL 1984), the United States (NFPA 101 and NFPA 1), and the United Kingdom (The Fire Safety Regulations 2022: Approved Document B and British Standards). The collected data was analysed using content analysis by integrating passive and active fire protection measures. The study identified eight key design criteria for safe means of escape routes: travel distance, door specifications, exit requirements, staircase design, emergency systems, signage, fire-fighting provisions, and refuge areas. By comparing Malaysian regulations with those of the United Kingdom and the United States, this study offers a global perspective on fire safety in buildings, particularly regarding means of escape routes, and encourages the dissemination of best practices worldwide. This paper can potentially improve building safety regulations, specifically the means of escape, ensuring the safety and well-being of occupants in various building environments, with a specific focus on student hostels.