Underground parking garages take up minimal land in urban areas to provide convenient parking options. However, owners, residents, employees, and visitors who use underground parking should know their facility’s possible dangers. Continue reading to learn the top safety concerns in underground parking garages and how to mitigate risks.
The limited space, restricted visibility, and tight corners in parking garages can make maneuvering vehicles difficult. Pedestrians are also at risk of being struck by moving vehicles. High traffic times before and after work or event hours increase the risk of collisions.
Traffic management systems make collisions less likely. Clear signage, well-marked lanes, and posted speed limits can help improve driver awareness. Mirrors placed in areas of limited visibility, such as up and down ramps, turns, and entries and exits, can substantially improve visibility.
Security and crime are other safety concerns in underground parking garages. Unattended vehicles and limited visibility can make these parking facilities attractive targets for theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities.
Enhance security with adequate lighting throughout the garage to minimize dark areas. Surveillance cameras and security personnel can also help deter criminal activity. Finally, controlled access systems, such as key cards or security codes, can restrict unauthorized entry.
Poor ventilation in underground parking garages can lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide (CO) emissions from vehicle exhaust. CO has no odor, taste, or color. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can result in dizziness, nausea, and, in extreme cases, death.
Regular inspection and maintenance of ventilation equipment are essential for removing harmful emissions and for an influx of fresh air. Another way businesses can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning is by installing CO detectors in parking garages to provide warnings in the event of unsafe levels.
Fires in parking garages do not happen often, but without adequate protective measures, they can become devastating. Flammable materials—such as fuel and other chemicals in vehicles—combined with limited escape routes can make fires in parking garages particularly dangerous.
Underground parking garages need fire suppression systems, including sprinklers and fire extinguishers. Managers should prominently display signage indicating the locations of extinguishers, as well as fire exits and evacuation routes.
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