TO

PROTECTION INMALAYSIA
Editor

Dato' HamzahBin Abu Bakar

DirectorGeneral Fire and RescueDepartment Mataysia

This book is published by: The Institutionof Fire Engineers (uK) MalaysiaBranch(IFEM) lnAssociation with: Fire and RescueDepartment Malaysia(JBpM) Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (pAM) Institutionof Engineers (lEM) Malaysia Associationof GonsultingEngineers Malaysia(AGEM)
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by: This book is published @ The Institution of Fire Engineers (UK) Malaysia Branch (IFEM) TamanBukitAnggerik, Cheras,56000Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia 28 Jalan31154, +603-9101 +603-9101 2255 Fax: 7700 Tel: Web: www.ife.org.my Email:info@ife.org.my Firstedition:October1999 Reprint: January2000 Secondedition:March2006 All rightsreserved. No partof thispublication maybe reproduced or transmitted in anyformor by any means photocopying including and recording, without the writtenpermission of the copyright holders, application fc permission whichshould be addressed to the publisher. Suchwritten mustalsobe obtained before any partc is stored in a retrieval thispublication system of any nature. Everyefforthas beenmadeto ensure the information in this guideis as accurate as possible. This subjet matteris complex and constantly changing, thusthe professionals parties or otherinterested are advised t, problems. whenfaced seekexpert advice withspecific

Graphics andEditing : YC Creative CoverDesign :www.yccreative.com Printed : YCDPrint Price : RM80.00 tsBN 98308{95_0

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This book has been made possiblethroughthe smart partnership betweenThe Institution of Fire Engineers(UK) MalaysiaBranch (IFEM) and the Fire and Rescue Department Mataysia(JBpM) as well as professional bodies, namely, Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM), Institution of Engineers Malaysia(lEM) and Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM).

1st Edition(October1999)
Main Working Committee 1. Prof.DatukDr Soh Chai Hock 2. PPjBTuan HjZurkarnainbin Mohd Kassim 3. PPjB EdwinGalanTeruki 4. PgBA. Veerasundar 5. PgB K C. Rajinder Kumar 6. lr Chen Thiam Leong 7. Ar Paul Lai Chu 8. Ar Chee Soo Teng 9. lr Thin ChoonChai 10. lr Wong See Foong 11. MrTay Hao Giang 12. lr FuadAbas Sub-Committee 1. PgkBMohdHusainbinAhmadTakin 2. PgB Hamdanbin Ali 3. ArAinonbtAli 4. Ar Chong Lee Siong 5. Ar Hui SheahMing 6. Ar Ng Kim Teh 7. lr Wong Kian Lon 8. Mr Wong Kin Wing 9. lr Wong Shu Leong 10. Mr Lock Peng Wei DirectorGeneral,JBPM JBPM JBPM JBPM JBPM ACEM PAM PAM IEM IEM IFEM/MFPA UPM

JBPM JBPM PAM PAM PAM PAM ACEM ACEM ACEM ACEM

2nd Edition(March2006)
Working Gommittee 1. Dato Hamzahbin Abu Bakar 2. Dato Wan Mohd Nor bin tbrahim 3. PKPjBSoimanJahid 4. PKPAhmad lzram bin Osman 5. TPjB MohammedHamdanWahid 6. PKP HjZurkarnianbin Mohd Kassim 7. Mr Tay Hao Giang B. Ar Chee Soo Teng 9. lr ChenThiamLeong 10. lr WongSee Foong 11. Ar Chong Lee Siong 12. N LooCheeKeong DirectorGeneral,JBPM JBPM JBPM JBPM JBPM JBPM IFEM PAM ACEM IEM PAM PAM

It is my pleasureto pen this forewordfor the second edition of the "Guide to Fire protection in Malaysia". I am especially pleasedto note that this publication by The Institution of Fire Engineers (UK) MalaysiaBranchis a productof joint effortbetweenIFEM, the Fire and Rescue Department Malaysiaand the key players in the Fire and Safety Engineeringprofessionals. This fire safety engineeringGuide book reflects the shared vision between the Fire and Safety Engineering Professionals with the Governmentof Malaysia in respect of the importanceof transparency, constantimprovement, innovation and smart partnerships. This "Guide" is an invaluablesource of referenceto all those who are involved in Fire Safety Engineeringand fire protectionindustry.Be it students,academicians, practicing professionals, -rnanufacturers, local authorities,Fire and Rescue Departmentpersonnels,fire equipment suppliersor contractors. The second edition of the "Guide to Fire protectionin Malaysia,, will clarifythe intentand interpretation of the Fire Safetyaspectsof the UniformBuildingBy-lawsto all the users, and in so doing, bring about consistency and efficiencyin the industryto benefitthe membersof the public. In this age of globalization, it is imperative that we all embracechangesas a way of life. lt is also inevitable that we also have to evolve new legislation to take into consideration the understanding of fire science and technologywhich requires a rethink of conventional solutionsto fire safety for now and the future. once again' I wish to congratulateDato HamzahAbu Bakar, Director General of the Fire and RescueDepartment Malaysia, his able officersand the team of dedicatedlocal professionals frorn The Institutionof Fire Engineers (UK) Malaysia Branch (IFEM), pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM), Associationof ConsultingEngineersMalaysia (ACEM) and lnstitutionof Engineers Malaysia(lEM) on their commendable effortsin bringingthis second Editionof the ,,Guide to Fire Protection in Malaysia" to fruition.

Y.B. DATO'SERI ONG KA TING Ministerof Housingand LocalGovernment

As we move towards acquiring Developed Nation Status, it is essential that in forging ahead to achieve the necessarybenchmarks, we do not forget to continuedevelopingand enhancingour existing infrastructure. Just as new Standardsand Codes are being writtenfor the Buildinglndustry, existingStandards, Guides and Codes have to be reviewed to catch up with changing trends, technology and knowledge. The effort by The lnstitutionof Fire Engineers(UK) MalaysiaBranch and the Fire and Rescue Department in updatingthe 2nd Editionof "Guideto Fire Protection in Malaysia"is commendable, taken into considerationthe time and effort contributedby all authors, officers and the fire safety engineeringprofessionals over the last few years. Among the changes are - Chapters 15 on Smoke Control System that has been updated with the publicationof the latest MalaysianStandards 1780; entire passive Fire protectionSystem chapter illustrationshas been upgraded from 2-dimensionalto 3-dimensionaldiagrams for ease of understandinglActiveFire ProtectionSystem chapter 5 on Portable Fire Extinguishershad been rewrittenwith the introductionof PerformanceBased MalaysianStandard 1539. The "Guideto Fire Protection in Malaysia" entailsdesignconcepts, standardand code, guidelines, charts,diagramsand illustrations, systemcheck list, testingand commissioning check lists which are very comprehensivefor any fire safety engineering professionals,fire officers and industrial players.This will serve as a common platformfor all fire industrypractitionersto obtain a common understanding and interpretation of the Uniform BuildingBy-laws. Hence, I will like to congratulate and thank all parties concerned for their meticulous effort in making it possible the publication of the 2nd edition of "Guide to Fire protection in Malaysia". Specialcreditshouldgo to Yang Berbahagia (Professor) Datuk(Dr.)Soh Chai Hock (Hon. FlFireE) for initiatingthis project and the Chief Editor for the first edition of "Guide to Fire protection to Malaysia" I will like to express my sincere gratitudeto Yang Berhormat Dato' Seri Ong Ka Ting, Minister of Housingand Local Government, who has been instrumental and supportiveof Fire and Rescue Department'smission in pursuing world class excellencenot only in fire and rescue operation but also in the fonnrard directionof fire safety engineeringfield of technicalstudies and applications.

DATO'HAMZAH BINABU BAKAR Director General Fireand Rescue Department Malaysia

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Forewordby YB Dato'Seri Ong Ka Ting Minister of Housing& LocalGovernment 1.

2. 3. 3.1. 3.2. 3.3. 3.4. 3.5. 3.6. 3.7. 3.8. 3.9.

VI

Preface by Director GeneralJBPM Dato'Hamzah bin Abu Bakar Introduction BasicGoncepts of Fire Science& the BuildingConstruction
Understanding Fire Science lgnition, GroMh and Development of Fire Principles of Fire Propagation Fire Protection in Buildings Fire Hazards Assessment Good BuildingDesignwith Fire SafetyMeasures Existing Structure and Historical Buildings Fire and The Law Conclusion

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4.
4.1. 4.1.1. 4.1.2. 4.1.3. 4.1.4. 4.2. 4.2.1. 4.2.2. 4.2.3. 4.2.4. 4.3. 4.3.1. 4.3.2. 4.3.3. 4.3.4. 4.3.5. 4.3.6. 4.3.7. 4.3.8. 4.4. 4.4.1. 4.4.2. 4.4.3. 4.4.4. 4.4.5. 4.4.6. 4.4.7.

PassiveFire Protection
PurposeGroups Purpose Groupsand Compartments ShoppingCentresand Shop Compartments Atriums MixedUse Buildings Fire Appliance Access DesignNotes AccessConsiderations PerimeterApplianceAccess lllustrations HydrantLocations Walls and Floors PartyWalls Recessand Chases Separating / Compartment Walls and Floors Stagesin Placesof Assembly Horizontal and Vertical Barriersof the ExternalWall ProtectedServiceShafts Cladding on External Wall Reference to SixthSchedule Means of Escape ExplanatoryNotes BasicPrinciples of Design Meansof Escape Measurement of TravelDistanceto Exits Arrangement of StoreyExits Staircases SmokeLobbies

10

20

28

47

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4.4.8. 4.4.9. 4.4.10. 4.4.11. 4.4.12. 4.5.

Building with SingleStaircase Protection for ExternalEscapeStaircase Handraits EscapeProvisionComputation Seating in Placesof Assembty Rules of Measurement 16

Appendix1 Specifications oJ FireAppliancesfor the Purposeof Designingfor FireAccess for Fire RescueVehicles Active Fire protectionSystem 5. 5.1. 5.2.
5.3.

at

89 90

PortableFire Extinguishers Description Design Requirements

VisualInspection Checklist

6. 6.1. 6.2. 6.3. 6.4. 6.5. 6.6. 6.7. 7. 7.1. 7.2. 7.3. 7.4. 7.5. 8. 8.1. 8.2. 8.3. 8.4. 8.5. 8.6. 8.7. 9. 9.1. 9.2. 9.3. 9.4. 9.5. 9.6. 9.7.

External Fire Hydrant System Description Design Requirements TestRequirements Maintenance Requirements Design Checklist Visual Inspection Checklist Testing andCommissioning Checklist Hose Reel System Description Design Requirements Design Checktist Visual Inspection Checklist Testing andCommissioning Checklist Dry Riser System Description Design Requirements TestRequirements Maintenance Requirements Design Checklist Visual Inspection Checklist Testing andCommissioning Checklist Wet Riser System Description Design Requirements TestRequirements Maintenance Requirements Design Checklist Visual Inspection Checklist Testing andCommissioning Checklist

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105

fij

115

IX

10. . 10.1
10.2. 10.3. 10.4. 10.5. 10.6. 10.7. 11. 11.1. 11.2. 11.3. 11.4. 11.5. 11.6. . 11.7 12. 12.1. 12.2. 12.3. 12.4. 12.5. 13. 13.1. 13.1.1. 13.1.2. .3. 13.1 13.2. 13.2.1. 13.2.2. 13.2.3. 13.2.4. 13.3. 13.3.1. 13.3.2. 13.3.3. 13.3.4. 13.4. 13.4.1. 13.4.2. 13.4.3. 13.4.4.

System Downcomer DescriPtion

Requirements Design TestRequirements Requirements Maintenance Checklist Design Checklist Inspection Visual Checklist andCommissioning Testing Automatic Sprinkler System DescriPtion DesignRequirements TestRequirements MaintenanceRequirements Checklist Design lnspection Checklist Visual Checklist andCommissioning Testing Automatic GOz Extinguishing System Description DesignRequirements Design Checklist Checklist Visual lnspection Checklist andCommissioning Testing Automatic Fire Detection and Alarm System General Concept System Requirements Design Checklist Design Equipment Controland Indicative Concept DesignRequirements andCommissioning Testing DesignChecklist AudioandVisualAlarm Concept DesignRequirements andCommissioning Testing DesignChecklist ManualcallPoints(MCP) Concept DesignGuidelines andCommissioning Testing Checklist

123

128

142

151 152

155

159

161

13.5. FireDetectors 13.5.1. Concept 13.5.2. DesignGuidelines 13.5.3. Testing andCommissioning 13.5.4. Checktist 13.6. PowerSupply 13.6.1. Concept 13.6.2. DesignRequirements 13.6.3. Testing andCommissioning 13.6.4. Checklist 13.7. 13.7.1. 13.7.2. 13.7.3. 13.7.4. Gables and Wirings Concept DesignRequirements Testing and Commissioning Checktist

162

167

173

13.8. VoiceAtarmSystem(VAS) 13.8.1. Concept 13.8.2. DesignRequirements 13.8.3. Testing andCommissioning 13.8.4. Checktist 14. 14.1. 14.2. 14.3. 14.4. 14.5. 14.6. 14.7. 14.8. 14.9. 15. 15.1 . 15.2. 15.3. 15.4. 15.5. 16. 10.1. 16.2. 16.3. 16.4. 16.5. 16.6. PressurisationSystem in Buildings Description Design Requirements System Component pressurisation Types of Staircase System Design Typesof Lift Lobbypressurisation System Design TestRequirements Design and Installation Checklist Calculation procedures Testing and Commissioning Smoke Gontrolsystem Using Natural(Displacementlorpowered (Extracted)Ventilation Description Design Requirements Applications Calculation procedures Testing and Commissioning Fire Lift Description Design Requirements TestingRequirements Maintenance Requirements Design Checktist Testing andCommissioning Checklist

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199

223

XI

17. 17.1.
17.2 17.3. 17.4. 17.5. 17.6. 17.7.

PowerSYstem Emergency DescriPtion

DesignRequirements TestRequirements MaintenanceRequirements DesignChecklist Checklist VisualInspection Checklist and Commissioning Testing

229

18.
18.1. 18.2. 18.3. 18.4. 18.5. 18.6. 18.7. 18.8. 18.9. 18.10.

- Performance BasedApproach Fire Engineering

ConcePt DesignRequirements Fire SafetyEngineerRequirements - Performance BasedApproach Scopeof Fire Engineering Application BasedApproach Performance of Fire Engineering Exclusion (FEPB) Report Based Fire Engineering Performance Approval Peer Reviewer Decision Legallmplication

239

19.
19.1. 19.2. 19.3. 19.4. 19.5. 19.6. 19.7. 18.8.

(MICS) Incident CommandStructure Malaysian

Introduction UnifiedCommandand Control "lCS" OperationRequirements The Main and Operation Organisation ResponsePlan Emergency Industrial Facility BulletPointsin ERP Strategies Conclusion

245

20. 20.1.
20.2. 20.3. 20.4. 20.5. 20.6. 20.7. 20.8. 20.9. 20.10. 20.11. 20.12. 20.13. 20.14. 20.15.

Fire ServicesAct 1988(ACT341) lntroduction

of theAct Preamble Department of FireServices Establishment of the FireServices Duties andResponsibilities FireHazard Compounding Abatement of Fire-Hazard Order Prohibitory Activity Orderto Cease Closing Order Power of FireOfficers Special of FireOfficers Protection Act The FireServices MadeUnder Regulation Penalty Conclusion

253

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Historical Background - tJniform Building By-taws 1gg4 (UBBL 1gg4)

2.1 INTRODUCTION
In the early 50's it was very difficultfor architects, engineersand buildingdesignersto submit standarddesign buildingplans to the variouslocal authorities and districtcouncilsin the country. In 1957, the Federationof Malaya Society of Architects- predecessorof pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia(PAM) approachedthe Ministryof Natural Resourcesand Local Government(Ministry o f H o u s i n ga n d L o c a l G o v e r R m e n t t )o u p d a t e t h e U n i f o r m B u i l d i n gB y l a w s t o r e p t a c et h e various outdated LocalCouncilBuildingBy-lawsand SanitaryBoardsOrdinances. The updatingof the UniformBy-lawswas not given priorityuntil May 1969 when the National S e c u r i t yC o u n c i ld i r e c t e dt h e s t a n d i n gc o m m i t t e e st o u p d a t e t h e U B B L f o r i m m e d i a t e implementation. The Kuala Lumpur Municipal(Building)(Amendment) By-laws 1975 was gazettedand between October 1976 - October 1977 a special UniformBuildingand Municipal(Building)(Amendment) By-laws 1985 was drafted. The standingcommitteessought clarification and advice from various professionalbodies such as Fire OfficersCommittee(FOC) UnitedKingdom- predecessor of Loss preventionCouncil(LpC), AmericanSocietyof Heating,Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers(ASHRAE),Standards Institution of Australia(AS),Department of Environment of UnitedKingdomand other international bodies.The first draft of the UBBL was publishedunder GovernmentBill No. 1065 dated 5 April 1973 and was submittedto the Ministrybased on the result of the submissionsreceived.The presentUBBL was published by the government in 1984for implementation.

2.2 FIRE SAFETY PHILOSOPHY. UBBL 1984 Life Safety is Ultimate in Building Design C h a p t e r s7 a n d 8 o f t h e U B B L 1 9 8 4 a r e o n " F i r e R e q u i r e m e n t s " T . h e s t a n d i n gc o m m i t t e e recommended that life safetyof occupantsof buildingsmust be the prime consideration and this can be achievedby minimumfire protectionin respect of the various basic aspects of: . Meansof escapefor the occupants. ' spread of fire withinthe buildingand from one building to another . Meansof detection and extinguishment of fires. The safetyof life is the ultimateprinciple of fire safetyin a building.In case of a fire in the building, the immediatehazardis to the occupants and whilststructural fire protection can be precisely defined,the requirement of adequatemeans of escape is an inexactscienceand may vary in different types of occupancy, usage,process,heightand types of buildings. Means of escape for high-risebuildingscan pose new challenges to buildingdesignswhere the occupantsmust be protectedwithin the structure.To protectoccupantsfrom within,the fire must be kept small and personsin the fire area must be able to move to a safe locationwithinthe high-rise structure.

It is probablynot practicalto design buildingsthat under no circumstances will any occupantbe trapped in case of fire. lt is also not possibleto secure absolutesafety in buildings,generally becauseof human failureto maintainthe fire protection installations or to do the right things right when an emergencyarises.The Architects, Engineers and buildingdesigners are therefore faced with the constraints of balancinglife safety and fire integrityagainstpracticality, aestheticdesign and the fire regulations. Whilst it is not always possibleto achieve all the requiredfire precautionary principlesin old structures or existingbuildings, they can be appliedin new buildings. The largerthe space, the greateris the potentialarea, the greaterthe potential fire risks and the greaterthe likelyfire loss should a fire break out. lt is often necessaryto increasethe height of buildings in order to obtaina profitable returnon the investments and everyinchof the floor area is in consequence highlyvalued.

2.3 BUILDING CONSIDERED AS A WHOLE Passive andActiveFireProtection

Passivefire protection is basically a planning matterand must be considered at the planning stagein the buildingdesign in terms of mitigationof fire hazardand fire risk. The selectionof fire resiiting rnaterials, sub divisionof the buildinginto fire-tightcells or compartments both verticallyand horizontally to containan outbreakof fire and spread of smoke heat and toxic fume are baslc precautions at the planning stage. Effective passive fire precautionsrepresentgood planning, good design and sound construction, which could complement otherbasicfunctions of a building. Active fire protection is basically the manual or automatic fire protection systems such as: fire alarms,detectors(heat & smoke)rising mains, hose reels,fire telephones, COz fixed installation, automatic sprinklersand smoke spills system etc. to give a warning of an outbreakof fire and the containment and extinguishment of a fire.The provisions of adequateand suitable facilities to assist rescue and fire suppressionoperationsare also within the active fire defence strateqies.

2.4THENEWCHALLENGES
Safety Philosophy"of the MalaysianUniformBuildingBy-laws 1984 where life safety is the first consideration.The fire preventionand operationalrequirementsfor both externaland internalfire suppressionmust be consideredtogether. lt must also be possiblefor the fire fightersto operate at any pointin the buildings. Facilities must be builtintothe buildings to enablethe firefighters to reach the top-mostfloors and carry out rescue and internalfire suppressionoperations.

Theoverall fire defence strategies for development projects in Malaysia are based on the "Fire

The world's tallesttwin towers (KLCC),the Kuala Lumpur International Airport,Kuala Lumpur Tower and other mega projects have created new challenges to the Architects, Engineers and buildingdesignersand Malaysian fire fighters.When these mega projectswere proposed,the professionals had to venturebeyondthe perimeter of the "Uniform Building By-laws 1gg4"and adopt international fire safety guides and practicesincluding"Fire Safety Engineering Approach"and "Performance Based Criteria".

manyprojects and highrise buildings visited officers and fire prevention designers The building Fire were also held with variousFire Strategists, discussions the world.Technical throughout FireCodes the mostappropriate to determine Institutions and Test Laboratories Standard Chiefs, 1984. By-laws Building of the Uniform withinthe framework to be adopted coverabroadrange codes, allinternationalbuilding By-laws 1984, similarto Building The Uniform reflect newtechnology, to adequately buttheycannotbe expected and useconditions of buildings conditions. or occupancy building in design andunique innovation experience, relevant recent 1984empowers the By-laws Building By-law 245of the Uniform suchconditions, To address to the to acceptalternative Malaysia, General of the Fireand RescueDepartment Director that the to demonstrate is provided evidence in the codewheresufficient contained requirements performance. provide proposed or better will equivalent alternative and the concept of on fire protection a clearerunderstanding It is hopedthat this bookwill provide professionals fire officers, practice to building owners, goodfireengineering and designstrategies principles By-law1984. Building of Uniform in linewiththe fundamental andstudents

FIRESCIENCE 3.1UNDERSTANDING
in minutesand kill Fire is essentiallya chemicalreactionknown as combustion.lt can spread how it can spread can help of fire and understanding in seconds. Knowing the characteristics safety and property Architects, Engineers and other professionalsto formulate strategieson life protection in buildingdesigns. REACTION'This Four factorsare neededto starta fire FUEL,OXYGEN,HEAT and CHEMICAL 'Fire a very unchecked, to spread is allowed reaction lf this chemical Tetrahedron'. is knownas the smallfirewill quicklydevelopinto an infernoand becomecatastrophic' A: Fire Tetrahedron Diagram

Let us remember righttime."

'The world's largest fires can be extinguishedby pouring a cup of water at the

the chemicalchain by removingone of the factors in inhibiting A fire can easily be extinguished pouring water on the fire heat by remove can we reactionof the combustionprocess. For example foam' or blanket fire a or removingthe fuel or cuttingoff oxygensupplyby using

OF FIRE AND DEVELOPMENT GROWTH 3.2 IGNITION,

Diagram B: Stages of Fire Development

T m p r
t

(STAGE3) FullyDevelopFire

u e
(STAGE1) GroMh Time Slow rateof burning of heat Development and flames Fire Dies Out

(srAGE 4)
Decay

fire curveof a typical The time/temperature

IGNITION- A processin which fuel reactswith oxygento give heat and light GROWTH- A fire once startedcan grow rapidlyas it createsthe conditions for its own growth. I n a n e n c l o s e dc o m p a r t m e n t a , c r i t i c a ls t a g e m a y b e r e a c h e dw h e r e a l l t h e c o m b u s t i o n materialsare heated to flammableconcentrations of gases and the fire suddenly flashes "flashover" throughout the whole compartment this is knownas a - The fire passesthrougha development DEVELOPMENT stage after the initialgroMh. During this stagethe fire temperature increases slowly.Howeverthe fire continuesto spreadinto other areas,which then in turn continues the processof rapid initialgroMh and development. DECAY - ln the decay stage,the fire will burn itselfout due to lack of fuel or oxygen. FUEL LOAD - The amountof available and potentially combustible materials to fuel the fire. FLASHOVER- Simultaneous ignitionof all combustiblein an enclosedarea. Flashoveroccurs when the majorityof the surface in a space are heated to the point at which they give off gasesthat are hot enoughto sustaincombustion. flammable

3.3 PRINCIPLES OF FIRE PROPAGATION

Through natural laws, heat and smoke will travel from hotter to cooler areas by any of the three methods: - More than 75 per cent of the combustion productsof a fire, eg. smoke, burning CONVECTION particles,toxic gases are dissipatedin rising convectioncurrents of hot gases at temperaturesof 800 - 1000"C.lt willcreatea "mushroom effect",when the risingconvection currentis blocked,eg. by undersideof floor or ceiling. lt can also smokelogescape routes and prevent escape. RADIATION- Radiantheat is transmitted to all buildings that is adjacent or materials to and not the passes fire. lt is the transfer of heat energy as electromagnetic waves. Radiation through normal glass windowseasily,and buildings with many or large windows are more likelyto spreadfire to other buildings. - The movement CONDUCTION via excitation of heatthroughmaterials of molecules eg. metalsare better conductorsof heat than stones. Conductedheat can travel through partitions,floors, ceiling, walls, to adjacentrooms, especially through metal piping, metal frames and joists. Combustible materialsor internal linings of adjacent rooms can be heated to their ignitiontemperatureby conductedheat.

3.4 FIREPROTECTION IN BUILDINGS A totalfiresafety fire. system for anyhighrisebuilding integrity during mustinclude structural
Structuralfailure when occupants are stillin the building The qualityof workmanship is catastrophic. and the sustainability and durability of the buildingmaterialsand systemsrequireclose attention. The UBBL 1984 requiresall buildingsto have minimumstructuralintegritybased on its usage. Elementsof construction degreeof can only be effectiveas fire breaks if they have the necessary fire resistance. The three criteriaof fire resistance are:

to resistor inhibitthe heat. The abilityof an elementof construction INSULATION: properties its shapeand structural to maintain The abilityof an elementof construction INTEGRITY: the passageof flames and hot gases. and at the same time preventing integrity to maintainoverallstructural STABILITY:The abilityof an elementof construction is to preventthe spread of heat and smoke from the fire protection role of structural The principal parts The best way to controlspread of fire is early detection of the building. fire to other seat of and extinguishment and a reliableway of achievingthis is by installinga system and good housekeeping.

3.5 FIRE HAZARDS ASSESSMENT Main factors contributingto fire hazard: . The amountof combustible present. materials . The potential value. heat outputof these materialsin a fire, i.e..their calorific . The surfaceareas- most materials burn at or near their surfaces. . The potential heat source. . Airflowcondition air supplythat sustaincombustion. and unrestricted . The design and constructionof a building can have as much or even more effect on the of a fire than the contentsof the building. development The Architector Engineerhave to assess the fire hazard of the buildingarisingfrom its usage, locationand sit ing, area volume and height,number of people in the buildingand mobilityof its designand construction. occupants, materialswhen burnt,will producesome asphyxiating Fire tests have proventhat all combustible or poisonousgases and nearly all produce smoke which hindersvision. Many plasticmaterials for building consultants to producehighlypoisonous vapoursand very dense smoke.lt is important include: These into the building. beforeinstalling checkon the featuresof certainmaterials . Susceptibility to heat,smoke and water damage. . The potential burningdroplets- skylightetc. for producing . lssue of repairafterthey have been in a fire. . lssue of maintenance and replacement.

3.6GOODBUILDING DESIGN WITHFIRESAFETY MEASURES

' Provideadequatefire appliancesaccess, fire hydrantsand other facilitiesto assist fire and rescuepersonnel. ' P r o v i d ea d e q u a t ef i x e d i n s t a l l a t i o n , w h e r e a p p r o p r i a t e f, o r q u i c k a n d e f f e c t i v ed e t e c t i o n and extinguishment of fires. ' Designing and installing buildingservicesso that they do not assistthe spreadof fire, smoke or toxic fumes. Designing and providing adequateand safe escaperoutesfor the occupantsof the building. Selectingmaterialsfor the construction which will not promote the rapid spread of fire or generatedangerous smoke and poisonous gases. Subdividing buildings into compartments of reasonable sizes by means of fire resisting walls and floors, providingfire stops to protectopeningsbetween floors and compartments. Designingand constructing the exteriorof a buildingso that fire is unlikelyto spread to it from anotherburningbuilding.

3.7EXISTING STRUCTURE AND HISTORICAL BUILDINGS

It is normallyquite straightforwardfor Architectsand Engineersto comply with the various fire protection requirements for new buildings. However,it is often difficult for any buildingdesignerto meet all the legislative requirements on fire protection when it comes to upgradingof old buildings. Fire preventionofficersand professionals should thereforealways attempt to achieve a reasonable levelof fire precaution for theirbuildings to ensureadequate safetyto occupants. For examplereduce fire resistance of timberstructures in historical buildings could be compensated by increased/extra provision of direction deviceand alarmstogetherwith extra fire suspension systems.

3.8 FIREAND THELAW

Architects and Engineers must rememberthat the fire safetyregulations in Malaysiaare based on international norms to protectlife. However,some of the fire safety provisionsin the UBBL 1984 and the Fire ServicesAct 19BBwill also offer protection to buildings and their contentsas well as fire fighters.A sectionin this book providedetailrequirements of the Fire ServicesAct 19gg. The UBBL 1984 and the Fire ServicesAct 19BBshould not be read in isolation, but shoutdbe read in conjunction with all relevantMalaysian and lnternational legislations and standards.

3 . 9C O N C L U S T ON
When considering fire protection measures for buitdings, it is important to understand that the safety of occupants and fire fightersare interrelated, and thal designsolutionshouldaddressthe effectof fire, smoke and toxicfumes in totalitv.

4.1 PURPOSE GROUPS 4.1.1Purpose Groups And Compartments in accordance withina building or compartments buildings purposeGroups(By-law134)categorise The Schedule' the Fifth with accordance in use dominant usage or the with their uses/intended fundamental part is a building of a or a building intendeduse or occupancy(PurposeGroup) of minimum of the relevantsectionsof the Uniform BuildingBy-laws in establishing consideration levelof life safetyof the users that need to be compliedin orderto achievea satisfactory standards or occupants. PurposeGroup.In that event, for its designated exceedthe physicalsize allowable Some buildings to limitthe spread of reasons for Fire Safety management it is dividedinto smallercompartments a building,designedto accommodate fire and to restrictthe movementof smoke. Alternatively, each be dividedinto compartments can Groups Purpose different fall under that activities different considered to be fire safety compartment's each enable to activity housingits own PurposeGroup when used in with the differenttypes of usage.A compartment in relationto the risks associated part which building of a or space volumetric delineated this Fire Safetycontextdenotesa physically floors or by walls or compartment is separatedfrom all other parts by one or more compartment such walls and floors. be dictatedby the use or fire hazardspresentedby any buildingwill predominantly The anticipated by Group).This is influenced the nature(residential, is put to (Purpose purposeto whichthe building as well as the typesof material and levelof occupancyof the buildings workingor publicgathering) For example,warehouses with that type of occupancy. fire loads used in connection or anticipated as well occupants of anticipated number the it comes to when stores greatly from department differ to ensure fire requirements the minimum Consequently, fire load of their contents. as the potential resistance fire compartments, permissible of volume safetysuch as meansof escapefor occupants, walls,level of fire detectionand fire fightingsystemsare directly relatedto ratingof compartment usagegroupsin turn form provisions to the different relating Thesedifferent theseusagegroupings. And RescueDepartment Fire the and Engineers or Architects as such for both designers the basis as well as the minimum passive requirements safety minimum the of Malaysia(JBPM)to establish the UBBL. to complywith necessary fire safetyinstallations of Purpose Groups) in the UBBL (By-law 134, 138) lists the The Fifth Schedule (Designation of each designatedPurposeGroup. Generally,PurposeGroups l, respectiveusage description and groups Residentialelement where there is sleepingaccommodation with a ll and lll cover no with usage cover Groups five Purpose remaining extradangerin the eventof fire. The therefore (See Appendix1) sleepingaccommodation. The Second Table in the Fifth Schedule (By-law 136) lists the physicaldimensionallimits or parameters (height, area and volume) permissiblefor each building or compartmentin the PurposeGroups.(See Appendix2) respective arrivedat in turn becomesthe basisfor checkingfor compliance The PurposeGroup designation Limitsof areas of Fire Safety.These are containedin the Sixth Schedule(Permitted with different Travel Maximum covering Schedule 145), the Seventh 142 and By-laws Openings Unprotected Capacity And Load of Occupant Calculation and 170tbl) 167t11, 166t21, (By-laws 165t41, Distances of Flame (Restriction the EighthSchedule 170[c],171[c),175), Of Exits(By-laws167121,168t21, 204,206), the NinthSchedule(LimitsOf Compartments SpreadOver Walls and Ceilings-By-laws - By-laws143[3],147,158L11' For Elementsof Structure And MinimumPeriodsOf Fire Resistance Alarm For Fire Extinguishment and the Tenth Schedule(TableOf Requirements 162,213,216121) the of UBBL. Lighting By-laws226111,23711)) SystemsAnd Emergency

10

FIFTH SCHEDULE OF UBBL NumberOf PurposeGroup I DescriptiveTitle Small residential

Purpose for which building or compartment is intended to be used Privatedwellinghousedetachedor semidetached (not including a flat or terracehouse) not comprisingmore than (1) a groundstorey;(2) one upperstorey;and (3) a basemenstoreyor basementstoreys Hospital, schoolor othersimilarestablishment used as livingaccommodation for, or for treatment.care or maintenance of, personssuffering from disabilities due to illness or old age or otherphysicalormentaldisability or underthe age of 5 years,where such personssleep in the premises Accommodation for residential purposeotherthan any premisescomprisedin groups I and ll Office,or premisesused for office purposes,meaning therebythe purposesof administration, clericalwork (including writing,book-keeping, sortingpapers,filing, typing, duplicating, machine-calculating, drawingand the editorialpreparationof matter for publication), handling moneyand telephone and telegraph operating Shop,or shop premises, meaning therebypremises not beinga shop but used for the carrying on thereof retail tradeor business (including the sale to membersof the publicof food or drink for immediateconsumption, retailsalesby auction, the business of lendingbooks or periodicals for the purposeof grin,and the business o f a b a r b e ro r h a i r d r e s s e r a ) n d p r e m i s e st o w h i c h members of the public are invited to resort for the purposeof delivering their goods for repairor other treatmentor of themselvescarryingour repairsto or othertreatment of goods Factorymeansall premisesas definedin section2 of the Factories and Machinery Act 1967,but excluding t h o s eb u i l d i n g s classified u n d e r p u r p o s eg r o u p V l l l - storageand genera. Place, publicor private, whether usedfor the attendance o f p e r s o n sf o r o r i n c o n n e c t i o n with theirsocial, recreational, educational, businessor other activities. and not comprised withingroups I to Vl

lnstitutional

ill

Otherresidential Office

IV

Shop

VI

Factory

vil

Placeof assembly

vill

Storageand general Place for storage,deposit or parkingof goods and materials (including vehicles), and otherpremises not comprisedin groups I to Vll

11

of the Tenth Schedule,it is generallyacceptedthat the of the application ln the interpretation portion(apartments and flats)is excludedfrom consideration. residential of the UBBL allows heightof different Of Buildings) ln mixed use buildings,By-law 215121(Height (measuredin accordance with considered to be individually within a singlebuilding compartments when the compartments with the Sixthto Tenth Schedules By-law135 of the UBBL) in compliance verticalplanes.(See Diagram4.1.4.1). are separatedby continuous of Sprinklershave over time been provento be a most effectiveform of fire control.The effectiveness fire suppression and containmentsystem as an early (coupled with detectors) sprinklers automatic time which occupantshave to make their way to safety (By-law in effectextendsthe evacuation fire beforeit gets out of controlis recognised. and containing in suppressing 136).This effectiveness which and compartments for areasand volumesin buildings the limitsof dimensions Consequently, are allowedto be doublethat of buildingsor compartments with automaticsprinklers are installed buildings. to reflectthe reducedrisks in sprinkled not fittedwith sprinklers 4.1.2 Shopping Centres And Shop Compartments Single DepartmentStore buildingsdevelopedand evolvedthrough retail and design innovations into buildingswhere several stores or shops open onto and are linked by a covered or roofed over "street"that combined the circulationpaths for means of egress with pedestrianroutes.Within this mall can be found a mixture of large stores or users termed Anchor Tenants (like a Department Store within a mall or complex) and smaller shops that open onto the mall. lt is generally expected that within this mall will be a mixture of other uses such as food courts and cinemas amusementarcades.Malls extendedverticallybecome the modern day large and occasionally shoppingcomplexes. of When malls and large shoppingcomplexesbecame popular,they require{ new interpretations in bearing in size or complexity, single typology either fit into any nature did not the UBBL as their in mind the paramountneed to maintainas efficienta flow of shoppertraffic as possible.In the grew out of many yearsof application for coveredmall buildings UnitedStates,the code provisions of special interpretationsof existingcodes. guidelines are to be observedwhen designingshopping the followingrecommended In Malaysia, : centres(as containedin the SarawakBuildingOrdinance) (i) shallnot exceed: The size of shop compartments buildings; (a) 7,000 cubic metresand 2,000squaremetresfloor areasfor unsprinklered buildings (b) 14,000cubic metresand 4,000 square metresfloor area for fully sprinklered from any other partsof the shop area. and shall be fully compartmented (ii) is subdivided, there installation sprinkler with fully automatic Where the floor area of building on the totalarea,providedthat: shall be no restriction ( a ) n o t l e s s t h a n 6 0 % o f t h e t o t a l a r e a s h a l l c o n s i s t o f u n i t s o f s e p a r a t es h o p s n o t exceeding280 squaremetreseach of which is enclosedas in paragraphii.; and (i). shall be enclosedon three sides by walls having (b) shop units referredto in paragraph a fire resistanceequal to the compartmentwall as requiredabove; and the frontage the fourth stde,and shops footpathconstrtutes onto a coveredmall or open pedestrfan areasmay constSt wall.The remaththg a thrid enclosrhg on a cornersrdewrllnot requr're o f s h o p s l a r g e rt h a n 2 8 0 s q u a r e m e t r e sb u t n o t e x c e e d i n g2 , 8 0 0 s q u a r em e t r e s ; providedthat:

12

(b.1 ) shop areas exceeding2,000 square metresshall not face each other acrossa mall or a pedestrian footpathunless both frontageare protectedby automatically operatedshutters givingat leastone hour fire resistance; and (b.2)whereshopswhichadjoinone anotherwith theiropen sidesin a same placeare of floor areas exceeding8,000 square metres each, they shall be protectedby back-upwalls behindthe shop windowsfor a distance of at least3 metreson both sidesof the intervening wall or be separated from each otherby at leastone small unit of not more than 280 squaremetresarea. Diagram 4.1.2.1 Compartmentation of shoppingcentres
.* sufficient egressindependent of mall ComparbnenlA (unsprinklered) ancfiorsbrs <7,d)0mt-2.o0om2 Compartnent B --, ,, only, aCorner shoprequire 2 enclosing walls intermediate shops <280m2 enclosedon 3 sides by wallswith FRP equalto compartment wall (2hrl4hr) relieson egress from mall

(tullyspdnklered) <14,000mt4,000nf

Shop <280m2

i{'"r
Compartment B

Store 2, not an anchorstore >2,000m2

\\
no restriction on floorarea if building is equipped with fullyautomatic sprinklers

Comlartmenl C t

7
/

Notes: (ii)(a)ln compartment B, retailspaces/shops floor area shall be 60% or more of the total compartment area.

13

D i a g r a m4 . 1 . 2 . 2 Arrangementof shops
-, A, 41= 2,000- 2,800m2 A2, A3 = 280 - 2,800m' B = shop <280m2 Area of all B > 60% of total area

B=<280m'

min3m

(i) where A, A1= 2,000- 2,800m' rnd face each other acrossmall, automaticallyoperated shutter: t hourresistance protectionis necessary.

' /--/ra

': .
4:

(ii)where A1 +M =2,000-2,800m2 by smaller they shouldbe separated shop unitsof not more than 280m2

i'

r'"./qr"'i+_

(iii)whereA2, A3 = 280 - 2,800m' adjoineach other and onto the same place,back up wallsof at least3m on eitherside of intervening wallsshallbe provided.

4.1.3Atriums "A Life SafetyCode (NFPA 101) definesAtriumas large Association The NationalFire Protection volume space created by a floor opening or a series of floor openings connecting two or more storiesthat is covered at the top of the series of openingsand is used for purposesother than an enclosed stairway;elevatorhoist way; escalatoropening;or utilityshaft used for plumbing, facilities" electrical, air conditioning, or communications

'1991 The Building Regulations and Walesdefinean Atriumas "a vertical spacein of England at the top by a roof or a building whichopenlyconnects threeor more floorsand is enclosed floor.(Shafts stairs,escalators. lifts or servicesare not includedin this containing exclusively definition)".
The two definitions are not inconsistent and both define a verticallylinkedvolume of space over severalfloors.Atrium buildings very often combineaspectsof malls and high rise buildings. The greatestconcern regardingatrium fires involvesthe controlof smoke. Where atriumsare used, there is actuallyan added degree of safetyto the occupantsbecausethere is a large volume of space into which the smoke can be drawn into and then dissipated. However,there is a need to ensure that dangerousconcentrations of smoke are promptlyremovedfrom the atrium,and the exhaustsystemneeds carefuldesign.

14

Atriumsmay be permitted providedthe following in buildings conditions are met: (i) The minimumhorizontal dimension betweenopposite edges is no less than 6 metresand t h e a r e a o f t h e o p e n i n gi s n o t l e s s t h a n 9 5 s q u a r e m e t r e s .A t r i u m sn e e d n o t o n l y b e rectangular shaped,and for practical reasons,the horizontal dimension obviously cannotbe applt'ed th corner or niche locatfons. The minimumdimensionalrequirements are aimed at ensuring t h a t t h e a t r i u md e s i g n e r s c r e a t ea l a r g es m o k e a c c u m u l a t i o c nh a m b e r , which managesthe smoke concentration early in the fire before the buildingsprinklersystem achievescontrolof the fire and beforethe requiredsmoke controlsystembeginsto control smoke accumulation. The geometryspecifiedby the minimumdimensions help to keep the atriumopeningfrom behaving as a flue or chimneyin lieu of an initial smokeaccumulation chamber.The 6 metresand g5 squaremetresrepresent the best aggregated thinkingof experts in the field of fire safety. The exits are separatelyenclosed from the atrium. Access to the exits is permittedto be within the atrium.lt is considered that given the compliance with the stringent conditions (i) to (vii)of this part an adequateoverallpackageof safetymeasuresis affordedto allow exit accessto be withinthe atrium. The atriumis open and unobstructed, with a low to ordinaryhazardcontent.

(i i )

(iii)

(iv) The building is fully protected by automatic sprinklers. The entirebuilding ratherthan just
the atriumopeningand its communication space,must be protected by a supervised sprinkler system.

(v)

The sprinklers to ceilingor roof of the atrium may be omittedif the ceiling/roof is more than 17 metresabove the floor of the atrium.The reason for this exceptionis that above 15 metres, it has not been demonstratedthat sprinklersdirectly over the fire will effectively respondto the fire in a timely manner.ln fact, the mist resulting from the sprinklerspray being evaporatedby the hot column of rising air may most probablyinterferewith the functioning o f t h e s m o k e c o l l e c t i o nc h a m b e ra t t h e t o p o f t h e a t r i u m b y l o w e r i n gt h e t e m p e r a t u r eo f t h e s m o k e a n d t h u s a f f e c t i n g i t s d e n s i t y a n d a f f e c t i n g t h e p l u m e characteristics. A smoke controlor smoke exhaustsystem is providedfor the atriumand adjacentspaces, complying with approvedstandards. The exceptionis when an engineering analysiscan demonstrate that life safetyduringthe egressperiodwill not be compromised.

(vi)

(vii) The smoke controlor smoke exhaustsysteminstalled shall be activated by: (a) Smoke detectorslocatedat the top of the atriumand adjacentto each of the returnair intakefrom the atriumor beam detectors at the appropriate level;or (b) Theautomatic sprinkler system serving theatrium zone/s; or (c) Theautomatic (butnotmanual detector system callpointsystem); or
(d)

Manual controls readily accessible to thefirebrigade.

15

(viii) The atriumis separatedfrom adjacentoccupancyby a fire barrierwith at leastone hour fire resistance with the exception that: (a) Any numberof levelsof the buildingshall be permitted to open direcflyto the atrium withoutenclosurebased on the resultsof an engineering analysisacceptable to JBpM. This engineering analysisshalldemonstrate that the building is designedto keep the smoke layer interfaceabove the highest unprotected openingto adjoiningspaces, or 2,000mm above the highestfloor level of exit access open to the atrium for a time periodequalto 1.5 times the calculated egresstime or 20 minutes, whichever is greater. The engineering analysisshall includebut not be confined to the followingelements: (a.1) Fire dynamics, including fire size and location, materials likelyto be burning, fire p l u m e g e o m e t r y ,f i r e p l u m e o r s m o k e l a y e r i m p a c to n m e a n s o f e g r e s s a n d tenability conditions duringthe periodof egress. (a.2) Responsetime and performanceof buildingsystemsincludingpassive barriers, automatic detection and extinguishing and smokecontror. (a.3) Requiredsafe egresstime for the occupants to reachbuilding exits,including time requiredto exit throughthe atriumas permitted by this guideline. (b) Glass walls may be used in lieu of fire barrierswhere automaticsprinklersare spaced not more than 1.8 metresor less apart along both sidesof the glass wall and not more than 0.3 metre from the glass so that the surfaceof the glass is wet upon operationof the sprinklers. The glass used shall be tempered, wired or laminated glass held in place by a gasketsystemthat permitsthe glass frame systemto deflectwithoutbreakingthe glass before the sprinklersoperate.The intent of the requirementfor the closely spaced sprinklersto wet the atriumglass wall is to ensure that the surfaceof the glass is wet upon operation of the sprinklers. Automatic sprinklers shallnot be required on the atrium side of the glass wall and inoperable windowswhere there is no walkwayor otherfloor area on the atriumside abovethe main floor level.The conceptof wettingthe glassthat is exposedto fire withoutspecifyinga water application rate is that as long as there is some water presentto absorb the heat, the glass will not reach excessivetemperatures that would cause failures.To ensurethat water will reachthe surfaceof the glass,window blinds and security shutters must not be placed betweenthe glass and in the line of closelyspacedsprinklers. (c) Glazeddoors formingpart of the glass walls shall be fittedwith door closers complying with By-law104. (ix) The selection of materialsused to line the roof/ceiling over the atriumshas to be made with care. Materialsthat melt and drip molten debris to the atrium floor below can pose an additionalhazard both to users as well as aiding fire spread.Plasticsare to be avoided. ln any event,By-laws203 and 207 are to be compliedwith, and only materials with a Class O - surfaceof No Flame Spread- ratingshould be used [By-law204A.,a. and b.]. By-law207 - Exceptionrelatingto ceilingsshould be exercised very carefullywhen appli-d to ceilings o v e r a t r i u m s a s t h e r i s k s p o s e d b y t h e e x c e p t i o n sa r e d i f f e r e n tw h e n c o m p a r e dt o conventional ceilingsover non-atrium spacesor voids.

16

Diagram 4.1.3.1 Planview of a typical atrium

wall must,comply with (viii)

Minimum95m2 opening

wall mustcomply with (viii)

Diagram 4-1.3.2 Sectional view of a typical atrium

wall must comply with (viii)

wall mustcomply with (viii)

17

t1.1.3.3 Dlagram Sprinkler for wetting glass

Sprinkler for wettingglass

Floorlevelsopeningto atrium.Levels2, 3 and g open to atrium;levels1 and 4 throughI enclosed by glass walls. Sprinklers requiredon non-atrium side of all glass walls,on atriumside at base of atrium,and on atriumside on other levelswith walkwavs.

1B

4.1.4Mixed Use Buitdings where a building containsusagefallingunderdifferent purposegroupsand each is contained within compartments, By-law 215 of the UBBL allows the height of each part of the buildinghousinga different purposegroup,if they are vertically separated, to be considered separately for compliance with schedule 6 (calculation of permittedlimitsof unprotected areas), z (calculation of occupant load and capacity of exits),9 (limits of compartments and minimumperiodsof fire resistance for fire extinguishment ararmsystemsand emergencyrighting) in the UBBL. Diagram 4.1.4.1 Computation of mixeduse building in compliance with UBBL

P! A of Buitding Use/purpose Group:Hotet/ltl HT1 to be used for compliance with Schedutes 6, 7, 9, 10 of BvJaw

Verticalcompartment wall separatang PurposeGrouplll & V By-law 215

Buirdins Use/PurPose GrouP: 3;Xr?,il

HT2 to be usedfor compliance with Schedules 6, 7, 9, 10 of Bv_laws

ground level

Compartmentfloor-t/ abovebasement By-law138(d)

depth HT3

\-.J*
Part C of BuildingUse/purpose Group: BasementParkingA,/l ll Depth/HT3 to be used for comoliance withSchedules 7,9, 10 of Bv-laws

I I

19

4.2 FIRE APPLIANCE ACCESS 4.2.1 Design Notes Vehicularaccess to the exteriorof a buildingis neededto enable high reach appliances, such as platforms, to be used and to enable pumpingappliances turntableladdersand hydraulic to supply for fire fightingand rescueactivities. water and equipment increase with buildingsize and height. Access requirements the proportion of the buildingperimeter The table in By-law140 stipulates that must be accessible to fire fightingappliances. access, consideration In planningthe vehicular/appliance should be given to the design of the road in relationto the buildingwith respectto featuressuch as overhangs, hard standing/access to the free operationof the fire fightingappliances. canopies,turningradiusand otherobstructions (Seediagram 4.2.2.1). Locationof hydrantsmust similarly be considered. Too close a placementadjacentto the building or beneathan overhangmay expose Fire and Rescue personnelto unnecessary risks or worse, render them inoperablein an emergency.Similarly,too close a locationto routesof vehiculartraffic may renderthem susceptible to damage. 4.2.2Access Gonsiderations Diagram 4.2.2.1 Relationship between building and access for FireAppliance (Medium to highrise and newbuildings)

A<2m C > 10m will allowuse of both platform turntable and hydraulic max weightof appliance is 26 tonnes width of appliance is 2.5m min overhead clearance for accessis 4m max gradientto accessis 1:12

max gradient 1:12

20

Type of Appliance Turntable Hydraulic Platform

(m)
A. Maximumdistancefrom edge of hardstanding to building B. Minimum widthof hardstanding of hardstanding to building C. Minimumdistanceof far edge of hardstanding to building

(m) 2.0

4.9

5.0

5.5

10.0

7. 5

SeeAppendix 1 for Specifications of FireAppliances for the purpose of Designing for FireAccess for FireRescue Vehicles. 4.2.3Perimeter Appliance Accesslllustrations
Diagram4.2.3.1 One sixth perimeter appliance access
Building volume7,001m3 to 28,000m3

D,"

-J

FireAppliance

/--..\ \ X

-\___.\

--...---/ )
>18m lsolatedsite/location with an adjacent property/building

-t\

--'-

----

--)/

,/

X > 1/6(A+B+C+D)

Note:Turningprovision requiredfor the fire appliance if dead end accessexceeds1gm. Turningprovision can be in the form of hammer-head or turningcircle.

21

Diagram 4.2.3.2 access appliance Onesixth and one fourthperimeter

City/Built up locationwith adjacentbuildings

Building Volume 7,001m3 to 28,000m3

6m back lane

. \-\ \ \
perimeter Accessible of building

. \

\ /

/ ,'

Main road usedfor appliance accessif not less than 12m wide

Pavement

(A+B+C+D) C> 116 Applianceaccessfrom main road is sufficient if the buildingvolumedoes not exceed28,000m3. In the event the 6m back lane is accessible by fire fightingapplianceand the buildingvolume 28,000m3 but is lessthan 56,000m3, then, A+C>1/4(A+B+C+D)

22

Diagram4.2.3.3 One half perimeterappliance access

Building volume56,001m3 to 84,000m3

',/
at least12m

a'

B+C>1/2(A+B+C+D)

Diagram4.2.3.4 One half perimeter appliance access in city site with adjacent buildings

Building volume56,001m3 to 84,000m3

back lane accessible ';6m to fire appliance

perimeter Accessible of building A+C>1/2(A+B+C+D)

23

Diagram 4.2.3.5 Three fourth perimeterapplianceaccess

'fvolume84,001m3 \ Building to 1'12,000m3 \

Access road of at least 12mwide A+B+C>3/4(A+B+C+D)

Diagram4.2.3.6 Three fourth perimeter appliance access

r. Building volume84,001m3 to 112.000m3

12mwide /

/ /
!

B+C+D>3/4(A+B+.+D)

7 fffi:J:*ofatleast

Diagram4.2.3.7 lsland site

volumeabove112,000m3 ,.,- Building

r,' D

fire zz- Minimum6m access appliance

)
o

'.-

Accessroad of at least 12m wide

width of a FireApplianceAccess is 6m' The minimumpermissible The minimumturningradiusaroundcornersof buildingshall be providedas follows: 4.2.3.8 Diagram access Fireappliance
- Building

a-L

L(13m) Access widthAppliance W = unobstructed 13m) L = lengthof largestFireAppliance(currently d - cut-backdistanceis obtainedby intersecting 'A' 'C' with line cornerof a building the imaginary

W2 (6m min)

25

Thesedimensions are preferred dimensions. Discretion should be applied in builtup siteseg.citycentres.

Diagram 4.2.3.9 Fire applianceturn-around dimensions

i)

T-Turn
18m ----

3.6m >.

min 6m radius
i,:'jij

min 6m radius

ii)

Shunt
--4..

6m) >-

j min 6m radius

iii)
, . ' ' - D ( 1 2 mm i n )

26

4.2.4HydrantLocations
Diagram4.2.4.1 Location of hydrants

Building

+--1 ---- ---t _ _ 2m min

<0.61ni FireAppliance Access ,l \* Pavement / Shoulder

Verandah

Hydrantsshould be located: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) phonebooths,etc. such as streetfurniture(benches), away from obstructions and overhangs. not less than 2m from adjacentbuildings Access. between0.61m to2.4m from FireAppliance away from risksof vehiculardamage. n o t m o r e t h a n 9 0 m a p a r t f r o m e a c h o t h e r ( i n n e w b u i l d i n g sa d j a c e n tt o e x i s t i n g if there is no hydrantwithin will haveto be provided a new hydrantor hydrants developments, 45m radius of the new building).

27

4.3 WALL AND FLOORS 4.3.1 Party Walls ownershipas in Party walls in the fire safety contextrefer to walls that separateunits of different prevent the spreadof fire houses,flats or shops.Partywalls (By-law86) serveto walls separating from one terraceunit to the next. The UBBL statesthat party walls shall be of solid masonryor inat different times,made up of two skins, situ concreteof not lessthan 200mmthickor if constructed not less than 100mm thick. of each 4.3.1.1 Diagram Partywall to terracehouses

Partywall

'l

l I

I I I

I
) /'

Terrace unit2

ln multi-storeyedflats and terrace houses of reinforced concrete or protected steel framed '100mm. construction, the thicknessof the non-loadbearingparty wall shall not be less than This exception appliesto framed residential buildings only.

28

Party walls must be raised230mm above the upper roof surface measured at right angle to the surface to act as flame deflectors. Diagram 4.3.1.2 Junctionof partywall with roof

Distance measured perpendicular to the roof surface

{ \
230mm

\ ,,/
\Party watt

D i a g r a m4 . 3 . 1 . 3 Junction of party wall with roof valley gutter

; Roof

- Partywall

29

For low-cost terrace house (not flats), the following detail may be accepted by JBPM. Diagram4.3.1 .4 Alternative party wall/roof detail for low-cost terrace house

""r,y wall of pc block

The following illustrated T-barrier may be accepted in lieu of the 230mm raised party wall D i a g r a m4 . 3 . 1 . 5 Alternative party wall/roof detail
fullyembedded ,,-file *C flame deflector

,"',i Batlen ,,. / 7

//'

1,.
' Partywall

30

4.3.2 Recess and Ghases By-lawsBB and 89 allow recessand chasesto be made in walls but dimensions are limitedsuch that the minimumfire resistance integrity of externaland partywalls are maintained. Diagram 4.3.2.1 lllustrationof recessin externalwall
Lintolor archwayas necessary

Extemalwall

(x) 330mwide minimummeasured on innersurfaceto externalwall Area of recessshall not be moreJ than 'll2 area of wall

Diagram 4.3.2.2 Recessin external wall

Diagram4.3.2.3 Recess in party wall

31

The thicknessof the wall at the back A chase may be made in a wall for pipesand other seryices. wall and 100mmfor party wall. Width of chase shall not shall not be less than 90mm for-external exceed200mm. Diagram 4.3.2.4 wall external in partywall and relevant Ghases

Walls and Floors 4.3.3 Separating/Compartment of separatingwall) and 148 (compartmentwalls and floors) allow By-laws 147 (construction of materialsother walls which are not party walls to be constructed separating and compartment Period].Similarly, FRP Resistance with the required masonry long as they comply than so [Fire complywith the walls shallthemselves or compartment structural elementscarryingthe separating (By-law217). same FRP requirements in two or more purposegroups,it shallbe protected ln the eventof a compartment wall separating para purpose groups. (By-law 216 2). requirements of the with the more stringent accordance are not requiredto providefire protection factories/warehouses) Single-storey buildings(including part walls.(By-law216). do not form of compartment to their structures if they from otherpartsof a flat or maisonette walls (partywalls)separating Non load-bearing compartment exceedingt hour unlessthe purpose to have fire resistance the same building shallnot be required group of the part of the buildingseparatedby that compartment wall is different(or is protected requiredis 1.5 hoursor more (By-law218). shaft)and the minimumperiodof fire resistance By-law 137 stipulatesthat floors in buildingsexceeding30 metres in height shall generallybe constructed as compartment floors.(See diagram4.3.3.3)

32

Diagram4.3.3.1 special requirement as to compartment wails and compartment froors

Compartment wall Fire door to have FRP ratedto 112 of that for the walls

Junction shallbe fire-stopped

Diagram4.3.3.2 Separation of ducts/flues in compartment

Ductwith pipes

Comparlment wall (X Hr FRP)

Non-combustible construction of not morethan half of FRP of compartment wall By-law148(5)

33

Diagram4.3.3.3 Floor in building exceeding30 metres to be constructed as compartmentfloor.

Building height exceeds30m

Mezzanine floorwithin a compartment may not be a comoartment floor

Floorsbelow9m need not be constructedas compartment floorsif the cubiccapacitydoes not exceedcomoartment limits

By-law138 Floorover basement storeyexceeding '100m' shall be compartment floor Note:Openingsare allowedif an atriumcomplies with requirement of FireAuthoritres

34

4.3.4 Stages in Places of Assembly The proscenium wall is to be regardedas a fire isolation wall,allowing the containment of fire backstageand to minimiserisk of smoke infiltration into the main hall. Diagram 4.3.4.1 Stagein places (section) of assembly

opening areaof (B) and (C) shall not exceed858m2 each

Diagram4.3.4.2 Section through stage opening

0.92mmin if roof FRP not complying 9th Schedule

----

Openingarea:-max 3 openings 2 openings otherthan stage

Wall being extended foundation

,1-

Stage

35

Diagram 4.3.5.2 Smokebarriersbehindcurtainwalls

0.9m

EXTERNAL

4.3.6ProtectedServiceShafts Protected shaftspenetrate across compartments or floorsin a building. Theycanbe shaftscarrying (piping, utilities electrical andtelecommunication service etc.)or areservice shafts carrying liftsand including escape staircases. In the formercontext, all penetrations of floorsandwallsshallbe fire-stopped. In the latterconlext,they often encloseprotected staircases or lift lobbiesthat will have to be ventilated or pressurised to allowventing of smokeor preventinfiltration of smoketo provide safe passage for bothescaping occupants and safeaccess for firefighters.

37

Diagram4.3.6.1 Fire stop at pipe openings in protectedshaft

Fire stop2 Fire stop

level ._a Floor *-t

Any openingfor a pipe shall be effectivelyfire stopped

'aDiagram 4.3.6.2 Ventilation for lift shaft not opening to protected lobby

'-

Protectedshaft

r,0"

Machine room -

-"-ts

Ventilation (mino o9m' )

Roof level

Ventilation (min 0.09m' ) External walllFloorlevel

.- Unprotected lobby

3B

Diagram4.3.6.3 Ventilation for lift shaft not opening to protected lobby

.z' ".a

Ventilation (min 0.09mr) Ventedto exteriorthrough a duct of the requiredFRp as for the lift shaft

- Floorlevel

Unprotectedlobby

Diagram4.3.6.4 Opening of lift shaft or lift entrance shall open into a protected lobby

Note:Protected lobby may be omittedwhen the foilowingare observed: (i) Fire ratedlandingdoors are providedto life shaft. (ii) This lift shaft is pressurised to preventsmoke infiltration and spreadto other floors.

39

4.3.7Cladding on ExternalWall Vide a directiveissued by the DirectorGeneralof JBPM in April 1997, all aluminiumcomposite claddingson buildings above 1Bm height shall be suppliedwith non-combustible cores. This directive was issuedto avoid a scenariowhere the occurrence of a fire in a high rise buildingcould result in the core of a compositepanel catchingfire, meltingand spreadingthe fire by dripping moltenand flamingcore materialto other areas below the sourceof fire. In addition, the dripping molten core materialcould also pose a danger to occupantsleavingthe buildingor Fire Rescue personnel workingon the fringeof the buildingat groundlevel. 4.3.7.1 Diagram wall < 1.2mfrom boundary on external ClassO cladding

Lessthan 1.2m

t-

l - . , .

l"-"I
F-.t
I i' ., i

f-*-, \-

Boundary

40

4.3.7.2 Diagram wall > 1.2mfrom boundary on external ClassO cladding

no provision in respect to the boundaries indicated

ClassO cladding

-t'

l
I

over1Bm

,.r

l l

up to 18m

lndex not more than 20. Timbercladdingat least9mm (the thickis also acceptable indexrelatesto testsspecified in BS 476 Part6)

Diagram4.3.7.3 Roof inclinationmore than 70"

Roof at 70' angleor more Adjoiningspace

Roof shallbe deemed to be oart of extemal wall or side of a building

External wall

41

4.3.8 Referenceto Sixth Schedule a. Background The provisionsof the sixth schedule and By-laws 142 to 146 are based on the objectiveof establishing a reasonable basisand standard of spaceseparation to be speci1ed betweenbuildings for reasonsof preventionof flame spread and protectionfrom externalfire sources. The externalwallsof a building are required to resistthe spreadof fire over theirsurfacesand from one buildingto another.In assessingthe adequacyof resistance to fire spread,regard must be given to the height,use and positionof the building. In this respect, the roofof a buildingmust also offeradequateresistance to the spreadof fire across its surfaceand from one buildingto another.Hence the treatment of the roof as a wall element when it is at an angle steeperthan g0 degrees [By_law145a]. Externalwalls serve to restrictthe outward spread of fire to a building beyond the boundary and also help to resistfire from outsidethe building. This is achievedby ensuringthat the walls have adequate fire resistanceand external surfaces with restricted fire spreao. Fire spread between buildingsusuallyoccurs by radiation throughopeningsin the externalwalls (termed,unprotected areas'). For obvious reasons,if the external wall forms part of the structure, then it or the structuralpart of it must of necessitybe constructedof non-combustible materialsor as in the case if steel structures, be adequatelyprotectedwith non-combustibre materiars.[By-raw 142.3]. The risk of fire spread and its consequencesare reratedto: (i) the severityof the fire; (ii) the fire resistance offeredby the facingexternalwalls includingthe numberand disposition of the unprotectedareas; (iii) the distancebetweenthe buildings; and (iv) the risk presented to peoplein the oppositebuilding. In general,the severity of a fire will be relatedto the amountof fuel/combustible matedalcontained in the buildingper unit of floor area (fire load density).certain types of buildings, such as shops, industrial buildings' and warehouses may containlargequantities of combustible materials and are usuallyrequiredto be sitedfurtherfrom their boundaries than other types of buildings. The provisions of the Sixthschedule limitthe extentof unprotected areas in the sidesof a building which will not give adequateprotectionagainstthe external spread of fire from one buildingto another'Based on the generalbackground above,the sixth schedule makes assumptions on the following: (i) that the size of a fire will depend on the compartmentation of a building,so that a fire may involveone comprete compartment, but wiil not spreadto other compartments; that the intensity of the fire is relatedto the use of the building(ie. purposegroup);and

(ii) (iii)

that the amountof radiation that passesthroughany part of an external wall that has fire resistance may be discounted.

b. Boundaries A relevant boundary as the name impliesrepresents a boundary that is relevant to that side of the buildingfor the purposesof checkingcompliance with the sixtn scneoule.(see diagram4.3.g.1)

42

It need not be a legal boundaryas in a land boundaryestablishedby survey which is for the The relevantboundarymarks the base line from which purposesof land ownershipdemarcation. the set back distanceof a side or of a are taken for the purposeof establishing measurements the This distanceis then used to establish calculations. purposes Sixth Schedule of for the building proposed facades. permissible the relevant building in percentage openings of unprotected lf a buildingabuts onto an existingplaygroundor road, the relevantboundarymay extend into to be occupiedby buildingsin the both those spaceseg. centre line, as they are not anticipated foreseeablefuture. of legal rightsof land owners in an existingbuilt and preservation For the purposeof practicality facing an existingbuilding that the side boundary it is advised Lumpur, like Kuala up environment up owners of existing to haul impossible lt is be used as the relevantboundaryfor compliance. extendbeyondtheir site/ openingsif their relevantboundaries to reducetheir unprotected buildings side boundarieslBy the same token, it would not be fair to expect a new owner to set back further had not compliedoriginally. or reducehis openingbecausethe neighbour Notional boundary (See diagram 4.3.8.2)is an assumed or imaginedboundary between two to the Sixth by reference builtor to be builton the same site.This boundaryis established buildings the set by checking is boundary notional the on site, building Schedule.ln the case of an existing back the set either for establishing buildingagainstthe Sixth Schedule,then it becomesthe basis in the new buildingproposedopeningpercentage or permissible Relevant Boundary This diagramsets out the rules that apply in respectof a boundaryfor it to be consideredas a relevantboundary. For a (i) (ii) (iii) it should: to be relevant, boundary with, or coincide or be parallelto, be at an angleof not more than B0 degreeto the side of the building

4.3.8.1 Diagram boundary(Referto By-law142) Relevant Partll (1) Sixth Schedule

* to and is parallel This boundary to side D thereforerelevant

-l7I
v

This boundaryis parallel to side A

BUILDING

with and.coincides This boundary is thereforerelevantto side B

The relevantboundarymaY of a road, be the centreline railway,canalor river

43

Diagram4.3.8.2 Notional Boundary

Thisdiagram setsout rulesthatapplywherea building is proposed on the samesite as another building, so thata notional boundary needs to be assumed between the building.

<--

site boundary

Building

Building B

compliancewith the provisions for space separationin respect of building A

compliance with the provisions for space separationin respect of building B

Thenotional boundary should be set in areabetween the buildings using thefollowing rules: 1. 2. lt is onlynecessary to assume a notional boundary whenthe building areon the samesite. Thebuilding canbe newor existing. The notional boundary is assumed to exist,in the spacebetween the building and is positioned so thatone of the buildings wouldcomply withthe provisions for spaceseparation having regard to the amount of its unprotected area.In practice, if the buildings is existing, the position of the boundary will be set by the spaceseparation factors for that building. The sittingof the new building or the secondbuilding if bothare new,can then be checked - usingthe notional to seethatit alsocomplies boundary as the relevant boundary for the second building

3.

44

Diagram 4.3.8.3 Statusof combustible surfacematerialas unprotected area

Area of fire resisting wall with combustible = materia laxb

{l
\

Area of wall countedas unprotected area = 0.5 a x b and is centredon actualarea of combustible surfacematerial

Area of fire resistingwall withoutcombustible surface.

Diagram 4.3.8.4 Unprotected areas which may be disregarded in assessing the separation distance from the boundary
2 or more smallerareas within an area ot 1mz x=1.5mmin distance y=no restriction z=4m min distance The unprotectedarea of the extemalwall of a stairway forminga protectedshaft may be disregardedfor separation distance purposes

.-ff

m n
i'i i''i

1'-

.-Jry---r
Represents anareaol -not more than 0.1m2 Compartment wall line

Compartment floor

Openingof this size represents an unprotected area of not more than 1m2 whichmay consistof 2 or more smallerareaswithinan area of 1m2

45

c. Sample Calculations areas (By-laws142 and 145) of permittedlimitsof unprotected Calculations Assumptions: - Singlebuildingwhich is not compartmented - PurposeGroup lV (Office) 4.3.8.5 Diagram calculation usingthe SixthSchedule Sample
'; Enclosing rectangle with relevant olaneof reference 9m x 21.4m

f
4.6m 3.6m -f 3.6m 3.6m
4-3.6m
----

+{

4m--':
_f--

tut
opening C J OpeningB

q
OpeningA set back 2m from plane of reference 9mx3m

F,q.
because to be disregarded area of C has aggregate less than 1m2. Therefore, it can be in the unprotected area disregarded ---qrlculation.SixthSchedulePart 1, Rule 2(ii)Rule2 > 4m from unprotected area on same side of building.

Canopydeemed not part of structure

Partll (2)

Enclosingrectanglesize on relevantplane of reference (h)= 192.6m2 9m (w) x2'1.4m 7.5m Relevantboundarydistancefrom enclosingrectangle for enclosingrectangle 234m high,width of 9m, distanceof UsingTable 1 of Part ll SixthSchedule percentage shall of the enclosingrectangle 7.5m from relevantboundary, the limit of unprotected not exceed70%. Calculations to check compliance O p e n i n g ' A ' -9 m ( w )x 3 m ( h ) = 2 7 m 3 O p e n i n g ' B ' -1 0 n o s x 3 m ( w ) x 2 m ( h ) = 6 0 m 2 Total OpeningArea = B7m2 Check 1 - Total area of B7m2 (purposeGroup lV). OpeningArea is less than 210m2 Unprotected Part lll 1(a)of Sixth Schedule. Thereforeit satisfies

46

= 45.17o/o. is 87m2| 192.6m2 percentage of enclosingrectangle Check2 - Unprotected is 70%. rectangle percentage of enclosing Limitof unprotected it satisfiesPart ll of the Sixth Schedule. Therefore

OF ESCAPE 4.4 MEANS Notes Explanatory 4.4.1

(i) Fire does not normallystart in two differentplacesin a buildingat the same time. At the in which it starts.Thus, an initialstage,fire poses a dangeronly in the part of the building fire within a compartment the to contain is fire safety principle design of in the important to other parts of the from spreading preventing smoke fire and and to extinguishit while building. and other items not controlled The itemsthat are the first to be ignitedare often furnishings of the building. structure in the lt is less likelythat fire will originate by the regulations.

(ii)

(iii) The primarydanger associatedwith fire in its early stage is not flame but smoke and noxiousgases producedby the fire. A person can withstanda smoky situationfor only about 3 minutesafterwhich he will faint or die. (iv) Smoke also obscuresthe way to escape routesand exits and impedemovement.In this situation,a person can move only about 12 metres (40 feet) per minute. In allowinga minute to escape,travel distanceto safety in an unprotectedescape route is generallyto be no more than 12 metres(40 feet). Becauseof the danger posed by smoke and fumes,fire safetydesign must limitthe spread spacesin buildings. throughconcealed of smoke and fumes especially

(v)

4.4.2 Basic Principles of Design (i) In the event of fire, the occupantsof any part of a buildingmust be able to escape safely withoutrelianceon externalassistanceor rescue by the fire serviceand without having to or apparatus. appliance manipulate (ii) The design of means of escape should take into accountthe form of the building,the of fire spreadthroughthe of fire and the potential the likelihood insidethe building, aciivities purposegroups of different for building.The UBBL 1984 stipulatesdifferingrequirements buildings. and non-sprinklered for sprinklered and differingrequirements buildings

(iii) There should be alternativemeans of escape in most situationas there is always the b y f i r e o r s m o k e .S i n g l es t a i r c a s e( w i t h n o possibility o f a n e s c a p eb e i n g i m p a s s a b l e where fire meansof escape)and dead ends are allowedundercertainconditions alternative risk is low becauseof the small size and low heightof the buildingand the small numberof personsaccommodated within it. (iv) systemsshould be an warning and fire extinguishment The provisionof an appropriate for safety. strategy in the overall element essential ln additionto safety and egress of occupants,practicaland safe access to the buildingby fire fightersand rescuepersonneland equipmentin orderto stage rescue,fire containment has to be provided. and extinguishment

(v)

47

4.4.3 Means of Escape (i) An escape route should lead to a place of safety.The ultimateplace of safety is the open air outsidethe building, clearfrom the effectsof the fire. (ii) In large complexeswhere this is not possible,it should be possibleto reach a place of reasonable safety such as a protectedstaircaseor a protectedcorridorfrom where people can travel in relativesafety to a final exit. F o r t h i s t o b e p o s s i b l e ,p r o t e c t e ds t a i r c a s ea n d p r o t e c t e dc o r r i d o rm u s t n o t c o n t a i n combustible materials and are designedto keep out flame,smoke and gases. The maximumpermissible distanceof an unprotected escaperoute is workedout by the period a person exposed to fire and smoke can reasonablybe expectedto endure when escapinga fire.

(iii)

(iv)

4.4.4 Measurementof Travel Distance to Exits Meansof Escape- Concepts Primary principlesof means of escape: (i) (ii) Alternative meansof escapeto be made possible. Means of escape is to direct a shortestroute to a place of safety, such as outside the building, or if stillwithina building, a protected passageway, or isolated stairsor refugeareas which lead to the outsideof a building. Generallymeansof escapeconsistof two parts: (a) unprotected areas,leadingdirectto exit (b) protectedareas, leading direct to exit

(iii)

Unprotectedareas forming escape routes are to be limited in distance to minimise exposure to smoke and fire, and this is the basisof the limitsof 'traveldistance'. Diagram 4.4.4.1 Traveldistance

A+B=Travel distance

4B

Diagram4.4.4.2 Travel distance over steps

B is a straightline inclined at the same planeas the staircase (not measuredon the flat planeon plan)"

Diagram4.4.4.3 Travel distance from rooms exceeding 6 person occupancy

"'"---'-T
i

i1
\ Room A
''/ 11

RoomB

r\.
ta

ttF

-":---,"-

ffi

\ -.--:

WhereA and B are rooms havingnot more than sixoersonsc<P

a and b < Dead end traveldistance. lf room A and B has an occupancy exceeding 6 persons, then a + c or b + c shallbe lessthanor equalto P P = Permitted TravelDistance

49

Diagram4.4.4.4. Measurement of travel distance to exit

B < Dead-end limit A + B or C + B (whichever is less) < Permitted TravelDistance(p)

Diagram4.4.4.5 Dead-end travel distance

A + B < P

50

Diagram4.4.4.6 Dead-endtravel distance

A+B+C<P

Diagram4.4.4.7 Dead-endtravel distance

A+B+Csp

51

Diagram4.4.4.8 Exit and travel distance

"OpenAreas' (OpenPlan ofiices,warehouse, Hallways or roomswithoutfixture or furniture at time of design)

nsip

Diagram 4.4.4.9 Traveldistancewithin rooms

Room not more than 6 persons(distance Y not morethan 15m)

52

Diagram4.4.4.10 Measurement of travel distance within rooms

Room not more ---.'\ than 6 persons

Y distancenot morethan dead end distanceand X + Y not more than permissible traveldistance in 7th schedule

Diagram4.4.4.'11 Measurements of travel distance to exits

--tt4'+'=+

,l\

L e

a < 15m if room < 6 occupants b s deadend limits c < maximum permissible (p) distance d + e s max permissible (p) distance c + (d + e) s 2P max permissible (p) distance

53

D i a g r a m4 . 4 . 4 . 1 2 Travel distance through offices

a < 15m if room < 6 occupants b1 < dead end limits b2 < dead end limits c + d < 2P (maximum permissible distance)

Diagram 4.4.4.13 2 storey exits to be provided

, equalor morethan45"

54

Diagram 4.4.4.14 Gompliance with permitted travel distance Area that does not complywith the -1 provision of permitted traveldistance \ At leasteitherc or d < Max.permissible traveldrsrance (or 213P if space is open plan)

Diagram4.4.4.15 Overlapping of travel distance

Recommended methodto check positions of alternative exits and compliance with traveldistance

55

4.4.5Arrangement of Storey Exits The principle of this clauseis that once the escaperouteis insidea protected zone,eg. an isolated/ protected staircase, then the routeshall remainprotected all the way to the final exit, i.e. out of the building.Therefore,the route shall not dischargeinto an unprotected area (such as open lobby) priorto the final exit. (Referto By-law 190). Diagram 4.4.5.1 FinalExits

Finalexit -

Finalexit

Diagram4.4.5.2 Final Exits

'- Storeyexil

I
I'

56

Diagram4.4.5.3 Minimum distance between exits

Diagram4.4.5.4 Minimum distance between storey exits

57

Diagram4.4.5.5 Minimum distance betweenexits onto corridor

Diagram4.4.5.6 Storey exits (staircases)

Protected staircase

58

Diagram4.4.5.7 Storey exits (balcony approach)

Diagram4.4.5.8 Exit routes to discharge directty to finat exit

Escapelevel,

1 Escapelevel f--+

Separateaccess/escape roules to and from basementlevel. Thishelpsin preventing escaping occupants from upperfloors inadvertently enteringthe basementinsteadof finalexit

6q

Diagram4.4.5.9 Egress through unenclosedopenings (mezzanine)

- For floorsup to 9m from groundfloor,mezzanine floors be permitted to be up to S0% of the floor area below. For mezzanine above 9m from groundlevel,a floor area of up to 1/3 of floor area below may be permitted.

Diagram4.4.5.10 Horizontal exits

Protected staircase to finalexit /

Horizontal exit

/'

Compartment wall

Protectedstaircase to final exit

60

4.4.6 Staircases Staircasesare very importantelementswhich often serye as the primaryescape route element more than one level.As such it is important in planning in any building containing and designing practicality that consideration be givento issueslike usability, and predictability. staircases fuzzy logic.reasoning Humansdevelopa rhythmwhen climbingor going down stairs.An intuitive predictsthe next riser or step. lt is for this reason that pitch lines (an imaginaryline joining all Unevensteps in a flightof stairscan as possible. nosingsin a flight)haveto be made as consistent By the same reason,flightsof lessthan three and leadto usersstumbling. confuseone'sperception point of view, considerations. From a practicality risersare not allowed.These are calledusability and maximumriserdimensionsare used to controldesignsto ensure minimumtread dimensions usable. ln Englandand Wales, a maximum pitch angle of 42 degrees is that they are physically for the to use, especially challenging Any steeperand it becomesphysically allowedfor staircases. physically young impairedor unfit. and elderly,very to JBPM: The followinginformation on steps and stair must be shown on drawingssubmitted (i) numberof treads(or risers)which shall not exceed 16 in a singleflightunlessit is for stairs residential unit (By-law108[1]i. withinan individual dimensionof treadsand risers;treads shall not be less than 255mm, risersshall not be (By-law106t11) morethan 1BOmm. in accordance with By-law168. widthsof stepsor stairswhich shall be calculated depth of landingwhich shall not be less than the width (By-law106[3])of the staircase. from any point over the Minimumheadroom of not less than 2 metre measuredvertically full width of the stairs.

(ii)

(iii) (iv) (v)

Diagram 4.4.6.1. of riserand tread Measurement

{ x .
x > 255mm y < 180mm

DetailA (straight edge)-

v
-"' nosang) DetailB (overhanging

/
' ..,r,f, I

(y) l8ommmax -Riser

i--r
I

J ,_--(inclined il riser)-./ ,'-.. Detail C -- ___ l (x)255mm min-' tread

must be constantwithina staircaseto preventusersfrom trippingand Tread and riserdimensions for the same reasons. are stipulated fallingespecially in the eventof fire. Dimensions shall not reducealong its path of travelto the final exit (by-law169). The width of staircase in fire escapestaircase. Windersare not permitted

61

Diagram 4.4.6.2 in residential building Landing perflight (more is notencouraged) than'16 risers

Diagram4.4.6.3 Single riser in staircase not permitted (minimumnumberof riserscan be two but it should be regular)

62

Diagram4.4.6.4 No obstruction in staircases

w - width of staircaseto of 7th complywith provision scheduleand By-law168 d - depthof landingnot less than widthof staircase(w) ByJaw168

-t
min 2m

\
\

t''/

z''

,
a./

handrail oermitted

-meter box, post box recess

..1within enclosure

.t intothisenclosure' are notto intrude box,postboxor otherfittings Meter handrails)' permitted (except this"enclosure" within or intrusion No obstruction

63

Diagram4.4.6.5 Exampleof bad staircasedesign

unenclosed void posesa danger to evacuees fallingover in an emergency

Staircase with long and short flightsas shown above are not encouragedby JBpM for an escape staircase because a person's rhythm of walking down steps is broken especiallyduring an evacuation when the staircase is packedwith evacueesand one cannotsee the steps ahead. Diagram 4.4.6.6 Exampleof acceptable staircase design
,"- Brickwall ; Constantriserdesign

The above layout is acceptableprovidedbrickwallsurroundthe void and the flight are regular. This to prevent peoplefrom fallingover the staircaseinto the void in the event of a rush durino evacuation.

64

Diagram4.4.6.1 Recommended standard of escape stair

Doorswingto be in .. 'r\ ,;- Door srring to be outside path oftravel on stair \

\ )*
/ ,z \

Wl:i:
Diagram4.4.6.8 Staircase serving open balcony approach

Q r) "^

'X

--

Stairwidth a = b

+1
fin

tml fnn

Occupancy

fu) -J

65

4.4.7 Smoke Lobbies Diagram4.4.7.1 Smoke lobby to staircases

Diagram4.4.7,2 Smoke lobby for stair extended to basement

Smoke lobbiescreatea bufferbetweenthe actualoccupiedpremisesand the escape passageor staircase. In its simplestform, it preventsingressof smoke and toxic gases into the escape staircase when the staircasefire door is opened,where required,pressurisation of the staircasecan serve the same purposeby creatingpositivepressurewithinthe stairwell to preventsmoke ingress.

66

when the smoke lobby doublesas a fire fighting access lobby, it serves as a point for fire and rescuepersonnel to tacklethe sourceof fire from withinthe same floor.(ReferBy-laws196-1gg). In buildings exceeding18m abovegroundlevel,protected lobbiesare requiredif the staircases are not ventilated or pressurised. (By_law 1g7). Diagram 4.4.7.3 Ventilation of smokelobby

Permanent openingor openablewindowof 1m2 minimumto outsideor lightwell (By-taw196)

Smoke lobbyor fire fightingaccesslobby

Diagram 4.4.7.4 Pressurisation of smoke lobby

,- Vertical shaft for z/ ventilation or pressurisation

Internal smokelobbvor fire fighting access lobby

67

Diagram4.4.7.s Protectedlobby requirementfor building > 18m height (By_law197)

Ventilation opening --.

External wall

L Buildingmore than 1gm abovegroundlevel

Protected lobbyrequired

Diagram4.4.7.6 Protected lobby requirement for building > 45m height (By_law 1gll2l)
Ventilation opening No Protected lobbyrequired

.-Building more than 45m abovegroundlevel

6B

Diagram4.4.7.7 Omission of protected lobby for pressurised staircase

Ventilation opening -7' ..-- For building above 1Bmbut below45m

\.

No protected lobbyrequired

No protected lobbyrequired

Pressurised staircase

Diagram4.4.7.8 ventilation of staircaseenclosure in buildings not exceeding 1gm

Can be directaccess Ventilation 5% min of stairenclosure Ventilated lobbies \

Building height

n rl
7- Groundlevel

69

4.4.8 Building with Single Staircase Diagram4.4.8.1 Height of topmost floor of building with single staircase

Domestic or Heightoftopmostfloor< 12mj - Domestic or

Access level

Diagram4.4.8.2 Maximumtravel distance

--12m

max

'\.

'-;'3 ',5';:.
'::j!1

\ii
\

ri

-1

.- 12mmax

By-law't94 stipulates when a single staircasemay be permitted. Essentially, this is only allowed where the occupancyabove ground level is confinedto eitherdomesticor office purposes.This presumesa scenariowhere the occupantsare familiarwith the layout of the buildingand floor plates.The groundfloor may be used for shops or car parks(shopoffices,shop houses). All elementsof structureshall have an FRP of not less than t hour except the enclosurefor the staircase at the groundfloor where the wall shall have an FRP of not less than 2 hours [Refer Bylaw 216], assumingthe groundfloor will not be used for residential purposes. Designersare advised to inform their Clients of the need to anticipatethe likelihoodof change in use after the issuanceof the Certificate of Fitnessfor Occupation by not electingto use single staircasedesigns in traditional4 storey shop/officedevelopments. This is a common problem encountered by JBPM when shop officedevelopments into tuitioncentres, end up beingconverted shops and entertainment outletslike bar loungesand cafes.

70

4.4.9Protection for ExternalEscape Staircase By-law 191ensures thatan "*t"tn"i!Li"".".rr"o for escape purposes wirr fire exposure remain protected originating from rrom tne Luiroing. rn"refore, a ,J*'or protection staircase is extended bothupwards from anddown*";; t; ensure the safepassage during a fire. Theillustration shows thezonewhereno opening shailbe formed or onrytoirets or otherprotected or openings with wiredglasswhic-h are t<ept felmanenry crosed ;:?r"Jil:tgs can be arowedto
Diagram4.4.9.1

iil#,1ffi,::,'j"Ti"'J[l'j""":"Jil:,."J":::jiL"::,il::',"JfJ":",*:: area openinss oropeninss

Openings with wired glassallowed Zone whereopening not permitted Openings for toilets can be formed
( t,'

4.4.10Handrails All flightof stairswith 4 or more risers shall be providedwith at reastone handrair. Diagram 4.4.10.1 Staircase exceeding2225mmwidth requiresintermediate handrairs

,f'- ,.,

f=-

Adult handrail

Childrenhandrail

2225mm max

71

Diagram 4.4.10.2 Wall mounted handrail

t
tr.I ^i'

I
\=-

-Widthof stairs

Diagram 4.4.10.3 Handraildetail

-t

i\
900mmmin
i

.1.,

)'.KS

72

4.4.11Escape Provision Computation By-law 175 - Calculation of Occupancy Loads By-law 176 - Computing Storey Exit Width By'law 177 - computing Number of staircases and staircase width Workedexampleto calculate numbersand widthof staircase required usingthe Seventhschedule of UBBL 1984 . Officebuilding/Purpose Group lV . 5levels, each leveldesignedas a compartment . Floorareas- Level 1 (Ground)1500m2 -Level2 -1500m2 -Level3 -1500m2 -Level4 -1500m2 -Level5 _1800m2 Exit WidthCalculations Table

A B

c
D E F

Level Purpose Group/Occupancy Load FloorArea (m2) C+B=Occupancy Exit Capacity Required for Stairs(D + 60) Minimum Staircase lvidth (E x 550mm)

1 lv/10 1500 150 2.5 1375

2 tv/10 1500 150 2.5 1375

3 1500 150 2.5 1375

4 1500 150 2.5 1375

5 1800 180 3.0 1650

rv/10 tv/10 tv/10

Notes PurposeGroup- Referto FifthSchedule occupant Load - Refer to 2nd Column of Seventhschedule,check whether areas to be used is nett or gross. Exit Capacity- Refer to 3rd columnof SeventhSchedule,establish type of exit and exit capacity that is appropriate eg. doors outside,ramps or stairs. (i) Referring to columnF in the above table,Level 5 is the largestand the exitwidth (staircase) required is 1650mm.Staircase provision must cater to this requirement. By-laws168 and '177stipulate that every upperfloor shall have meansof egressvia at least two separatestaircase(with exceptionof By-law 194),assumingexitdistances are com pliedwith.A minimumof two staircases are thereforerequiredfor Compliance. By-law199(a)requires the assumption that one of the protectedstaircases is inaccessible. lf two staircase were provided, theywould thereforeeach have to be minimum1650mm widthto caterfor the occupantload.

(ii)

(iii)

73

(iv)

Three-staircasescenario: lf three staircasewere providedsay main staircase/fire fightingstaircase width of 12O0mm (minimum1100mm) and two secondary staircase of 900mmwidtheach.The checkwould be as follows:

(a) Totalexitwidth: MainStaircase Secondary Staircase 1 Secondary Staircase 2 TotalExitWidth 1,200mm 900mm 900mm 3,000mm

(b) Assumingthe wideststaircase(mainstaircase) is inaccessible, remainingexit width is = 1,800mm. 3,000mm- 1,200mm 1,800mm> 1,650mm, therefore the provision satisfies the By-laws. 4.4.12 Seating in Placesof Assembly Diagram 4.4.12.1 Spacingbetween seats (By-law184)

'f--ti 300mm | \ I min.lt

lt

Non-SelfRaisingSeats

+l

Back to back spacing,S > 825mm x+y+675mm>825mm

74

Diagram 4.4.12.2 Maximum number of seating per row (By-law184)

'

l r

(E

o) c o

Ilrrrtrrrrlrrl trrrrllrllllrl
l r

g !..rrrJ s
)

l""I

Diagram 4.4.12.3 Seats without dividing arms

I
Diagram 4.4.12.4 Continentalseating
I r

I
t F-l
|

I
l
450mm I I l r
'

No. of seat in a row can be 49 max.

E I o l
c o l @ t

F -

"I
, = l @ l ( o l

lrrrrllrrrrrrl 1 lrrrrlrlrtrrrl : 9L lrrrrrrlrlrrrl E !rrrrrrlllrrrl

t I trrrurrrrrrrl
I

lllrrrrlrllrll

tr_ E I

1
I

I Illrrtrllrllltt I Irrrrrrlltrrrl
1

llllIlrIIIlIlt

'
l

trrrrrrrrrrrrl r
l

l l

Diagram4.4.12.s Gangway all round

Exitdoor

1200mm min. 1200mm min

Diagram4.4.12.6 Gangway on 3 sides 200mm min.

l200mmmin.

1200mm min

76

Diagram4.4.12.7 Parallelgangway required by locat authority

As requiredby localauthority

Diagram4.4.12.8 Guardrails at foot of gangway

Guardrail min. 1.05mheight Normalrailing as required under the UBBL1984 Min. 1.05mheight

77

4.5 RULES OF MEASUREMENT 4.5.1 Description By-law135 in the UBBL 1984setsthe basisfor measuring heights, areasand volumesof buildings/ compartments for use in conjunction with the UBBL 1984throughout. It has to be bornein mind that these measurement methodswill differfrom the basisfor calculatino the same dimensions for use with planningguidelines or other applications. lllustrations A, B and C describes the rulesof measurement for heightsin variousbuildings. Diagram 4.5.'|'.1 Heightof building

highestlevelof groundadjacent to outsidewalls

mean groundlevel lowestlevelof ground adjacent to outsidewalls A. Double-pitchedroof

highestpointof flat roof highestpointof parapet mean roof level

top level of gutter

use heightA or heightB whicheveris greater B. Mansard type roof

meangroundlevel

7B

highestpointof roof slope

highestlevetof ground adjacentto outsidewalls

height

equal equal

mean groundlevel

C. Flat or monopitch roof

il;"";:jff'fl,:,fJ10",,,

Calculation of area of any storeyor compartment to be takento finishedinnersurfacesof enclosing walls or to outermostedge of the flooron the side that has no enclosingwalls eg. balconies. The area measured wouldincludeall internal wallsand partitions enclosedby the innersurfacesup to externalwalls or edges (as in balconies). Diagram 4.5.1.2 Areaof building
Area to be calculated to innersurfaceof enclosed spaces Area to be calculated to outer edgeof balcony (unenctoseo)

Mirrorlmage Line

79

The area of any part of a roof shall be taken to be the actualvisiblearea of such part measured on a planeparalleltopitch. Diagram 4.5.1.3 Areaof roof
point(ridge) Highest

A=B Lowestpointof roof eaves

Area of roof is 2 x (X) x (y)

Calculations of cubic capacity of a building or compartment D i a g r a m4 . 5 . 1 . 4 Volume of build compartment

(iii) Measureto undersurface of roof if building or compartment exits to roof.

(iii) Measureto undersurfaceof ceilingof higheststoreyif building/compartment does not extendto roof. (i) Measureto finishedinner surfacesof enclosedwalls.

(iii) lgnorewaltsand floorsif they fall withinthe same companment.

(ii) Measurefrom the upper surfaceof the lowestfloor.

80

DIMENSIONS OVERALLLENGTH OVERALLWIDTH OVERALLHEIGHT WHEELBASE TRACK - FRONT . REAR TURNING CIRCLE GROUNDCLEARANCE OVERHANG- FRONT - REAR ANGLE - APPROACH - DEPARTURE

6,B00mm 2,100mm 2,400mm 4,280mm 1,757mm 1,853mm 18,000mm 200mm 1,070mm 1,450mm 35" 30"

DESIGNRATINGS FULLYLADEN GROSSVEHICLEWEIGHT

4,700k9 5,000k9

82

DIMENSIONS OVERALL LENGTH OVERALL WIDTH OVERALL HEIGHT WHEEL BASE - FRONT TRACK - REAR TURNING CIRCLE GROUND CLEARANCE - FRONT OVERHANG . REAR - APPROACH ANGLE - DEPARTURE 10,800mm 2,500mm 3,300mm 5,265mm 2,045mm 1860mm 295mm 1,400mm 2,750mm 25" 12"

DESIGN RATINGS FULLY LADEN GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT 21,000k9 26,000k9

B3

DIMENS!ONS OVERALLLENGTH OVERALLWIDTH OVERALLHEIGHT WHEELBASE TRACK - FRONT - REAR TURNING CIRCLE GROUNDCLEARANCE OVERHANG- FRONT . REAR ANGLE - APPROACH - DEPARTURE

7,800mm 2,500mm 3,400mm 3,900mm 2,100mm 1,752mm 14,000mm 250mm 1,000mm 1,450mm 20" 15"

DESIGNRATINGS FULLYLADEN GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT

13,000k9 18,000k9

84

DIMENSIONS OVERALL LENGTH OVERALL WIDTH OVERALL HEIGHT WHEEL BASE - FRONT TRACK - REAR TURNING CIRCLE GROUND CLEARANCE - FRONT OVERHANG . REAR ANGLE APPROACH - DEPARTURE 10,000mm 2,500mm 3,600mm 4,900mm 2,100mm 1,752mm 17,200mm 250mm 2,600mm 2,600mm 14" 10'

DESIGN RATINGS FULLY LADEN GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT 17,000k9 18,200k9

85

DIMENSIONS OVERALLLENGTH OVERALLWIDTH OVERALLHEIGHT WHEEL BASE TRACK- FRONT - REAR TURNING CIRCLE GROUNDCLEARANCE OVERHANG- FRONT - REAR ANGLE - APPROACH . DEPARTURE

14,000nrm 2,500mm 3,900mm 5,900mm 2,045mm 1,B60mm 265mm 4,000mm 4,000mm 20" 10'

DESIGN RATINGS FULLY LADEN GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT 28,000k9 31,000k9

86

DIMENSIONS OVERALL LENGTH OVERALL WIDTH OVERALL HEIGHT WHEEL BASE TRACK- FRONT - REAR TURNING CIRCLE GROUND CLEARANCE OVERHANG. FRONT - REAR - APPROACH ANGLE -DEPARTURE' 13,060mm 2,500mm 3,600mm 5,900mm 2,045mm 1,860mm 260mm 4,000mm 4,000mm 20" 10.

DESIGN RATINGS FULLY LADEN : GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT: 28,000k9 31,000k9

87

5.1DESCRIPTION
portableFire Extinguishers fire fightingequipmentintendedfor firsfaid fire fighting are elementary prevent into a full scalefire. Properusageof escalation to duringthe initialoutbreakof fire incident often effectivelycontroland extinguishera fire even beforefire authorities portaOte fire extinguishers is summoned.Howeverthey are not supposeto be used againsta large scalefire. to the portable fire extinguishers should be suitablyselectedfor the type of fire in accordance potential fire proximity to the in close locations and the fire size and sited in suitable classification hazards portablefire extinguishers shouldhave minimumgrossweightbut with higherfire ratingin orderto be able to be carriedand operatedby one person. shall be user friendlyand portablefire extinguishers and servicedannuallyfor their effectiveness. shouldbe maintained

REQUIREMENTS 5.2DESIGN
5.2.1 Codes and Standards is described requirement fire extinguisher By-laws1984,portable Building (a) Underthe Uniform under By-law 227. (b) in tested,select,installand maintain shall be designed, fire extinguishers Portable accordanceto: - Specification - M.S.1539 : for portablefire extinguishers methodology test and 1 : Construction Part - Specification - M.S.1539 : for portablefire extinguishers Part 3 : Selectionand Application Code of Practice - Specification - M.S.1539 : for portablefire extinguishers of practice portable Code fire extinguishers Part 4: Maintenanceof (c) : with the followingrequirements shall be manufactured Portablefire extinguishers - SIRIM qualitycertification scheme 5.2.2 Glasses of Fire classesof fire for dealingwith the followingpotential shouldbe provided fire extinguishers Portable : (see Figure5-2-2.1) in the risk assessment identified - ClassA : Fires involving solid materialsof organicnaturewith the formationof glowingambers, eg. paper,wood, etc diesel,etc - Class B : Firesinvolving solids,eg. petrol,kerosene, liquidsor liquefiable - Class C : Firesinvolving gases,eg. oxygen,LNG, LPG' etc etc - Class D : Firesinvolving magnesium, metals,eg. sodium,potassium, - Class E : Firesinvolving electricalequipment - Class F : Firesinvolving fats and cookingoils

90

5.2.3 Selection and Application The typicalmediumfor portablefire extinguishers are as foilows: Water Foam Dry ChemicalPowder CarbonDioxide Suitable for ClassA fires Suitable for ClassA and Class B fires Suitable for ClassA, B, C and E fires Suitable for Class B and E fires

5.2.4Color Coding colour of extinguisher cylinder/body shall be signal red to RAL 3000. All wordings,diagram, pictogramshall be white in colour and all extinguiihingmedium shal be "oiour;il as foltows: (see Figure5.2.4.1)

Water Foam DryChemical Powder Carbon Dioxide Halon

Red Cream Blue Black Golden Yellow

Note : Halonportable fire extinguishers are only allowedfor military, aviation or specialapplications only where permitted by Department of Environment Maraysia. 5.2.5 Label Marking All portablefire extinguishers shall be markedas per labels attached. All label markingsshall be fullyvisiblefrom the front (see FigureS.2.S.j and5.2.5.2) 5.2.6 Installation - Generally, portable fire extinguishers shouldbe locatedin conspicuous positionwhere they can be easily spotted by person followingan escape route. - Siting positionnear to room exits, corridors, stainvays,lobbiesand landingsare most suitable. They shouldnot be sitedwhere a potentialfire might preventaccessto them. - Extinguishers should be locatedpreferably within recessedclosetsif they be sited along protected corridorsto avoid obstructionduring evacuation. - They should be sited not more than 20 metres from a potentialfire hazard 5.2.7 PerformanceDesign Fire classes, fire hazard location, extinguisherdistribution,extinguisherperformance as well as applicationshould be the criteria for determiningthe size and quantities of portable fire extinguishers. For dry chemicalpowder extinguisher, vast improvementin chemicalcontent has increasedthe performance of the extinguisher. Weight is hence no longerthe criteriafor selectionbut fire rating determines the performances eg. minimumfire performanceratingof a 9kg extinguisher of 30% chemicalpowderis 27A and 144B.. A 6kg extinguisher of 50%chemicalpornde,can achievea fire ratingof 27A and 1838. Gross weight of portablefire extinguishers should be kept to a minimum (recommended to be below 12kg)to ensureportability. Currentweight ratingof portableflre extinguishers is net weight of fire extinguishing mediumexcluding the weightof tne cyiinoer, valve body, metreand hose;e.g. grossweightof SkgCOz extinguisher is 21kg.

91

It is recommend to designfor 2 smaller extinguishers to achieve the same ratinginstead of 1 extinguisher to increase the effectiveness of fire extinguishment. Example 1 Fora single storey building of floorarea1,600m2, the minimum aggregated class A rating is = 104A 0.065 x 1,600 Thetotalfire ratingcan be provided by: BxI3APFE= 1044 4x27APFE = 108A Bx4kgpFEofl3A 4 x 6 k g p F E o f2 7 A

* PFE- Portable fireextinguisher Note- Portable fireextinguishers of smaller capacity buthigher fireratingis preferred for portability and effectiveness

5.3 VISUAL INSPECTIONCHECKLIST 5.3.1Portablefire extinguisher Q Cylinder bodyshouldbe redwithmedium colourcodedin respective colour o All labelmarking wordings, diagrams and pictograms shallbe in whitecolourand shallbe fully visible fromthe front O LabelshouldcarrySIRIMproduct certification logo Q Extinguishers shallhavevalidFireand Rescue Department Approval Letter O EachExtinguisher shallhavea validFireand Rescue Department H13certificate o Extinguisher meterindication should indicate pressure adequate (GreenZone)within the cylinder Q Cylinder bodyand valveshouldbe rustfree Q Safetypin shouldbe in placeand secured O Discharge Hoseshouldhaveno cracks

92

:1
I
i

Fire involving solids,organicin nature,combustion normallyleadsto formation of glowing embers, carbonaceousfires

Firesinvolving liquidsor liquefiable solids

Fire involvinggases Note : 1. Must turn off the gas valve or plug the leak before putting out the fire 2. Preferablyto be handled by trained fire fighters 3. May require protectiveclothing and/or SCBA (SelfContained Breathing Apparatus) Fire involving metals Note : 1. 2. 3. 4. To refer to materialsafety data sheet of types of metals used Preferablyto be handledby trained fire fighters Special applicationand technique required protectiveclothing and/or SCBA May require,:, (Self ContainedBreathingApparatus)

Fire involvingelectricalequipments Note : 1. Extinguisher mustpassdielectric test of 35 kva to carryClassE marking 2. Shallnot be used on live electrical equipment Fire involvingfats and cooking oils

0.015 m2 0.02m2 0.04 m2 0 . 1 1m 2

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96

6.1 DESCRIPTION Fire hydrant installationconsists of a system of pipework connected direcfly to the water supply mains to providewater to each and every hydrantouilet and is intendedto providewater for the firemento fighta fire' The water is discharged into the fire enginefrom which it is then pumped and sprayedover the fire' where the watersupply is not reliable ir inadequate, hydrantpumps should be provided to pressurise the fire mains. A typicalhydrantinstallation feed directlyfrom the publicwaler mains is shown in Figure6.1 and Figure6.2 showsa typicalinstallation pressurised by fire pumps. 6.2 DESIGNREQUIREMENTS 6.2.1 Design Standards The requirementfor fire hydrants is described under By-laws 225(2) and 225(3)of the uniform BuildingBy-raws 1984,and the rerevant standards are as foilows: - M.s.1489Part 1 : Hydrant systems, Hose Reersand Foam Inrets; - M.S.1395: Specification for pillarhydrant. 6.2.2Hydrant Ouflets Pillarhydrants shouldcomplywith M.s.1395and locatedat not more than 30 metresaway from the breeching inletfor the building. The hydrantshouldbe not less than 6 metresfrom the buildingif it is a high rise buildingso as to allow firemen to operate the hydrant safely, away from the burning buildingor fallingdebris.Generally, hydrantsare spaced at not more than 90 metres apart along accessroadsof minimum6 metresin width and capableof withstanding a load of 26 tons fromfire brigadevehicles. Hydrantoutletsare typically of the twin outletpillartype with an underground sluicevalve.Where these are installed withinthe owner'sboundary, each should be provided with 30 metresof 65mm dia' canvashose' instantaneous couplings and nozzles, all housedwithina steelcabinetbesidethe hydrant' Hydrantslocatedalong publicroads need not be providedwith hose stations.Underground hydrantsare not encourageddue to the difficulty of access. For pressurised installations, hydrantswith twin oufletsshould be capableof providing 1000 l/min of waterat a minimum runningpressure of 4 bars but not exceeding7 barsfor instantaneous coupting. where threadedtype of hydrantoutlets are permitteo ov tne iir" nrt ority,the ouflet pressuremay exceed 7 bars' The 1,000 l/min is based on each 65mm diameterouilet of a double ouflet pillar hydrantdischarging 500 l/minfrom each outletsimultaneousry. pressureregulating type of oulet valves should be used where the pressurefrom the fire mains exceed 7 bars. where the hydrant outlet is locatedwithin the owner's premise,hydrant hose usuallyof canvas should be provided completewith nozzlesat each ouflet. The hydrantmainsare usuallylaid underground althoughthey can also be installed above ground exceptwhere it crossesa road. The pipingis usually oi cement lined steel pipe. However,piping of Acrylonitrile Butadiene styrene (ABS) materialmay also been used especially where corrosion is a majorconcern.

97

6.2.3Hydrant Pumps The hydrantpumpsdraw waterfrom the fire waterstoragetank and two sets of pumps,one on duty and the other on standby,are provided. The pump capacityis usuallysized to delivera flow rate of 3000 l/min at a runningpressure of not less than 4 bars for any three hydrantouiletsoperating at the same time. This flowratewill have to be increased if the numberof outletsto be operating at the same time is more than three. The standbyhydrantpumpsetshouldbe suppliedwith powerfrom the emergency generatorif this is available. Otherwise, the standbypumpsetshould be dieselengine driven.Where dieseldriven pumpsetsare used,the dieselengineshall be capableof operatingcontinuously for 2 hoursat full load' The dieselengineshouldbe provided with an integralconstantspeed governor to controlthe engine speed at the rated pump speed under any load conditionup to the full load ratingof the engine.The startermotor and batterycapacityshall be capableof providing6 cycleseach of not less than 15 secondscrankingwith not more than 10 second of rest in between.At the 7th cycle, the starter motor and batteryshould be able to start the diesel engine. Batteriesfor the diesel engine should be of the maintenance free type. Fuel supply should be adequatefor minimum2 hoursof full load operation. Electrical cablingto supplypowerto the hydrantpumpsshouldbe of fire ratedtype of cable. ln additionto the duty and standbypumpsets,a jockey pump is normallyprovidedto maintain system pressureand avoid havingto start up the duty pumps to maintain system pressure.Jockey pumps are usuallyelectricmotordrivenwith a capacityof around 120 litres/min. The hydrant pumpsets should be protectedfrom the weather and away from locationslikely to be flooded.Pump rooms shouldbe ventilated by naturalor mechanical means and providedwith the necessary signage. 6.2.4 Hydrant Tanks The fire water storagetank shouldbe sized for a minimumeffectivecapacityof 135,000litres and shouldbe refilledautomatically from a water supplypipe capableof providinga minimumflowrate of 1,200llmin. For hydrantpumps largerthan 3000 l/min,the make up water flowrateshould be such that togetherwith the water stored,the hydrantpump will be able to operatefor t hour. A 4way breechinginletshouldalso be provided to enablethe fire brigadeto help refillthe tank. The effective capacity of the storage tank is the volume of water between the normal water level and the low water level.The low waterlevelshall be takenas 600mmabovethe highestpoint of the pump suctionpipe inlet opening.Where an approvedvortex inhibitoris used, the low water level shall be taken as the top of the vertexinhibitor's upperflange. Hydranttanks are usuallyseparate from otherwaterstoragetanks but may be combined with water storagetanks for other fire fightingsystems.In such cases,the tank capacityshould be the sum total of the water storagefor both hydrantas well as the otherfire fightingsystem. The tank may be of pressed steel, fibreglassreinforcedpolyester(FRp) or concrete.pressed steeltanks if used shouldbe hot dippedgalvanized and coatedinternally with bituminous paintfor corrosion protection-The tank should be compartmentedunless they are of reinforced concrete and water level indicator shouldbe providedto show the amountof water available. The external surfaceof the tank should be paintedred or where this is not desirable,a red band of minimum 200mm should be paintedto indicate that this is a fire tank.

9B

6.2.5PumpStarterpanelsand Controls Pumpstarter panelshould be complete withindicator lights as shownin the Figure 6.3.Ventitation slotsshould be provided withinsect screen to prevent entryor vermin. Hydrant pumpsshallstartautomatically uponactuation of the pressure switches but should only be stopped manually' Usually threepressure switches are provided with the following suggested pressure settings: - starting the dutypumpset set at g0% of thesystem pressure; - starting the standby pumpset setat 60%of thesystem pressure; and - starting andstopping t h e j o c k e yp u m p s e s t e t a t 9 0 %a n d 1 1 0 % o f t h e s y s t e mp r e s s u r e respectively. Thepressure switches arenormally installed in thetestanddrainlineon the pumpdischarge side. The pressure settings shouldbe clearly labeled on tagsattached to eachpressure switch. 6.3 TEST REQUIREMENTS 6.3.1StaticPressure Test Thesystem should firstbe flushed to clearalldebris fromtheinside of the riser. TheHydrant pipes are hydranlically tested to a pressure of 14barsor 150% working pressure, whichever is the higher for 2 hours, measured at thefurthest hydrant anda check iscarried outfor leakage at thejointsand landing valveconnections.

6.4 MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS

6.4.1 Inspection And Testing A flow test should be carriedout to ensure that the pumps are in proper working condition.The pipeworkshouldbe checkedfor leakageand the hydrants, varves,hoses,drain valveand cabinets shouldbe inspected as recommended in the checklist attached.

6.5DESIGN CHECKLIST
(a)

At leastone hydrant is provided at location not morethan9'1.5m fromthe nearest pointof fire brigade access. A minimum flowrateof 500litres/minute at running pressure of 4 to 7 barsis maintained at eachof the hydrant outlet whenthreenumbers of thefurthest hydrant are in used. Watersource: O Pumpsuction tank. O Public watermain. Q Others: Water tankcapacity : Water supply duration :
ry13

(b)

(c)

(d) (e)

nours.

oo

(f) (g) (h) 0) (k) (l)

(m) (n)

Hydrant type : Totalnumber of hydrant: _ Hydrant spacing :_ Hydrant :_mm. mainnominalsize

; size: nos. m.

Number of fire hoseprovided : _nos. Hose size:_

Pipe material: pipe: Levelof underground oUnderdriveway(at|east0.9mdepth):-mdepth. (at least0.8mdepth): O Otherlocation m depth.

mm ; length :_

m.

(o) (p) (q) (r)

To provide fire brigade breeching inlet. To provide sectional isolation valvesat hydrant ringmain. Hydraulic calculation. pump: Hydrant Q Ratedflow rate:

litres/min at

m head.

D Ratedpower:_kw. DPipenominalsize:Suction:-mm;De|ivery:-mm.

6,6 VISUAL INSPECTION CHECKLIST 6.6.1Visual Inspection of Water Supplies Incoming water supplyconnection. Capacityof water available. Compartmentation of water tanks, where applicable. Primingtank (if any). Monitoringof water tank level. Vortexinhibitors for watertanks,where applicable. Breeching inlet. 6.6.2Visual Inspection of Hydrant and Accessories Spacingof hydrants. Physicalcondition of hydrants, hoses and accessories.

100

6.6.3VisualInspection of pipework Typeof pipesused. Protection of underground pipework. Painting of pipework. Supports for pipework. 6.6.4VisualInspection of pumps Protection of rotating parts. Mounting of pumps. 6.7 TESTINGAND COMMISSIONING CHECKLIST 6.7.1Testingand Commissioning of WaterSuppties Pumpoperating current and voltage. Pumpoperating pressure andflow rate. Pumpoperating RpM. Pumpnotoverheating. Vibration and noiselevel. Testing of electrical wiringsystem. Alternative powersupply for electric pumps. Batteries for dieselpumps. Fuelfor diesel pumps. Automatic operation of pumps. 6.7.2Testingand Commissioning of pipework Hydrostatic testing pipework. of Flushing of pipework. 6.7.3Testingand Gommissioning of HydrantOuflet Pressure andflow characteristics.

101

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7.1DESCRIPTION
Hose reel systemis intended for the occupantto use duringthe earlystages of a fire and comprises hose reel pumps, fire water storagetank, hose reels, pife work and valves.A typical hose reel installation is shown in Figure7.1.

7.2DESIGN REQUIREMENTS 7.2.1 Design Standards Therequirement forhose reel systems is detailed under the1Oth schedule oftheUniform Building
By-laws 1984. Theapplicable standards for hosereelsystems areas follows; - M's'1489part 1 : Hydrant systems, HoseReers and Foamrnrets; - M.S.1447 - Hosereels withsemi-rigid hose; - M.s.1488 : semi-rigid hoses forfirstaidfixedinstailations. 7.2.2Hose Reels Hosereelsshould comply withM.s.1447andare usually placed suchthatall areasare within30 metrehosecoverage of eachhosereel.one hosereelshouldbe provided for everyg0osq. metres of usable floorspace'Hosereelsare usually located in prominent positions at eacfrfloor levelalong escaperoutesor besides exitdoorsor staircases, preferably withinrecessed closets. Eachhosereeloutlet is to discharge a minimum of 30 l/minof waterwithin 6 metres of all partsof thespace protected' Therubber hoses should be to M.s.14BB andaretypically 30 metres in length and25mmin diameter' Nozzles should beof thejet andspray adjustable typeof different diameters butBmmis a recommended size. Pipework for hosereelsystem is generally 50mmnominal diameter andthefeedto individual hose reelshouldbe not lessthan 25mmdiameter. The pipingshourd be of galvanised steel medium grade(class B) minimum for abovegroundpipingand heavygrade(class c) for underground pipes'The pipesshallbe painted withprimerand finished withred paintor the hosereetpipemay be identified with red bandspainted at elbows and tees. 7.2.3HoseReelpumps The hosereel pumpsdrawwaterfromthe fire water storage tank and two sets of pumps,one on dutyand the otheron standby, are provided. The pumpcapacity is usually sizedto deliver a flow rateof 120llminat a running pressure of not lessthan2 barsfor any four hosereelsoperating at thesametime Thestandby hosereelpumpset should be supplied withpower fromtheemergency generator if this is available' otherwise, the standby pumpset should be dieselengine driven. Fuel suppty should be adequate for minimum t hourof operation. Electrical cabling to power supply to the hose reel pumps should be runin galvanised steelconduit or alternativetyl maybe of firerated type of cable. Batteries for the dieser engine shourd be maintenance-rree type. wherethetotalnumber of hosereels in thebuilding doesnotexceed four(4),thestandby pumpset may be electrically drivenand neednotbe provided withemergency power.

105

The hose reel pumpsetsshould be protectedfrom the weatherand away from locations likely to be flooded.Pump rooms may be locatedanywherein the buildingor on the roof but should be ventilated by naturalor mechanical means and providedwith the necessary signage. 7.2.4Hose ReelTanks The fire water storagetank shouldbe sized based on 2275litresfor the first hose reetand 1137.5 litresfor every additional hose reel up to a maximumof 9100 litresfor each system. The tank may be of pressedsteel,fibreglass reinforced polyester pressedsteel (FRp) or concrete. tanks where used should be hot dipped galvanizedand coated internally with bituminouspaint for corrosionprotection. The tank should be compartmented and water level indicatorshould be provided to show the amountof wateravailable. The externalsurfaceof the tank shouldbe painted red or wherethis is not desirable, a red band of minimum200mmshouldbe paintedto indicate that this is a fire tank. The hose reel tank should be refilledautomatically from a water supply pipe of minimum50mm diameterto providea minimumflowrateof 150 l/min. Although hose reel tanks are usually separatedfrom domesticwater storage tanks, the two can be combined. ln such cases, the tank capacity should be the sum total of the water storage for both domestic as well as for hose reels and the tap off point for the domestic use must be above the tap off point for the hose reel system such that the minimum fire reserve for hose reel is always maintained. 7.2.5Pump Starter Panels and Controls Pump starterpanelshouldbe completewith indicator lightsas shown in the Figure7.2. Ventilation slots should be providedwith insect screen to prevent entry of vermin. Hose reel pumps shall start automaticallyupon actuation of the pressure switches. Usually two pressureswitches are providedwith the followingsuggestedsettings: at 80% and 100%of systempressurerespectively; and - starting and stopping the standbypumpsetset at 60% and 100%of systempressure respectively. For diesel pumpsets,these should be capableof automaticstartingbut should only be stopped manually. 7.2.6 Gravity Feed Hose Reelsystem Wherethe tank is locatedon the roof or upperfloorsand the staticpressure is adequateto achieve the requiredpressure,the hose reels may be fed directlyfrom the hose reel tank. lf pumps are requiredfor the upper floors, a bypass pipe is usually provided.Where excessivepressureis encountered,pressurereducingvalves should be installedwith a manual bypass in case the pressurereducingvalvefails. 7.2.7 Hose Reel Systems Fed from Other Sources The hose reel system may be tapped off from pressurized hydrant provided pressure reducing valves are incorporated to reduce the pressureto the appropriatelevel. However,hose reels shall not be tappedoff from automatic sprinkler systems. - startingand stoppingthe duty pumpsetset

106

7.3 DESIGN CHECKLIST

(a) Design flow rate at each hose reel shall be 30 litres/min based on the top most four numbersof hose reels in use simultaneously. Minimumdesignstaticpressureat entry of each hose reer : _ bar.

(b)

(c) (d) (e)

Hosereettype : Hoselength :_ Watersource. O Pumpsuction tank. O Gravity tank. D Firewatermain O Others: Watertankcapacity : ----litres. *( 2,275litres for the firsthosereel,eachadditional hosereelrequire extra1,137.5 litres up to 9,100 litres.) Pressure reducing valveset : D Yes.Pressure reducing range:
Q No.

metres.

(0

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(h) (i) 0) (k) (l) (m)

Hosereetspacing : Totalnumber of hosereel :

Nozzles are adjustable and spraytype.size :

nomdiameter.

Riser size(minimum nominal size50mm) : ..-mm. Pipemateriat : Hosereelpump: Ratedflow rate : Pipenominalsize : Suction :

litres/min at

metrehead. mm

(n)

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7.4 VISUAL INSPECTION CHECKLIST 7.4.1 VisualInspection of WaterSupplies Capacity of wateravailable. Compartmentation of watertanks.

107

of Pipework 7.4.2VisualInspection Typeof pipesused. pipework. of underground Protection of pipework. Painting Pipesupport. Pipesleeves. Fireseal. of HoseReelsand Accessories 7.4.3VisualInspection valvefor hosereel. lsolating etc. of hosereeldrum,hose,nozzles, condition Physical of PumPs 7.4.4VisualInspection partsof pumpsets. of rotating Protection of pumps. Mounting

CHECKLIST 7.5 TESTINGAND COMMISSIONING of Pipework 7.5.1Testingand Commissioning andvoltage. current Pumpoperating pressure andflowrate. Pumpoperating RPM. Pumpoperating Pumpnotoverheating. Vibration and noiselevel. system. wiring Testing of electrical pumps. powersupply for electric Alternative of Pipework 7.5.2Testingand Commissioning pipework. Hydrostatic testingof Flushing of pipework. of HoseReel 7.5.3Testingand Commissioning performance test. Hosereel

108

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8.1 DESCRIPTION
Dry risersare a form of internalhydrantfor the firemen to use and are only requiredfor buildings where the topmost floor is higher than 18.3 metres and less than 30.5 metres above the fire applianceaccess level' Dry risersare normallydry and depend on the fire engine to pump water into the system.Dry riser system comprisesa riser pipe with landingvalves at each floor and to which canvas hose with nozzles can be connectedto directthe waterjet at the fire. Breechinginlets into which the firemen pumps water are provided ground at level and are connectedto the bottom of the dry risers. A typicaldry riserinstallation is shown in Figure8.1.

8.2 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

8.2.1 Design Standards ln the uniform BuildingBy-laws 1984,the By-laws pertaining to dry risersare By-laws 230 and 232. The relevantstandardsfor dry risers are: - M.s.1489: Part 1 - Hydrant systems, Hose Reersand Foam Inrets; - M.S.1210: Part2 - Landing Valvesfor Dry Risers; - M.S.1210:Part3 - InletBreeching for RiserInlets; - M.S.1210:part 4 - Boxesfor LandingValvesfor Dry Risers. 8.2.2 Landing Vatve Landingvalves are providedon each floor and should complywith M.s.1210 : part 2.rhey are usually locatedwithin fire access lobbies,protected staircasesor other protectedlobbies, and installedat not more than 0'75 metres above the floor level. To protect the landing valves, boxes may be providedand these shouldcomplywith M.S.1210part 4. Fire hose of not less than 38mm diameter,30 metres in length,completewith 65mm dia. quick couplingand nozzleshouldbe providedat each landing valvel 8.2.3 Breeching Inlet The fire brigadebreechinginlet installedat the bottom of the riser should comply with M.s.1210 : Part 3' where the breechinginlet is enclosedwithin a box, the enclosureshould comply with M's'1210 Part 5 and labeled'DryRiser Inlet'.A drain shouldbe providedat the bottomof the riser to drain the system after use. A two-waybreechinginlet should be providedfor a 1oomm dia. dry riser while a 150mm dia. dry risershouldbe installed with a 4-way breechinginlet.Breeching inletsshould be locatedno more than 18 metresfrom the fire appliance accessroad and not moie than 30 metresfrom the nearest externalhydrantouflet. 8.2.4 Riser Pipe The riser pipe diameterusuallylocatedwithinthe fire accesslobbyor staircase should be 1sgmm if the highestoutletis more than22.875metresabove the breeching inlet.otherwise,the riserpipe can be 100mmin diameter. The riserpipeshallbe of galvanised iron to B.s.13g7(Heavygauge) or Class C, testedto 21 bars. Horizontal runs of pipework feedingthe risersshouldbe slopedto enableproperdraining after use. An air releasevalve shouldbe installed at the top of the riserto reliefair trappedin the system.

111

The riser pipe should be electrically earthedor connectedto the buildingearth to achiev equipotential.

8.3 TEST REQUTREMENTS 8.3.1StaticpressureTest The systemshouldfirst be flushed to clearall debrisfromthe insideof the riser. The riseris ther hydraulically testedto a pressure of 14 barsfor 2 hours,measured at the breeching inletand i checkis carried outfor reakage at thejointsandranding varve connections. 8.4 MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS 8.4.1Inspection and Testing The breeching inlets, landing valves and hoses, dry riserpipe,drainvalvesandcabinets shouldbe inspected regurarry to ensure thattheyare in goodop"r"iingcondition. 8.5 DESIGNCHECKLIST (a) Dry riseris required for building whichthe topmost flooris morethan 18.3metresbut less than30.5metres abovefireappliance access. Totalnumber of landing valve_ Rising maintocation : O In stairway enclosure. Q Withina firefighting tobby. Q Other:
Riserdiameter: Pipe materiat :

(b) (c)

nosperriser.

(d) (e)

mm.

(f) (g)

Lowest pointof randing varve at about750mmabovefloorrever. Firebrigade breeching inlet: fl Two-way pumping inlet e Four_way pumping inlet

8.6 VISUAL INSPECTION CHECKLIST 8.6.1VisualInspection of WaterSupplies Breeching inlet. 8.6.2VisualInspection of LandingValves Location of valves. Capsfor oufletof landing valves.

112

8.6.3Visual Inspectionof pipework lsolating valvefor hosereel. Physical condition of hosereeldrum,hose,nozzles, etc. 8.6.4VisualInspection of pumps Typeof pipesused. Protection of underground pipework. Painting of pipework. Pipesupports. Pipesleeves. Fireseal.

8.7 TESTINGAND COMMISSIONING CHECKLIST 8.7.1Testing and Commissioning of pipework Hydrostatic testing of pipework. Flushing of pipework.

113

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9.1DESCRIPTION
[Wet risers are a form of internal hydrantfor the firemen to use and are always chargedwith water. Wet risersare only required for buildings where the topmostfloor is higherthan 30.5 metresabove the fire appliance accesslevel. Wet risersystemcomprises duty fire pump with standbypump discharging intoa 150mmdiameter riserpipewith landing valvesat each floorand to whichcanvashosewith nozzlescan be connected to directthe waterjet at the fire.A jockeypump is usuallyprovided to maintain systempressure. For high rise buildings, each stage of the wet risershouldnot exceed70.15 metres. A typicalwet riserinstallation is shown in Figureg.1.

9.2 DESIGNREQUIREMENTS 9.2.1DesignStandards The requirements for wet risersystems is described underBy-law231,232and248of the Uniform Building By-Laws, 1984andthe applicable standards are: M.S.1489 Part 1 - HydrantSystems,Hose Reelsand Foam Inlets: M . S . 1 2 1 Part 0 1 - LandingValvesfor Wet Risers; M.S.1210 Part 3 - InletBreeching for Riser Inlets; M.S.1210 Part 4 - Boxes for LandingValves for Dry Risers.

9.2.2Wet Riser Landing Valve Landingvalves are providedon each floor and should comply with M.S.1210: part 1. They are usually located within fire fighting access lobbies, protectedstaircasesor other protectedlobbies, and installedat not more than 0.75 metresfrom the floor. To protectthe landing valves, boxes can be providedand theseshouldcomplywith M.S.1210: part 4. The pressureat the landingvalve should be no less than 4 bars and not more than Z bars. To achievethis, there are two types of landingvalves i.e. pressurereducingtype with or without relief outlet.Those with reliefoutlets require a wet riser return pipe. Fire hose of the canvas type of not less than 38mm dia. 30 metres in length, completewith 65mm Jia' quick couplingand jet and spray nozzleshould be providedin a hose cradle beside each andingvalve. 9.2.3Breeching Inlet /fith the fire brigadebreechinginlets the firemen can pump water into the wet riser storage tank to nake up for waterused.The breeching inletshouldbe a 4-waytype complying with M.S.1210: part l. Where the breeching inlet is enclosedwithina box, the enclosure shouldcomplywith M.S.1210 )art 5 and labelled'Wet Riser lnlet'. A drain should be providedat the bottomof the riserto drain he system after use. 3reeching inletsshouldbe locatedno morethan 18 metresfrom the fire appliance accessroad and lot more than 30 metresfrom the nearestexternalhydrant.

115

9.2.4Wet Riser Pipe The wet riser mains are usuallylocatedwithin smoke free lobby or protected areas and such that all spacesare to be withina 45 metrescoveragefrom a landingvalve.Where more than one riser is required for each floor,the distanceapart betweenthe risersshouldnot exceed60 metres.The distancebetweenthe lowestand topmostlandingvalvein any upperstage risershouldnot exceed 60 metres.The riserpipediameter shouldbe 150mmgalvanised ironto 8.S.1387(Heavygauge)or pipe ClassC. Where a relief is required, this returnpipe shall be minimum100mmdia. galvanised iron to 8.S.1387 (Mediumgauge) or Class B, dischargingback to the wet riser tank wherever possible. An air releasevalve should be installedat the top of the riserto reliefair trapped in the system. All wet riserpipesshouldbe coatedwith primerand finishedwith red gloss paint.Alternatively, the pipecan be colourcodedwith red bandsof 100mmwidthand the elbowsand tees paintedred. The riserpipe shouldbe electrically earthedto achieveequipotentialwith the building. 9.2.5 Wet Riser Pumps The wet riser pumps draw water from wet riser storage tank and two sets of pumps, one on duty and the other on standby,are provided.The pump capacityis usually sized to delivera flow rate of 1500 l/minat a runningpressureof not less than 4 bars but not more than 7 bars,when any three landingvalvesare in use at the same time. The standbywet riserpumpsetshouldbe suppliedwith powerfrom the emergency generator if this is available. Otherwise, the standbypumpsetshould be diesel enginedriven.Fuel supplyshould be adequatefor minimum2 hours of continuousoperation.Electrical cablingto supply power to the wet riser pumpsshouldbe of MICC or fire ratedtype. Batteries for the dieselengineshould be maintenance-free type. The wet riser pumpsetsshould be protectedfrom fire and away from locationslikelyto be flooded. Sump pumps shall be installedwhere the fire pump room is located in the basementbelow external drainagelevels.lt shouldalso be ventilated by naturalor mechanical meansand provided with the necessary signage. A carbondioxidetype portableextinguisher shouldbe provided as well. 9.2.6 Wet Riser Tanks The fire water storage tank should be sized for a minimum effectivecapacityof 45,500 litres with automatic refill rate of 455 l/min. The intermediatebreak tank for upper stages of the wet riser shouldbe not lessthan 11,375litres with an automatic make-upflow of 1365l/min. Wet riser tanks may be of pressedsteel, fibre reinforcedpolyester(FRP) or concrete.pressed steel tanks where used should be hot dipped galvanizedand coated internally with bituminouspaint for corrosion protection.The water tanks should be compartmentedunless they are of reinforced concrete. Ballfloatvalves,overflowpipes,drain pipesand waterlevelindicators shouldbe provided for each compartment. The externalsurfaceof the tank should be paintedred or where this is not desirable, a red band of minimum200mm shouldbe paintedto indicate that this is a fire tank. The wet riser tanks may be located on the ground floor, first or second basement.The wet riser tanks are usuallyseparatedfrom other water storagetanks. However,it may be combinedwith hose reel tank, in which cases the tank capacity should be the sum total of the water storage for both wet riser as well as for hose reel system. The hose reel tap off level should be above the wet risertap off levelsuch that the wet riserreseryeis maintained.

1't6

9.2.7PumpStarterpanelsand Controls Pumpstarter panelshould be complete withindicator g.2.Ventilation lights as shownin the Figure slotsshould be provided withinsect powersuppty screen to prevent entryof vermin. cables to the panel should be of mineral insulated copper cable (MICC) or firerated typerouted within areas with lowfire risk.The pumpstarter panelshould be placed withinthe sameroomas the fire pumpsit controls. wet riserpumps areautomatically started uponactuation of the pressure switches butshould only be stopped manually' Usually threepressure switches are provided withthe following suggested pressure settings: - starting the dutypumpset setat g0%of thesystem pressure; - starting the standby pumpset set at 60%of thesystem pressure; and - starting andstopping thejockeypumpset setat 90% and110% of thesystem pressure respectively. Thepressure switches arenormally installed in thetestanddrainlineon thepumpdischarge side. The pressure settings shouldbe clearly labelled on tagsattached to eachpr"r"ui" switch. 9.3 TEST REQUIREMENTS 9.3.1StaticPressure Test The systemshouldfirstbe flushed to clearall debrisfromthe insideof the riser.The riseris then hydrauf icallytestedto a pressure of 14 barsor 150o/othe working pressure, whichever is the higher for 2 hours,measured at the lowest landing valveanda checkis carried outfor leakage at thejoints andlanding valveconnections. 9.3.2Flow Test A threeway landingvalveshouldbe provided on the roof or topmostfloorfor testingpurposes. Meansshouldbe provided to measure the waterflowrate. 9.4 MAINTENANGE REQUIREMENTS 9.4.1Inspection and Testing A flow test shouldbe carriedout to ensurethat the pumpsare in properworking condition. The pipework should be checked for leakage andthebreeching inlets, landing valves and hoses, drain valvesand cabinets shouldbe inspected as recommended in the checklist attached. 9.5 DESIGNCHECKLIST (a) Wet riseris required for building wherethe topmost flooris morethan30.5metres above fireappliance access.
A minimumflow rate of 500 litres/minute at runningpressureof 4 to 7 bars is maintained at each landingvalvewhen three numbersof the furthestlandingvalvesare fully opened.

(b)

117

(c)

Watersource : Q Pumpsuction tank. D Firewatermain. Q Other:

Multi-stage systemshall be installed for highestoutletmore than 70.15metresabove pump level. Each stageof riserdoes not exceed60 metres. Landingvalvesshall be pressureregulating / reducingtype. Total numberof landingvalve per stage: . Stage 1 :--nos. .Stage2:-_-nos. Three way 63.5mm ouflets are providedat locationabove the roof line. Riserspacinn'_ _metres.

(d)

(e) (0 (g)

(h) 0)

Risingmain location: O In stairwayenclosure. D Within fire fightingtobby.

(k)
(l) (m) (n) (o) (p) (q)

O Other:
Numberof fire hose provided: _nos. Hosesize :_ mm ; length:

Breaktank capacity: 11,375titres. Water tank capacity: 45,500 litres Minimumnominaldiameterof riser shall be 150mm. Pipe material:

(r) (s)

pointof landing Lowest valveat about7s0mm above floorlevel. To provide firebrigade breeching inlet. Wet riserpump: . Ratedflow rate:

(t) (u) (v)

. Rated power: Pipe nominalsize : Suction:

litres/min at

metrehead.

KW mm ; Delivery:--..mm

For dieselengine: ' Fuel capacitysufficient to run engineat full roadfor _ hours. ' Reservesupplyof fuel for hours of engine full load running. _

118

9.6VISUAL INSPECTION CHECKLIST

9.6.1VisualInspection of WaterSupplies Capacity of wateravailable. Compartmentation of watertanks. Priming tank(if any). Monitoring of watertanklevel. Vortexinhibitors for watertanks. Breeching inlet. 9.6'2visual Inspectionof LandingVarvesand Accessories Location of landing valve. Storage of canvas hoseand accessories. Physical condition of canvas hose,accessories and randing varve. Capsfor outletof landing valves. 9.6.3Visual Inspectionof pipework Typeof pipesused. Protection of underground pipework. Painting of pipework. Pipesupports. Pipesleeves. Fireseal. 9.6.4 VisualInspection of pumps Protection of rotating partsof pumpsets. Mounting of pumpsets.

9.7 TESTING AND COMMISSIONING CHECKLIST 9.7.1 Testing and Gommissioning of WaterSupplies Pumpoperating current andvoltage. Pump operating pressure andflowrate. Pump operating RpM.

119

Pumpnotoverheating. Vibration and noiselevel. Testing of electrical wiringsystem. Alternative powersupplyfor electric pumps. Batteries pumps. for diesel Fuelfor diesel pumps. Automatic operation of pumps. 9.7.2Testing and Commissioning of pipework Hydrostatic pipework. testing of Flushing of pipework. 9.7.3Testing and Commissioning of LandingValves Pressure at landing valveouflet. Flowrateof water.

120

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10.1DESCRIPTION
Downcomersare also a form of internalhydrantfor the firemento use and are always chargedwith are water from a water tank locatedat the top of a buildingbut withoutany pumps. Downcomers where the topmost floor private approach permitted with balcony residential buildings open for only is not higherthan 60 metresabove the fire applianceaccess level and should be adoptedfor low cost flats only. into a 150mmdiameter a high levelwaterstoragetank discharging Downcomersystemcomprises valvesat each floorand to whichcanvashosewith nozzlescan be connected riserpipewith landing to direct the water jet at the fire. No pumps are provided and therefore the system pressure is limited to the static pressureonly. is shown in Figure10.1. installation A typicaldowncomer

10.2 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

DesignStandards 10.2.1 is the 1Oth systems to downcomer By-laws 1984,relating Building in the Uniform The section are: for downcomer systems standards Schedule and relevant
M . S . 1 4 8 9 Part 1 M . S . 1 2 1 0Part 1 Part 3 M.S.1210 M . S . 1 2 1 0Part 4 HydrantSystem,Hose Reels and Foam Intels; LandingValves for Wet Risers; for Riser lnlets; InletBreeching Boxes for LandingValves for Dry Risers.

10.2.2Downcomer Landing Valve Landingvalves are providedon each floor and should comply with M.S.1210: Part 1. They are usually locatedwithin fire fighting access lobbies, protectedstaircasesor other protectedlobbies, and installed at not more than 0.75 metresfrom the floor. The pressureat the landing valve depends on the static pressureon the valve from the roof tank. Semi-rigid 40mm diameterhose and nozzlesshould be providedat every landingvalve on each floor. In addition,two sets of fire hose of the canvas type of not less than 38mm diameter,30 metres in length,completewith 65mm dia. quick couplingand jet and spray nozzleshouldbe providedat the caretakersunit or managementoffice. 10.2.3Breeching Inlet inletsinto which the firemenpumpswater are providedat the bottomof The fire brigadebreeching ground floor so that the firemencan pump water into the downcomersystem.The the riser at the breechinginlet should be a 4-way type complyingwith M.S.1210: Part 3. Where the breeching shouldcomplywith M.S.1210: Part 5 and labeled withina box, the enclosure inlet is enclosed 'Downcomer lnlet'.A drain should be providedat the bottomof the riser to drain the system after use. accessroad and Breeching inletsshouldbe locatedno morethan 1B metresfrom the fire appliance hydrant. the nearest external from more than 30 metres not

123

A check valve is installed betweenthe topmostlandingvalve and the tank to preventback flow of waterfrom the downcomer into the tank. 10.2.4Downcomer Pipe The downcomermains are usuallylocatedwithinsmokefree lobbyor protected areas and that all spacesare to be withina 45 metrescoveragefrom a landingvalve.Where more than one riser is requiredfor each floor, the distance apart between the risers should not exceed 60 metres. The riserpipediametershouldbe '1 50mm galvanised ironto 8.S.1387(Heavygauge)or ClassC. An air releasevalve shouldbe installed at the top of the riserto reliefair trappedin the system. All downcomerpipes shouldbe coatedwith primerand finishedwith red gloss paint.Alternatively, the pipe can be colourcodedwith red bandsof 100mmwidthand the elbowsand tees paintedred. The riserpipe shouldbe electrically earthed. 10.2.5Fire Water Tanks The fire water storage tank should be sized for a minimum effectivecapacityof 45,500 litres with automaticrefill rate of 455 l/min. The tanks may be of pressed steel, fibre reinforcedpolyester (FRP) or concrete. pressed steel tanks where used should be hot dipped galvanizedand coated internally with bituminouspaint for corrosionprotection.The water tanks should be compartmentedunless they are of reinforced concrete and ball float valves, overflow pipes, drain pipes and water level indicators should be providedfor each compartrnent.The external surface of the tank should be painted red or where this is not desirable, a red band of minimum200mmshouldbe paintedto indicate that this is a fire tank. The tanks are usuallylocatedon the roof to providethe maximumstatic pressurepossible.The tank is usually separatedfrom other water storagetanks. However,it may be combined with hose reel tank, in which cases the tank capacity should be the sum total of the water storage for both the downcomer as well as for hose reel system. The hose reel tap off level should be above the downcomertap off level such that the water is reservedfor the downcomer.

10.3TESTREQUIREMENTS 10.3.1 Static Pressure Test

The systemshouldfirst be flushedto clear all debrisfrom the insideof the riser.The riser is then hydraulically tested to a pressureof 14 bars or 150%the working pressure,whicheveris the higher for 2 hours,measuredat the breechinginletand a checkis carriedout for leakageat the joints and landingvalve connections.

10.4MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS 10.4.1 Inspection andTesting

The pipeworkshould be checkedfor leakageand the breechinginlets,landingvalvesand hoses, drain valvesand cabinetsshouldbe inspected as recommended in the checklist attached.

124

1 0 . 5D ES IGN C H E C K L IS T
(a) Downcomersystem( modifiedrequirement by UBBL ) is only applicable for flats which the topmostfloor is less than 60 metresabovefire appliance access but exceedthe maximum heightrequirement of dry risersystem. Total numberof landingvalve : Numberof fire hose provided: _nos. Hosesize :_ mm ; length:_ m. nos per stack.

(b) (c) (d) (e)

Stack main location: Q In stairwayenclosure. D Withina ventilated lobby. O Other:

(0
(g) (h) (i)

Stack diameter:
Pipe material:

mm.

Lowestpoint of landingvalve at about zSommabovefloor level. To provide fire brigade breechinginlet.

10.6VISUAL INSPECTION CHECKLIST 10.6.1 Visual Inspection of Water Supplies

Capacityof water available. Compartmentation of water tanks. Breeching inlet. 10.6.2Visual Inspection of Landing Valves and Accessories Location of landingvalves. Storageof canvashose and accessories. Physicalcondition of canvashose, accessories and landingvalve. Caps for outletof landingvalves. 10.6.3Visual Inspection of Pipework Type of pipes used. Paintingof pipework. Pipe supports.

125

1 0 . 7T E S T I N G AND COMMISSIONINC GH E C K L I S T 10.7.1 Testingand Commissioning of WaterSupplies Flowrateandpressure of watersupplies. 10.7.2 Testing and Commissioning of Pipework Hydrostatic testing of pipework. Flushing of pipework.

126

Figure 10.1Down Comer System Typical Arrangement Drawing SCALE: N.T.S

/ EQUIPMENT COMPONENT 1 WaterTank Inlet 2 4-WayBreeching 3 Vent Pipec/w MosquitoNet 4 AccessOpening 5 Level lndicator 6 ExternalCat Ladder 7 Overflow Pioe 8 WarningPipe 9 Gate Valve 10 CheckValve 11 LandingValve Office 12 Hose with Nozzleat Management '13 Air ReleaseValvec/w Ball Valve

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11.1 D E S GR IP T ION
An automaticsprinklersystem is intendedto detect,controland extinguisha fire, and warn the occupantsof the occurrenceof fire. The installation comprisesfire pumps, water storagetanks, controlvalve sets, sprinklerheads,flow switches,pressureswitches,pipeworkand valves.The system operatesautomatically withouthuman intervention. The sprinklerhead has a liquidfilled glass bulb that breaksdue to the heat of the fire and releaseswater that spraysover the fire. The various types of sprinklersystems are as follows: (a) Wet pipe installation wherethe pipework is filledwith waterand readyto discharge once the sprinkler bulb breaks. Dry pipe installation where the pipe is alwaysfilledwith air under pressure.Air is released when the sprinkler bulb breaksand waterfillsthe pipe and is discharged at the sprinkler head. Pre-actioninstallation where the pipeworkis normallychargedwith air under pressureand a valve is openedto fill the systemwith water when fire is detectedby smoke or heat detectors. Water is discharged only when the sprinkler bulb breaks. Deluge installation w h e r e t h e s p r i n k l e rh e a d h a s n o b u l b a n d w a t e r i s d i s c h a r g e d simultaneously from all headswhen fire is detectedand the delugevalve is opened.

(b)

(c)

(d)

The wet pipe installation is the most commontype and a typicalsprinkler systemis shown in Figure 11.1. Sprinklersinstalledat 17 metres and above the floor to be protected ard no longer effectiveand alternative solutions such as early response sprinkler heads, large droplet spiint<ter heads or delugesystemshave to be considered.

1 1 . 2D E S I G NR E Q U I R E M E N T S 11.2.1 DesignStandards Underthe UniformBuildingBy-laws1984,By-laws226 and 228 refer to the requirements for sprinkler systems. The accepted standards for automatic sprinkler installations are : - BS EN 12845:2003- Automatic - Design, Sprinkler systems installation and maintenance. . NFPA 13. Wherea particular standard is adopted, the sprinkler system should followthe selected standard in totalandshould notrelyon clauses in otherstandards unless thespecific aspect is notcovered in the selected standard. 11.2.2 Occupancy Hazard Groups sprinklersystems are designed based on the hazard classification described in the Bs EN 12845 as follows:
(a) Light Hazardfor non-industrial occupancies with low quantityand combustibility contents, eg. apartments, schoolsand hospitals.

128

(b)

ordinary handling and storing occupancies and industrial for commercial Hazard Ordinary grouped under: further is and materials combustible - OH GroupI for offices, andhotels; restaurants factory; - OH Groupll for laundries, andtobacco bakeries clothing shopsandcinemas, largeretail - OH Group11for carparks, stores, departmental and factories, andpaint studios. - oH Groupllls for match filmandtelevision factories,

is the hazardclass recommended type of occupancies, with multiple For high rise buildings lll. GrouP Hazard Ordinary (c) loadscovering abnormalfire having occupancies andindustrial for commercial HighHazard and is hazards liquid flammable and oil and piled hazards storage process high hazards, grouped under: further and factories; woodwooland paint rubber, risk,e.g.clothing, Process as follows: categories four into divided further is riskswhich Highpiledstorage height; in 4 metres andtextileexceeding category| for carpets factorypiledabove3 metreshigh; ll for furniture Category piledhigher than2 metres; paper wax coated lll for rubber, category in height' 1.2 metres piled plastics above lV for foam, Category

PumPs Sprinkler 11.2.3 Two network. storagetank to feed the sprinkler pumps draw waterfrom sprinkler The sprinkler witha jockeypumpto together are provided oneon dutyandthe otheron standby, setsof pumps, defined the duties meet to selected be should pumpcapacity pressure. Sprinkler system maintain on the depend pressure and flow requirements The nominal of hazards. classes for the various headand are as listedbelow: and bottommostsprinkler the topmost between heightmeasured
(a) Light Hazard - 15 metres: 300 cu dm/minat 1.5 bars - 30 metres: 340 cu dm/minat 1.8 bars - 45 metres: 375 cu dm/minat 2.3 bars

(b)

I GrouP Hazard Ordinary - 15 metres at 1-2bars : 900cu dm/min - 30 metres at 1.9bars cu dm/min : 1150 - 45 metres: 1360cu dm/minat2.7 bars ll GrouP Hazard Ordinary - 15 metres at 1.4bars cu dm/min : 1750 - 30 metres at 2.0 bars : 2050cu dm/min - 45 metres at 2.6 bars :2350cu dm/min lll GrouP Hazard Ordinary - 15 metres at 1.4bars :2250cu dm/min - 30 metres at 2.0bars :2700cu dm/min - 45 metres at 2.5 bars : 3100cu dm/min

(c)

(d)

129

(e)

OrdinaryHazardGroup llls - 15 metres: 2650 cu dm/minat 1.9 bars - 30 metres : 3050 cu dm/min a12.4 bars

In additionto the above flow requirements, pump shouldbe capableof satisfying the sprinkler two otherflows and pressuresas describedin BS EN 12845. Wherethe building exceeds45 metres,multiple stagesof sprinkler installations have to be installed such that the multiplestageswill be able to servethe full heightof the building with each stage not exceeding 45 metres. The standbysprinkler pumpsetshouldbe supplied with powerfrom the emergency generator if this is available. Otherwise, the standbypumpsetshouldbe dieselenginedriven.FuelsJpplyshouldbe adequatefor minimum4 hours of continuous operationfor OrdinaryHazardand 6 hoursfor High Hazardapplications. Electrical cablingto supplypower to the sprinkler pumps should be of MICC or fire rated type. Batteriesfor the diesel engine should be maintenance-free type. For sprinklerpumps protecting high rise buildings, the staticpressurebetweenthe pump and the lowestsprinkler head shouldbe added to the above pump pressurerequirement. The sprinklerpumps should be under positivehead as far as possible,protectedfrom fire and away from locations likelyto be flooded.Sump pumpsshall be installed where the fire pump room is locatedin the basementbelow externaldrainagelevels.lt should also be ventilatedby natural or mechanicalmeans and providedwith the necessarysignage.A carbon dioxidetype portable extinguisher shouldbe providedas well. Where fire pumps are provided for hydrant systems, the water supply for the sprinkler system can be taken off from the fire mains providedthe fire pumps and tanks are sized for simultaneous operationof the hydrantand sprinklersystems.Pressurereducingvalves should be providedin such cases as the hydrantpressureis usuallyvery much higherthan that requiredfor the sprinkler system. 1'|..2.4 Pump Starter Panels and Gontrols Pump starterpanelshouldbe compartmented for each of the duty,standbyand jockey pumpsand completewith indicator lightsas shown in the Figure11.2.Ventilation slotsshouldbe provided with insect screen to prevent entry of vermin. Power supply cables to the panel should be of mineral insulatedcopper core (MICC) or fire rated type routed within areas with low fire risk. The pump starterpanelshouldbe placedwithinthe same room as the fire pumps it controls. Three pressureswitchesshouldbe providedat each installation for startingof the sprinkler pumps with the followingsuggestedpressuresettings: - startingthe duty pumpsetset at B0% of the systempressure; - startingthe standbypumpsetset at 60% of the systempressure; and - s t a r t i n ga n d s t o p p i n gt h e j o c k e y p u m p s e t s e t a t 9 O %a n d 1 1 O Yo f t h e s y s t e m p r e s s u r e respectively. Electrical interlocks shouldbe providedso that the sprinkler pumps at each installation should not operatein parallelsimultaneously. A buzzershouldbe soundedshouldthe isolatorbe in the off or manualposition, Sprinkerpumpsetsshouldbe capableof automatic startingbut shouldonly be stoppedmanually.

130

11.2.5Sprinkler Tanks The sprinklerstoragetank not dependenton inflow should have a minimum effectivecapacity depending on the hazard classification and the height of the lowest to highest sprinklernot exceedingthe following: (a)

LightHazard - 15 metres : 9 cu. metres - 30 metres : 10 cu. metres - 45 metres : 11cu. metres Ordinary Hazard GroupI - 15 metres : 55 cu. metres - 30 metres: 70 cu. metres - 45 metres : B0cu. metres Ordinary Hazard Groupll - 15 metres : 105cu. metres - 30 metres: 125cu.metres - 45 metres : 140cu. metres Ordinary Hazard Grouplll - 15 metres : 135cu. metres - 30 metres : 160cu. metres - 45 metres : 1B5cu. metres Ordinary Hazard GrouplllS - 15 metres: 160cu.metres - 30 metres:185cu. metres
High Hazard Storagecapacityshall be dependent on the design densityof dischargein mm/min.

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

Sprinklertanks may be of pressedsteel,fibre reinforcedpolyester(FRP) or concrete.Pressedsteel tanks where used should be hot dipped galvanizedand coated internallywith bituminouspaint for corrosion protection.The water tanks should be compartmentedunless they are of reinforced concrete and ball float valves, overflow pipes, drain pipes and water level indicatorsshould be provided for each compartment.The external surface of the tank should be painted red or where this is not desirable, a red band of minimum200mm shouldbe paintedto indicate that this is a fire tank. The sprinkler tanksnot dependent on inflowmay be locatedin any location. The sprinkler tank may be combinedwith hose reel tank in which cases,the tank capacityshould be the sum total of the water storagefor both the sprinkleras well as for the hose reel system. The hose reel tap off level should be above the sprinklertap off level so that the water reservedfor sprinklersystem is always maintained. 11.2.6Breeching lnlet Breechinginletsare providedso that the firemencan pump water into the sprinkler tank to make up for water used. The breechinginlet should be a 4-way type complyingwith M.S.1210:Part 3. Where the breechinginlet is enclosedwithin a box, the enclosureshould complywith M.S.1210: Part 5 and labelled'Sprinkler lnlet'.A drain should be providedat the bottomof the riser,todrain the system after use.

131

Breeching inletsshouldbe locatedno more than 18 metresfrom the fire appliance accessroad and not more than 30 metres from the nearest externalhydrantouflet. 1'1.2.7 Sprinkler Heads Sprinklerheads are generally of the conventional pendantor uprighttype. The temperature rating of the bulb is selectedbased on minimum30"C above the maximumambienttemperature of the space protected. Typically, this will resultin a nominaltemperature ratingof 6B'C. In kitchenareas, the sprinklerheads shouldhave a temperature ratingof 79.C. The maximumspacingand coverageto be protected by one sprinkler head shall be as follows: - 21 sq. m for lighthazardinstallation at not more than 4.6m apart; - 12 sq. m for ordinaryhazardinstallations at not more than 4m apart;and - 9 sq.m for high hazardinstallations at not more than 3.7m apart. Generally all areasof the buildingshould be protected with sprinklers exceptfor the following: - Staircases enclosures; - Electricalrooms; and - Toilets Wherethe ceilingvoid exceeds800mm,sprinklers shouldbe provided withinthis spaceunlessthey are of non-combustible construction and do not contain combustiblematerials.Electrical wiring withinsuch ceilingvoid shouldbe containedin steel conduitunlessthey are of the fire ratedtype. Sprinkler headsshouldnot be subjectedto pressurein excessof 12 bars,especially in the case of high rise buildings. 11.2.8Installation Control Valve Each sprinklerinstallation should have installation control valves comprisingmain stop valves, alarm valves,drain line with stop valves,water flow gauges and pressuregauges.The maximum no. of sprinklersto be feed from one set of installationcontrol valve shall be: (a) (b) (c) Light hazard : 500 sprinkters Ordinary hazard : 1000 sprinklers High hazard : 1000 sprinklers

For sprinkler systemsdesignedfor life safety,the arrangement shall be a duplicate alarmvalveset each with downstream and upstreamstop valves,flow and pressuregauges,and alarm test line. Alternatively, the arrangement can be a singlealarmvalveset with downstream and upstream stop valves,flow and pressuregauges, alarm test line and a bypass with stop valve. All stop valves except for the bypassvalves should be locked in the open positionand its status monitoredby the fire alarm system.Flow switchesshould be providedabove the installation valvesto provide indicationof flow of water. The maximum no. of sprinklersto be feed from one set of installation controlvalve for life safety systemsshall be 200 sprinklersper zone, with no limit on the no. of zones. For car parks, separateinstallation controlvalve shall be providedto serve not more than 1000 sprinkler heads each.

132

where the sprinklersystem is sub-divided into zones, each floor of the buildingprotected should be designed as one or more zone' A flow switch should be provided in the di"trioution pipe to each zone to provideindication of flow of water to sprinklers withinthat zone. Electrical monitored subsidiary stop valve shouldbe also be providedfor each zone to give monitoring atarmsignalon the main fire ararmpanerwhenthe varveis not in the fuily open position. 11.2.9Sprinkler pipework sprinklerpipeworkshall be of black steelor galvanized iron to 8.s.13g7 (Mediumgrade) class B minimumwhile underground pipeworkshould be heavy gauge of class c. pipes lr ri.", g0mm and belowshouldbe installed with screwjoints and onrypipeJ 1oommand above may be welded. welding procedures and materials shall be in accordance with 8.s.2640 and 8.s.2g71 and should be carriedout by qualified welders.Radiographic tests should be carriedout where doubts exist. Alternatively, mechanicalgrooved couplingcan be used for jointingfor all pipe sizesup to 250mm. sprinkler piping should not be concealedin the floor or ceiling concreteslabs. All piping should be painted with primer and finished with red gloss paint or otherwise identifiedwith red bands of 100mmwidth minimumat elbows and tees. For high rise buildings,the pressure loss through the distributionpiping includingrisers and droppersbetweenthe highestdesignpointin the installation and the zone subsidiary stop valve at the same floor shall not exceed 0.5 bars at a flowrate of 1000 l/min. This allowable pressure loss may be increased for those sprinklersbelow the highestdesign point but should not exceed the statichead gain betweenthe sprinkler concerned and the highestsprinkler point.

11.3TEST REQUIREMENTS 11.3.1 StaticPressure Test The systemshouldfirstbe flushedto clearall debrisfromthe insideof the riser.The riseris then hydraulically tested to a pressure of 14barsor 150% theworking pressure, whichever is the higher for 24 hours,measured abovethe installation control valveani a checkis carriedout for leakage at thejointsandlanding valveconnections. 11.3.2 FlowTest Thetestvalveon thedrainlineof the installation control valveshouldbe openedto permit full flow. Theflowrate and pressure shouldbe recorded and checked against the designflowrate required. Eachzoneshould be tested by opening the isolation valveon thetestline.Theflowswitch for that zoneshould indicate an alarmon thefirealarmpanel. 11.4MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS 11.4.1 Inspection and Testing \ flowtestshouldbe carried out at the installation control valveto ensure that the pumpsare in )roper working condition. Thepipework should be checked for leakage andthe installation control ralves, sprinklers, breeching inletsand drainvalves should be inspected as recommended in the :hecklist attached. lhe zone flow switches shouldbe testedand the alarmshouldbe indicated on the fire alarm tanel.

133

11.5 D E S IGN C H E C K L IS T
(a)

e D a D

Classification of fire hazard : _

Lighthazard Ordinary hazard: Highhazard Process hazard:Type

O High piledstoragehazard:fype

C Portable spiritstorage hazard: Type Q Oilandflammable liquid hazard :-fypE fl Other:

(b)

System Type: C Wet D Pre-action Q Deluge C Other:

For high piled storage hazard : . Storagecommodity: . Storageheight: . Ceiling height: Design density: (litres/min) / rpz
m2

(c)

(d) (e) (f)

Design areaof operation : Watersource: D Pumpsuction tank fl Firewatermain fl Gravity tank C Other: Design watersupply capacity : Duration of watersupply:
Water tank high / low level monitoring. Hydraulic calculation : Q Fullycalculated fl Pre-calculated Sprinkler type : fl Conventional O Spray tr Other:

(g) (h) (i)

m3

minute.

0)

(k)

(t)

Sprinkler temperature rating: ---*-

.C

134

11.6.2 VisualInspection of Sprinklers Spacing of sprinkler heads. areaof coverage maximum andminimum distance between sprinklers maximum andminimum distance between walls/ partitions distance frombeams, columns and otherobstructions obstruction belowsprinklers depthand combustibility of ceiling void clearspacebelow sprinklers

Physical condition of sprinkler heads. Temperature ratingof sprinkler heads. guards. Sprinkler Sparesprinklers and sprinkler spanners. 11.6.3 Visuallnspection of pipework Typeof pipesused. Protection of underground pipework. Painting of pipework Number of sprinklers installed on range anddistribution pipes. Pipehangers and supports for pipework. Pipesleeves. Fireseal. Flowswitches. Totallengthof pipework between alarmvalveandwateralarmgong. 11.6.4 VisualInspection of Sprinklerpumps Protection of rotating partsof pumpsets. Mounting of pumpsets.

11.7TESTINGAND COMMISSIONING CHECKLIST 11.7.1 Testingand Gommissioning of WaterSupplies Pumpoperating current and voltage. Pumpoperating pressure andflow rate.

136

Pumpoperating RPM. Pumpnotoverheating. Vibration and noiselevel. Testing of electrical wiringsystem. powersupplyfor electric Alternative pumps. Batteries for dieselpumps. Fuelfor diesel pumps. Automatic operation of pumps. 11.7.2 Testingand Commissioningof pipework Hydrostatic testing of pipework. Flushing of pipework. Spraypattern of sprinkler. Alarmgongoperating. Flowswitches test. Zonemonitoring (tamper switch).

137

Table 11.1 Sample of Sprinkler Hydraulic Calculation

PROJECT D"riS""d by HMARD CLASS , _ INSTALLATION VALVENO. .. DesignPoint Symbol Floor Ref. Grid Lines Pipe Dia. (mm) 65 Checkedbv

3RD

c-D/3-1

80 100

Job No Ordinary Croup ltt I-'LOWRATE: 1000L/min Date 1 SIZEOFVALVE : 150mm Sheet Bends Total Static Pipe Total Flow Friction No. Equiv. Equiv. Head Length Loss less Rate Loss off Length Length Gain StaticHead (m) (dm3/min) ( m b ) (m) (m) (mb) (mb) E L O 3.5 1000 122 TE E L O 7 1000 t l l TE E L 2 49 6 1000 240 TE 473

Annrnvcd

hrr

473

3RD

c-Dt3-2

65 BO

1.9

t00

20

E L O TE E L O TE E L 1 TE

7
1 0

1000 1000 1000

243 30
'101 374

23

374

2ND

c-Dt2-1

65

10.5 16.9

80 100

E L O TE E L O TE

10.5 16.9

1000 1000 1000

365 268 150 783

28.3

EL2 TE

34.3

380

403

2ND

c-Dt2-2
80

8.8

0
16.3

100

E L O TE E L O TE E L 1 TE

8.8

1000 1000 1000

306 0
B4

0 3
19.3

390
E GRD

380

10

c-Dt1-1

65

'10.5 38.9

80 100

E L O TE EL2 TE
trLU

10.5 44.9
2.5

1000 1000 1000

365 712 11 1088 760 328

2.5

TE

GRD

c-Dt1-2

65 BO 100

8.9 9.9

2.5

E L O TE E L 1 TE E L O TE

8.9 12.9

1000 1000 1000

309 205
11 525 760 -235

2.5

Note : Pressurerossin a[ sections of distribution pipe shourdnot exceeds00mbar.

138

Table 11.1 Sample of Sprinkler Hydraulic Calculation (Cont)

PROJECT Designed by HMARD CLASS : INSTALATIONVALVENO. DesignPoint Symbol Floor Ref. Grid Lines Pipe Dia. (mm)
o3

Checkedby
1

Approveroy 1000Umin 50mm SIZE OF VALVE Bends Total

No.

Job No.

Ordinary Group lll FLOWRI \ TE :

Date Sheet Total Loss less StaticHead (mb)

Pipe Length (m)

off
E L O TE E L O TE E L 2 TE

Equiv. Length (m)

Flow Friction Static Equiv. Head Rate Loss Length Gain (dm3/min) (mb) (m) (mb)

3RD

c-D/3-1

3.5
7
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1000 1000 1000

122
111

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7 49

55

240
473

473

3RD

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80 100

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1000 1000

23

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c-Dt2-'l

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10.5 16.9 28.3

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o

1000 '1000 1000

365
zo6

34.3

150 783 380 403

2ND

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8.8

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8.8

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306 0 84

0
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380

10

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100

2.5

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8.9
J

1000 1000

309
205 11 525 760

12.9 2.5

1000

-235

Note : Pressure pipe shouldnot exceed500mbar. loss in all sections of distribution

139

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141

1 2 . 1D ES C R IP T ION
Carbon Dioxideextinguishing systemconsistsof carbondioxidecylinders, steel piping,discharge nozzles,heat and/orsmokedetectors and a controlpanel,which monitors the space,activates both visualand audio alarmsbeforereleasing the gas. The carbondioxideis discharged after a time delayupon detection of fire to warn any occupantto evacuatethe room.Such systemis usuallyprovided for electrical transformer rooms,switchrooms and standbygenerator roomsand should not be installed for rooms,which are normallyoccupied. A typicalcarbondioxideextinguishing installation is shown in Figure12.1.

12.2DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
12.2.1Design Standards The relevantclausein the UniformBuildingBy-laws1984,relating to carbondioxideextinguishing systemsis By-law235 and the applicable standardis: - M S 1 5 9 0: 2 0 0 3 . 12.2.2System Operation The quantityof extinguishing agent should be sufficient to ensure rapid extinctionof any fire in the protectedareas and with adequate spare capacity.The protectedarea should be flooded with CarbonDioxidegas with flame extinguishing concentration of 50% at21'C and shall be based on total floodingprinciple and/or local application with a time delay periodof 30 seconds,adjustable up to 60 secondsmaximum.The durationof total dischargeshall not exceed '1minuteexceptfor deep seated fires where the total discharge shall not exceed 7 minutes or 30o/o dischargewithin 2 minutes. For local application using high pressurestorage,the designquantityof carbondioxideshouldbe increasedby 40% as only liquid portion of the dischargeis effective. All devices shall be designed for the service encounteredand shall not be readily rendered inoperativeor susceptibleto accidentaloperation.They shall be located,installedor suitably protectedagainst mechanical, chemical or other damage, which may render them inoperative. All devicesfor shuttingdown supplementary equipmentshall be consideredintegralparts of the systemand shallfunction with systemoperation. The system shall operatefrom a supply voltage of 240 volts A.C., 50 Hz to the power charger modulewithinthe controlpanel.This voltageis transformed and rectified withinthe panelto 24 volt D.C' A 24 volt D.C standbybatteryof the maintenance free type shall be providedin case of mains voltagefailure.This batterywill automatically and instantaneously be switchedinto use as soon as the mains supplyfails.Such a failureshall be indicated both visuallyand audiblyat the panel. The batteryshall be tricklechargedduringnormaloperating conditions. The space should be protectedby two or more heat or smoke detectors.When one of these detectorsgoes into the alarm condition,the indicatorlight on the controlpanel should illuminate and an audiblewarningsoundedvia the alarm bell. ln order to dischargethe extinguishing agent automatically, at least two detectorzones must be activated. This mode of operation term as crosszoningwill obviatethe possibility of falsedischarge of the gas due to one detectoroperatingto conditions which are regardedas normal.

142

Also to be providedis the independent facility for emergency operation by manually discharging the agent via a "breakglass" handletype manual pull box which should be mountedoutsidethe exit door to the protectedspace. The detectorscircuitwiring shall be supervised continuously for line fault.A disconnection to this circuitwould be indicatedas a fault at the controlpanel both visuallyand audiblyby a fault lamp and buzzer. 12.2.3Carbon Dioxide Cylinders The CarbonDioxidegas is storedin cylinders designedto hold the gas in liquefied form at ambient temperaturesThe gas can be storedat low pressureof 2068 kPa with refrigeration or under high pressureat 5171 kPa at ambienttemperatures. Most systemsuse high pressurestoragedue to cost considerations. Cylindersshould be suitablefor a workingpressureof 59 bars at 21"C and pressuretestedat22B bars. A reliable meansof indication by weighingshouldbe provided to determine the amountof gas in the cylinders. Each systemshouldhave a permanentname plate specifying the number,fillingweight and the pressurisation level of the cylinders. All cylinderssupplyingthe same manifoldouilet for distribution of agent should be interchangeable and of one selectedsize. Where more than three cylindersare required,a pilot cylindershould be providedto activatethe dischargevalve from each cylinder. Each containershould be equipped with a discharge valve of the solenoid operated type to dischargeliquidagent at the requiredrate. Containers with top-mounted valves should have an internal dip tube extending to the bottomof the cylinderto permitdischarge of liquidphase agent. Gas cylinders should be located outside of the hazard which it protects wherever possible. However,the risk of vandalismshouldalso be taken into consideration. 12.2.4Carbon Dioxide Control panel The system controlpanel should indicatethe operationof the system,hazardsto personnet, or failureof any supervised deviceand complying with M.S.1404and B.S.7273. A positivealarm and indicatorshould be providedto show that the system has operated. Afarm should be providedto give warningof a dischargeor pendingdischargewhere a hazard to personnelmay exist.Alarms indicating failureof supervised devicesor equipmentshould give prompt and positive indicationof any failure and should be distinctivefrom alarms indicating operation or hazardous conditions. A device should be incorporated into the system to shut down any exhaust fans and activate solenoidoperatedcurtainsacrosslouvresbeforedischarge. Sincea remotemanualcontrolshouldbe a manualpull box type,a pressureswitchin the discharge pipe may be requiredto providethe signal back to the controlpanel that the carbon dioxidegas has been discharged. 12.2.5Discharge Nozzle Discharge nozzles should be selected for use with carbon dioxide and for their discharge characteristics. For low pressurestorage,nozzlepressureshould be 1034 kPa minimumand for high pressurestorage,the nozzle pressureshould be 2068 kPa. The discharge nozzleshould consist of the orifice and any associatedhorn, shield or baffle. Dischargeorificesshould be of corrosion resistant metal.

143

Discharge nozzle shouldbe permanently marked to identify the nozzleand to showthe equivalent singleorifice diameter regardless of shipe and number oi orifice. Thisequivalent diameter shall referto the orificediameter of the 'standard' singleorifice type nozzlehaving the same flow rates as the nozzlein question' The marking shouldreadily be discernable afterconnection. Discharge nozzle shouldbe provided withfrangible discor blowout ""f, *n"r" clogging by foreignmaterials is likely. 12.2.6 AutomaticFire Detectors and AudioA/isuarAtarm units The automatic fire detection is usually by meansof eitherheator smokedetectors. The detectors shouldbe resistant to corrosion The audiounit shouldproduce an audible warning at least65dBnoiselevelor 5dB abovethe ambient noiselevel'Theaudioalarmunitof alarm 6ell typeshoulo be of the trembling (notsingle stroke)and shalloperatefromthe fire alarmpanel battery supply.All audio/visual atarm circuitry shallbe designed to be ableto function continuously during the fire.The bellsmaybe installed in any location for alarmpurpose. 12.2.7 Pipeworkand Fittings Thematerial of piping andfittings, etc.for the instailation of the systemmustbe of non-combustible heat resisting and must have capacityto maintainits own shape in room temperature during the outbreak of fire' All pipingshouldbe of API schedule 40 steelpipefor low pressure storage systems' For highpressure storage systems, pipingshouldbe of schedule 40 for 20mmdia.pipes andschedule 80 for25mmdia'andabove. Flexible piping, tubing or hoses (including connections) whereusedshouldbe ableto withstand the pressure ratings. 12.2.8 WarningSigns warningand instruction signsshouldbe installed at entrances to and insideprotected areasat prominent positions.

12.3 DESIGNCHECKLIST (a) Hazard types: tl Flammable liquid materials. O Electricalhazard. Q Ordinary combustibles ( paper, woodand textiles ). I Hazards solids. Q Other:
Type of fire to be protected from : seated fire ( solids subjectto smoutdering ! ?""0 ) D Surfacefire ( flammableliquids, gas and solids) Q Other: Type of protection: . Totalfloodingsystem . Volume to be protected :--.-ms. . Design carbon dioxide "on""ntr"tion , . Volumefactor: . rtoootng tactor:

(b)

(c)

o/ lo.

. systerniisJ;rg","r*

kg/minute.

144

Localapplication system Rateby areamethod . Nozzle discharge rate:_

O Rate by volumemethod . Assumedenclosure: . Nozzlespacing :
(d)

. Area to be protected : . Area per nozzle: _

7n2.

m2.

pernozzle. kg /minute

. System discharge rate :

ry13.

kg/minute. m. nos. : ; nominalsize

Totalnumber of nozzle:_ Nozzle type:

Durationof discharge :

(e)
(f) (g)

Storage type: O Lowpressure ( average pressure storage : 2,06gkpa ) . Designnozzle pressure ( minimum 1,034kpa ) : kpa. ' Pipematerial shailbe minimum of schedule 40 or equivarent. A Highpressure ( average pressure storage : 5,171kpa ) . Designnozzle pressure ( minimum 2,06gkpa ) : --..kpa. ' Pipematerial shallbe Schedule 40 or equivalent for nominal sizeup to 20mmand minimum schedule B0or equivalent for nominal sizegreater than2omm. Totalquantity of carbondioxide cylinder : _--nos ( _kg per cylinder )

(h) (i)

Additional quantity of carbon dioxide ( to compensate for opening cannot be closed during extinguishment or special condition :_ ) * Forlocalapplication, highpressure storage, the desigur quantity of carbondioxide shallbe increased by 40%due to onlyliquiddischarge portion is effective . Design calculations. Electricalclearance : . System voltage :-.-. Clearance provided Detection type:

0)
(k)

kV.

(l)

( m ) Actuation type: (n) Manual operating device :

145

12.4VISUALINSPECTION CHECKLIST
12.4.1Visual inspection of cylinders Capacityof cylinders. Locationof cylinders. Pilotcylinders. Flexiblehoses. Safety valve. Support brackets. Weighingfacility. 12.4.2Visual inspection of pipework Type of pipes used. Paintingof pipework. Pipe support. Pipe sleeves. Fireseal. Nozzles. 12.4.3Visual inspection of detectors Physicalconditionof detectors. Conduit for allwiring. 12.4.4Visual inspection of panels Protectionof panel. Mountingof panel. 12.4.5Visual inspection of accessories Flashinglights. Trippingdevices. Signage. Visible and audible alarms. Electrical and mechanical manualactivation.

146

12.5 TESTINGAND COMMISSIONING CHECKLIST 12.5.'l Testing and commissioning of pipework Pneumatic testing of pipework. 12.5.2 Testing and commissioning of detectors Detector test. Electrical wiring test. Interfacing of detectors panel. and control 12.5.3 Testing and commissioning of panel LEDtest. 1 zonealarm test. 2zonealarm test. Discharge test. Fault test. Connection to mainfirealarm. 12.5.4 Testing and commissioning of system Simulated automatic discharge test. Simulated manual discharge test. Actualdischarge test. Bracket support duringactualdischarge test.

147

Table 12.1Sampleof Carbon Dioxide ExtinguishingSystem PROJECT Job No. : Calc. By: Chkd.By : Date: SheetNo. : 1

CARBON DIOXIDEEXTINGUISHING SYSTEM

1. ROOM DIMENSIONS Room Name Room Dimensions (in feet) 2. DESIGNCRITERIA DesignCode HazardType DesignConcentration Rate of Application Room Temperature

: :

Electrical Switch Board Room 3.4m (L) x 3.0m (W) x 4.0m (H)

: : : : :

NFPA12:1985 TotalFlooding- Deep Seated 50o/o Completedischargein Z minutesor 30% dischargein 2 minutes(Minimum) 81oF(27.2oC)

3. AGENT DISCHARGE Volumeof Space (V) FloodingFactor(F) BasicCO, Quantity (W)

: : :

40.8 m3 1.6 kg/m3 40.8 (V) x 1.6 (F) = 65.28kg

4. TOTALAGENT QUANTITY Basic CO, Quantity(W) Safetyfactor (5%) TotalCO, Quantity(Wr) Agent Weight per Cylinder(W) No. of Cylinders No. of Cylinders Provided

: : : : : :

65.28 kg 3.264 kg 68.5214 kg 45 kg 68.544(Wr) / 45 (Wc)= 1.5232Nos. 2 (Nos.)x 45 (kg)each

148

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149

1 3 . 1G E N E R A L 13.1.1System Concept aredesigned to provide warning Firedetection andalarm systems of the outbreak of fireandallow getsout of control. to be takenbefore the situation appropriate fire fighting action As all systems primarily to protect life,property, this places are designed a greatresponsibility on the designer eachbuilding will present a different because set of problems in relation to the riskof fireandfire Eachfire detection spread. and alarmsystem therefore mustbe specially designed to meetthe requirements for eachbuilding. 13.1.2 DesignRequirements (i) Codesand Standards (a) Automatic FireDetection andAlarmSystem shallbe designed based on:
8.5.5839 : Part 1 - Code of Practice for Design,Installation and Servicing. 8.5.5839 : Part 3 - Specificationfor AutomaticRelease Mechanismfor certain Fire ProtectionSystems. 8.5.5839: Part 5 - Specification for Optical Beam Smoke Detectors M.S.1176 : P a r t5 - Specification for Components of AutomaticFire Detection Systems Part 5 : Heat SensitiveDetectors- Point Detectorscontaininga Static ElementSystem M.S.1176 : Part7 - Specification for Componentsof Automatic Fire DetectionSystems Par17 : Specification for Power-type Smoke Detectorusing ScatteredLight,Transmitted Lightor lonization M.S.1176 : P a r tB - Specification for Componentsof Automatic Fire DetectionSystems Part B : Specification for High TemperatureHeat Detectors M.S.1176 : P a r t9 - Specificationfor Componentsof Automatic Fire DetectionSystems Part 9 : Methodsof Test of Sensitivitvto Fire M.S.1471 : P a r t3 - Vocabulary on Fire Protection Part 3 : Fire Detection and Alarm M.S.1745 : P a r t1 - Fire Detection and FireAlarm Systems Part 1 : Introduction M.S.1745:Part2 - Fire Detection and FireAlarm Systems Part.2: Controland Indicative Equipment

152

M.S.1745 : Part3 - FireDetection and FireAlarmSystems Part3 : Audible FireAlarmDevices M.S.1745 : Parl4 - FireDetection and FireAlarmSystems Part4 : Power Supply Equipment M . S . 1 7 4:5 P a r t1 1 - FireDetection and FireAlarmSystems Part11 : Manual Callpoint 8.5.7273: Part1 - Codeof Practice forthe Planning, lnstallation andServicing of Electrical Equipment for Actuation of Gaseous FireSuppression System 8.S.6266 - Codeof Practice for FireProtection for Electronic DataProcessing Installations
(b) Automatic Firedetection andAlarmsystemrequirements shallbe basedon:

By-law133- UBBL1984 By-law225(1)- UBBL1984 By-law237- UBBL1984 By-law238- UBBL1984 By-law239- UBBL1984 By-law240- UBBL1984 - UBBL1984 By-law241 By-lawz4a @)- UBBL1984 By-law245- UBBL1984 By-law246- UBBLi9B4 - UBBLi9B4 Tenthschedute

(c) Otherrelevant standards:

8.5.5588: Part1 8.5.5588 : PartB 8 . 5 . 5 5 8 8P : a r t1 0

Type of Protection and Coverage When designinga fire detectionand alarm system,the objectivehas to be established whether it is for protecting the buildingand its contentsor enhancingthe safety of the occupants. (a) Manual A systemwhich providesmanualalarmonly (b) Automatic A system that automaticallydetects a fire and initiatesan effectivealarm.

153

(c) Actuationof Ancillary Services Firedetection and alarmsystemshallalso be designed with the provision to closeor open the circuitof ancillary servicesby means of relaysor similardevices.The provision shall be for fire suppression system activationindicatorsor for activation of activefire suppression systems. (d) Life protection This classification providesfor the protectionof life, which is the safety of the occupants. It caters for the detectionof a fire, initiatesan alarm of fire, and providessufficienttime for the occupants to escapefrom the building. (e) Propertyprotection providesfor the protection This classification of propertyand its contents.lt catersfor the automaticdetectionof a fire, initiatesan alarm of fire, indicatesthe locationof the fire withinthe premisesand summonsthe fire brigade. (iii) ZoneConfiguration One majorfunctionof a fire detectionand alarm system is to indicatethe locationof a fire as preciselyas possible.Hence detectorsare groupedinto zones. For conventional system, each zone is connectedto the controllerby a separatecircuit. For addressablesystems, one circuit may connect up to gg detectorsand protectseveral zones. (a) Zones configuration guidelines - The maximumfloor area of a zone should not exceed 2OOm2 - The search distance - the total travel distance by a searcher within a fire zone to determinevisuallythe positionof a fire should not exceed 30 metres. - A singlezone may extend to cover severalfire compartments but shall lie along compartment boundaries. (iv) Type of Fire Detection System There are four types of fire detectionsystems: (a) Conventionalsystem (b) Addressablesystem (c) Analogueaddressable system (e) Air samplingsystem

13.1.3Design Checklist (i) Systemshall be designedin accordance to UBBL and relevantstandards. (ii) All requirements and limitations statedwithin UBBL shall be observed. a. Systemtype : Conventional / Addressable / AnalogueAddressable / Air sampling b. Totalfloorarea : c. Building height: m2

d. Totalnumber of Zones:

154

e. Max area per zones i f. Max number of detector I zone-.

m2

g. Numberof loops :

h. Alarmmode : Manual/Automatic I3.2 CONTROLAND INDICATTVE EQUIPMENT 13.2.1 Concept lontrolandlndicative Equipment willcomprise equipment for thereception, indication, control and elaying of signals originating fromdetectors or manual points call connected to it, andfor activation rf alarmsounders and alarmsignaling devices. 13.2.2 DesignRequirements i) Codesand Standards Control and Indicative Equipment for automatic firedetection andalarmsystem shallcomply with: 8.5.5839: Part1 - Automatic FireDetection andAlarmSystem for Buildings: Codeof practice for System Design, lnstallation and Servicing 8.S.1404:Part4 - Specification for control and indicative equipment ii) OperationRequirements ( a ) T h e m a i nC o n t r o a l nd Indicative E q u i p m e ns t h a l lb e l o c a t e d in the building fire command/ control centrein areaon the ground floor.lf command / control centreis not available, it shallbe sitedwhereit can be underconstant observation in a position clearly visible fromthe mainentrance. (b) Noiseor othersoundlevelsin the vicinity of the Control and lndicative Equipment shouldnot maskthe audible alarmof sounders located panel. nearthe control (c) Theambient lightlevelin thevicinity of the Control and lndicative Equipment should be suchthatanyvisual indications canbe clearly seen, andanyinstructions for usecan be clearly read. (d) Control and Indicative Equipment shouldbe sitedin areasof low risk,so that the equipment is unlikely to be involved in a fire beforeadequate warning has beengiven. (e) lf the systemusesautomatic detectors, thenthe areawherethe Control and Indicative Equipment is sitedshouldbe protected by the detection system. (f) Thefirealarmsystem shouldindicate the originof the fire.The indications shouldbe suchthattheycan be easily, quickly and unambiguously related to the position in the building fromwhichthealarmhasoriginated.

155

(g) The primaryindication of the originof the alarm should be an indicationof the zone of origin. (h) The method of identification should be developedto match the extent of the premises. The methodused shouldensure rapid locationof the fire, and should enabledecisions to be made as to which parts (usually fire compartments) need to be evacuated. 0) The locationmay be shown by one or more of the following: - A displayof lettersand / or numbers, togetherwith a suitablekey (whichmay be the planof a building). - A permanent mimicdiagram. Note: Printersare not considered suitableas a primaryindication, since in the eventof ink, ribbonor paper being exhausted, the indication will be lost.They may, however,be acceptance as a backupto anotherdisplay. (k) On or adjacentto the Controland Indicative Equipment shouldbe a completeset of the latestarchitecture buildingplans indicating the layoutsof all fire protection systemsand equipment, the circulation area and escaperoutes,and all fire alarm zones. (l) All Controland lndicativeEquipment shouldbe connectedto the nearestfire station throughCMS system. (m) The operation of all manualcontroland isolating devicesshouldbe limitedto authorised personnel. Where controlsneed to be operatedduring afire, access should not be controlledby a key - entered code. (n) A logbookshallbe kept in whichdetails of all alarm(genuine, practice, test or false)fault, isolation, test and serviceshallbe recorded in this logbook. Whenthe fire alarmsystemis equippedwith a printer,the printout information may be the event log record,but shall be tagged and recorded in the logbook.A recommendedformat for the logbook is describedin Table 13.1 .
TABLE 13.1 Log record for Automatic Fire Detection and Alarm system.

156

13.2.3Testing and Gommissioning (i) Checkand ensureControland Indicative Equipment is locatedin the controlroom on the groundfloor near the main entranceof the building. Ensurethe ambient light and noise environment will not affectthe proper operationof the Controland lndicative Equipment. Checkand ensurethat the Controland Indicative Equipment is located in the area of low risk. Check and ensurethat the controlroom is protectedby automatic fire detectionand alarm system. Checkand ensurethat the Controland Indicative Equipment is testedto MS 1404 : Parl4 : 1996and is type approvedby the Fire and RescueDepartment Malaysia. Check and ensure that the facial featuresand the monitoringfacilitiesprovidedfor at the Controland Indicative Equipment complywith the requirements of the Fire Rescue Department Malaysia. Check and ensurethat a completeset of the latestarchitecture buildingplans indicating the protection layoutsof all fire systemsand equipment, the circulation area and escaperoutes, and all fire alarmzones is kept in the controlroom. i

(ii)

(iii) (iv)-

(v)

(vi)

(vii)

(viii) Check and ensurethat a logbookis kept in the controlroom for loggingall eventsto-date. (ix) Before initiating test, ensure that the back-up batteryis properlyconnectedand ensure main power is beingsuppliedto the Controland lndicative Equipment. With the Controland IndicativeEquipmentswitchedon, ensurethe " Mains On " and " DC " " " " On" indications are illuminated. Ensurealso MainsFail and ChargerFail indications are not illuminated. The voltagereadingat the voltmetreat the Controland IndicativeEquipmentshould read 24 ! 4 volts.The amperemetre shouldregisterminimumor no readingat all. " lnitiate Test Battery"by activating the toggleswitch and ensurevoltmetrereadingis at24 volts,with the ammetrereadingcertainchargingcurrent.

(x)

(xi)

(xii)

and ensurethe signal is ixiii) Initiatetests of detectorsand MCPs at differentzone respectively relayedbackto the corresponding zone thougheach respective indications on the Control& lndicative Equipment. ixiv) lnitiateauxiliaryequipmentand ensure the status is monitoredas per indicationon the ControlIndicative Equipment. ixv) and MCPs For addressable system,initiate testsof detectors detectors and MCPsat different programmed to the in accordance and ensurethat the signature of each of them is correctly intendedzonings.

deviceand recordthe response shut down outputs,initiate test on activating ixvi) For all auxiliary at the auxiliary equipment to ensurecircuitry is working. 157

(xvii) Initiate test of detector/ MCPs to ensuretwo stagealarm is in correctoperatingmode. (xviii) Initiatefault on detector/ MCPs and ensure signal is monitoredback to the Control & Indicative Equipmentat the respective zone. (xix) Disableindependent zone and initiate test on detector / MCPs and ensurethat even though visualalarm indication is registered on the Controland Indicative Equipment, there is no audioalarm withinany partsof the building. (xx) Initiate lamp test on the Controland Indicative Equipment and ensurethat all indicating lightsare illuminated.

" (xxi) Initiate Evacuation" switchand ensuremasteralarmindication is illuminated and all system sounderunitsare activated for full evacuation. (xxii) For all tests conductedwhich involvedthe initialisation of an alarm signal,ensurethat the mastersounderdevice on top of the Controland Indicative Equipmentis activatedas per requirementstated in the standard. (xxiii) For all tests conductedwhich involvedthe initialisation of a fault signal,ensurethat the buzzerwithinthe ControlandIndicative Equipment is activated. (xxiv) Turn off mains power supply to the Controland Indicative Equipmentand ensure that the back-uppower supply is healthyand is able to sustainthe load as per the requirementin accordance to the standards. 13.2.4Design Checklist a. Controland Indicative Equipment testedto : b. c. d. e. f. g. h. j. k. m. n. Controland Indicative Equipment Approvedtype : BOMBA Approval Certificate: Expiry Date of BOMBA Approval Certificate: Zone Alarm Indication / RockerSwitch Zone Fault Indication/ Rocker Switch Zone lsolateIndication / RockerSwitch MainsOn Indication DC On Indication MainsFailIndication BatteryFail Indication Charger Fail Indication

158

n. o. p. q. r. s. t. u. v. w. x. y. z.

Bell Line Fault lndication Lamp Test ToggleSwitch/ Full Indication BatteryTest Toggle Switch Buzzer SilenceToggle Switch Bell SilenceToggleSwitch System Rest Toggle Switch Fire BrigadeToggle Switch Duty Pump Run Indication StandbyPump Run lndication JockeyPump Run Indication Pump ManualIndication A.H.U.Trip Indication Fire Suppression SystemDischarge lndication

13.3Audio & VisualAlarm 13.3.1 Concept

During a fire,if firealarm system is installed, activation of an alarmsounder is to arouse theattention of the occupants so thatevacuation can be carried harmto the occupants. out without causing 13.3.2 DesignRequirements (i) Godeand Standard AudioandVisual FireAlarmSystem shallbe designed to: 8.5.5839 : Part1 - FireDetection andAlarmSystem ForBuildings Codeof Practice for System Design, lnstallation and Servicing (ii) DesignGuidelines (a) A minimum (whichever is sound level of 65 dB (A),or 5 dB (A)above ambient noise level greater) period produced sustainable for a of minimum by the 30 seconds shouldbe Sounder Unit. (b) ForSounder person, Unitthatneedto arouse sleeping the minimum soundlevelshould (A) be 75 dB at bedhead withall doorsclosed. (c) Thetype,number soundis be thatthe alarm andlocation of fireAlarmSounders should distinctive frombackground noise.

159

(d) AllAlarm Sounderswithina buildingshouldhave similarsound characteristics. (e) In areaswhere a normaltype of soundermay be ineffective, visualalarmsignalneed to be provided. ln general, visualalarmsignalshouldonly be usedto supplement audible alarm,and shouldnot be used on its own. 13.3.3 Testingand Commissioning (i) Checkand ensureAlarm SounderUnit is properlysecured. (ii) (iii) Checkand ensureAlarm SounderUnit wiring is properlysecuredto its terminals. Check and ensure cable carryingconduitconnectedto the Alarm Sounder Unit is secured with cable lug. Check and ensure all circuitrycables of Alarm Sounders Unit are of correcttype and correct size in accordanceto the requirementsof the Code. Alarmsounderunit shouldbe testedby activation using ManualCall Pointof the same zone: note the sequence of the alarm. Alarm Sounder Unit should be tested by simulationof activationof fire detectorsof the same zone; note the sequenceof alarm.The same Alarm SounderUnit shouldalso be tested by simulationof activationof fire detectorsof differentzone; note sequenceof alarm. Other than A/C power supply,Alarm SounderUnit shouldalso be tested using back-up batterypowersupplysimulating a powerfailure.

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

(vii)

(viii) Qualitative assessment of Alarm SounderUnit shouldbe carriedout in generalto assessthe audibility of alarmsignal.When in doubt,quantitative assessment shouldbe carriedout. (ix) All visualalarmunitsshouldbe testedfor theirflash rate and theirfrequencies. They should also be testedagainstbackground lightingconditionand ensurethere is no maskingof the visualsignalby any other lightfittings.

13.3.4 Design Checklist a. Alarm SounderUnittestedto :

b.
c.

AlarmSounder UnitApproved type:

BOMBA Approval Certificatenumber :

d. e.
f. g. h. j.

ExpiryDateof BOMBA Approval Certificate : Sound Level Output @ 1m:

Frequency / Frequency Range : Type : Mechanical/Electrical/Electronic Heightfrom floor level : Type and size of cable used : Hz dB(A) kHz

160

13.4 Manual Gall Points (MCP) 13.4.1Concept firedetection Every system mustinclude callpoints, so thatin theeventof a fire,helpcanbe called immediately. All callpointsin the sameinstallation shallhavethe samemethod of operation. All call pointsshouldbe clearly identifiable and shouldnot require instructions as to their modeof actuation. '13.4.2 DesignGuideline (i) Codesand Standards Manual CallPointshallbe based on: (a) B.S.5839 : Part1 : 19BB - FireDetection andAlarmSystem ForBuildings code of Practice for systemDesign, Installation andservicing
(b) 8.5.5839: Part2 : 1983 - Specification for ManualCall points (ii) Design Guideline (a) ManualCall Point shall be locatedon exit routesand in particular on the floor landings or stairwaysand at exits to open air. (b) ManualCall Point shall be locatedso that to raise an alarm, no person in the premises need travel more than 30 metres. (c) Manual Call Point shall be mountedat a height of 1.4 metres from the floor, easily accessible, well illuminated and conspicuous positions free from obstruction.
(d) Manual Call Point shall be sited againsta contrasting background to assist in easy

recognition. (e) The delay betweenoperationof a call point and the giving of the generalalarm should not exceed 3 seconds. (f) ManualCall Pointmay be flushedmountedwherethey may be seem readily.In locations where they may be viewed from the side (eg. in corridor)they should be surface mountedor semi-recessed in order to presenta side profilearea of not less than 750mm2. (g) All coloursof the ManualCall Pointthroughout the entirepremisesshall be of the same colour and shall be in brightred colourunlessotherwiseapprovedby Fire and Rescue Department Malaysia. 13.4.3Testing and Commissioning (i) Checkand ensureManualCall point is properlysecured. (ii) (iii) Checkand ensureManualCall Pointwiringis properlysecuredto its terminals. Checkand ensurecablecarryingconduitconnected to the ManualCall Pointis securedwith cablelug.

161

(iv)

areof correct typeandcorrect cables of Manual CallPoint size allcircuitry Check andensure of the Code. in accordance to the requirements CallPoint using testing key. Testthe Manual physically Testthe Manual CallPoint andtimethe response of theAlarm Sounder Unitto be within 3 seconds.

(v) (vi)

(vii) FortwostageFireAlarm System, testthe Manual CallPoint andensure thesequence of the in accordance to zoneconfiguration. FireAlarmis correct Checklist 13.4.4 to : CallPoint tested a. Manual
b. ManualCall PointApprovedtype :

number: Approval Certificate c. BOMBA Approval Certificate : d. ExpiryDateof BOMBA between MCP(30 metres) : e. Distance
f. Heightfrom floor level('1.4metres): g. Type and size of cable used : h. Surface/ FlushMounted:

13.5 Fire Detectors 13.5.1 Goncept (i) Firedetectors to detectone or moreof the threecharacteristics aredesigned of a fire- smoke, heat and flame.No one typeof detector is suitable for all applications and the finalchoice will depend on individual circumstances. (ii) Most,if notall,fire detectors phenomena notonlyby the detected are affected butalsoby the behaviour of the phenomena withtime.However, all firedetectors will alsorespond to someextent to phenomena other thanfire. 13.5.2 DesignGuidelines (i) Codesand Standards (a) 8.5.5839 : Part5 - Specification for Optical BeamSmokeDetectors
(b) M.S.1176 : P a r t5 - Specification for Componentsof Automatic Fire DetectionSystems Part 5 : Heat SensitiveDetectors- Point Detectorscontaininga Static ElementSystem ( c ) M . S . 1 1 7 6P : ar1.7 - Specification for Componentsof AutomaticFire DetectionSystems Part.7: Specification for Power-type Smoke Detectorusing ScatteredLight,Transmitted Lightor lonization

162

(d) M.S.1176 : P a r tB - Specification for Componentsof Automatic Fire DetectionSystems : Part B Specificationfor High TemperatureHeat Detectors (e) M.S.1176 : P a r t9 - Specification for Componentsof Automatic Fire DetectionSystems Part 9 : Methods of Test of Sensitivitvto Fire 8.S.5839 : Part 1 - Fire Detection and Alarm Systemfor Buildings and Servicing. Code of Practicefor SystemDesign,Installation (f) AS 1603 : Part B - AutomaticFire Detection and Alarm System,MultipointAspiratedSmoke Detectors. (ii) Types of Fire Detector (a) Heat Detector - FixedTemperatureHeat Detector - Rate-of-RiseTemperatureHeat Detector - Linear/Line Detector (b) Smoke Detector - lonizationSmoke Detector - OpticalSmoke Detector - AspiratingSmoke Detector - Beam Detector (c) Flame Detector - Ultra Violet Flame Detector - lnfra-redFlame Detector (iii) DesignGuidelines (a) Heat Detector(Point Detector) - For open areas underflat horizontal distancefrom any point in the horizontal ceilings, the area to the detector nearestto that point should not exceed 5.3 metres. - In a corridorless than 5 metreswide, the horizontal distancegiven in item a above may be increasedby half the differencebetween5 metresand the width of the corridor.For corridor wider than 5 metres,it shouldbe treatedas an open area. - Undersame condition purposes, in any roomor compartment, statedin a, for estimation the number of point type heat detectorsfitted should not normally be less than the room or compartment area dividedby 50m2. - Heatdetector are not lessthan 25mm or elements shouldbe sitedso that theirsensitive morethan 150mmbelowthe ceilingor roof. - For pitchedroof or north-light withineach apex. shouldbe installed roof,heat detectors - Detectors should not normallybe mountedon ceilingshigherthan the general limits Table 13.2. statedin

163

( b ) Smoke Detector (PointDetector) - For open areas underflat horizontal ceilings, the horizontal distancefrom any point in the area to the detectornearestto that pointshouldnot exceed2.5 metres. - In a corridor lessthan 5 metreswide,the horizontal givenin an abovemay be distance increasedby half the differencebetween5 metresand the width of the corridor.For corridorwiderthan 5 metres,it shouldbe treatedas an open area. - Undersamecondition statedin a, for estimation purposes, in any roomor compartment, the numberof pointtype smoke detectorsfittedshould not normallybe less than the room or compartment area dividedbv 100m2. - Smokedetector shouldbe sitedso that theirsensitive elements are not lessthan25mm or more than 600mm belowthe ceilingor roof. - For pitchedroof or north-lightroof, heat detectorsshould be installedwithin each apex. - Detectors should not normallybe mountedon ceilingshigherthan the generallimits in Table13.2.
Table 13.2 Limits of Ceiling Height

Detector Type Heat detectors BS 5445 : Part 5 Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Point Smoke Detector High Temperature Heat Detector BS 5445 : Part 8 OpticalBeamDetector

Ceiling Heights General Limits Rapid Attendance

9.0 7.5 6.0 10.5 6.0 25.0

13.5 12.0 10.5 15.0 10.5 40.0

(c) AspiratingSmoke Detector - Dependingon the sensitivity of the aspirateddetectorsand the responsetime required, the area coverageof each aspiratedsmoke detectorshould generallybe limitedto '1000m2. - Each air samplingpointor capillary headsetshouldbe sitedso that is not less than 25mm or more than 600mm belowthe ceilingor roof. - Aerodynamic designedfittingsshouldbe used to ensuresmoothtransportation of smoke particlesfrom the fire source to the detectionchamber. - For open areas underflat horizontal ceilings: - Samplingholes of 2 mm diametershould be separatedby intervalsas specifiedin AS 1670 : 1995 and typicallyin the rangeof 2 to 8 metresintervals alongthe length of the pipeworkas well as betweeneach adjacentair-sampling pipework.

164

with AS 1670 : 1995. - Each Samplinghole shallbe identified in accordance distancebetween the horizontal - For low ceilingheightor raisedfloor void protection, betweeneach distance horizontal The per itemed. point shouldbe as air-sampling of incident angle the with to coincide pipework shouldbe reduced air-sampling adjacent of the smoke Particles' - All air-sampling pipeworkshouldcomplywith BS 6099 or AS 2053 of 25mm nominal as a Fire DetectionSamplingPipe with overalldiameterand should be identified imprintat intervalsnot exceeding2 metres' at intervalsnot with properbracketing - All air-sampling pipeworkshould be supported 3000. with AS in accordance more than 1.2 metresand shall be installed (d) Optical beam detector with the manufacture's - Optical Beam Detectorshould be installedin accordance with not more than 3 metresof the beam within 500mm of any wall or instructions, partitionexcept those part of the beam within 500mm of the beam's transmitter, receiveror reflectors. - The maximumlength of the area protectedby a singleopticalbeam detectorshould not should recommendation the manufacture's exceed 100 metres.Withinthis limitation, be followed. - lf thereis a possibility of peoplewalkingin the area of the beam,then the beam should be at least 2.7 metres above the floor. - When optical smoke detectorsare used in roof void areas having dropping smoke the beams shouldbe so arrangedso that they are not brokenby the smoke curtains, curtainswhen theYare droPPed' (e) Flame detector - Flame detectorsshould be chosenfor applicationwhere there is the likelihoodof rapid so that an alarm is requiredbeforeproductsof combustionor heat flame development, will reacha thresholdlevelto raisean alarm' - Flame detectorsare essentially"line of sight" deviceswhich can sensethe presenceof flames in a set field of view. This field is generallydescribedby the cone of vision angle in metres,althoughother considerations sensitivity and the maximumperpendicular are imPortant. - Consideration should be to providefull coverageof the area to be protectedwith maximummultiplecoverageto accountfor any detectormalfunction. Testingand Commissioning 13.5.3 (i) Checkand ensureDetectoris properlyinstalled' (ii) (iii) Check and ensureDetectorwiringis properlysecuredto its terminals' to the ManualCall Pointis securedwith conduitconnected Checkand ensurecable-carrying cablelug.

165

(iv)
(v)

Check and ensure all circuitrycables of Detectorare of correct type and correct size in accordance to the requirements of the code. Test the detectorusing standardtesting procedurein accordanceto the recommendation of the standards.

(vi)

ForAspirated SmokeDetector, the criteria for testingthe systemis the response time.The response timeis defined as the timeregistered fromthe moment testsmokeparticles are introduced pointto the timetheyare detected at the leastfavorable at the smokedetector chamber. Themaximum response timeshould notexceed 90 seconds. Theresponse registered at the controller shouldbe at least30%of the sensitivity of the detector system.

13.5.4 Checklist (i) PointDetector a. Detector testedto :

b. Detectortype : R.O.R i lonization/ Optical/ Infrared/ UV c. DetectorMode : Conventional/ Addressable d. BOMBAApprovalCertificate number: e . Expiry Dateof BOMBA Approval Certificate : f.

Manufacture :

g . Country of origin: h . Distance between detector : j.

Height fromfloorlevel:

k. Distance fromthe slab:

t. Typeand sizeof cableused

m. Typeof conduit used:
(ii)

Aspirated Detector a. Detector testedto : b. Detector type : c. BOMBA Approval Certificate number : d. ExpireDateof BOMBA Approvat Certificate : e. Manufacturer: f. Country of origin:
g. Type of air-sampling pipe :

166

j.

Types of pipe fittings :

k. Distancebetweensamplingpoints: l. Distance betweensamplingpipes :

m. Heightfrom floor level : n. Distance from the slab : o. Type and size of cable used :

p. Typeof conduit used:

13.6.Power Supply 13.6.1 Concept A vast majority of the fire alarmsystemrelieson electrical powerfor theiroperation. No electrical powersourceis totallyreliable; everypowersourcewill fail sometimes, even if it is for a limited periodonly. The requirements for fire alarm systempowersupply is generally basedon the principle that the unreliability of its mainsupplies source shouldnot affectthe reliability withwhicha firealarm responds to a fire. In general,high reliability of the powersupplyof fire alarmsystemcan be realised by a normal supply frompublic mains, backed up by readily connected battery back-up supply in caseof main supply failure. 13.6.2 DesignRequirements (i) Gode& Standard Power Supply shallbe designed based on: M.S.1745:Part4 - FireDetection and FireAlarmSystems Part4: Power Supply Equipment (ii) General (a) Any cables directly connected to a publicor private distribution boardshouldbe in accordance witha current issue of IEEWiringRegulations. ( b ) C o n n e c t i oo n f m a i np o w e rs u p p l y t o f i r e a l a r mp a n e ls h o u l db e v i a a n i s o l a t i n g protection (eg. device isolating fuse)reserved solely for thatpurpose. Thecovershould "Fire be coloured redand labeled Alarm: Do NotSwitch Off'. (c) Arrangement power should be madeso thatthe continuity to the supply of theelectrical firealarm to system is ensured. where thereis a tendency Particular careshould be taken power when switched off of machinery, supply to a switch board eg. During maintenance unoccupied or for economy in theconsumption of electricity.

167

(iii)

Types of Power Supply (a) Normalsupply - Normalsupplyshallbe from the publicmains,through private a switchboard. In the absenceof publicpower supply,privategenerated power may be used. (b) Secondarybatteries - T h e m o s t c o m m o n l yu s e t y p e o f s t a n d b ys u p p l y i s a s e c o n d a r yb a t t e r yw i t h a n automaticcharger. - Wheresucha battery is used,it shouldbe of a type havinga lifespanof at least4 years underthe condition of use likelyto be experienced insidethe fire alarm panel. - Since the life of the batteryis frequentlydependent on its chargingconditions,care shouldbe takenthat the batterychargersatisfies all requirements specified by the battery manufacturer. - where replacementbatteriesor battery capacities, refer to (iv) and (v) - The charging rateof the batteryshouldbe suchthat, havingbeen discharged to its final voltage,the batterycan be chargedsufficiently to comply with the recommendations of (v), after a chargingperiodof 24 hours. (c) SecondaryBatteries with StandbyGenerator - In most premises, other than suppliestaken from the publicmains,an emergency generatoris provided which startsautomatically on failureof the normalsupply. - Sincethereis a time delaybetweenthe mainspower failureuntilthe generator cranked into life to provideemergencybackup power supply,the secondarybatteriespower supplyis essential to providecontinuous operation of the fire alarm system.They are also essential shouldthe emergencygenerator fail to be activated.

(iv)

Maximum Alarm Load (a) The maximumalarm load is the maximumload imposedby the automatic fire alarm systemon a powersupplyunderfire conditions. lt includes the powerrequired to operate all the sounderssimultaneously, togetherwith any visibleor audibleindications at the Controland Indicative Equipment, any power drawnfor the operation and/ or indication of ancillary services and the transmission of signals to remotemanned centres. Because of the possibility of spreadof fire throughout the building, the systemshouldbe able to s u p p o r tt h e m a x i m u mn u m b e r o f d e t e c t o r st h a t c a n s i m u l t a n e o u s l y give signals indicating fire, and the operationof manualcall pointat all zones. (b) Mrmal and standbypowersupplyshouldeach be capableof supplying the maximum alarm load irrespective of the conditions of othersupply. (c) The load imposedon the power supply by the simultaneous operationof detectors and / or manualcall pointsshouldnot cause an existing fire alarm to cease.In systemusing microprocessors or storedprograms,the imposition of the maximumalarm load should not cause incorrect operation.

168

(v)

Duration of the Standby Supply (a) The standbypowersupplyshouldbe capableof automatically maintaining the systemin normaloperationfor a periodof not less than 24 hours after the detectionof a fault in the normalsupplyand the initiation of remedialaction. (b) lf the buildingis likelyto be unoccupied and the fire alarm systemunsupervised for periods longer than 24 hours, so that on reoccupation,the standby supply could be exhaustedand the system inoperable, then facilitiesshouldbe providedto give protection for a period of at least 24 hours after reoccupation, with sufficientcapacityat the end of that time to sound an evacuation alarm in all zonesfor at least30 minutes. ( c ) F o r i t e m 1 3 . 6 . 2V . b . , n o r m a l l yt h e a s s u m p t i o n f o r t h e l o n g e s tu n o c c u p i e d and periodis taken over a long weekend,which is 72 hours. unsupervised

(vi)

Baftery Charger (a) To preservethe life of the Standby backup batteries,the proper selectionof the battery charger is very important. (b) Incorrect selectionof batterychargerand chargingmethodwill causethe batteryto be overcharged thereby causingdeterioration of the electrodesand hence the performance and the life span of the battery. (c) For maintenance free sealed Lead-acidBattery,the Constantvoltageconstantcurrent charge methodis recommended. As chargingproceeds,there is a rise in batteryvoltage, the constantvoltagechargerwill detectthe voltageincreaseand controlof the charger amount. (d) The constant voltageconstant currentchargerhas currentlimitation to preventthe initial current (at low batteryvoltage)from increasing.

(vii)

Battery Installationand Servicing (a) standby batteriesshould be secured from excessivevibrationor impact. (b) All standbybatteries when housedwithinthe Controland Indicative Equipmentshould be compartmentand positionedaway from any heat generatingbody (eg. transformer). Batteriesshould be stored in upright positionwith batterycompartmentwell ventilated. (c) Batteries may producea combustible gas. Avoid installation of closedequipmentnear sparks(i.e.near a switchor fuse). (d) Usingvinylchloride sheathed cableor a vinylchloride sheetmay inducecrackon battery container or cover. (e) Avoid usingbatteries in the followingareas: - Area exposedto directsunlight - Area where there is excessiveradioactivity, infra-redradiation,or ultra-violetradiation - Area filledwith organicsolvent,vapor,dust, salt,or corrosive gases. - Area of abnormalvibration (f) When connectingthe batteryto a charger or a load, keep the circuit switch OFF and connectthe battery's (+) pole to the (+) pole of the chargeror the load and the (-) pole to the (-) pole of the chargeror load.

169

(g) Neveruse batteries of different capacities, batteries of differentperformances, or new and old batteriestogether. (h) Inspectand checkfor the followingabnormalities, discoverthe cause and replaceany defectivebatteries: - Any voltageabnormalities - Any physicaldefects (eg. crackedor deformedcontainer) - Any electrolyteleakage - Any abnormalheat builtup (viii) BatteryCapacityCalculation (a) For batterycapacitycalculation, referto Table 13.3 13.6.3Testing and Commissioning (i) Ensure batteriesare properlyconnectedto each respectiveterminal. (ii) Check batterycapacitywith volt metre to ensure the batteryis fully charged.Healthybattery should record 24 volts. Recordthe date of commissioning on the batteries with markerpen. Turn off the mains power supply of the fire alarm indicatingand control panel, the volt metre on the panel surfaceshouldregister24 volts t 4 volts.The amperemetre should registerlitle or no readings. provided Usingthe facilities on the Controland Indicative Equipment, initiate a mainspower failure. Initiate all sounders,manualcall points,selecteddetectors, ancillary outputsand any other power consumption devicesfor 30 minutes. Monitorthe performanceof the batteriesand comparewith the power curve providedby the manufacturerto ensure compliancewith the specification.

(iii) (iv)

(v)

(vi)

(vii)

(viii) Rechargedthe batteriesto fully charged status before conductingthe standby power test. (ix) (x) For standbypowertest, repeatctauses 13.6.3(ii), 13.6.3(iv) and 13.6.3(v) Recordtime of conducting test and lock and seal the Controland lndicative Equipment and controlpanelincluding the batterycompartment. Record the battery72 hours later with volt metre. Initiateall soundersfor 30 minutes,the batteryshouldbe able to sustainsuch operation. Turn the mains power supplyback on and ensurethe durationrequiredto rechargethe batteriesthe batteriesto full charge capacity is within the duration specified by the manufacturer and as stipulated by the standards.

(xi)

(xii)

(xiii) Check each batterywith voltmetreto ensure batteriesregistered24 volts.

170

13.6.4 Ghecklist BatteryManufacturer: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. j. k.

l.

Makeand Model: : of manufacture Country : TestStandard of Battery: Lifeexpectancy number: certificate BOMBA approval : approvalcertificate Expiry Dateof BOMBA Capaci$:Battery Voltage : Battery TypeofCharger:
Methodof charging :

Years

AH Volts

m. n. o. p.
q. r.

: Capacity Charger (charger) : of manufacture Country No of zoneson FireAlarmPanel: : No of Sounders

No of ManualCall Points: No of Detectors :

s. t.

on panel: No of Indications output: No of Ancillary

171

Table 13.3 Battery Standby Power RequirementCalculation

Panel FireControlandlndicative

zones _

rype

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Master Controller to FireBrigade C.M.S. ZoneUnit Smoke Detectors HeatDetectors / HeatDetector Smoke l.R./U.V.Detector AudioFireAlarmUnits FireAlarmUnits Visual

1 x1
_x_
X

_x_ _x_
X

F.A.Units / Visual 10. Audio Points 11. ManualCall 12. PumpIndications Tripping 13. A.H.U. FireSupp.Sys. _ x _ 14. Energized Lg. Warning 15. GasDischarge DropCurtain 16. Energized 17. B.A.S. 18. Roller Shutter DoorHolder 19. Magnetic 20. 21. 22. System SmokeExtract Interface Units Outputs OtherAncillary x = Amp _x_ _x_
X
X

TotalAlarmLoad

172

B 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Standby Load

Ampere 1 x_ 1 x_x_
X

Ampere

Master Controller C.M.S to FireBrigade ZoneUnit SmokeDetectors HeatDetectors Smoke/ HeatDetectors l.R./U.VDetectors AudioFireAlarmUnits Visual FireAlarmUnits

_x_ _x_
X

1 0 . Audio/ Visual F.AUnits ' t 1 . Manual CallPoints 12. Interfere Units 1 3 . Other Ancillary Outputs

_x_
X

_x_

=
Amp ==============

Total StandyLoad

= (A x 1 H) + (B x 24 H) Ampere Battery Capacity Sizing Hour =_ =_ =_ X 10%(Safety Factor) A.H (Ampere Hour) A.H (ToManufacturer's Requirement)

Note:Battery capacity sizinghasto be selected basedon the manufacturer's available size.The selection should onlybe basedon selecting the nextsizeup fromthe manufacturer's tableif the exactsizecalculated is notavailable on the market. 13.7 Cables & Wirings 13.7.1 Concept ForfireDetection andAlarm system to function satisfactorily during a firecondition, all interconnections between components should be intact andshould be operational. 'l3.7 .2 DesignRequirements (i) Codeand Standard Cable wiring shallbe designed based on: 8.S.5839 : Part1 - FireDetection andAlarmSystem ForBuildings - Codeof Practice for System Design, lnstallation and Servicing.
173

(ii)

General A wide varietyof cablescan be used in variouspartsof a fire alarmsystem.However,because of their varyingabilitiesto resistsfire and electrical or mechanical damage,many of these cables may be restrictedin their suitability for specificapplications. The applicationis cfassifiedaccording to the need for fire protection as in Clauses7 .24 and 7.25. Application (a) Prolongoperation duringa fire is required: - Cablesusedfor the interconnection of components of a firedetection and alarmsystems and required to continue to operateaftera fire is discovered, eg. Controland Indicative Equipment, sounders,power supply. - Cablesusedwithinthe protected premises for the transmission of the alarmto a remote centreshouldbe includedin this class. (b) Prolongoperationduringa fire is NOT required: - Cableswhich are not requiredto continueto appreciatedperiodsafter the fire is discoveredor they are attacked by fire. - Thesecableswill usuallybe only thoseto detectors or manualcall points,but may also include thoseancillary devices(suchas door holders) in whichfailure of the cabledue to a fire will not lead to a dangerouscondition.

(iii)

(iv)

Recommended Cable Types Types of cables recommendedsubjectedto the restrictionon their use and the recommendations for further protectionin Clauses7 .24 and 7 .25. (a) Mineral-insulated copper sheathed cable complyingwith BS 6207, with or without an overallPVC sheath. (b) Cablescomplying with BS 6387, meetingat leastthe requirements for categorisation as AWX or SWX. (c) Cablescomplyingwith BS 6387, meetingat leastthe requirements for categorisation as A or S. (d) PVC-insulated and sheathedcablescomplying with BS 6004. (e) PVC-insulated non-sheathed cablescomplying with BS 6004. (f) PVC-insulated cablesof type BK, BR and BU complying with BS 6231. (g) PVC-insulated and sheathedsteel-wire-armoured cable complying with BS 6346. (h) General- purposeelastomer-insulated polyethylene textile-braided or hard ethylene propylene rubberinsulation complyingwith BS 5467. PVC-sheathed coaxialcable,with a centralconductor of not less 0) Polyethylene-insulated than 16 strandsI 0.2mm in diameter,but otherwisecomplying with the dimensional requirements of BS 2316 : Part 3 for Uniradio SheetM210.

174

(k) Cablesdesignedfor the detection of heat. (v) Gable Protection from Fire (a) Prolongoperation duringa fire is required: - Cablesrequired to continue to operateduringexposure to a fire shouldbe type Clauses .2.(ivXb). 13.7.2.(iv)(a) and 13.7 - Other cables may be used if they are buried in the structureof the buildingand protectedby the equivalentof at least 12mm of plaster. (b) Prolongoperation duringa fire is NOT required: - Where prolongedoperation during a fire is not required,any cableslistedin Clauses fire protection. 13.7 .2.(iv)can be used withoutany additional (a.2)should (a.1) and 13.7.2.(v)(a) stillcomply Note:Cableslistedin Clauses13.7.2.(v)(a) in Clause 13.7.2.(vi) with the requirements (vi) Cable Protection from Electrical or Mechanical Damage (a) ElectricalProtection - M.l.C.C. protected equipment by ensuring that associated cablesshouldbe electrically protection. for voltage surge complieswith the cable manufacture'srequirement - Polyethyleneinsulatedcoaxial cable should not be used with nominalvoltages exceedinq50 volts. - CablesOl.ign"O for the detection of heat shouldbe used withintheir manufacturer's ratings. (b) Mechanical Protection - Some of the cableslistedin Clause 13.7 robustto withstand .2.(iv)are not sufficiently hazards,such as impact,abrasion,etc. In order to protectsuch cablesfrom mechanical it will be necessaryto providemechanical damage both during and after installation, protections in conduit,ducting or trunkingor by layingthe cables in a by installation channel. - Recommendations protection are as follows: for mechanical . C a b l e si n C l a u s e s1 3 . 7 . 2 . ( i v ) ( a ) , 1 3 . 7 . 2 . ( i v ) (a d 1 3 . 7 . 2 . ( i v X jm ), ay be used hn ), without mechanicalprotection. . Cablesotherthan Clause 13.7.2.(vi)(a) protection. shouldalways have mechanical (vii) Conduit, Ducting and Trucking (a) Metalor high impactrigid PVC conduitmay be used for cabling.High impactrigid PVC or 42511 of BS 6099 : Section2.2. 40511 conduitshouldcomplywith classification or ducting; then eithermetaltrunking (b) lf fire alarmcablesare run in trunking or ducting, with BS 4678: trunkingcomplying or non-metallic ductingor non-flamepropagating Part4 shouldbe used. (c) All bracketingfor conduits,trunkings,ducting should be properlyconstructedand specificintervals. securedat recommended

175

Testingand Commissioning 13.7.3 (i) for each partof the Fire Detection and Alarmsystemis Checkand ensurethat cableselection correct. (ii) (iii) (iv) protections. Ensureall cablesmet relevantfire, electrical and mechanical Ensureall conduits, trunkings, ductingcomplywith relevantstandard. junctionboxesare usedwith conduit Ensureproperelbowsand tees with inspection openings, for cabling. Ensureconduits are properly securedto junctionbox,elbowand tees to prevent cablingbeing severedby dislocation of the fittings. purposes Ensureall cablesare colourcodedfor easy identification and for ease of maintenance. Check and ensurebracketing at recommended specificintervals.

(v)

(vi) (vii)

13.7.4Checklist Type of Cablesused : a. b. Size of cable :

c. d.
e. f.

Country of Manufacture : Make andModel :

StandardTested to : BOMBAApprovalCertificate Number:

g.
h. j.

Expiry Dateof BOMBA Approval :

Type of Conduit: Size of Conduit:

k. l. m. n.
o. p. q.

of Manufacture : Country MakeandModel: Tested Standards to : BOMBA Approval Certificate Number :

Expiry Date of BOMBA Approval Certificate: Type of Trunking: Size of Trunking:

176

r. s.
t.

Country of Manufacture : Makeand Model :

StandardTested to :

u. v.

BOMBA Approval Certificate Number : ExpiryDateof BOMBAApproval Certificate :

13.8 VOTCE ALARM SYSTEM (VAS) 13.8.1 Goncept (i) A voicealarmsystemis intended to be usedin conjunction with a fire detection and alarm system to control the safeevacuation of building occupants be providing: (a) A clearandunambiguous spoken instruction for evacuation of the areaof immediate risk (b) Voicemessages andsignal whichcontribute to the management of an emergency. (ii) VoiceAlarmSystem (VAS)linked to FireDetection andAlarmSystems (FDAS) mayalsobe usedto givewarning of otherincidents, eg.bombalert, chemical spillage andextinguishing agent discharge. Thesystem mayalsobe used for other functions, suchas broadcast paging of music, or general provided announcement that suchfacilities are alwaysoverridden in the eventof an emergency. Oncea fireis detected, it is essential thatpeople be evacuated fromthe areasof immediate dangeras quickly possible as to minimize riskto life.This may present few problems if occupants are familiar withthe layoutof the site and has undergone procedure evacuation drill.Forpublic assembly areaswhereoccupants are notfamiliar withthe layout of the siteor haveno experience in evacuation procedure, precise verbalinstruction will be necessary on the actions required of them.

(iii)

(iv)

13.8.2 DesignRequirements (i) Codes& Standards (a) Voice AlarmSystem (VAS) should be designed based on: 8.S.5839 : a r t1 P - FireDetection andAlarmSystem ForBuildings Codeof Practice for System Design, lnstallation andServicing. B.S.5839 : PartB - FireDetection andAlarmSystem for Buildings Codeof Practice for the Design, Installation andServicing of VoiceAlarmSystem. (ii) General (a) Components of VASshould be compatible to ensure theeffectiveness andintelligibility of broadcast messages.

177

(b) Compatibility shouldbe ensuredbetweenmicrophones, amplifiers, loudspeakers and interconnecting cablesfor optimumperformance of the system.Care shouldbe takento ensurecompatibility withcableparameters, suchas capacitance and signalcharacteristics. (c) The VAS should"latch" on when receiving a signalfrom the FDAS untilde-latched by a separatecommandfrom the FDAS. (d) The interface between the FDASand VAS shouldbe such that any delayin the automatic transmission of the relevantpre-recorded messageis minimised. (e) The delaybetween operation of a manualcall pointand the startof VAS broadcast should not exceed 3 seconds. (0 lf the automatic transmission of the pre-recorded messageis in response to a signalfrom an automaticfire detector, the broadcastshouldbeginwithin 10 secondsafter the detector responded. (iii) Loudspeaker Circuit (a) The integrityof VAS should be equivalentto that recommendedby BS 5839 : Part 1 for sounderunits. (b) lt is recommended that the wiringof the speakercircuitsshould be arrangedthat, in the event of a short-circuit developedduring a fire, a minimum of one speaker should continueto operate. (c) All loudspeaker circuitsshouldbe protected againstfire and mechanical damage. (d) An open-circuitor short-circuit fault on one loudspeakercircuit should not affect the operationof any othercircuitor loudspeaker zone. (e) A short-circuit fault on a loudspeaker circuitshouldnot cause damageto the associated amplifier. (f) Any failureof a loudspeaker circuitshouldresultin a fault warningat the FDAS Control and Indicative Equipment. (g) Additional loudspeaker circuitsshouldbe providedin the followinghuge assemblyarea (typically withina singlespace): - Transportation - Mall areas of coveredshoppingcomplexes. - Publicareas of . cinemas,theatresand other placesof entertainment . large departmentalstores . lecturetheatres.centers - Any uncompartmented publicspaceswithina buildingif the space is: . Greaterthan 4000m2in area or . Designedto accommodate more than 500 membersof the public

178

(iv)

VisualAlarm Signal (a) In areas with high backgroundnoise or where occupant is wearing car protectorsor impaired in hearing,the broadcast messages shouldbe supplemented with visualalarm signals. (b) Visualalarmsignalsshouldalwaysbe provided if background noiselevelsexceedgOdBA.

(v)

lnterfacedwith Other Sound Systems (a) lf thereare other independent systemon site eg. publicaddress,pipedmusicsystemor soundreinforcement system,pipedmusicsystemor sound reinforcement system, switching outputshouldbe providedfor automatically mutingsystems. (b) Cancellation of the mute shouldonly be possible at the Controland Indicative Equipment of FDAS.

(vi)

Gombined Use with Fire Atarm Sounder when the VAS is supplementaryto the fire alarm system, it is recommendedthat: (a) The operationof the fire alarm soundersshould not cause the intelligibility of the voice broadcastto be below the recommendedvalue. (b) Attention-drawing signal for introducing voice messageshould be the same as those producedby the fire alarm soundersfor a similar stage of alarm. (c) The procedurefor operatingsuch systemsshould be such as to avoid confusion in an emergency. (d) lf it is necessaryto silencethe fire alarm soundersin order to broadcastthe voice messages,restartingof the fire alarm soundersshould be automaticwithin 10 seconds.

(vii)

LoudspeakerZoning (a) The VAS should be capableof being subdividedinto loudspeakeremergencybroadcast zones determinedby specificevacuationprocedure. (b) Loudspeaker zonesneed not necessarily followor be the sameas otherfire detection zones. (c) Loudspeaker emergency broadcast zonesshouldbeiselected so that an effective evacuation of the building can be carried out without confusionor misinterpretation of the warning message. (d) Loudspeakerzone boundaries should,where possiblecoincidewith compartmentation walls,permanentpartitions or doorswithinthe building for distinctive zone separation. (e) For loudspeaker zonings, careshouldbe takento ensure thata singleloudspeaker zonings may containone or more fire detectionand alarm zonings but NO single fire detection and alarmsystemzone shouldcontainmore than one loudspeaker zone.

(viii)

Protection of Loudspeaker (a) To ensurethat failureof the associated circuitis unlikelyto occur if the loudspeakeris exposedto fire beforeevacuation is completed, the designmeasuresshould include:

179

use of material blockswith a meltingpointof not lessthan 650'C eg. ceramicmaterial, or use of terminalblocksof a lower meltingpoint but protectedwith thermalinsulation. or - designof the terminalblocks such that, on melting,an open-circuit or a short-circuit does not occur. (b) ln order to preventinadvertent contact and damage by falling objectsor any other accidental damages, everyflush-mounted ceilingloudspeakers shouldbe fittedwith a rear enclosure. This shouldbe constructed from non-combustible materialwith a melting pointat least800"C,eg. steel. (ix) Fire Microphone (a) Fire microphoneshould be providedas a means of overridingpre-recordedemergency broadcastmessages. (b) As the microphone is commonto all areasof broadcast, which may have variedambient noiselevel,it shouldbe of a suitablegrade to achievethe requiredintelligibility of sound reproduction throughout the entireinstallation. (c) The recommended types of microphone are as follows: - u n i d i r e c t i o n am l , o u n t e do n a f l e x i b l eo r f i x e d w i t h b u i l t - i nw i n d s h i e l d to prevent "popping" noisewhilstspeaking. The recommended +minimum 5 dB frequency range for this type of microphone is 200H2to 3kHz. - hand-held close-talking noise-cancelling, with an integralpress to talk switch.The recommended minimum+- 5 dB frequencyrangefor this type of microphone is 250H2 to SkHz.
( d ) The sitingof fire microphone(s) shouldbe agreedwith the Fire and RescueDepartment ( e ) Care shouldbe taken in locatingmicrophone to avoid:

soundcolouration feedbackfrom system loudspeakers pick-upand amplification of background noise reverberant acousticconditions at microphone, all of which can reducethe qualityof the signal

(f) Fore accessibility, the fire microphone shouldeither: - be dedicated purelyto the broadcast - careshouldbe takento of emergency messages preventits use for non-emergencyfunctions. - be used for emergency - care shouldbe exercised and non-emergency functions and meansshouldbe provided to preventnon-emergency broadcast from overriding a prerecordedemergencybroadcast.

180

(x)

Message Generator (a) For an effective VAS, the reliability and integrity of associated messagegenerator is vital as the sourcefor providing pre-recorded and delivering emergencymessages. (b) Message generator should be designed to use solid-state electronic exclusively for message storageand control.Apart from relays(associated with statusor fault indication), there shouldbe no moving parts;tape playeror disk drives,for exampleshouldnot be used. (c) The recording should be storedin non-volatile memoryand the recordedmessages(s) protected shouldbe from unauthorized changed. (d) The broadcast voice shouldsoundnatural with high qualityrecording. No synthesised voiceshouldbe used unlessthe resultant broadcast soundis indistinguishable from that of a humanvoice. (e) Each messagegenerator shouldbe monitored continuously to ensurethe availability of audio output.

(xi)

Messages (a) Everymessageshouldbe preceded by an attention-drawing signal.This is a non-speech signalin accordance with 9.4.1.and 9.4.5.of BS 5839: Part 1 : 1988.The attentiondrawingsignalused for Alertand Evacuate alarmsshouldbe identical. Wherethis is not the case,the signalshouldnot be in accordance with 9.9 of B.S. 5839 : part 1 : 19gg. (b) The message shouldbe clear,concise, intelligible and delivered in a calmand commanding manner. (c) Live messagesshould be broadcastonly by operatorstrainedin the proper use of the microphone. ( d ) E x c e p tw h e r e a F i r e O f f i c e ro r t r a i n e d p e r s o n i n a u t h o r i t yn e e d t o m a k e s p e c i a l announcements in an emergency situation, the operator shouldbroadcast agreedstandard messages, readingfrom a script. (e) For pre-recorded messages, the recording shouldbe madeby persons trained in the proper use of the microphone. The recordings shouldbe made in a recordingstudioor a room with a controlled acoustic environment havingan ambientnoiselevel no greaterthan 30 dB and a reverberation time no greaterthan 0.5 secondsfrom 150 Hz to 1OkHz. (0 For Evacuation Broadcast, the time sequence and formatof the broadcast. from startto finish, shouldbe : -

Attentiondrawing signal - lasting 4 seconds to 10 seconds followedby

.
,

-,"r1,,',ly"loTfro Brief $ilence to2 secol.rds

"T;l"tJ[";"n"
- lasting Silence 2 seconOs,to S seconds

181

- Greenfor indication of energisation and selection of loudspeaker zone - Any other indications withinVAS shouldnot be Red or Green (d) The Controlequipmentshouldbe designedto functionreliablywheneverservicedand in accordance instructions. Equipmentshould be maintained to the manufacturer's designedto have a servicelife of at least 15 years. (xiii) Power Supply (a) The operationof VAS is more complexthan that of alarm sounders,where the power supplyshouldbe in accordance with BS 5839 : Part4 and followthe recommendations for life safetysystemsof BS 5839 : Part 1 : 1988. (b) The standbybatterycalculations should be as follows: = 1.25i(Dr x Tr x tr) + (DzX Tz x lz)) Cmin (AH) Cmin Tr lr (Amp) is the minimumcapacityof the batteryal20'C when new [in amperehours(AH)] is the batterystandbyperiod[in hours] is the batterystandby(quiescent) load current[in amperes]lr is measured of or calculated currentof all the components as the sum of the quiescent the VAS, based upon operations at the nominalvoltage(V), including circuits contributions such as the currenttaken by the fault monitoring period[in hours] is the alarm condition zones in full alarm is the total batteryload currentwith all loudspeaker condition[in amperes] is a de-rating factorderivedfrom the manufacturer's data,based upon the quiescent time Tr. This factor is the standby currentlrand the discharge de-ratingfrom the 20 hours rate data, based upon full is a de-rating factorderivedfrom the manufacturer's time Tz. This factor is the dealarm load currentlz and the discharged rating factor from the 20 hours rate and takes into account that the discharge time is not greaterthan 20 hours the multiplying factoris included to allowfor some ambienttemperature variationand batteryageing

Tz (hr) lz (Amp) Dr

Dz

1.25

13.8.3 Testingand Gommissioning (i) Documentation shouldbe provided withinor adjacentto the controlequipment: (a) OperationInstruction (Ol) for the correctactionin the eventof an emergencyor fault indication. (b) Systemlogbook,similarto the fire detection and alarmsystem. (ii) of the variousitems of Drawingsshouldbe providedto the user, showingthe positions and recordpurpose. equipment, the size and routesof all cablesand wiringfor maintenance The completed installation shouldbe inspected to ensurethatthe work has beencarriedout in used are in accordance manner,that the methods,materials and components a satisfactory with BS 5839 : PartB : 1998.

(iii)

toJ

(iv)

The systemshouldbe testedto ensurethat: (a) The soundlevelproduced by the loudspeakers is audible throughout the areaof coverage. (b) Each loudspeaker zone shouldbe testedto ensurethe correctalarmmessageis given in response to bothautomatic initiation and manualcontrols. Simulation of the automatic initiation shouldbe conducted via the Fire Detection and Alarm svstem. (c) Each loudspeaker zone shouldbe testedfor all othermessages througheach and every mode of initiation simulated throughthe normaloperatingprocedure. (d) Ensurethe interface with the Fire Detection and Alarmsystemand any signalto ancillary equipment, such as visualbeaconsare operating satisfactory.

(v)

The installershould supply to the submittingperson and the Authoritya certificate stating that the installation is in accordance with the recommendations given in relevantstandards. Shouldtherebe any deviation from the standards, and provided thesestandards have been agreed and approvedby the Fire and Rescue DepartmentMalaysia,statementsof these deviationsshould be given by the installertogetherwith the submissionsof the complete certificate.

(vi)

13.8.4Checklist (i) Voice AlarmSystem

a. VASmanufacturer: b. MakeandModel: c. Country of Manufacture : d. VASTestStandard : e. BOMBA Approved Certificate Number: f. ExpiryDateof BOMBA Certificate : (ii) Back-up Battery a. Backup battery manufacturer:
b. Make and Modelof Batterv:

c. Country of Manufacture : d. Battery TestStandard :

e. BOMBAApprovalCertificate Number:

f. Expiry Dateof BOMBA Approval : g. Lifeexpectancy of back-up Battery : Years

184

h. Back-up Battery Capacity : j. (iii) Voltage percell: of Battery

Volts

Battery Charger a. Charger manufacturer :

b. Type and Methodof Charging : c. Chargercapacity:

d. Country of charger manufacturer : (iv) Loudspeaker a. Loudspeaker Manufacturer :

b. Type of Loudspeaker : c. Make and Model of Loudspeaker: d. Loudspeaker Test Standard: e. Dynamicrange of Loudspeaker :_ Hz to

k{z

f. No of Loudspeaker Zones: g. Country of Manufacture :

h. BOMBAApprovalCertificate Number:

j.
(v)

Expiry dateof BOMBAApproval :

Fire Microphone a. Fire Microphone manufacturer: b. Make and Modelof Fire Microphone : c. Countryof Manufacture : d. Type of Fire Microphone :

e. FireMicrophone TestStandards :
f. DynamicRangeof Fire Microphone :_ Hz to kHz

g. BOMBAApprovalCertificate Number:

h. Expiry dateof BOMBA Approval :

185

(vi)

Cable
a . CableManufacturer:

: b . Sizes of Cable/Cables

of manufacture : Country
d

Make& Model :

e . CableTest Standard: f. BOMBAApprovalCertificate Number:

g. Expiry dateof BOMBA Approval: (vii) Conduit

a . Conduit Manufacturer:
b.

Sizes of Conduits :

c . Country of manufacture : d . Make& Model: e . ConduitTest Standard: f. BOMBAApprovalCertificate Number:

g. Expiry dateof BOMBA Approval : (viii) Trunking/Ladder

a . Trunking/Ladder Manufacturer : b . Sizes of Trunking/Ladder

Country of manufacture:
d.

Make& Model:

e . Trunking/Ladder Test Standard: + BOMBAApprovalCertificate Number

g . Expiry dateof BOMBA Approval :

186

1 4 . 1D ES C R IP T ION
to keep protected escaperoutesof a building clearof smokeby systemis intended A pressurisation fresh air to maintaina positivepressurein protected sufficient escaperoutes meansof introducing area.Protected routesmay includestaircases, lobbiesand in some cases, againstaccommodation the corridor. system may be omitted if there is sufficientprovisionof natural ventilationin Pressurisation protected to the UniformBuildingBy-lawsrequirements and/orother escape routesin accordance standards. acceptable

R E QU IR E ME N T S 1 4 . 2D ES IGN
14.2.1Design Standards systemshall be designedin accordance to: Pressurisation (i) (ii) (iii)

1 9 7 , 2 O O , 2a On 1d 2 O 2 o f t h eU B B L 1984 B y - l a w1 s9 6 , M51472 AS1668

14.2.2Methods of Pressurisation (i) Method1 - Pressurising Staircase only The protectiongiven by this method is entirelyconfinedto the verticalpart of the escape route. lt shouldbe used only when a staircaseis approached directlyfrom the accommodation spaceor througha simplelobby. Each stackof staircase shall be servedby an independent pressurisation system. (ii) Method2 - Pressurising the Staircase and Lobby lf a lobbyseparating fromthe accommodation the staircase spaceis otherthana simplelobby, this lobbyshallbe pressurised independently of the staircase.The pressure levelat the lobby shall be about 5 Pa less than the oressurelevelat staircase. (iii) Lobbyand Corridor Method3 - Pressurising Staircase, lf a corridoris of 30 minutesfire resistanceor more and forms part of a protectedescape with eithera pressurisation route,this corridorshallbe equipped systemor smokeextraction system.The pressure levelat the lobby/corridor shallbe about5 Pa lessthan the pressurelevel at staircase. 'l4.2.3 Detailed Design Requirements The pressurisation systemsshall be designedin accordance to the followingparametres:(i) Method1 - Pressurising Staircase only (a) The pressurelevel at staircaseshould be 50 Pa higher than the pressurelevel at accommodation space. (b) A minimumegressvelocity of 1.0 m/s is required when 1 no. of staircase door is opened. The no. of openeddoors shall be based on minimum2 nos. of doorsor no. of doorsfor 10oh of the totalfloors(worstcase condition), whicheveris higher.

188

(ii)

Method2 and 3 - Pressurising Staircase, Lobbyand Corridor(whereapplicable) ( a ) T h e p r e s s u r el e v e l a t s t a i r c a s e s h o u l db e 5 0 P a h i g h e rt h a n t h e p r e s s u r el e v e l a t accommodation space. (b) The pressure levelat lobby/corridor shallbe higher(up to 45 Pa)thanthe pressure levelat adjacentaccommodation space,but less than the pressurelevelat staircase. (c) A minimum egressvelocityof 1.0 m/s is required when one lobbydoor and one staircase dooron the samefloor are opened.The no. of openeddoorsfor bothstaircase and lobby shall be based on minimum2 nos. of doors each or no. of doors for lOYoof the total floors(basedon worst case condition), whicheveris higher. Worstcasecondition refersto the 10%floo(s) that havethe mostnumberof egressdoors.

14.3SYSTEM COMPONENT
The installation and equipment associated to a pressurisation systemshallaccountfor: 14.3.1Air Intake Arrangement Air intakeshallbe arrangedin a mannerthat it has minimumeffectfrom wind velocityand direction and is at least5m away from any contaminated exhaustoutlet. 14.3.2Fan Gapacity and Operation (i) 10o/o or 25% of additional volumeflowrateshall be allowedfor sheet-metal or builders'work ducting (masonryshaft) respectively. (ii) (iii) powershall be providedfor the operationof pressurisation Essential fan. Pressurisation fan shallautomatically startunderfire mode.Manualcontrolshall be provided at bothfire commandcentreand on fan controloanel.

14.3.3Supply Air Outlets (i) Air outletsshall be installed at not less than every 3 floorsin a staircase, in order to provide efficient distribution and even pressurefor the entirestaircase. (ii) Thereshallbe at least1 no. outletper floorfor lift lobbypressurisation system.These outlets shall not be locatedcloseto the main leakagepath.

14.4TYPES OF STAIRCASE PRESSURISATION SYSTEM DESIGN 14.4.1 Fixed Air Supply withPressure Relief Dampers
Fresh air is continuously pumped into staircaseregardlessof the differential pressurebetween the staircase and accommodation pressure area.The controlof differential betweenstaircaseand accommodation area relieson the operation of pressurereliefdampers. Pressurerelief dampers shall open or close to maintaina 50 Pa differential pressure between staircase and accommodation area, when none of the doors are opened. Pressurereliefdampers shall be providedat not more than 15 metres vertical intervalto maintain an even pressure throughout the entirestaircase.

189

14.4.2 VariableAir Supply with MotorisedBy-PassDamper For such application, the air quantityflow into staircase shallbe controlled by a motorised by-pass damper locatedat ductworkconnecting the fan and the staircase. A differential pressuresensor shall be installednear the bottom of the staircaseand shall measure the pressuredifference betweenaccommodation area and the staircase. In the event that the differential pressureis more than 50 Pa, the motorisedby-passdamper will bleedthe excessair into the atmosphere to maintain the pressurelevel. 14.4.3Variable Speed Fan The operationof this type of pressurisation system is similarto Clause 14.4.2except that this system is equipped with variablespeed fan instead of having motorisedby-pass damper. The speedof the fan will vary in orderto maintaina differential pressure of 50 Pa betweenstaircase and accommodation area.

14.5 TYPES OF LIFT LOBBY PRESSURISATION SYSTEM DESIGN 14.5.1Fixed Air Supply with PressureRelief Dampers This systemis similarto Clause 14.4.1except pressurereliefdampersare locatedat everyfloor,in orderto maintaina differential pressurebetweeneach lift lobbyand adjacentaccommodation area at every floor. Fusiblelink fire dampersshall be installed with the relief dampersto maintainfire integrity betweenlobby and accommodation areas. 14'5.2VariableAir Supply with Motorised Fire DamperControl and Motorised By-pass Damper Each lobby is equippedwith a motoriseddamper air outletand differential pressuresensor. All motoriseddampers shall be controlledin a manner that the differential pressurebetween each lobby and adjacentaccommodation area is maintained at up to 45 Pa. Excessair will be relieved into the atmosphere by the motorisedby-passdamperat the fan discharge. 14.5.3VariableAir Flow with Motorised Damper Control and Variable Speed Fan This system is similar to Clause 14.5.2except the motorisedby-pass damper is replacedwith variablespeedfan.

14.6 TEST REQUIREMENTS 14.6.1Duct Pressure Test The entire pressurisation ductwork shall be tested in accordanceto SMACNA HVAC Duct - Metaland Flexible Construction Standards and manufacturer's recommendation. This is to ensure that air leakage is lessthan 10%. 14.6.2Flow Test Each outletshall be balancedand testedto achievethe required desiqnairflow. 14.6.3 Performance Test (i) A simulation test shallbe carried out with the no. of opendoorsas per design. The velocity acrosseach openeddoorshallbe not lessthan 1.0 m/s. (ii) Differential pressurebetweenstaircaseand accommodation space and betweenlobby and accommodation spacewhen all doorsare closedshallbe measured by usinga manometer or digitalpressuremeteror analogytype pressuremeter.

190

14.7 DESIGN AND INSTALLATION CHECKLIST 14.7.1Design Gode and Standard Adopted (i) Ms1472 (ii) AS1668 (iii) By-laws196,197, 200,201,202of UBBL 1984 (iv) Other Standards, (to specify) 14.7.2Design Checklist (i) No. of floors (ii) No. of doors per floor (iii) Determineno. of closedand openeddoors (iv) Air leakagethroughcloseddoor (v) Air flow throughopeneddoor (vi) Fan sizing 14.7.3Visual Inspection Checklist (a) Visual Inspection of Ductwork& Fittings (i) Sealant (ii) Fusible-link fire dampers (iii) Motorised dampers (iv) Fire Rated Ductwork (v) Fire Seal (b) Visual Inspection of Fan and Wiring (i) Fan Installation (ii) FlexibleConnection (iii) Wiringtermination (iv) Cablesize (v) Fan controlpanel (vi) Pressure sensor (vii)Controlcomponents

14.7.4 Testingand CommissioningChecklist (a) Duct Pressure Test (i) Test pressure (ii) Test Duration (iii) Duct area (iv) Theoretical leakage (v) Pressure drop (vi) Actualleakage (vii)Test Apparatus (b) Flow Test (i) Currentand voltage (ii) Flow acrosseach outlet (iii) Totalflow (iv) Theoreticalflow Performance Test (i) Air speed acrossopeneddoors (ii) Differential pressurebetweenstaircase space and accommodation

(c)

19'1

(iii) Differential pressurebetweenlobbyand accommodation space (iv) Differentiar pressurebetweencorridorand accommodation space (v) Operationof motorised dampers (vi) Operationof pressurereliefdampers

14.8CALCULATION
14'8'l Example of Staircase and Lift Lobby Pressurisation System calculation 14.8.1,1 GeneralDescriptionof Building A 30 storey office buildingwith 2 staircasesconstructed from ground floor up to roof level. Both staircases are connected to fire fightinglift lobbies, which in turn are connected to accommodation areas' There is only one singleleaf door per floor for staircase. As for fire fightinglift lobby,there is only one singleleaf door separating each lift lobbyand the accommodation areas. There is one door connecting the lift lobbyto a serviceshaft. However,this is not to be taken into accountas it is opened into an enclosedarea. Therefore, there are 30 doors in total for both staircaseand fire fightinglift lobbies.Referto Figure14.1 14.8.1.2Design Condition (i) The staircase and lift robbies wiil be independenfly pressurised. (ii) (iii) All pressurisation shaftsare not provided with sheet metalductwork.

According to UBBL,the no. of openeddoorsshall be minimum2 nos. or no. of doors at 10% of the totalfloors(worstcondition), whichever is higher. Hence,for this case study,therewill be 3 floorswhere all staircase and lift lobbydoors=are assumedto be opened. The designof pressurisation systemshallbe basedon constant speedfan with pressure relief system.

(iv)

14.8.2sample carcuration for staircase pressurisation system 14.8-2-1 Estimation of Air vorume Frowing past Doors when Doors Are Grosed (i) Designcriteriabasedon M51472 (ii) LeakageArea Calculation : Basedon 50 Pa pressure differential and interpolation of data from Table

3 and 4 (MS1472).

CaseA CaseB CaseC

Singleleafopening intoa pressurised space Singleleafopening outwards froma pressurised space Double leafopening into pressurised space

2.0m(H) 0.8m(W) 2.0m(H) O.Bm (w) 2.0m(H) 1.6m(W)

210cmh 420 cmh 630 cmh

No. of singleleaf doors openinginto pressurised area = 27 No. of singleleaf doors openingoutwardsfrom an pressurised area = 0 No. of openedsingleleaf doors = 3

192

14.8.2.2 Calculation of Air Leakage through Closed Doors (i) (CaseA) Air leakage for 27 no. of door = 210 CMH x 27 = 5670 CMH (ii) (CaseB) Air leakagefor 0 no. of door = 420 CMH x 0 = 0 CMH (CaseC) Air leakagefor 0 no. of door = 630 CMH x 0 = 0 CMH

(iii)

14.8.2.3 Calculation of Total Air Leakage = 5 6 7 0+ 0 + 0 = 5 6 7 0C M H . . . . . . . . . . ........ . . .(.A ) T o t a la i r l e a k a g e 14-8.2.4 Estimation of Air Flow Past 3 Opened Doors (i) The size of each door is 2.00m (H) x 0.Bm(W) (ii) (iii) Therefore, area of door is 1.60m2 Basedon designcriteria of 1 m/s air flow throughdoor when the door is opened,air flowrate = 1.60m2 x 1.0 m/s x 60 sec x 60 min = 5760 CMH For 3 openeddoors,the air quantity = 5 7 6 0C M Hx 3 = i T 2 8 0 C M H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ( .B)

(iv)

'14.8.2.5 Selection of Capacity for Pressurisation Fan (i) The minimum air required = (A) + (B) = 5670 + 17280CMH = 22950CMH (ii) Add 25% leakagefactor (masonry shaft) = 28688CMH Note: lf masonryshaft is of reinforced concrete,10% leakagefactoris adequate (iii) The airflowof fan selected: = 29000 CMH

14.8.3Sample Catculationfor Lift Lobby Pressurisation System 14.8.3.1Estimation of Air Volume Flowing Past Doors when Doors are closed (i) Designcriteriabased on M51472 (ii) Leakage Area Calculation: Based50 Pa pressuredifferentialand interpolation of data from Table 3 and 4 (MS1472).

193

TypeOf Door CaseA CaseB CaseC CaseD

space Singleleaf openinginto a pressurised

Size (H) 2.0m (W) O.Bm (H) 2.0m (W) O.Bm (H) 2.0m (w) 1.6m 2.0m(H) 2.0m(W)

Leakage Per Door (cMH) 210 420 630 ReferSection 5.3.2.3(MS1472)

leafopening outwards froma Single pressurised space leafopening intopressurised Double space Liftlanding door2.0m(H)

area = 27 No. of singleleaf doorsopeninginto pressurised No. of singleleaf doors openingoutwardsfrom a pressurised area = 0 = No. of openedsingleleaf door 3 No. of lift landingdoors = 30 14.8.3.2 Calculation of Air Leakage through Closed Lobby Doors (i) (CaseA) for 27 nos.of door = 210 CMH x 27 = 5670 CMH Air leakage (ii) (CaseB) Air leakagefor 0 no. of door = 420 CMH x 0 = 0 CMH (CaseC) Air leakagefor 0 no. of door = 630 CMH x 0 = 0 CMH

(iii)

14.8.3.3 Calculationof Air Leakagethrough Closed Lift Landing Doors (14)of sub-section Referto Equation 5.3.2.3 of MS1472 E q u a t i o n : Q o = Qx c F n where, is the air leakagefrom one lobby past one lift door, Qo is the air leakagefor an isolatedlift door (valuetaken from Table 4 or derivedfrom Qc = Q" 0.0496x (Pr)1/2 where PE is the pressurisation levelfor the lobby, F is the factordepending on vent size in lift shaftand takenfrom the appropriate columnof Table6 (MS 1472), N is the numberof pressurised lobbyopeningsinto the lift shaft Hence,when applied to; (iv) (CaseD)

Qo (forone lobby) = Qc x F (assumelift shaftvent size = 0.16m2) n = 0.0496 x (50)1/2 x 2.66m3/s

= 112 CMH

30

194

Numberof lift(s) Totalleakage

- 1 = 112 CMH x 30 landings x 1 lift = 3360 CMH

T a b l e6 ( M S 1 4 7 2 )

No. of pressurised lobbiesopeninginto the lift shaft (=n) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 I I 10 12 14 16 above1 6

14.8.3.4 Calculationof TotalAir Leakage = 5670 + 0 + 3360 Total air leakage(beforeadjustment) = 9 0 3 0C M H . . . . . . . . . .

Valueof F for vent size

0.1m2 0.16m2 0.94 1.60 1.99

0.860 1.280 1.460 1.540 1.580 1.610 1.620 1.630 1.640 1.645 1.650 1.655 1.660 1.660

2.22 2.35 2.44 2.49 2.53 2.56 2.58 2.60 2.62 2.63 2.66

(C)

14.8.3.5Estimation of Air Leakage through 3 Opened Doors (i) The totalno. of doorsis 30. Therefore, the designcalculation shallconsider 3 nos. of opened singleleaf doors. (ii) (iii) (iv) The sizeof the door is 2.00m(H)x 0.80m(W) Therefore, area of door is 1.60m2 Basedon designcriteriaof 1 m/s air flow throughdoor when the door is opened: = 1.60m2 x 1.0 m/s x 60 sec x 60 min = 5760CMH For 3 openeddoors,the air quantity: = 5 7 6 0C M H x 3 = 1 7 2 8 0 CMH.......... ., (D)

(v)

14.8.3.6 Selection of Pressurisation Fan Capacity (i) The minimum air volumerequired = (c) + (D) = 9030 + 17280CMH = 26310CMH

195

(ii)

Allow leakagefactorof 25o/o (masonryshaft) = 32888CMH The airflowof fan selected = 33000CMH

(iii)

1 4 . 9 T E S T I N G A N D C O M M I S S I O N I N GP R O C E D U R E S 14.9.1 pressurisation Each individual system should be testedthoroughlyin terms of (but not limitedto) pressure static achievable, velocityof air throughdesigneddoors,operation and fail safe operation of motoriseddampers(if installed) and activated on receiptof the appropriate signaling device. 14.9.2 The MasterControlPanelshouldprovidethe necessary pressurisation fan switches for testingand manualoverrideof fan operationby authorised personnel. 14.9.3 All test data must be recordedand witnessedby the Client'srepresentative and this information must also be loggedin the O & M (Operation & Maintenance) Manual. A full set of as-builtdrawings, systemsequencecontrol, schematic and servicing data must also be partoftheO&MManual. 14.9.4Example of Testing and Commissioning Record Sheet 14.9'4.1Function Test for Staircase/LiftLobby/Corridor Pressurisation System Project title:........... Owner: Consultant: Contractor: 14.9.4.2Function Test for Staircase Pressurisation System StaircaseNo. (i) Measure pressure the differential between accommodation areaand staircase whenall staircase doors are closed. Item 1. Description Differential Pressure Requirement 50 Pa Measured . . . . . . . . . . . .p .a ... Tick if Comply

196

(ii)

Measure the velocity acrossopened staircase doorwhenthe no. of doorsequalto the designed

no.of opened doorsareopened randomly: Item Description 1. Velocity Across Ooened Door Requirement 1 m/s
Measured Tick if Comply

................m/s

FunctionTest for Lift Lobby/Corridor Pressurisation System L i f tL o b b yN o . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . / C o ro r i.d o r N (i) pressurebetweenstaircase/lift Measurethe differential lobby/accommodation area when all lobbydoors and staircase doors are closed.

Item Description 1. Differential

Pressurebetween staircase/ accommodation 2.

Requirement 50 Pa

Measured
Pa

Tick if Comply

Differential 40-50 Pa Pressurebetween lift lobby / accommodation

Pa

(ii)

Measurethe velocity acrossopeneddoor when the no. designed lift lobbydoorsare opened. Item Description Requirement Measured Tick if Comply

1.

Velocity Across Opened Door

1 m/s

................m/s

TestCarried out by:

W i t n e s s eb dy : . . . . . . . . . . . . . Approveb d y :. . . . . . . . . . . . . Date:..........

Figure 14.1

197

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This chapterdescribessmoke controlby means of natural(displacement of exhaust)ventilation, powered(extractor exhaust and depressurrisation) ventilation or a combination of both. Smoke controlby meansof pressurisation is describedseparatet/unoertne chapteron pressurisation. 15.2 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS 15.2.1Design Standards Designshallconsiderthe followingStandards: (i) UniformBuildingBy-laws1984 By-law244 - The use of additionar designstandards as appropriate. By-law245 - standardsotherthan those listed in UBBL 1984to be approvedby DGFRDM. By-law249 - smoke ventingin windowless, undergrouno structure and large area factories for safe use of exit. By{aw 250 - Natural draughtsmokeventsto be openedautomatically by an approved means in the event of a fire. By-law251 smoke vents providedunder By-law 249, shall be adequately designedwith an

By-law2sr - Maraysian Standards to supersede ail otherstandards. (ii) MS 1780 (iii) BS 5588 parts4, 7, 10, 11 (iv) BS 7346 parts j, 2, 3 (v) BS 4422 part 5 (vi) BR 186 and 258 (vii) Otheracceptable Standards (viii) Fire SafetyEngineering _ performance BasedApproach

yB |a w'5' if l"il,li,'ii:11 ilT ['5 r,,,, ":";";; ; s ys re m !r:}il: K5"il

15.2.2Design Concepts (i) smoke obscures visibility and can contribute towards fatalities in a fire incident. In fact smoke killsmore peoplein fires than heat,flamesor structural cottapse.lt is thereforeincreasingly realisedthat occupantsafetyin a fire can be greatryimproveoby providingefficient smoke controlsystems'Moreover,such systemscan timitp.p"rty damage,both diiecflyby reducing the spreadof smoke,and indirectly by providing betteivisibility and thus easieraccessto the seat of the fire for fire fighters. 'ii) smoke controlis one of the toolswhich the fire safetyengineermay use to ensureadequate fire safetywithin a building. As such it should noi b" considered in isolation, but as an integralpart of the total packageof fire safety rn"""rr", designedfor the building. Thus the need for smoke controlin any buildingtu"ib" oesignlo in conjunction with the means of escape' compartmentation and active suppressioi systems.Smoke controlshould be considered underthe followingcircumstances. (a) Smoke ControlforLife Safetv smoke controlfor life safetyprrpor", is of benefitin buirdings where meansof escapeto the open air cannotbe achievedwithina short perioJ of time and in which the meansof escapecould be severelycontaminated with smokeand becomeimpassable. Examples include shopping malls,atriumbuildings and highrisebuildings phasedevacuation with i'e' when a proportionof the occupants are expectedto stay in the buildingfor the durationor part durationof the fire.

'

200

( b ) SmokeExtraction for Fire FighterAccess

Smokeextraction for fire fighteraccessis desirable for buildings where either: - fire brigadeaccess is difficult, eg. basements and high rise buildings; or - rapidattackon fire is necessary to reducefire spreadand propertydamage. Buildings where smoke clearanceby naturalmeans may be difficult(eg. basements, windowless b u i l d i n g and s buildings withoutopenablewindows)will requirea poweredsmoke purging/dilution system. 15.2.3Methods of Smoke Control The efficiencyof the smoke control system may be adverselyaffected by wind or outside temperatures. Pressuresgenerated by wind may affect operationof the extractionof smoke by providinga positivepressureat the point of extraction.Internalclimaticconditionsmay also affectthe movementof smoke particularly in spaceswith large volumes,such as atriums.This is becauseforcedair circulation may preventthe smoke of low-buoyancy from reachinginitially the pointof detection. The stack effectin tall buildings and temperature inversion may also need to be considered. The varioustechniques commonlyused for smoke controlare as described below: (a) SmokeContainment (passivemethod) Smoke Containment relieson physicalbarriersto limitthe spreadof hot smoky gases from one compartment in a building to another. Passivecompartmentation such as doors,walls and floorscan be usedto provide some protection against smokeingress. The extentto which smokewill leakthroughthesebarriers will dependon the sizeand shapeof leakagepathsand the pressure differentials acrossthe paths. Smoke Dilution Smoke Dilutiondescribesany method of mixingthe smoky gases with enough clear air to increasethe availablevisibility and to reducethe threatfrom toxic productsof combustion. Application includes car parkingarea where the low ceilingheightand exhaustductwork configuration may make smoke reservoir principleimpractical. Smoke Reservoir ExhaustVentilation (See also Clauses 15.2.4& 15.2.S) This is a methodthat providesa separation betweenan upperlayerof smokeand a lowerlayer of relatively clear air. This is achievedby continuously extracting smoke from the buoyant smokereservoir (or layer),usingeithernaturalextractventilators or poweredsmokeexhaust fans.This air is then replaced by outdoorair, whichre-enters the spacebelowthe baseof the smoke layer. Depressurisation Depressurisation involvesthe controlof smoke using pressuredifferentials in which the air pressure in the spacecontaining the fire is reduced belowthat in the adjacent spacesrequiring protection. This methodcan be combined with a variation of othersystemdesigns. Examples of application are internalroomsof an officefloor with a total floor area exceeding1,000m2 where the introduction of low level replacement air is impractical.

(b)

(c)

(d)

201

15.2.4Engineered Smoke Control System Engineered Smoke ControlSystemprovides the followingintent: (i) (ii) The systemwill safelycontrolthe movementand spreadof smoke withinthe building. The systemis designedto removesmoke produced by a fire type and risk associated with a specific building use. T h e c o n t r o la n d r e m o v a lo f s m o k e w i l l e n h a n c et h e c o n d i t i o n s i n s i d et h e b u i l d i n g for purposes of safe evacuation from the building and ingressfor searchand rescueoperation. T h e c o n t a i n e da n d d e s i g n e dm o v e m e n to f t h e s m o k e w i l l e n h a n c et h e o p e r a t i o n a l effectiveness of the sprinklers. The containment of the smokewithinthe smokereservoir will minimise the spreadof smoke throughoutthe buildingand thus reducethe costs associatedwith smoke damage to the buildingfabric,stock and capitalitems. The controland removalof smoke will maintainclearerand safer conditions for peopleto evacuatethe premises.This is done by keepingthe movementlevel of peopleclear from smoke and hot toxic gases and increasing the visibility levelsto aid safe escape.

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

15.2.5Smoke Reservoirs/Zones (i) A smokereservoir will prevent the spreadof hot smokeand gasesthroughout the wholearea of the building. lt will also assist in keepingthe smoke as hot as possibleand therefore maintainmaximumbuoyancyand movementtowardsthe extraction point. (ii) The reservoir servesas a collection pointfor the smokeand the designneedsto ensurethe smokereservoir is maintained abovehead height,therebyensuringmaximum conditions for breathingand visibility (and minimising conditions for panic). Minimumsmoke layer base (head heightclearance) shall be:

For the LowestFlooror SingleStorey = 2.75m (naturaldisplacement ventilation) or 2.00m (powered extractionventilation) UpperStorey = 3.00m (naturaldisplacement ventilation) or 2.00m (poweredextraction ventilation) (iii) (iv) Smoke reservoir createsa singlepositionfrom which smoke can be extracted. For naturalsmoke ventilation, the limit of each smoke reservoir/zone would be 2,000m2. Also referto Clause '15.3.8. For poweredsmoke ventilation, the limitof each smoke reservoir/zone would be 2,600 m2 Also referto Clause 15.3.8. The maximumlengthof a smokereservoir/zone would be in the regionof 60 metresunless provenotherwiseby engineered calculation.

(v)

(vi)

202

(vii)

to preventthe smoke The amountof smokeextraction from the reservoir shouldbe sufficient layerfrom buildingdown to belowthe design head heightclearance.

(viii) The rateof extraction (natural must be sufficient to meetthe designrequirements, or powered) the baseof the the amountof smokewhichis entering in that it mustbe capableof extracting smoke layer.

(ix)

there must be an adequatesupplyof make up systemto work effectively For any ventilation freshair (replacement air)to'balance'the system. level(at least0.5 metresbelow The replacement at the lowestpossible air must be introduced This is to ensure that the smoke layer is not disturbedby the the base of the smoke layer). The air velocity to a value not exceeding shouldbe minimised flow of air intothe building. 5 metres/second. for examplevia: naturally, The preference is for the replacement air to be introduced windows,or ventilators, all of which must open automatically Louvres, doors,rollershutters, so that the supplyof fresh air is guaranteed.

(x)

(xi)

(xii)

or be less than 50% of the extractedair air should not exceed 75o/o Poweredreplacement volume.

15.3 APPLICATIONS 15.3.1Basement Smoke Control System smoke (i) storeys doesnot exceed1,000m2, floorareaof all basement Wherethe totalaggregate smoke with Clause15.3.1(iii)may be providedin lieu of engineered vents in accordance controlsystem. (ii) engineered floor area of all basementstoreysexceeds1,000m2, Where the total aggregate in Clause15.3.8 shallbe with the requirements stipulated smokecontrolsystemthat complies providedfor all parts of basementwith the followingexceptions: (a) Wherethe basement Clause 15.3.1(iv) or a portion of the basementis used as carpark, from rest of the basement. can be adoptedfor the carpark,providedit is compartmented from (b) PlanVequipment room with floor area not exceeding250m2and compartmented provided in fighting reach fire for better with two doors the rest of the basement and . operation. (c) PlanUequipment room with floor area exceeding250m2but not exceeding1,000m2, systemof at least10 with Clause15.3.1(iii)or smokepurging smokeventsin accordance per hour shall be provided. air-changes (restricted to staffonly) (d) Serviceareassuchas laundries, and workshops officestoreroom 15.3.1(iii) provision Clause with in accordance smokeventing whichare compartmented, for those per hour may be accepted or smoke purgingsystemof at least 10 air-changes fire alarm/extinguishing smokecontrolsystem.Automatic areasin lieu of the engineered where requiredunderthe UBBL. systemshallalso be provided

203

(iii)

Smokeventsshallbe uniformly distributed to induce and enhance crossventilation adequately alongperimeter of basement and theiroutlets(whichshalleffectively discharge direcly to the outside) shall be easilyaccessible duringfire fighting and rescueoperations. Installation shall complywith the following requirements: ( a ) The numberand theirsizesshallbe suchthatthe aggregate effective vent openings shall not be less than 2.5% of the basementfloor area served. (b) The vent outletsif covered undernormalconditions shallbe breakable/openable in caseof fire. Breakable coversshouldbe capableof beingopenedby the fire service from outside the buildingand permanent noticeidentifying the area they serveshouldbe providedon or adjacentto the covers. (c) The vent outletsare sited not less than 5 metresawav from exits. (d) Where ducts are requiredto connectthe vent to outlets,the ducts shall be constructed to give at least t hour fire resistancerating. (e) Separateducts and vent outletsor equivalent arrangements such as sub-ducts shall be providedfor each basementstorey.

(iv)

Where poweredventilation systemis requiredfor car parkingareas in basements with total floorarea exceeding1,000m2, a smoke purgingsystemwhich is independent of any system servingother partsof the building shall be provided to give a purgingrate of not less than 10 air changesper hour. lnstallation shall complywith the followingrequirements: (a) The smoke purgingsystem shall be activatedautomaticalty by the buildingfire alarm system. In addition,a remote manual start-stopswitch shall be located at the fire commandcentre,or at the mainfire alarmpanel.Visualindication of the operation status of the smoke purgingsystem shall also be providedwith this remote control switch. (b) Supply air shall be drawn directlyfrom the externaland its intakeshall not be less than 5 metresfrom any exhaustdischargeopening. (c) Wherethere is natural ventilation for such basement carparkbasedupon openings equal to not less than 25% of the floor area of such storey,such naturalventilation may be considered as a satisfactory substitute for the replacement air of the smokepurgingsystem for that storey.
( d ) Exhaust air shallbe discharged directly to the external and shallnot be less

any air intakeopening.

than 5m from

(e) Separateductsor equivalent arrangements suchas sub-ducts shallbe provided for each compartmentedbasementstorey. (f) Whereductsare usedfor the basement carpark smokepurging system, they shallcomply with the requirements of the DGFRDM.
, (v)

Whereengineered smokecontrolsystemis preferred, it shallbe provided as specified under Clause 15.3.8.

204

15.3.2Smoke Controlsystem forAbove Ground premises (i) where the totalnon fire compartmented aggregate floorarea exceeds1,000m2 or the volume exceeds7,000m:,a smoke controlsystemshall be provided. (ii) Wherenaturalsmokeventilation is provided, the smokeventsshallbe in accordance with Clause15.3.2.(v) Where poweredsmoke controlsystemis provided, thisshallcomplywith Ctause15.3.2.(vi) Whereengineered smokecontrolsystemis provided, this shallcomplywith the requiremenrs as stipulated in Clause15.3.g. Smokeventsshallbe positioned at high levelabovethe smoketayerbaseand conform to the requirementsspecifiedbelow: (a) The numberand theirsizesshallbe such that the aggregate effective vent openings shall not be less than 2.5% of the floor area served. (b) The vent outlets(whichshall effectively discharge directlyto the outside)shal be of the permanently openedtype or will open automatically under a fire mode condition without human intervention. (c) Replacement air shall be by meansof naturalventilation. (d) Conformance to Clause 15.2.s (vi) EngineeredSmoke ControlSystem design shall be applicable only for ceiling heights exceeding 2 or 3 metres(SeeClause15.2.5) for the smokereservoir principle to be effective. Below2 or 3 metres(See Clause15.2.5) ceilingheights, poweredsmoke purging/dilution systemof at least 10 air changesper hour shall be providedto suit the conceptsadopted. Make up or replacement air shail be providedin the foilowingmanner: (a) For smokedepressurisation concept,no purposeprovidedreplacement air is necessary. However,pressure differential betweendepressurised zone and the adjacentzone shall be maintained at between10 to 50 pa. (b) For smoke dilutionconcept,replacementair may be introduced at any level but, if powered,shall be limitedto not less than 50% and not greater than75% of the exhaust air volume. 15.3.3Smoke Control System for Fire Fighting Access Lobby (i) Firefightingaccesslobbywhere not mechanically pressurised, shall be smoke ventedin compliance with the requirements specifiedbelow: (a) The openable areaof windows or areaof permanent ventilation shallnot be less than 2s% of the floor area of the lobby, and if ventilationis by means of openabte windows, additional permanent ventilation havinga free area of q64 cm, shall be provided. (ii) A smoke lobbyshall be treatedas a protected stainrvay as describedunder Clause 1s.3.4.

(iii) (iv)

(v)

205

Stairway 15.3.4SmokeControl System for Protected shouldbe providedwith either: pressurised mechanically not where stainruay Protected (i) area not levelhavinga clearopenable (a) openablewindowsat each upperstoreyor landing |essthanSo/oofthecrosssectionaIareaofthestairway;or (b)Anopenab|eventout|etatthetophavingac|earareaofnot|essthan1m2. 15.3.5Smoke Control of Hotel Internal Corridors (i)Whereinterna|corridorsinhote|sarenotmechanical|ypressurised,suchcorridorssha|lbe smokepurgedatapurgingrateofnot|essthanl0airchangesperhour. (ii)Engineeredsmokecontro|systemmaybeappliedon|yforcorridorsexceeding2or3metres height(Clause1 5'2'5)' (iii)Naturalventi|ationispermissib|eon|yifinducedcrossventilatio nisavailab|eandthe than 2'5% ol the floor area served can be aggregateeffectivevent openingsof not less provided. Theaters etc) 15.3.6Smoke Control for Auditorium (Cinemas' of the floor area served shall be than 2'5o/o less not of Smoke vents with effectiveopenings (i) to auditoriahavingf|oor area providedfor auditoriawhich "," not sprink|erprotectedand more than 500m2if sprinklerprotected' (ii) it shall conformto clause 15'3'8' smoke controlsystemis preferred, where engineered

15.3.7Atrium Smoke Control System in UBBL 1984 are relaxedfor atrium specified for compartmentation where the requirement (i) providedfor a steriletube atriumtype as spacesin a building,smoke controlsystem shall be sPecifiedbelow: less and the volume of the atrium is (a) where the heightof the atriumis 17 metresor 19 m3/sor 6 air changesper hour' 17.000nior less,the smoke exhaustrate shall be whicheveris greater' (b)WheretheheightoftheatriumislTmetresor|essandthevo|umeofth eatriumismore changesper hour' the smoke exhaustrate shall be 19 m3/sor 4 air than 17,000m3, whicheveris greater' (c)WheretheheightoftheatriumismorethanlTmetres,thesmokeexhaustratesha||beat of 4 air changes Perhour' a minimum (d)Whereengineeredsmokecontro|systemispreferred,itsha||beprovidedasspecifiedin Clause15.3.8. (ii) with the smoke controlsystemcomplying For a non steriletube atriumtype, engineered requirementsasstipu|atedinC|ause15.3.Bshal|beadopted. The smoke controlsystemshall be activatedby: adjacentto each returnair-intake (a) smoke detectorslocatedat the top of the ittlutn and levels; at the appropriate from the atriumor beam detectors

(iii)

206

(b) the automatic systemservingthe atriumzone/s; sprinkler (c) automatic detectorsystem(but not manualcall point); to the Fire Brigade. (d) manualcontrolsreadilyaccessible 15.3.8EngineeredSmoke Control System systemby natural smokecontrolsystemshallbe in the form of a smokeventilation (i) Engineered with: designedin accordance or poweredextraction or in enclosedshoppingcentres; for smoke ventilation (a) BR 186 - Designprinciples or for smoke controlin atriumbuildings; (b) BR 258 - Designapproaches such as: standards, (c) Otheracceptable - Warrington (WFRC) Fire ResearchConsultants (SFPE) - Societyof Fire Protection Publication Engineers (ASHRAE) Engineers - AmericanSocietyof Heating,Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning (NoteBR 186 and BR 258 are reportspublishedby the Fire ResearchStation,Building UK). ResearchEstablishments, (ii) smokecontrolsystemshallhave a smoke layer with engineered to be provided The building 250'C. not exceeding temperature of a likely basedon the incidence systemshallbe calculated of the smokeventilation Capacity table: following in the fire as recommended controlled maximumfire size for a sprinkler

(iii)

Fire Size
Occupancy(Sprinklered) Shops ffices Room HotelGuest Areas HotelPublic with fixingseating Assembly Occupancy Warehouse ServiceArea (LorryParks) Basement Car parks
(iv)

HeatOutput (MW) 5 1.5 0.5 2.5 2.5 10 7 1.5

of Fire (m) Perimeter 12 12 6 12 12 1B 15 13.5

the largestdemand systemshall be capableof handling of a smokeventilation The capacity for smokeexhaustunderthe worst case scenario' The designsmoke layer base shall be abovethe headsof peopleescapingbeneathit. The underClause15.2.5. heightshallbe as described minimum shall spreadof smokeand to collectsmokefor removal the lateral to prevent Smokereservoirs temperatures' smoke capableof withstanding construction be of non-combustible

(v)

(vi)

207

(vii)

For cases where smoke is removedfrom the room of originthe smoke reservoirsize for a systemshouldnot exceed: smoke ventilation (a) 2,000m2 system for naturalsmokeventilation (b) 2,600m2 for mechanical smoke ventilation system

(viii) For cases where smoke is removedfrom the circulation space or atrium space the smoke reservoir size for a smoke ventilation svstemshouldnot exceed: (a) 1,000m2 for naturalsmoke ventilation system (b) 1,300m2 for poweredsmoke ventilation system (ix) For cases where smoke is removedfrom the circulation space or atriumspace, the rooms discharging smoke into the circulation space/atrium spacesshouldeither: (for naturalventilation (a) have a floor area not exceeding1,000m2 system)or 1,300m2 (for powered ventilationsystem) or (b) be subdivided suchthat smoke is ventedto the circulation spaceor atriumonly from part of the room with floor area not exceeding1,000m2 for naturalventilation system or 1,300m2for poweredventilationsystem, that are adjacentto the circulationspace or atrium.However,the remainder of the room needsto be providedwith independent smoke ventilation system/s. (x) The maximum length of the smoke reservoirshould not exceed 60 metres,unless proven otherwise. Adequatearrangement(s) shall be made in each smoke reservoir for the removalof smoke in a way that will preventthe formationof stagnantregions. Replacement air shall be drawn directlyfrom the externalor adjacentspaces,and; (a) The design replacement air dischargevelocityshall not exceedSm/sto preventthe escapees being affectedby the air flow. (b) Replacementair intake shall be sited at least 5 metres away from any exhaust air discharge. (c) Replacement air shallbe discharged at low level,at least0.5 metresbeneath the designed "fogging" smoke layer,to prevent of the lowestclearzone. (d) Where the inlet cannot be sited at least 0.5m belowthe smoke layer,a smoke curtain or a baffleshall be used to preventreplacement air distorting the smoke layer. (e) Where replacement air is takenthroughinletair ventilators or doorurays, devicesshallbe incorporated to automatically open such inletventilators and doorsto admit replacement air upon activation of the smoke ventilation system. (xiii) For caseswherethe smokereservoir is abovethe falseceiling, the ceiling shallbe of perforated type or evenlydistributed air inletswith at least 10% openings.

(xi)

(xii)

208

(xiv) The smoke ventilation systemshall be provided with secondary sourceof power supply. (xv) In conjunction with Clause 15.3.7(iii),the smokeventilation systemshall be activated by smoke detectorslocatedin the smoke controlzone. Use of smoke detectorsfor activation must be carefully designedso that accidental or premature activation of smokedetectors at a non-firezone due to smoke spillor spreadfrom otherareas is avoided.

(xvi) A remote manual activationand controlswitchas well as visual indication of the operation statusof the smokeventilation systemshallalso be provided at the fire commandcentreand where there is no fire commandcentre.at the main fire indicator board. (xvii) Exceptfor ventilation systemsfor escaperoutesand smokelobbies, all otherair conditioning and ventilation systemswithin the areas servedshall be shut down automatically upon activation of the smoke ventilation system. (xviii) Fans shall be capableof operating at 250'C for 2 hours. (xix) The fans and associated smokecontrol equipment shallbe wiredin protected circuits designed to ensurecontinuedoperationin the eventof the fire. (xx) The electrical supplyto the fans shallbe by meansof cablesof at least2-hours fire resistance.

(xxi) Smoke ventilation ducts (bothexhaustand replacement air ducts) passingthroughanother fire compartment shall be constructed to have fire resistance ratingnot less than that of the compartment. (xxii) Non-motorised fire dampersshall not be fittedin the smoke ventilation system. (xxiii) The time takenfrom the smokeventilation systemwithina smokezone to be fullyoperational shall not exceed 60 seconds from system activation. (xxiv) For naturalsmoke ventilation systemthe naturalventilators shall be: (a) defaultedin the "open"positionin the eventof power/system failure;and (b) positioned such that they will not be adversely affectedby positivewind pressure. (xxv) Naturalexhaustventilation air or shall not be used togetherwith poweredreplacement poweredsmoke exhaustventilation. (xxvi) All smokecurtains where required, unlesspermanently fixedin position, shallbe broughtinto position automatically to provideadequatesmoke{ightness depth. and effective (xxvii)Smoke curtainor other smoke barrierat any accessrouteformingpart of or leadingto a position meansof escapeshall not in theiroperational obstruct the escapeof peoplethrough such route. (xxviii)Where glasswalls or panelsare used as smoke screensto form a smoke reservoir or as channeling screens,they shall be able to withstand the highestdesignsmoke temperature. in (xxix) All smoke controlequipment (including smokecurtains) shall be suppliedand installed BS 7346. accordance with the acceptedstandardssuch as

209

(xxx) To minimise the phenomena of plugholing, multiple inletsshouldbe (calculated or modelled) usedfor poweredsmokeextraction system. Also,the maximummass flowrate througheach exhaustinletmust be limitedto suit the depth of smoke layer belowthe exhaustinlet. jet produced (xxxi) The ceiling when smokeplumehitsthe ceilingcan impactthe effectiveness of a powered smokeventingsystem. To contain this impact, smokeextraction shouldbe designed for a minimumsmoke layerdepthof 10% of the floorto ceilingheight.

15.4 CALCULATION 15.4.1Examples of Basement Carpark Smoke Gontrol System 15.4-1.1 Descriptionof Building A 12-storey officebuildingconsisting of 3 basementcarparklevels. 15.4.1 .2 Design Consideration The 3 levelsof belowgradecarparkshallbe independently smoke controlled by meansof powered exhaustsystemwith naturalreplacement supplyair. The carparkventilation system is designedwith low and high level exhaust inletsto ensure the removalof heavierthan air toxic carbon monoxideand dioxide gases as well as rising hot air. Under smoke spill mode,the principle of smoke reservoirmay not be practical due to the low <3 metres headroomas well as the need to remove the heavierCO and COz gases at low level. Hencethe dilutionmethodof smokeextraction will be more practical. Each level of carparkshall be compartmentalised by meansof fire rated rollershuttersinstalled at the ingressramps to limit its volumeto 42,000m3 per compartmented zone to complywith UBBL 1984. The ventilation rate shall be 6 air-changes per hour (ACH)for normaloperation and 10 ACH for fire mode operation. 15.4.1.3 Design Calculation Each Carparklevel = 13,000mz Nett FloorArea Floorto FloorHeight = 3 m = 39.000m3 Volume = 108.3m3/s 10 ACH 4 Fan rooms located at 4 cornersof each carparkfloor. 2 Replacement Air Shaftslocatedat oppositeends. Referto Figure15.4.1 15.4.1.4 Design Specification For each carparklevel Under normalmode,fans in operation (to provideminimum6 ACH) - 8-off @ 9.1 m3/s= 72.8 m3ls Under Fire mode,fans in operation (to provideminimum10 ACH) - 12-off@ 9.1 m3/s= 109 m3/s

210

15.4.2Example of Smoke Control System for Office Floors 15.4.2.1 Description of Building A 12-storey officebuildingconsisting of 3 basementcarparklevels,3 publicarea podiumlevels,5 officelevels,a Mechanical & Electrical Plantroom leveland incorporating a 7 storeyatrium. 15.4.2.2 Design Consideration The smoke controldesign for the office floors adopts the guidelinesissued by Warrington Fire ResearchConsultants (WFRC)as well as the "Designof Smoke Management Systems"published by American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers(ASHRAE) and Societyof Fire Protection Engineers(SFpE). Fig. 15.4.2 illustratesthe concept of the Office Floor Smoke Control system. A sandwiched - smoke extract system is adopted, whereby pressurisation the floor on fire will be under a negatively pressured smoke spill mode whilstthe floor immediately above and belowthe fire floor are positivelypressurised. 15.4.2.3 Description of Engineering Design Each officefloor contains6 Air HandlingUnit (AHU) rooms. Replacement air is deliveredinto the AHU rooms by primaryAHU's (6 nos.) locatedat Level 6 (L6) plantroom. 6 nos. smoke spill fans locatedat L6 plantroomare ducted into each AHU room and connectedto the return air ducts. By means of a series of motorisedsmoke dampers,smoke is extractedfrom the fire floor and dischargedabove the roof line. The positivelypressurised floors are achievedby actuatingthe respective floor AHUs to operate under pressurization mode - Refer Fig. 15.4.21orclarity.The smoke spill mode for each office floor is activatedby any of the followingdevices: (i) (ii) (iii) Smokedetectors mountedwithinthe raisedfloor plenum,ceilingand returnair intake Sprinkler flow switchesservingeach officefloor Remotemanualcontrols from the Main Fire control panel

15.4-2.4Calculation TypicalOfficeFloorarea Raisedfloor height Slab to raisedfloor ht Ceilingto raisedfloor ht

= 3.610 m2 = 0.4 m = 3.475 m = 2.7 m

DesignFireSize HeatOutput, e = 1.5 MW (Clause 1S.3.8) FirePerimeter, P = 12m (Clause15.3.8) UsingWFRC Guidelines, M = 0.19 Pytrz Where M = mass of smoke (kg/s) y = heightfrom floorto smoke layer base (m) Therefore M = 0.19x 12 x 3.13t2 = 12.44kgls

211

of smoke layerabove ambient, Temperature 0 = Q= 1500 = 120.6"C 12A4 M Ambienttemperature, To =273+33 = 306K

Smoke Temperature, Tc =306+120.6 =426.6K SmokeVolume, V =MxTc 3545 = 15m3/s = 12.44x426.6 3545

to 4.3 ACH space,this translates Basedon volumetric 15.4.2.5 Design Specification 6 nos. smoke spill fans are specifiedto divide the smoke reservoirinto 6 zones, each less than 2.600m2. 6 fans each of 2.5 m3/sare selected,to give a total capacityof 15 m3/s for the followingfunctions: Thesefans can also be utilised (i) Smoke purgingafterfire (ii) Normalmode air flushingfor avoidanceof Sick BuildingSyndrome 15.4.3Examples of Smoke Control System for Atrium Descriptionof Building 15.4.3.1 consisting of 3 basementcarparklevels,3 publicarea podiumlevels,5 A 12-storey office building a 7-storeyatrium. Plantroomlevel and incorporating & Electrical officelevels,a Mechanical 15.4.3.2 Description of Atrium The atrium consistsof 7 levels (LG1 to L5). Level LGI which is the base of the atrium extends beyondthe foot printof the atriumvoid to enclosecommonarea lobbiesand foyers.The occupied areas are separatedby barriers(wallsetc). roomsadjacentto thesecirculation The ground floor level can be classifiedgenerallyas being opened directlyto the atrium from the exterior.The office levels(L1 to L5) are separatedfrom the atriumvoid by glass enclosures. the atrium. balconyoverlooking a perimetercirculation However,each office level incorporates need not transversethese Escape routes for office tenants into the 4 protected lobbies/staircases exposedbalconies. and the officespaceare the balconies The glasswalls separating The buildingis fully sprinklered. the atriumvoid whichexceeds protected spaced1.Bmapart.However, with closerangedsprinklers 17m height,is not sprinklered. The arrangement of this atriumcan be classifiedas a fully open atrium due to the open access balconyon each level.ReferFig. 15.4.3.

212

15.4.3.3 Description of Engineering Design The atrium void smokespillfans are installed at the L6 Plantroom withthe air extraction points located abovethe highest occupied office(L5) level. The extracted air is directed to discharge at theroofopenings by means of fire-rated ducts.
The smoke spillfans are activatedby any of the followingdevices: (i) Smokedetectors (beamtypes)locatedat L6 and L1 heightsfor detection of the void area (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) Smoke detectorslocated at each office level balcony ceiling Smokedetectors servingunenclosed public/common areas of the Groundand LG1 floors Smoke detectors locatedat the returnair intakeof the atriumair handlingunits. Sprinklerflow switch serving the atrium balcony floors Remotemanualcontrolsat the Main Fire Controlpanel

15.4.3.4Calculation and Assumptions (a) Basedon Clause 15.3.7.1 (i) (c) for steriletube Atriumtype (for comparison purposes onty). (i) Heightof atrium = 34.475m (ii) Volumeof atrium= LG1:1125m2x 4.025m = GF: 1300m2x 6.3 m = L1 to L5: 919 m2x 4.025m x 5 = L6 void: 919 m2x 4.025m Smoke extractionrate at 4 ACH = 39 m3/s (b) Basedon Designof "SmokeManagement Systems"publishedby ASHRAE and SFpE. The worst case scenariois for a fire located in the centre of the atrium floor with an plume. axisymmetric = 4528 m3 = 8 1 9 0m 3 = 18495m3

=___3699_rn1
34,914m3

213

10.9of the SFPEGuide UsingEquation Zt WhereZ E E" = 0.166 Eco'1 = limiting heightabovefuel = convective heat releaserate of fire = 1.5 MW = effectiveheat releaserate of fire = 0.7 x 1.5 MW

ThereforeZ = 0.166(0.7x 1500)o'1 = 2.68m Sincethe limitingheightis less than the clear smokeheightot 29.43m, the latteris used for calculation. subsequent 10.8of the SFPEguide UsingEquation m where m Z = 0.071Eclr:Zs + 0.0018 Ec = massrate of smokeproduction = heightfromtop of fuel surfaceto bottomof smokelayer

29.43vs + 0.0018x 0.7 x 1500 m = 0.071(0.7x 1500)1/3 Therefore = 2O4.25 kg/s 1O.12 ot the Guide Equation Appfying = C m V e whereV C e = Volumetric rate smokeproduction =1 = entrainment constiant = density of plumegas = 1.2 kg/m3

ThereforeV = 1 x2M.25= 170.2m3/s 1.2 15.4.3.5 DceignSpecification as the said in thisinstance, (i) (c) is clearly inadequate Clause15.3.7 Fromthe abovecatculations, 4 ACH methodappliesto steriletube Atriumtype only. method Hence, usingthe ASHRAE/SFPE rate = 170.2m3/s (i) smokeextraction Calculated smokespillfans Specified 24 nos.each7.1 m3/s = 170.4m3/s

214

(ii)

from Fresh air intake and 1B (a) LG1lowlevelsupplied by AHU/L6/1A opened) (b) Ground doors(automatically floorMainentrance check: Plugholing Vcnr =2(gxdsx0xTo)o's Tc

(iii)

= V points MinNo.of extract

Vcrit

Where to smokelayerbase d = Centrelineof extract ("C) layeraboveambient of smoke 0 = Temperature = (K) temperature To Ambient = To + 0 temperature Tc = Smoke g = 9.81m2ls Exampleof SmokeControl Systemfor a Warehouse 15.4.4 '15.4.4.1 of Building Description jackroofor permanently roofventilators. opened without warehouse storey airconditioned A single is fullysprinklered. Warehouse DesignConsideration 15.4.4.2 Consultants FireResearch by Warrington issued adopts the guidelines design control Thesmoke dimensions. critical the various (WFRC). 15.4.4 shows Figure DesignCalculation 15.4.4.3 = 200m L x 20 m W x 15 m H. dimension Warehouse Floorarea = 4000m2

(Clause 15.2.4). size= 2,000m2 the maximum reservoir, ventilated smoke Fornatural permanent (either or dropdowntype) a smokecurtain needsto incorporate Hence, thewarehouse each. into2 zonesof 2,000m2 to dividethe smokereservoir 15.3.8) of fire(Clause and P = 1Bmperimeter Firesizeshallbe,Q = 10 MW heatoutput design height to lifesafety smoke clearance Minimum y = 3m (Clause 15.2.4) of smoke. Massflowrate (xg/s) m = 0.19ey3/2 kg/s m = 0.19x 18x 3 3/2kg/s= 17.8 Hence layeraboveambient, of smoke Temperature

215

0,000 = 561.8.c 0"c = Q =1 -T7E-

This calculated smoke layer temperatureexceeds 250"C, which is deemed as the highest temperaturesuitablefor safe escape below the smoke layer. However,for a fully sprinklered building, the maximum smoke layer temperature is assumed as 250'C due to the cooling providedby the activated sprinkler/s. Hence,this calculated smoke layertemperature is meantfor unsprinklered buildingconsideration. This worked example will demonstratethe calculationfor both sprinkleredand unsprinklered purposes. application for comparison For unsprinklered building,to limit the smoke layer temperature to 250'C maximum,then if the ambienttemperature is 33"C, the temperature rise shouldnot exceed250"C - 33'C = 217"C. Next,allowfor the building structure to absorb up to one thirdof the energyof the fire,then

- ZI_ :C =3 2 3 .9 " C 0 .6 7 Theny =n O )lr" e

I o.tsxexo 1r,.

= ll 1o,ooo ;lzs [oTsxrBx323qlz,a

= 4 . 3 3m andm =0.19xPxy3r2 = 30.8kg/s

Smoke temperature, = To (Ambient +g Tc temperature) = (273+ 33 + 250)K = 556Kfor sprinklered warehouse or = (273+ 33 + 323.9) K = 629.9K for unsprinklered warehouse Smoke volume, V m3/s =mxTc 354.5 = 17.8x 556 = 27.9 m3/s for sprinklered warehouse 354.5 = 30.8x 629.9 = 54.7mr/sfor unsprinklered warehouse 354.5
Vent Area (wherevent area (Av) = inletarea (Ai) is derivedfrom: ffy = mT os (2BB+ T)o.smz 54(Oe;os WhereT=288+0 d = distancebetweencentreline of vent and base of smoke layer

216

0'5 per zone Av = 17.8 x 538 0 5 (826) m2 = 4.01 m2of ventilation smoke Therefore warehouse for sprinklered +s1 2501o's 54 11t or 05 zone per Av = 30.8x 611.905 899.9 m2 =7.2 m2of ventilation smoke o s warehouse for unsprinklered 141i154331 32ag if the maximum size of the Note that for powered smoke extractionsystem in this example' for both zones shall be activated smoke reservoirzone is not preferred,then smoke spill fans and all fans shall be under emergencypowersupply' simultaneously

15.5 TESTING AND COMMISSIONING PROCEDURES 15.5.1 produced with temperatures Smoke Controlsystemsare designedfor use duringa fire condition conditions'Therefore'the use of higherthan ambienttemperature by the fire that are significantly control system as designed' smoke the of cold smoke tests ooJs not reflectlhe efficientoperation by the smoke extract induced potentially What it will do, is to show the airflow patternsthat will be "cold shoppingcentres states for smokecontrolin enclosed principles equipment.BR 186-Design smoke ventilationsystems. Whilst smoke tests are sometimesused for the acceptancetesting of and therefore activate allthe this cold smoke can be used to operate the smoke detectionsystem it system,it shouldbe notedthat sincethe smoke itselfis cold of the smokeventilation components would have, and cannottherefore would not have the buoyancythat smoke in a true fire condition adequatelytest the ventilationefficiencyof the system"' 'foggingmachine'at floor where smoke producedby a relevantin high buildings This is particularly in itselfto rise quicklyto the pointof extraction' level,has very littletemperature low levelexhaust(eg. carparks) the techniqueof smoke dilutionand incorporating Designutilising such test, the smoke spill During tested with cold smoke (foggingmachine). can be adequately for shouldbe maintained mode and visibility fan/s shouldbe allowedto activateunder its automatic at alltimes. evacuation PUrposes and efficiencyof the equipment There have been realfire tests usingfull sizefires to assessthe effect be limitedto projectsof high should necessary, and parametresfor design. However,such tests, if analysis is Dynamics/Modulation Fluid using establishedcomputational Verification complexity. also applicablefor such projects. that the (who may be differentpeople),must thereforebe able to show The designerand installer whilst the equipmentalso conformsto design follows acceptedand publisheddesign principles, there can proceduresrequiredfor smoke controlequipment'ln this way the test and certification and in the equipmentto meet in the abilityof the design to meet the requirements be confidence the design. '15.5.2 signaling on receiptof the aPProPriate The systemshouldbe testedthoroughlyand the activation is required.The abilitYof the device (from whicheverdetectionmethod chosen and approved) systemio fail safe to the designpositionshouldalso be checked.

15.5.3 and sequence and operational information the correct The MainFireAlarmPanelshouldprovide be checked' should systems withotherallied the interfaces

217

15.5.4 also and this information by the client'srepresentative Alltest data must be recordedand witnessed loggedin the O & M Manual.A full set of as-builtdrawings,systemsequencecontrol,schematic data must also be part of the O & M manual. and servicing 15.5.5Example of Testing & Commissioning Record Sheet Test for Smoke ControlSystem Function Title:.......... Project Owner: Consultant: Contractor: A. (Firemodesimulated on this Floor) Floor:................ Requirement Tick if Comply

Item Description 1. 2. 3. 4.
B.

Units Air Handling Air DamPer Return SpillDamper Smoke Air Damper Fresh

Run
Close

Open Open

to Flooraboveand belowFireFloori.e. .....................

Item Description 1. 2. 3. 4. C. 1. 2. Units Air Handling Air Damper Return SpillDamper Smoke Air Damper Fresh

Requirement Tick if Comply Run Close Close Open

after5 minutes FireAlarmactivated General Trip except AHU'son all Floors - and-. except on all Floors SpillDampers Smoke Close

power supply andemergency Testwithbothnormal NOTE: out by: Testcarried

Witnessedby:

by: Approved D a t e. :. . . . . . . .

218

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Figure 15.4.2Office Floor Smoke Control

OFFICESPACE

AHU ROOM

AIR RISERS
FRESH AIR

AIR-COND AIR SUPPLY

NOTE: F I R EM O D E , 1)UNDER OTHERAHU'S SHALLTRIPAND AND MSD'S MFD CLOSED

_____l__--_L-----.r

f +

+ +

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MODE AIR-CONDITIONING 1. NORMAL OFFICESPACE AHU ROOM

?777V777, - FIRERATED DUCT AIRRISERS

FRESH AIR

LEGEND: MSD - MOTORSED SMOKEDAMPER MFD - MOTORSEDFIRE DAMPER AIR FA- FRESH

50 TO REPLACEMENTAIR OR SMOKE EXTRACT

____1____J-____1
2. F|REMODE (THISFLOORON FIRE) SYSTEM AIR PURGING UP AS 1OO% CAN DOOBLE THIS SMOKESPILLSYSTEM AIR RISERS AHU ROOM OFFICESPACE
FRESH AIR

+VE

+ + + L____1____ ____J____

50 TO REPLACEMENTAIR OR SMOKE EXTMCT

ABOVEOR BELOWFIREFLOOR) 3. FIREMODE( FLOORNOT FIREBUT lS ONE FLOOR

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16.1DESCRIPTION
In a buildingwhere the topmostoccupied floor is over 18.5 metres above fire appliance access level'fire lifusshallbe provided. A penihouseoccupying not more than 50% of the area of the ftoor immediately belowshall be exemptedfrom this measurement.

!fi:rffiJean

liftscapable of beingcommandeered for excrusive use by firemen during an

16.2DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
16.2.1Design Standards

;ffi il]il'.f,[H|,',]lT
(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v)

desisned and installed rorverticattransportation orriremen inaccordance

Uniform Building By_taws 1984 Factories and Machinery Regulation 1967 Occupationat Safety anOtteattn Act 1994 BS 265s Other acceptable Standards

Buirding rayout pranindicating the rocation of fire riftssharlbe submittedto FRDM and DOSH. Malaysia for approval and/orrecord.
16.2.2Location of Fire Lifts Fire lifts shall be located at not more than 61 metres traver distancefrom the furthermost point of the floor' The fire lifts shall also be located not more than 61 metres travel distance from the main entranceof the building on the designated floor or the fire controlroom whichever is nearer. A fire lift shall be locatedwithin a separatelyprotected shaft if it opens into a separate tobbv. 16.2.3Number of Fire Lifts Fire lifts shall be provided at the rate of one.lift in every group of lifts that discharge into the same protected encrosure or smoke robbycontaining the rising;mar;s. 16.2.4Number of Ftoors to be Served Fire lifts sha, serve at floors incruding the topmost occupied 16.2.5 Lift Weil/Shaft Fire lifts shall be located in protected lift shafts

froor.

of at least 2 hours fire resistanceprotection (FRp).

No piping' conduit or equipment other than that forming part of the lift or necessaryfor its maintenance shail be instailedin any riftshaft or rift shaft encrosure. 16.2.6Landing Doors Landingdoors shall have a FRP of not less than half of the FRp of the lift shaft structurewith a minimumFRp of halfan hour.

No glass shall be used for landingdoors exceptfor vision in which case any vision panel shall be glazedwith wired safetyglass,and shall not be more than 0.0161m2 and the total area of one or morevisionpanelsin any landing doorshallbe not morethan0.0156m2. Eachclearpanelopening shall rejecta sphere 150mmin diameter. Provisionshall be made for the opening of all landing doors by means of an emergencykey irrespective of the positionof the lift car. 16.2.7 Wiring and Gabling All wiringand cablingfor fire liftsshallbe of fire resisting cables,routedalongareasof leastfire risk. The cablesshall be sizedto continuously carry currentrequiredby the equipment it is supplying to withoutfailure. 16.2.8Other Requirementsfor Fire Lifts Lift Speedshall be such that it will run its full traveldistancein not more than 1 minute. Lift Lobbywidth shall be as a minimumtwice the car depth. Lift lobbyshall have a floor areaof not less than 5.57m2. Fire lifts shall have an effectiveplatformarea not less than 1.45m2 and be capableof carryinga load not lessthan 550k9.The liftsshall have poweroperateddoorsgivinga minimumclearopening width of 800mm. 16.2.9Fire Lift Switch A fire lift switchshallbe installed adjacentto the lift openingat fire controllevel.The switchshall be of the type that does not require a key for operation. 16.2.10lllumination Approved self containedemergency light shall be provided in fire lifts. Such emergency light shall be activatedwhen there is a power failure.The emergencylight shall be of the following specifications: (i) (ii) (iii) tube, B watt fluorescent providea minimumof 3 hoursof emergencylightingafter12 hoursof recharging, approvedby FRDM and EC (EnergyCommission)

16.2.11 Fire Mode Operation The fire mode operationshall be initiatedby a signal from the fire alarm panel which may be activated automatically by one of the alarm devicesin the buildingor activated manually. lf mains power is available,all lifts shall return in sequence directlyto the main access floor, commencingwith the fire lifts,without answeringany car or landingcalls and at the same time overriding the emergency stop buttoninsidethe car, but not any otheremergency or safetydevices, and park with doorsfully open. All landingcall pointsand controlswitchesshall be renderedinoperative and sole controlvestedin the car controlstationensuringthat any collective controlbecomesinoperative. of the fire lift switch. Underthis All fire liftsshall be available for use by the fire brigadeon operation the fire liftsshall only operatein responseto car callsbut not to landingcalls. mode of operation, 'Fire at the liftconsole. A sign indicating Mode'operation shallbe illuminated

225

16.2.12Emergency Power Supply Mode with and without Fire Mode Operation On failure of mains power, all lifts shall return in sequence directly to the designatedfloor, commencingwith the fire lifts, without answeringany car or landing calls and park with doors open. After all liftsare parked,the liftsconnected to emergencypowershall resumenormaloperation. Providedthat where sufficient emergencypower is available for operationof all lifts,this mode of operation need not apply. ln the event of fire mode operationunder mains power supplyfailure,there shall be emergency power supplyprovidedto all the lifts,to operatethe fire liftscontinuously and to bring all the other lifts to park at the designatedfloors. When liftsare operatedunderthe'Mains Power FailureMode'a sign indicating this mode shall be illuminated at the lift console.

16.3TESTING REQUIREMENTS
The system shall be tested for but not limited to the following: (i) (ii) Full system performancetest under power failure and fire mode. The test shall be recordedin the test form attached.

16.4 MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS 16.4.1 lnspection AndTesting

The system performanceunder power failure and fire mode should be tested half yearly.A log book of the testingactivities shall be maintained in the motorroom for inspection by FRDM.

16.5 DESIGNCHECKLIST Uniform Building By-laws 1984 Requirements of DOSH BS 2655 FireLiftrequirement shallfulfillthe following conditions; a. ln a building where thetopmost occupied flooris over18.5metres above fireappliance access levelfire liftsshallbe provided. A penthouse occupying notmorethan50%of the areaof thefloorimmediately below shallbe exempted fromthismeasurement.
Fire lift is locatednot more than 61 metresfrom the buildingmain entrance or the fire control room whicheveris nearer. Fire lift is located not more than 61 metres travel distancefrom the furthermost pointof the floor.

b.

c.

226

d.

intothe in everygroupof liftsthatdischarge Thereis a fire lift allocated the risingmains. or smokelobbycontaining enclosure sameprotected Fireliftsserveallfloors

El

e. f. g. h. i. k. l. m.

lobby. D protected shaftif it opensintoa separate Fire lift is locatedwithina separately Cable& wiringmaterial: areais Fireliftcar platform Widthof fire lift lobbyis sq. metres timesthe depthof cardepth.

widthof Firelift dooris of an opening Fire lift switchis locatedat is provided lllumination Emergency

CHECKLIST 16.6 TESTINGAND COilIMISSIONING Testfor PowerFailureand Fire Mode- SampleRecordSheet Performance ProjectTitle:

Project Location: Owner: Consultant: Gontractor: Lift Manufacturer: Lifi ldentification No: Item Description 1. FireMode Operation UnderMains PowerSupply Situation Tick if Comply D

Requirement directly All liftsretumin sequence floor,commencing to the designated answering withthe fire lifts,without calls,overriding any car or landing the stopbuttoninside the emergency car and ParkwithdoorsoPen. to fire lift Fire liftsoperatein response switchoperation.

227

2.

Fire Mode Operation Under Standby Power Supply Situation

All lifts return in sequencedirecfly to the designated floor,commencing with the fire lifts,without answering any car or landingcalls,overriding the emergency stop buttoninsidethe car and park with doors open. Fire lifts operate in responseto fire lift switchoperation.

a
D

3.

Fire Lift Switch

On operationof the fire lift switch, the fire lift is operational underfire mode operation

Test carried out by: Witnessedby: Approved by:

Date: Date: Date:

228

1 7 . 1D ES C R IP T ION
An emergencypowersystemshallbe provided powerautomatically to supplyelectrical in the event of failureof the normalsupplyto equipment essential for safetyto life. The supplysystemfor emergency purposesshall comprisea generatorset drivenby prime mover and of sufficientcapacityto supply circuits carryingemergency loads with suitable means for automaticstartingof the primemoveron failureof the normalservice. A typicalemergencypowersysteminstallation is as shown in Fig. 17.1

1 7 . 2D ES IGN R E QU IR E ME N TS
17.2.1Design Standards The installation shall be designedand installed for supplyingof electrical power in case of mains power failure in accordancewith the latest editionof: UniformBuildingBy-laws1984 Electricity Regulation Requirement of the EnergyCommission powersystemshallprovidepowerfor the following Emergency emergency loadsthat are associated with fire protectionsystem: pressurisation (i) system (ii) smoke controland management system (iii) fire alarm and monitoring system pumpsetsfor fire fighting (iv) (v) emergencypublicaddresssystem (vi) fire lifts (vii) emergencylighting (viii) other emergency fire systems The main schematic drawingshall be submitted for FRDM approvaland/orrecord. 17.2.2Standby Generator Set The generator shall provide adequate capacity and rating for the emergency operationof all equipment connected to the systemincluding simultaneous operation of all fire lifts. The engine of the generatorshall be capable of meeting all the specifiedrequirements while 'Class operating on A'fuel to BS 2869. In the event of failure of normal power supply to or within the building or group of buildings concerned,100% of the emergencypowershall be availablewithin 30 secondsof interruption ol the normalsupply. When normalsupplyis restored, the generatorshallcontinueto run for not less than 3 minutes. 17.2.3Automatic Mains Failure Board (AMF Board) An automatic mains failure board (AMF board) shall be provided to control and monitor the generator. This AMF board shall be locatedwithin the same compartment as the generatorset The AMF board shall includethe followino features:

230

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) (viii) (ix) (x)

faultalarmbell battery charging status emergency stopbutton generatorstarUstopindication temperaturetripindication/alarm oil pressure tripindication/alarm overspeed tripindication/alarm lowfuellevelindication/alarm extralowfuel levelalarm/alarm failto startindication/alarm

Underany circumstance should the generator fail to start,a signal shallbe sentto the mainfire console indicating suchan event. 17.2.4 FuelTank A fuel tankwith cover-plate havinga minimum capacity sufficient for 4 hourscontinuous duty for emergency useshallbe provided. Thisfueltankshallbe located within the samecompartment as the generator set. A kerbof notlessthan100mm height and '100mm widthshallbe constructed continuously around the fuettankto contain the full volume of fuel shouldtherebe a tankleakage. 17.2.5 Wiring& Cabling All wiringand cabling for emergency systems shallbe in metalconduitor of fire resisting cables, routedalongareasof leastfire risk.Thecablesshallbe sizedto continuously powerrequired carry by the equipment it is supplying without failurein thecaseof normal service interruption. Thecables shallbe sizedin accordance with BS 7671-Requirements for Electrical lnstallation: IEE Wiring Regulations. 17.2.6 Batteryand Gharger A storage battery witha charger shallbe provided withsufficient capacity to provide six successive abortive starts of the engine without recharging, comprising 15 seconds cranking and 15 seconds rest between eachcycle.The batteryand charger shallbe located withinthe samecompartment as the generator set. The batterychargershall be of constantchargingtype and shall be suitablefor continuous operation at full ratedloadoutput without thetemperature riseof thetransformer chokeor anyother component exceeding 55'C. The battery charger shallbe sizedsuchthat the batteries can be fully charged within18 hours of charging. 17.2.7 TotalGas FloodingSystem TotalGas Flooding (suchas Carbon System Dioxide) whereprovided for the generator roomshall be configured suchthat in the casewhenthe generator roomis on fireor the gas (suchas carbon dioxide) is discharged, a signal shallbe fed to the generator fromthe TotalGas Flooding System paneltostopthegenerator. control 17.3 TESTINGREQUIREMENTS Thesystem shallbe tested for (butnotlimited to)thefoilowing: ' Battery performance testfor six successive generator abortive starting . Fullsystemperformance test underpowerfailureand fire mode Thetestshallbe recorded in theformat as perFormt herein.

231

17.4 MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS 17.4.1 lnspection and Testing Thecoolant, battery, battery charger, fuelsupply, automatic change-over device andgenerator set should be inspected at leastmonthly. The generator set should be tested regularly on testmodewithandwithout load, to ensure it can be runup and provide emergency power whenthe needarises. A log bookof the inspection and testing activities shallbe maintained in the generator roomfor inspection by FRDM.

1 7 . 5D E S I G NC H E C K L I S T
Emergencypower system is requiredbased upon the following: . Fire lifUs, if installed . Pressurisation and/or Smoke Control System, if installed ' Electric fire pumpsets, if installed for fire fightingsystems(i.e.hydrant, hose reel,sprinkler and wet riser) . Other life supportsystems,if installed, and as requiredby FRDM
b.

The capacityof generatoris . . . . . .

KVA

load sheddingschemeis designed load sheddingschematic submitted main schematic submitted generatorcapacitycalculationsubmitted (Form 2) load sheddingschemeis acceptable generator capacityis acceptable based on the calculation

o o
D D

tr
D

The followingfeatures are provided: . . . . . . . . . . . . .

, d . e.

automaticchange over device fault alarm bell alarm indication lights battery chargingstatus emergencystop button generatorstarUstopindication temperaturetrip indication oil pressuretrip indication over speedtrip indication low fuel levelindication extra low fuel level alarm/alarm fail to start indication/alarm indication at main fire alarm panel hours.

a o o a o a
D

o
E

e a tr

Fuel tank capacitysufficient to run engineat full load for Cable & wiringmaterial:

232

17.6VISUAL INSPECTION CHECKLIST

17.6.1Visual Inspection of Standby Generator Set Generator set is locatedwithina fire ratedcompartment 17.6.2Visual Inspection of Automatic Mains Failure Board The followingfeatures are provided: . automatic changeover device . fault alarm bell . alarm indication lights . batterychargingstatus . emergencystop button . generatorstarUstopindication . temperaturetrip indication . oil pressuretrip indication . over speed trip indication . low fuel level indication . extra low fuel level alarm/alarm . failto start indication/alarm . indication at main fire alarm panel 17.6.3Visual Inspection of Fuel Tank ' Fuel tank is locatedwithinthe same compartment as the generatorset . The volumeof the tank is mm x mm x _ mm . Fueltank is toppedup to the;equired level ' Min. 100mmx 100mmcontinuous kerb aroundthe fueltank is provided 17.6.4Visual Inspection of Wiring & Cabting ' cable materialis eitherfire resisting type or in metalconduits . Cableis installedin accordance to relevantcode of practice . Cables is terminatedin accordancewith code of practice 17.6.5Visual Inspection of Battery Charger AH volts (DC or AC) . Charger setting is acceptable

e o a tr a a
D

tr tr o tr a
D

o a a o a o o o o a

. Battery capacity is . Battery voltage is

17.7TESTING AND COMMISSIONING CHECKLIST

Form 1: PerformanceTest for Power Failure and Fire Mode - Sample Record Sheet Project Title: Project Location: Owner: Consultant:

233

Contractor: Manufacturer: Generator Engine Alternator Model& SerialNo: Power failure Gondition: simulated by shutting downpower supply at the intake Test Simulation point. (in orderof At the sametimea fire modeshallbe simulated preference) by either sprinkler activated alarm or heator smoke detector glassactivated activated alarmor manual break alarm or others. Item Description
1. Starting Generator and ChangeOver Time The generator started withoutany interruption? Lift Homingunder gensetmode (whereapplicable)

Requirement
100% load in less than 30 seconds

Tick if Comply 0

2.

Yes

fl

3.

- All lifts homed to main accessfloor and doors remainfully open. - Fire lifts homed to main access floor and doors remainopen. - Fire lifts becomeoperationalwhen fire lift switch is activated.

tr

4.

- All affectedPressurisation Pressurisation and and Smoke Control System Smoke Control System activated. (whereapplicable) Fire pumpsets (where applicable) - All affected fire pumpsetsactivatedand performingto requirements.

5.

a a o
D D

6.

PublicAddressSystem - Able to performpublicpagingclearly. (whereapplicable) Emergency lights Fire ControlConsole Air-conditioning System Load Shedding (whereapplicable) - llluminated - Remainoperationalwithout disruption - Shut down (wheredesignated) on fire mode operation - Able to load shed certainessential (but non emergency) loadssupplied by generatorset underfire mode operation(if the schemeis designed)

7. B. 9.

10.

234

11.

Total Flooding (CarbonDioxide) System Batteryperformance test

- The generator set stops upon alarm from the Total Gas Floodingsystem controlpanelfor the generatorroom - Able to providesix successive abortive generator startingand generatorstarted on the seventhstart

12.

Testcarriedout by: Witnessed by: Approvedby: Form2: Generator SizingForm

Date: Date: Date:

TableI TotalConnectedLoad Of EmergencySystem ItemNo. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 I 10 11 SystemDescription

Total ConnectedLoad At 0.85 Lagging p.f.

Pressurisation System SmokeControlSystem FireAlarmAnd Monitoring System Sprinkler System HoseReelSystem Wet RiserSfstem, HydrantSystem Public Address System Fire Lift kVA OtherLifts*(referto note 1) OtherLife SupportSystems(to list)
a) b) c)

KVA KVA KVA KVA KVA KVA KVA KVA KVA KVA KVA KVA KVA

Total ConnectedLoad of EmergencySystem (Totalsum of items 1 to 11)

kvA

*Note 1: Connected load of non-firelifts (numberof lifts as per lift homingrequirement), if the nonfire lifts depend on the generatorfor homingduring normal power outage.Otherwise these need not to be included.

235

(but Non Emergency) Table2 Loadof Essential System

Item,No. 1 2 3

SystemDescription
lllumination Escalators Travellators OtherEssential Systems(to list) a) b) c)

TotalGonnected p.f. LoadAt 0.85Lagging KVA KVA KVA KVA

'4

TotalConnectedLoad of EssentialSystem (Totaisum of itenrs t to 4) MaximumDemandof Essentialsystem at a diversity factor of _ '

KVA

kvA

Table 3 Load of Essential System Shed off During Fire Mode Operation

ItemNo.
1

System Description

TotafConnepted LoadAt 0.85 Laggingp.f.

b)

KVA KVA
KVA .KVA KVA

c)

tlaximum Demandof Essential System at a diversity factor of

kvA

Generator Capacity Sizing The followingshall be the minimumtotal generatorcapacityat a powerfactorof 0.85 lagging: (i) for installation where no load sheddingis designed = TotalConnected The Generator Capacity Loadof Emergency System(Table1) + Maximum Demandof Essential System(Table2) (ii) for installation where load sheddingduringfire mode operation is designed^ = TotalConnected The Generator Capacity Loadof Emergency System(Table1) + Maximum Demandof Essential System(Table2) - MaximumDemandof Load Shedding(Table3) ^ The schematic of load sheddingschemeshall be submitted.

236

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1 8 . 1C ON C E P T
The Fire Engineering- PerformanceBased Approach (FE-PBA) is a methodologyfor design, evaluationand assessmentoffice safety in buildings.lt identifies an engineeringapproach to buildingfire safety,and gives guidanceon the application of scientific and engineering principles, to the protectionof people and propertyfrom unwantedfire. Additionally, it ouilin"s a structured approach, to assessment of total buildinqfire safetysystemeffectiveness, and to the achievement of pre-identified designobjectives The methodologyfacilitatesperformance-based design that meets the fire safety objectivesof Building Codes. Many factors, including a building'sform of construction,,""n, of escape, occupancy factors,smoke management, detection, alarmand fire suppression facilities, contribute to the achievementof fire-safetyobjectives.The guidelinesof Fire Engineering- performance Based Approach,are based on the premisethat all these measures, form part of an integrated fire safetysystemfor the building,which must respondto any fire developing within that building. consequently,it is requiredthat designersrecognisethe interactions betweenelementsof a fire safetysystemand that they developcompleteand integrated designsolutions. The basicprinciples - Performance of Fire Engineering BasedApproachmay be appliedto speci1c types of buildingsand their uses. However,the principleand the guidelines developeddo NoT cover buildingswhich are used for bulk storage or processing of flammable liquids, industrial chemicalsor explosive materials. The intrinsic risksassociated with such buildings willnecessitate specialconsideration and is beyondthe scopeof this chapter. - Performance The Fire Engineering Based Approachconcept is intendedfor application during the conceptual phaseof buildingfire safetysystemdesign,priorto the detaildesign,specification and documentation phase of selected fire-safetysub-syst,ems (or elements).Fire Engineering procedures require early consultationand co-operation between the project manager, Architect and other membersof the designteam, togetherwith the Fire and RescueDepartment Malaysia. The detaileddesignand specification of fire-safety sub-systems (whichwill followagreement of the conceptual design)may not be specificduringthis stage.But it is imperative that when executed, these strictlyadhereto the decisionsand agreements reachedduringthe conceptual phase.

18.2 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

18.2.1Codes and Standards (i) Fire SafetyEngineering published Guideline by the Australian Building CodesBoard(ABCB) (ii) Bs 7974: Application of Fire SafetyEngineering Principte - Code to the Designof Building of Practice

1 8 . 3F I R ES A F E T Y E N GIN E E R EQUIREM ENTS

The Fire Engineering- PerformanceBased Approach study should only be carried out by e qualified,and experienceand accreditedFire Safety Engineer(FSE) whln acting as part of e designteam' This will permitachievement of the requisitelevel of fire safetyfor a buildingwithou imposingunnecessary constraints on otheraspectsof its design. The qualification and capabilityof a FSE should be accreditedby an appropriateprofessiona institution or by FRDM' The criteriaof an appropriate Fire safety Engineershall be a person,whc by education trainingand experience is:

240

(i) (ii)

familiarwith the natureand characteristics of fire and associated productsof combustion. one who has understanding of how fires originate, spreadwithinand outsidebuildinqs / structures, and/orextinguished ableto anticipate the behaviour of materials, structures equipment and processes retated to the protectionof life and propertyfrom fire. able to use appropriate quantitative fire engineering methodology as well as understanding all the techniques utilisedin respectto assumptions, limitations and uncertainties. awareof mattersof fire safetymanagement, including the role of fire prevention and the risks to building fire-safety associated with construction, installation, operation and maintenance. familiarwith relevantBuildingCodes,Standards, Codesof Practice, legislation, etc. is registered with the Boardof Engineers, Malaysiaas a Professional Engineeror Boardof Architects, Malaysia as a Professional Architect.

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

(vi) (vii)

- PERFORMANCE 18.4SCOPE OF FIREENGINEERING BASED APPROACH

The application of FE-PBAshall be restricted as follows: (i) NormalBuildingCategory(referto UBBLT 1984 Tenth Schedute). - Shallfollow UBBL 1984requirements eg. schools,shop houses,factories (ii) High Rise BuildingCategory - Shallfollow UBBL 1984requirement - FE-PBAshallbe appliedonly to specificarealspaces not coveredby UBBL 1984 eg. Kuala LumpurCity Centre,MenaraKuala Lumpur Mega Projectand SpeciatUse - FE-PBAmay be apptied eg. Kuala LumpurInternational Airport

(iii)

. PERFORMANCE 18.5 E X C L U S ION OF F IR EE N GINEERING BASED APPROAC H APPLICATION

The followingtype of buildingsshall be excluded from the applicationof Fire EngineeringPerformanceBased Approach: (i) (ii) Buildings used for bulk storage Buildings used for processing of : (a) flammable liquids (b) industrial chemicals, (c) explosivematerials.

The intrinsicrisks associatedwith such buildingswill necessitatespecial consideration and is beyondthe scopeof this study.

241

- PERFORMANCE 18.6FIREENGINEERING BASED(FEPB) REPORT

The format of the FEPB Report may depend on the nature and scope of the Fire Engineering Performance Basedstudy and shall containthe followinginformation: (i) Objective of the Study (ii) (iii) (iv) Description of the building and type of occupancy Membersof the DesignTeam Resultsof the designoverview (a) Fire safety objectives (b) Resultsof hazardidentification (c) Basis for selectingfire scenariosfor analysis (d) Acceptancecriteria (e) Trial conceptdesign (f) Redundancies betweenand within sub-systems (g) Influenceof Fire Safety Management Analysisof Results (a) Assumptions (b) Engineering judgement (c) Calculation procedures (d) Validation of methodotogies (e) Sensitivity analysis (0 Evaluation of the resultsof the analysisagainstthe acceptance criteria FinalConceptual Design& Conclusion (a) Fire Protectionmeasuresrequired (b) AppliedManagement issuewhich is integral to the design Reference (a) Drawings (b) Designdocumentation (c) Technicalliterature

(v)

(vi)

(vii)

Based on the contents of FEPB Report, it is desirable that the main body of text provides an overviewof the study The calculations, computeroutputs,detailedanalysisand other documents shouldbe includedin the appendices. It is also important that the FEPB Report draws a clear distinctionbetween life safety, property protection and environmental protection, so that the building owner,managerand Fire and Rescue Department Malaysiaclearlyunderstand the purposeof the proposedmeasures.

18.7APPROVAL
Fire Engineering is a developing discipline and some of the judgementneededmay be subjective. ' Therefore, the Fire and RescueDepartmentMalaysiamust be consultedfor priorapprovalof the overall conceptbeforefinal parametersand assumptions are laid down for the Fire Engineering designusing Performance BasedApproach.

242

Fire Engineeringdesign begins with QualitativeDesign Review During the QualitativeDesign Review,the scope and objectives of the fire safety design shall be defined,performance criteria proposed. established and one or more potential designsolutions QuantitativeAnalysis shall apply the fundamentalfire science and engineeringmethodology to evaluatethe potentialsolution proposed in the QualitativeDesign Review The Quantitative Analysisshall includethe following criteria: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) Fire initiation and development withinthe enclosure Smoke Development and Management withinand beyondthe enclose Firespreadand management beyondthe enclosure of origin Firedetection suppression Occupantavoidance Communication and responseby Fire and RescueDepartment Malaysia

All the results from the quantitativeanalysis shall be compared with the, acceptancecriteria identified DesignReview duringthe Qualitative Three types of approaches may be considered: (i) (ii) (iii) Deterministic Probabilistic Comparative

The FEPB Reportsshall be certifiedby a FSE for presentation to the DirectorGeneralof the Fire and RescueDepartment Malaysia

18.8PEERREVIEWER
A FEPB Reportshallbe supportedby a Peer ReviewReportconfirming its findings. The Fire SafetyEngineerpreparing the Peer ReviewReportshall be independent and shall NOT be engaged by the same Fire Safety Engineerwho is conductingthe FE-PBAor by the project managementteam or by the owner of the said project or anyone who is related to the same project. The Fire Safety Engineerpreparingthe Peer Review Report shall be appointedby the Fire and RescueDepartment Malaysia, and the cost incurredshall be borne by the owner The Peer Review Report shall be submittedindependently to the DirectorGeneralof Fire and RescueDepartment Malaysia as a basisof comparison of the assumptions set forth by and criteria the FEPB Report. The requirements of a Peer Reviewershall be as follows: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) in accordance with the requirements as stipulated in section18.3 years shall have at least 15 of relevant workingexperience in the fire activities involvedin or has accessto researchand development shall be currently engineering field Architect Engineeror Professional shall be an approvedProfessional

243

1 8 . 9D E C tS ION
The Decisionof the DirectorGeneralof Fire and Rescue DepartmentMalaysiashall be final in to UBBL 1984,By-law245. accordance

1 8.1O LEGAL IMPLICATION - PerformanceBased Approach is a complex exercisethat of Fire Engineering The application adopting involvespublic safety. Hence, the qualified,competentand experiencedprofessional - Performance BasedApproachshall be responsible and accountable shouldthe Fire Engineering who fail during a fire. For the professional designdeviatefrom the UBBL 1984 and subsequently practices whereby: Engineering Performance Based Approach, notice shall be taken Fire (i) "Judicial notice"underthe EvidenceAct 1950 is not accordedto the responsible submitting Architectand/orEngineer. pursuantto the generallyif there is professional negligence, Underthe Law of Negligence, the burdenof provingnegligence is on the partywho wantsjudgement EvidenceAct '1950, of balanceof probabilities. from the court and the standardof proof is generally whereby adopting the Fire Engineering-Performance BasedApproach, Shouldthe professional of the designer, then the doctrineof res rpsa the engineering designis withinthe knowledge will be Iquidorwill apply wherebythe burdenof provingnegligence assertedby the plaintiff to provethat he is not negligent. shiftedto the professional ln normal negligencesuit, the legal burden is on the plaintiffto prove the existenceof negligence on the part of the professional.

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

244

Two thousand five hundred year ago, a Master military strafegisf said; "in peace prepare for war, in war prepare for peace" - MasterSun Tzu, Art of War, 506 B.C. Similarly in time of normalcy prepare for disaster, in time of disaster prepare for quick return to normalcy.

1 9 . 1I N T ROD U C T ION
The submittingperson is requiredto submit the Fire OperationManual (FOM) before Certificate of Fitnessis issuedto a building. The Fire OperationManualessentially consistsof the overallasbuilt Fire Protection Systemsand the EmergencyResponsePlan (ERP).In the past the FOM only consistslittle information on the ERP for the building.Howeverprofessionals must now update their knowledge on ERP. The Fire and RescueDepartment have established a Malaysian incident CommandStructure(MICS) for the protectionof plants.This standardis based on the National Fire Protection Association 12 - IncidentCommandStructure (lCS)which is widelypractisedby all hazardous industries in many developedcountries. The ERP is a detailEmergencyPlanningsystemwhich involveslife safety,evacuation, mitigation, fire fightingand rescue,etc. and will requirea qualifiedand experienced personto draft the plan, taking into consideration variousaspectssuch as anticipated strategies based on some logicalor variablescenarioin a particular building,the type of risks (fire risk assessment), and many other factorsdepending on nature,size,occupancy, etc of the building.

1 9 . 2U N I FIE D C OMMA N D A N DC ONTROL

The Big Picture ' The incident Command Structurewas developed by a multi-agencytask force after a major wildlandfire which destroyed a large portionof SouthernCalifornia, USA in 1970. ' The ICS is designed as a systemwhich can be usedfrom the initial stagesof any incident untilthe situation returnsto normalcy. lt is also applicable (non-emergency) to bothdailysituations as well as very largeand complexincidents. lt is designed to be used in response to emergencies caused by fires, earthquakes, floods, riots, explosionor hazardouschemicalspillsand other naturalor man-madeincidents. ' The structure of the ICS is not restrictive and operates likea numberof boxes, whereit can expand or contractdepending on the demand and changingcondition of an incident. However,it should be staffedand operatedby trainedand qualified personnel from any emergency serviceseg. Fire and RescueDepartment Malaysia,Police,army, hospital, etc. ' As such,thisstrategic systemcan be usedfor any typeor sizeor emergency involving singleagency to multipleagenciesand from 5 hamburgerto 500,000hamburger requirements. ' The ICS establishes procedures for controlof personnel, facilities, equipment, communications, commont'erminology and operatingprocedures. lt will also ensurethe timelycombination of resources duringan emergency.

. This systemwill ensuredifferent in an agencies couldwork togethertowardsa commonobjective effectiveand systematicmanner.

REQUIREMENTS 19.3THEMAIN"ICS''OPERATION
or incidentto agenciesadaptableto any emergencies ls an organisational structureof responding providefor lt must to respond. be expected Malaysia would whichthe Fire and RescueDepartment the followingkindsof operations: . Singlejurisdiction/single agencyinvolvement . Singlejurisdiction involvement with multi-agency . Multijurisdiction/multi-agency involvement It must be applicableand acceptableto users both nationallyand cross boarder operation,if - eg. Indonesia etc. ForestFires,Turkeyand Taiwanearthquakes, necessary to new technologyand local conditions- DirectiveNSC It should be easilyand readilyadaptable No. 20. (ArahanMKN No. 20) ls flexible and able to expand in a logical manner from an initial attach situationinto a major incident. terminologyand procedureswhich will ensure Has a common basic element in organisation, continuationof a total mobilityconcept. to existingsystems. shouldhave the leastpossibledisruption It's implementation ls effective in fulfillingall the above requirementsand yet be simple enough to ensure low costswhen in use. and maintenance operational where it can grow or shrinkto meet differingneeds.lt is a cost flexibility, The ICS has considerable effectiveand efficientmanagementsystem,and can be applied to a wide variety of emergencyand situations such as: non-emergency . . . . . . . . . . incident hazardsin multi-casualty Fire and explosions, (UnifiedCommand) and multiagencydisasters Multijurisdiction Floodand earthquake Major forest fires and diseasecontrol Pest eradication Oil spill responseand recoveryincident accident Air, rail,water or groundtransportation parades, concerts celebrations, Plannedeventse.g. programmes Privatesectoremergencymanagement State or local major natural hazard management

19.4 ORGANISATION AND OPERATION focuses on flve major functionalareas - but it is easily rememberedas The ICS organisation "Commander cannotFLOP"which is:

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Command Finance Logistics Operation Planning Commandis responsible for overallmanagement and controlof the incidentsupportedby trained and qualifiedstaff. The commandfunctionin the ICS can be managed by a singlecommand or Unified Command.

INGIDENT GOMMAND SYSTEM

Diagram of lncident Command System

19.5EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

An EmergencyResponsePlan (ERP) is a plan for survivalin an emergencyand mitigation and is perhapsthe most importantelementof emergencymanagement. Mitigationis the daily effortto reducethe hazardsand quick recovery from disasterdependson pre-planning. The ERp can help us to preventand preparethe effectsof a disaster.Development of an ERp is truly proactiveas well as reactiveand also one that is effectiveand practical. lt is usefulto re-emphaiis" ", well as expandupon the five basic principles: ' ProperEmergencyPlanningbeginswith Owners, Operations, and Managersof the Facility involvedin or contributing to a potential or actualemergency.

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Communication plays an especially vital role in both the prevention of and the response to any emergency Lack of established chain of command;lack uniform commandsignals;lack of standardterminology Lack of co-ordination between emergency servicesand other communitysupport services

Failure
No standradisation of equipment usedby different responding agencies Uncontrolled access to siteby politicians andmassmedia personnel

Interference withsite operations by crowds of public curious as wellas standby response personnel

Commoncausesof failurein emergencyresponseoperations pranning Emergency Response for Corporate "* ,,lrf!,'r!; i!!f"?i, On-goingfacilityauditsand practicedrillsare essentialforupdatingand refining an ERp. There can be no properemergencyresponsewithoutthe existenceof a practised, on site chain of command.

19.6 INDUSTRIAL FACILITY

Regardless of thetypeof facility, an ERPfor an industrial facility should (ata minimum) contain the following basiccategories of information: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Objectives Responsibility andAuthority Distribution of plan Emergency Equipment andSupplies Location of Data/ information Assessment of Hazard procedures General Notification procedures Evacuation Procedures procedures Containment Special Procedures (e.g. fire,explosion, flood,toxicgas release) Equipment shutdown Return to Normal Operations Training Documentation lnformational appendices

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IN ERPSTRATEGIES POINTS 19.7BULLET

plan mustbe to ensurethe bestqualitytreatment of the survivor The objective of any disaster in an the risksof mortalitv. effortto minimise medicalreinforcement, thorough training, In the realevent,successwilldependon priorplanning, with other agenciesand availability of suitablemedicalassetsand transportation. co-operation will be fundamental to successful commandand the effective communications Clearand efficient of rescue efforts. co-ordination of a simpleyet flexible interpretation A favourable outcomewill be the resultof the intelligent plan that has been rehearsed and frequently reviewed.
- Management and their aftermath,UK of Disaster

PEOPLE'S AND MANAGING SOCIAL NEEDS AFTER PSYCHOLOGICAL DISASTER Crisis

Pre-crisis lmmediate post crisis Shortterm post crisis Long term post crisis

Shock LRealisati LAcknowledgement+

Adaptation
(From Gibsonwith permission.) rehabilitation. The time continuumof psychological

PaulA. Erikson, Manager and Municipal Emergency Response Planningfor Corporate

19.8 CONCLUSTON ERP is a plan for survivaland may determinebetween life and death for emergencyresponse challenge personnel The ultimate control. disastermanagement and thoseat risk in any emergency is the survivaland safetyof those at risk and quick returnto normalcy. to the ERP strategist
Fireman Soh's Experience,Highland Towers Tragedy, 1993

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20.1INTRODUCTION
and extinguishment In 1976 the Federal Constitution was amendedand the issue of prevention in the Federal List. However,the of fire, includingFire Servicesand Fire Brigadeswere listed jurisdiction in matterscontainedin the have alongwith State Governments, FederalGovernment, in the Construction and Maintenance List i.e. mattersin FireSafetyand Fire Precaution Concurrent may enact laws Pursuantto Article 74(11of the Federal Constitution, Parliament of Buildings. virtue of this Articlethe Fire List, and bv on matterslistedin the FederalList or in the Concurrent Services Act 1988 was enacted.

OF THEACT 20.2PREAMBLE
The Fire ServicesAct 1988 which appliesthroughoutMalaysiawas enactedforthe effectiveand efficientfunctioningof the Fire Services Departmentand for the protectionof life and propertyfrom there with. This Act came into force on the 1st of January1989 fire risks and purposesconnected as publishedin the Gazette PU. (B) 701.

DEPARTMENT OF FIRESERVICES 20.3ESTABLISHMENT

The DirectorGeneralof the Fire Services Departmentheads the structureof the Fire Services Departmentpursuantto section 3(2) of the Act. He is currentlyassistedby Deputy Directors by virtueof section 3(3) of the Act there is Directors General.Furthermore, Generaland Assistant a Directorof Fire Servicesfor each of the States of Malaysia.lt is to be noted that every Fire Officer to section 7 of the of the Director General.Pursuant to the controland direction shall be subjected of his duties Act the DirectorGeneralmay delegatethe exerciseof his power or the performance power. There is also delegation of of underthe said Act to any Fire Officerin writingvia delegation power vide authorisation pursuantto sections 38, 40, 41, 43, 44, 50, 52 and 59 of the said Act. by the DirectorGeneralin writingto act underthe provisions officermeans authorised Authorised of the Act. who may be appointed by also includesauxiliary FireOfficers FireServices structure The Malaysian These of Housingand LocalGovernment. Generalwith the concurrence of the Minister the Director auxiliaryFire Officers are subjectedto the immediatecontrol and directionof the respectiveState of the Fire Services BesidesauxiliaryFire Officers, the structure Directorand are paid allowances. voluntary fire-brigades and cadetfire-brigades. Department may includeprivatefire-brigades,

AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FIRESERVICES 20.4DUTIES

of the Fire Servicesare providedfor in section 5 of the Act whict The dutiesand responsibilities includes: Takingof lawfulmeasurefor: and controlling fires. fighting,prevention extinguishing, Protectinglife and propertyin the event of a fire. The makingof investigation into the cause,originand circumstance of fire.

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. The Ministermay directthe Department to performsuch other dutiesin additionto the above or imposedby law.

20.5FIREHAZARD
'Fire 'Fire The definition of Hazard'shall be read togetherwith FightingEquipment or Fire Safety in order to have in-depthunderstanding installation' which is the importantaspect for eventual laMul enforcement and prosecution and those definitions as providedin section 2 of the Act. 'Fire-FightingEquipment or Fire Safety installation' meansany equipment or installation for: . Extinguishing, preventing, fighting, or limitinga fire . Givingwarningof a fire . Providing accessto any premisesfor extinguishing, fighting,preventing, or limiting a fire . Providing power supplyin the event of normalpowerfailure emergency . Providing emergency lighting for purposesof escapefrom buildings . Giving directiontowards an escape route or place of refuge,or . Providingadequate,safe egressfor the purposeof evacuationor exit of occupantsin the event of fire 'Fire-hazard'means: . Any unlawfulalterationto any buildingsuch as might render escape in the event of a fire materially more difficult or less easy than it would be if the alteration had not been made. . The over-crowding of any place of public entertainment or publicgatheringsuch might render escape in the event of a fire difficult. . A n y r e m o v a lo r a b s e n c ef r o m a n y b u i l d i n go f a n y F i r e - f i g h t i n g Equipment or FireSafety installation that is requiredby law to be providedin the building. . The presencewithin or outside any buildingof any Fire-fighting Equipmentor Fire Safety installation or any facility,installedin accordancewith the requirement of any writtenlaw or as requiredby the Fire ServicesDepartment,that is not in efficientworking order. ' Inadequate meansof exit from any part of a buildingto any place,whetherwithinor outsidethe building, that provides safetyto personsin the event of a fire, or . Any othermatteror circumstances that materially the likelihood of a fire or the dangerto increase life or propertythat would resultfrom the outbreakof a fire, or that would materially hamperthe Fire ServicesDepartment in the dischargeof its dutiesin the event of a fire.

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2 0 . 6C OMP OU N D IN G
Based on the Fire Services (Compounding of Offences) Regulations 1991 which came into force on the 6th August 1991 offences: , the followingare compoundable Section 22(U - any person in controlor owner of such premiseswho fails to comply with any directiongiven by the DirectorGeneral or any authorisedofficer to providefacilitiesand water supplyfor fire fightingpurpose. - any works that affectany fire hydrantor the frow of water section 23(11 Section 23(21- hydrantnot in good working conditionupon the completion of any works carried out. Section 25(21- any person who refuses to allow the fixing of hydrant plate or obstructsin the course of the fixing or removes or defaces any such plate. Section 26 - any personwho coversup, encloses,or concealsany fire hydrantso as to renderits locationdifficultto ascertain,or tampers with any fire hydrant,or uses a fire hydrant other than for fire fighting purposes. Section 32(21- make a materialchange to the premiseswhile a fire certificateis in force. Section 33 - No fire certificatein force in respect of any designatedpremises. Section 47 - Unauthorised presencein premiseswhich has been taken over bv the Fire Services Departmentas a result of a fire. Section 52 - Failureto complywith direction given by an authorised officer.

20.7ABATEMENT OF FTRE.HAZARD
' Section 8 (1) - the DirectorGeneral,if satisfiedof the existencein any premisesof any fire hazard,may serve an abatementnotice in Form A requiringhim to abate the fire hazardwithin the specificperiod.lf the fire hazardis likelyto recur, he may also, by the fire-hazard abatementnotice under subsection (1) or by a subsequent fire-hazard abatementnoticein Form B requirethe person on whom the notice is served to do whateveris necessaryto preventingthe recurrenceol the fire hazardpursuantto subsection (2). ' Section 9 - Power of DirectorGeneralto abate fire hazardin vacant premisesir or unoccupied which the fire hazardexists. ' Section 11 - Powerof DirectorGeneralto abate fire hazard on non-compliance with fire hazard abatementnoticeand the expensesincurredcan be recoverable in court pursuantto section16 of this Act. ' Section 12 - Powerof Director General to abatefire hazardin any premises in caseof urgency anc eXpenses incurredcan be recoverable in court pursuant to section17 of this Act.

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NB:

Abatementof fire hazardpursuantto sections 9, 11 and 12 of this Act can be done either by removing, demolishing and etc. thus avoidingexistence of fire hazard.

20.8PROHIBITORY ORDER 35allows theDirector General to apply fora prohibitory Section to a court order to anypremises,
if the risk to personsor propertyin case of fire is so serious,untilstepshave been taken to reduce the fire to a reasonable level.

20.9ORDER TO CEASEAGTIVITY
Section 35A of the Act allowsthe DirectorGeneralby order to directthe owner or occupierof the premisesto cease activity if he is satisfiedthat: a. any continued activity in any premiseswould constitutean immediatedanger of fire prejudicialto the safety of life or property,and delay in applyingfor a prohibitory order would substantially increasethe risk to life or property.

b.

20.10 CLOSING ORDER

Section13 of the Act prohibits the use of any premises which may materially increase the likelihood of a fire or the danger to life or propertyresultingfrom the outbreak of a fire.

20.11SPECIAL POWER OF FIREOFFICERS 20.11.1

Pursuantto section 18 of the Act. a Fire Officer on the occasion of a fire mav: . Removeany personinterferingby his presenceor actionswith the operationsof the Fire Services Department. . Enter,break,possessor demolishany premisesfor the purposeof puttingan end to the fire or rescue any person. . Close any street near the site of the fire or controlthe traffic or crowd in any such street. . Use any convenient supplyof water duringfire operation. 20.11.2 Pursuantto section 46(1) of the Act, the DirectorGeneralmay at any time within seven days after the occurrence of the fire, take possession of the premisesand other propertydamaged or destroyedby the fire. 20.11.3 fire. not involving Section 19 of the Act providespowersto the Fire Officersin emergencies

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20.11.4 Pursuantto section 38(1) of the Act, an authorised officermay, togetherwith such otherofficers, enter any premisesfor the purposeof: . Ascertaining whetherthere is any contravention of the Act. . Obtaininginformation concerning the premisesfor fire-fighting. . Ascertaining whetherthere existsany fire hazardin the premises. . Make any enquiryon matterswithinthe Act. ' Exercising any poweror performing any duty of the Director Generalunderany otherwrittenlaw. 20.11.5 Pursuant to section 40(1) of the Act, any authorised officer may without warrant arrest any person: . Foundcommitting an offenceunder Section 47, or ' Whom he reasonably suspectsto have committed any otheroffenceunderthis Act if the person: (a) refusesto furnishhis name and address (b) furnished an addressout of Malaysia (c) thereare reasonable grounds for believing that he has furnished a falsenameand address (d) that he is likelyto abscond 20.11.6 Section a1(1) of the Act providesthat any authorised officershall have the power to investigate any offenceunderthis Act. 20.11.7 Section 44 providesthat every authorisedofficershall have the authorityto appear in court and conduct any prosecutionin respect of any offence under this Act provided such officer has been given a writtenauthorisation by the Public Prosecutor or the DeputyPublicProsecutor.

20.12 PROTECTION OF FIREOFFICERS

Section 20 providesthat no Fire Officeror AuxiliaryFire Officeracting bona fide under this Act shall be liableto any actionfor damagesfor any act done or omittedto be done by him in connection with his dutieson the occasionof a fire or any calamity.

20.13REGULATION MADEUNDER THE FIRESERVICES ACT

The Ministerof Housingand Local Governmentmay make regulations pursuantto section 62 of the Act for the bettercarryingout of the purposesand the provisions of this Act.

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20.14 PENALTY 20.14.1 that if any personfailingto complywithfire hazardabatement Section 10 and section 13(5)provide shall be guilty of an offence and the closingorder respectively notice and knowinglycontravene for a ringgitor to imprtsonment thousand five not exceeding to a fine be liable shall,on conviction, one hundred fine of further liable to a three years or to both and shall be also term not exceeding ringgitfor each day duringwhich the offenceis continuedafterthe conviction. 20.14.2 excuse knowingly Section 35(5) of the Act, providesthat if any personwho withoutreasonable be liableto a order shall be guiltyof an offenceand shall,on conviction, a prohibitory contravenes yearsor to five not exceeding for a term imprisonment or to ringgit ten thousand not exceeding fine which the during for each day ringgit hundred fine of one both and shall also be liableto a further offence is continuedafter the conviction. 20.14.3 Section 58 of the Act providesthat if any personguilty of an offenceunder this Act for which no be liableto a fine not exceedingfive thousand penaltyis expresslyprovidedshall, on conviction, three years or to both. for a term not exceeding ringgitor to imprisonment

20.15 CONCLUSION This explanqtionon the Fire Services Act 1988 is only skeleton in nature, but in order to understandin depth or in total one has to make close referenceto the Fire ServicesAct itself.The shouldbe made to other regulations but reference Fire ServicesAct shouldnot be read in isolation enacted under this Act. Further referencemust also be made to the Uniform BuildingBy-laws detail For effectiveprosecution 1g84,and other acceptedrelevantbuildingcodes and standards. Procedure 1950, Criminal Act the Evidence version of referencemust also be made to the latest Act 1948 & 1967 and other relevantActs in Malaysiatogetherwith relevant Code, Interpretation case laws.

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