FIRE PROTECTION

SYSTEMS

JSB354 ARCHITECTURAL SCIENCE IV

BSc. Of Architecture
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Topics:

INTRODUCTION
PASSIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
1.0 INTRODUCTION

Aims of Fire Protections:

To protect building occupants from fire

by providing sufficient and safe evacuation
routes.

To protect building structures from

severely damage within specific time –
construction methods, fire rated etc.

To protect building properties (furniture,

equipment etc) from totally damage.

To avoid fire from spread out within the

building or to another building.
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Fire Hazards & Risks:

Smoke: Oxygen decreased – carbon

monoxide increased – cause of death.

Smoke: Reduce visibility – expose to

danger.

Radiant Heat – 149 degree Celsius –

cause of death & severe burnt.

Fire grow very fast especially to

combustible materials.
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Good Building Design with Fire Safety Measures:

Provide adequate fire appliances access & fire hydrants to

assist fire & rescue personnel.

Designing adequate and safe escape routes for the occupants

of the building.

Selecting materials for the construction which will not promote

the rapid spread of fire.

Subdividing buildings into compartments of reasonable sizes

by means of fire resisting walls & floors.

Designing & constructing the exterior of a building so that fire

is unlikely to spread to it from another building.

Provide adequate fixed installation for quick & effective

detection & extinguishment of fires.

Designing & installing building services so that they do not

assist the spread of fire.
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Classification of Hazardous Areas:

Extra light hazard – small residential (bungalows,

semi-detached houses & terrace houses)

Ordinary light hazard – other residential

(apartments), hotels, hostels & offices.

Ordinary medium hazard – public buildings

(museums, libraries, shopping complexes, etc.)

Ordinary high hazard – places of assembly (halls,

auditoriums, cinemas, stadiums etc.)

Ordinary special hazard – workshops, factories,

stores etc.

Extra high hazard – explosive materials such as

electrical plants, fire crackers factories, oil off-
shores, sub-stations etc.
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Purpose Group – 5th Schedule of UBBL1984:

Group I - Small Residential

Group II - Institutional
Group III - Other Residential
Group IV - Office
Group V - Shop
Group VI - Factory
Group VII - Place of Assembly
Group VIII - Storage & General

Most of the building will have more than one

purpose group. E.g. Shopping Complex will have
Group V (Shop), IV (Administration), Group VII
(Cineplex) & VIII (Storage).
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Descriptions:

Passive fire protection is basically a planning matter

and must be considered at the planning stage in
the building design in terms of mitigation of fire
hazard and fire risk.

Effective passive fire precautions represent good

planning, good design & sound construction,
which could complement other basic functions of a
building.
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Site & Space Planning:
Design Notes:

All building more than 7000 cubic meter shall

attach to access road or open area (Minimum
width – 12m).

Road/Access width – minimum 6m

(Maximum width of appliance is 2.5m) & can
withstand load of fire engines (Maximum weight
– 26 tonnes)

Maximum gradient to access is 1:12.

Minimum overhead clearance for access is 4m

height.

Fire appliances turn-around requirements: T-

turn, Shunt or Circle
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Site & Space Planning:
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Site & Space Planning:
Perimeter Access:

The table in By-law 140 stipulates the

proportion of the building perimeter that must
be accessible to fire appliances.
Volume of Building Minimum perimeter appliance
(cubic meter) access

7000 – 28000 One sixth

28000 – 56000 One fourth

56000 – 84000 One half

84000 – 112000 Three fourth

112000 and above Island site

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Site & Space Planning:
Perimeter Access:

One sixth perimeter appliance access

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Site & Space Planning:
Perimeter Access:

One fourth perimeter appliance access

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Site & Space Planning:
Perimeter Access:

One half perimeter appliance access

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Site & Space Planning:
Perimeter Access:

Three fourth perimeter appliance access

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Site & Space Planning:
Perimeter Access:

Island site perimeter appliance access

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Site & Space Planning:
Separation of Fire Risk Areas:

By-law 139 stipulates all fire risk areas (such

as TNB sub-station, switch rooms, AC plant
rooms etc) shall be separated from occupants:

Totally separate the fire risk area from the

building.

Separated by constructing fire rated walls,

floors & doors (compartments)
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Compartments:
Definitions:

The spaces in the building are divided into

smaller compartments for Fire Safety
management reasons to:

Limit the spread of fire;

Restrict the movement of smoke;

Optimize evacuation routes during fire;

Accommodate different activities (Purpose

Group) to enable each compartment have their
own fire protection systems.
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Compartments:
5th Schedule of UBBL1984:
Purpose Group Building height Limit of Dimensions

Area of Volume of the

compartment floor building or
(meter square) compartment
(cubic meter)

Part I – Building other than single storey

The limits of dimensions Institutional Any height 2000 No limit

for areas or volumes in Other residential Not exceeding 28m 3000 8500

buildings & Other residential Exceeding 28m 2000 5500

compartments which are

Shop Any height 2000 7000
installed with automatic
Factory Not exceeding 28m No limit 28000
sprinklers are allowed to
Factory Exceeding 28m 2000 5500
double up the limit of Store & general Not exceeding 28m No limit 21000
dimensions stated in Fifth Store & general Exceeding 28m 1000 No limit
Schedule. This provision Part II – Single storey building
is to reflect the reduced
risks in sprinklered Institutional Any height 3000 No limit
building. Other residential Any height 3000 No limit
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Compartments:
Case Study – Shop Compartments:
The size of op shop compartments shall not exceed:

7000 cubic meters & 2000 square meters floor

areas for unsprinklered buildings.

14,000 cubic meters & 4000 square meters floor

areas for fully sprinklered buildings.

Where the floor area of building with fully sprinkler

installation is subdivided, there shall be no restriction on
the total area, provided:

1. More than 60% of the total area shall consist of

separate shop not exceeding 280 square
meters.

2. Shop units shall be enclosed on three sides by

compartment walls except corner shop facing to
the main mall.
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Compartments:
Case Study – Shop Compartments:
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Compartments:
Compartment Walls & Floors:

By-law 136: Provisions of Compartment walls &

floors

Any building (other than single storey) of a

purpose group specified in the Fifth Schedule
shall be provided by compartment walls &
floors.

By-law 137: Floor in Building exceeding 30 metres

In any building which exceeds 30 metres in

height, all floors which are more than 9 metre
above ground level shall be constructed with
Compartment Floor, except mezzanine floor
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Compartments:
Compartment Walls & Floors:

By-law 138: Other Compartment Walls & Floors

The following walls & floors shall be

constructed as compartment walls & floors:

Any floor in building of Purpose Group II;

Any wall or floor separating a flat from
any part of the same building;
Any wall or floor separating part of the
Building from any part of the same
building which is used for a different
purpose group (Mixed-Development);
Any basement floor exceeding 100 square
metres.
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Compartments:
By-law 141 - Separating Walls:

By-law 86 stipulates party walls in the fire safety

context refer to walls that separate units of
different ownership as in walls separating terrace
houses, flats etc.

Party walls serve to prevent the spread of fire

from one area to another.

The technical data of party walls:

Walls shall be of solid masonry or concrete;

Wall thickness is 200mm;
Party walls must be raised 230mm above the
upper roof surface;
No openings shall be made unless compliance
with requirements stipulates in By-law 141.
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Compartments:
By-law 141 - Separating Walls:
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Compartments:
By-law 149 – Horizontal & Vertical Barriers:

Openings in external wall shall be protected by

flame barriers by extending 750mm horizontally &
900mm vertically. These walls are known as
deflector wall.

Deflector walls are inserted to prevent flame

spread via the external façade to the floors above
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Compartments:
By-law 149 – Horizontal & Vertical Barriers:

Care has to be taken in curtain-wall detailing to

prevent the external skin of the building from
becoming the casing to a smoke stack.
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Compartments:
By-law 150 – Protected Shaft:

Protected shafts penetrate across compartment

floors & walls. There two type of shafts:

Shafts carrying utilities such as water, electrical

etc. All pipes or ducting shall be effectively fire
stopped as specified in By-law 161.

Service shafts carrying lifts & escape

staircases. Lift shaft shall be ventilated with
minimum vents of not less than 0.9 square metres
per lift (By-law 151). Enclosed lift lobbies &
staircase shall be ventilated to provide safe
passage for both escaping occupants & safe
access for fire fighters.

If the protected shafts contain a ventilating duct, the

ducts shall be fitted with automatic fire dampers as
stipulated in By-law 156 & 160.
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Compartments:
By-law 162 – Fire Door:
Fire doors of the appropriate Fire Resistance Period
(FRP) shall be provided to:

Openings in compartment & separating walls, such as

hotel guest rooms, AHU rooms etc.

Openings in protecting structures, such as protected

staircases, protected lobbies, fire fighting access
lobbies etc.

Openings in partitions enclosing a protected corridor

or lobby.

By-law 163 stipulates sizes, materials and FRP of

Fire Doors.
By-law 164 stipulates all fire doors shall be fitted with
automatic door closers.
The door shall be opened toward the exit route.
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Escape Routes:
Means of Escape:
An escape route should lead to a safety place without
reliance on external assistance. The ultimate safety
place is the open air outside the building, clear from the
effect of fire.

In large complexes, it should be possible to reach a

place of reasonable safety such as protected
staircase/corridor where people can travel in relative
safely to a final exit.

The design of means of escapes should take into

account:

The building form

The activities inside the building.
The likelihood of fire.
The potential of fire spread through the
building.
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Escape Routes:
Principles of Escape:
Alternative means of escape to be made possible for
every building. Single staircase & dead ends are allowed
under certain conditions.

Means of escape to direct a shortest route to a safety

place, e.g. to the outside of the buildings or to the
protected areas leading to the outside of the buildings.

Generally means of escape consists of two parts:

Unprotected areas, leading direct to exit.

Protected areas, leading direct to exit.
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Escape Routes:
Maximum Travel Distance – 7th Schedule:
Limits when alternative exits are available

Purpose Group Dead end limit Unsprinklere Sprinklered

(m) d (m) (m)

Small Residential NA NA NA

Institutional 9 30 45
Hospital 6 45 60
School NA 30 45
Open plan NA 45 60
Flexible plan

Other residential 10 30 45
Hotels 10 30 45
Flats 0 30 45
Dormitories

Office 15 45 60

Shop 15 30 45

Factory 15 30 45
General & Special Purpose 0 22 22.5
High Hazard NA NA NA
Open structures

Place of Assembly NA 45 61

Store & general NA NA NA

Low & Ordinary Hazard NA 22.5 30
High Hazard 15 30 45
Parking Garage NA 30 45
Aircraft Hangars (Ground Floor) NA 22.5 22.5
Aircraft Hangars (Mezzanine)
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Escape Routes:
Measurement Travel Distance:
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Escape Routes:
Measurement Travel Distance:
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Escape Routes:
Measurement Travel Distance:
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Escape Routes:
Measurement Travel Distance:

In the open areas, the distance shall not exceed two-thirds the permitted
travel distance.

In the rooms less than six persons, the travel distance shall be measured
from the doors of such rooms, provided the travel distance from any point
in the room to the room door does not exceed 15 metres.
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Escape Routes:
Measurement Travel Distance:
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Escape Routes:
Exits:
By-law 166 stipulates not less than two separate exits
shall be provided and the exits are readily accessible at
all times.

By-law 169 stipulates no exit route may reduce in width

along its path of travel.
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Escape Routes:
Storey exits & Horizontal exits:
By-law 167 stipulates every compartment shall be
provided with at least two storey exits. The
distance in between two exits shall not less than
4.5 metres
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Escape Routes:
Storey exits & Horizontal exits:
By-law 174 stipulates arrangement of storey exit shall
give direct access to:

A final exit.
A protected staircase leading to a final exit.
An external route leading to a final exit.

Separate exit for basement floors.

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Escape Routes:
Storey exits & Horizontal exits:
By-law 170 stipulates egress through unenclosed
openings.

By-law 171 stipulates where appropriate, horizontal

exits may be provided in lieu of other exits.

By-law 172 stipulates every exit shall be installed with

emergency exit sign (KELUAR sign).
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Escape Routes:
Exit Staircases:
By-law 168 stipulates every upper floor shall have
at least two separate exit staircase. The distance
in between two exit staircases shall not less than
5 metres
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Escape Routes:
Exit Staircases:
The followings information on staircase must be
shown on drawings submitted to Fire Safety
Department:

Number of treads & risers which shall not exceed 16

in a single flight unless internal stairs for individual
residential unit;
Dimension of treads & risers - treads shall not be less
than 255mm & risers shall not be more than 180mm;
Width of staircases shall be calculated in accordance
with By-law 168;
Depth of landing shall not be less than the width of
the staircase;
Minimum headroom is not less than 2 metre measured
vertically from any point over the full width of the stairs;
Winders are not permitted in fire escape staircases.
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Escape Routes:
Exit Staircases:
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Escape Routes:
Exit Staircases:
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Escape Routes:
Exit Staircases:
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Escape Routes:
Exit Staircases:
If the width of staircase is more than 1200mm,
handrails shall be provided on both sides.

If the width of staircase is exceeding 2225mm,

intermediate handrails shall be provided.
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Escape Routes:
External Staircases:
By-law 190 stipulates any permanent external
staircase is acceptable as an exit staircase. By-
law 191 stipulates no openings shall be permitted
to any external staircase within a distance of 2
metre horizontally & 9 metre vertically, except for
toilets.
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Escape Routes:
Building with Single Staircase:
By-law 194 stipulates a single staircase may be permitted
for any building the top most floor does not exceed 12
metres height, provided:
Each element of structure shall have a FRP not less
than one hour.

Rooms or storeys of the building are used for domestic

or office purposes, except for ground floor can be used
for shop or car park, provided:

The staircase from ground floor to first floor level shall

be separated from remainder ground floor by two
hours FRP wall;
The wall enclosing the staircase at the main entrance
(ground floor) shall not be less than 450mm.
The maximum travel distance shall be 12 metres
measured from the door of the room to exit door, or
from any point to the room door.
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Escape Routes:
Building with Single Staircase:
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Escape Routes:
Building exceeding 30m height:

By-law 195 stipulates in buildings exceeding 30

metres in height, all exit staircases shall be carried
to the roof level.
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Smoke & Protected Lobbies:
Smoke Lobbies:

By-law 196 stipulates:

Access to staircase smoke lobby shall be by
means of fire doors.

The width of smoke lobby shall be more than

exit width.

Smoke lobby shall be provided for exit staircase

extended to basement.

Smoke lobby shall be naturally ventilated

(minimum 1 square metre opening) or
mechanically pressurized.
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Smoke & Protected Lobbies:
Smoke Lobbies:
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Smoke & Protected Lobbies:
Smoke Lobbies:
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Smoke & Protected Lobbies:
Protected Lobbies:

By-law 197 stipulates:

Protected lobbies shall be provided to serve

staircase in buildings exceeding 18 metre above
ground, where the staircase enclosures are not
naturally ventilated.

In buildings exceeding 45 metre above ground,

the protected lobbies shall be pressurized.

Protected lobbies may be omitted if the staircase

enclosure is pressurized.
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Smoke & Protected Lobbies:
Protected Lobbies:
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Ventilation to Staircase Enclosure:
By-law 198 stipulates:

All staircase enclosures shall be ventilated by having a

minimum opening size of 1 square metre.

In buildings not exceeding three storeys above ground,

staircase enclosures may be unventilated provided that
access to them at all levels through ventilated lobbies.

By -law 199 stipulates:

In buildings not exceeding 18 metre, staircase enclosure

may be unventilated provided that access to them at all
levels through ventilated lobbies & staircase enclosures
are permanently ventilated at the top with minimum 5%
of the area of enclosure.
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Ventilation to Staircase Enclosure:
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Ventilation to Staircase Enclosure:
By-law 200 stipulates, for staircases enclosure
exceeding 18 metre & not ventilated, two methods
can be provided:

Permanent ventilation at the top with minimum 5% of

the area of enclosure and plus a mechanical ventilated
shaft to achieved 10 air changes per hour.

Mechanical pressurization of staircase enclosures

By-law 201 stipulates all staircase enclosures below

ground shall be provided with suitable means of preventing
the ingress of smoke.

By-law 202 stipulates all staircases serving building 45.75

metres in height shall be provided with pressurized system.
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Building Materials & Construction:
By-laws 203 – 224 stipulate classification of
building materials & constructional methods to
restrict the spread of fire:

Classification of interior finishes

Classification of wall surface & ceiling
Construction of roofs & roofing materials
Fire resistance of structural members
Fire resistance for walls & floors
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Special Studies:
Places of Assembly:

By-laws 178 – 188 stipulate provisions of passive fire

precautions for place of assembly.

Place of assembly is classified according to its capacity

as follows:

Class A – capacity 1000 persons or more

Class B – capacity 300 to 1000 persons
Class C – capacity 100 to 300 persons

Exit details for places of assembly:

Class A – at least four separate exits

Class B – at least two separate exits & if a capacity
over 600 at least three separate exits
Class C – at least two means of exit.
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Special Studies:
Places of Assembly:

Seating details:

The spacing rows of seats from back to back shall be

not less than 825mm, & not less than 625mm plus the
sum of the thickness of the back & it inclination.

Minimum spacing between back of one seat & the front

of the seat is 300mm.

Maximum rows of seats between gangways are 14

seats.
Maximum rows of seats opening on to gangway at one
end are 7 seats.

Dimension for seats without dividing arms are 450mm.

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Special Studies:
Places of Assembly:
Seating details:
The spacing rows of seats from back to back shall be
not less than 825mm, & not less than 625mm plus the
sum of the thickness of the back & it inclination.
Minimum spacing between back of one seat & the front
of the seat is 300mm.
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Special Studies:
Places of Assembly:
Seating details:

Maximum rows of seats between gangways are 14

seats. Maximum rows of seats opening on to gangway
at one end are 7 seats.

Dimension for seats without dividing arms are 450mm.

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Special Studies:
Places of Assembly:
Continental seating:

450mm clearance width between rows of 18 seats or less.

500mm clearance width between rows of 35 seats or less.
525mm clearance width between rows of 45 seats or less.
550mm clearance width between rows of 46 seats or less.

When the number of seats increased to 49, 1 pair of exit

doors shall be provided for each 5 rows of seats.

Minimum width of exit shall not be less than 1680mm .

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Special Studies:
Places of Assembly:
Continental seating:
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Special Studies:
Places of Assembly:
Gangways:

Minimum width of gangway is 1200mm shall be provided

around the stall & balcony.
If the gangway in the balcony lead to the exit doors not
less than 1200mm, the rear gangway may be omitted.
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Special Studies:
Places of Assembly:
Gangways:

1200mm width gangway in between the rows of seating

shall be provided as required by local authority.

Handrail shall be provided if the step of a pitch

exceeding 30 degrees or ramp gradient exceeding 1:10.
1050mm height guardrail shall be provided where the
inclined exceeding 15 degrees.
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Special Studies:
Escape Provision Computation:

Reference is made to the following By-laws:

By-law 175 – Calculation of Occupancy Loads

By-law 176 – Computing Storey Exit Width
By-law 177 – Computing Number of Staircases &
Staircase Width

Seventh Schedule of UBBL 1984

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Special Studies:
Escape Provision Computation:
Case study 1:

Shopping Market at ground floor.

Floor area = 2000 square metres.
3 nos. of 1500mm exit door & 1 no. of 900mm exit door

Refer to 7th Schedule:

Purpose Group : SHOP

Occupancy load = Area/OLSMP

= 2000/3
= 666.67 persons
Capacity Exit = Occupancy load/Capacity exit
= 667/100
= 6.67 units
Exit width required = Units x 0.55m (550mm)
= 6.67 x 0.55
= 3.6685m
Exit width provided = Total exit – 1 biggest exit
= 5.4m – 1.5m
= 3.9m

Exit width provided > Exit width required

3.9m > 3.6685m
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Special Studies:
Escape Provision Computation:
Case study 2:

Restaurant at ground floor.

Floor area = 300 square metres.
2 nos. of 900mm exit door.

Refer to 7th Schedule:

Purpose Group : SHOP

Occupancy load = Area/OLSMP

= 300/3
= 100 persons
Capacity Exi = Occupancy load/Capacity exit
= 100/100
= 1 units
Exit width required = Units x 0.55m (550mm)
= 6.67 x 0.55
= 0.55m (0.7m min. exit width)
Exit width provided = Total exit – 1 biggest exit
= 1,8m – 0.9m
= 0.9m

Exit width provided > Exit width required

0.9m > 0.7m
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Special Studies:
Escape Provision Computation:
Case study 3:

Office space at sixth floor.

Floor area = 1800 square metres.
3 nos. of exit staircase; Staircase width 1300mm each.

Refer to 7th Schedule:

Purpose Group : OFFICE

Occupancy load = Area/OLSMP

= 1800/10
= 180 persons
Capacity Exit = Occupancy load/Capacity exit
= 180/60
= 3 units
Exit width required = Units x 0.55m (550mm)
= 3 x 0.55
= 1.65m
Exit width provided = Total exit – 1 biggest exit
= 3.9m – 1.3m
= 2.6m

Exit width provided > Exit width required

2.6m > 1.65m
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Special Studies:
Escape Provision Computation:
Case study 4:

Car parking at basement floor.

No. of car parks = 200
4 nos. of exit staircase; Staircase width 1300mm each.

Refer to 7th Schedule:

Purpose Group : not stated

Occupancy load = no. of CP x 2

= 200 x 2
= 400 persons
Capacity Exit = Occupancy load/Capacity exit
= 400/60
= 6.6667 units
Exit width required = Units x 0.55m (550mm)
= 6.6667 x 0.55
= 3.6667m
Exit width provided = Total exit – 1 biggest exit
= 5.2m – 1.3m
= 3.9m

Exit width provided > Exit width required

3.9m > 3.6667m
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
2.0 PASSIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Special Studies:
Escape Provision Computation:
Case study 5:

Auditorium at ground floor.

No. of seats = 600
2 nos. of 3400mm exit door.

NOT APPROVED. BASE ON BY-LAW 179, IT

SHALL BE THREE SEPARATE EXITS FOR THE
CAPACITY OF 600 PERSONS (CLASS B)
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
2.0 PASSIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Special Studies:
Escape Provision Computation:
Case study 5:

Auditorium at ground floor.

No. of seats = 600
3 nos. of 1800mm exit door.

Refer to 7th Schedule:

Purpose Group : Place of Assembly

Occupancy load = 600 persons

Capacity Exit = Occupancy load/Capacity exit
= 600/100
= 6units
Exit width required = Units x 0.55m (550mm)
= 6 x 0.55
= 3.3m
Exit width provided = Total exit – 1 biggest exit
= 5.4m – 1.8m
= 3.6m

Exit width provided > Exit width required

3.6m > 3.3m
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Descriptions:

Active fire protection is basically the manual or

automatic fire protection systems such as; fire
alarms, detectors, rising mains, hose reels,
sprinklers etc, to give a warning of an outbreak of
fire & the containment & extinguishment of fire.

The provisions of adequate & suitable facilities to

assist rescue & fire suppression operations are
also within the active fire defence strategies.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Fire Detection & Alarm Systems:
Concept & Types of Protection:
Fire detection & alarm systems are designed to
provide warning of the outbreak of fire & allow
appropriate fire fighting action to be taken. The
fire detection & alarm systems must be specially
designed to meet the requirements of each
building.

Type of protections is:

Manual – a system which provides manual

alarm only.

Automatic – a system that automatically

detects a fire & initiates an effective alarm,
and activation of active fire suppression
systems.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Fire Detection & Alarm Systems:
Detection & Alarm Systems in UBBL1984:
By-law 153 – Smoke detector shall be installed at lift
lobbies.

By-law 225(1) – Every building shall be provided with

detecting & fire alarm systems together with illuminated
exit signs.

By-law 237(1) – Fire alarms shall be provided in

accordance with the Tenth Schedule.

By-law 237(2) – All buildings exceeding 9290 square

metres or 30.5m height shall be provided with two-stage
alarm system. Continuous signal to be given in the
affected section & intermittent signal be given in adjoining
section.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Fire Detection & Alarm Systems:
Detection & Alarm Systems in UBBL1984:
By-law 238 – Large buildings or exceeding 30.5m height
shall be provided with Command & Control Centre.

By-law 239 – Two separate voice communication systems

shall be provided in lifts, lift lobbies, corridors, staircases,
office area (if exceeding 92.9 square metres) & hotel guest
room.

By-law 241 – Special requirements alarm systems for deaf

persons by using visible indicator alarm signals.

By-law 244(g) – Standard requirements for Fire Alarm

Systems.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Fire Detection & Alarm Systems:
Detection & Alarm Systems in UBBL1984:

Tenth Schedule of UBBL 1984 lists the followings:

1. Automatic Fire Detectors System

2. Manual Electrical Fire Alarm System
3. Signal Indicator Alarm System
4. Manual Alarm System
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Fire Detection & Alarm Systems:
Automatic Fire Detection Systems:

Heat Detectors:
Fixed Temperature Heat Detector
Rate-of-Rise Temperature Heat
Detector
Linear/Line Detector

Smoke Detectors:
Ionization Smoke Detector
Optical Smoke Detector
Aspirating Smoke Detector
Beam Detector

Flame Detectors:
Ultra Violet Flame Detector
Infra-red Flame Detector
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Fire Detection & Alarm Systems:
Manual Electrical Fire Alarm Systems:
Manual Electric Fire Alarm Systems shall be operated from
break-glass call points & once operated; the alarm will
continue to sound automatically.

The system shall be located on exit routes, normally

installed together with hose reel. No person in the
premises needs to travel more than 30 metres.

The system shall be mounted at a height of 1.4m from the

floor, easily accessible & well illuminated.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Fire Detection & Alarm Systems:
Signal Indicator Alarm Systems:
The detection device must be arranged to trigger
an alarm, either by signalling to the police, fire
station or a commercial security organisation’s
central station.

A range of services can be provided which include

alarm & line-fault signal system.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Fire Detection & Alarm Systems:
Voice Communication Systems:
A voice alarm system is intended to be used in
conjunction with fire detection & alarm system
to control the safe evacuation of building occupants.

The system can be used for other functions &

incidents.
incidents
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Fire Detection & Alarm Systems:
Emergency Lightings:

Types of Emergency Illumination as listed in Tenth

Schedule:

Signal point units

Central Battery
Generators
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Suppression Systems:
Descriptions:
Types of extinguishing system to be used are
based on classification of fire.
fire

The system shall be installed either internal or

external part of the buildings.

The system operates in three ways:

Portable
Fixed & manually operated
Fixed & automatically operated

By-law 225(1) stipulates all building shall be

provided with means of extinguishing fire
system.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Suppression Systems:
Suppression Systems in the 10th Schedule:
1. Automatic Sprinklers
2. Water Spray System
3. High Expansion Foam System
4. Carbon Dioxide System
5. Approved Halogenated Extinguishing System
6. Other Automatic Extinguishing System
7. Hose Reel
8. Hydrant System
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Suppression Systems:
Classification of Fire & Suppression System Used:
Class Description: Method: Suppression
Agent:

A Fires involving organic nature with Water to extinguish the fire Water
the formation of glowing ambers. & as a cooling element. Dry powder
E.g. wood, paper etc. Foam

B Fires involving liquids or liquefiable Blanketing – to remove Dry powder

solids. oxygen from liquid Foam
E.g. petrol, kerosene, etc. materials. CO2

C Fires involving gases. Blanketing – to avoid Dry powder

E.g. oxygen, LNG, LPG etc. oxygen from gases. CO2

D Fires involving metals. Water is not suitable Dry powder

E.g. sodium, aluminium etc. because steel will collapse. Dry sand

E Fires involving electrical equipment Water is not suitable due Dry powder
to short circuit. CO2
Halon

F Fires involving fats & cooking oils CO2 is not suitable. Dry powder
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Suppression Systems:
External Fire Hydrants:
By-law 225(2) stipulates every building shall be
served at least one fire hydrant located not more
than 91.5m.

By-law 225(3) stipulates additional fire hydrant

shall be provided depending on the size &
location of the building.

The fire hydrant shall be located at fire

appliances access. Types of fire hydrant:
2 outlets – pressure at 250 to 300 GPM (gallon
per minute)
3 outlets – pressure at 300 to 600 GPM
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Suppression Systems:
External Fire Hydrants:
Water supply for fire hydrant:

Direct supply from main distribution pipe.

Supplied through water tank (Pressurised Hydrant
System)
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Suppression Systems:
Portable Fire Extinguishers:
By-law 227 stipulates portable fire extinguishers
shall be provided in the building:

In accordance with Code of practice;

Shall be located in prominent positions on

exit routes;

Visible from all direction;

By-law 244 (c) stipulates standard

requirement for portable extinguishers.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Suppression Systems:
Portable Fire Extinguishers:
Types of portable fire extinguisher:

Water (Colour code: Red) – suitable for Class A –

sprayed at 6 to 8m in 60 to 120 second.

Foam (Colour code: Cream) – suitable for Class A & B

– sprayed at 6m in 30 to 90 second.

CO2 (Colour code: Black) – suitable for Class B, C & E

– 2.2kg gas.

Halon (Colour code: Green) – suitable for Class E.

Dry Powder (Colour Code: Blue) – suitable for all types

of fire – 9 to 12kg & sprayed at 5 to 6m in less than 2
minutes.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Suppression Systems:
Hose Reel System:
Hose reel system is intended for occupant to use during
the early stages of fire. The system comprises hose reel
pump, water storage tank, hose reels, pipe works &
valves.

When the tank is located on the roof, the hose reels may
be fed directly from hose reel tank by gravity.

The requirement for hose reel systems is listed under the

Tenth Schedule of UBBL 1984.

By-law 244 (b) stipulates standard requirement for Hose

reels.

The hose reel shall be located:

At every 45 metres (depends on building form);
At every floor level;
Nearer to fire fighting access lobbies.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Suppression Systems:
Hose Reel System:
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Suppression Systems:
Downcomer System:
Downcomers are a form of internal hydrant for the firemen
to use & always charged with water from a water tank
located at the roof level.

Downcomers are only permitted for private residential

buildings with open balcony approach where the topmost
floor is less than 60 metres (Low cost flat only).
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Suppression Systems:
Dry Riser System:

By-law 230 stipulates Dry Riser System shall be

provided in building in which the topmost floor in between
18.3m to 30.5m.

By-law 232 stipulates at least one Dry Riser System shall

be installed when the building under construction has
reached 18.3m.

By-law 244 (d) stipulates standard requirement for dry

rising main.

Dry risers are a form of internal hydrant for the firemen

to use during the outbreak of fire. Dry risers are normally
dry & depend on the fire engines to pump water into the
system.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Suppression Systems:
Dry Riser System:
Dry riser comprises of:
Riser pipe with landing valve at every floor;
Breeching inlet at the ground floor.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Suppression Systems:
Wet Riser System:

By-law 231 stipulates Wet Riser System shall be

provided in building in which the topmost floor is
more than 30.5m.

By-law 232 stipulates at least one Wet Riser

System shall be installed when the building under
construction has reached more than 30.5m.

By-law 244 (d) stipulates standard requirement for

wet rising main.

Wet risers are a form of internal hydrant for the

firemen to use & are always charged with water.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Suppression Systems:
Wet Riser System:
Wet riser comprises of:
Riser pipe at 150mm dia. with landing valve at every floor;
Pumping system (jockey, duty & standby pumps);
Wet riser water tank
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Suppression Systems:
Automatic Sprinkler System:
By-law 226 stipulates automatic system (including
sprinklers) shall be provided for hazardous occupancy.

By-law 228 stipulates sprinkler valves shall be located in

safe & enclosed position on the exterior wall. All sprinkler
systems shall be connected to the nearest fire station to
provide immediate & automatic alarm system when
activated.

By-law 244 (f) stipulates standard requirement for

automatic sprinklers.

The detail requirement for automatic sprinkler systems is

listed under the Tenth Schedule of UBBL 1984.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Suppression Systems:
Automatic Sprinkler System:

An automatic sprinkler system is intended to detect,

control & extinguish a fire, and to warn the
occupants of the occurrence of fire. The system
operates automatically without human intervention.

The sprinkler head has a liquid filled glass bulb that

breaks due to the heat of the fire & releases water
that sprays over the fire.

The most common type of automatic sprinkler system is

the wet pipe installation.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Suppression Systems:
Automatic Sprinkler System:
An automatic sprinkler
system comprises of:

Pipe works & valve;

Pumping system (jockey,

duty & standby pumps);

Sprinkler water tank;

Control valve set;

Sprinkler heads;

Flow & Pressure

switches.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Suppression Systems:
Automatic Sprinkler System:
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Suppression Systems:
Automatic Sprinkler System:
Sprayed area depending on category of hazard:
Light hazard – 130 to 225 square feet
Ordinary hazard – 100 to 130 square feet
High hazard – 90 square feet

Sprayed pattern:
Conventional – down sprayed & partly at ceiling
Hemispherical spray – down sprayed only
Side wall spray
Double spay – for ceiling depth more than 1200mm
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Suppression Systems:
Special Extinguishment Systems:

By-law 236 stipulates special extinguishment systems

shall be provided for special hazard areas.

Automatic CO2 Extinguishing System:

CO2 system consists of CO2 cylinders, steel piping,
discharge nozzles, heat and/or smoke detectors & control
panel. The system activates both visual & audio alarm
system before releasing the gas.
gas The CO2 is
discharged after a time delay upon detection of fire to
warn any occupant to evacuate the room.

The system is usually provided for:

Transformer rooms
Switch rooms
Standby generator rooms
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Suppression Systems:
Special Extinguishment Systems:

Automatic CO2 Extinguishing System:

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Suppression Systems:
Special Extinguishment Systems:

Foam Inlet:

By-law 233 stipulates boiler rooms & storage

areas below ground level shall be equipped
with foam inlets.

By-law 234 stipulates underground structures

& windowless buildings shall be provided with
foam inlets.

By-law 244(e) stipulates standard requirement

for foam inlets.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Suppression Systems:
Special Extinguishment Systems:

Halogenated System:

Halogenated system consists of halon gas

cylinders, steel piping, discharge nozzles, heat
and/or smoke detectors & control panel.

The detail requirement for automatic

Halogenated systems is listed under the Tenth
Schedule of UBBL 1984.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Other By-laws:
Fire fighting Access Lobbies:
By-law 242 stipulates fire fighting access lobbies
shall be provided with the following requirements:

Minimum area of the lobby is 5.57 square metres;

Minimum permanent ventilation is 25% from the area
of the lobby;

If ventilation through openable windows, additional

permanent ventilations of 464 square centimetres
shall be provided;

However, mechanical pressurisation may be

provided as an alternative.

By-law 229 stipulates fire fighting access lobbies

shall be provided at every floor & located not more
than 45.75m from the furthermost point of the floor.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Other By-laws:
Firemen Lifts:
By-law 243 stipulates fire lift/s shall be provided for a
building is more than 18.5m (topmost occupied
floor). A penthouse occupying less than 50% of the
floor area immediately below shall be exempted from
this regulation.

A fire lift shall be located within a separate protected

shaft if it opens into a protected lobby. The location
shall not more than 61m travel distance from the
furthermost point of the floor.

Fire lifts shall be provided as the rate of one lift in

every group of lifts which discharged into same
protected lobby. Fire lifts shall serve all floors
including basement & topmost occupied floor.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Other By-laws:
Smoke Vents:

By-laws 249 to 252 stipulate he requirements of

smoke control ventilation systems.

The smoke vent system shall be provided for

windowless buildings, underground structures
& large area factories.

Natural draught smoke venting shall utilise roof

vents or vents in walls at ceiling level. The
vents either in open position or open
automatically.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Other By-laws:
Emergency Power System:
Emergency power system shall be provided as
accordance to By-law 253 of the UBBL1984. The system
is to supply electrical power automatically in the
event of power failure to equipment essential for safety
of life.

The supply systems shall comprise one or more of the

following types:

Storage battery – for a period of 1 ½ hours.

Generator set – for automatically starting the prime
mover on failure of normal service. Normally it is located
on ground or basement floor
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Other By-laws:
Emergency Power System:
The emergency power systems shall provide power for
the following emergency loads that are associated with
fire protection systems:

Pressurisation systems;
Smoke control systems;
Fire alarm & monitoring systems;
Pumping systems for fire fighting;
Emergency public address systems;
Fire lifts;
Emergency lighting;
Other emergency fire protection systems.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Special Studies:
Building less than 18.3m height:

Refer to the Tenth Schedule of UBBL 1984 to

determine Purpose Group of the building.

By-law 225 – Detecting & extinguishing fire

By-law 226 – Automatic systems are required for
high hazard space
By-law 227 – Portable extinguishers
By-law 237 – Fire alarms
By-law 239 – Voice communication system
By-law 240 – Electrical isolation switch
By-law 241 – Special requirements for fire alarm
By-law 253 – Emergency power system
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Special Studies:
Building in between 18.3m – 30.5m height:
Refer to the Tenth Schedule of UBBL 1984 to determine
Purpose Group of the building.

By-law 225 – Detecting & extinguishing fire

By-law 226 – Automatic systems are required for high
hazard space
By-law 227 – Portable extinguishers
By-law 229 – Means of access & fire fighting
By-law 230 – Dry rising system
By-law 232 – Dry rising for building under construction
By-law 237 – Fire alarms
By-law 239 – Voice communication system
By-law 240 – Electrical isolation switch
By-law 241 – Special requirements for fire alarm
By-law 242 – Fire fighting access lobbies
By-law 243 – Fire lifts
By-law 253 – Emergency power system
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
3.0 ACTIVE FIRE REQUIREMENTS
Special Studies:
Building more than 30.5m height:
Refer to the Tenth Schedule of UBBL 1984 to determine
Purpose Group of the building.

By-law 225 – Detecting & extinguishing fire

By-law 226 – Automatic systems are required for high
hazard space
By-law 227 – Portable extinguishers
By-law 229 – Means of access & fire fighting
By-law 231 – Wet rising system
By-law 232 – Wet rising for building under construction
By-law 237 – Fire alarms
By-law 238 – Command & control centre
By-law 239 – Voice communication system
By-law 240 – Electrical isolation switch
By-law 241 – Special requirements for fire alarm
By-law 242 – Fire fighting access lobbies
By-law 243 – Fire lifts
By-law 253 – Emergency power system
 THANK YOU
JSB354 ARCHITECTURAL SCIENCE IV
BSc. Of Architecture