The Code of Practice for Fire Precautions in Buildings, hereinafter called “the/ this Code” or “Fire Code”, serves to establish the minimum requirements for fire safety provisions in all buildings. It takes into account the function, design, management, operation, and maintenance of buildings to secure the life safety of occupants and property safety in the event of a fire.
This document is adapted from an official source and formatted for consistency. While Builtsearch aims to keep it accurate and up to date, please refer to the original source for the most reliable and current information.
Document Version: 2023
Fire Code
1
General
1.1
SCOPE
1.1.1
Rapid Transit System (RTS)
RTS comprises underground, surface, and elevated facilities, including transit stations, trainways, train maintenance depots, on-line electrical substations, OCCs, relay buildings, ventilation buildings and RTS facility buildings.
Transit stations and trainways shall comply with the Code of Practice for Fire Precautions in Rapid Transit Systems (CPFPRTS).
Train maintenance depots, on-line electric substations, OCCs, relay buildings, ventilation buildings, and RTS facility buildings shall comply with the Fire Code, except as modified in the CPFPRTS.
New fire safety requirements implemented in the Fire Code on or after 1 Mar 2024 shall be complied with for the design of transit station and trainways, unless modified or stated otherwise in the CPFPRTS. The above new requirements shall exclude any amendments, revisions, or reinstatement of clauses from preceding versions of this Code.
1.1.2
Fire safety requirements for laboratories handling hazardous chemicals
Rationale
Laboratories storing and using chemicals/ HazMat shall comply with SS 641. For the purpose of designing the ventilation system to limit the amount of flammable vapour/ gases inside the laboratory, fresh air shall be drawn directly from an external space or air well.
1.1.3
Fire safety requirements for road tunnels
Fire safety requirements for road tunnels shall be in compliance with NFPA 502.
1.1.4
Fire Safety Report (Appendix 1)
Fire Safety Report for building projects/ fire safety provisions specified by SCDF shall be submitted when making building plan submission.
Note to QP
Fire safety report is to document the provision of fire protection and life safety features in the building and/or plants/installations. This report serves as a useful reference to FSMs, building owners, RIs, the SCDF and QPs appointed to carry out any subsequent additions and alteration works. Where the nature of the additions and alteration works would require the updating of the fire safety report, the QP shall be responsible to submit revised and updated report to the building owner/s and the SCDF.
The fire safety instruction manual is a document prepared by the QP to remind the building owner on the management of fire safety provisions within the building. This includes maintenance regimes for such provisions, evacuation procedures, and other relevant documents to be kept and maintained by the building owner. Any subsequent additions and alteration works shall be updated in the fire safety instruction manual.
The fire safety manual, including any subsequent updates, shall be submitted by the QP to the SCDF for record when making building plan submission. A copy of which shall be handled officially to the building owner for information and safe keeping before occupation of the building.
Details of the fire safety report and fire safety instruction manual can be found at SCDF's website: http://www.scdf.gov.sg.
1.1.5
Fire Safety Instruction Manual (Appendix 2)
Fire Safety Instruction Manual for building projects/ fire safety provisions specified by SCDF shall be submitted when making application for Temporary Fire Permit or Fire Safety Certificate.
The building owner shall maintain and keep the Fire Safety Instruction Manual at all times and present to the QP upon request. Where any Addition & Alteration works are carried out to the buildings, the building owner shall ensure that changes in the management of fire safety provisions are updated in the Fire Safety Instruction Manual by the QP. The updated Fire Safety Instruction Manual shall be submitted to SCDF for record.
Note to QP
Fire safety report is to document the provision of fire protection and life safety features in the building and/or plants/installations. This report serves as a useful reference to FSMs, building owners, RIs, the SCDF and QPs appointed to carry out any subsequent additions and alteration works. Where the nature of the additions and alteration works would require the updating of the fire safety report, the QP shall be responsible to submit revised and updated report to the building owner/s and the SCDF.
The fire safety instruction manual is a document prepared by the QP to remind the building owner on the management of fire safety provisions within the building. This includes maintenance regimes for such provisions, evacuation procedures, and other relevant documents to be kept and maintained by the building owner. Any subsequent additions and alteration works shall be updated in the fire safety instruction manual.
The fire safety manual, including any subsequent updates, shall be submitted by the QP to the SCDF for record when making building plan submission. A copy of which shall be handled officially to the building owner for information and safe keeping before occupation of the building.
Details of the fire safety report and fire safety instruction manual can be found at SCDF's website: http://www.scdf.gov.sg.
1.1.6
Fire safety requirements for open plant processing structure
The design of open plant processing facilities in the oil, chemical and process industries shall comply with SS 634.
1.1.7
Fire safety requirements for pipeline service corridors
The design, construction and operation of pipeline service corridors shall comply with SS 512.
1.1.8
Fire safety requirement for storage of flammable liquids
The safe storage of flammable liquids shall comply with SS 532.
1.1.9
Fire safety requirement for storage of flammable particulate solids under Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) Class 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3
Facilities storing flammable particulate solids classified under Class 4.1 (Flammable solid), 4.2 (Substance liable to spontaneous combustion) and 4.3 (Substance dangerous when contact with water) of the GHS shall comply with SS 667.
1.2
Codes and Standards
1.2.1
Reference
This Code makes reference to numerous local and international codes of practice and standards. Only the latest version of the codes of practice and standards shall be used for the purpose of this Code. A list of such codes of practice and standards is as shown in Table 1.2A.
1.2.2
Conflicting requirements
All codes of practice and standards which this Code referred to shall be read in conjunction with the relevant clauses in this Code. Where conflict exists between this Code and the referred codes of practice and/ or standards, the requirements stipulated in this Code shall take precedence.
1.2.3
Maintenance of fire protection systems
All fire protection systems when installed/ provided in a building, shall be maintained in accordance with applicable codes or standards specified in Table 1.2A. The QP shall document the maintenance details in the Fire Safety Instruction Manual and handover to the building owner for compliance at the completion of the building project.
For the purpose of this Code, “fire protection system” has the same meaning as in the Fire Safety Act 1993.
1.3
Abbreviations
The abbreviations used in this Code are listed in Table 1.3A.
1.4
Definitions
In this Code, unless the context otherwise requires, the following definitions will apply.
1.4.1
Accessible Floor Area (AFA)
“Accessible floor area” refers to the total floor area of all covered spaces within a building, including service ducts, lift shafts, toilets, staircases, areas occupied by fixed/ moveable furniture/ equipment/ facilities, and any open-to-sky habitable areas above or below the first storey of the building.
1.4.2
Air well
“Air well” refers to a space(s) enclosed substantially by building(s) and directly open to the sky. An air well can be considered as an external space if it meets the minimum clear width and length below:
TABLE 1.4.2 - AIR WELL SIZE | |
|---|---|
Max. Habitable Height of Building | Min. Clear Width and Length of Air Well |
18m | 10m |
24m | 11m |
36m | 12m |
48m | 13m |
60m and above | 14m |
Explanations & Illustrations
The minimum air well size specification in Table 1.4.2 is intended for exit staircase ventilation via an external space that is within an air well situation. To qualify as external space, the air well size shall comply with Table 1.4.2 and air well shall be devoid of any overhead obstruction such as trellis over the air well as it may have an adverse effect on smoke ventilation.
Readers should not confuse the ventilation requirements for smoke-stop lobby with that for exit staircase where the air well size differs. To qualify as external space under Cl.2.2.13a.(3), the air well size shall have minimum width 6m and a superficial plan area of not less than 93m2. However, in the case of exit staircase ventilation via an air well, the minimum clear width of the air well is 10m.
Rationale
The table stipulates the minimum size of an air well for effective smoke ventilation equivalent to an external space. These dimensions have been validated through fire engineering study.
1.4.3
Ambulatory care facility
"Ambulatory care facility” is a building, or part thereof, used for providing services on an out-patient basis for treatment for patients which would render them incapable of taking action for self-preservation or safety under emergency conditions without assistance from others, such as haemodialysis units or surgical treatment requiring general anaesthesia. Such facilities shall include the followings:
Renal dialysis day centres;
Aesthetic clinics;
Non-mental rehabilitation day centres; and
Endoscopy clinics.
1.4.4
Ancillary office
“Ancillary office” refers to any office which supports the activities of a building within Purpose Groups III, V, VI, VII and VIII and which is located within the same building or compartment as the purpose group it serves.
1.4.5
Ancillary usage
“Ancillary usage” refers to a room/ space that serves a supporting function, and which belongs to the same purpose group as the primary building. Such rooms include sick/ first aid rooms, reception lobbies/ areas, waiting areas, staff lounges/ staff recreation rooms, staff changing/ locker rooms, staff training rooms, meeting rooms, workshops, laboratories (no open-flame), store rooms, material/ product holding areas, packing distribution areas within factories/ warehouse buildings, etc.
Explanations & Illustrations
The office is “supporting” the activities at the factory production area. If the office is rented to other tenant & having activities that is not supporting the activities at the production area, it is not considered as ancillary office.
The office is “supporting” the activities at the factory production area. If the office is rented to other tenant & having activities that is not supporting the activities at the production area, it is not considered as ancillary office.
1.4.6
Anteroom
“Anteroom” refers to the room leading into the BSL-3 or BSL-4 containment laboratory, used for showering and changing. It is also serves as a containment facility for controlling air flow and providing additional physical containment between the laboratory and adjoining spaces.
1.4.7
Approved
“Approved” refers to being approved by the SCDF.
1.4.8
Area of compartment/ room/ space
“Area of compartment/ room/ space” refers to the total area of any compartment/ room/ space bounded by the inner finished surfaces of the walls that form the compartment/ room/ space. Where there is no enclosing wall on any one side, the area of the compartment/ room/ space shall be measured by the outermost edge of the floor on that side.
Explanations & Illustrations
Measurement of area of room
Figure. 1.4.8 - 2
Measurement of area for building without external wall
1.4.9
Area of refuge
“Area of refuge” refers to an area within a building, or in an adjoining building, where evacuees can temporarily take refuge, in lieu of the requirement for adequate exit staircase provision. It shall be adequately separated from the rest of the building or adjoining building by fire-resisting construction, and connected via an external corridor or open-sided linkway. The area of refuge shall be always accessible.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.9 - 1
For building A to qualify for reduction in the provision of exits, adjoining building B must act as an area of refuge.
Note : The area of refuge is a temporary holding area. Hence the staircases provided need not be designed to accommodate all the people that will occupy the area of refuge in case of emergency.
An area in an adjoining part of the same building may act as an area of refuge.
It is acceptable for compartment B to act as an area of refuge for compartment A or vice versa as the access is through an open sided corridor.
Compartment B is acting as an area of refuge to compartment A which is not meeting the intent of the Fire Code, hence not acceptable.
Note : It is critical that the area of refuge shall be accessible to evacuees in times of emergency. Where there is doubt that evacuees would not be able to gain access to the area of refuge owing to locking of doors and different tenancies, the concept of area of refuge would not work.
1.4.10
Area of roof
“Area of roof” refers to the visible roof area on a plane parallel to the pitch of the roof.
Explanations & Illustrations
Right Figure : Axonometric view
Area of roof = 2(L x W)
Figure 1.4.10
Roof area computation
1.4.11
Area of storey
“Area of storey” refers to the total area of that storey bounded by the inner finished surfaces of the enclosing walls. Where there is no enclosing wall on any one side, the area of storey shall be measured by the outermost edge of the floor on that side.
Explanations & Illustrations
Storey area computation
1.4.12
Assembly occupancy
“Assembly occupancy” refers to buildings or portions of buildings used for gathering of more than 50 persons for such purpose as deliberation, worship, entertainment, eating, drinking, amusement or awaiting transportation.
Explanations & Illustrations
Not all buildings or portions of buildings used for assembly occupancy of more than 50 persons are considered as public building. Cl.1.4.84 defines “public building” as those buildings or part thereof used or constructed or adapted to be used as a shop, office, hospital or place of public resort, not being a church, chapel, mosque, temple or other place where public worship is or religious ceremonies are performed.
Assembly occupancy could be found in other purpose groups other than places of public resort, for example auditorium in office building, lecture theatre in school/institution, etc..
1.4.13
Atrium
“Atrium” refers to a large open space within a building created by an opening, or a series of openings, in floor assemblies, thus connecting two or more storeys. An atrium is covered at the top and is used for purposes other than those associated with small shafts, e.g., stairs, elevators and various services. The sides of the atrium can be open to all floors, to some floors or closed to all floors by non-rated or rated fire-resistant construction.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.13 - 1
Although atrium is defined as openings connecting 2 or more storeys, the requirements stipulated in Cl.3.2.6. is only applicable when the atrium is more than 3 storeys.
Figure 1.4.13 - 2
The entire floor area of the interconnected space is open and unobstructed such that a fire in any part of the space will be readily obvious to the occupants of the space prior to the time it becomes a hazard to them.
1.4.14
Authority having jurisdiction
“Authority having jurisdiction” refers to non-SCDF local entities, which may include an organisation, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirement of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure.
1.4.15
Basement storey
“Basement storey” refers to a storey of a building for which at least half the storey height is below the ground level, and which also adjoins its perimeter walls for at least half the length of such walls.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.15 - 1
Figure 1.4.15 - 2
Building built on slope and partially covered by surrounding ground
Figure 1.4.15 - 3
Building with no ground level
Figure 1.4.15 - 4
As Y1+Y2+Y3+Y4 > X1+X3, this level is considered as a basement
1.4.16
Biological Agent
“Biological Agent” refers to the biological agents stipulated in the First Schedule, Second Schedule and Third Schedule of the Biological Agents and Toxins Act.
1.4.17
Boundary
“Boundary” refers to the border demarcating the area surrounding a building, and where applicable (in determining the relevant boundary), it includes the imaginary extension of the border up to the centre of an abutting street, canal or river.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.17 - 1
Buildings that are directly fronting or abutting a public street, canal or river can have the facade unprotected opening measuring up to the centre of the public street, canal or river.
With regard to compliance of unprotected openings of the building that abuts a public street, it can be measured to the centre of public street instead of lot boundary.
1.4.18
Capsule hotel
“Capsule hotel” refers to a type of hotel where the bed spaces are enclosed individually. Each bed space is considered as a capsule and not as a loose furniture or fitting. The capsule has the following characteristics:
access opening to the bed space can be fitted with doors, curtains or other materials or left open; and
the bed space is provided with its individual electricity supply for amenities such as lighting, power points, TV, and other amenities.
1.4.19
Cavity barrier
“Cavity barrier” refers to a fire-rated construction that seals or sub-divides a concealed space. The cavity barrier helps limit the spread of smoke and fire into or within that concealed space.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.19 - 1
Concealed ceiling space without cavity barrier
Figure 1.4.19 - 2
Concealed ceiling space with cavity barrier
Figure 1.4.19 - 3
Concealed floor space without cavity barrier
Figure 1.4.19 - 4
Concealed floor space with cavity barrier
1.4.20
Ceiling
“Ceiling” refers to a part of a building that encloses and is exposed overhead in a room, circulation space or protected shaft. A soffit or rooflight is regarded as part of its surface, but not the frame of a rooflight.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.19 - 1
Figure 1.4.19 - 2
Soffit and roof light (skylight) is included as part of the ceiling surface, but not the frame of the roof.
1.4.21
Circulation space
“Circulation space” refers to the means of access between a room or protected shaft and an exit from the building or compartment. It does not include areas used for any commercial activity, such as information and reception counters, or areas used for exhibitions.
Explanations & Illustrations
In general, circulation space refers to common corridors, lobbies, etc.. It is a common area for access of occupants from a room to an exit. Such common areas are normally separated from other area with partition/walls.
(Note that car park cannot be deemed as circulation space)
1.4.22
Code of Practice (CoP)
“Code of Practice” refers to the standard of practice acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. The SCDF may adopt requirements stipulated in the stated year of publication of any referenced Code of Practice, or at its discretion adopt those specified in a later version.
Explanations & Illustrations
It includes all subsequent amendments that may be issued by the SCDF. Examples of Codes of Practice or Standards that are acceptable to the SCDF are :
Singapore Standards Codes of Practice
British Standards Codes of Practice
Australian Standards
National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) 130
For buildings which have been approved based on earlier Code of Practice for Fire Precautions in Buildings, the SCDF may consider applying the latest version to all new Additions and Alterations or Extension of works.
1.4.23
Coldroom
“Coldroom” refers to a room, normally constructed of combustible insulation materials, used for the storage, processing or temporary holding of materials under cold conditions. If the floor area of cold storage space does not exceed 10m2 and its design does not permit persons to walk in, it shall be treated as an appliance and not a coldroom.
1.4.24
Compartment
“Compartment” refers to a part of a building separated from all other parts of the same building by compartment walls and/ or compartment floors. The roof space above the top storey of a compartment is regarded as part of that compartment.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.24 - 2
Figure 1.4.24 - 3
1.4.25
Compartment wall & Compartment floor
“Compartment wall” and “Compartment floor” refer to walls or floors of fire-rated construction provided for the purpose of dividing a building into compartments.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.25
1.4.26
Composite panel
“Composite panel” refers to non-homogenous panel consisting of more than one layer of different materials used for partition, finishes to ceiling/ internal wall/ external walls/ roof covering, etc.
1.4.27
Concealed space/ Cavity
“Concealed space/ Cavity” refers to a space enclosed by elements of a building (including a suspended ceiling or raised floor) or contained within an element. It is not a room, cupboard, circulation space, protected shaft or space within a flue, chute, duct, pipe or conduit.
Explanations & Illustrations
See explanation & illustration for Clause 1.4.18
1.4.28
Corridor
“Corridor” refers to a passage providing means of access from rooms or spaces to an exit.
Explanations & Illustrations
Internal corridor
Internal corridor + External corridor
External corridor
1.4.29
Cross ventilated corridor/ lobby
“Cross-ventilated corridor/ lobby” refers to a corridor/ lobby with fixed and unobstructed ventilation openings located on opposite facing walls, which face the external space, to allow for air circulation caused by outside breezes or wind.
1.4.30
Cubical extent
“Cubical extent” refers to the volume of a space within a building or compartment. This excludes protected lift walls, exit staircases and other accommodation (such as restrooms and locker rooms) which are enclosed with walls having at least 1-hr fire resistance, and openings protected by doors of ½-hr fire resistance fitted with an automatic self-closing device. It shall be measured according to the following dimensions:
the inner finished surfaces of the enclosing walls or, on any side where there is no enclosing wall, a plane extending vertically above the outermost edge of the floor on that side,
the upper surface of its lowest floor; and
where a building or compartment extends to a roof, the under-surface of the roof or the under-surface of the ceiling of the highest storey within the compartment, including the space occupied by any other wall, or any unprotected shafts, ducts or structure within the space to be so measured.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 1.4.30a. : Cubicle extent of building/compartment
Cubical extent = L x b x h
Clause 1.4.30b. : Cubicle extent of building/compartment
Figure 1.4.29b.
Cubical extent of 3rd storey = A + B + C
where : A = (L1 x b1 x h1)
B = (L2 x b2 x h2)
C = (L3 x b3 x h3)
Clause 1.4.30c. : Cubicle extent of building/compartment
Figure 1.4.29c.
Cubical extent = [(H1 + H2) / 2] x L x B
(less volume of protected shaft, protected staircase & separately compartmented lavatory/locker room)
1.4.31
Custodian care facility
“Custodian-care facility” is a building or part thereof, without stay in accommodation, used by persons who, because of age, or physical or mental disabilities, are unable to care for their self-preservation and safety. Such facilities include the followings:
Nurseries for children under 6 years of age (e.g., kindergarten, childcare day centres, infant care day centres, etc.;
Senior care day centres;
Mentally disabled day care centres;
Intellectually disabled day care centres;
Mental rehabilitation day care centres; and
Psychiatric day care centres.
1.4.32
Dead-end
“Dead-end” refers to a situation within a common area, such as a corridor or lift lobby space, where exit is only possible from one end, with no possible escape from the other end.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.31 : Dead-end
1.4.33
Direct distance
“Direct distance” refers to the shortest distance from the most remote point in a room or space, measured within the external enclosures of the room or space to the relevant exits, ignoring internal walls, partitions and fittings other than the enclosure walls of exit passageways and exit staircases.
Explanations & Illustrations
“Direct Distance” means the shortest distance from any point within the floor area, measured with the external enclosures of the building, to the relevant exit ignoring walls, partitions and fittings other than the enclosing walls/partitions to protected staircases.
“Travel Distance” means the actual distance to be travelled by a person from any point within a floor area to the relevant exit having regard to the layout of walls, partitions, fixtures and fitting.
1.4.34
Door
“Door” refers to any shutter, cover or other form of protection to an opening in any wall, floor or in the structure surrounding a protected shaft, regardless of whether the door is constructed of one or more leaves.
1.4.35
Electromagnetic or electromechanical door-holding device
“Electromagnetic” or “electromechanical door-holding device” refers to a device which holds doors open. This device is designed to automatically close doors in the event of a fire, thereby helping to contain the spread of smoke and fire. Events which cause these devices to trigger include the detection of smoke, failure of power supply to the door, the triggering of a fire alarm, and manual triggering.
Explanations & Illustrations
See explanation/illustration for Clause 1.4.36
1.4.36
Electromagnetic or electromechanical locking device
“Electromagnetic” or “electromechanical locking device” refers to a fail-safe device which provides egress access control. In the event of a fire alarm activation, failure of building power supply, and/ or any fault in the locking devices/ components, related to the release of locking mechanism, this device shall:
automatically unlock doors immediately to facilitate egress, and remain so until power supply is restored; and
be provided with a means of manual override located within the occupied space, 1.2m above the floor and within 1.5m of the door jamb.
Explanations & Illustrations
Door is held open position by Electromagnetic or electro-mechanical device
Where the fire door poses a hindrance to movement between a fire compartment and another , for example, fire door across access corridor, fire door to kitchen, it is permissible to hold the fire door in the open position by electromagnetic or electromechanical device.
1.4.37
Element of structure
“Element of structure” refers to:
a member forming part of the structural frame of a building or any other beam or column but not a member forming part of a roof structure only,
a load-bearing wall or load-bearing part of a wall,
a floor, including a compartment floor, other than the lowest floor (in contact with the ground) of a building,
a separating wall, or
a structure enclosing a protected shaft (protecting structure).
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.37
For building A the pitched roof is not considered as part of the structural frame of the building. However, the RC slab and beam supporting the pitched roof are considered elements of structures as they help to carry the dead load imposed by the pitched roof. For building B the RC roof is not considered as an element of structure. However, the beams supporting the RC roof are considered to be elements of structure of the building.
The columns supporting the pitch roofs are not element of structure as they are not part of the column supporting the whole building. Hence the columns only need to be constructed of non-combustible material.
1.4.38
Emergency generator
“Emergency generator” refers to emergency power-generating equipment that complies with the requirements stipulated in SS 535.
1.4.39
Emergency lighting
“Emergency lighting” refers to lighting provided with a secondary source of power supply to illuminate the exits and spaces within a building.
1.4.40
Engineered timber
“Engineered timber” refers to mass timber products that are manufactured according to established standards accepted by the SCDF. Examples of mass timber products are Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glued Laminated Timber (GLT) structural elements manufactured in accordance with EN 16351 and EN 14080, respectively.
1.4.41
Evacuee holding area
“Evacuee holding area” refers to a designated circulation area/ space on the refuge floor for temporary assembly of occupants during a fire emergency.
1.4.42
Exit
“Exit” refers to a means of egress from the interior of the building to an external space. An exit includes any of the following, either singly or in combination: a door opening leading to external space, exit staircase, exit ramp and/ or exit passageway, but not including an access stair, aisle, corridor door or corridor and an access door to a room or space.
1.4.43
Exit access
“Exit access” refers to the portion of a means of escape that leads to an exit. It includes the room and building spaces that people occupy, as well as the doors along the escape routes, lobbies, aisles, passageways, corridors, access stairs and ramps traversed in order to reach an exit.
Explanations & Illustrations
Door A = exit doors
Door B, C & D = exit access doors
Exit access door shall comply with all the requirements of an exit door and need not have fire resistance rating, unless it is specified.
The layout is not acceptable.
The clear width of the exit door opening is less than 850mm and the door is opened at an angle of less than 90 degree.
Exit doors which open into the common corridor should not cause obstruction to movement of occupants
Exit doors which cause obstruction when open into the common corridor shall recessed
1.4.44
Exit access door
“Exit access door” refers to a door which provides access to a room or space (excluding a toilet cubicle, bedroom, storeroom, utility room, pantry and the like), or installed across the escape path leading to an exit.
Explanations & Illustrations
See explanation/illustration for clause 1.4.42
1.4.45
Exit door
“Exit door” refers to a door, including a door which opens to the external space, provided at the doorway of an exit for the passage of people, which forms part of the integrity of the exit.
Explanations & Illustrations
See explanation/illustration for clause 1.4.42
1.4.46
Exit passageway
“Exit passageway” refers to the horizontal extension of a vertical exit via an exit staircase or passage leading from a habitable area to an external space.
Explanations & Illustrations
Horizontal extension of vertical exit
Exit passageway at 1st storey
1.4.47
Exit staircase
“Exit staircase” refers to a staircase constructed of non-combustible material and protected from fire (by fire-rated construction or located at the external space) for the purpose of enabling egress to the external space.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.47 - 1
Alternative method of protecting stairway enclosures
Figure 1.4.47 - 2
Where the stairway enclosure projects beyond the external wall of the building and is connected thereto, then either:
the external wall or wall of any part of the building less than 3m from the stairway enclosure, or
the external wall or walls of any part of the stairway enclosure within any 3m from the building should be imperforate and of not less than one hour fire resistance.
Figure 1.4.47 - 3
Accommodation or access staircases are provided solely for the convenience of moving easily and quickly from one floor to another are not considered as exit staircases.
Internal exit staircases are required to be provided with masonry enclosures and mechanical ventilation. Masonry enclosures to internal exit staircases, mechanical ventilation is to be provided. Where the building exceeds 24m in habitable height, the staircases are to be pressurised.
All exit staircases are considered as protected shafts are required to be separated from other areas by masonry walls to have the necessary fire resistance rating required by Cl.3.3 for elements of structure for the part of the building in which they are located. Thus, the enclosures to staircases serving the basement would have higher fire resistance rating than that of staircases serving upper storeys. Door opening into the exit staircase shall have min. ½-hr fire resistance rating.
1.4.48
External corridor
“External corridor” refers to a corridor with an unobstructed and uninterrupted ventilation opening that measures at least 1.2m in vertical height, the latter which is located above its parapet wall.
1.4.49
External exit passageway
“External exit passageway” refers to an exit passageway that serves as required exit with at least one of its longest sides open to the external space or air well.
Explanations & Illustrations
External exit passageway is an extension of the vertical exit. It is considered a protected area to allow occupants the safe egress. There is no control on the numbers of doors opening into an external exit passageway.
1.4.50
External exit staircase
“External exit staircase” refers to an exit staircase located outside a building, open to the external space, and that:
is enclosed by parapet walls or railing of not more than 1.1m in height;
has at least two adjacent sides or one of its longest sides abutting the external space; and
is recessed not more than 3m from the building facade.
Explanations & Illustrations
See Cl.2.3.3b. for requirements on separation of unprotected openings to external exit staircase and Cl.2.3.3a. for protection of internal exit staircase.
For a staircase to be considered as external staircase, it shall be:
located outside the building;
open to outdoor air; and
enclosed by parapet or railing on at least 2 sides.
Siting of exit staircases or other services inside the air well is considered acceptable, provided there is a clear unobstructed space having a diameter that is equal to the required width of the air well i.e. if the required width of the air well is 12m, then the diameter of the unobstructed space shall be min. 12m to allow for effective venting of hot gases and smoke.
Figure 1.4.50 - 3
External exit staircase can be used as required exit in lieu of internal exit staircase, provided there shall be no unprotected openings within 3m horizontally or within 3m vertically below any part of the external exit staircase.
1.4.51
External space
“External space” refers to an open space abutting the perimeter of a building, which includes an air well and which is vertically open to the sky without any roof or trellis.
1.4.52
External wall (or side of a building)
“External wall” or “external side of a building” refers to an outer wall or vertical enclosure. This includes a part of the roof pitched at an angle of 70º or more to the horizontal, if that part of the roof adjoins a space within the building to which persons have access.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.52 : External wall
Where that part of roof is treated as an external wall in accordance with the above definition, it shall comply with Cl.3.5 on the permitted limit of unprotected areas and the surface flame spread requirements. See also Cl.1.4.108 for the meaning of “unprotected areas”.
1.4.53
External wall finishes
“External wall finishes” refers to materials/ components installed on the building facade for the purpose of providing thermal insulation, weather resistance and/ or to improve the appearance of buildings. They can be made of timber, metal, brick/stone granite, vinyl, composite materials, etc. It shall include cladding, fins and any decorative features mounted on the external walls of a building.
1.4.54
Fire lift lobby
“Fire lift lobby” refers to a protected and ventilated lobby into which a fire lift opens, and from which direct access to an exit staircase can be made for the purpose of firefighting.
Explanations & Illustrations
The lobby floor shall be graded from the lift landing door towards the lobby door with a fall not exceeding 1: 200 to prevent water from flowing into the lift shaft. The lobby provides a buffer zone to prevent smoke from streaming into the protected staircase. The lobby acts as a staging area for fire fighters in carrying out firefighting operation. For mechanical ventilation requirement, see Cl.7.1.10
1.4.55
Fire resistance
“Fire resistance” refers to the minimum period of time during which an element of structure or building element can be expected to function satisfactorily while subjected to a standard fire test.
Explanations & Illustrations
Fire resistance is a property, currently measured in BS 476: part 20 to 23 furnace test, of a particular element of building construction (it is not a property of a building material) and is the measure of its ability to satisfy for a stated period in minutes some or all of the following criteria:
Stability - resistance to collapse or excessive deflection
Integrity - resistance to passage of flames and hot gases
Insulation - resistance to excessive temperature rise on exposed face
1.4.56
Fire safety report
“Fire safety report” refers to a document that details the provision of fire protection systems, life safety features and fire safety management for a building, plant or installation.
1.4.57
Fire stop
“Fire stop” refers to a seal provided to close an imperfection of fit or any joint between elements, components or construction in a building, which serves to prevent/ limit the passage of smoke and flame through that imperfection or joint.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.57 - 1 : Wall penetration details
Figure 1.4.57 - 2 : Floor penetration details
To avoid weakening of the fire-rated wall/floor, openings for service penetration should be :
kept as few in number as possible;
as small as practicable; and
all gaps shall be filled with fire-stopping materials.
Figure 1.4.57 - 3 : Curtain wall detail
It is important that the gap between the edge of the structural floor slab and the curtain wall should be fire stopped to prevent migration of smoke and flame from floor to floor
Figure 1.4.57 - 4 : Cable trucking
1.4.58
Flammable refrigerant
“Flammable refrigerant” refers to the group of refrigerants with flammability classification of group 2 or 3 in accordance to ISO 5149. For refrigerant blends which have more than one flammability classification, the most unfavourable classification shall be taken for the purpose of this definition. Most of these flammable refrigerants are hydrocarbon (HC) based. Some examples of HC refrigerant include propane, butane and isobutane.
1.4.59
Flexible joints and Flexible connections
For air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems:
“flexible joints” refer to connections between ducts and equipment normally provided to isolate vibration and to allow thermal movement; and
“flexible connections” refer to flexible sections of ducts provided to connect the extremity of ventilation ductwork to terminal units, extract units and grilles.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.59- 1 : Flexible joint
Flexible joints shall not exceed 250mm in length and be made of materials classified as “not-easily-ignitable” when tested under BS 476 Pt. 5
Figure 1.4.59 - 2 : Flexible connection
Flexible connection material shall have a surface flame spread rating of not lower than Class ‘1’. However, in areas of building where Class ‘0’ flame spread rating is required for the ceiling construction under the Fire Code, a Class ‘0’ rating for the covering and lining materials shall be required. Flexible connection shall not exceed 4m in length. It shall not pass through fire resisting walls, floors or partitions and when involved in fire generates a minimum amount of smoke and toxic gases.
1.4.60
Fire engine access road
“Fire engine access road” refers to a road designed for firefighting appliances gain access to, and travel within a development for firefighting operations.
1.4.61
Fire engine accessway
“Fire engine accessway” refers to a metalled or paved road located along the perimeter of a building to allow a firefighting appliance to carry out firefighting operations. Compared to a fire engine access road, a fire engine accessway is designed to withstand a higher tonnage, and with a larger width, for the purpose of deploying firefighting appliances during an operation.
1.4.62
Fully Automated Mechanised Car Park (FAMCP)
“Fully automated mechanised car park” refers to a building or part of a building that is intended for the storage/ parking of passenger vehicles employing fully automated mechanical facilities to move the vehicle from the point of entry to the parking deck and vice-visa. The parking area would be accessible by trained staff when carrying out maintenance works only. The automatic parking system is to be deactivated during the maintenance operations.
1.4.63
General warehouse
“General warehouse” refers to a building or space used for storing various types of goods or materials. It includes warehouses for storing chemicals, fresh/ perishable food products (coldroom), etc. Store having floor area more than 100m2 shall be classified as warehouse.
1.4.64
Habitable floor
“Habitable floor” refers to all floors in a building, including the roof level. The roof level can be taken as non-habitable if it is not used for any purpose/ activity other than housing M&E plants/ equipment, e.g. lift motors, fire pumps, generators, fire hose reel pumps, water supply pumps, water tanks, cooling towers, solar photovoltaic panels, supply/ exhaust fans with associated ductwork, air-con condensing units, telecommunication equipment, satellite dishes, public warning sirens, green roofs inaccessible to public and for maintenance access only, etc
Explanations & Illustrations
In the calculation of habitable height, rooms housing lift motors, fire pumps, water supply pumps, cooling towers and water tanks located on roof level irrespective of the room sizes are not considered as habitable floor.
In all other situation where the floor level has a functional usage in a room or open to sky, it will be a habitable floor.
1.4.65
Habitable height
“Habitable height” refers to the height measured from the level of fire engine accessways or fire engine access roads, whichever is the lowest, to the finished floor level of the highest habitable floor.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.65 : Habitable height
Habitable height of a building is measured from the lowest level of fire engine accessway/fire engine access road serving the building to the finished floor level of the highest habitable floor. Where attic is permitted under Cl.9.2.1b.(2) and located on the highest floor, the habitable height shall be extended to the finished floor level of the attic. Habitable height is used to determine the provision of fire protection system and other related requirements to a building. If the habitable height of a building exceeds 24m, the following shall be provided:
Rising mains
Sprinkler system*
Fire lift/Fire command centre*
Voice communication system*
Alarm system
Pressurisation of internal exit staircases
Note :
*not required for PG II building, unless requested by the SCDF
1.4.66
Height of building
“Height of building” refers to the vertical distance measured from the average level of the ground adjoining the outside of the external walls of the building to the level of half the vertical height of the roof of the building or part, or the top of the walls or of the parapet (if any), whichever is higher.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.66 - 1
Average ground level to half the vertical height of the pitch roof
Figure 1.4.66 - 2
Average ground level to flat roof and the top of walls of parapet
Figure 1.4.66 - 3
Average ground level to half the vertical height of the pitch roof of a part of a building
1.4.67
High containment facility
“High containment facility” refers to containment laboratory, including the interstitial space, waste treatment area, anteroom, etc.) of Bio-safety Level 3 [BSL-3] and maximum containment laboratory of Bio-safety Level 4 [BSL-4] as defined in the WHO Laboratory Bio-Safety Manual. They are designed to comply with the requirements of WHO and authorities having jurisdiction for storing or handling of biological agents.
1.4.68
High hazard occupancy
“High hazard occupancy” refers to any occupancy in which the contents or activities include one or more of the following:
materials with auto-ignition temperature lower than 200ºC, or
materials that produce poisonous, noxious fumes, or flammable vapour, or
materials that cause explosions, or
high hazard occupancies stipulated under SS CP 52, or
highly combustible substances and/ or flammable liquids.
1.4.69
Hospital
“Hospital” is a building used for medical and surgical care and shall include healthcare facilities with 24-hr or inpatient services, such buildings include the following:
General hospitals;
Psychiatric hospitals (Institute of Mental Health)
Children/ Women hospitals; and
Community hospitals.
1.4.70
Load-bearing wall
“Load-bearing wall” refers to a wall which supports any load in addition to its own weight.
1.4.71
Masonry
“Masonry” refers to brick or concrete construction.
1.4.72
Mechanical ventilation
“Mechanical ventilation” refers to any system that uses mechanical means such as ventilation fan, to introduce outdoor air to a space when natural ventilation mode cannot be achieved during normal and fire emergency situations. This includes supply ventilation, exhaust ventilation, pressurisation, smoke purging, mechanical engineered smoke control systems, balanced systems that consist of both supply and exhaust ventilations, etc.
1.4.73
Non-combustible material
“Non-combustible material” refers to any material which neither burns nor gives off flammable vapour in sufficient quantity to ignite when subjected to the test for combustibility prescribed in BS 476 Part 4, and includes materials of limited combustibility, such as:
any material of density 300kg/m3 or more, which when tested in accordance with BS 476: Part 11, does not flame, and the rise in temperature on the furnace thermocouple is not more than 20°C;
any material with a non-combustible core at least 8mm thick having combustible facings (on one or both sides) not more than 0.5mm thick; and
any material of density less than 300kg/m3, which when tested in accordance with BS 476: Part 11,
does not flame for more than 10 sec;
the rise in temperature on the centre (specimen) thermocouple is not more than 35°C; and
the rise in temperature on the furnace thermocouple is not more than 25°C.
Explanations & Illustrations
Material can also be considered as non-combustible or limited combustibility achieving Class “A1” or “A2” in accordance with EN 13501 classification.
1.4.74
Non-load-bearing wall
“Non-load-bearing wall” refers to a wall which supports no load other than its own weight.
1.4.75
Notional boundary
“Notional boundary” refers to an imaginary boundary which exists at equal distance between buildings on the same site, or the centre of the width of a public road/ drain/ sewer reserve, provided that the boundary is fronting the respective reserves.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.75 - 1 : Notional boundary between 2 tower blocks, either sitting on podium deck or ground level
Figure 1.4.75 - 2 : Notional boundary between a warehouse and factory sited within a development plot of land bounded by common boundaries
The extent of unprotected openings e.g. windows in the external wall of a building is controlled by the space separation between the building and the boundary. The greater the building setback, the higher the extent of unprotected openings that would be allowed in the external wall. This is to address the concern of spread of fire from one building to another. The use of the boundary instead of another building makes it possible to work out the extent of unprotected openings even where another building does not exist.
In some situations, the distance to other building on the same site needs to be considered to prevent spread of fire. This is done by assuming a boundary called notional boundary. A notional boundary should be so situated that all buildings comply with the safe distance requirements as annotated in X and Y in the above diagrams. The boundary, which a wall faces (at an angle of 80º or less) whether it is the boundary of the site or a notional boundary is called the relevant boundary.
In the diagram, if the total setback distance for warehouse and factory is more than or equal to X + Y, then the setback distance is considered complied with provided that both buildings are within the same lot.
1.4.76
Nursing care facility
"Nursing care facility" refers to a building, or part thereof, used for the housing and nursing care of persons on a 24-hr basis who, because of physical incapacity, may be unable to care for their own needs and safety without assistance of other persons. These facilities provide inpatient medical care and include the followings:
Nursing homes;
Convalescent homes; and
Hospice.
1.4.77
Occupant load
“Occupant load” of a building, or part thereof, refers to the total number of persons that can occupy such a building, or part thereof, at any one time. The “occupant load” shall be determined by:
multiplying the floor area(s) available for occupation with the appropriate areas per person as stated in Table 1.4B, unless prior approval is obtained from SCDF for any other occupancy load factors not stated in this table, or
the number of fixed seating, if applicable, for assembly occupancies.
Explanations & Illustrations
Table 1.4B gives a range of occupant load factors. To calculate the occupant load of a floor space for example an office, apply the formula:
Occupant load
= Floor area office (1000m2) / Occupant load factor for office (10m2)
= 1000m2 / 10m2/person
= 100 persons
The occupant load for theatre or cinema where there is fixed seating, the posted occupant load based on number of seats can be taken.
The back stage areas shall be separately calculated based on floor area.
Where there are spaces provided for flexible seating, the occupant load for these spaces shall be separately calculated based on floor area.
1.4.78
One-way travel
“One-way travel” refers to a situation where occupants within a space can only travel in a single route/ direction, from the most remote point, to an exit or a splitting point to reach multiple exits.
1.4.79
Outdoor Display Area (ODA)
“Outdoor display area” refers to an area along the common walkways in front of their shops where the shop owner/ operator displays his merchandises. The area can be open- to-sky, covered or roofed-over with extended awning/ canopy.
1.4.80
Outdoor Refreshment Area (ORA)
“Outdoor refreshment area” refers to an area along the common walkways in front of their eating houses, restaurants, coffee shops, hawker centres, fast food outlets, cafeterias, canteens, pubs, bars and the like by their respective food & beverage outlet’s owner/ operator. The area can be open-to-sky, covered or roofed-over with umbrella or extended awning/ canopy.
1.4.81
Permitted limit of unprotected area
“Permitted limit of unprotected area” refers to the maximum aggregate area of unprotected areas in any side or external wall of a building or compartment
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.81 : Permitted limit of unprotected area
The main concern of unprotected openings in external walls is to ensure that spread of fire through heat radiation from one building to another would be minimised. However, Cl.3.5.3 does permit relaxation for buildings, which are sprinkler-protected or solely used as car parks.
1.4.82
Plastic
“Plastic” refers to any group of organic materials which, though stable in use at ambient temperatures, are plastic at some stage in their manufacture and then can be shaped by the application of heat and/ or pressure. Plastics can be categorised as either thermoplastics or thermosetting plastics.
1.4.83
Pressurisation
“Pressurisation” refers to a mechanical ventilation system that introduce positive differential pressure to a space/ room to prevent smoke ingress during a fire emergency.
1.4.84
Private lift
“Private lift” refers to a passenger lift which is meant for the exclusive use of occupants in the building, and is located to open its door directly into private enclosed spaces. Vehicle lifts, home lifts and stair lifts are not considered private lifts.
Explanations & Illustrations
Emergency power supply from a generating plant shall be provided to home the privates lifts to the designated/alternate designated floor during a power failure or fire emergency in the building. See Cl.3.8.8h. for more information.
1.4.85
Protected shaft
“Protected shaft” refers to an exit staircase, exit passageway, lift, chute, duct or other shaft which enables persons, things or air to pass from one compartment to another.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.85 : Protected shaft
1.4.86
Protecting structure
“Protecting structure” refers to a wall, floor or other part of the building which encloses a protected shaft. The following are not considered protecting structure:
a wall which also forms part of an external wall, separating wall or compartment wall, or
a floor which is also a compartment floor or a floor laid directly on the ground, or
a roof.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.86 : Protecting structure
There is a need to differentiate protecting structure to shaft from other elements of structures such as compartment walls, separating walls and external walls. This is for the purpose of working out differently the necessary period of fire resistance rating to the protecting structures. For example, Cl.3.8.6 permits door to protected shaft to have ½ the period of fire resistance rating of the enclosing protecting structures to an exit staircase.
1.4.87
Purpose Group (PG)
“Purpose Group” refers to the categorisation of buildings in this Code, with the aim of specifying relevant fire safety criteria for that building type. Where a building is divided into compartments used for different purposes, the purpose group of each compartment shall be determined individually, provided that where the whole or part of a building or compartment is used for more than one purpose, only the main purpose of that building or compartment shall be taken into account in determining into which purpose group it falls. See Table 1.4A.
Explanations & Illustrations
For the purpose of complying with fire safety requirements under this Code, every building or compartment shall be treated according to its use or intended use as prescribed under Table 1.4A.
Flatted factory building
Section
Figure 1.4.85
Each floor is a compartment with 6th storey being further divided into 2 compartments, having 40% office and 60% factory use. The main purpose of use of 6th storey is factory, thus 6th storey is to be treated as factory use. Similarly, a building may have shops, offices and restaurants, but it is classified as shopping centre as the main purpose of use of the building is shopping.
Townhouses
Under the Fire Safety (Exemption) order, proposal for detached, semi- detached, terraced and linked houses which do not exceed 3 storeys or levels, including basement or attic are not required to be submitted to the SCDF for approval. The Qualified Person in charge of the project shall self-regulate to ensure that all relevant fire safety requirements are complied with on site. However, townhouses, which are treated as under PG I for the purpose of complying with fire safety requirements that are applicable to detached, semi-detached terraced and linked houses, are not covered by the Fire Safety (Exemption) Order, hence, submission of plans to the SCDF is required.
Serviced apartments/maisonettes
Serviced apartments/maisonettes would be treated as hotels or boarding houses under PG VII at the outset. However, the SCDF may consider to reclassify it under PG II if the floor layout of the units and escape corridors is similar to that of a typical apartments/maisonettes building.
1.4.88
Refuge floor
“Refuge floor” refers to a floor adequately separated from the rest of the building by fire-resisting construction. It serves as an area where evacuees can temporarily take refuge for buildings with long vertical evacuation routes to the building’s external space.
1.4.89
Relevant boundary
“Relevant boundary” refers to the lot boundary in relation to a building’s external wall or compartment. For the purpose of unprotected openings setback calculation, it may also be the notional boundary.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.89 : Relevant boundary
The boundary which a side or external wall of a building faces whether it is the boundary of the site or a notional boundary is called the relevant boundary.
1.4.90
Remoteness of exits
“Remoteness of exits” refers to exits which are remotely located from each other, arranged and constructed to minimise the possibility that more than one would be rendered unusable during a fire, or other emergency conditions.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.90 - 1
Incorrect : Access to the protected staircases will be blocked by a fire occurring in the vicinity of the staircase.
Figure 1.4.90 - 2
Correct : Access to an alternate staircase is available if a fire occurred in the vicinity of the exit door to one of the staircases.
1.4.91
Roof light
“Roof light” refers to any elements in a roof intended to admit daylight.
Explanations & Illustrations
Middle Figure : Axonometric Section
Bottom Figure : Axonometric view
Figure 1.4.91 : Roof light
Rooflights are part of roof coverings, which permit light to enter a building to provide natural lighting. Rooflights could be designed to be openable by automatic devices to provide the necessary openings for smoke venting. The inner surface of dome light and skylight is considered as ceiling for the purpose of meeting the class of surface flame spread under Cl.3.13.5b..
1.4.92
Room
“Room” refers to an enclosed space bounded by walls that is not an enclosed circulation space or protected shaft at most 750mm in depth.
Explanations & Illustrations
An enclosed space not considered as a room. This includes exit staircase (protected shaft), enclosed circulation space such as A/C, MV shafts, pipe/cable shafts and accessible electrical ducts not exceeding 750mm in depth.
An electrical riser having a depth of >750mm is considered a room.
1.4.93
Separated part (of a building)
“Separated part” refers to a form of compartmentation from another part of the same building by a compartment wall which runs full height of the part and is in one continuous plane.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.93 : Separated part of a building
1.4.94
Separating wall
“Separating wall” refers to a wall used to divide or portion adjoining buildings under different ownership.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.94 : Separating wall
1.4.95
Setback distance
“Setback distance” refers to the distance between a building and its relevant boundary, which is meant for the purpose of preventing fire spread between buildings/ properties.
1.4.96
Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)
“Singapore Civil Defence Force” refers to the Commissioner of Singapore Civil Defence Force and includes officers authorised by him generally or specifically to exercise the powers, functions and duties conferred by the Fire Safety Act.
1.4.97
Single point emergency lighting
“Single point emergency lighting” refers to an emergency lighting system employing self-contained emergency luminaires
1.4.98
Smoke-check door
“Smoke-check door” refers to a door or set of doors placed in an internal corridor to restrict the spread of smoke by reducing draft.
Explanations & Illustrations
The provision of smoke-check door is applicable to hotel occupancy. It is provided to subdivide the internal corridor to the hotel guest rooms floor into the following lengths:
Building protected by sprinkler system --- 45m
Building not protected by sprinkler system --- 30m
Internal corridors which are not naturally ventilated shall be subdivided by smoke barrier and smoke-check door to prevent the whole corridor being filled with smoke very quickly should there be any migration of smoke from any guestroom. Smoke-check door is not required to have fire resistance rating.
1.4.99
Smoke-free lobby
“Smoke-free lobby” refers to a lobby located at the entrance of an exit staircase. It is designed to help prevent or minimise the entry of smoke into the staircase.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.99 : Smoke-stop lobby
If smoke which finds its way into the smoke-stop lobby, the natural ventilation provided by the window will help to prevent the smoke from infiltrating into the protected staircase. In the case of mechanical ventilated smoke-stop lobby, smoke will be prevented from entering the lobby by the exertion of air pumped into it by the air shaft.
1.4.100
Storey
“Storey” refers to any floor or part thereof, including platforms, mezzanines, attic levels and M&E floors.
1.4.101
Super high-rise residential building
“Super high-rise residential building” refers to a residential building with more than 40 storeys/ levels.
1.4.102
Supervisory care facility
“Supervisory care facility” refers to a building or part thereof, used for the housing, on a 24-hr basis, of mental health patients, natal cares, aged and individuals under welfare cares, who may be capable of self-preservation but require supervision and are receiving therapy, training or other health-related care and for whom there may be security measures not under their control. Such facilities shall include the followings:
Homes for intellectually disabled;
Psychiatric rehabilitation homes;
Dementia homes;
Pre/ post natal care centres; and
Welfare homes.
1.4.103
Tenancy unit
“Tenancy unit” refers to an individual unit or subdivided unit within a building or a compartment, and which is managed by a different operator registered with the authority having jurisdiction.
Explanations & Illustrations
1.4.104
Thermoplastics
“Thermoplastic” refers to a class of plastic materials that is capable of being repeatedly softened by heating and hardened by cooling. A material can be considered as thermoplastic if it is a synthetic polymeric material which has a softening point below 200°C when tested to BS EN ISO 306 Method A120 Plastics– Thermoplastic materials – Determination of Vicat softening temperature.
1.4.105
Thermosetting plastic
“Thermosetting plastic” refers to a class of plastic materials that will undergo a chemical reaction by the application of heat, pressure, catalysts, etc., leading to a relatively infusible, non-reversible state.
1.4.106
Toxin
“Toxin” refers to the toxins stipulated in the Fifth Schedule of the Biological Agents and Toxins Act.
1.4.107
Travel distance
“Travel distance” refers to the distance required to be traversed from the most remote point in any room or space to the edge of a door opening, directly to:
an exit staircase, or
an exit passageway, or
an open external space,
unless otherwise permitted under this Code as in the case of residential apartments, maisonettes and exits to areas of refuge.
Explanations & Illustrations
Measurement starts at 400mm from enclosure of wall.
Travel distance from the most remote point to open exterior space. Travel distance shall be measured to the door of the exit staircase i.e. from point A to B.
Travel distance from the most remote point to an external exit passageway (i.e. from point A to B).
1.4.108
Two-way travel
“Two-way travel” refers to a situation where occupants within a space have the choice of more than one route/direction from a splitting point to reach multiple exits.
1.4.109
Unmanned building
An “unmanned building” refers to a building which is not manned by operation or security personnel after office or operating hours.
1.4.110
Unprotected area
“Unprotected area”, in relation to a side or external wall of a building, refers to:
a window, door or other opening;
any part of the external wall which has less than the relevant fire resistance; and
any part of the external wall which has combustible material more than 1mm thick attached or applied to its external face, whether for finishes or any other purpose.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.110 : Unprotected area
1.4.111
Ventilation openings
“Ventilation openings” refer to fixed natural ventilation openings located in external walls for any space, which shall be unobstructed at all times, and exclude windows or louvres that are openable or operable. The fixed louvres shall consist of a single bank of louvres with blade width not exceeding 150mm, with effective ventilation openings calculated based on the free area calculation stated below:
1.4.112
Vertical exit
“Vertical exit” refers to an exit staircase or exit ramp which serves as a required exit from one or more storeys above or below ground level.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 1.4.112 : Vertical exit
The protecting structure, excluding external wall of exit staircase or exit ramp shall be constructed of masonry.
1.4.113
Wall surface
“Wall surface”, in the context of internal surfaces, refers to the surface of glazing, and any part of the ceiling sloping at an angle of 70º or more to the horizontal. It does not include:
door frames and unglazed parts of doors, or
window frames and frames in which glazing is fitted, or
architraves, cover moulds, picture rails, skirtings and similar narrow members, or
fitted furniture.
Explanations & Illustrations
Bottom Figure : Excludes
Figure 1.4.113 : Wall surface
1.4.114
Workers’ dormitories
“Workers’ dormitories” refers to buildings or spaces in buildings where group sleeping accommodation is provided for workers.
Explanations & Illustrations
Owing to different uses and risks, cooking is not allowed in the dormitory, which is meant for resting and sleeping. All cooking activities shall be carried out in the kitchen. This will eliminate the risk of fire occurring in any dormitory arising from cooking activities.
TABLE 1.2A
CODES & STANDARDS
TABLE 1.2A : CODES & STANDARDS | ||
|---|---|---|
Name | Description | Remarks |
SINGAPORE STANDARDS | ||
SS CP 52 | CoP for Automatic Fire Sprinkler System |
|
SS 99 | Specifications for Welded Low Carbon Steel Cylinders for Storage and Transportation of Low-Pressure Liquefiable Gases |
|
SS141 | Specification for Unplasticised PVC pipe for Cold Water Services and Industrial Uses |
|
SS 213 | Unplasticised PVC Pipes and Fittings for Soil, Waste and Vent Application |
|
SS 232 Pt 1 to 6 | Portable Fire Extinguishers | Replaced by SS EN 3 - 7 to 10 |
SS 233 | Specifications for Flexible Rubber Tubing, Rubber Hose and Rubber Hose Assemblies for Use in LPG Vapour Phase Installations |
|
SS 254 | Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres | Replaced by IEC 60079 |
SS 263
Pt 2 | Luminaires - Particular Requirements for Luminaires for Emergency Lighting | Replaced by IEC 60598-2-22 |
SS 281 | Specifications for Pressure Regulators for LPG |
|
SS 286 | Caution Labelling for Hazardous Substances | Replaced by SS 586 |
SS 294 | Specifications for Valves for Use with Domestic and Industrial LPG Cylinders |
|
SS 299 | Fire Resistant Cables |
|
SS 332 | Specification for Fire Door |
|
SS 333 | Specification for Fire Dampers |
|
SS 489 | Specification for Fire Shutters |
|
SS 508 | Graphical Symbols - Safety Colours & Safety Signs | Formerly SS 217 & SS 364 |
Pt 1 | Design Principles for Safety Signs & Safety Markings |
|
Pt 2 | Design Principles for Product Safety Labels |
|
SS 512 | CoP for the design, construction and operation of pipeline service corridors |
|
SS 532 | CoP for the Storage of Flammable Liquids | Formerly CP 40
|
SS 535 | CoP for Installation, Operation, Maintenance, Performance Constructional Requirements of Mains Failure Standby Generating Systems | Formerly CP 31 |
SS 546 | CoP for Emergency Voice Communication Systems in Buildings | Formerly CP 25 |
SS 550 | CoP for Installation, Operation and Maintenance of El Passenger and Goods Lifts | Formerly CP 2 |
SS 551 | CoP for Earthing | Formerly CP 16
|
SS 563 | CoP for the Design, Installation & Maintenance of Em Lighting and Power Supply Systems in Building | Formerly CP 19 |
Pt 1 | Emergency lighting |
|
Pt 2 | Installation Requirements and Maintenance Procedures |
|
SS 572 | CoP for the Use of Timber in Buildings | Formerly CP 1 |
SS 575 | CoP for Fire Hydrant, Rising Mains and Hose Reel System | Formerly CP 29 |
SS 578 | CoP for the Use and Maintenance of Portable Fire Extinguishers | Formerly CP 55 |
SS 586 | Specification for Hazard Communication for Hazardous Chemicals and Dangerous Goods | Replaces SS 286 |
SS 608 | CoP for Gas Installation | Formerly CP 51 |
SS 634 | CoP for Fire Safety for Open Plant Processing Facilities in Oil, Chemical and Process Industries |
|
SS 638 | CoP for Electrical Installations | Formerly CP 5 |
SS 641 | CoP for Fire Safety for Laboratories Using Chemicals |
|
SS 645 | CoP for the Installation and Servicing of Electrical Fire Alarm Systems | Formerly CP 10 |
SS EN 3-7 | Portable Fire Extinguishers - | Replaces SS 232 Pt 1 to 6 |
| Part 7: Characteristics, performance requirements and test methods |
|
SS EN 3-8 | Portable Fire Extinguishers - |
|
| Part 8: Additional requirements to SS EN 3-7 for the construction, resistance to pressure and mechanical tests for extinguishers with a maximum allowable pressure equal to or lower than 30 bar |
|
SS EN 3-9 | Portable Fire Extinguishers - |
|
| Part 9: Additional requirements to SS EN 3-7 for pressure resistance if CO extinguishers |
|
SS EN 3-10 | Portable Fire Extinguishers - |
|
| Part 10: Provisions for evaluating the conformity of a portable fire extinguisher to SS EN 3-7 |
|
SS EN 1992 | Design of Concrete Structures | Formerly CP 65 |
Pt 1 | Planning and Performance Assessment of Electrical Energy Storage Systems – General Specification |
|
Pt 2 | Safety Considerations for Grid- Integrated EES Systems – General Specifications |
|
TR 77 | Electrical Energy Storage (EES) Systems |
|
Pt 1 | Planning and Performance Assessment of Electrical Energy Storage Systems – General Specification |
|
Pt 2 | Safety Considerations for Grid-integrated EES Systems – General Specification |
|
AMERICAN STANDARDS | ||
ANSI | American National Standard Institute |
|
A14.3 | American National Standards for Ladders - Fixed - Safety Requirements |
|
ASTM D635 | Standard Test Method for Rate of Burning and/ or Extent & Time of Burning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position |
|
ASTM E108 | Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings |
|
ASTM E119 | Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction & Materials |
|
ASTM E 662 | Standard Test Method for Specific Optical Density of Smoke Generated by Solid Materials |
|
ASTM E814 | Standard Test Method for Fire Tests of Penetration Firestop Systems |
|
ASTM E2307 | Standard Test Method for Determining Fire Resistance of Perimeter Fire Barriers Using Intermediate – Scale, Multi-story Test Apparatus |
|
NFPA 16 | Standard for the Installation of Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems | Formerly NFPA 16A |
NFPA 30 | Flammable & Combustible Liquids Code |
|
NFPA 33 | Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials |
|
NFPA 45 | Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals |
|
NFPA 54 | National Fuel Gas Code |
|
NFPA 55 | Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code |
|
NFPA 58 | Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code |
|
NFPA 251 | Standard Methods of Tests of Fire Resistance of Building Construction & Materials |
|
NFPA 253 | Standard Method of Test for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor Covering Systems Using a Radiant heat Energy Source |
|
NFPA 258 | Recommended Practice for Determining Smoke Generation of Solid Material |
|
NFPA 262 | Standard Methods of Tests for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Air-Handling Spaces |
|
NFPA 285 | Standard Fire Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of Exterior Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components |
|
NFPA 400 | Hazardous Materials Code |
|
NFPA 430 | Code for the Storage of Liquids & Solid Oxidizers | Replaced by NFPA 400 |
NFPA 432 | Code for the Storage of Organic Peroxide Formulations | |
NFPA 495 | Explosive Materials Code |
|
NFPA 502 | Standard for Road Tunnels, Bridges and other Limited Access Highways |
|
NFPA 750 | Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems |
|
NFPA 2001 | Standard on Clean Agent Fire Protection Systems |
|
UL 132 | Standard for Safety Relief Valves for Anhydrous Ammonia and LP-Gas |
|
UL 144 | Standard for LP-Gas Regulators |
|
UL 217 | Standard for Smoke Alarms |
|
UL 300 | Standard for Fire Testing of Fire Extinguishing Systems for Protection of Commercial Cooking Equipment |
|
UL 448 | Standard for Safety Centrifugal Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection Service |
|
UL 555 | Fire Dampers |
|
UL 924 | Standard for Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment |
|
AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS | ||
AS 1530 | Methods for Fire Tests on Building Materials, Components & Structures |
|
Pt 4 | Fire-resistance Test of Elements of Construction |
|
AS 2208 | Safety Glazing Materials in Buildings |
|
AS/NZS 2293 | Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs for Buildings |
|
Pt 1 | System Design, Installation and Operation |
|
AS 2714 | The Storage & Handling of Organic Peroxides |
|
AS 2941 | Fixed Fire Protection Installations - Pumpset Systems |
|
AS 3786 | Smoke Alarms Using Scattered Light, Transmitted Light or Ionization |
|
AS 4391 | Smoke Management Systems - Hot Smoke Test |
|
AS 4326 | The Storage & Handling of Oxidizng Agents |
|
AS 4587 | Water Mist Fire Protection Systems - System Design, Installation and Commissioning |
|
BRITISH STANDARDS | ||
BR 186 | Design Principles for Smoke Ventilation in Enclosed Shopping Centres | Published by Fire Research Station, Building Research Establishment, Borehamwood, Herts WD62BL |
BR 258 | Design Approaches for Smoke Control in Atrium Buildings | |
BR 368 | Design Methodologies for Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilation | Published by Construction Research Communications Ltd by permission of Building Re- search Establishment Ltd |
BS 476 | Fire Tests on Building Materials and Structures |
|
Pt 3 | Classification and Method of Test for External Fire Exposure to Roofs |
|
Pt 4
| Non-Combustibility Test for Materials |
|
Pt 5 | Method of Test for Ignitability |
|
Pt 6 | Method of Test for Fire Propagation for Products |
|
Pt 7 | Method of Test to Determine the Classification of the Surface Spread of Flame of Products |
|
Pt 11 | Method for Assessing the Heat Emission from Building Materials |
|
Pt 20 | Method for Determination of the Fire Resistance of Elements of Construction (General Principles) |
|
Pt 21 | Methods for Determination of the Fire Resistance of Load- Bearing Elements of Construction |
|
Pt 22 | Method for Determination of the Fire Resistance of Non-Load- Bearing Elements of Construction |
|
Pt 23 | Methods for Determination of the Contribution of Components to the Fire Resistance of a Structure |
|
Pt 24 | Method for Determination of the Fire Resistance of Ventilation Ducts |
|
BS 1230
Pt 1 | Specification for Plasterboard Excluding Materials Submitted to Secondary Operations | Replaced by BS EN 520 |
BS 2594 | Specification for Carbon Steel Welded Horizontal Cylindrical Storage Tanks | Withdrawn |
BS 3016 | Specifications for Pressure Regulators for LPG | Replaced by BS EN 16219 |
BS 4514 | Specification for Unplasticized PVC Soil and Ventilating Pipes of 82.4mm Minimum Mean Outside Diameter, and Fittings and Accessories of 82.4mm and of Other Sizes |
|
BS 5041 | Fire Hydrant Systems Equipment |
|
Pt 1 | Specification for Landing Valves for Wet Risers |
|
Pt 3 | Specification for Inlet Breechings for Dry Riser Inlets |
|
BS 5234 | Partitions (including matching linings) |
|
Pt 2 | Specification for Performance Requirements for Strength and Robustness including Methods of Test |
|
BS 5345 | Selection, Installation and Maintenance of Electrical Apparatus for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmosphere (Other than Mining Applications or Explosive Processing and Manufacturing) | Replaced by BS EN 60079-14 |
Pt 1 | General Recommendations | |
Pt 3 | Installation and Maintenance Requirements for Electrical Apparatus with Type of Protection ‘d’. Flameproof Enclosure | |
BS 5499 | Fire Safety Signs, Notices and Graphic Symbols |
|
Pt 2 | Specification for Self-Luminous Fire Safety Signs | Withdrawn |
BS 5588 | Fire Precautions in the Design, Construction and Use of Buildings |
|
Pt 5 | CoP for Firefighting Stairways and Lifts | Withdrawn |
BS 5852 | Methods of Test for Assessment of the Ignitability of Upholstered Seating by Smouldering and Flaming Ignition Source |
|
BS 6206 | Specification for Impact Performance Requirements for Flat Safety Glass and Safety Plastics for Use in Buildings | Replaced by EN 12600 |
BS 6387 | Test Method for Resistance to Fire of Cables Required to Maintain Circuit Integrity under Fire Conditions |
|
BS 6391 | Specification for Non-Percolating Layflat Delivery Hoses and Hose Assemblies for Fire Fighting Purposes |
|
BS 7346 | Components for Smoke and Heat Control Systems |
|
Pt 2 | Specification for Powered Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilators | Withdrawn |
Pt 3 | Specification for Smoke Curtains | Withdrawn |
BS 7346 | Components for Smoke and Heat Control Systems |
|
Pt 7 | CoP on Functional Recommendations and Calculation Methods for Smoke and Heat Control Systems for Covered Car Parks |
|
BS 7846 | Electric Cables. Thermosetting Insulated, Armoured, Fire-resistant Cables of Rated Voltage 600/1000V for Fixed Installations, Having Low Emission of Smoke and Corrosive Gases when Affected by Fire. Specification |
|
BS 8202 | Coatings for Fire Protection of Building Elements |
|
Pt 2 | CoP for the Use of Intumescent Coating Systems to Metallic Substrates for Providing Fire Resistance |
|
EN 54 | Fire Detection and Alarm Systems |
|
Pt 2 | Control and Indicating Equipment |
|
Pt 4 | Power Supply Equipment |
|
BS EN 520 | Gypsum Plasterboards. Definitions, Requirements and Test Methods | Replaces BS 1230 Pt 1 |
BS EN 12101-1 | Smoke & Heat Control Systems – Specification for Smoke Barriers | Replaces BS 7346 Pt 3 |
BS EN 12101-3 | Smoke & Heat Control Systems – Specification for Powered Smoke & Heat Control Ventilators (Fans) | Replaces BS 7346 Pt 2 |
BS EN 13501-1 | Fire Test to Building Materials - Classification |
|
BS EN 50054 | Electrical Apparatus for the Detection and Measurement of Combustible Gases. - General Requirements and Test Methods |
|
BS EN 50057 | Electrical Apparatus for the Detection and Measurement of Combustible Gases. - Performance Requirements for Group II Apparatus Indicating up to 100% Lower Explosive Limit |
|
BS EN 50272-2 | Safety Requirements for Secondary Batteries and Battery Installations. Stationary Batteries | Withdrawn |
BS EN 50272-3 | Safety Requirements for Secondary Batteries and Battery Installations. - Traction Batteries | Withdrawn |
BS EN 60079-14 | Explosive Atmosphere. Electrical Installations Design, Selection and Erection | Replaces BS 5345 Pt 1 & 3 |
BS EN IEC 62485-2 | Safety Requirements for Secondary Batteries and Battery Installations - Stationary Batteries | Replaces BS EN 50272-2 |
BS EN IEC 62485-3 | Safety Requirements for Secondary Batteries and Battery Installations - Traction Batteries | Replaces BS EN 50272-3 |
EUROPEAN STANDARDS | ||
EN ISO 1182 | Reaction to Fire Tests for Products – Non-Combustibility Test |
|
EN ISO 1716 | Reaction to Fire Tests for Building Products - Determination of the Gross Heat of Combustion (Calorific Value) |
|
EN ISO 11925 – 2 | Reaction to Fire Tests – Ignitability of Products subjected to Direct Impingement of Flame - Part: Single Flame Source Test |
|
EN ISO 5659 | Plastics – Smoke Generation |
|
Pt 2 | Determination of Optical Density by a Single-chamber Test |
|
EN 3 | Portable Fire Extinguishers |
|
Pt 8 | Additional Requirements to EN 3 – 7 for the Construction, Resistance to Pressure and Mechanical Tests for extinguishers with a Maximum Allowable Pressure Equal to or Lower than 30 Bar |
|
Pt 9 | Additional Requirements to EN 3 – 7 for Pressure Resistance of C02 Extinguishers |
|
EN 54 - 2 | Fire Detection and Alarm Systems - Control and Indicating Equipment |
|
EN 54 - 4 | Fire Detection and Alarm Systems - Power Supply Equipment |
|
EN 81 - 58 | Safety Rules for the Construction and Installation of Lifts. Examination and Tests |
|
Pt 58 | Landing Doors Fire Resistance Test |
|
EN 179 | Building Hardware – Emergency Exit Devices Operated by a Lever Handle or Push Pad |
|
EN 520 | Gypsum Plasterboards – Definitions, Requirements and Test Methods |
|
EN 671 - 1 | Fixed Firefighting Systems. Hose Systems. Hose Reels with Semi-Rigid Hose |
|
EN 1125 | Building Hardware – Panic Exit Devices Operated by a Horizontal Bar |
|
EN 1154 | Building Hardware – Controlled Door Closing Devices |
|
EN 1155 | Electrically Powered Hold Open Devices for Swing Doors |
|
EN 1158 | Building Hardware – Door Coordinator Devices – Requirements and Test Standards |
|
EN 1303 | Building Hardware – Cylinders for Locks |
|
EN 1363 | Fire Resistance Tests. General Requirements |
|
EN 1364 | Fire Resistance Test for Non-loadbearing Elements |
|
Pt 1 | Walls |
|
EN 1365 | Fire Resistance Test for Loadbearing Elements. Floors and Roofs |
|
EN 1366 | Fire Resistance Test for Service Installations |
|
Pt 1 | Ventilation Ducts |
|
Pt 3 | Penetration Seals |
|
Pt 4 | Linear Joint Seals |
|
Pt 8 | Smoke Extraction Ducts |
|
Pt 9 | Single Compartment Smoke Extraction Ducts |
|
EN 1634-1 | Fire Resistance and Smoke Control Tests for Door and Shutter Assemblies, Openable Windows and Elements of Building Hardware |
|
Pt 1 | Fire Resistance Test for Door and Shutter Assemblies and Openable Window |
|
EN 1751 | Ventilation for Buildings – Air Terminal Devices – Aerodynamic Testing of Damper and Valves |
|
EN 1906 | Building Hardware. Lever Handles and Knob Furniture. Requirements and Test Method |
|
EN 1935 | Building Hardware. Single-axis Hinges. Requirements and Test Methods |
|
EN 12051 | Building Hardware. Door and Window Bolts. Requirements and Test Methods |
|
EN 12101 | Smoke and Heat Control Systems |
|
Pt 1 | Specification for Smoke Barriers |
|
EN 12209 | Building Hardware. Mechanically Operated Locks and Locking plates. Requirements and Test Methods |
|
EN 12600 | Glass in Building. Pendulum Test. Impact Test Method and Classification for Flat Glass |
|
EN 13501 | Fire Classification of Construction Products and Building Elements |
|
Pt 5 | Classification Using Data from External Fire Exposure to Roofs Tests |
|
EN 13823 | Reaction to Fire Tests for Building Products - Building Products excluding Floorings exposed to the Thermal Attack by a Single Burning Item |
|
EN 14041 | Resilient, Textile and Laminate Floor Coverings. Essential Characteristics |
|
EN 14064 - 1 | Thermal Insulation Products for Buildings. IN-situ Formed Loose-fill Mineral Wool (MW) Products. Specifications for the Loose-fill Products Before Insulation |
|
EN 14064 | Smoke Alarm Devices |
|
EN 14846 | Building Hardware. Locks and Latches. Electromechanically Operated Locks and Striking Plates. Requirements and Test Methods |
|
EN 15684 | Building Hardware – Mechatronic Cylinders – Requirements and Test Methods |
|
EN 16623 | Paints and Varnishes. Reactive Coatings for Fire Protection of Metallic Substrates. Definitions, Requirements, Characteristics and Marking |
|
EN 45545 | Railway Applications – Fire protection on Railway Vehicles |
|
Pt 2 | Determination of Optical Density by a Single-chamber Test |
|
IEC STANDARDS | ||
IEC 60079 | Explosive Atmospheres |
|
IEC 60331 | Tests for Electric Cables Under Fire Conditions – Circuit Integrity |
|
Pt 25 | Procedures and Requirements – Optical Fibre Cables |
|
IEC 60332 | Tests on Electric and Optical Fibre Cables Under Fire Conditions – All Parts |
|
Pt 1 | Test for Vertical Flame Propagation for a Single Insulated Wire or Cable - Apparatus |
|
Pt 3 | Test for Vertical Flame Spread of Vertically-Mounted Bunched Wires or Cable - Apparatus |
|
IEC 60598-2-22 | Luminaries – Part 2-22: Particular Requirements - Luminaries for Emergency Lighting |
|
IEC 60754 | Test on gases Evolved during Combustion of Materials From Cables |
|
Pt 1 | Determination of the Halogen Acid Gas Content |
|
IEC 61034 | Measurement of Smoke Density of Cables Burning Under Defined Conditions |
|
IEC 61730 | Photovoltaic (PV) Module for Safety Qualification |
|
Pt 2 | Requirements for Testing |
|
ISO STANDARDS | ||
ISO 834 | Fire resistance Tests - Elements of Building Construction |
|
Pt 1 | General Requirements |
|
Pt 5 | Specific Requirements for Loadbearing Horizontal Separating Elements |
|
Pt 7 | Specific Requirements for Columns |
|
Pt 8 | Specific Requirements for Non-loadbearing Vertical Separating Elements |
|
Pt 9 | Specific Requirements for Non-loadbearing Ceiling Elements |
|
ISO 1896 | Thermal Insulating Asbestos Boards |
|
ISO 3864 | Graphical Symbols – Safety Colours and Safety Signs |
|
Pt 1 | Design Principles for Safety Signs and Safety Markings |
|
Pt 2 | Design Principles for Product Safety Labels |
|
Pt 3 | Design Principles for Graphical Symbols for Use in Safety Signs |
|
ISO 5149 | Refrigerating Systems and Heat Pumps - Safety and Environment Requirements |
|
ISO 5167 | Measurement of Fluid Flow by Means of Differential Pressure Devices |
|
ISO 7010 | Graphical Symbols – Safety Colours and Safety Signs – Registered Safety Signs |
|
ISO 7244 | Air Distribution and Air Diffusion – Aerodynamic Testing of Dampers and Valves |
|
ISO 30061 | Emergency Lighting |
|
FACTORY MUTUAL RESEARCH COPORATION | ||
FM 1311 | Centrifugal Fire Pumps Spilt-close Type (Axial or Radial) |
|
FM 1319 | Centrifugal Fire Pumps (Horizontal, END Suction Type) |
|
Note: - The Standards stated above are non-exhaustive, - SCDF shall not be held responsible for the accuracy of the standard titles shown in Table. | ||
TABLE 1.3A
ABBREVIATIONS
TABLE 1.3A : ABBREVIATIONS | |
|---|---|
Abbreviation | Definition |
ACMV | Air-Conditioning & Mechanical Ventilation |
AFA | Accessible Floor Area |
AHJ | Authority Having Jurisdiction |
ANSI | American National Standards Institute |
AS | Australian Standard |
ASHRAE | American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air-conditioning Engineers |
ASTM | American Society for Testing and Materials |
BRE | Building Research Establishment |
BS | British Standard |
BSL | Bio-Safety Level |
CD | Civil Defence |
CoC | Certificate of Conformity |
CoP | Code of Practice |
Cl. | Clause |
CERT | Company Emergency Response Team |
DIN | German Institute for Standardization |
DoC | Declaration of Compliance |
EC | Exit Capacity |
EN | European Standard |
FAMCP | Fully Automated Mechanised Car Park |
FCC | Fire Command Centre |
FM | Factory Mutual |
FMRC | Factory Mutual Research Corporation |
FSC | Fire Safety Certificate |
FSE | Fire Safety Engineer |
HFAD | Home Fire Alarm Device |
HR | Hour |
IEC | International Electrotechnical Commission |
ISO | International Organisation for Standardisation |
LPG | Liquid Petroleum Gas |
MAQ | Maximum Allowable Quantity |
MCST | Management Corporation Strata Title |
MRA | Mutual Recognition Arrangement |
MSDS | Material Safety Data Sheet |
MV | Mechanical Ventilation |
NFPA | National Fire Protection Association |
NoA | Notice of Approval |
NZS | New Zealand Standard |
ODA | Outdoor Display Area |
OL | Occupant Load |
ORA | Outdoor Refreshment Area |
PE | Professional Engineer |
PG | Purpose Group |
PLS | Product Listing Scheme |
Pt | Part |
PWDs | Persons With Disabilities |
QP | Qualified Person |
RI | Registered Inspector |
SAC | Singapore Accreditation Council |
SCDF | Singapore Civil Defence Force |
SS | Singapore Standard |
SS EN | Singapore Standard implementation of a European Standard |
TFP | Temporary Fire Permit |
UL | Underwriters Laboratories |
VIFDS | Video Image Fire Detection System |
WHO | World Health Organisation |
TABLE 1.4A
DESIGNATION OF PURPOSE GROUPS
TABLE 1.4A - DESIGNATION OF PURPOSE GROUPS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Purpose Group (PG) | Descriptive Title | Purpose for which building or part of the building is used or intended to be used | |
I | Small residential | Residential dwelling house, such as: | |
• bungalow | • semi-detached house | ||
II | Other residential | Accommodation for residential purposes other than any premises comprised in PG I, such as: | |
• apartment | • flat | ||
III | Institutional | Establishments used for treatment, care or maintenance of persons suffering from disabilities, such as: | |
• community hospital | • home for the spastic | ||
Establishments used for care or maintenance of young/ dependent persons, such as: | |||
• children's home | • infant-care centre | ||
Establishments used for educational/ training purposes, such as: | |||
• college | • polytechnic | ||
Establishments used for worker lodging purposes, such as: | |||
• workers' dormitory | |||
IV | Office | Premises/ areas/ spaces/ floors used for the purposes of administration and clerical work, or as premises occupied with an office for the purposes of the activities therein carried on, such as: | |
• banking | • stock broker | ||
V | Shop | Premises/ areas/ spaces/ floors used for the following purposes (and/or any other similar trades or businesses): | |
• beauty salon | • pet shop/ clinic | ||
VI | Factory | Premises/ areas/ spaces/ floors with manufacturing, processing, servicing or testing activities, such as: | |
• aircraft hangar | • oil refinery | ||
VII | Place of public resort | Premises/ areas/ spaces/ floors used for accommodation purpose, such as: | |
• backpacker hotel | • holiday resort | ||
Premises/ areas/ spaces/ floors used for educational purpose, such as: | |||
• auditorium | • museum | ||
Premises used for social purpose such as: | |||
• community centre | • private club | ||
VII | Place of public resort | Premises/ areas/ spaces/ floors used for entertainment purpose, such as: | |
• casino | • internet gaming centre | ||
Premises/ areas/ spaces/ floors used for religious purpose, such as: | |||
• church | • temple | ||
Premises/ areas/ spaces/ floors used for body treatment purpose, such as: | |||
• body massage | • gymnasium | ||
Premises/ areas/ spaces/ floors used for recreational purpose, such as: | |||
• amusement centre | • public sport complex | ||
Premises/ areas/ spaces/ floors used for F&B purpose, such as: | |||
• cafeteria | • food court | ||
Premises/ areas/ spaces/ floors used for transportation purpose, such as: | |||
• airport terminal | • ferry terminal | ||
VIII | Storage | Premises/ areas/ spaces/ floors used for the purposes of storing, depositing or parking of goods, materials and/ or vehicles, such as: | |
• coldroom | • vehicle park | ||
Note: | |||
TABLE 1.4B
OCCUPANT LOAD FACTORS
TABLE 1.4B : OCCUPANT LOAD FACTORS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
FUNCTIONAL SPACES | FACTOR (m 2/person) | REMARKS | ||
Amusement park | 1 | excluding machine areas | ||
Apartment, residential | 15 |
| ||
Area of refuge | ||||
ambulatory care facility | 1.4 |
| ||
custodian care facility | 1.4 |
| ||
hospital | 2.8 |
| ||
hospital | 0.56 | for area of refuge without patient accommodation | ||
nursing care facility | 2.8 |
| ||
nursing care facility | 0.56 | for area of refuge without patient accommodation | ||
supervisory care facility | 0.56 |
| ||
Archive room | ||||
reading area | 5 |
| ||
stack area | 10 |
| ||
Atrium floor | 3 |
| ||
Audio visual area | 3 |
| ||
Auditorium/ theatre | ||||
With individual fixed seating | 1.5 | occupant load can be based on number of fixed seating | ||
With fixed bench seating | --- | occupant load based on 450mm of length of the benches per person | ||
Audio visual control room for theatres/ cinemas/ concert halls | 5 |
| ||
Backpacker hotel | 3 | Max. 20 persons per room (including living area, toilet, etc.) | ||
Ball room | 1.5 |
| ||
Banking hall | 3 |
| ||
Bar/ pub | 1 |
| ||
Bath room | --- | non-simultaneous | ||
Bazaar | 5 |
| ||
Billiards room | 5 |
| ||
Book/ general storage | 30 |
| ||
Bowling alley | 1 | excluding bowling lanes | ||
Business centre/ office | 10 |
| ||
Cafeteria | 1.5 |
| ||
Canteen | 1.5 | including staff canteen | ||
Car parking area | 30 |
| ||
Changing room | --- | non-simultaneous | ||
Children playground | 5 | including playground equipment | ||
Classroom | 1.5 |
| ||
Computer classroom | 1.5 |
| ||
Club room | 1.5 |
| ||
Concourse | 3 |
| ||
Conference room | 1.5 |
| ||
Consultant room | 5 |
| ||
Common room | 1.5 |
| ||
Computer room | 5 |
| ||
Corridor | --- | non-simultaneous | ||
Crematoria | 1.5 |
| ||
Dance studio | 5 |
| ||
Department store | 5 |
| ||
Deposit/strong room | 30 |
| ||
Design studio | 5 |
| ||
Detention room | 3 |
| ||
Dining area | ||||
Hawker centre | 1.5 |
| ||
Fast food outlet | 1 |
| ||
others | 1.5 |
| ||
Discotheque | 1 | including dine & dance area | ||
Dormitory | 4.2 | bedroom area only, excluding living area, toilet, etc. | ||
Examination room | 5 |
| ||
Exposition/ Trade fair area | 1.5 |
| ||
Fast food outlet | 1 |
| ||
Filing room/ store | 10 |
| ||
Foyer Bus/ Airport/ Ferry terminal or station | 1.5 |
| ||
Fitness club/ centre | 5 |
| ||
Function room | 1.5 |
| ||
Gallery | ||||
exhibits | 2.5 |
| ||
choir | 1.5 |
| ||
prayer | 1.5 |
| ||
seating | 1.5 | occupant load can be based on number of fixed seating | ||
trading | 1.5 |
| ||
viewing | 1.5 |
| ||
surgical viewing | 3 |
| ||
General storage | 30 |
| ||
Goods storage | 30 |
| ||
Grandstand/ seating area | 1.5 |
| ||
Guestroom/ accommodation unit | 15 | min. 2 persons per room or 15m2/person, whichever is higher | ||
Gymnasium | 3.5 |
| ||
Health club/ centre | 5 |
| ||
Hobby room | 1.5 |
| ||
Housekeeping | 10 |
| ||
Indoor games room | 1.5 |
| ||
Indoor sport hall | ||||
school with multi-purpose hall | 3 |
| ||
school without multi-purpose hall | 1 |
| ||
others | 3 |
| ||
Karaoke lounge | 1.5 | including dine & dance areas | ||
Kitchen/ service area | 10 |
| ||
Laboratory | ||||
healthcare occupancy | 20 |
| ||
schools/ colleges/ tertiary institutions | 5 |
| ||
others | 5 |
| ||
Laundry | ||||
with machine operation | 15 |
| ||
others | 10 |
| ||
Lecture room | 1.5 |
| ||
Library room | ||||
stack area | 10 |
| ||
reading area | 5 |
| ||
Lighting control room | ||||
theatres/ cinemas/ concert halls | 5 |
| ||
others | 5 |
| ||
Loading/ unloading area | 4 per bay |
| ||
Lobby | --- | non-simultaneous | ||
Locker room | --- | non-simultaneous | ||
Lounge | 2.5 |
| ||
Machine/ printing room | 10 |
| ||
Maisonettes, residential | 15 |
| ||
Mechanical plant room | 30 |
| ||
Meeting room | 1.5 |
| ||
Mortuary | 30 |
| ||
Multi-purpose hall/ room | ||||
school/ colleges | 1 |
| ||
others | 1.5 |
| ||
Multi-purpose sports hall | ||||
public sport complex | 3 |
| ||
public swimming complex | 3 |
| ||
stadium | 3 |
| ||
others | 3 |
| ||
Night club | 1.5 | including dine & dance area | ||
Nursing station | 10 |
| ||
Office | ||||
Admin/ general | 10 |
| ||
director/ manager room | 15 |
| ||
drafting room/ area | 5 |
| ||
Operation theatre | 7.5 |
| ||
Orchestral pit | 1.5 |
| ||
Out-patient waiting area | 1.5 |
| ||
Packing/ distribution area | 10 |
| ||
Pantry | --- | non-simultaneous | ||
Passenger arrival/ departure areas | ||||
Bus/ Airport/ Ferry terminal or station | 1.5 |
| ||
Patient accommodation | ||||
intensive care | 20 |
| ||
room | 10 | |||
ward | 10 |
| ||
Pedestrian linkways (aboveground or underground) | ||||
with commercial activities | 2 |
| ||
building to Rapid Transit Stations (e.g., Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)) without commercial activities | 3.5 | |||
building to building without commercial activities | 5 |
| ||
standalone type without commercial activities | --- | non-simultaneous | ||
Pharmacy | ||||
staff area | 10 |
| ||
public waiting area | 2 |
| ||
Prayer hall | 1.5 |
| ||
Pre-function room | --- | non-simultaneous | ||
Production area | 10 | automated or non-automated | ||
Projection room | ||||
theatres/ cinemas/ concert halls | 5 |
| ||
others | 5 |
| ||
Promotion area | 1.5 |
| ||
Pub | 1 |
| ||
Reading room | 5 |
| ||
Reception area | 3 |
| ||
Recreation room | 1.5 |
| ||
Refreshment area | 1.5 |
| ||
Restroom | --- | non-simultaneous | ||
Restaurant | 1.5 |
| ||
Roof | --- | access for maintenance only | ||
Roof garden/ roof terrace, private | --- | non-simultaneous part of individual residential unit | ||
Roof garden/ roof terrace, public | ||||
health/ exercise corner | 5 | with exercise equipment | ||
jogging track/ designated foot path<=3m in width | 3 |
| ||
planter box <300m high | 1.5 |
| ||
planter box =>300mm | --- | fully covered with trees/ shrubs | ||
planter box =>300mm & <= 500mm high | 1.5 | turf | ||
planter box >500mm high | --- | without step/ ramp access | ||
sunken/ elevated water feature <300mm in depth/height | 3 | permanent or fixed structure | ||
sunken/ elevated water feature =>300mm in depth/height | --- | permanent or fixed structure | ||
sunken planting area | --- | fully covered with trees/ shrubs | ||
sunken planting area | 1.5 | turf | ||
other areas | 1.5 |
| ||
Seminar room | 1.5 |
| ||
Server room | 30 |
| ||
Serviced apartment | 15 | per unit | ||
Service area | 10 |
| ||
Shop | 5 |
| ||
Showroom | 5 |
| ||
Sick room | --- | non-simultaneous | ||
Skating rink | ||||
rink area | 3 |
| ||
spectator area | 1.5 |
| ||
Snack bar | 1.5 |
| ||
Society room | 1.5 |
| ||
Spa | 5 | include areas for weight training, aerobics, massage, sauna/steam bath and whirlpools | ||
Squash court | 2 per court |
| ||
Staff office | 10 |
| ||
Storage area | 30 |
| ||
Staff canteen | 1.5 |
| ||
Staff lounge | 3 |
| ||
Staff quarters | 15 | min. 2 persons per room or 15m2/person, whichever is higher | ||
Stage, front/ back | ||||
schools/ colleges/ tertiary institutions | 3 |
| ||
theatres/ cinemas/ concert halls | --- | non-simultaneous | ||
Storage/ store room | 30 |
| ||
Swimming pool | ||||
condominium/ apartment | 5 |
| ||
hotel | --- |
| ||
private club | --- |
| ||
public sports complex | 2.5 |
| ||
public swimming complex | 2.5 |
| ||
serviced apartment | --- |
| ||
Swimming pool deck | ||||
condominium/apartment | 10 |
| ||
hotel | 10 |
| ||
private club | 10 |
| ||
public sports complex | 5 |
| ||
public swimming complex | 5 |
| ||
serviced apartment | 10 |
| ||
Student bedroom | 15 | min. 2 persons per room or 15m2/person, whichever is higher | ||
Supermarket | 5 |
| ||
Therapy centre | 10 |
| ||
Ticketing office | 10 |
| ||
Toilet | --- | non-simultaneous | ||
Trading floor | 2 |
| ||
Training area | ||||
public sports complex | 3 |
| ||
public swimming complex | 3 |
| ||
stadium | 3 |
| ||
Treatment room | 5 |
| ||
Visitors lounge | 3 |
| ||
Waiting area | 3 |
| ||
Workshop | ||||
institutional | 5 |
| ||
industrial | 10 |
| ||
Note: - All functional spaces shall be computed based on accessible floor area for the calculation of occupant load, unless specifically exempted under the “Remarks” column - The functional spaces stated above are non-exhaustive. Usage of other occupancy load factor is only allowed if permitted by SCDF | ||||