Portable fire extinguishers, where required, shall be constructed in accordance with SS EN 3.
All portable fire extinguishers, where required to be provided, shall be charged, tested, maintained and properly tagged in accordance with SS 578.
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Document Version: 2023
Fire Code
6
Firefighting Systems
6.1
Portable Extinguishers
6.1.1
General
6.1.2
Provision
Fire extinguishers shall be provided in all buildings except the following:
PG I buildings;
residential floors of PG II buildings;
car parking areas in standalone car parks or mixed-use residential buildings;
roof level of single storey buildings with roof height not more than 12m or inaccessible pitched roof up to 24m from grade level used solely for roof-mounted PV installations in accordance with Cl.10.2.1b.(1); and
roof level of an external/ open-sided overhead bridge/ shed/ linkway/ walkway with clear width less than 6m, roof height not more than 12m and used solely for roof-mounted PV installations in accordance with Cl.10.2.1b.(1).
Green roofs which are accessible for maintenance purposes only and which comply with Cl.10.2.1b.(1)(a).
Where the roof level is a non-habitable floor, fire extinguishers shall be provided to cover the M&E plants/ equipment.
Explanations & Illustrations
Cl.6.1.2a.(2) specifically precludes residential floors under PG II from the need to provide portable fire extinguishers. However, in a block of residential apartments, one would expect to find rooms or spaces designed for such use as electrical switch rooms, transformer rooms, generator rooms, lift motor rooms, general store rooms, etc.. For such spaces or rooms, fire extinguishers of suitable type and capacity should be provided to take care of any outbreak of incipient fire.
6.1.3
Type, size and siting
The classification of portable fire extinguishers provided shall be selected in accordance with SS 578 such that the nature of processes and contents within the building concerned can be effectively protected. The size, quantity and siting of these portable fire extinguishers shall comply with the requirements in SS 578 under the respective class of occupancy hazard.
Explanations & Illustrations
The type, size, quantity and siting of the portable fire extinguishers shall comply with the requirements in SS 578.
Portable fire extinguishers provided in building are meant to be used by occupants as a first line defence, in handling fires of limited size. Fire extinguishers shall be conspicuously located in positions where they will be readily accessible and immediately available in the event of fire. They shall be located along the normal paths of egress from a space to an exit. Fire extinguishers provided to deal with special risks shall be sited near the risk concerned, but not too near as to be inaccessible in case of fire.
The selection of the most appropriate fire extinguisher depends on the fire hazards anticipated pertaining to occupancies of a building, the effectiveness of the fire extinguisher used on that class of hazard, and the weight of the extinguisher can be handled by occupants. Fire extinguishers shall be located so that no person needs to travel more than 15m to reach an extinguisher.
6.1.4
Installation and marking
Portable fire extinguishers provided shall be installed and conspicuously marked in accordance with requirements by SS 578.
Explanations & Illustrations
Installation requirements
Portable extinguishers shall be installed in every building except dwelling units.
The operating instructions of portable extinguishers shall face outward when the extinguishers are located in cabinets, in wall recesses or on shelves.
6.2
Rising Main and Hose Reel Systems
6.2.1
Type of rising mains
The type of rising main system provided shall be appropriate to the building as follows:
dry rising mains shall be installed in PG II to VIII buildings of habitable height more than 10m, but not more than 60m;
wet rising mains shall be installed in buildings with habitable height exceeding 60m; and
separate dry and wet rising main systems in a building are permitted.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.2.1a.(1) : Type of rising mains
Dry rising main (dry riser).- A vertical pipe installed in a building for firefighting purposes, fitted with inlet connections at fire engine access level and landing valves on various floors, which is normally dry but is capable of being charged with water usually by pumping from fire engine pumps.
Dry rising mains are basically dry water pipes. The empty mains need to be charged with water through the breeching inlets by fire fighting appliance. The dry rising mains should not exceed 60m to avoid excessive pumping pressure.
Generally, building with a small foot print and the riser stack is located at the perimeter wall of the building, there is no need to provide landing valve at 1st storey level. However, if the riser stack is located deep inside the building as shown in Figure 6.2.1a.(1), then landing valve is required to be provided at 1st storey level.
Clause 6.2.1a.(3) : Type of rising mains
Where a block of residential building has podium and tower blocks integrated:
Tower block exceeding 60m in habitable height shall be provided with wet rising main.
Podium block needs to be provided with dry rising main only.
Notwithstanding the requirements in Cl.6.2.1a., dry rising mains conforming to SS 575 shall be provided to supply any part of a single or multiple level basement.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.2.1b. : Type of rising mains
All basements except those under PG I are required to be covered by dry rising main, irrespective of the depth and number of basements below ground level. Rising main would help to provide steady supply of water required by firefighters during emergency. The provision would eliminate the tedious process of laying fire hoses from ground level into the basement floors to tackle any outbreak of fire.
Where breeching inlets are provided at the foot of the riser stack, landing valve for PG II is not required to be provided at the 1st storey level.
Where the building has access from more than one ground level or road level, the height measurements for the purpose of this Code shall be taken from the level of the fire engine accessway. Where there is no fire engine accessway, the height measurements shall be based on fire engine access road.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.2.1c. : Type of rising mains
For the purpose of determining the provision of rising main to an apartment or maisonette building, the habitable height shall be taken from the level of the lowest fire engine accessway or fire engine access road where breeching inlets are provided.
Dry rising mains are basically dry water pipes. The empty mains need to be charged with water through the breeching inlets by fire engines. The dry rising mains should not exceed 60m in height to avoid excessive pumping pressure.
Wet rising mains are constantly charged with water that provide the required flow rate and pressure for firefighting and equipped with water storage capacity for a given duration of 60 mins. The breeching inlets, usually provided at ground level, are meant for replenishing the water tank.
6.2.2
Number, location and size of rising mains
Standard
The number, distribution, size and installation of rising mains shall comply with the requirements stipulated in SS 575.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.2.2a. : Number, location & size of rising mains
All buildings with habitable height exceeding 10m would require one or more rising mains. All parts of the floor shall be within 38m from a landing valve.
The provision of rising main shall be such that all parts of any floor are within 38m from a landing valve, measured along a route suitable for hose lines including any distance up or down a staircase.
The minimum nominal bore of a rising main shall be 100mm where the rising main does not exceed 45m in height and only one landing valve is provided at each floor.
The minimum nominal bore of a rising main shall be 150mm where the rising main either (i) exceeds 45m in height or (ii) is permitted to have two landing valves on any floor.
The height of rising main is the habitable height measured from the fire engine access level to the finished floor level of the topmost floor served by the rising main, irrespective whether or not the main is extended above roof level. The above figure shows two landing valves being installed in the top 2 floors though the height of rising main does not exceed 45m, the minimum nominal bore of the rising main shall not be less than 150mm.
Locations of landing valves
Rising mains and the associated landing valves shall be kept free of physical and visual obstruction, and be located:
within a fire lift lobby, smoke-free lobby or external corridor immediately outside the door of the exit staircase, or
in the case where there is no fire lift lobby, smoke-free lobby and external corridor, it shall be located inside an exit staircase, or in the common area and within a protected shaft, immediately outside the door of the exit staircase.
Note: Where there are provisions of fire lift lobby and smoke-free lobby within the building, the position of rising mains and landing valves shall first be located inside fire lift lobby.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.2.2b.(1) : Number, location & size of rising mains
Where rising mains is located within a protected lobby (smoke-free/fire lift lobbies), it need not be separately protected. However, if the rising mains is positioned or located within an unprotected areas/spaces, it shall be encased with a fire resistance enclosure.
In the above situation (Figure 6.2.2b.(1) – 4) where the rising mains are located outside the staircases and along external exit passageway/external corridor which are naturally ventilated, there is no need to protect the rising main and landing valve separately, because the external exit passageway/external corridor is treated as ‘protected lobby’, for the purpose of interpretation and application of this requirement.
Clause 6.2.2b.(2) : Number, location & size of rising mains
The location of the rising main should not cause obstruction to the escape path inside the staircase.
Provision for landing valves and standby fire hoses
The location and provision for landing valves shall comply with SS 575. Where any part of the 1st storey of a building, except for PG II buildings, is more than 38m (30m hose line length and a jet throw of 8m) from the breeching inlet, a landing valve at the 1st storey shall be provided.
Where all the exit staircases in a building under PG III to VIII are installed with rising mains and standby fire hoses, and yet part of a floor space is beyond the 38m (30m hose line length and a jet throw of 8m) coverage of any landing valve, an additional standby fire hose shall be provided at the landing valve nearest to this floor space.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.2.2c. : Number, location & size of rising mains
Location of rising mains
The entire pipework and landing valves comprising each rising main system inside the building shall be confined:
within a ventilated lobby of a protected lobby approach stairway, where this is provided, or
in such other protected areas as may be agreed with the SCDF.
Rising mains shall be so located that they are protected against mechanical and fire damage.
No part of a rising main shall be placed in any shaft containing a gas, steam or fuel pipelines or electrical cables and wirings.
Where passing through other than protected area e.g. protected lobby shaft, pipe need to be encased or protected by and fire rating material with 2-hr fire resistance rating.
A single rising main is provided in example A as the distance from the remotest point in any residential unit to the rising main landing valve, measured along the route of travel, does not exceed 38m.
Two stacks of rising mains are required in example B if the coverage or travel distance to the remotest point of the floor exceeds 38m.
A single rising main is provided in example C as the distance from the remotest point in any unit to the rising main landing valve, measured along the route of travel, does not exceed 38m.
Figure 6.2.2c. - 4
The above figure shows rising main installed in the core of a building, meeting the requirements of distance coverage (38m). Such arrangement is deem not acceptable to the SCDF. The position of rising mains shall be located in the following areas (see Cl.6.2.2b.) in the order of priority.
Figure 6.2.2c. - 5
The above figure is an acceptable arrangement of positioning rising mains in the order of priority. Two stacks of rising main are required if the distance exceeds 38m, measured from the landing valve to the remotest point.
Where the pipe work and landing valve are located outside protected lobby or area allowed by the SCDF, they shall be protected by approved 2-hr fire-rated enclosures.
Provision of landing valve to any rising main for PG II at 1st storey is not required if any part of that storey is not more than 38m from the external wall of the building.
A landing valve with an instantaneous female coupling for connecting to SCDF’s 63.5mm diameter standard hose shall be provided for each rising main on every floor above the ground, including the 1st storey, every basement floor and on the roof for testing purposes. External walls refer to the external walls of the building that are facing or adjoining the boundaries. Where any part of the floor space in the building is less than 38m from the external wall, firefighters could connect multiple hose lengths to the fire pumper for the supply of water. As it is time consuming and laborious to connect additional multiple hose lengths, landing valve shall be provided to the rising mains at 1st storey if any part of the floor space in the building exceeds 38m from the external wall of the building.
Note to QP
Clause 6.2.2
Under normal circumstances, a building below 10m in habitable height would not require rising mains. However, if such buildings have very large floor area or footprint, whereby its internal areas are outside the coverage of a fire hose length of 38m from the fire-fighting access panels, it is recommended that the internal rising mains to be incorporated to cover these areas. Otherwise, consultation with the SCDF ought to be sought.
6.2.3
Breeching inlets and fire engine accessways/ fire engine access roads
All buildings fitted with rising mains shall have a fire engine accessway/ fire engine access road for firefighting appliances within 18m of the breeching inlet. The breeching inlets shall be visible from the fire engine accessway/ fire engine access road.
The requirements and provisions for breeching inlets for the rising main system shall be in accordance with the SS 575. Connecting pipes between the inlets and the vertical run of the rising mains, where applicable, shall be kept as short as possible.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.2.3a. : Breeching inlets & fire engine accessway/ fire engine access road
The breeching inlets would be located on the external wall of the building and to be within 18m of the fire engine accessway or fire engine access road. The breeching inlets shall be visible from the adjacent accessway.
Thus, a fire engine accessway can serve more than one rising main to one or more buildings, provided (a) above is complied with.
Clause 6.2.3b. : Breeching inlets & fire engine accessway/ fire engine access road
The inlets and the vertical run of the rising main shall be kept as short as possible. The total pressure loss of the dry rising main shall not exceed 6 bar based on the design water flow rate. This is to correspond with the maximum habitable height of 60m.
6.2.4
Wet rising mains
Water supply
The capacity of the water supply from the public mains and the storage capacity for a wet rising main system shall comply with the requirements in SS 575.
Explanations & Illustrations
For wet rising mains it is essential that pressures and flows be adequate at all times to serve the required number of jets likely to be used.
The water supply to the rising mains should be kept entirely independent of water supplies feeding other installations including those for other firefighting systems.
Means of supply for wet rising mains
Each wet rising main shall be fed from a suction or storage tank having a minimum effective storage capacity capable of supplying water at the rate of 27 L/s for a period of at least 30 minutes.
The storage tank(s) shall be automatically supplied either directly or indirectly via other tanks from a public main(s). The pipe drawing water from public mains to the tank shall be at least 150mm in diameter.
Break tanks not serving as storage tanks shall have an effective holding capacity of not less than 11.5m³ for each wet rising main.
Water tanks for wet rising mains
Tanks supplying water for domestic purposes shall not be used as suction tanks for wet rising mains.
Flow
The flow requirements for wet rising main system shall comply with those stipulated in SS 575.
Explanations & Illustrations
The minimum water supply flow rate shall be maintained in the wet rising system when 3 landing valves within the system are in the fully open position:
27 L/s for a residential building.
38 L/s for a non-residential and mixed occupancy building.
When more than one wet rising main is required in any zone in a building, the minimum common water supply shall be as stated below. Where the total maximum supply rate exceeds those stated in (a) and (b), another common water supply system shall be used.
For a residential building, 27 L/s for each rising main.
For a non-residential or any mixed occupancy building 38 L/s for the first rising main and 19 L/s for each additional rising main, subject to a total maximum supply rate of 95 L/s for PG III, IV, V & VII buildings and 133 L/s for PG VI and VIII buildings.
Running pressure
Running pressure at each discharging landing valve on the wet rising main system shall be maintained between the minimum and maximum values as stipulated in SS 575.
Explanations & Illustrations
A minimum running pressure of 3.5 bar and a maximum of 5.5 bar shall be maintained at each landing valve when any number, up to three, are fully opened.
Static pressure
Static pressure in any line of hose connected to a landing valve in a wet rising main system shall not exceed the specified value in SS 575.
Explanations & Illustrations
To reduce the risk of hose bursting, arrangements shall be made in accordance with BS 5041: Pt 1 so that when the water is shut off at the nozzle the static pressure in any line of hose connected to a landing valve does not exceed 8 bar.
To dispose of excess flows and pressures over and above those required (i.e. when only one jet is in use) a pressure control valve shall be incorporated in the body of the landing valve which is then permanently connected into the relief pipe. This relief pipe should run throughout the length of the wet rising main installation and should terminate either back into the suction tank or to drain.
Storage tanks
The location of storage tank and capacity of break tank where required shall comply with the requirements in SS 575.
Explanations & Illustrations
The location and number of storage tank would be determined by the design of the wet rising main system and the height of the building. SS 575 should be fully complied with.
It is important that at early design stage of the building, the type of design of the wet rising main system should be drawn up to allow allocation of space for pumps and water tanks.
Usually, storage tanks and pumps are located in mechanical service floor in upper storey and basement, and on the roof of the building.
The capacity of break tank shall have an effective holding capacity of not less than 11.5m³ for each wet rising main.
Footnote:
Storage tank is water tank having a minimum effective wet rising main storage capacity capable of supplying water at a given rate for a period of at least 30 minutes.
Break tank is either (a) a tank into which the incoming supply connection from the PUB water mains discharge, or (b) an intermediate tank for limiting the system pressure.
Suction tank is a tank from which a pump can draw water.
Wet rising mains system
“Wet rising mains” function similarly to dry rising mains. However, the pipes are permanently charged with water from a pressurised supply, and fitted with landing valves on various floors.
The breeching inlet act as an alternative means of supplying water to the rising mains system should the incoming public water supply pipes be damaged or the water supply is inadequate.
Fire pumps
Installation of fire pumps for wet rising main system shall comply with the requirements of SS 575. Wet riser pumps shall be installed within a fire compartmented fire pump room, whose fire rating shall be in accordance with Table 6.4A. The fire pump room floor level shall not be lower than the main floor level.
Explanations & Illustrations
Pump room in basement
Pumps, which are part of the wet rising main system, must be properly protected from the effect of heat and fire. As pumps are the vital nerves of the system, they should be installed in room having the necessary fire-rated enclosures and door (min 2-hr fire resistance rating).
Pumps shall be selected to meet the design requirements of the rising main system and be listed by recognised institution such as UL or FM.
There should be a voice communication system to provide intercommunication amongst all pump rooms.
Mechanical ventilation and electrical lighting in the pump room shall be equipped with standby emergency power supply.
Water supply system
The water supply requirements for wet riser system shall be as follows:
TABLE 6.2.4g: WATER RISER SYSTEM
No: of stacks
Water flow rate (L/s)
Non-residential buildings
Residential buildings
1
38
27
2
57
40.5
3
76
54
4 & above
95
67.5
The minimum water storage capacity shall be capable of supplying water at the above flow rate for the period as specified in SS 575.
6.2.5
Standby fire hose for rising mains
Standby fire hoses shall be provided for every rising main except for those in buildings under PG II. The following requirements shall be complied with:
Type and folding method
The standby fire hose shall be of 63.5mm nominal internal diameter in order to ensure that the hose coupling will fit the existing coupling tail pieces. The hose shall be rugged and capable of carrying water under substantive pressure in accordance with BS 6391. The fire hose shall be of Type 3 as stipulated in BS 6391.
The fire hose couplings shall be manufactured to BS specifications or equivalent and of be light alloy or gunmetal. The coupling shall be of 63.5mm diameter and be of the instantaneous type with standard (double-pull) release mechanism. The couplings shall be secured to the hoses with galvanised mild steel wire and applied over a hose guard of synthetic fibre. It shall be able to withstand a minimum working pressure of 15 bars.
Each hose shall have a standard length of 30m and shall be kept stowed in a Dutch Roll and housed in a glass fronted cabinet. The Dutch Roll shall be rolled in the manner shown in Diagram 6.2.5a.(3).
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.2.5a. : Standby fire hose for rising mains
Standby hose provides the firefighter greater hose length connection in situation where the floor space is extensive. The hose from other floors could be transferred to fire floor quickly when required by firefighters. Standby hose shall be kept locked in a cabinet, when placed along escape corridor, in common area and circulation space. The hose is allowed to be left mounted on hook or cradle inside the riser main shaft.
Position
The fire hose shall be installed just next to, but not more than 2m from the landing valve as shown in Diagram 6.2.5b.(1).
The entire fire hose and cabinet shall be installed away from direct sunlight.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.2.5b. : Standby fire hose for rising mains
Mounting
The wall mounted fire hose and cabinet shall be as follows:
The cabinet shall be firmly mounted on the wall and able to withstand the weight of the hose(s) it houses.
The cabinet shall be constructed of non-combustible material and be maintenance free.
The cabinet lock, if provided, shall be one that can be operated manually from the inside without the use of a key when the front tempered glass (minimum 300mm x 300mm) is broken by firefighters.
The cabinet swing door shall be made openable such that it will not obstruct the retrieving of the fire hose by firefighters.
The depth of the cabinet shall not exceed 250mm for one fire hose or 350mm for two fire hoses.
The cabinet shall be painted in a contrasting colour such that it is conspicuous and easily identified.
The wording, “FIRE HOSE”, with letter height of at least 50mm and shown in contrasting colour, shall be painted directly on the front panel as shown in Diagram 6.2.5b.(1).
In lieu of the cabinet, a simple wall mounted cradle for the fire hose can be provided, but only in the riser main shaft. The cradle shall be constructed and positioned to facilitate the retrieving of fire hose by firefighters.
The cradle (in lieu of the cabinet) shall be maintenance-free. The fire hose installation height shall be limited as indicated in Diagram 6.2.5b.(1).
General
Only clean, dry and compactly rolled (Dutch Roll with the Velcro strap secured as shown in the Diagram 6.2.5a.(3) and b.(1)) hose(s) shall be placed in the cabinet.
BS 6391 stipulates the technical requirements for quality acceptance standards of the fire hose. In addition, the above mentioned requirements shall be applicable for acceptance of the standby fire hose.
Note to QP
Clause 6.2.5d
QPs are reminded to ensure that premise owners are aware of the manufacturer's recommendation for maintenance of the standby hoses provided on site.
6.2.6
Building under construction
When a building in pursuance of Cl.6.2.1, is required to be equipped with rising mains, such rising mains shall be installed progressively as required under Cl.9.9.3 during the course of construction. All outlets, landing valves and inlets, water tanks and pumps, and hydrants shall be properly installed so as to be readily operational in case of fire.
Explanations & Illustrations
Provision of wet rising main is required when building exceeds a habitable height of 60m.
Rising main is dry type before the habitable height of 60m is reached.
Rising main is converted to wet type with the installation of pump and water tank
Breeching inlets
Breeching inlets (2-way or 4-way) should be provided as per approved building plan.
Fire lift
As it is not feasible to provide fire lift for use by firefighters, a passenger hoist, which is usually installed at site could be used. The hoist need not serve the topmost 3 floors, until the roof is being completed.
Electrical power supply
Supply from power grid or generator set could be acceptable.
Fire engine access road
During construction stage, there could be other works involving laying of services, excavation work etc that would prevent provision of access road and the space available would not permit the maneuverability of fire engine.
However, every opportunity should be taken to put in the access road in place. This is necessary for the purpose of conducting effective fire fighting operations should a fire occur at any time. In view of the above, additional portable fire extinguishers should be provided at each floor level instead.
Rising main landing valve
Rising main and landing valve shall be provided to every floor, except the topmost 3 floors as the building gains height, and made operational.
Rising main pressure & flow
As it is not feasible to provide a full-sized water tank and pump to meet the flow and pressure required for 45 mins of firefighting, a break tank of minimum 11.5m³ should be provided, instead for firefighting of 5 mins duration. Upon the arrival of fire engine the tank could be replenished via the public hydrant. The break tank must be constructed before the building reaches the 60m height.
Responsibility/Accountability
The main contractor for the project shall be responsible and accountable for the provision and maintenance of the rising main in the building under construction.
Checklist
Inspection and testing checklists of rising mains are attached for ease of reference.
Figure 6.2.6 -3 Checklist
6.2.7
Foam inlets
Provision
Where boiler room or storage room containing highly combustible materials are located in a basement, or is not easily accessible for firefighting, foam inlets and pipe works shall be provided for the purpose of delivering foam solution to an area close to the room concerned.
In situations where such rooms have access openings along a fire engine accessway, provision of foam solution inlets and outlets is not required.
Breeching inlet
A two-way breeching inlet shall be provided at ground level with pipe run of minimum 100mm bore, terminating with a landing valve just outside the high fire risk room. The provision of the breeching inlet shall comply with the relevant clauses of SS 575.
Explanations & Illustrations
The above figure shows the foam supply pipe being run through a room adjoining the boiler room. The other alternative of routing the pipe works through the boiler room is acceptable if the pipes are enclosed with fire-rated materials having the necessary fire resistance rating.
Foam inlets pipe works are provided for the purpose of delivering foam solution to the lobby or circulation area close to the room(s) containing highly combustible materials. This arrangement is similar to a rising main system, except that it is meant to deliver foam solution instead of water. Under this arrangement, ready mixed foam solution would be pumped into the 2-way breeching inlets at ground level. Firefighter would carry the necessary hoses with foam making branch to tap the foam solution from the landing valve and to jet in the foam at the seat of the fire in the room.
6.2.8
Hose reels
Provision
Hydraulic hose reel(s) conforming to the requirements in SS 575 shall be provided for every storey of every building regardless of building height.
Where a roof level is a non-habitable floor, fire hose reels shall be provided to cover the M&E plants/ equipment.
Exemption
PG I buildings.
Non-residential occupancy at the 1st storey of a mixed commercial-cum-residential building or single storey standalone building, which fulfils all of the following conditions:
AFA of the non-residential unit does not exceed 150m².
Individually compartmented except for the parts of the unit fronting and within 3m from the external space.
Not used as an eating establishment, or for storage of flammable materials.
Not used as a public entertainment outlet.
Not belonging to PG VI or VIII buildings.
Not used as a dormitory, hostel, etc. where sleeping risk is involved.
Other standalone buildings as follows:
Single-storey guard houses.
Bin centres.
22kV (and lower) electrical substations.
Open-sided sheds (excluding those for PG VI and VIII usages) with AFA not exceeding 200m2 and openings that constitute not less than 80% of the perimeter wall area (measured along the roof eaves).
Domestic water supply, rainwater, wastewater, sewage pumping stations with AFA not exceeding 300m2.
Roof level of single storey buildings with roof height not more than 12m or inaccessible pitched roof up to 24m from grade level used solely for roof-mounted PV installations in accordance with Cl.10.2.1b.(1).
Roof level of an external/ open-sided overhead bridge/ shed/ linkway/ walkway with clear width less than 6m, roof height not more than 12m and used solely for roof-mounted PV installations in accordance with Cl.10.2.1b.(1).
Green roofs which are accessible for maintenance purposes only and which comply with Cl.10.2.1b.(1)(a).
Mezzanine floor of factory unit, subject to compliance with Cl.9.6.1a.(2), and provided the coverage distance of the nearest hose reel at the main floor to the most remote point of the mezzanine floor does not exceed 36m (30m hose path and 6m throw).
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.2.8a.(3)(b) : Hose reels
The staircase serving the upper storey living quarters shall be compartmented from the shop area by minimum 1-hr fire-rated enclosures. The communicating side access door between the staircase and shop area at 1st storey level shall be minimum ½-hr fire-rated and fitted with self-closer. This door shall always be kept in the closed position to prevent smoke and fire from spreading to the living quarters if there is a fire in the shop area.
Clause 6.2.8a.(3)(d) : Hose reels
Small buildings refer to detached and standalone buildings, such as guardhouse, pump house, bin centre, electrical substation. These would not be required to be provided with hydraulic hose reel. However, suitable type of fire extinguisher should be provided instead. For other types of small building, QPs should consult the SCDF before making building plan submission.
*Distance is to be measured along a route suitable for the hoseline having regard to any obstruction.
Size and type
The hose shall be of 20mm or 25mm nominal diameter and conform to EN 694, shall not exceed 30m in length and terminate in “shut-off” branches with 4mm or 6mm nozzles.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.2.8b. : Hose reels
The reel or drum should be of adequate size to wind up the 30m length hose.
The length of the hose should not exceed 30m. The main reasons are:
an occupant using the hose reel to fight an incipient fire need not traverse more than 30m. Consideration must be given that the occupant needs to retrace his path to a safe exit if the incipient fire could not be put out. Thus, the aggregate travel distance to and from the incipient fire should not be excessive;
longer than 30m hose would require a bigger reel which would create some difficulties in running out the hose and that jamming of tubing could occur when in use.
An operating instruction notice plate should be provided next to the stop valve. The hose reel operating instructions shall be:
“Turn on the inlet valve before running out the hose”
All hose reels should be tested at least once a year. The test is to ensure that they are maintained in working order and able produce a jet of water with a minimum of 6m throw.
Hose reels located in recesses or cabinets shall bear the appropriate sign in accordance with SS 508
Hose reels are now required to be type tested by a recognised testing laboratory to meet the standard of EN 671 – 1 or equivalent and are subject to the Productivity & Standards Board Inspection Scheme.
Water supply
Water supply for hose reels in terms of flow rate and minimum running pressure shall comply with the requirements in SS 575.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.2.8c. : Hose reels
EXTRACTS FROM SS 575
Minimum requirements
As a minimum, the water supply to hose reels shall be such that when the two topmost hose reels with the least hydraulic head in a building are operating simultaneously, each will provide a jet of at least 6m in length at a flow rate of at least 0.4 L/s. For example, when a 30m length of hose reel tubing (Type A of BS 3169) is in use with a 6.5mm nozzle, a minimum running pressure of 1.5 bar will be required at the entry to each reel. Similarly, for a 4.5mm nozzle, a minimum running pressure of 4 bars will be required.
Pipework shall not be less than 50mm nominal bore and feeds to individual hose reels shall be at least 25mm nominal bore.
Hose reel pump
Where the water pressure in hose reel main needs to be boosted, the provision of an electrically driven pump is usually a convenient method. A duplicate standby pump shall also be provided.
Both motors and pumps shall be sited in positions where they are protected against tampering and physical and fire damage and the electrical supply to them shall be by an exclusive circuit with the cables following a route of negligible fire risk or be provided with adequate protection.
The hose reel pumps system shall come into operation automatically with a drop in pressure or a flow of water. Both pumps shall be automatically primed at all times.
All pumps shall also be capable of being started or stopped manually. The standby pump shall be so arranged that it will operate automatically on failure of the duty pump. Where more than one source of electrical supply is available, the duty and standby pump shall be connected to the different sources.
Connection for boosted supplies - pumps shall be fed from a suction tank or inter-connected tanks having a minimum capacity of 1100 L. The tanks shall be automatically supplied from a town main or a reliable source, controlled by a ball valve of minimum diameter 50mm.
Use of domestic water tank - tanks supplying water for domestic purposes shall not be used as suctions for hose reel installations unless arrangements have been made for domestic supplies to be drawn off in such a manner that the requisite reserve of water for the hose reel installation is always preserved.
Connection for boosted supplies
Pumps shall be fed from a suction tank or inter-connected tanks having a min. capacity of 1100 L. The tank(s) shall be automatically supplied from a town main or a reliable source, controlled by a ball valve of minimum diameter 50mm.
Use of Domestic Water Tanks
Tanks supplying water for domestic purposes shall not be used as suctions for hose reel installations unless arrangements have been made for domestic supplies to be drawn off in such a manner that the requisite reserve of water for the hose reel installation is always preserved. There shall not be any risk of contamination of water due to stagnation in the tank. The design of such arrangement is subject to PUB’s approval.
Footnote: Hose reel and sprinkler systems can share the same water tank under the conditions stipulated in SS CP 52.
Siting and installation
Siting and details of installation for hose reels shall comply with the requirements in SS 575.
Hose reels shall be sited in prominent and accessible locations within a distance of 5m from the exit door but not inside exit staircases. If there are parts of the floor space that are beyond the 36m coverage (30m hose path and 6m throw) of the hose reel, additional hose reels shall be provided at the common area or at a distance of not more than 5m from the exit access door of a room.
Hose reels located within a room shall not be used for covering the areas outside the room.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.2.8d.(1) : Hose reels
Figure 6.2.8d.(1) - 1
The distribution of hydraulic hose reels as shown above is not acceptable as there is a pocket of area that is beyond the coverage of the hose reels.
Figure 6.2.8d.(1) - 2
EXTRACT FROM SS 575
Distribution of hydraulic hose reel
Siting
Hose reels shall be sited in prominent and accessible positions adjacent to exits, preferably just outside protected corridors, lobbies or staircases on exit routes, but not inside staircases.
In planning the location of hose reels, consideration should be given to the following points:
Access to hose reels should not be obstructed by the parking, loading and unloading of vehicles or by the location of furniture, equipment or other material.
Protection of hose reels from mechanical damage and unauthorised use.
The location of internal walls, partitions, doorways, storage racking, stored heights of goods and other obstructions, which could restrict normal hose coverage through the building.
Installation of hose reels
References shall be made to SS 575 for details on installation of the hose reel.
Piping
The use of copper or stainless steel piping is permissible for the connection of the hose reels to the PUB mains. Where only 1 number of hose reel is required, water supply pipe with nominal diameter of at least 25mm is permitted if the hose reel meets the required flow rate and pressure as stipulated in SS 575.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.2.8e. : Hose reels
Pipework for hose reel system shall not be less than 50mm nominal bore and feeds to individual hose reels shall be at least 25mm nominal bore.
Copper or stainless steel pipes can be incorporated in the pipe works supplying water to the hose reels.
The above sub-clause allows the flexibility of using alternative material for the water supply pipe of the hose reel system.
6.2.9
Graphical symbols
Graphical symbols to depict fire safety equipment are allowed for use in buildings provided the signs comply with SS 508. The Table 6.2.9 shows the different sizes of the graphical symbol with respect to the viewing distance.
TABLE 6.2.9 SIZES OF GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Viewing Distance | 0 to 6m | > 6 to 9m | > 9 to 12m | 12m or more |
Minimum height of symbol (Z=100) | 60mm | 90mm | 120mm | 150mm |
Note: The luminous factor (Z=100) from SS 563 is used to determine the size of the sign. It essentially dictates the size of the sign that varies with distance. The graphical symbol for firefighting equipment shall be sized such that the height and width are same. The size of symbol is not inclusive of borders. | ||||
Explanations & Illustrations
The minimum size of the symbol when viewed more than 12m away. The size of symbol is not inclusive of borders.
6.3
Electrical Fire Alarm System
6.3.1
General
PG III to VIII occupancies
Every building or part of a building, except that of PG I or II (residential floors), having a total floor area of more than that specified in column (3) of Table 6.3A having regard to the purpose group of the building or part of the building, shall be installed with a fire alarm system, either of the automatic or manual type as indicated in column (4), which shall be an electrically supervised system complying with the requirements of the SS 645. The fire alarm system shall be connected to the SCDF’s Operations Centre through an approved alarm monitoring company if required under Cl.6.3.8.
Notwithstanding Cl.6.3.1a.(1) above, if the total floor area per storey of a 2 to 4 storey building of any of the PG III to VIII exceeds the sizes as stipulated in column (2) of Table 3.2A, the building shall be provided with an automatic fire alarm system.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.3.1a.(1) : General
Based on the floor area of 1st storey, the above building is required to be provided with manual fire alarm system to 1st, 2nd and 3rd storey, which are for commercial usage. The bells of the alarm system shall be extended to the common areas (lobbies, corridors, staircases, etc.) of the residential floor at 4th storey.
Warehouse
Single storey warehouse not exceeding 2000m² is not required to be provided with fire alarm system unless otherwise specified by the SCDF. The main reason is that the building is small, hence escape to the exterior via exit doors would be straight forward.
Warehouse building of 2 to 4 storeys and having a total floor area (per storey) of greater than 1000m² is required to provide manual type of fire alarm system. This manual fire alarm system (break glass type) is not required to be connected to an approved alarm monitoring company.
Warehouse building which is more than 4 storeys is required to be provided with automatic fire alarm system such as smoke or heat detection types, irrespective of the floor area per storey.
Factory
Single storey factory building not exceeding 400m² is not required to be provided with fire alarm system unless otherwise specified by the SCDF. The main reason is that the building is small, hence escape to the exterior via exit doors would be straight forward.
Factory building of 2 to 4 storeys and having a total floor area (per storey) of greater than 200m² is required to be provided with manual type of fire alarm system. This manual fire alarm system (break glass type) is not required to be connected to an approved alarm monitoring company.
Factory building which is more than 4 storeys is required to be provided with automatic fire alarm system such as smoke or heat detection system, irrespective of the floor area per storey.
Even though the warehouse floor has less than 1000m², the whole building is required to be provided with manual fire alarm system as the factory floor (per storey) exceeds 200m².
Although the floor area of each factory floor is less than 200m², the building is required to be provided with manual fire alarm system as the warehouse located at 1st storey exceeds 1000m².
Factory or Warehouse
As the factory floor area per storey is less than 200m² and the warehouse floor area is less than 1000m² there is no need to provide fire alarm system unless requested by the SCDF. It should be noted that if in the event that warehouse floor is granted change of use to factory, a manual fire alarm system will be required to be provided to the whole building. The main reasons for the difference in floor area between factory and warehouse are:
occupants load of factory is higher than warehouse;
occupants would be working for long hours in factory as compared to warehouse where workers would only be involved when there is movement of goods in/out of the building.
Owners of factory or warehouse installed with manual fire system could opt for connection to the approved alarm monitoring station. Approved alarm monitoring stations are private monitoring companies. Owing to excessive false alarm signals being received by fire stations in the past, such monitoring was introduced to screen and verify the activation of automatic fire alarm signals.
Office/Shop
Single storey shop or office building not exceeding 400m2 is not required to be provided with fire alarm system unless otherwise specified by the SCDF. The main reason is that the buildings are small, hence escape to the exterior via exit doors would be straight forward.
Building of 2 to 4 storeys and having a total floor area (per storey) of greater than 200m2 is required to be provided with manual type of fire alarm system. This manual fire alarm system (break glass type) is not required to be connected to an approved alarm monitoring company.
Building which is more than 4 storeys is required to be provided with both automatic fire alarm system such as smoke or heat detection system and manual fire alarm system, regardless of the floor area per storey.
Place of Public Resort
With stay-in facilities:
Single storey building used as a place of public resort with stay-in facilities shall be provided with manual type of fire alarm system, regardless of the floor area.
Building of 2 or more storeys shall be provided with both automatic fire alarm system such as smoke or heat detector system and manual fire alarm system, regardless of the floor area per storey.
The main reason for having more stringent requirement in respect of the provision of fire alarm system is the presence of sleeping risk involving guests.
Without stay-in facilities:
Single storey building used as a place of public resort without stay-in facilities and having a floor area not greater than 400m2 is not required to be provided with fire alarm system unless otherwise specified by the SCDF. The main reason is that the building is small, hence escape to the exterior via exit doors would be straight-forward.
Building of 2 to 4 storeys and having a total floor area (per storey) of greater than 200m2 shall be provided with manual fire alarm system. This alarm system is not required to be connected to an approved alarm monitoring station. Building which is more than 4 storeys is required to be provided with both automatic fire alarm system such as smoke or heat detection system and manual fire alarm system, regardless of the floor area per storey. This is in compliance with column (4) of Table 6.3A. The complementary manual fire alarm system would allow occupants to activate the system before the automatic smoke or heat detection system is set-off by the smoke or heat from the fire.
Mixed Occupancy
When there are two or more purpose groups in a building, the strictest requirement for any one of the purpose groups shall be applicable to the whole building.
Even though the whole building is not more than 4 storey, it is required to be provided with both automatic and manual fire alarm systems, owing to the sleeping risk in the 2nd & 3rd storeys.
Although the floor area of each floor is less than 200m2, the building is required to be provided with both automatic and manual fire alarm systems because of public resort with stay-in facilities.
As the area per storey is less than 200m² and the public resort does not have stay-in facilities, there is no need to provide fire alarm system unless otherwise required by the SCDF.
School
Single storey school building is not required to be provided with fire alarm system unless otherwise specified by the SCDF. The main reason is that the building is single storey without sleeping accommodation, hence escape to the exterior via exit doors would be straight forward.
Building of 2 to 4 storeys without sleeping accommodation and having a total floor area (per storey) of greater than 400m2 is required to be provided with automatic type of fire alarm system. This automatic fire alarm system is not required to be connected to an approved alarm monitoring station. If the total floor area per storey exceeds 4000m², then both automatic and manual fire alarm system are required to be provided under Cl.6.3.1a.(2).
Building of 2 to 4 storeys with sleeping accommodation shall be provided with both automatic and manual fire alarm system.
Building which is more than 4 storeys but less than 24m in habitable height without sleeping accommodation shall be provided with automatic type fire alarm system. If the total floor area per storey exceeds 4000m², then both automatic and manual fire alarm system shall be provided under Cl.6.3.1a.(2).
Building which is more than 4 storeys but less than 24m in habitable height with sleeping accommodation shall be provided with both automatic and manual fire alarm system.
Healthcare occupancy
With stay-in facilities:
Single storey building used as healthcare occupancy e.g. hospital, old folk home etc., with stay-in facilities shall be provided with manual fire alarm system, regardless of the floor area.
Building of 2 or more storeys shall be provided with both automatic fire alarm system such as smoke or heat detector system and manual fire alarm system, regardless of the floor area per storey.
The main reason for having more stringent requirement in respect of the provision of fire alarm system for such premises is to address the concerns of sleeping risk.
Without stay-in facilities:
Single storey building used as healthcare occupancy without stay-in facilities and regardless of the floor area is not required to be provided with fire alarm system unless otherwise specified by the SCDF. The main reason is that the building is single storey without sleeping accommodation, hence escape to the exterior via exit doors would be straight forward.
Building of 2 to 4 storeys and having a total floor area (per storey) of greater than 200m2 shall be provided with manual fire alarm system. This alarm system is not required to be connected to an approved alarm monitoring company. The total floor area per storey of a 2 to 4 storeys building shall not exceed 4000m² unless automatic and manual fire alarm system are provided. See Cl.6.3.1a.(2).
Building of more than 4 storeys is required to be provided with both automatic fire alarm system such as smoke or heat detection system and manual fire alarm system, regardless of the floor area per storey. This is in compliance with column (4) of Table 6.3A. The complementary manual fire alarm system would allow occupants to activate the system before the automatic smoke or heat detection system is set-off by the smoke or heat from the fire.
Dormitories/Hostels:
Building of single storey used as dormitory/hostel shall be provided with manual fire alarm regardless of the floor area subject to Cl.6.3.1a.(2), which stipulates that the total floor area per storey of a 2 to 4 storeys buildings shall not exceed 4000m² unless both automatic and manual fire alarm system are provided.
Building of more than 1 storey used as dormitory/hostel shall be provided with both automatic and manual fire alarm system.
floor area per storey more than 400m2
School buildings exceeding 4 storeys but not exceeding 24m in habitable height shall be provided with automatic fire alarm system. If the above 4 storey building is provided with sleeping accommodation, then both automatic and manual fire alarm system shall be provided, regardless of the floor area per storey.
School buildings exceeding 4 storeys but not exceeding 24m in habitable height shall be provided with both automatic and manual types of fire alarm system.
Owing to the sleeping risk in the homes, the building is required to be provided with both automatic fire alarm system and manual fire alarm system.
Although the floor area of each floor is less than 200m², the building is required to be provided with both automatic fire alarm system and manual fire alarm system because of clinic with stay-in facilities and old folk homes.
As the area per storey is less than 200m2 and the clinic and health care occupancies do not have stay-in facilities, there is no need to provide automatic fire alarm system unless otherwise required by the SCDF.
Clause 6.3.1a.(2) : General
The above figure shows a typical floor area exceeding 5000m², accordingly it requires sprinkler protection for such excessive floor area. By compartmentalising the floor area with each compartment not exceeding 4000m², sprinkler installation will be waived. In its place, automatic fire alarm system is required to be provided. Therefore, notwithstanding the provision of compartmentation, if the total floor area per storey of a 2 to 4 storey building exceeds 4000m², the building shall be provided with automatic fire alarm system. This requirement will not apply to a single storey building. The automatic fire alarm system serves to provide early detection to the occupants. Hence, it allows more time for occupants to evacuate.
PG II mixed occupancy
For PG II mixed occupancy buildings where an automatic sprinkler system and/ or electrical fire alarm system is provided to the non-residential part of the building:
Alarm sounders shall be able to produce a minimum sound level of 65dBA, or 5dBA above the ambient noise level, whichever is greater but not more than 120dBA, at all parts of the following areas:
the non-residential units;
the common areas of the non-residential floors; and
the common areas of the immediate two residential floors above the non-residential floor.
Connection of the fire alarm system to an approved alarm monitoring company stipulated under Cl.6.3.8 is not required if the number of non-residential floors is not more than one storey.
Dormitories
For dormitories, including workers' dormitories, an electrical fire alarm system shall be provided as follows:
For single storey dormitory buildings, manual fire alarm system is to be provided to comply with SS 645.
For dormitories exceeding one storey, both automatic and manual fire alarm systems shall be provided to comply with SS 645.
The following are not required to be provided with electrical fire alarm system:
Roof level of single storey buildings with roof height not more than 12m or inaccessible pitched roof up to 24m from grade level used solely for roof-mounted PV installations in accordance with Cl.10.2.1b.(1).
Roof level of an external/ open-sided overhead bridge/ shed/ linkway/ walkway with clear width less than 6m, roof height not more than 12m and used solely for roof-mounted PV installations in accordance with Cl.10.2.1b.(1).
Rationale
Clause 6.3.1b.(1)
During a fire emergency in non-residential spaces, the building occupants closer to these spaces should be notified via fire alarm sounding. As each residential unit is a fire compartment by itself, total evacuation of the building occupants is not necessary. However, those units closer to the fire source could be affected by smoke and fire and hence need to be alerted to be prepared for evacuation. For units located further away from the fire floor, it is safer for the occupants to remain within their units. These occupants will have sufficient time to evacuate if the fire cannot be controlled/contained. Phased evacuation could reduce the risk of stampede and injury as compared to total evacuation.
6.3.2
Fire alarm panel
An electrical fire alarm system of the automatic or manual type shall be provided with a fire alarm panel to indicate the location of the alarm which has been actuated or operated. Such an alarm panel shall be accurate to the maximum allowed alarm group area limitations specified in SS 645.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.3.2a. : Fire alarm panel
Fire fighters responding to a fire call would first, on arrival at the scene, need to check the fire alarm panel to confirm the location of the alarm, which has been actuated or operated before proceeding to the fire site.
The Fire alarm panel monitors the actuation of detectors, call-points and sprinkler flow switch.
A permanent fire zone chart or minic panel shall be displayed at the Fire alarm panel location to provide information on originality of the alarm. The fire zone chart or minic panel shall be installed in accordance with the floor or building orientation. All the alarm zones and Fire alarm panel zones if provided should be clearly depicted on the fire zone chart/minic panel. Additional information such as, fire engine accessway, location of breeching inlets, fire hydrant, sprinkler control valve, hosereel and fire extinguisher should be provided on the fire zone chart/minic panel where applicable. This would help the fire fighters to identify the location of fire engine accessway, breeching inlets etc., when they arrived at the fire site.
Where addressable fire alarm system is used, fire alarm panel shall be provided additional to the programmable message on display.
The associated control and supervisory equipment, indicating equipment, wiring and arrangement of power supplies for the fire alarm panel shall comply with the requirements in SS 645.
All automatic systems which are activated via the general building alarm shall be connected directly to the fire alarm panel.
The fire alarm panel shall be located near the main entrance of the building, in the Fire Command Centre (FCC), in the guardhouse or in the fire lift lobby.
Sub fire alarm panel, where provided, shall comply with the requirements in SS 645 be located at the fire lift lobby, smoke-free lobby, or protected staircase, in that order of priority, or at the main point of entry into the area covered by the alarm zone.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.3.2d. : Fire alarm panel
Where FCC is not provided, the fire alarm panel is usually near the main entrance of the building or in the guardhouse.
Where sub-fire alarm panels are provided, they shall be located at the fire lift lobby, smoke-stop lobby, protected staircase in that order of priority or at the main point of entry into the area covered by the alarm zone.
6.3.3
Manual alarm call points
In a manual alarm system, except as otherwise exempted in Cl.6.3.1, the manual call points shall be provided on every storey of the building or part of the building and shall be so located that no person need travel more than 30m from any position within the building to activate the alarm.
Manual call points shall be located on exit routes preferably next to hose reels and in particular on the floor landings of exit staircases and at exits to the street. In the case where an automatic fire alarm system is provided, grouping for indication of location of the manual call points shall comply with the requirements in SS 645.
Manual call points shall be located between 800mm and 1.2m above the finished floor level and shall be located at easily accessible and conspicuous positions free from obstructions. The installation of the sounding device shall be in accordance with SS 645.
Exemption
Manual call points can be omitted for the following:
car parks, regardless whether the parking facility is standalone type or forms part of a building;
open-to-sky roof gardens/terraces, provided an alarm sounder is extended to this level and positioned near the exit staircase except for developments where fire alarm system is not required; and
mezzanine floor of factory unit, subject to compliance with Cl.9.6.1a.(2) and provided no person on the mezzanine floor need to travel more than 30m to activate the nearest manual call point located on the main floor.
Manual call point shall be provided for buildings protected with an automatic fire sprinkler system or automatic fire alarm system.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.3.3 : Manual alarm call points
Manual call points shall be located:
along exit routes leading to exit staircase;
adjacent to hose reels;
at floor landing of exit staircases; and
at exits to the street.
Manual call points shall be so located such that no occupant needs to run more than 30m, measured from any position within the building to a manual call point.
6.3.4
Automatic fire alarm
Where an automatic fire alarm system is required by this Code, the type, location, spacing and installation of the detectors shall comply with the requirements in SS 645.
Explanations & Illustrations
Automatic alarm system would not normally be provided to solely PG II buildings. However, there is an advantage of providing smoke detectors, as the detectors could detect the generation of smoke from even incipient fires, hence providing occupants early warning and adequate lead-time in evacuation. Automatic fire alarm system is required in buildings of more than 4 storeys having commercial cum residential mix, for example, shops with apartment/maisonette units above.
SS CP 10 gives general guidance for selection of detectors. Whenselecting the type of detectors, the likely fire behaviour of the contents of each part of the building, the processes taking place and the design of the building should be considered. The effective coverage of each type of detectors differs from each other. The location of placing the detectors and the spacing between detectors shall apply with the requirements in SS CP 10. Detectors shall be zoned into alarm group and be properly wired to achieve electrical supervision of the alarm circuit.
6.3.5
Alarm device
General
The alarm device, which should normally issue an audible or visible signal, unless specifically allowed or required otherwise by the SCDF, shall be actuated if the electrical fire alarm system is activated or operated. The type, number and location of the alarm device shall comply with the requirements in SS 645.
All sounders and visual alarm signals in the building shall be actuated simultaneously in the event of an activation. However, in cases permitted or required by the SCDF where the operation of alarm sounders are grouped or activated in stages, the arrangement shall comply with the requirements in SS 645.
Audio alarm
The fire alarm sounder shall have a sound that is readily distinguishable from any other alarm systems. In places of entertainment or areas where sound and/or special effects lighting systems are installed, including KTV kiosks/booths placed within building premises, the sound systems shall be electronically interlocked with the fire alarm system to enable these systems to be automatically cut-off when the fire alarm system is activated
Visual alarms
Visual alarms shall be provided in addition to the audible alarms for buildings protected by fire alarm systems and separate visual alarm(s) shall be provided in the following:
Where persons with hearing impairment can be isolated, especially when they are not in their identified locations, visual alarm(s) shall also be provided:
in toilets and inside full-height partitioned cubicles;
car park floors;
lift lobbies; and
in places of entertainment, e.g., dance halls, gaming outlets, internet games cafes, arcades where users use headgear that affect hearing or areas where sound and/ or special effects lighting systems are installed.
Visual alarms shall not be used in place of audible alarms.
Siting of visual alarms
Visual alarms shall be located together with fire alarm sounder. Where they are not readily visible from areas accessible to persons with hearing impairment who may be in isolation, additional visual alarms shall be provided. The height of the visual alarms shall be between 2m to 3m above finished floor level.
Technical specifications
Visual alarms shall comply with all of the following requirements:
They shall take the form of a flashing beacon or strobe light for use in conjunction with the conventional fire alarm system.
They shall be clearly distinguishable from any other visual indicator used in the premises.
They shall be labelled with the word “Fire” of at least 15mm in height and lettering colour shall contrast with the background.
The flashing rate shall be within 30 to 130 flashes per minute.
The visual alarm signal shall be in white or red.
The flashing of all visual alarm signals within a same space/ room shall be synchronised.
The intensity of the light signal shall be sufficient to draw the attention of people in the vicinity.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.3.5 : Alarm device
It is important that the sounding from the electrical fire alarm system, for example, installed in the office/shop/places of public resort, should be audible and readily distinguishable to all occupants.
All fire alarm sounders must generate the continuous ringing tone of the bell. In special environment where the use of bell tone is impractical or in area of high background noise level, other tone may be used, in which case SCDF’s permission must be sought.
The number of fire alarm sounders used should be sufficient to produce a minimum sound level of either 65 dBA, or 5 dBA above any other noise likely to persist for a period longer than 30 seconds, whichever is greater, in all parts of the buildings which are normally occupied.
In areas where a normal type of sounder may be ineffective, e.g. where the background noise is excessive, where the occupants are deaf or where hearing protection is likely to be worn, visual signals shall be provided. In general, visual signals shall not be used in place of audible alarms. The intensity of the light shall be sufficient to draw the attention of people in the vicinity.
In discos, nightclub and other places of entertainment, it is recommended that the sound system be electrically interlocked with the fire alarm system to enable the sound system to be automatically cut-off in the event that the fire alarm is activated.
6.3.6
Home Fire Alarm Device (HFAD)
For individual residential units under PG I or II, HFAD shall be installed in accordance with all of the following requirements:
HFAD shall possess the following features and comply with all the requirements stated below:
operate on smoke detection technology alone, or have a multi-sensor detector (a detector with multiple sensors built into the device) with smoke detection capability;
indicator lights to inform users on the status/ condition of the device(s);
temporary silence/ reset feature to address false alarms;
alarm sounder with sound level compliant with any standard listed in item (7);
test button to allow the device(s) to be tested/checked periodically;
to be powered by long-life built-in battery (i.e., battery that lasts at least 10 years) with low battery alert capability, or to be wired to household electrical supply;
detector design to comply with any of the following standards (EN 14604, AS 3786, UL 217);
where two or more HFADs are installed, all devices shall be interconnected (either wired or wirelessly) such that when one of the HFADs is triggered, all connected HFADs shall sound an alarm simultaneously (see Diagram 6.3.6a.(8)); and
the HFAD shall be either:
listed by any accredited certification body accepted by the SCDF, or
listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), or
listed under the ActivFire Scheme, or
CE marked with certification from approved 3rd party Notified Bodies, or
listed under BSI Product Directory.
Additional independent functions to enhance the operation of the HFAD may be included as optional features (Such as connection to smart home systems, remote controls, visual alarms, vibrating pads, etc.) of the HFAD, given that the requirements indicated in Cl.6.3.6a. are met.
Table 6.3.6 states the minimum number of HFAD required for different home types, as well as the locations in which the detectors shall be installed.
TABLE 6.3.6 MINIMUM NUMBER OF HFAD TO BE INSTALLED FOR DIFFERENT HOME TYPES | |
|---|---|
Home type | Number and location of detectors (Also refer to Diagram 6.3.6 c. - 1 & 2) |
Single storey homes: (1) HDB flats (2) Apartments/Condominium (3) Single storey landed dwellings | (1) Minimum 1 smoke detector (2) Installed along circulation area / escape route, e.g. living room, corridor (3) Optional: Additional detectors can be installed in other spaces for enhanced protection. |
Multi-storey homes: (1) Landed/Non-landed dwellings (2) HDB flats (3) Apartments/ Condominiums | (1) Minimum 1 smoke detector per storey (2) For storeys with circulation area > 70m2, at least 2 smoke detectors need to be installed on that storey. (3) Installed along circulation area / escape route e.g. living room, corridor, and/or staircase landing (4) Optional: Additional detectors can be installed in other spaces for enhanced protection. |
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.3.6a.(8) : Home Fire Alarm Device (HFAD)
Such wireless connectivity shall comply with IMDA’s Technical Specification for Short Range Devices. It is also preferred that the devices adhere to requirements in the TR40 Technical Reference for Sensor Network for Smart Nation (Homes).
Note to QP
Clause 6.3.6
There is no need for building owners to engage a QP for submitting plans to the SCDF solely for the voluntary installation of HFAD. However, if QPs are submitting plans to the SCDF or other government agencies for other fire safety works carried out for residential homes, then QPs shall indicate the locations of the fire alarm device(s) on the submitted plans.
Clause 6.3.6a.(9)(c)
For HFAD listed under ActiveFive Scheme, visit website https://activfire.csiro.au/outline.asp
Clause 6.3.6a.(9)(e)
For HFAD listed under BSI Product Directory, visit website https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/Product-Directory/
Rationale
Clause 6.3.6
Home Fire Alarm Devices (HFAD) provide occupants with early warning of fire and enable occupants to extinguish the fire before it escalates. At the same times, enable occupants to evacuate safely.
6.3.7
Alarm system for cinema
A theatre or cinema shall be provided with an electrical fire alarm system of the manual type complying with all of the following:
The manual alarm system shall be installed in the lobbies and other areas adjoining the hall and shall be connected to the SCDF Operations Centre through an approved alarm monitoring company
Visual indicators and audible sounders shall be installed in the projection room and in another room where a designated staff member can alert the audience in case of a fire.
The provision of the fire protection system in cinema which forms part of a building shall be similar to that of the building.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.3.7a. : Alarm system for cinema
Manual alarm call points are required to be provided in the lobbies and other areas adjoining the cinema hall. Occupants escaping from a fire in the hall could break the glass of the call point to activate the alarm.
Manual alarm call points and sounding devices are not allowed to be installed in the hall owing to the nature of the occupancy, the lighting level and seating arrangement. The sounding of any alarm bells in the cinema hall when a show is in progress would cause confusion and panic to the occupants.
Clause 6.3.7b. : Alarm system for cinema
In place of general sounding alarm, visual alarm indicator such as beacon lights and audible alarm indicator, instead of alarm bells are required to be installed in the projection room and cinema manager office to alert both the projectionists and the manager immediately, so that occupants in the cinema hall would be advised through the projection screen and or public address system to evacuate the hall in an orderly and calm manner.
Clause 6.3.7c. : Alarm system for cinema
In situations where the cinema hall or halls are located within a commercial building, the fire protection system of the commercial building such as sprinkler system, would be required to be extended to cover the cinema hall, lobbies, projection room and other ancillary areas.
6.3.8
Connection to the SCDF Operations Centre
The electrical fire alarm system required to be installed in a building or premises under this clause shall be connected to the SCDF Operations Centre through an approved alarm monitoring company when the building or premises is:
a health care occupancy, hotel or other similar occupancies, or
an oil refinery, oil depot, general warehouse, chemical plant or other high hazard factory or premises, or
a theatre, cinema or concert hall as specified in Cl.6.3.7, or
a building required under the provisions of this Code to be protected by an automatic fire alarm (except those exempted under Cl.6.3.1b.) or fire extinguishing system.
6.3.9
Sprinkler-protected building
Where sprinkler system is required by this Code, provision of automatic thermal/ smoke detectors in sprinkler-protected premises is exempted except where such detectors are required to activate/ operate the sprinkler, engineered smoke control system or other systems.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.3.9 : Sprinkler-protected building
Where sprinkler system is provided in any building, there is no necessity to provide automatic fire alarm system (heat or smoke detection system). Exception is for electrical rooms, AHU room, lift motor room, battery room, MDF room, PABX room where sprinkler system is replaced by electrical fire alarm system. Smoke detectors are also required to be installed in sprinkler-protected buildings to operate the smoke control system in atria, smoke purging system or control system in basement occupancies.
6.3.10
Exemption of automatic fire alarm protection
The following areas are exempted from automatic fire alarm protection in an automatic fire alarm building:
External open-sided linkways not exceeding 5m in width measured from eave to eave, provided these areas are not for commercial activities or storage.
Areas which are covered with trellises, louvres or perforated panels having 50% or more evenly distributed effective free openings. An alarm sounder and visual alarm shall be provided near the exit staircase in accordance with SS 645.
Open-to-sky roof gardens/ terraces located within PG II buildings or mixed-use residential buildings, provided there are no covered commercial activities/ spaces at the open-to-sky roof gardens/ terraces. When there is other non-residential occupancy other than the open-to-sky roof gardens/ terraces located within the same PG II building, the alarm sounder and visual alarm shall be extended to the open-to-sky roof gardens/ terraces and positioned near the exit staircase in accordance with SS 645.
6.3.11
Video Image Fire Detection System (VIFDS)
VIFDS shall be installed in addition to the electrical fire alarm system for buildings which meet all of the following conditions:
It is an unmanned buildings belonging to PG III to VIII.
It has an internal open space of more than 2000m2 or a ceiling height of more than 12m.
It requires the provision of automatic fire alarm system in accordance with Table 6.3A .
VIFDS shall comply with SS 645 and can be used to complement smoke, heat and flame detectors in an electrical fire alarm system.
It shall be connected to the SCDF Operations Centre through an approved alarm monitoring company. Alarm signals and live video images of fire and/or smoke captured shall be transmitted to the approved alarm monitoring company upon activation of the building fire alarm system.
Rationale
This new clause allows VIFDS to be used to complement conventional smoke, heat and flame detectors in an electrical fire alarm system. It is best installed in premises with large open space and high roofs such as production areas, halls, warehouses etc.. VIFDS can cover gaps where smoke detectors are unable to detect particles due to high air flow and can help reduce false alarm. It is compulsory to install VIFDS in unmanned buildings as there are no security or operation personnel to check and confirm whether there is an actual fire when the fire alarm system is activated after office/operating hours.
6.4
Fire Sprinkler Installation
6.4.1
Provision
Every storey/ room of a building, unless otherwise exempted by this Code, shall be protected by an automatic sprinkler system under the following situations:
Compartment size
Whenever compartmentation requirements under Table 3.2A of Chapter 3 of this Code cannot be complied with.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.4.1a. : Provision
The provision of automatic sprinkler system is required in residential buildings under PG II under the following conditions:
Compartmentation requirements under Chapter 3 of the Fire Code cannot be complied with, for example, a building exceeding 24m in habitable height having 3-levels maisonette or penthouse units, or
Residential apartment/maisonette or penthouse unit being located within a commercial tower block exceeding 24m in habitable height
Cl.3.2.4 permits only residential maisonette or penthouse to have maximum 2-storey levels above 24m habitable height. In designing 3 floors per unit, it would be contravening the compartmentation requirement under Table 3.2A. To overcome the problem, automatic sprinkler system should be provided to the whole building.
The provision of automatic sprinkler system is required in factory or warehouse under the following conditions:
Compartmentation requirements under Chapter 3 of the Fire Code cannot be complied with, a building not exceeding 24m in habitable height having more than 3 –levels or excessive cubical extent or floor area.
Engineered smoke control system is required to be installed.
High bay storage warehouse
Cl.3.2.4a permits max. 3 storeys to form a single compartment up to a habitable height of 24m. In designing more than 3 floors per compartment, it would be breaching the compartmentation requirement. To overcome the problem, automatic sprinkler system should be provided to the whole building. However, building owners are at liberty to provide the sprinkler system to their buildings as an added fire safety. The system could be used as a trade-off for extended travel distances.
No sprinkler system is required if all of the following is satisfied:
habitable height < 24m
compartment area < 4000m²
cubical extent of each compartment < 15000m³
not more than 3 storeys interconnected.
Not more than 3 storey per compartment
Area of compartment < 4000m² & cubical extent < 15000m³
Buildings other than PG I and II
Every storey of buildings of more than 24m in habitable height, except for PG I and II, regardless of whether the compartmentation requirements are complied with.
PG II mixed occupancy
For PG II mixed occupancy buildings exceeding 24m in habitable height, the non-residential parts shall be protected by an automatic sprinkler system if they:
comprise more than one storey, or
are located above the first storey.
For PG II mixed occupancy buildings regardless of habitable height, the non-residential parts shall be protected by an automatic sprinkler system if they are not compartmented from the basement storeys.
Exemption
Intermediate sky terraces used as communal areas without commercial activities, or storage, provided the ventilation openings for the sky terraces are evenly distributed around the external walls, excluding perimeter walls to air wells, with ventilation openings not less than 50% of all external walls.
Open-sided pavilion/ shed used as communal areas in accordance with Cl.6.2.8a.(3)(c)(iv).
For non-residential parts where sprinkler protection is not required under sub-clauses (1), (2) & (3) above, an automatic fire alarm system shall be provided for the non-residential parts in accordance with Cl.6.3.1b..
Basement
All basement storeys irrespective of compartment size, except for those used as PG I or II, shall be provided with an automatic sprinkler system. Where the upper storeys of the building are fully compartmented from the basement storeys, the requirement for provision of an automatic sprinkler system for floors above the basement shall be considered separately and in accordance with Cl.6.4.1a., b. and c.
Exemption
Where the basement storey is effectively cross ventilated to prevent smoke logging, the basement storey can be exempted from providing an automatic sprinkler system.
In the case of residential developments located over basement car parks, relaxation on the provision of these sprinkler system and smoke purging systems to the basement car park can be granted if all of the following conditions are met:
The basement car parking shall consist of one level only.
External openings shall be provided to achieve effective cross ventilation by means of evenly distributed vertical openings along the perimeter walls and evenly distributed voids over the basement in such manner that:
no point within the basement is more than 12m from any vertical opening or void for spaces that are in between two openings or voids;
no point shall be more than 6m from any opening or void for spaces that are ventilated by such opening or void on only one side; and
such vertical openings shall be at least 600mm in height.
The total aggregate area of these voids and vertical openings shall be not less than 20% of the total basement floor area.
An automatic fire alarm system shall be provided for the basement car parks with extension of alarm bells to the common/lobby areas of the upper storeys in accordance with Cl.6.3.1a. and b.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.4.1d.(2)(b)(i) : Provision
Provision of sprinkler and smoke purging system in this situation can be exempted.
Clause 6.4.1d.(2)(b)(ii) : Provision
Area between two voids/ vertical openings – no point within the basement is more than 12m from such voids/ openings.
When the opening or void is only on one side, no point shall be more than 6m from the edge of such opening or void.
The clear height (h) in Figure 6.4.1d.(2)(b)(ii) of vertical openings, A & B, shall be at least 600mm in height.
The lesser of areas, A+B, or C, of the ventilation opening shall be considered as the effective area of ventilation.
Clause 6.4.1d.(2)(b)(iii) : Provision
Total aggregate area of voids and vertical openings shall not be less than 20% of the floor area.
i.e. 20% of A > A1 + { lesser of (A2 + A3) or A6 } + A4 + A5
(where A is the area of basement, and A1 to A6 are areas of ventilation openings)
Clause 6.4.1d.(2)(b)(iv) : Provision
Basement shall be provided with automatic fire alarm system. The alarm bells of the system shall be extended to the common / lobby areas of the upper storeys.
All basement storeys shall be provided with automatic sprinkler system irrespective of the compartment size.
Floor area and cubical extent of each storey do not exceed 4000m² and 15000m³ respectively;
Habitable height of the highest floor does not exceed 24m.
Upper storeys are fully compartmented from the basement storey.
Rationale
Clause 6.4.1d.(2)(b)
The ventilation openings provided at the basement car parks minimizes the risk of smoke-logged situation. These dimensions have been validated through a fire engineering study.
Atrium space
A fire sprinkler system shall be provided for an atrium space not exceeding 18m in height. For an atrium with ceiling height exceeding 18m (in whole or in part), water monitor, deluge and/ or extended-throw sprinkler systems shall be provided to cover the entire atrium space.
Exemption of sprinkler protection
All of the following areas are exempted from sprinkler protection in a sprinkler-protected building:
Covered areas
Areas which are covered with trellises, louvres or perforated panels, which have 50% or more evenly distributed effective free openings. An alarm sounder and visual alarm shall be provided near the exit staircase in accordance with SS 645.
Areas under roof-mounted PV installations on non-habitable roof
Each sub-array of PV installation shall not exceed 5m in width, with maintenance aisle of minimum 400mm width in between the sub-arrays. Each sub-array shall be open-sided without any commercial activities or storage within these areas. The maximum dimensions of PV arrays shall be in accordance with Cl.10.2.1d..
Staircase storey shelter
A sprinkler head shall be provided outside the door of the staircase storey shelter on sprinkler-protected floors. The sprinkler head shall be within a horizontal distance of 1m from the centre of this door.
All of the following areas not located within PG VI or VIII buildings are exempted from sprinkler protection in a sprinkler-protected building:
Canopies/ car porches
Such areas are to be used solely for the purpose of passengers pick-up and drop-off.
There shall be no commercial activities or storage within these areas.
Cut-off sprinklers and fire-rated walls are not required to be provided to separate the sprinkler-protected and non-sprinkler-protected areas.
External corridor
External corridors shall not exceed 4m in width, and there shall be no commercial activities or storage within these areas.
External/ open-sided linkways
External/ open-sided linkways shall not exceed 5m in width, and there shall be no commercial activities or storage within these areas.
Open-to-sky roof gardens/ terraces
Open-to-sky roof gardens/ terraces provided there are no covered commercial activities/ spaces at the open-to-sky roof gardens/ terraces and positioned near the exit staircase in accordance with SS 645.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.4.1f.(2) : Provision
The width of the external corridor shall not exceed 4m, measured from the external wall of the building to the edge of the roof cover of the corridor.
6.4.2
Standard
Installation of the sprinkler system and its associated water supply, and control and testing requirements shall comply with the SS CP 52.
Explanations & Illustrations
Sprinkler system to maisonette or apartment units under PG II is not a requirement. However, where basement car park cannot comply with the requirements of Cl.6.4.1 and Cl.3.2.5, sprinkler system shall be provided as illustrated under PG VIII.
Building owners are also at liberty to provide the sprinkler system as an added fire safety. The system could be used as a trade-off for extended travel distances and other fire safety requirements at the discretion of the SCDF.
In view of other system not covered under SS CP 52 for example like Early Suppression Fast Response Sprinkler System could be adopted provided it is over and above the mentioned SS CP 52.
6.4.3
System design
Connection to the SCDF Operations Centre
The sprinkler system shall be electrically monitored so that on the operation of any sprinkler head, the fire signal is automatically transmitted to a fire station through an approved alarm monitoring company.
Fire pumps
Installation of fire pumps for sprinkler systems shall comply with requirements of SS CP 52. Sprinkler pumps shall be installed within a fire compartmented fire pump room, whose fire rating shall be in accordance with Table 6.4A. The sprinkler pump room floor level shall not be lower than the main floor level.
Sprinkler control valve
The sprinkler control valve(s) shall be located in one of the following areas:
Facing an external space within a travel distance of 10m from entrance to the FCC.
Within a fire lift lobby/ smoke-free lobby.
Within a sprinkler pump room.
Within a 1-hr fire-rated enclosure, located at most 10m travel distance from the entrance to the exit staircase.
Location plan
A floor plan showing the locations of the sprinkler tank room, sprinkler pump room, breeching inlets and control valves shall be prominently displayed within the FCC. In the absence of the FCC, the floor plan shall be located in the following order of priority:
within the guard house, or
next to the main fire alarm panel
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.4.3 : System design
Where the provision of the sprinkler system to a building is a requirement under the Fire Code or at the direction of the SCDF, the system shall be linked to an approved alarm monitoring company. All transmitting equipment shall be approved by the authority having jurisdiction. The transmitting equipment shall have at least the following features:
Transmission of signal via “leased-line”
Alternative transmission path via telephone which serve as back-up
Indications for status of “leased-line”, phone line, system test, alarm, power supply, and unauthorised opening of the panel box
“Leased- line” shall be the primary means of signal transmission with an automatic switch over to normal telephone line upon leased-line failure. Refer to SS CP 10 for further references/details.
6.4.4
Special purpose rooms
Where a building is required to be provided with an automatic sprinkler system under this Code, parts of the building which are used for purposes stipulated in Table 6.4A shall be compartmented in accordance with columns 3(a) and 3(b) of the table.
Where a building is not required to be provided with an automatic sprinkler system under this Code, special purpose rooms stipulated in Table 6.4A shall be compartmented in accordance with columns 2(a) and 2(b).
For the protection of communication nerve centres, data process centres and process control rooms composing of high value computers or telecommunication equipment, if automatic sprinklers are to be replaced by an automatic fire extinguishing system, the enclosure to the hazard or occupancy shall comply with the following:
it shall be constructed to have 1-hr fire resistance rating;
any door opening shall be protected with a 1-hr fire door;
it shall not be provided with more than two exits;
the direct travel distance to any exit door of the enclosure shall not exceed 15m; and
the fire extinguishing system shall use clean agent and shall conform to Cl.6.5.2.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.4.4a. : Special purpose rooms
Openings of these special purpose rooms for example lift motor room at the roof top need not to be provided with fire resistance door as stipulated in Table 6.4A. This arrangement is allowed only if the door is located at the external wall and opened directly to the exterior and subject to compliance with Cl.3.5 to be unprotected opening. In addition there is no possible fire risk to other room usage.
Compartmentation and door rating of the special purpose rooms shall not be less than the fire resistance of the elements of structure of the building where the room is located. For storeroom, kitchen, emergency lighting battery room and FCC, the fire resistance for the compartment walls, floors/ceilings and doors shall have the min. periods specified in Table 6.4A.
Clause 6.4.4b. : Special purpose rooms
Columns 2(a) and 2(b) of Table 6.4A spell out the minimum periods of fire resistance rating for storeroom, kitchen, emergency lighting battery room and FCC. Actual period may be higher, and shall comply with the elements of structure of the building where the room is located.
Clause 6.4.4c. : Special purpose rooms
Since the sprinkler heads in the room would be omitted, it is necessary to use the direct one-way travel distance requirement to limit the room size, hence the direct one-way travel distance of maximum 15m shall be strictly complied with.
6.4.5
Car park
In multi-storey buildings under PG II to VIII with an aboveground car park, the provision of fire protection and smoke control systems for the car park shall be in accordance with Table 6.4B.
6.4.6
Water mist systems
Water mist systems can be permitted as a substitute for automatic sprinklers in sprinkler-protected buildings, provided all of the following requirements are complied with:
The water mist system shall be of a propriety design that has been tested to meet the performance requirements of a standard acceptable to the SCDF.
The design and installation of water mist system shall conform to NFPA 750 or AS 4587.
The components of the water mist system shall be listed by a recognised testing laboratory.
6.4.7
Reduced water storage for automatic fire sprinkler system
This reduced water storage is only applicable to existing buildings of habitable height not exceeding 60m, and which have a hazard classification of Ordinary Hazard Group I, II or III under SS CP 52. It shall not apply to new buildings, any building housing storage risks and chemical processes.
Design considerations
Tank sizing
The minimum water storage capacity of the sprinkler tank shall be capable of providing adequate water supply for 30 mins of the sprinkler pump operation.
System with reliable inflow
For sprinkler systems with a constant reliable inflow from the town mains to replenish the sprinkler tank, the effective tank storage capacity for the various hazard categories shall be as follows:
TABLE 6.4.7a.(2): EFFECTIVE TANK CAPACITY FOR RELIABLE INFLOW OF NOT LESS THAN 1.0m3/min, & WATER INLET POINT AT REDUCED LEVEL OF 125m OR BELOW
Occupancy group
System demand**
Minimum effective capacity of storage tank, or 30 mins’ storage, whichever is greater
OH1
540 L/min
12.5m3
OH2
1000 L/min
25.0m³
OH3
1350 L/min
37.5m³
Note:
** = the upper limit in column 6 of Table 17 of SS CP 52
System with unreliable inflow
For sprinkler systems with an unreliable inflow from the town mains to replenish the sprinkler tank, the effective tank storage capacity for the various hazards categories shall be as follows:
TABLE 6.4.7a.(3): EFFECTIVE TANK CAPACITY FOR UNRELIABLE INFLOW OF LESS THAN 1.0m3/min, OR WATER INLET POINT AT REDUCED LEVEL GREATER THAN 125m
Occupancy group
System demand**
Minimum effective capacity of storage tank, or 30 mins’ storage, whichever is greater
OH1
540 L/min
16.2m3
OH2
1000 L/min
30.0m³
OH3
1350 L/min
40.5m³
Note:
** = the upper limit in column 6 of Table 17 of SS CP 52
Pipe sizing
Full hydraulic calculation methods shall be adopted for the design of the sprinkler system pipework. The sprinkler design must ensure that the flow does not exceed the system demand as stipulated in Table 6.4.7a.(2) and Table 6.4.7a.(3), throughout the installation. The flow and pressure limitations can be overcome by employing constant flow pressure reducing valves or by including orifice plates at connections to main distribution pipes.
Water supply
Size of incoming mains
The pipe size of the replenishing water mains to the sprinkler storage tank shall not be less than 150mm in diameter. Hydrants, hose reels and external drenchers shall not be connected to the sprinkler system or draw from the sprinkler water supply.
Inlets to storage tank
The inlets to the storage tank shall be fitted with a non-modulating type of pilot float valve listed by the authority having jurisdiction.
6.4.8
Combined firefighting water tank for sprinkler and wet riser systems
Combining firefighting water tank for sprinkler and wet riser systems is permitted for buildings of ordinary hazard category classification provided their designs comply with the provisions stipulated in SS CP 52 and SS 575, respectively.
The water storage shall be based on the larger water storage demand of the systems.
Separate pump sets shall be provided to allow for the simultaneous operation of the sprinkler and wet riser systems.
The combined systems’ sprinkler riser and wet riser stacks shall not be interconnected by sprinkler system piping or a single riser that serves both systems.
6.5
Fixed Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems
6.5.1
Installation
Installation of any fixed automatic fire extinguishing systems which are not deemed to be required by this Code shall not be accepted as substitute of any provision stipulated in this Code unless otherwise approved by the SCDF. Such systems will be considered additional protection for property safety and their installation shall not adversely affect the performance of the stipulated systems.
6.5.2
Design standard
The design and installation of such automatic fire extinguishing systems shall comply with corresponding Codes of Practice acceptable to the SCDF.
Explanations & Illustrations
Fixed automatic fire extinguisher systems include, fixed water spray, gas flooding system & wet chemical suppression system for kitchen hood etc..
Where a building is provided with automatic sprinkler system, the provision of any of the above system for added protection to property shall not affect the operation and performance of the sprinkler system in the building. For example, a computer room is provided with gas flooding system, in addition to the sprinkler system.
Any fixed automatic fire extinguishing system such as gas flooding system which are not deemed to be a requirement under the Fire Code for a particular building shall not be accepted as replacement or substitute of any system required by the Fire Code unless approved by the SCDF.
Such automatic fire extinguishing systems if not properly installed or incorrectly maintained could pose additional hazard to the occupants. Warning signs are to be visibly displaced at strategic position. Features such as stopping of air handling units or other safety features are needed to be incorporated in the installing of the above. QPs are to seek clarification/consultation with the SCDF before carrying out any such installation in their developments.
6.6
Lifts
6.6.1
General
All lift installations and operations shall comply with SS 550.
6.6.2
Lift well ventilation
Lift well shall be vented in accordance with SS 550.
Explanations & Illustrations
If the duct is not to be fire-rated, fire damper shall be provided at the wall of the lift shaft at location indicated as ‘D’ in the above figure. The provision of duct to ventilate the lift shaft shall not apply to lift shaft containing fire lift. The main purpose of the vents or ducts is to provide exhaust ventilation for the shaft.
6.6.3
Emergency power supply
Emergency power supply for lighting, ventilation and alarm systems for all lifts shall comply with the requirements in SS 550.
A standby generating plant shall be provided for: (1) homing of lifts during an emergency for:
homing of lifts during an emergency for:
PG II buildings with private lifts or that which exceed the habitable height of 60m;
mixed-use residential buildings where the lifts serve the residential and/or non-residential floor(s);
PG III to VIII buildings exceeding four storeys; and
all basement occupancies (excluding PG I buildings or basements within single household dwelling houses classified as cluster housing within PG II developments).
operating of the following lifts during an emergency:
fire lifts;
PWD evacuation lifts for buildings exceeding four storeys and buildings which require the provision of such lifts; and
fire escape bed lifts.
The power supply to the lift shall be connected to a sub-main circuit exclusive to the lift and be independent of any other main or sub-main circuits. The power cables serving the lift installation shall be routed through an area of negligible fire risk.
6.6.4
Fire lift
General
The installation of the fire lift shall be in accordance with SS 550.
The fire lift(s) shall be contained within a separate protected shaft. Alternatively, the fire lift(s) can be contained within a common protected shaft containing other lifts, provided such other lifts are served at each storey by the fire lift lobby.
The fire lift shaft shall be continuous throughout the building and serve every storey except a non-habitable roof.
A lift mainly intended for the transport of goods shall not be designated as a fire lift.
Cargo lift shall not open into a fire lift lobby.
In the case of motor-room-less fire lifts, the fire lift control panel enclosure located at the fire lift lobby shall be compartmented with a fire-rated door of same rating as the lift shaft.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.6.4a.(2) : General
The fire lift lobby as shown in the two situations above, shall be served by a protected staircase located adjacent to it, and directly accessible from it.
In the second situation in Figure 6.6.4a.(2) – 2, the lift shaft is shared with other passenger lifts as a relaxation, provided that the common lobby must be protected at every level and the floor area shall be more than 6m2.
Rationale
Clause 6.6.4a.(5)
It is common to find goods being stacked in lobby outside goods lifts. This would affect the firefighters while carrying out firefighting operations during an emergency.
Number of fire lifts
With the exception of PG I and II buildings, all other buildings shall be provided with at least two fire lifts if the habitable height exceeds 24m.
For PG II buildings, at least one fire lift shall be provided if the habitable height exceeds 24m. In the case of super high-rise (above 40 storeys) residential buildings, at least two fire lifts shall be provided.
All buildings, except PG I, shall also be provided with at least two fire lift if the depth of the basement exceeds 9m below the average grade level.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.6.4b. : Fire lift
Fire lift is required as the habitable height exceeded 24m.
In Figure 6.6.4b.-2, fire lift is required to serve the basement floors as the depth of the basement is more than 9m below the average ground level.
In Figure 6.6.4b. - 3, the fire lift is required to serve the basement, even though it is less than 9m in depth. Where a building is required to be provided with a fire lift, the lift shall serve all floors, upper storeys and basement(s), in a vertical shaft running through the entire building.
Accessibility and coverage
A fire lift shall be located such that the travel distance between the nearest edges of the lift landing door and exit staircase door is not more than 5m. In addition, the exit staircase shall be approached through a fire lift lobby or a corridor connected directly to a fire lift lobby at each storey. This corridor shall comply with fire lift lobby requirements except that the width can be at least 1.2m.
Exception:
The final discharge of exit staircase at ground level for all buildings, the travel distance between the nearest edge of the fire lift landing door and exit staircase door can be extended to at most 10m. Where the travel distance between the nearest edge of the fire lift landing door and exit staircase door exceeds 5m, additional signage shall be displayed prominently at the fire lift lobby to indicate the location of exit staircase door.
In cases when two fire lifts are located adjacent to each other, only one of the two fire lifts need to comply with the 5m requirement.
The fire lift shall be located such that any part of every storey shall be accessible by firefighters from the fire lift.
Regardless of whether the building is installed with an automatic sprinkler system, the number of fire lifts required shall be such that any part of a storey of the building is within 60m coverage from the fire lift door, subject to the provision of at least two fire lifts in accordance with Cl.6.6.4b.(1) & (3).
Fire lift switch
The operational features of the fire lift shall be provided in accordance with SS 550, including the provision of a fire lift switch.
A fire lift switch shall be provided at both the designated and alternate designated floors.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 6.6.4c.(1) : Fire lift
Fire lift is located in a protected shaft.
The fire lift lobby as shown above, shall be served by a protected staircase located adjacent to it, and directly accessible from it.
Where a fire lift is provided to the upper storeys of a building with basement storey(s), the lift shall be extended to serve the basement storey(s).
Clause 6.6.4c.(2) : Fire lift
Number of fire lifts shall be such that any part of a storey is within 60m coverage from the fire lift door.
Even though the most remote point is within 60m of the fire lift, 2 nos. of fire lifts would still need to be provided.
There are some areas that are beyond 60m of the fire lifts, see shaded. As such, a 3rd fire lift is required.
6.6.5
Evacuation lift
General
Evacuation lifts shall be provided for evacuation of occupants requiring assistance during an emergency. The requirements stipulated herein shall be applicable to all, except PG I and II, buildings:
exceeding 24m in habitable height, or
accessible to PWDs, except those stipulated under Cl.2.4.1a..
Provisions
For buildings provided with at least two fire lifts, one of the fire lifts can be used for the evacuation of occupants, including PWDs.
Where a fire lift serves the dual purpose of an evacuation lift for PWDs, it shall have a clear car platform area of minimum 1.2m by 1.4m instead of 1.45m2. For PG II buildings having more than 40 storeys, the minimum clear car platform size of the fire lift shall be at least 1.7m by 1.5m.
For buildings without a fire lift, at least one of the passenger lifts shall be designated as a PWD evacuation lift.
All passenger lifts in buildings exceeding 24m in habitable height shall be designed for use together with the fire lifts so as to speed up occupant evacuation.
Communication
A lift monitoring system shall be provided within the FCC. It shall monitor the floor location of the lift, direction of travel, status with respect to occupation, both the normal and emergency power supplies to the lifts, and activation of a fire alarm within the lift shaft or lift motor room or lift lobby. Provision to manually override the lift shall be installed in the FCC for use by the firefighters/ CERT if required.
A voice communication system shall be provided in the building.
An intercom system in the lift car shall be provided for communication between the lift operator and the FCC.
CCTV cameras shall be installed at lift lobbies to facilitate situational awareness for the authorised personnel overseeing the evacuation at the FCC or 24-hourly manned station. Alternatively, a suitable means of communication to call for assistance during a fire can be provided between the protected lobby and FCC or any 24-hourly manned station. It can be in the form of a distress button or voice communication.
The means of communication shall be:
located between 800mm and 1200mm above ground level;
appropriately labelled;
provided with prominently displayed clear instruction signage on its operation; and
when activated, generate a clear visual indication for the person requesting for assistance to know that the distress signal has been relayed.
Evacuation switch
A switching device, similar to the fire lift switch, shall be installed next to each evacuation lift landing door on the designated floor (and the alternate designated floor, if provided) for persons authorised by the building owner or firefighters to activate the evacuation mode of the lift.
Under the evacuation mode, the lift operation shall be similar to the firefighters service operation as stipulated in the SS 550.
The switching device shall be housed in a breakable glass-fronted box marked “Evacuation Switch”.
Signage
For buildings provided with a PWD evacuation lift, a prominent sign marked “Evacuation Lift” shall be affixed onto the wall adjacent to the lift door at every landing of the evacuation lift.
The size of the letters shall not be less than 25mm in height.
Protected lobby
Evacuation lifts shall be located within a protected lobby such as a smoke-free lobby, external exit passageway or external corridor.
For buildings not exceeding 4 storeys, the provision of a protected lobby for PWD evacuation lift is not required. However, should passenger lifts be installed in such buildings, these lifts shall be provided with a lift evacuation switch for use by emergency responders. If there is no protected lift lobby provided for the said passenger lifts, the PWD Holding Point shall be located inside a protected exit staircase or along the external corridor.
Secondary evacuation lifts
All passenger lifts in buildings exceeding 24m in habitable height shall comply with all of the following requirements:
A secondary evacuation switch (labelled accordingly) shall be provided at the FCC for each passenger lifts.
Power cables shall be routed through an area of negligible fire risk.
Close circuit television shall be provided at all lift lobbies.
The passenger lifts provided with a secondary evacuation switch need not be backed up by a secondary source of supply for evacuation operation.
Rationale
Clause 6.6.5c
The purpose is to enable the person requiring assistance to alert the FCC or the manned station that they are in need of assistance and for them to be reassured that this assistance will be forthcoming.
6.6.6
Homing of lifts
For buildings requiring fire alarm system
In a fire emergency, when any one of the fire detection devices or fire alarm systems is activated, all the lifts, including passenger, service, designated fire and designated evacuation lifts, shall be brought to the designated floor (usually 1st storey). Otherwise, the lifts shall home to an alternate designated floor (if the designated floor is a fire floor) and park with the lift landing doors remaining opened.
Goods lifts with automatic doors shall be similarly homed to the designated floor.
Goods lifts with manual doors shall be homed if the doors are closed.
For buildings requiring standby generating plants
In the event of power failure or power interruption in the building, the supply to the lifts shall be automatically switched over to the emergency power supply from the generating plant.
The lifts shall be brought to the designated floor and park with the lift landing doors remaining open until all the lifts have been brought down to the designated floor.
Thereafter, one or more lifts can resume operation depending on the capacity of the emergency generating plant, in addition to the fire lift.
Normal operation of the lift shall be automatically reset on the return of normal power supply.
For buildings which do not require standby generating plants, and for buildings with standby generating plants but without automatic fire alarm or sprinkler system
For buildings without standby generating plants, the smoke/ heat detectors shall form part of the lift system and shall be connected to the lift control panel to home the lift under normal power upon activation. All lifts, including hydraulic lifts, shall be provided with Automatic Rescue Device (ARD). The ARD shall permit the lifts to move and park at the nearest lift landing floor with the lift/ landing doors open in the event of power failure. Homing any of the lifts to a basement storey is not permitted.
Smoke/ heat detectors shall be provided at all lift lobbies such that all lifts serving the same lobby shall be brought to the designated floor or alternate designated floor upon activation of the detectors. The smoke/ heat detectors shall form part of the lift system and shall be connected to the lift control panel to home the lift under normal power upon activation.
The above requirements on homing of lifts need not be applied to residential buildings under PG I or lifts serving within single household dwelling houses classified as cluster housing within PG II developments.
For mixed developments comprising residential and non-residential components
All lifts which serve the residential and non-residential floors shall be required to home to the designated or alternate designated floor (if the designated floor is a fire floor) in the event of power failure and/ or fire. The lifts shall be provided with secondary power supply from standby generating plant of sufficient capacity.
Where the passenger lifts serve only the residential floors and by-pass the non-residential floors in a protected shaft, the lifts shall be required to be installed with Automatic Rescue Device (ARD), provided the habitable height of the highest floor does not exceed 60m.
Where the lifts serve the upper residential floors and the basement non-residential floor(s), including car parks, the lifts shall be provided with emergency power supply from a standby generating plant for homing to the designated floor when there is a power failure in the building. In a fire emergency, the lifts shall be brought to the designated floor or alternate designated floor (if the designated floor is a fire floor) when any of the fire alarm systems in the basement non-residential floor(s) is activated.
Requirements for alternate designated floor
An alternate designated floor (e.g., 2nd storey) shall be identified.
The lifts shall be brought to the alternate designated floor in the event of a fire at the designated floor.
Localised detectors
Localised detector(s) shall be provided to cover the lift landing space at the designated floor.
The activation of any of the localised detectors or any other detectors or sprinklers covering the designated floor shall cause all the lifts to be re-directed to home to the alternate designated floor.
The localised detector(s) shall cover the area within at least 3m surrounding the lift landing door opening.
Where the lift landing is protected by a fire-rated enclosure, only the space within the enclosure is required to be covered by localised detector(s).
The alternative alternate floor shall have minimum fire hazard and pre-selected for the homing of passenger lifts, and where people can escape to safety in an exit staircase or other exit from the lift landing door.
In building under Cl.6.6.6c. which are not provided with sprinklers or automatic fire alarm system, suitable sensors shall be provided at the ceiling level to cover the lift landing space. The activation of any sensor shall cause the lifts to be re-directed to home to the alternate floor.
The above requirements on homing of lifts to an alternate designated floor need not be applied to standalone open-sided car parks and residential buildings under PG I.
Explanations & Illustrations
Figure 6.6.6e.
In general, alternate designated floor is preferably 2nd storey as it is the next nearest lift landing floor. However, there are scenarios where lift(s) do not serve the 2nd storey e.g., lifts serving certain zones of a building such as mid-rise and high-rise. For such scenario, the alternate floor will be the next nearest landing within the zone. Hence, alternate designated floor may not be 2nd storey in some buildings.
6.6.7
Provisions for lift rescue
General
The following requirements shall apply to buildings with blind lift hoist ways exceeding 11m, except for PG I buildings. They shall be read in conjunction with SS 550.
Rescue hooks
When the distance between consecutive lift landing doorsills is more than 11m but less than 18m (see Diagram 6.6.7b.(1) – 1), rescue hooks complying with Cl.6.6.7b.(3) shall be provided at the underside of the upper lift landing door head (see Diagram 6.6.7b.(1) – 2).
Alternatively, these hooks shall be installed in the ceiling space directly above the upper lift landing door, such that the heights of these hooks are not more than 3m above the finished floor level of that upper lift landing, and at an approximate distance of 1m away from the lift shaft wall. The ceiling space shall be easily accessible, and a sign shall be provided to indicate the locations of the rescue hooks (see Diagram 6.6.7b.(1) - 1 & 2).
Rescue hook design
Each rescue hook shall have pull-out strength of at least 1000kg (10kN) and a thickness of at most 14mm in diameter. The clear space between the hook and the emergency door frame shall not be less than 100mm, and the spacing between the two hooks shall be between 500 to 700mm. (see Diagram 6.6.7b.(3)).
Landing emergency doors
Where the distance between consecutive lift landing doorsills exceeds 18m, intermediate landing emergency doors shall be provided, such that the distance between sills is at most 18m. However, for adjacent cars fitted with car emergency doors complying with Cl.6.6.7d., intermediate landing emergency doors are not required.
The landing emergency doors shall conform to all of the following requirements (see Diagram 6.6.7c.(2)):
The dimension of landing emergency doors shall comply with the requirements of SS 550.
The dimensions of car emergency doors shall comply with the requirements of SS 550.
They shall be either of the horizontally sliding or swinging single-leaf type.
They shall be self-closing and self-locking and shall be marked in letters not less than 50mm high: “DANGER, LIFT WELL”.
They shall be provided with a landing door lock which can be unlocked only from the landing side through the use of a key. The lock shall not be unlocked by any key which will open any other lock or device used for any other purpose in the building. The key shall be kept where it is accessible only to authorised persons.
Each door shall be provided with an electrical contact, the opening of which will render the lift inoperable.
Two rescue hooks complying with Cl.6.6.7b.(3) shall be provided at the underside of each emergency door head. Alternatively, these hooks can also be installed in the ceiling space as stipulated under Cl.6.6.7b.(2).
Car emergency doors
When car emergency doors are provided in adjacent cars to permit the lift-to-lift rescue and evacuation of passengers, there is no limit on the maximum allowable length of the blind lift hoist way. (See Diagram 6.6.7d.(1))
When car emergency doors are provided, all of the following requirements shall be complied with (see Diagram 6.6.7d.(2)):
The horizontal distance between cars shall comply with the requirements of SS 550.
The dimension of car emergency doors shall comply with the requirements of SS 550.
Car emergency doors shall be openable from outside the car without a key and from inside the car using a key.
Car emergency doors shall open towards the inside of the car.
Car emergency doors shall not be located in the path of a counter-weight or in front of a fixed obstacle (except for beams separating the cars) preventing passage from one car to another.
A portable/ movable bridge or a bridge integrated into the car complying with the requirements of SS 550 shall be provided.
Each car emergency door shall be provided with an electrical safety device, the opening of which will render the lift inoperable. A safety feature to prevent the lift from operating when the bridging plate or the handrail is deployed shall also be provided.
6.6.8
Basement corridor for lift pit access
Basement corridors used solely to access lift pits for maintenance purposes and are compartmented from the lift pits complying with Cl.3.8 are exempted from these requirements:
Cl.2.2.11 on the provision of at least two independent exits.
Cl.6.2.2 on the provision of rising main.
Cl.6.2.8 on the provision of hose reel, provided that all of the following conditions are complied with:
a hose reel is located not more than 5m from the lift lobby above the lift pit; and
the basement corridor is within the 36m coverage of the hose reel mentioned above.
Cl.6.3 on the provision of electrical fire alarm system.
Cl.6.4 on the provision of automatic sprinkler system.
Cl.6.6.4 on the provision of fire lift.
Cl.7.4 on the provision of smoke control system.
6.7
Colour Scheme of Fire Protection Systems
6.7.1
Equipment, fixtures and fittings
The following equipment/fixtures/fittings for the fire protection systems shall be painted in red. For those equipment/ fixtures/ fittings not listed below, the colour scheme shall be in accordance with that specified in the relevant Codes of Practice.
Fire sprinkler system
Fire pump & control panel
Breeching inlet (excluding breeching inlet cabinet/ enclosure)
Sprinkler control valve
Sprinkler water proofing system/ device
Electrical fire alarm system
Main fire alarm panel/ cabinet
Sub fire alarm panel/ cabinet
Manual call point
Visual alarm light housing (Note: fire alarm bell need not be in red)
Private fire hydrant
Wet pillar hydrant (with yellow band in accordance with SS 575)
Dry pillar hydrant (whole hydrant in yellow)
Wet/ dry rising mains
Fire pump & control panel
Breeching inlet (excluding breeching inlet cabinet/ enclosure)
Dry riser breeching inlet in yellow
Wet riser breeching inlet in red
Rising mains pipe
Landing valve (except dry landing valve to be in yellow)
Standby hose cabinet/ enclosure
Hose reel system
Hose reel pump & control panel
Hose reel drum (excluding cabinet/ enclosure)
Total flooding fire extinguishing system
Breathing apparatus cabinet/ enclosure
Emergency Voice Communication System
Handset/ cabinet/ enclosure
Fire extinguisher
Housing cabinet/enclosure
(Note: Alternatively, red graphic signage or red wordings “Fire Extinguisher” of minimum size 20mm shall be provided.)
6.7.2
Pipework, conduits, trunkings and cable trays
For fire protection systems pipework, conduits, trunkings and cable trays which are not required to be painted in red, red colour bands of width not less than 20mm and labelling shall be provided at an interval of not more than 6m apart.
6.7.3
Graphical symbols
Graphical symbols to depict fire safety equipment are allowed for use in buildings provided the signs comply with SS 508. Either graphic or text format can be used for the design of the signage. The Table below shows the different sizes of the graphical symbol with respect to the viewing distance.
6.8
Redundancy for Fire Pumping System
The pumping system for wet rising mains, hose reels, sprinklers and hydrants shall be provided with redundancy such that the system performance is not affected when one of the pumps and/ or the associated control system is out of operation due to routine maintenance or break-down.
Diagram 6.2.5a.(3): Dutch roll folding method
Diagram 6.2.5b.(1): Dutch-rolled fire hose with cabinet (surface-mounted or recessed)
(surface-mounted or recessed)
Diagram 6.3.6a.(8): Home fire alarm system
Diagram 6.3.6c. - 1 & 2: Location of HFAD installation
Diagram 6.6.7b.(1) – 1: Lift landing sill to sill distance > 11m but < 18m
Diagram 6.6.7b.(1) – 2: Rescue hooks located at lift landing
Diagram 6.6.7b.(2) – 1 & 2: Rescue hooks located within lift landing ceiling space
Diagram 6.6.7b.(3): Rescue hook design
Diagram 6.6.7c.(2): Landing emergency door
Diagram 6.6.7d.(1): Car emergency doors for lift-to-lift rescue
Diagram 6.6.7d.(2): Car emergency doors - Deployment of bridging plate
TABLE 6.3A: PROVISION OF FIRE ALARMS ACCORDING TO PURPOSE GROUP, HEIGHT & SIZE OF THE BUILDING
TABLE 6.3A: PROVISION OF FIRE ALARMS ACCORDING TO PURPOSE GROUP, HEIGHT & SIZE OF THE BUILDING | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purpose group (1) | Building type (2) | Total floor area per storey (3) | Type of fire alarm systems (4) | |
PG I & II | NR | NR | HFAD | |
PG III to VIII (Without stay-in facilities) | Single storey building | >400m2 | Manual* | |
Building of 2 to 4 storeys | >200m2 | Manual* | ||
Building of more than 4 storeys | NR | Automatic + manual | ||
PG III to VIII (With stay-in facilities) | Single storey building | NR | Manual** | |
Building of more than one storey | NR | Automatic + manual | ||
Note: - When there are 2 or more purpose groups in a building, the strictest requirement for any one of the purpose groups shall be applicable to the whole building - Where PG II forms part of a mixed-use building, Cl.6.3.1b.(1) shall be followed and HFAD shall be provided in the residential units. NR - Not relevant * - Except otherwise exempted under Cl.6.3.3d. ** - Healthcare occupancy with patient accommodation ward shall be provided with both automatic fire alarm system and manual fire alarm system. See Cl.9.3.2b.(5)(b) | ||||
TABLE 6.4A COMPARTMENTATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIAL PURPOSE ROOMS IN BUILDINGS
TABLE 6.4A COMPARTMENTATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIAL PURPOSE ROOMS IN BUILDINGS | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Usage (1) | Non‑sprinkler protected building | Sprinkler-protected building | |||
Compartmentation (2a) | Door rating (2b) | Compartmentation (3a) | Door rating (3b) | Sprinkler (3c) | |
Store room(1) | 1 hr | 1 hr | N | N | S |
AHU room(3) | N | N | N | N | S |
Kitchen(2) | 1 hr | 1/2 hr | 1 hr | 1/2 hr | S |
Boiler room (oil fired) | 2 hr | 2 hr | 1 hr | 1 hr | S |
Low voltage switch room | B | B | B | B | Ex |
High voltage switch room | B | B | B | B | Ex |
Transformer room | 2 hr | 2 hr | 1 hr | 1 hr | S |
Oil tank room | 2 hr | 2 hr | 1 hr | 1 hr | S |
Generator room | 2 hr | 2 hr | 1 hr | 1 hr | S |
A/C plant room | 2 hr | 2 hr | 1 hr | 1 hr | S |
Electric lift motor room | 2 hr | 2 hr | 2 hr | 2 hr | Ex |
Hydraulic lift motor room | 2 hr | 2 hr | 1 hr | 1 hr | S |
Essential fan room | 2 hr | 2 hr | 1 hr | 1 hr | S |
Electrical room | 2 hr | 2 hr | 2 hr | 2 hr | Ex |
Battery room(6) | 2 hr | 2 hr | 2 hr | 2 hr | S(5) |
Sprinkler/Wet riser tank room | B | B | B | B | S |
Fire pump room | B | B | B | B | S |
Fire Command Centre | 2 hr | 2 hr | 2 hr | 2 hr | S |
Telecommunication/ Non-essential equipment room(4) | N | N | B | B | Ex |
|
| N | N | S | |
Note: The fire resistance rating stipulated in this table shall be the minimum N - no specific requirement on compartmentation/ door rating B - compartmentation and door rating of the special purpose room shall not be less than the fire resistance of the elements of structure of the building where the room is located S - Sprinkler system has to be extended into such rooms Ex - Sprinkler system is exempted from the corresponding area provided the area is fitted with an automatic fire alarm system installed according to SS 645 (1) - Requirements stated herein apply to store room which is required to be compartmentalised (2) = Requirements stated herein apply to kitchens in hotel, restaurant, coffee house or other similar places where the preparation of food is required. However, special considerations will be given to the followings: (a) kitchens where “open flame” cooking appliances are NOT used, or (b) kitchens where all the cooking facilities are fitted with approved extinguishing systems (3) - Where AHU rooms are vertically stacked, each AHU room shall be separated by a compartment floor at every level. In the case of AHU serving more than one compartment, fire dampers shall be provided in air ducts at penetration through the compartment wall and floors, see Cl.7.1.8 (4) - Requirements stated herein apply to non-essential equipment rooms such as a PABX/ MDF room, potable water tank/ pump, ejector room, Police Equipment Room (PER) or Electronics Parking System (EPS) room etc. (5) - Water mist system can be considered in lieu of conventional automatic fire sprinkler system (6) - This requirements of compartmentation shall apply to any room that is designated as a battery room or of Threshold Stored Energy exceeded the limits stated in Table 10.3.1. This does not apply to battery used in consumer products such as laptop, phone, etc. | |||||