Exits of all buildings, except for PG I, shall be provided with artificial lighting facilities to the satisfaction of the requirements under this Code.
The minimum illuminance to be provided for all exits and the spacing for luminaires shall be in accordance with the requirements in SS 563.
The delay between the failure of the electrical supply to normal lighting and the energisation of the exit lighting shall not exceed 1 sec.
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Document Version: 2023
Fire Code
8
Emergency Lighting & Voice Communication Systems
8.1
Exit Lighting and Exit Sign
8.1.1
Exit lighting
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 8.1.1a. : Exit lighting
Figure 8.1.1a. - 1
Figure 8.1.1a. - 2
When a fire occurs in a building, the degree of visibility in corridors, staircases and passageways plays a vital part in facilitating evacuation of occupants.
Street lighting should not be relied upon to provide the emergency lighting as they could malfunction or there could be district power failure during an emergency or they could be shaded by trees/building structures. All buildings shall be self-sufficient in the provision of artificial lighting without any reliance on other or external sources.
Clause 8.1.1b. : Exit lighting
SS.563 requires that horizontal illuminance in the centre line of any escape route shall not be less than 0.5 lux, measured at the floor, for minimum duration of 1 hour.
The positioning of lighting shall be so arranged that the failure of any single lighting unit, such as the burning out of a bulb, will not leave any area in darkness.
Exit areas, such as exit staircases, internal and external exit passageways, are critical areas, there shall be no interruption of illumination exceeding 1 second during the changeover from one energy source to another. This would help ensure the occupants to see their way for example, down the exit staircases without fear of tripping. For ease of reference, the value of 1 foot candle is equivalent to 10 lux, measured at the floor.
Rationale
Clause 8.1.1
The exit lighting shall be positioned so that the failure of any single lighting unit will not leave any area in darkness. For essential areas such as exit staircases, internal and external passageways, there shall be no interruption of illumination exceeding 1 sec during the changeover from one energy source to another. This will ensure occupants can see their way down via exit staircase without fear of tripping.
8.1.2
Emergency lighting for corridors and lobbies
Emergency lighting shall be provided in all corridors and lobbies of all buildings except PG I.
The minimum level of illuminance, the spacing of luminaires and the maximum delay for emergency lighting required in this clause shall be the same as that for the exit lighting.
Explanations & Illustrations
The requirements for provision of emergency lighting for corridors and lobbies in respect of:
min. level of luminance;
spacing of luminaires; and
c. delay (1 second) for the emergency lighting are similar to C.8.1.1.
Corridors and lobbies, including routes of escape, smoke-stop lobbies, common lobbies, are required to have min. 0.5 lux, measured at the floor, for minimum duration of 1 hour, notwithstanding that residents may be presumed to be familiar with exit facilities by reason of regular usage of such facilities.
The emergency lighting system shall be so arranged to provide the required illumination by means of standby generator set upon failure of public utility supply. The changeover from one energy source to another shall not incur a delay of more than 15 secs. This is considered a reasonable short time for the generating plant to start. However, where battery packs are used for emergency power, they must be the type that will automatically be kept charged and be able to perform for a minimum duration of 1 hour.
8.1.3
Emergency lighting for occupied areas
For all buildings except PG I or II, emergency lighting shall be provided in the occupied areas following the requirements below:
along paths leading to corridors, lobbies and exits in all occupied areas where the direct distance from the entry point of the corridor, lobby or exit to the furthest point in the area concerned exceeds 13m; or
over the whole of such area if there are no explicit paths leading to corridors, lobbies and exits.
The provision of emergency lighting is exempted for:
open-to-sky roof terrace/ garden; and
open-sided single storey building, with floor area not exceeding 200m2 and openings that constitute at least 80% of the perimeter wall area (measured along the roof eaves).
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 8.1.3a.(1) : Emergency lighting for occupied areas
Room having a direct distance > 13m and designed with defined escape path shall be provided with emergency lighting.
Clause 8.1.3a.(2) : Emergency lighting for occupied areas
Room having a direct distance > 13m and not provided with defined escape path or where escape path is not defined, emergency lighting shall be provided to cover the whole floor space. The level of illuminance shall comply with SS 563.
Notwithstanding the requirements in Cl.8.1.3a. above, emergency lighting shall be provided in the following locations:
Lift cars as stipulated in this Code;
Fire Command Centres;
Generator rooms;
Basement and aboveground multi-storey car parks;
Fire pump rooms; and
Areas of refuge within the same building.
The minimum level of illuminance shall comply with the requirements in SS 563.
The delay between the failure of the electrical supply to normal lighting and the energisation of the emergency lighting for occupied areas shall not exceed 15 secs.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 8.1.3c. : Emergency lighting for occupied areas
Emergency lighting is required to be provided to lift car, generator rooms & fire pump rooms to enable maintenance personnel to evacuate safely in times of emergency. The emergency lighting would help firefighters if there is a need to gain access into any of these rooms or spaces.
Basement car parks are also required to be provided with emergency lighting regardless of the floor area. It would help to lead public to the nearest exit escape routes. Car lighting cannot be taken and relied upon as emergency lighting.
Rationale
Clause 8.1.3c
The emergency lighting enable the occupants/maintenance personnel in the mentioned locations to evacuate safely in times of power failure. In addition, the emergency lighting will help firefighters to gain access into any of these rooms or spaces for firefighting or operations purposes.
8.1.4
Emergency lighting for firefighting facilities
Fire alarm panels, fire alarm call points and firefighting equipment shall be adequately illuminated at all times so that they can be readily located.
The minimum level of illuminance shall comply with the requirements in SS 563.
The delay between the failure of the electrical supply to normal lighting and the energisation of the emergency lighting for firefighting facilities shall not exceed 15 secs.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 8.1.4 : Emergency lighting for firefighting facilities
Figure 8.1.4 : Emergency lighting to breeching inlets/alarm call point
The emergency lighting system shall be so arranged as to provide the required illumination automatically at places where firefighting facilities are provided e.g. breeching inlets, fire alarm panels, fire alarm call points etc..
This is to facilitate the occupants and firefighters to locate the firefighting facilities. The emergency illumination shall not incur a delay of more than 15 secs during the changeover from normal supply to secondary source via generator supply.
Rationale
Clause 8.1.4
The purpose of illuminating these locations is to facilitate the occupants and/or firefighters to readily locate fire protection devices and firefighting equipment when normal power supply is interrupted during a fire emergency.
8.1.5
Secondary source of power supply
The delay for energisation of the exit and emergency lighting systems between normal supply and the secondary source shall be as stipulated in the relevant clauses.
Duration of the secondary source of power supply shall comply with the requirements in SS 563.
Location, arrangement and control, installation of electrical wiring of the secondary source of supply, be it in the form of battery, standby generator, inverter or other accepted equipment, shall comply with the requirements in SS 563.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 8.1.5 : Secondary source of power supply
Where maintenance of illumination depends upon changing from normal power supply to secondary source via generator sets, there should be minimal delay during the switch over, which should not exceed 15 secs.
The emergency lighting system shall be capable of maintaining a supply of at least 1 hour, long enough for evacuation of occupants and to serve the initial stage of firefighting.
Generally, the time for changeover should not exceed 15 secs for emergency lighting to be provided at occupied areas and at places where immediate visibility is not essential. As for critical areas such as exit points and along defined exit routes, the minimum level of lighting must be available at all times so that occupants would not panic when making their escape.
8.1.6
Luminaire
All exit and emergency luminaires required by this Code shall be of approved type as specified in SS 563.
8.1.7
Exit and exit directional signs
Exit sign
The entrance to every exit on every floor shall be clearly indicated by an exit sign placed over the exit door. Such signs shall be placed so as to be clearly visible at all times.
Exit sign shall be provided over all the exit access doors for rooms with more than one door. (See Diagram 8.1.7a.(2))
Exit sign shall be provided over final discharge door within exit enclosure such as exit staircase and internal exit passageway having other exit/ exit access door opening into the exit enclosure at the discharge floor (see Diagram 8.1.7a.(3)).
Exemption
Exit sign is not required under the following situations:
PG I and II buildings
Room provided with emergency lighting
When a room is provided with only one door (see Diagram 8.1.7a.(4)(b).)
Room without emergency lighting
When a room is provided with only one door and the direct distance from the furthest distance in the room to the exit access door is 7m or less (see Diagram 8.1.7a.(4)(c)(i) – 1 & 2); or
When the furthest point in the room to the exit access door is 13m or less and wall of the room comprises not less than 50% clear glazing facing (see Diagram 8.1.7a.(4)(c)(ii)):
an internal corridor covered by emergency lighting,
an external corridor, or
the external of the building.
Open-sided single storey building, with floor area not exceeding 200m2 and openings that constitute at least 80% of the perimeter wall area (measured along the roof eaves).
When a room or internal space is fully open towards an external corridor or the external of a building.
Exit enclosure such as exit staircase and internal exit passageway not provided with final discharge door (see Diagram 8.1.7a.(4)(f)).
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 8.1.7a.(1) : Exit & directional signs
Decorations, furnishings or equipment, which impair visibility of an exit sign shall not be allowed; nor shall there be any brightly illuminated sign (for other than exit purposes), display or object in or near the line of vision to the required exit sign.
Directional signs
In long corridors, in open floor areas, and in all situations where the location of the exits may not be readily visible, directional signs shall be provided to serve as guides from all portions of the corridors or floors. (See Diagram 8.1.7b.(1))
In rooms where the line of sight to the exit access door is obstructed, directional sign shall be provided.
Exemption
Directional sign is not required under the following situations:
PG I and II buildings.
Open-to-sky roof terrace/ garden.
Open-sided single storey building, with floor area not exceeding 200m2 and openings that constitute at least 80% of the perimeter wall area (measured along the roof eaves).
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 8.1.7b.(1) : Exit & directional signs
The above show a few variations of the placing of exit / directional signs. Access to exits shall be marked by readily visible signs in all cases where the exit or way to reach it is not immediately visible to the occupants. Sign placement shall be such that no point along the exit route is more than 30m from the nearest visible sign.
In factory/warehouse premises, with high storage rack areas ,the vision to exits and directional exit signs may be blocked, hence the signs are shifted or additional signs should be provided to help occupants to evacuate in times of emergency.
In shopping centre/institutional occupancy areas, exit directional signs are to be placed at strategic locations so that members of public/shoppers could rely on the signs to evacuate in times of emergency.
Low level signs
Additional low level or floor-mounted exit and exit directional signs shall be provided in hotel accommodation floors including boarding houses.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 8.1.7c. : Exit & directional signs
This requirement is mandatory for hotel usage, although it is not applicable to public resort occupancies, it would be a good practice to have it.
Such signs strategically located in the common corridor would help the occupants to find their way to the floor exits should smoke obscure the exits & exit directional signs normally mounted at above door height.
Low-level or floor mounted signs are not intended to replace standard exit signs but are designed to aid building occupants to get to the exit in a smoke-filled environment.
The bottom of the low-level sign shall be not less than 150mm or more than 200mm above the floor level. It shall be placed at not more than 10m interval. For exit doors, the sign shall be on the door or adjacent to the door with the closest edge of the sign within 100mm of the door frame.
Rationale
Clause 8.1.7c
Low level or floor-mounted signs are not intended to replace standard exit signs but are designed to aid building occupants to get to the exits should smoke obscure the exits and exit directional signs mounted at above door height.
Signs within exit staircase
Where the SCDF has allowed under Cl.2.3.5d. for upper storey staircase to be continuous with that serving the basement, appropriate signage, including pictorials, shall be placed at strategic location inside the staircase to direct occupants out of the building in times of emergency.
Where the direction of travel to exit discharge is upward, the staircase signage required under Cl.2.3.1b. shall comply with SS 508.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 8.1.7d.(1) : Exit & directional signs
This can be done by placing a physical barrier to prevent occupants from continuing below the level of exit discharge into the basement. This helps to warn occupants in the staircase enclosure that they are on the level of exit discharge.
Cl.2.3.5d. allows upper storey staircase to be continuous with that serving the basement, which is naturally ventilated.
To prevent occupants exiting continuously from upper storeys into the basement floor during an emergency, a physical barrier in the form of a door or a gate (as shown above) could be provided across the staircase landing at ground level to separate the discharge route of upper storeys from the basement staircase.
In addition, appropriate signage should be provided inside the staircase enclosure to direct occupants out of the building at ground level.
Applicable to staircase serving more than 4 storeys inclusive of basement.
Rationale
Clause 8.1.7d
The purpose of providing signage within exit staircases is to prevent occupants from travelling beyond the discharge level into the basement. The signage helps to inform occupants in the exit staircase enclosure on the level of exit discharge to the safe external space.
Electrically-powered exit and/ or directional signs
The legends, dimensions, design and/ or installation of electrically-powered exit and directional signs shall comply with SS 563. Either graphic or text format can be used for the design of the signage.
Exemption
Exit signs (other than low level or floor-mounted signs) are permitted to be mounted more than 2.5m and at most 3.5m above the finished floor level provided the following is complied with:
For spaces provided with engineered smoke control system, the top edge of the exit sign shall be below the designed smoke layer of the space it serves.
For spaces not provided with engineered smoke control system, there shall be a gap of at least 500mm between the top edge of the exit sign and the soffit of the ceiling/ roof.
Self-luminous sign
The use of self-luminous exit and directional signs powered by radioactive material are permitted in buildings, provided the signs comply with UL 924, SS 563 and SS 508 (Part 1, 2, 3 & 5). Either graphic or text format can be used for the design of the signage. In addition, SS 563 Part 1 shall be complied with for determination of the viewing distance with distance factor (Z) fixed at 50.
Explanations & Illustrations
Viewing Distance
Viewing distance is derived as follows:
I = z0h, where I (m) is the viewing distance; z0 is the distance factor with observation position normal to the centre of the pictogram /‘EXIT’ legend, and h (m) is the height of pictogram / ‘EXIT’ legend
Note to QP
Clause 8.1.7f
With the withdrawn of BS 5499 Part 2, all self-illuminating exit and directional signs powered by radioactive materials shall comply and tested to the testing standard UL 924. For radioactive materials to be permitted, such material shall meet the minimum 50 lux illuminance. Where the minimum 50 lux illuminance is not achievable, such signs shall be externally lit by a nearby emergency luminaires.
8.1.8
Photoluminescent marking
In all buildings, except PG I & II, photoluminescent marking/ tape to guide occupants along evacuation routes to appropriate exit shall be provided:
along internal walls and/ or floors of the exit staircase, smoke-free lobby and fire lift lobby;
on the doors of smoke-free lobby, fire lift lobby and exit staircase; and
along corridor with exit directional signs.
The width of photoluminescent marking or tape shall be at least 50mm and be placed at low level. The bottom of the low level sign shall not be less than 150mm or more than 400mm above the floor level.
Omission of photoluminescent marking/ tape is permitted on the following conditions:
the emergency power supply of the exit lightings, exit signs and directional signs in the above locations shall be self-contained battery pack (single point emergency lighting system) in compliance with SS 563 or central battery supply backed up by stand-by generator;
there shall be at least 2 emergency luminaires in the smoke-free lobby, fire lift lobby and corridor with exit directional signs, such that no part of such spaces shall be left in total darkness should there be failure of any one of the emergency luminaires; and
there shall be at least one emergency luminaire at every exit staircase landing.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 8.1.8 : Photoluminescent marking
Performance of Photoluminescent marking / tape
The basic function of photoluminescent marking / tape is to provide some luminance lighting at low level to aid evacuation of occupants under total power failure condition or low ambient lighting condition. Photoluminescent marking / tape shall be made of pigments that will absorb electrical or day lighting under normal ambient condition and emit light automatically in invisible wavelength and glow brightly upon
immediate depletion of light source.As a guide, the Photoluminescent marking / tape should deliver a luminance level at least 800 mcd/m2 at 1 min after removal of light source and at least 80 mcd/m2 at 10 mins thereafter. The Photoluminescent marking / tape would remain visible after 6 hour at the luminance level of at least 1 mcd/m2.
Substrate of Photoluminescent marking / tape
For tape, direct printing of directional arrow in green on surface of vinyl or decal sticker with full photoluminescent background. For marking, direct printing of directional arrow, “EXIT” or exit legend. With green background on thin plastic or metal sheet or silk printed with green background on reverse side of thin transparent Perspex sheet.
For Photoluminescent nose strip, it shall be made of materials of the non-skid and able to resist abrasion and wear.
Method of fixing
The marking / tape could be affixed by strong adhesive glue on dry and smooth surface.
Product listing
Product listing requirement is not required at this point of time.
For buildings under PG III to VIII, where the emergency lighting and exit signs are not of the self-contained battery pack type, integral with the lighting and sign fittings, self-luminescent marking or tapes shall be provided to both edges of the treads and handrails and/or walls of the exit staircase. The rationale of the provision would ensure escape facilities are always visible during an emergency situation.
The purpose is to provide illumination for escape path in the event of a total power failure i.e. failure of both self-contained battery pack system and standby
generator provision in a building at the same time. Thus, the occupant groping in the dark is almost “impossible”. Both the provision would complement each other and facilitate orderly evacuation process.
Clause 8.1.8b. : Photo luminescent marking
The strip shall be at least 50mm in width and to be placed at the leading edge of each stair rise.
In designated corridor with exit directional sign.
Applicable to building with fixed corridor leading to exit staircase, except hotel guest room floor where low level electrical exit directional sign is mandatory.
Photo luminescent exit directional sign with the word “EXIT” or Exit legend as per SS 508 and directional arrow with green ground printed on the surface or silk screened on reverse surface, along one side of the walls of the designated corridor. For long corridor, the photoluminescent exit directional sign shall be affixed at not more than 10m interval. Additional sign would be required at junctions.
The wall affixed sign shall be at least 300mm long and 150mm wide and be placed not less than 150mm or more than 400mm from the lobby landing level. Depending on the length and configuration of the designated corridor, numerous number of signs to be provided on one side of the walls with directional arrow pointing towards the exit direction within designated corridor.
Rationale
Clause 8.1.8
The provision of photoluminescent marking/tape was introduced to eliminate total darkness scenario where all essential emergency lighting failed during a fire emergency.
8.2
Emergency Voice Communication System and Fire Command Centre (FCC)
8.2.1
One-way emergency voice communication system
One-way emergency voice communication system and a FCC shall be provided as follows:
For all large buildings under PG III (not applicable to primary school, secondary school and junior colleges), IV, V, VI, VII and VIII with AFA greater than 5000m² or having a total occupant load exceeding 1000 persons. The calculation of AFA and occupant load shall exclude the aboveground or underground car park; or
For all buildings belonging to PG III, IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII of more than 24m in habitable height; or
For building of mixed commercial-cum-residential usage:
where the commercial component of the building occupies only the lower portion of the building and is separated from the residential occupancies, the habitable height of the commercial component of the building exceeds 24m, or
where a commercial component of the building is located above any residential occupancies, the habitable height of the building exceeds 24m.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 8.2.1a.&b. : One-way emergency voice communication system
During fire emergency, the one-way emergency voice communication system will be used to notify occupants in the building. Under phase evacuation, occupants will be advised to relocate to ‘Safe area of refuge’ in which to wait out the fire. Occupants could also be advised to evacuate the building during fire emergency. In phase evacuation, communication with these people can be maintained to prevent panic and to allow further relocation, if necessary.
The one-way emergency voice communication system shall consist of microphone input, selector switches, amplifiers and remote loudspeakers to perform the functions specified. Loud speakers operated from the FCC shall be of sufficient number and appropriate design to provide effective voice communication to the following areas:
all habitable rooms;
all basement floor areas;
all escape staircases;
all staircase lobbies and lift lobbies forming parts of the means of escape;
the main entrance;
all corridors leading to exits;
all service areas where people may be working;
all areas of refuge;
all assembly areas;
all patients accommodation floors, hotel bedroom floors etc.; and
all other areas as may be required by the SCDF.
Rationale
Clause 8.2.1a
The life safety risk of car park is relatively low as it is a transient space and the occupant load is low. Including the car park area in the calculation of accessible floor area will result in many developments requiring FCC and one-way emergency voice communication system, which could be excessive and may not be practical.
Exception
For hotel or healthcare buildings of less than 24m in habitable height, AFA not greater than 5000m² and total occupant load not exceeding 1000 persons, an ordinary public address system shall be provided. However, FCC is not required. Loudspeakers for the ordinary public address system shall be provided in every lift lobby, staircase enclosure and other strategic positions within audible distance of all parts of all storeys throughout the building.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 8.2.1d. : One-way emergency voice communication system
To address the concerns of transient guests and sleeping risk in hotels, boarding houses and the like which are less than 24m in habitable height, an ordinary public address system shall be provided to effect early and orderly evacuation of occupants in times of emergency.
The ordinary public address system shall consist of the microphone input, selector switches and remote loudspeakers to perform the functions specified. Loud speakers shall be of sufficient number and appropriate design to provide effective voice communication to the following areas:
all habitable rooms;
all basement floor areas;
all escape staircases;
all staircase lobbies and lift lobbies forming parts of the means of escape;
the main entrance;
all corridors leading to exits;
all service areas where people may be working;
all areas of refuge;
all assembly areas;
all patients’ accommodation floors, hotel bedroom floors etc.; and
all other areas as may be required by the SCDF.
Rationale
Clause 8.2.1d
The provision of ordinary public address system serves to effect early and orderly evacuation of occupants in times of emergency.
8.2.2
Two-way emergency voice communication system
Two-way emergency voice communication system shall be provided for
buildings, which are required to be provided with one-way emergency voice communication system under Cl.8.2.1 a., b. or c.; and
all multi-level basements of buildings under PG II to VIII, except the following:
Single-level basement, irrespective of its usage of building under PG II to VIII and basements of building of PG I.
Multi-level basements of building under PG II, provided the basements are used solely for car parking and not exceeding two basement storeys in depth.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 8.2.2a.(2) : Two-way emergency voice communication system
The requirement would be applicable to buildings having any basements greater than a depth of 9m from the averaged ground level outside the building. This is to complement the need to provide fire lift to serve the basement storeys under Cl.6.6.4 of the Fire Code.
In view of the adequacy of the lift intercom system, the SCDF will accept the lift intercom system in-lieu of the handset provided it complies with SS 546 on ‘Installation and Power Supply’.
Two-way emergency voice communication system, where required, shall provide two-way communication between the FCC and the following areas:
Every fire lift lobby, including 1st storey.
All firefighting-related mechanical equipment rooms. These include sprinkler pump room, wet rising main pump room, hose reel pump room, switch rooms and generator rooms.
All rooms housing smoke control equipment.
All lift machine rooms.
Fire lift. Where the lift car is equipped with built-in intercom system that complies with SS 546, the two-way communication system can be exempted.
Each area of refuge.
Air-handling control rooms. Where AHU can be remotely monitored and controlled at the FCC, and cannot be by-passed locally, and the electrical cabling between AHU rooms and FCC are fire-rated, the two-way emergency voice communication system can be exempted.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 8.2.2b. : Two-way emergency voice communication system
The two-way communication system shall consist of the main telephone handset and selector switches at the control console located in the FCC and the other remote handset installed at various locations as mentioned in the Cl.8.2.2b(1) to (7).
In general, at least one emergency handset shall be located on each floor. When a floor is divided into two or more fire-isolated zones used as areas of refuge for one another, each zone shall be provided with a handset. The criteria to be considered in determining the position of each handset shall be such that, wherever possible, the handset is near the protected staircase or near the central position of the zone covered by it, and as remote as possible from the nearest alarm sounding device.
In view of the adequacy of the lift intercom system, the SCDF will accept the lift intercom system in-lieu of the handset provided it complies with SS 546 on ‘Installation and Power Supply’
8.2.3
Standard
Where a one-way or two-way emergency voice communication system is required by this Code, it shall comply with the requirements stipulated in SS 546.
8.2.4
Fire Command Centre
Provision
A FCC shall be provided in any building, with the exception of buildings under PG I and II (PG II building having not more than two basement storeys used solely for car parking), which requires any of the following installations:
Fire lift.
Emergency voice communication system.
Engineered smoke control system.
Supporting equipment
A FCC is a room within a building dedicated to the controlling and monitoring of fire protection systems during a fire emergency. As such, equipment/services not meant for this purpose shall not be located inside the FCC with exception of the following:
Lift supervisory panel.
Background music system connected to one-way emergency voice communication system rack.
Workstation/server rack for security card access & CCTV system for security monitoring.
Workstation/server rack for car park access control system.
Workstation/server rack for fire alarm's colour graphics system.
Workstation/server rack for BMS/BAS monitoring and controlling other ACMV system.
Walkie-talkie charging stations.
UPS system with totally sealed battery capacity not exceeding 750Amp-hr.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 8.2.4b. : Fire Command Centre
Figure 8.2.4b. : Fire Command Centre
The actual size of a FCC should be provided at plan submission stage. The minimum net working space of 6m² shall exclude spaces for equipment and furniture.
Size
A FCC shall be of adequate size to house all the terminals and supervisory/ control equipment etc. of the building's fire protection/detection systems, as well as a free working space (unobstructed by door swing) of at least 6m2 and minimum clear width of 2m.
Location
The FCC shall be located at the same level as the fire engine accessway or fire engine access road and its entrance shall be located in the following order of priority:
The travel distance between the nearest edges of the FCC door and fire lift lobby door at the designated storey of the building shall not exceed 5m.
In the case where there is no fire lift lobby, it shall be located within vicinity of the fire engine accessway or fire engine access road. The travel distance between the nearest edges of the FCC door and entrance of one of the protected stairs serving all storeys of the development shall not exceed 5m.
It shall be at any other location as may be designated by the SCDF.
In the case of a site consisting of more than one building which required FCC in accordance with Cl.8.2.1, there shall be more than one FCC. For such cases, the SCDF shall be consulted.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 8.2.4c.(1) : Fire Command Centre
For both scenarios, it is desirable that a “line of sight” could be achieved from the door of FCC to the door of the fire lift and the door of the exit staircase adjacent to the fire lift lobby.
This arrangement would assist the communication linkage amongst the areas greatly & lead to better command of firefighters operationally.
However, where direct linkage between FCC & fire lift/exit staircase could not be achieved, prior approval from the SCDF should be obtained before building plan submission.
Rationale
Clause 8.2.4c1a
As the term “adjacent” previously used is ambiguous, it is replaced with specific distance for clarity. 5m is considered a distance reasonably close to the fire lift lobby.
Construction
The construction of enclosure, facilities and lighting of a FCC shall comply with the SS 546.
Air-conditioning and/ or mechanical ventilation
Air-conditioning and/ or mechanical ventilation where required for the FCC shall be provided with secondary power supply and shall have ductworks independent of any other ductwork serving other parts of the building.
Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 8.2.4e. : Fire Command Centre
The critical usage of FCC during fire emergency requires that lighting/ventilation and other power supply should come from standby power source e.g. generator set. The supply & exhaust ductworks of the mechanical ventilation shall be independent of any other ductwork serving other parts of the building. This is to prevent heat or smoke from being conveyed into the FCC via the ducts.
Rationale
Clause 8.2.4f
The purpose of having independent ductwork for the ACMV system serving the FCC is to prevent fire or smoke from being conveyed into the FCC via the ducts.