This document is adapted from an official source and formatted for consistency. While Builtsearch aims to keep it accurate and up to date, please refer to the original source for the most reliable and current information.

Document Version: 2023

Fire Code

Additional Requirements for Each Purpose Group

9.1

Purpose Group I Occupancy

This chapter specifies the additional requirements peculiar to buildings of respective purpose groups. These additional requirements shall be read in conjunction with other requirements relevant to the respective purpose groups stipulated in Chapter 1 to 8 of this Code. Where there are conflicting requirements between this chapter and the preceding chapters, the requirements stipulated in this chapter shall take precedence.

9.1.1

General

Means of escape
1. Single household dwelling
  Buildings under PG I can consist of more than three floors if they are occupied as a single household dwelling.
2. Basement levels
  For PG I building which has four or more levels (including the basement levels and attics), the basement levels shall discharge directly to the external space at grade level.
3. Access staircases
  Means of escape for a building or a separate part of a building of single occupancy of PG I can be provided via access staircase(s).

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.1.1a.(1) : General

4 storeys or levels form one compartment Figure 9.1.1a.(1) : Single household dwelling — **4 storeys or levels form one compartment**
Figure 9.1.1a.(1) : Single household dwelling

Building having 4 stories or levels under PG I are permitted. The above relaxation was introduced in 13 June 1996 to take into consideration of proliferation of 4-level PG I buildings due to the sudden surge in the public demand for two storey conventional houses with attic and basement.

The SCDF reviewed the above matter and issued a circular on 14 Dec 1999 to allow buildings under PG I to have more than 3 levels or floors if they are occupied as a single household dwelling without the need to provide automatic fire system or external staircase.

Clause 9.1.1a.(2) : General

Clause 9.1.1a.(3) : General

Buildings which exceed 3 storeys or levels, inclusive of attic and basement but not exceeding 4 storeys or levels are not required to comply with either the provision of an automatic fire alarm system or the provision of an external exit staircase to serve the topmost storey or level. See Figure 9.1.1a.(3) - 1 and 9.1.1a.(3) - 2, subject to complying with the clear width of staircase and corridor as mentioned in Table 2.2A.

Figure 9.1.1a.(3) -1 : Unenclosed internal staircase serving as means of escape for the building — Figure 9.1.1a.(3) -1 : Unenclosed internal staircase serving as
means of escape for the building

An alternative arrangement to fire separates the basement from upper storeys. Basement level shall be compartmented and separated from upper storeys such that discharge shall be directly to external space.

Structural fire precautions
1. Attic floor
  An attic in buildings under PG I can be constructed of timber boarding on timber joists, provided it is protected to achieve the fire resistance rating required of the elements of structure of the building or compartment.
2. Floor over a basement
  For PG I building which has four or more levels (including the basement storeys and attics), the floor immediately over the basement storeys shall be compartmented by compartment walls/ floors. Where there is an internal connection between the basement storeys and upper levels, it shall be compartmented by a fire-rated door at the 1st storey landing or basement landing.
Extent of unprotected openings
1. The extent of unprotected openings in an external wall of a building under PG I, in relation to its distance from the relevant boundary, can be based on the internal room/space in the building that has the largest extent of unprotected openings to comply with Table 1 of Annex 3B.
2. Internal walls enclosing the room/space in the building except glazing, are not required to be fire-rated, but shall be constructed of non-combustible materials.
PV installation
For PV installations the requirements shall be as follows:
1. For access to the PV installations on the roof, a portable sturdy or cat/ ship ladder to the roof access shall be provided.
2. All access hatches, if provided, shall be readily accessible from the roof. The access hatch opening shall have a minimum clear width of 1m in diameter.
3. A clearance of 1m around the access/ hatch opening shall be provided.
4. For fire resistance of PV modules, it shall be in accordance with Cl.10.2.1c..
5. For emergency disconnection of the PV modules, it shall be in accordance with Cl.10.2.1e..

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.1.1b.(2) : General

Figure 9.1.1b.(2) : Floor over a basement

Any floor immediately over a basement storey, if such storey forms part of a building of PG I which has four or more storeys (including the basement storey), shall be constructed as a compartment floor, i.e. horizontally separating the upper storeys from the basement. The exit staircase serving the basement shall be made to discharge into the exterior at grade level.

9.2

Purpose Group II Occupancy

9.2.1

General

Means of escape
1. Means of escape for a building or a separated part of a building of PG II shall comply with the provision of Cl.2.3.
2. Number of exit staircases or exits per storey
  In a block of residential apartments or maisonettes, at least two independent exit staircases or other exits from every storey shall be provided, in compliance with the requirements of Cl.2.2.11, unless otherwise permitted.
3. Provision for buildings not exceeding 24m in habitable height
  In a block of residential apartments or maisonettes not exceeding 24m in habitable height, one exit staircase can be allowed provided the one-way travel distance is complied with.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.2.1a.(2) : General

The provision of two remotely located staircases or other exits provides for alternate escape for the occupants if one staircase or alternate exit is blocked off or rendered unusable in an emergency situation.

Clause 9.2.1a.(3) : General

Single staircase is only permitted for buildings not exceeding 4 storeys as the exit staircase is not separately enclosed. The above figure shows a protected lift shaft, which is wrapped around by an exit staircase.

The space between the entrance doors and the lift shaft serves as a staircase landing, lift lobby and entrance to the residential units. It is not considered as a smoke-stop lobby. Buildings, which are not more than 4 storeys, are not required to be provided with smoke-stop lobby. Instead, the residential units have direct entry into the staircase enclosure.

The above arrangement, with or without a protected lift shaft, is not acceptable for buildings exceeding 4 storeys.

The above arrangement is also not acceptable if the staircase is fully enclosed and provided with mechanical ventilation. The reason is that the movement of the lift car could cause a ‘piston effect’ to push or draw smoke into the staircase should a fire occur in the lift car or any of apartment units.

Single exit staircase is permitted in buildings more than 4 storeys and with habitable height not exceeding 24m, if there is smoke-free approach to the exit staircase. This can be achieved by providing a smoke-stop lobby or corridor which is open-sided, in compliance with Cl.2.3.10.

Single exit staircase is permissible in buildings with ‘slab-block’ design and with habitable height not exceeding 24m, if there is an open-sided corridor between the unit and the exit staircase and where the exit staircase is cross-ventilated, provided that the travel distance requirements are complied with.

Not Acceptable Figure 9.2.1a.(3) - 4 — **Not Acceptable**
Figure 9.2.1a.(3) - 4

Ventilation of the lobby through private enclosed space is not acceptable.

Not Acceptable Figure 9.2.1a.(3) - 5 — **Not Acceptable**
Figure 9.2.1a.(3) - 5

The provision of ventilation shall not be made via private spaces, as such spaces are subject to modification by the unit owner. In order to ensure the permanency of the means of ventilating the smoke-stop lobby, openings for such must always be provided through common areas.

Figure 9.2.1a.(3) - 6 : Protected lobby to single-unit storeys

For single unit per storey design, the smoke-stop lobby or fire lift lobby shall not be converted to other usage. It shall be kept free of any article or furniture. Therefore, it shall be kept as a common area and not be included as part of the strata unit. The lobby area acts as buffer zone against smoke migration into the staircase. The fire lift lobby is required for use by firefighters during fire emergency.

Rationale

Clause 9.2.1a.(2)

The provision of minimum two remotely located staircases or other exits provides for alternate escape for the occupants in the event that one staircase or alternate exit is blocked off or rendered unusable during an emergency situation.

-
1. Provision for buildings exceeding 24m in habitable height
  In a block of residential apartments or maisonettes exceeding 24m in habitable height, one exit staircase can be provided, subject to all of the following conditions:
  1. The building’s habitable height shall not exceed 60m, unless otherwise permitted by the SCDF.
  2. The single exit staircase shall serve not more than four apartments or maisonettes at each storey.
  3. Provision of exits for each residential apartment or maisonette shall comply with the requirements under Cl.9.2.1a.(5).
  4. Travel distance from the most remote exit door to the exit staircase from each apartment or maisonette shall not exceed 15m.
  5. The approach to the exit staircase shall be through cross ventilated corridor/ lobby in accordance with Cl.1.4.29, except that the ventilation openings shall have a minimum width of 2m and a minimum height of 1.2m, as well as the following requirements:
    1. the openings shall be unobstructed from the parapet wall or balustrade level upwards and be positioned on opposite sides of the corridor/ lobby such that they provide cross ventilation throughout the entire space of the corridor/ lobby; and
    2. the entire cross ventilated corridor/ lobby shall be unobstructed and maintained at minimum 2m width throughout.
  6. Where multiple ventilation openings are provided on opposite sides of the corridor/ lobby, the minimum width and height of each opening shall not be less than 1m and 1.2m, respectively, provided the aggregate width of the openings at each opposite side is not less than 2m. See Diagram 9.2.1a.(4)(f).

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.2.1a.(4)(e) : General

Single exit provision – In a block of residential apartments or maisonettes with habitable height not exceeding 60m, one exit staircase only can be provided to every storey.

The provision of single exit staircase must be seen as a relaxation from the two exit staircases requirement. If only one exit staircase is provided, it is important that the smoke-free approach to the single exit staircase is absolutely maintained at all times. For this concern, the cross ventilation openings to the lobby must be maintained and shall not be blocked or obstructed by air-con condensing unit or other structures that may be introduced to keep rainwater away from the lobby.

Rationale

Clause 9.2.1a.(4)e

The minimum size of ventilation openings in a cross-ventilated lobby minimises the risk of the lobby being smoke-logged. These dimensions have been validated through a fire engineering study.

-
1. Exits from residential unit
  1. In each residential apartment or maisonette unit, the exit access door or doors shall be provided such that the travel distance measured from any point within the unit to the entrance door(s) of the unit shall not exceed 20m. See Diagram 9.2.1a.(5)(a).
  2. In the case of a maisonette unit comprising not more than two storeys, where a single entrance door is provided:
    1. the door shall not be located on the upper storey of the unit; and
    2. the floor area of the upper storey shall not exceed 60m², unless a separate exit is provided on this upper storey.
  3. The escape route within the unit to the unit entrance/ rear door(s) shall be kept readily accessible and unobstructed at all times, any room denied of access shall not serve as part of the escape route
  4. All exits from residential, or maisonette units shall have direct access to an exit staircase, exit passageway or external space.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.2.1a.(5)(a) : General

The travel distances measured from the most remote point (A) in the unit in Figure 9.2.1a.(5)(a) – 1 to its exit door (B) shall not exceed 20m.

If the travel distance from the most remote point (A) in Figure 9.2.1a.(5)(a) – 2 to the unit’s main exit door (C) exceeds 20m, then a second door (B) to the unit is required. The doors shall be located such that the travel distance from any point in that unit to the nearest exit door (B or C) is within 20m. Where a 2^nd exit from a unit is required, it shall not pass through utility or storeroom.

Clause 9.2.1a.(5)(b) : General

Figure 9.2.1a.(5)(b) : Exit from maisonette unit

The maisonette unit shall not comprise more than 2 storeys and the main exit shall be located at the main storey. If the upper storey exceeds 60m², there shall be at least one exit door from each storey that have direct access to the exit staircase or exit passageway.

In the single exit situation, the travel distance (ABC in Figure 9.2.1a.(5)(b)), measured from the most remote point in the maisonette (point A on the second level), to the main exit door opening to the corridor (point C), shall not exceed 20m.

-
1. Measurement of travel distance
  Travel distance of a residential unit shall be measured from its entrance door(s) to the exit staircase. Where a residential unit requires two entrance doors at the same storey level, and if only one exit staircase is required, the travel distance shall be measured from the most remote door. If two or more exit staircases are required, the travel distance shall be measured from the entrance door of each unit.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.2.1a.(6) : General

Doors B and C in the above figure are the required exits to Apt.1, as both doors are needed to satisfy the internal travel distances from the remote points A and D. Hence, the travel distance from Apt.1 to the exit staircase shall be measured from its most remote door to the exit staircase, which is CG.

In the case of Apt.4, the travel distance to the exit staircase shall be taken from Door H.

Where two way escape is available from an apartment in a residential block with multiple exit staircases, e.g. Apt. C in the above figure, each of its doors must be within the desired travel distance to their nearest respective exit staircase.

-
1. Smoke-free approach to exit staircase
  In a block of residential apartments or maisonettes, a smoke-free approach to an exit staircase can be provided by means of an external corridor, complying with Cl.2.3.10.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.2.1a.(7) : General

Section Figure 9.2.1a.(7) - 1 : Part section of residential building with external corridor — **Section**
Figure 9.2.1a.(7) - 1 : Part section of residential building
with external corridor

Elevation Figure 9.2.1a.(7) - 2 : Typical layout of cross-ventilated internal corridor - Exit staircase approached from external corridor — **Elevation**
Figure 9.2.1a.(7) - 2 : Typical layout of cross-ventilated internal corridor - Exit staircase approached from external corridor

Not Acceptable Figure 9.2.1a.(7) - 3 — **Not Acceptable**
Figure 9.2.1a.(7) - 3

Acceptable Figure 9.2.1a.(7) - 4 — **Acceptable**
Figure 9.2.1a.(7) - 4

Corridors or lobbies, which are cross-ventilated, serve as smoke-free approach to exit staircases from residential units. For effective cross ventilation and quick smoke dispersal from these areas, particular attention must be given during design stage of buildings, to ensure clear wide open unobstructed paths for the passage of the wind currents as shown in Figure 9.2.1a.(7) – 4. Layout in Figure 9.2.1a.(7) – 3 is not desirable, as the wind path is obstructed, creating a situation whereby smoke build up in the lobby area would be retained for prolonged periods by turbulent eddy wind currents.

Not Acceptable Figure 9.2.1a.(7) - 5 : Ventilation for smoke-free approach to exit staircases - Example of a 20-storey appartment building — **Not Acceptable**
Figure 9.2.1a.(7) - 5 : Ventilation for smoke-free approach to exit staircases - Example of a 20-storey appartment building

Acceptable Figure 9.2.1a.(7) - 6 — **Acceptable**
Figure 9.2.1a.(7) - 6

The above design layout (Figure 9.2.1a.(7) – 5), is not favourable as ventilation of the corridors and lobbies through the narrow central court or air well, is not effective for such high-rise development. The staircases are sharing ventilation with other areas via the air wells. The central services cores, which also incorporates the exit staircases and lifts, further disrupt or obstruct any possible wind current through that air well space.

For smoke free approach to exit staircases through air well, open vertically to the sky, the air well shall have a minimum width of 6m and a superficial plan area of not less than 93m².

The above layout could be improved by separating the abutting blocks and widening the width of the internal court as shown in Figure 9.2.1a.(7) - 6.

Rationale

Clause 9.2.1a.(7)

The purpose of providing a smoke-free approach to an exit staircase is to create an effective buffer for venting of smoke and heat so that occupants can access the staircase safely.

-
1. Travel distance
  1. One-way travel distance
    In a block of residential apartments or maisonettes where the means of escape is through an external corridor, the one-way travel distance measured from the door of the apartment or maisonette to the exit staircase shall not exceed 20m, or 24m if the aggregate one-way travel distance within the unit and along the external corridor does not exceed 40m. The above one-way travel distances along the external corridor shall not apply to residential apartments or maisonettes in a building exceeding 24m permitted under Cl.9.2.1a.(3).
  2. Two-way travel distance
    In a block of residential apartments or maisonettes, the two-way travel distance can be extended to 45m if the means of escape is through an external corridor as in Cl.2.3.10.
    In the case of buildings which are required to be provided with rising mains, the number and distribution of rising mains specified in Chapter 6 shall be complied with.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.2.1a.(8)(a) : General

-
1. Protection of staircases
  The requirements for unprotected openings stipulated under Cl.2.3.3a.(2) and Cl.2.3.3b.(2) for internal and external exit staircases, respectively need not be complied with for PG II buildings provided:
  1. the exit staircases are cross ventilated and maintained under smoke-free conditions at all times; and
  2. unprotected openings of the apartment or maisonette units are not facing or ventilating into the exit staircase enclosures, as shown in Diagram 9.2.1a.(9).

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.2.1a.(9) : General

Cross-ventilated exit staircase of residential apartments or maisonettes, shown in above, should be able to prevent any accumulation of smoke and provide the smoke-free condition for occupants to evacuate. The above clause grants a relaxation of the requirement for 3m separation of unprotected openings from exit staircases, required under Cl.2.3.3, and is only applicable to residential buildings.

Rationale

Clause 9.2.1a.(9)(a)

Cross ventilation for exit staircases of residential apartments or maisonettes serves to address accumulation of smoke and provide a smoke-free condition for occupants to evacuate.

-
1. Ventilation
  1. Exit staircase
    All exit staircases shall be naturally ventilated. Where an exit staircase is used as storey shelter, mechanical ventilation is permitted provided there are more than one exit staircase, with the remaining exit staircase(s) being naturally ventilated.
  2. Common internal corridor
    1. The internal corridor not forming part of smoke-free approach to exit staircase shall have ventilation openings of not less than 15% of the floor area and located not more than 9m from any part of the common internal corridor.
    2. Where the common internal corridor is cross ventilated, it shall be in accordance with Cl.2.2.13b.(7)(c).

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.2.1a.(10)(b) : General

To address smoke-logged situation that may take place in an internal corridor, a suitable means of ventilation shall be provided. In a case of long internal corridor with units entrance fronting, it shall be provided with cross ventilation. Each end of the wall shall not be less than 50% of the superficial area of the end walls.

Structural fire precaution
1. Wall separating residential apartment or maisonette
  1. Each residential dwelling unit shall be compartmented from adjoining units and other parts of the same building by construction having at least 1-hr fire resistance rating and unit’s exit access door of ½-hr fire resistance rating, unless otherwise permitted under Cl.2.3.10d..
  2. Any compartment wall separating a residential apartment or maisonette from any other part of the same building, shall separately comply with fire resistance requirements:
    1. the wall forms part of a protected shaft and the minimum period of fire resistance required by the provisions of this Code for the protecting structure is more than one hour, or
    2. the part of the building from which the wall separates the residential apartment or maisonette is of a different purpose group and the minimum period of fire resistance required by the provisions of this Code for any element of structure in that part is more than one hour.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.2.1b.(1)(b) : General

-
1. Attic floor
  An attic in buildings under PG II can be constructed of timber boarding on timber joists, provided it is protected to achieve the fire resistance rating required of the elements of structure of the building or compartment.
2. Separation of residential floor facade
  For residential buildings exceeding 24m in habitable height, the facade of every unit shall be separated from each other by:
  1. a minimum 1-hr fire-rated spandrel of at least 1.5m in height, or
  2. a minimum 1-hr fire-rated horizontal projection that extends at least 600mm from the building.
    Note: Balcony and air-con ledge can be used as part of this horizontal projection if they protrude at least 600mm from the building facade and have at least 1-hr fire-rated construction.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.2.1b.(2) : General

Section Figure 9.2.1b.(2) - 1 — **Section**
Figure 9.2.1b.(2) - 1

An attic can be added to new or existing buildings under PG I, provided the total number of storeys or levels in the building does not exceed 4, inclusive of basement.
The attic can be constructed of timber boardings on timber joists, provided that it is protected to achieve the fire resistance rating required of the elements of structure of the building.

Section Figure 9.2.1b.(2) - 2 — **Section**
Figure 9.2.1b.(2) - 2

The above should be seen as a relaxation as timber floors are only allowed in buildings under conservation. Owing to the need to create additional living space in existing houses for extended family use, etc. many applications were received to have addition of attic. In all the applications affecting existing buildings, timber floor construction was the norm for ease of construction and the need to consider the dead load affecting the existing structures. The SCDF had considered the problems of many old houses, which could not be easily and cheaply modified to receive RC floor construction for attic. Under Cl.3.15.3, impregnation of timber boardings and joists for the construction of attic is acceptable.

Illustration for Cl 9.2.1b.(3)

Single household dwelling house classified as cluster housing within PG II development
In a PG II mixed occupancy development, the single household dwelling house classified as cluster housing can adopt the requirements stipulated in Cl.9.1.1.

9.2.2

Super high-rise residential building

Refuge floor
Super high-rise residential buildings, with or without mixed occupancies, shall be provided with at least one refuge floor at an interval of not more than 20 storeys, i.e., each refuge floor shall not serve more than the 20 storeys immediately above it. The refuge floor shall comply with all of the following requirements:
1. It shall be of masonry construction having at least 2-hr fire resistance rating.
2. At least 50% of the accessible floor area of the refuge floor shall be designated as an evacuee holding area. There shall be no residential unit or part of the unit on the refuge floor.
3. There shall be no commercial activities in the evacuee holding area, however, it can be used as space for physical exercises or a children’s playground. All equipment placed within the evacuee holding area shall be made/constructed of non-combustible materials.
4. The size of the evacuee holding area shall be adequate to accommodate at least the total occupant load of all storeys above the refuge floor, up till the next higher refuge floor, or the remaining floors, based on 0.3m² per person.
5. The evacuee holding area shall be separated from other areas of the refuge floor by compartment walls having at least 2-hr fire resistance rating. Linking of the evacuee holding area with other occupied rooms/areas shall be via an external corridor, or a smoke-free lobby complying with Cl.2.2.13a..
6. The evacuee holding area shall be naturally ventilated with permanent openings on at least two sides of the external walls, with total area of at least 25% of the floor area of the evacuee holding area.
7. The minimum height (measured from the sill to the top) of each opening shall be at least 1.2m.
8. All parts of the evacuee holding area shall be within 9m of a ventilation opening.
9. Ventilation openings shall be located at least 1.5m horizontally from and 3m vertically above unprotected openings, except for ventilation openings which total area as specified in Cl.9.2.2a.(6) above is at least 50% of the evacuee holding area, the vertical distance from the unprotected openings can be reduced to 1.5m.
10. A sprinkler system shall be provided for the refuge floor if there is any non-residential room located on the same floor.
11. Escape routes leading to the evacuee holding area shall be through a smoke-free/ fire lift lobby or external corridor.
12. Emergency lighting shall be provided to cover all areas of the evacuee holding area. Such lighting shall be connected to a secondary power supply, i.e., generator, battery, etc., and shall be able to provide horizontal luminance at floor level of not less than 5 lux. The delay between the failure of the electrical supply for normal lighting and the energization of the emergency lighting for occupied areas shall not exceed 15 secs.
13. A sign depicting “EVACUEE HOLDING AREA” shall be displayed inside the exit staircase and on wall immediately outside the exit staircase at the refuge floor. The sign of lettering size of at least 50mm shall be displayed at a height of 1.5m above the landing/ finished floor level.
Provision of fire lift
1. The fire lift car shall have a clear area/ space of not less than 1.7m (depth) x 1.5m (width).
2. Two-way emergency voice communication system shall be provided between the fire lift lobby at the refuge floor and the following locations in order of priority:
  1. FCC, or
  2. Main alarm panel, or
  3. Respective fire lift lobby at grade level nearest the fire engine access road.
3. At least two fire lifts shall be provided for a super high-rise residential building.

Diagram 9.2.1a.(4)(f): Provision of exit staircase for residential building not exceeding 60m in habitable height

In a block of residential apartments or maisonettes not exceeding 60m in habitable height, one exit staircase only can be provided to every storey.

Diagram 9.2.1a.(5)(a): Provision of exit for apartment unit

Diagram 9.2.1a.(9): Cross-ventilated exit staircase to residential apartment/ maisonette

Exit staircase is cross-ventilated and maintained under smoke-free condition at all times. Unprotected openings of the apartment/ maisonette units are not facing or ventilating into the exit staircase enclosure.

9.3

Purpose Group III Occupancy

9.3.1

General

Means of escape
1. One exit staircase is permitted to serve an aboveground floor used for educational/ training purposes provided:
  1. the habitable height of the floor shall not exceed 15m;
  2. the floor shall not be located above 4th storey;
  3. the AFA of the floor shall not exceed 200m²;
  4. the occupant load of the floor shall not exceed 30 persons; and
  5. the exit staircase/ floor in the building shall not be of timber construction.

9.3.2

Healthcare occupancy

General
Sprinkler shall be provided for healthcare occupancy with patient accommodation if:
1. it comprises more than one storey, or
2. it is located on an upper storey other than first storey, or
3. its largest non-compartmented AFA exceeds 750m².
Hospital
They shall comply with the following additional requirements:
1. Basement
  Patient accommodation area containing beds shall not be located in basement storeys.
2. Width of exit
  The minimum clear width of an exit door opening shall be not less than 1.2m.
3. Number of exits per ward
  For patient accommodation wards where the occupant load exceeds 50 persons, each ward shall be provided with at least two exits, which shall be remotely located from each other.
4. Provision of area of refuge
  Every upper storey used for the accommodation of patients shall be provided with at least one area of refuge. The size of the area of refuge shall be computed based on Table 1.4B. For hospital and nursing home, the area of refuge shall be sized adequately to accommodate the number of beds of minimum dimension 2.55m (length) by 1.1m (width) and computed based on occupant load factor of 2.8m²/person for the ward served by the area of refuge.
  1. For area of refuge not adjacent to the patient ward, the routes leading to the area of refuge shall be through:
    1. an external corridor complying with Cl 2.3.10, or
    2. a protected lobby separated from the adjoining areas of the building by a wall and door of at least 1-hr fire resistance rating. The protected lobby shall have a minimum size of 4m (length) by 2m (width) and ventilated in accordance with Cl 2.2.13b.(7)(a) or (b)
  2. For area of refuge immediately adjacent to a patient ward, the routes leading to the area of refuge need not be through an external corridor provided both the area of refuge and the adjacent patient ward are:
    1. fire compartmented from each other by a wall and door of at least 1-hr fire resistance rating;
    2. provided with engineered smoke control and the design smoke layer height shall be at least 2.5m above the finished floor; and
    3. provided with minimum of 2 remotely located exit access between them.

-
1. Size and compartmentation of patient accommodation area
  1. Each patient accommodation ward shall not exceed a floor area of 750m² and an occupant load of 75 persons, calculated on the basis of Accessible Floor Area (AFA) of 10m² per person.
  2. For single storey premises not protected by sprinkler, each patient accommodation ward shall be constructed as a compartment having at least 1-hr fire resistance rating and at least ½-hr fire resistance rating door for protection of door openings. It shall be provided with an automatic fire alarm system.
  3. For sprinkler-protected premises, patient accommodation ward area shall not exceed a fire compartment size 2100m² and shall be separated by full-height smoke barrier (up to soffit of the slab) for patient rooms of aggregated area not exceeding 750m² within the ward.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.3.2b.(5) : Healthcare occupancy

The above figure shows 4 wards that are fire compartmented from the internal corridor by walls and doors having 1-hr and ½-hr fire resistance rating respectively.

-
1. Provision of fire escape bed lifts
  1. At least two fire escape bed lifts shall be provided for premises with more than one storey. They shall be located remotely from each other and sited adjacent to a protected exit staircase. Each area of refuge shall also be served by at least one fire escape bed lift. Fire lift can double-up as a fire escape bed lift provided there is more than one fire lift and at least one shall remain as a dedicated fire lift. Where the fire lift doubles up as fire escape bed lift, its dimension shall be as specified in Cl.9.3.2b.(6)(c).
  2. The fire escape bed lift shall be contained within a protected shaft, constructed to comply with the relevant requirements under Cl.3.8.
  3. The entry into the fire escape bed lift and the protected exit staircase shall be through a common protected lobby. The fire escape bed lift shall have a minimum clear platform size of 2.8m (depth) by 1.8m (width). The protected lobby shall have a minimum size of 5m (length) by 4m (width). In the situation where the protected lobby is also serving as a smoke-free lobby or fire lift lobby, the floor area of the lobby shall be of sufficient size to accommodate both the evacuation of the required number of beds, as well as the passage of other occupants into the protected staircase.
  4. A signage shall be displayed outside the bed lift stating “FIRE ESCAPE BED LIFT”.
  5. The escape route for the fire escape bed lift at the 1^st storey level shall be protected from other occupancy areas by 1-hr fire resistance separation and shall discharge directly into an external space.
  6. An fire escape bed lift that opens directly into an external corridor and which is sited adjacent to a protected exit staircase does not require a protected lobby, provided there is no unprotected opening within 3m horizontally from the fire escape bed lift door opening. The fire escape bed lift provided in this situation may be treated as a common bed lift that can serve multiple compartments located on the same floor.
  7. An fire escape bed lift shall be provided with the following features:
    1. a secondary power supply from an emergency generating plant;
    2. a switch labelled “Fire Escape Bed Lift”, situated next to the lift landing door at the final exit storey, which enables an authorised person nominated by the building management to take control of the lift car during an emergency. The operating of the switch shall be similar to fire lift operational features stipulated in SS 550. Such a switch is not needed in two-storey buildings;
    3. a communications system (except in two-storey buildings) shall be installed to allow communication between occupants at each lift landing and the operator in the lift car; and
    4. the installation of fire escape bed lifts shall be in accordance with SS 550.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.3.2b.(6)(c) : Healthcare occupancy

Escape bed lifts are used for the evacuation of patients who are bed-ridden. The escape bed lift shall be provided adjacent to a protected exit staircase. The fire escape bed lift shall have a minimum clear platform size of 2.8m (depth) by 1.8m (width). The protected lobby shall have a minimum size of 5m (length) by 4m (width). In the situation where the protected lobby is also serving as a smoke-free lobby or fire lift lobby, the floor area of the lobby shall be of sufficient size to accommodate both the evacuation of the required number of beds, as well as the passage of other occupants into the protected staircase. A signage shall be posted outside the bed lift, stating “Fire Escape Bed Lift”.

Clause 9.3.2b.(6)(e) : Healthcare occupancy

The discharge route for the exit bed lift is to be protected from other occupancy by 1-hr fire-rated wall and ½-hr fire-rated door.

Clause 9.3.2b.(6)(f) : Healthcare occupancy

The provision of protected lobby to the bed lift is not required, provided there is no unprotected opening within 3m horizontally from the bed-lift door opening.

Rationale

Clause 9.3.2b.(6)(g)(i)

The purpose of providing a secondary power supply from an emergency plant is to ensure that the escape bed lift will stay operational during a fire emergency or a power failure in the building.

-
1. Internal access to wards
  patient accommodation ward with access through an internal corridor shall comply with the following requirements:
  1. each ward shall be separated from the internal corridor by a wall having at least 1-hr fire resistance rating;
  2. doors opening into an internal corridor shall have at least ½-hr fire resistance rating and be fitted with an automatic self-closing device to comply with the requirements of Cl.3.9.2; or be held open by an electromagnetic or electromechanical device;
  3. requirements on fire compartmentation under Cl.9.3.2b.(7)(a) and Cl.9.3.2b.(7)(b) can be relaxed up to a size of 2100m² as per Cl.9.3.2b.(5)(c), if the premises is sprinkler-protected;
  4. an internal corridor shall be naturally cross ventilated in accordance with Cl.2.2.13b.(7)(c);
  5. an internal corridor can be provided with mechanical ventilation and pressurisation in lieu of natural ventilation; and
  6. other non-patient accommodation areas or spaces which open into or form part of the internal corridor, and which can jeorpadise the means of escape provision, shall be compartmentalised by 1-hr fire-rated enclosures and ½-hr fire-rated doors unless otherwise allowed under Cl.9.3.2b.(4)(b) and Cl.9.3.2b.(6)(c).
2. External access to wards
  External access to a patient accommodation ward shall be through external corridor complying with Cl.2.3.10.
3. Smoke-free approach to exit staircase
  1. Entry into an exit staircase from any part of a building of more than four storeys above ground level shall comply with the requirements of smoke-free approach to an exit staircase, as stipulated in Cl.2.2.13.
  2. Where a smoke-free lobby is provided to an exit staircase to serve a patient accommodation floor, or any area where patients may need to be evacuated on mattresses or stretchers, the lobby shall have a minimum clear space (unobstructed by door swing) of 6m².

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.3.2b.(7) : Healthcare occupancy

As the internal access corridor is an escape route for all the occupants in Wards 1 to 4, it shall be made protected from the ward areas.

Clause 9.3.2b.(8) : Healthcare occupancy

Clause 9.3.2b.(9) : Healthcare occupancy

The clear space within a smoke-stop lobby shall not be less than 6m² to accommodate the people in wheelchairs, etc. In the above figure the smoke-stop lobby also performs as a fire escape bed-lift lobby. The floor area shall not be less than 9m² having a depth of minimum 2.5m perpendicular to the lift landing door.

Rationale

Clause 9.3.2b.(8)

External corridor and lobby space facing external space will minimise the possibility of smoke-logged situation to facilitate safe evacuation of occupants in a fire emergency. These dimensions have been validated through a fire engineering study.

-
1. (10) Staircase landing width/depth
  1. Exit staircases that serve a patient accommodation floor to be used by patients in an emergency fire situation shall be designed to allow the evacuation of patients on mattresses or stretchers.
  2. The width of stairs, and staircase landing width and depth shall comply with Table 9.3A .
2. Healthcare occupancy above 120m in habitable height
  Healthcare occupancies with patient accommodation of habitable height more than 120m shall comply with the following requirements:
  1. Smoke detectors shall be provided for the entire building. Other types of detectors are permitted in special environmental conditions as stated in SS 645.
  2. Sprinkler systems installed shall be equipped with fast-response sprinkler heads.
  3. Each area of refuge shall be provided with its own dedicated fire escape bed lift.
  4. Each area of refuge shall have access to at least two separate areas of refuge complying with Cl.9.3.2b.(4).
  5. All fire escape bed lifts in accordance with Cl.9.3.2b.(6) shall be designed to operate at a minimum average rated speed of 3.5m/s.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.3.2b.(10) : Healthcare occupancy

Exit Capacity Calculation

Exit Door width = 1.45m

Unit of width = 2.5

Person per unit width = 30 persons

No of person provided = 30 X 2.5= 75 persons

Stair Landing Depth = 1.6m and clear width of staircase = 1.5m)

Unit of width = 3 (Using clear width of staircase as it is less than 1.6m)

Person per unit width = 15 persons

No. of person provided = 15 persons x 3 = 45 persons

No. of persons provided with means of escape for this staircase = 45 persons.

In Figure 9.3.2b.(10) - 2, each block is provided with at least 2 exit staircases, except for Blk 2, which is provided with only one exit staircase. This is because blocks 1 and 3 serve as areas of refuge for Blk 2. The holding area in Blk 1 and 3 shall be based on the area of 2.8m²/person. See Cl.9.2 and Cl.2.2.6e. for further explanation. Administration block is self-sufficient in the provision of exit staircases

Owing to the design using area of refuge concept, the 2m wide corridors are required to be designed and maintained as open-sided at all times. This will prevent the corridors from being filled with smoke during a fire emergency. The max. 2-way travel distances shall not exceed 30m or 45m if sprinkler-protected. The direct distances for Blk 1 and 3, from point H to I and point E to F respectively shall not exceed ⅔ of 30m or ⅔ of 45m, if sprinkler-protected, for open plan layout. The direct distance for Blk 2 from point A to D, entry point to Blk 3 as area of refuge, shall not exceed ⅔ of 30m or ⅔ of 45m if sprinkler-protected, for open plan layout. Travel distances shall comply with Table 2.2A when internal partitioning work is introduced to create patients’ rooms etc..

Where the occupant load of any room exceeds 50 persons, the doors to the room shall be made to swing outwards. Care should be taken to ensure that the corridor width is not affected.

Nursing home, convalescent home, home for the aged and hospice
They shall comply with the full requirements stated under Cl.9.3.2a. and b. for hospital.

Explanations & Illustrations

Nursing home shall also include hospices. Each floor of the patient sleeping area shall be provided with at least 2 exit staircases. Most of the occupants of nursing homes are considered as non-ambulatory or bedridden and incapable of self-preservation. As such, the homes shall be manned on a 24-hr basis by trained staff who knows how to evacuate the patients during a fire emergency.

In the above Figure 9.3.2c. - 1, which shows an open plan layout, the direct distance requirements i.e. ⅔ of travel distance shall be used to ensure that actual travel distances would comply with Table 2.2A when internal partitioning work is introduced to create patients’ rooms etc.. The direct distance from points A to B and A to C shall not exceed ⅔ of 30m or ⅔ of 45m if sprinkler-protected.

Figure 9.3.2c. - 2 : Path of travel and dead-end corridors in a nursing home

Custodian care facility
It shall comply with the following additional requirements:
1. where such facilities are located within a building of mixed use, they shall be compartmentalised from other spaces and occupancies by walls and doors having at least 1-hr fire resistance rating. The requirement on the provision of fire compartmentation will not apply if the building is sprinkler-protected. In addition, the following requirements shall be complied with:
  1. where such facilities are located on the 1st storey, they shall be provided with direct access to the exterior of the building;
  2. where located on upper storeys, they shall be sited adjacent to an exit staircase with direct access through a smoke-free lobby to the staircase (minimum one exit staircase); and
  3. where there is no fire lift lobby or smoke-free lobby, there shall be at least one direct access to the exit staircase.
2. Institutions for the mentally disabled shall be designed with each storey having an area of refuge in accordance with Cl.1.4.9 and Table 1.4B. Fire safety requirements under Cl.9.3.2b. - Hospital, shall be fully complied with, except Cl.9.3.2b.(6) on provision of escape bed lift and Cl.9.3.2b.(10) on staircase landing width/depth.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.3.2d. : Healthcare occupancy

In the above figure, a child care centre or nursery is located in one part of the office building. The child care centre shall be provided with direct access to at least 2 exit staircases. Routes leading to exit staircases outside the child care centre shall be made protected.

Occupants of custodian-care facilities are generally capable of movement with limited assistance. They do not require to be evacuated in beds or stretchers, or bedsheets.

Institutions for mentally retarded patients would have locked exit doors, windows with security bars to confine and protect them. QPs shall consult the SCDF regarding the fire safety features in the security control system before submission of building plan. The maximum 2-way travel distances shall not exceed 30m or 45m, if sprinkler-protected. The direct distance from point A to B shall not exceed of ⅔ of 30m or ⅔ of 45m if sprinkler-protected for open floor plan layout.

Supervisory care facility
It shall comply with Cl.9.3.2a. and b., except Cl.9.3.2b.(6) on provision of fire escape bed lift and Cl.9.3.2b.(10) on staircase landing width/depth.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.3.2e. : Healthcare occupancy

Supervisory care facility used for housing for 4 or more mental health patients would require security measures such as locked exit doors, windows with security bars etc.. It must be recognised that such measures, which contravenes the Code would be necessary to restrain the patients and for their own safety.

The facility would be manned by trained staff on a 24 hours basis. QPs shall consult the SCDF on the provision of locking devices to exit doors and how such doors would be released in times of emergency to allow orderly evacuation of patients before making building plan submission.

Ambulatory healthcare centre
It shall comply with the following additional requirements:
1. if located within a building of mixed use, shall be compartmentalised from other tenants and occupancies by walls and doors having at least 1-hr fire resistance rating;
2. shall be provided with its own means of escape to at least one exit staircase; and
3. shall fully comply with Cl.9.3.2a. and b., except Cl.9.3.2b.(4) on provision of area of refuge for horizontal evacuation, Cl.9.3.2b.(6) on provision of fire escape bed-lift and Cl.9.3.2b.(10) on staircase landing/depth.
Other outpatient clinics
Outpatient clinics shall be categorised as PG V occupancy and shall comply with all relevant requirements for such premises/ usage.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.3.2f. : Healthcare occupancy

In an ambulatory healthcare centre, some of the patients are not capable of perceiving threats and taking appropriate action for self-preservation under emergency conditions without assistance from others, such as hemaedialysis units or freestanding emergency medical units.

Staff shall be trained to carry out evacuation procedures during a fire emergency. The building or part of the building used as an ambulatory healthcare centre shall be provided with at least 2 exit staircases.

9.3.3

Workers’ dormitory

Workers’ dormitories shall comply with the following additional requirements:

Size
Each dormitory bedroom shall not exceed 120m².
Occupant load
The occupant load shall be based on 4.2m² per person in accordance with Table 1.4B.
Number of exit staircases or exits per storey
There shall be at least two independent exit staircases or other exits from every storey of a workers’ dormitory.
Maximum travel distance
The travel distance, measured from the most remote point of the dormitory bedroom to the nearest exit staircase or other storey exit, shall not exceed the maximum travel distance permitted under Table 2.2A.
Internal corridor to dormitory bedrooms
Dormitory bedrooms with access through an internal corridor shall comply with the following requirements:
1. dormitory bedrooms shall be separated from the internal corridor by a wall having at least 1-hr fire resistance;
2. doors opening into internal corridors shall have at least ½-hr fire resistance and be fitted with an automatic self-closing device to comply with the requirements of Cl.3.9.2; and
3. an internal corridor shall be naturally cross ventilated in accordance with Cl.2.2.13b.(7)(c);
4. pressurisation of internal corridors in lieu of natural ventilation is not permitted; and
5. other rooms or spaces which open into or form part of the bedroom corridor and which can jeopardise the means of escape shall be compartmented by enclosures with at least 1-hr fire-resistance rating and doors with at least ½-fire resistance rating.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.3.3e.(1) & (2) : Workers' dormitory

Clause 9.3.3e.(3) to (5) : Workers' dormitory

Area of each external opening = W x H

= min. 1.75m²

Area of external opening = 2(W x H)

Percentage of external openings = 2(W x H) x 100
over internal corridor L x B

= Min. 15%

Internal corridor shall either be cross-ventilated as illustrated above or provided with natural ventilation as illustrated in Figure 9.3.3e.(3) to (5) – 2. Pressurisation of internal corridor is not allowed.

Figure 9.3.3e.(3) to (5) - 2 : Ventilation of corridors to workers' dormitory

Ventilation breaks (02, 03 & 04) as illustrated above are provided to cross ventilate the internal corridor.

Clause 9.3.3e.(7) : Workers' dormitory

Store shall be fire compartmented as it opens into the designated internal escape corridor.

Rationale

Clause 9.3.3(e)

The minimum size of ventilation openings along the internal dormitory corridors minimises the risk of a smoke-logged situation. These dimensions have been validated through a fire engineering study.

Clause 9.3.3e.

Natural ventilation is a permanent and more reliable method for ventilating internal corridor in workers' dormitory. It ensures effective smoke dispersal and unlike mechanical ventilation and pressurisation systems which may fail during an fire emergency if they are not properly maintained.

External access to dormitory bedrooms
External access to dormitory bedrooms shall be through an external corridor complying with Cl.2.3.10.
Smoke-free approach to exit staircase
Entry into an exit staircase from any part of a building of more than four storeys above ground level shall comply with requirements of Cl.2.2.13 - requirements of smoke-free approach to exit staircase. Pressurisation of a staircase in lieu of the provision of smoke-free lobby is not permitted.
Bedroom compartmentation
1. Each dormitory bedroom shall be compartmented from adjoining rooms and other parts of the same building by construction having at least 1-hr fire resistance rating, unless otherwise permitted under Cl.9.3.3f. for the provision of window openings between the bedroom and external corridor; and
2. Dormitory bedrooms and other rooms or spaces which open into or form part of the dormitory bedroom corridor shall be separated from the corridor to comply with Cl.9.3.3e. and Cl.9.3.3f..
Kitchen compartmentation
A kitchen with open-flame cooking activity shall be enclosed with at least 1-hr fire-rated compartment wall and ½-hr fire-rated door. The kitchen shall not be located within the dormitory unit.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.3.3f. : Workers' dormitory

Clause 9.3.3g. : Workers' dormitory

Under Cl.2.2.13c., exit staircases to buildings under PG III will not be allowed to omit the smoke-stop lobby.

Clause 9.3.3h. : Workers' dormitory

Rationale

Clause 9.3.3h.(3)

Dormitory bedrooms are meant for resting and sleeping. Hence, cooking activity, which normally involves the use of open flame, shall not be allowed in the bedrooms. This will help to reduce the risk of fire occurring in workers' dormitory.

9.3.4

Temporary workers’ quarter in uncompleted permanent buildings on construction sites

General
1. The temporary workers’ quarters shall not be located higher than 10m above the fire engine access road level of the uncompleted building and shall not be lower than first basement level.
2. The temporary workers’ quarters shall only be used for housing workers working within the construction site.
3. Hot work is not allowed in the basement(s) where the temporary workers’ quarters are located.
Means of escape
1. For above ground levels, provision of only one exit staircase is permitted provided that the one-way travel distance is complied with Table 2.2A and the occupant load does not exceed 20 persons on any storey. The exit staircase shall discharge directly to exterior open space.
2. At least two independent exit staircases shall be provided for the temporary workers’ quarters located in basement levels or when the occupant load exceeds 20 persons on any aboveground storey.
3. Every storey shall be provided with exit facilities for its occupant load. Only those exits designated for escape of the workers shall be included in the exit capacity calculations.
Compartmentation
1. Cooking is only allowed at a designated kitchen area, including basement(s). Such kitchen, shall be enclosed with at least 1-hr fire-rated compartment wall and at least ½-hr fire-rated door and shall not be located within the dormitory unit.
2. Office and storage are allowed in the basement(s) where the temporary workers’ quarters are located. They shall be compartmented from the accommodation areas with at least 1-hr fire-rated compartment wall and at least ½-hr fire-rated door.
3. Only non-combustible materials shall be used for the construction of temporary workers’ quarters.
4. The floor area of each worker bedroom or the total floor area of a group of small worker bedrooms shall not exceed 120m². Compartment wall of having fire resistance rating of at least 1-hr shall be provided to separate the bedrooms so as to limit each compartment size to a maximum of 120m².
5. Notwithstanding subclause (4), the worker bedrooms shall be separated from any internal corridor by a wall having fire resistance rating of at least 1-hr. Doors opening into the internal corridor shall have fire resistance rating of at least half an hour.
6. The worker bedrooms shall be separated from any external corridor by a wall having fire resistance rating of at least 1-hr, except that ventilation openings of non-combustible construction can be fixed at or above a level of 1.1m, measured from the finished floor level of the external corridor to the sill height of the opening. Doors opening into the external corridor are not required to have fire resistance rating.
Fire engine access
1. Provision of fire engine access road shall be provided in accordance with the requirements for the development. Only the portion of the fire engine access road serving the temporary workers’ quarters shall be made available.
2. Every part of the required fire engine access road shall be within an unobstructed distance of 50m from the nearest working fire hydrant. Where the remotest temporary workers’ quarter is located not more than 100m away from the site entrance at the public road, provision of working private fire hydrant is exempted.
3. A temporary “dry” fire hydrant is allowed. The “dry” fire hydrant shall be connected to a 150mm diameter pipe, which shall be connected the other end to a 4-way breeching inlet. This breeching inlet shall be within 18m from any fire engine accessway or fire engine access road having minimum 4m width and within 50m from any wet fire hydrant.
Emergency power supply
1. Emergency power supply lasting at least 2-hr shall be provided for all firefighting systems serving the temporary workers’ quarters.
2. The location, arrangement, control and installation of electrical wiring of the secondary source of power supply, be it in the form of battery, standby generator, inverter or other accepted equipment, shall be in accordance with Chapter 5.
Firefighting systems
1. Where dry riser system is required for the main development, they shall be commissioned and made operable for the storeys housing the temporary workers’ quarters during the accommodation period.
2. Provision of automatic sprinkler system and smoke control system is exempted for basement provided the basement is effectively cross ventilated as follows:
  1. no point within the basement(s) is more than 12m from any vertical opening or void for spaces that are in between two openings or voids;
  2. 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;
  3. all ventilation openings shall be at least 1000 x 600mm; and
  4. the total aggregate area of these voids and vertical openings shall be at least 20% of the total basement floor area.
3. An automatic fire alarm system shall be provided if provision of automatic fire sprinkler system is exempted for the temporary workers’ quarters located in the basement(s).
4. For temporary workers’ quarters located above ground level, fire alarm system shall be provided as stipulated under Table 6.3A.
5. Connection of fire protection systems to the approved alarm monitoring company is not required.
6. Standby fire hoses can be installed in lieu of the dry riser system, on condition that the temporary workers’ quarters are adequately covered by fire hose reel(s).
7. Provision of fire extinguishers shall be in accordance with Cl.6.1.
8. Provision of fire hose reels shall be in accordance with Cl.6.2.8.
Engineered smoke control system
Engineered smoke control and sprinkler systems shall be required for the basement levels where the workers’ quarters are located, if the provision of cross ventilation stipulated in Cl.9.3.4.f. cannot be fulfilled.
Storage of hazardous materials
1. All stores of highly flammable substances shall be sited in open space at a minimum distance of 5m away from the building where the temporary workers’ quarters are located and shall comply with the relevant standards.
2. All LPG cylinder installations serving the temporary workers’ quarters shall be in accordance with Cl.10.1.
Occupant load
The occupant load shall be based on the floor area of the temporary workers’ quarters on the basis of 4.2m² per person, excluding non-simultaneous areas such as toilets, kitchens etc., or the actual number of occupants for which each occupied space of the floor is designed as shown on the plan, whichever is greater.
Emergency lighting and exit signs
Emergency lightings and exit signs serving the temporary workers’ quarters shall be in accordance with Cl.8.1.

TABLE 9.3A STAIRCASE LANDING WIDTH/DEPTH
Stair Width	Minimum Landing width	Minimum Landing Depth
1	2.8	1.9	Allows mattress or stretcher evacuation only (i.e. no pedestrian passing)
1.25	2.8	1.9	Allows mattress or stretcher evacuation and restricted ambulant passing
1.5	3.2	1.55
1.75	3.6	1.35*	Allows mattress or stretcher evacuation and ambulant passing.
2	4	1.25*
Note: * = Clear landing depth, instead of the clear stair width, shall be taken for the purpose of calculating the exit capacity of the staircase.

9.4

Purpose Group IV Occupancy

9.4.1

General

Means of escape
1. Aboveground office floors
  One exit staircase is permitted to serve an aboveground office floor
  provided:
  1. the habitable height of the floor shall not exceed 15m;
  2. the floor shall not be located above 4^th storey; and
  3. the AFA of the floor shall not exceed 200m².
2. Underground office floors
  One exit staircase is permitted to serve an office basement provided:
  1. the building is of non-combustible construction;
  2. the depth of basement storey shall not exceed 9m below the average ground level;
  3. compartment below ground shall not comprise more than one storey; and
  4. the AFA of each basement storey, including service ducts, lift shafts, toilets, staircase, etc., shall not exceed 200m².
Structural fire precautions
(Not in use)

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.4.1a.(1) : General

OL < 50 persons (or 10* persons)
One-way travel distance AC or BC < 15m; or 30m (if sprinkler-protected) or < 10m or 20m respectively*
Floor area < 200m²
Storey height < 4 storeys or habitable height of building < 15m whichever is lower.

*For high hazard building if allowed by the SCDF

9.5

Purpose Group V Occupancy

9.5.1

General

Means of escape
1. Aboveground shop floors
  One exit staircase is permitted to serve an aboveground shop floor provided:
  1. the habitable height of the floor shall not exceed 15m;
  2. the floor shall not be located above 4^th storey; and
  3. the AFA of the floor shall not exceed 200m².
2. Underground shop floors
  One exit staircase is permitted to serve a shop basement provided:
  1. the building is of non-combustible construction;
  2. the depth of basement storey shall not exceed 9m below the average ground level;
  3. compartment below ground shall not comprise more than one storey; and
  4. the AFA of each basement storey, including service ducts, lift shafts, toilets, staircase, etc., shall not exceed 200m².
Structural fire precautions
(Not in use)

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.5.1a.(1) : General

Occupant Load < 50 persons
One-way travel distance AB, < 15m or 25m (if sprinkler-protected)
Floor area < 200 m² (not applicable to office)
Accessible floor area includes service ducts, lift shafts, toilets and staircases.
Building shall not exceed 4 storeys or habitable height of 15m whichever is lower.

9.5.2

Outdoor Display Areas (ODAs)

General
This set of fire safety requirements shall be applicable to the following four types of Outdoor Display Areas (ODAs).
1. Non-roofed-over ODAs detached from building
  This refers to the ODAs where goods are displayed at the outdoors without any roofing. An example of this type of ODAs is the outdoor flea market.
2. Roofed-over ODAs detached from building
  This refers to the ODAs where goods are displayed at the outdoors with roofing. An example of this type of ODAs is the outdoor kiosk.
3. ODAs along covered walkway
  This refers to the ODA where goods are displayed along the common walkway in front of a shop unit.
4. ODAs with extended awning/ canopy
  This refers to the ODAs where goods are displayed underneath the awning/ canopy from a shop front.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.5.2a.(1) : Outdoor display areas

Figure 9.5.2a.(1) : Non-roofed-over ODAs detached from building

Clause 9.5.2a.(2) : Outdoor display areas

Figure 9.5.2a.(2) : Roofed-over ODAs detached from building

Clause 9.5.2a.(3) : Outdoor display areas

Figure 9.5.2a.(3) : ODAs along covered walkway

Clause 9.5.2a.(4) : Outdoor display areas

Figure 9.5.2a.(4) : ODAs with extended awning/canopy

Note to QP

Clause 9.5.2a.(1)

Application for approval of fire safety plans for ODAs complying fully with Cl.9.5.2b.(1) is not required.

Clause 9.5.2a.(2)

For ODAs complying fully with Cl.9.5.2b.(2), the owner/operator of the ODAs can apply for Temporary Permit if the intended period of occupation of the ODA is not exceeding two months.

When the intended period for the display of goods is more than two months, the owner/operator of the ODAs shall engage a QP to submit fire safety plans to SCDF for approval. A Registered Inspector(s) of relevant discipline shall also be engaged by the owner/operator to inspect the completed fire safety works.

Clause 9.5.2a.(3)

Application for approval of fire safety plans for ODAs complying fully with Cl.9.5.2b.(3) is not required except when drop-down screen is used at the ODAs for protecting merchandises from the weather elements (see Cl.9.5.2b.(3)(c)). For the installation of drop-down screen, the owner/operator of the ODAs shall engage a QP to prepare and lodge the fire safety plans with SCDF under the Lodgement Scheme for minor addition/alternation works.

Clause 9.5.2a.(4)

Application for approval of fire safety plans for ODAs complying fully with Cl.9.5.2b.(4) is not required except when:

drop-down screen is used at the ODAs for protecting merchandises from the weather elements (Cl.9.5.2b.(4)(f)); or
the building sprinkler system is extended to cover the ODAs (Cl.9.5.2b.(4)(h)).

For the installation of drop-down screen, the owner/operator of the ODAs shall engage a QP to prepare and lodge the fire safety plans with SCDF under the Lodgement Scheme for minor addition/alternation works. For the extension of building sprinkler system to cover the ODAs, a Registered Inspector(s) of relevant discipline, in addition to the QP, shall also be engaged by the owner/operator to inspect the completed fire safety works.

Fire Safety Requirements for Outdoor Display Areas (ODAs)
1. Non roofed-over ODAs detached from building
  1. The goods display area shall be located at least 3m from the roof eaves and/or boundaries of the neighbouring buildings.
  2. There is no control on the size/height of the ODAs and the materials used for displaying goods at the ODAs.
    (See Diagram 9.5.2b.(1))
2. Roofed-over ODAs detached from building
  1. The goods display area shall be located at least 3m from the roof eaves and/ or boundaries of the neighbouring buildings.
  2. The maximum total length of stalls shall not exceed 6m. A separation distance of at least 3m shall be provided between stalls if the total length exceeds 6m. However, the continuous length of stalls can exceed 6m if hose reel is provided to cover these stalls.
  3. There is no control on the size/ height of the ODAs and the materials used for displaying goods at the ODAs.
    (See Diagram 9.5.2b.(2))
3. ODAs along covered walkway
  1. A clear width of not less than 1.2m shall be maintained along the covered walkway at the shop front.
  2. Racks for displaying goods shall not exceed 3m in length. There shall be a minimum 1m wide clear path between rows of racks. Goods shall not be stacked higher than 2m above floor level.
  3. There shall not be any drop-down screen at the ODAs for protecting merchandises from weather elements, except the retractable type approved by the SCDF. The retractable screen shall retract upon activation of smoke detectors or during a power failure.
  4. Goods shall not be placed within 3m from the discharge points of exit staircases. However, if there is more than one exit staircase or there is a rear escape at the 1^st storey for single exit staircase, the distance can be reduced to 1.5m.
  5. Goods, shelves or racks shall not be left overnight at the ODAs outside the shop after operating hours.
  6. Hose reel shall be provided to cover the ODAs if the total area of shop and ODAs per unit exceeds 150m² or if the unit above the shop is used for non-residential purposes. The hose reel shall be located not more than 5m from exit.
    (See Diagram 9.5.2b.(3))
4. ODAs with extended awning/canopy
  1. The depth of awning/canopy shall not exceed 2.4m. There is no restriction on the use of material for the awning/canopy.
  2. The awning/canopy shall be set back at least 3m from the discharge points of exit staircases. However, if there is more than one exit staircase or there is a rear escape at the first storey for single exit staircase, the distance can be reduced to 1.5m.
  3. Goods, shelves or racks shall not be left overnight at the ODAs outside the shop after operating hours.
  4. A clear width of at least 1.2m shall be maintained along the covered walkway at the shop front.
  5. Racks for displaying goods shall not exceed 3m in length. There shall be a minimum 1m wide clear path between rows of racks. Goods shall not be stacked higher than 2m before floor level.
  6. There shall not be any drop-down screen at the ODAs for protecting merchandises from the weather elements, except the retractable type approved by the SCDF. The retractable screen shall retract upon activation of smoke detectors or during a power failure.
  7. Hose reel shall be provided to cover the ODAs if the total area of shop and ODAs per unit exceeds 150m² or if the unit above the shop is used for non-residential purposes. The hose reel shall be located not more than 5m from exit.
  8. For sprinkler-protected buildings, the sprinkler system shall be extended to cover the ODAs. The sprinkler shall not be obstructed by the stacked merchandises and a minimum vertical clearance of 500mm shall be maintained between the goods and the sprinkler heads.
  9. (See Diagram 9.5.2b.(4))
5. Other fire safety requirements applicable to all ODAs
  1. There shall be no open-flame activities at the ODAs.
  2. The ODAs shall not encroach onto any fire engine accessway/ fire engine access road.
  3. Fire extinguisher(s) shall be provided to cover the ODAs so that no person needs to travel more than 15m to reach an extinguisher. For roofed-over ODAs detached from building, fire extinguisher shall be provided for each stall.

Diagram 9.5.2b.(1) : Non-roofed-over ODAs detached from building

The goods display area shall be located at least 3m from the roof eaves and/or boundaries of the neighbouring buildings.

Diagram 9.5.2b.(2) : Roofed-over ODAs detached from building

The goods display area shall be located at least 3m from the roof eaves and/or boundaries of the neighbouring buildings.

The maximum total length of stalls shall not exceed 6m. A separation distance of at least 3m shall be provided between stalls if the total length exceeds 6m. However, the continuous length of stalls can exceed 6m if hose reel is provided to cover these stalls.

Diagram 9.5.2b.(3) : ODAs along covered walkway

Diagram 9.5.2b.(4) : ODAs underneath extended awning/canopy

9.6

Purpose Group VI Occupancy

9.6.1

General

Means of escape
1. Aboveground factory floors
  One exit staircase is permitted to serve an aboveground factory floor provided:
  1. the habitable height of the floor shall not exceed 15m;
  2. the floor shall not be located above 4^th storey; and
  3. the AFA of the floor shall not exceed 200m².
2. Mezzanine floor
  One open staircase is allowed to serve a mezzanine floor(s) within an aboveground factory floor provided:
  1. the aggregate AFA of the mezzanine floor(s) per factory unit shall not exceed 60m²;
  2. the open staircase has a width of at least 1m and be constructed of non-combustible materials;
  3. the maximum travel distance measured from remote point on the mezzanine floor(s) to the exits complies with Table 2.2A;
  4. the elements of structure of the mezzanine floor(s) are of at least 1-hr fire resistance rating construction;
  5. the habitable height of mezzanine floor shall not exceed 24m; and
  6. the mezzanine floor is only be used for store and/or ancillary office.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.6.1a.(1) : General

OL < 50 persons (or 10* persons)
One-way travel distance AC or BC < 15m; or 30m (if sprinkler-protected) or < 10m or 20m respectively
Floor area < 200m²
Storey height < 4 storeys or habitable height of building < 15m whichever is lower.

* For high hazard building if allowed by the SCDF

Clause 9.6.1a.(2) : General

Figure 9.6.1a.(2) - 1 : Mezzanine egress through main factory floor

The mezzanine floor and open staircase shall be fire resistant construction, similar to the compartment floor.

The allowable common path of travel were exceeded, the mezzanine would require a second remote exit access.

Structural fire precautions
Fire compartmentation between individual tenancy units within a terraced or flatted factory building shall be provided. The entire enclosure of each of these units shall be fire compartmented with walls and floors of at least 1-hr fire resistance rating.
Storage within PG VI premises
1. In a non-sprinkler-protected factory with storage areas/ spaces:
  1. Where the aggregate storage areas/ spaces (including transient) within a factory unit exceeded 100m², the entire factory unit shall comply with general warehouse requirements under PG VIII buildings, or
  2. Where the aggregate storage areas/ spaces (including transient) within a factory unit exceed 100m2, they shall be compartmented from the factory such that the areas/spaces of storage within the factory do not exceed 100m².
2. The area stipulated in Cl.9.6.1c.(1) can be increased to 700m² if the factory is protected by an automatic sprinkler system.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.6.1b. : General

Enclosing walls and doors to internal corridor are required to be constructed of non-combustible materials having the necessary fire resistance rating. Walls and doors facing the external corridor are not required to be fire-rated.

Compartment wall between units are required to be constructed of non-combustible materials having minimum 1-hr fire resistance rating.

9.6.2

Petroleum service stations

General
1. Any site chosen shall be sufficiently spacious for it to be designed to minimise unauthorised access, i.e., it shall be away from areas of high human traffic and the entrances/exits of other buildings.
2. The boundary line of petroleum service stations shall be at least 50m from any residential building, or 90m from any place of public assembly.
3. The route for tank vehicles leading to petroleum service stations shall not pass through or be near to places of public assembly, as stated in Cl.9.6.2a.(2).
4. A service station shall be stand-alone, and dispensing of petrol shall be restricted to the ground level only (see Diagram 9.6.2a.(4) ).
5. Convenience stores integrated with the petroleum service station shall be at most 150m².
Storage and tank requirements
1. Tanks for all classes of petroleum in a petroleum service station shall be installed underground.
2. All underground tanks shall have a water capacity of not more than 30kl each.
Tank requirements
The tank shall be designed, constructed, installed and tested to meet any of the following:
1. BS 2594: Carbon Steel Welded Horizontal Cylindrical Storage Tanks, or
2. Underwriters Laboratories (UL 58): Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids, or
3. Standards Association of Australia (1962): Steel Tanks for the Storage of Flammable and Combustible Liquids, or
4. NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, or
5. other equivalent standards.
Underground tanks and access pits
All underground tanks installations shall comply with the following requirements:
1. the road surface above the underground tanks shall be of reinforced concrete of the thickness necessary to support itself and any superimposed loads, but not less than 150mm;
2. the depth from the road surface to the top of the tank shall be not less than 450mm; and
3. each access pit shall be fitted with a cover that is watertight or raised above the level of the surrounding ground to prevent the entry of surface water, and be strong enough to withstand any superimposed loads. The strength of such a cover shall not be inferior to those of 5mm low carbon steel.
Separation from property boundaries and building foundations
The distance of the underground tank to any property boundaries and foundations shall be not less than 2.5m and 1m respectively (see Diagram 9.6.2a.(4)).
Corrosion protection
Any underground tank and its associated piping shall be protected from corrosion by one or more of the following methods:
1. protective coating or wrappings, or
2. cathodic protection, or
3. corrosion-resistant materials of construction.
Venting
Each tank shall incorporate a vent to atmosphere for the vapour space above the liquid to allow vapours to vent to the atmosphere.
Vent capacity
The size of any vent shall be such that pressure or vacuums resulting from filling, emptying or atmospheric temperature change, will not cause stresses in excess of the maximum design stress for the tank. The vent shall have a minimum internal diameter of 38mm.
Vent piping
Any vent piping between the tank vent connection and the discharge point shall comply with the following requirements (see Diagram 9.6.2i):
1. the vent pipes shall fall consistently back to the tank at a slope not less than 1 in 40;
2. a vent pipe shall not pass through building foundations, but can be embedded in concrete, which is part of other types of building construction. A vent shall not be run within a cavity wall but can pass through a cavity wall or through masonry which incorporates cavities, provided that it is in a sleeve which will prevent vapour gaining access to the cavities; and
3. a vent pipe can be either embedded in a concrete slab or laid in the earth. If the vent pipe is laid in the earth, it shall be:
  1. located not less than 300mm below ground level;
  2. surrounded by clean washed sand, or provided with equivalent corrosion protection;
  3. suitably protected if the area is subject to vehicular traffic;
  4. the vent pipe and its terminal shall be located or protected so that they are not liable to damage resulting from normal activities;
  5. the vent pipe shall be vapour-tight throughout its length; and
  6. all underground tanks or compartments in a tank shall have a separate individual vent pipe.
Vent outlet location
The discharge point of a vent shall comply with the following requirements:
1. the location, direction and velocity of discharge shall be such that venting vapour will not cause danger to the surroundings;
2. the vent discharge point shall be not less than 2m from any boundary or opening of a building, e.g. windows, doors, ventilators, air conditioners and forced air intakes (see Diagram 9.6.2a.(4)); and
3. the vent shall discharge into open air and vent discharge point shall be located not less than 4m above ground level (see Diagram 9.6.2i).
Vent terminal
1. The discharge end of a vent shall be protected from the ingress of foreign material by a protective cage of fitting and shall discharge only vertically upward in order to disperse vapours.
2. A vent provision shall be connected to a vapour recovery or collection system, as similarly provided for at the filling mentioned in Cl.9.6.2l.
Filling connection
The filling connection to a storage tank, which is filled from a tank vehicle, shall incorporate a vapour-tight connection. A cap or cover with lock shall be provided for the filling point. A vapour recovery system shall be provided to prevent accumulation or abnormal discharge of vapour during refilling.
Location of filling point
The location of the filling point for any storage tank intended to be filled from a tank vehicle shall comply with the following requirements (see Diagram 9.6.2a.(4)):
1. the length of any hose required to connect a tank vehicle to the filling point shall not exceed 5m;
2. the filling point shall be protected from accidental or physical damage. Guardrails or any necessary measures shall be installed to prevent damage by collision;
3. the filling point for any tank containing Class I, Class II or Class III petroleum shall be in open air at least 3m from any building opening or boundary. If a distance of 3m cannot be complied with, a vapour barrier made of material of at least 2-hr fire resistance rating shall be installed and shall not be less than 500mm above the centre of the filling point inlet. The vapour barrier shall be at least 1m from the boundary line. The distance measured in a horizontal plane around the end of any vapour barrier shall be 3m from the centre of the outermost filling point inlet to the building and boundary (See Diagram 9.6.2a.(4) for details);
4. the edge of the tank vehicle designated parking area for refilling shall be at least 3m from any building opening or boundary; and
5. the filling point for the underground tank shall be located in such a way that tank vehicles have unobstructed entry and egress from the service station.
Piping design suitability
The design, fabrication, assembly, test and inspection of piping shall be suitable for the expected working pressure temperatures and structural stresses and shall comply with relevant local (where available) or international standards.
Piping material suitability
Any material used in the construction or installation of piping shall be suitable for the conditions of use, and in particular:
1. it shall be compatible with the particular petroleum or any other component with which it may be in contact;
2. it shall be resistant to any heat (during operations) to which it may be exposed; and
3. it shall be corrosion-resistant.
Piping flexible tube
Flexible tubing, piping or hose can be used only on condition that:
1. the use of such tubing is unavoidable because of the need to provide for movement or to reduce the effect of vibration; and
2. the tubing is of flexible metallic, metal-reinforced, armoured or other construction suitable for the working pressure, temperature and the liquid being handled.
Piping design and construction
The following general design considerations shall be taken into account when designing or installing any piping:
1. the layout shall take into account the needs for all operating accesses and shall ensure that fire engine accessways are not impeded;
2. supports and fitting of the pipework shall be secure and the piping shall be not unduly exposed to mechanical damage;
3. wherever necessary, provision shall be made for the expansion or contraction of the piping and its contents;
4. any buried piping shall be protected from superimposed loads, ground settlement, etc.;
5. any necessary electrical bonding and earthing shall be provided; and
6. piping shall be painted and/or marked in a manner sufficient to facilitate identification of its contents.
Pump drive
Any motor or engine that drives a pump for use with any classes of petroleum shall be of the type specifically approved for such use.
Fuel dispensing system
1. Dispensing units at a service station shall be located in the open air where they will be adequately ventilated. These shall be located such that all parts of the vehicle being served will be on the premises of the service station, and shall be sited not less than 6m away from any building, public roadway or boundary (see Diagram 9.6.2a.(4)).
2. A clearly identified and easily accessible switch or circuit breaker (a centralised Emergency Shut-Off Device) shall be provided at a location remote from the dispensing devices, including remote pumping systems, to shut off the power to all dispensing devices in the event of an emergency, and shall not be less than 6m or more than 15m from the dispenser. A sign incorporating the wordings “EMERGENCY CUT-OFF” shall be provided in the vicinity of the cut-off switch (see Diagram 9.6.2s.(2)). A similar device shall be provided in close vicinity to the console area/cashier as stipulated in Cl.9.6.2u.(1).
3. Petroleum shall be transferred from underground tanks by means of fixed pumps designed and equipped to allow control of the flow and to prevent leakage or accidental discharge.
4. A control shall be provided such that the pump will operate only when a dispensing nozzle is removed from its bracket or normal position with respect to the dispensing unit and the lever on this dispensing unit is manually activated. This control shall also stop the pump when all nozzles have been returned, either to their bracket or to the normal non-dispensing position.
5. The dispensing unit and its piping shall be mounted on a concrete island. Each island shall rise not less than 150mm above the surrounding ground level and shall extend not less than 300mm on both sides of the dispensing units and at least 500mm from the dispensing unit to the edge of the base measured longitudinally (see Diagram 9.6.2s.(2)).
6. The length of hose at each service station shall not exceed 5m. When not in use the hose shall be secured so as to protect it from damage.
7. The nozzle through which fuel is dispensed to a vehicle shall be designed to automatically close when the fuel tanks of the vehicles are full.
8. Individual dispensing units shall be provided with an emergency shut-off device.
9. A rigidly anchored emergency shutoff valve, incorporating a fusible link or other thermally activated device, designed to close automatically in the event of a severe impact or fire exposure, shall be properly installed in the supply line at the base or inlet of each dispenser. The automatic closing feature of this valve shall be checked at the time of initial installation, and at least once a year thereafter by manually tripping the hold-open linkage.
Remote pumping systems
For systems where petroleum is transferred from storage to individual or multiple dispensing units by pumps located other than at the dispensing units, the following requirements shall apply:
1. pumps shall be designed or equipped so that no part of the system will be subjected to pressure above its allowable working pressure;
2. pumps installed above grade level shall be located not less than 3m from the boundary or building opening, and shall be substantially anchored and protected against physical damage; and
3. pit lids or covers for subsurface pumps or piping manifolds of submersible pumps shall be in accordance with Cl.9.6.2d.(3).
Attended self-service stations
1. The dispensing area at all times shall be in clear view of the console area/ cashier (area having control of the emergency shut-off devices for all and individual dispensing units, including remote pumping systems).
2. The console/cashier operator shall at all times be able to communicate with persons at the dispensing area. This can be by means of a voice communication system.
3. Sufficient close circuit cameras are to be installed at the petroleum service station to cover the forecourt, backcourt, dispensing areas and other critical areas of the petroleum service station.
4. Provisions must be made for bollards and chains to be installed at the exit and the entrance of the petroleum service station during refilling by the tank vehicle to be utilised during high alert situations.
5. The setback distance from the edge of the roof of the dispensing area to any boundary line must be in accordance to the requirements of Cl.3.5.3, or 3m, whichever greater. (See Diagram 9.6.2a.(4))
Electrical equipment and area classification
1. General
  All electrical wiring and equipment shall be of a type suitable for the location, in accordance with NFPA 70 or IEC 60079.
2. Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station
  1. EV charging station located within a petrol station shall be in the following order of priority:
    1. Open-to-sky areas.
    2. Forecourt.
  2. Main isolation shut-off switches shall be provided as follows:
    1. An emergency main isolation shut‑off switch for an EV charging station must be located so that a person does not have to travel more than 15m from the EV charging station and its associated parking lot to reach the switch.
    2. If there is more than one EV charging station, one or more than one emergency main isolation shut‑off switch may be shared between EV charging stations within the same storey. The switch or switches must be located so that a person does not have to travel more than 15m from any EV charging station and its associated parking lot to reach the switch.
    3. Every emergency main isolation shut‑off switch for an EV charging station must be located on the same storey as the EV charging station, so that there is a safe means of isolating the main electrical power supply to the entire electric vehicle charging system on the same storey upon activation of any one of those switches. Those switches must be capable of being activated manually without the use of a key or tool, or any special knowledge or effort.
    4. Subject to Cl.9.6.2v.(2)(b)(v), the nearest edge of an emergency main isolation shut‑off switch must be located at least 3m away from an EV charging station and its associated parking lot.
    5. An emergency main isolation shut‑off switch may be located less than 3m away from an EV charging station and its associated parking lot, if there is at least another emergency main isolation shut‑off switch located at least 3m away but within 15m of that EV charging station and its associated parking lot.
    6. An emergency main isolation shut‑off switch must be located between 800mm and 1.2m (inclusive of both measurements) above the finished floor level.
    7. An emergency main isolation shut‑off switch must be in a clearly visible and easily accessible location, and be clearly labelled.
    8. There must be clear instructions (however indicated) on how an emergency main isolation shut‑off switch may be operated.
    9. There must be one or more than one signage, on which any letter must bear a height of at least 50mm and that is displayed in a prominent location from the emergency main isolation shut‑off switch, directing a person on how the switch is to be operated.
    10. Where an emergency main isolation shut‑off switch cannot be seen clearly from, or is not within the line of sight of, an EV charging station and its associated parking lot, any number of additional signages as may be necessary must be displayed for the purpose of directing persons to the emergency main isolation shut‑off switch.
  3. There shall be at least 12m separation distance between the EV charging station and the refilling points and vent pipes.
  4. There shall be at least 6m separation distance between the EV charging station and the designated oil tanker parking area.
  5. There shall be at least 8m distance separation distance from the EV charging station to any fuel dispensing unit.
  6. No electrical connection within EV charger shall be located within 500mm from the finished floor level of the forecourt.
  7. EV charging station shall be fully enclosed unless such openings are located at least 1m above the finished floor level of the forecourt.
3. Battery Swap Station (BSS)
  1. BSS unit located within a petrol station shall be sited in the following order of priority:
    1. Open-to-sky areas.
    2. Forecourt.
  2. Aggregate stored energy capacity of each BSS unit shall not exceed 20kWh. Where more than 1 BSS unit is installed, a minimum separation distance of 3m between BSS units shall be provided and the total aggregate stored energy capacity of all BSS units shall not exceed 40kWh.
  3. Separation distance
    1. BSS unit shall be placed at least 6m away from any exit access door.
    2. BSS unit shall be located at least 1m away from parking lots (excluding the lots used for swapping of batteries).
    3. Separation distance specified under Cl.9.6.2v.(2)(c) to (g) for EV charging stations shall be applicable to BSS units.
  4. Approved types of fire extinguishers of at least 2 numbers of 55A shall be provided.
  5. Emergency isolation switch shall be provided for each BSS unit.
Caution labelling
An emergency information panel shall be provided at the filling point.
Warning signs
1. Warning signs shall be conspicuously displayed at the individual dispensing area incorporating the following wordings: “WARNING - NO SMOKING, NO NAKED LIGHTS, STOP ENGINE”. The lettering shall be at least 50mm high.
2. The signs shall be displayed not less than 1.8m and not more than 2.5m above the ground level.
Firefighting and prevention
1. Fire extinguishers
  Approved types of fire extinguishers of rating not less than 70B (9kg) or 34B (2 x 4.5kg) shall be provided at the individual dispensing units and protected from the weather.
2. Hose reels
  1. Sufficient hose reel coverage shall be provided such that the service station usable/accessible area is within 6m of a nozzle attached to a 30m hose.
  2. Hose reels shall comply with the requirements of SS 575.
3. Absorbents
  A small quantity of absorbent material or sand (as a guide, one full bucket minimum of 40 litres) shall be provided at the service station to mop up any spillage. These absorbent materials shall be kept in a container with a close fitting lid and shall be installed in an accessible place.
4. Fire hydrant
  Fire hydrants shall be within 50m from any part of the fire engine access road. The actual travel distance from the edge of the fire engine access road to the most remote point of the petroleum service station usable/ accessible space shall not be more than 50m.

Diagram 9.6.2a.(4) : Typical petroleum service station

Diagram 9.6.2i : Vent

Diagram 9.6.2s.(2) : Pump island

9.6.3

High containment facilities

General
The purpose of this section of the Code is to stipulate fire safety requirements for high containment facilities and laboratories that handle biological agents or toxins, which are designed to meet the requirements of WHO and the authority having jurisdiction for Bio-Safety Level 3 (BSL-3) or higher.
General requirements
1. A BSL-3 or BSL-4 containment laboratory shall be located at the ground floor and shall be separated from areas that are open to unrestricted traffic flow within the building. They shall be designed and constructed to comply with the requirements listed herein.
2. The word “BSL-3” or “BSL-4” shall be stated clearly in the project title and printed on the top-right corner (lettering shall be bold, in red colour and at least 15mm in size) of all the fire safety plans of the high containment facility.
Fire compartment
1. In a sprinkler-protected building, the high containment facility (including interstitial space, waste treatment areas, anterooms, etc.) shall be fire compartmented from adjoining spaces with at least 1-hr fire-rated walls, floor and ceiling. For a non-sprinkler-protected building, the fire rating shall be at least 2 hours.
2. The protecting structure shall be constructed of masonry or drywall. If drywall construction is used, it shall be in accordance with Cl.3.8.7b.
Firefighter staging lobby
For high containment facilities, an additional (on top of the usual requirement to have a fire lift lobby next to exit staircases) firefighter staging lobby shall be provided to comply with the following requirements:
1. it shall be located at every entrance of the facility;
2. it shall be fire-compartmented with at least 1-hr fire resistance rating;
3. in the absence of (1), an anteroom with the same fire resistance rating shall be provided to serve this function;
4. it shall have at least 6m² free working space;
5. it shall comply fully with Cl.2.2.13b.(1) to (6), (7)(a) and (b); and
6. it shall be installed with designated main landing valve, standby fire hose and fire hose reel.
Two-way emergency communication system
For a biomedical facility or building provided with a two-way emergency voice communication system, the two-way emergency communication system shall be extended to the firefighter staging lobby.
Fire detection and suppression systems
All high containment facilities shall be protected with sprinkler systems. High containment facilities without sprinkler protection shall comply with the following:
1. smoke detectors shall be installed along the exterior of the periphery walls of the high containment facility;
2. the fire protection circuit for BSL-3 or BSL-4 shall be grouped in a different fire zone for ease of identification;
3. the fire protection systems shall be linked to the building fire alarm system and shall be connected to the SCDF Operations Centre through an approved alarm monitoring company; and
4. if water discharge within the high containment facility is undesirable or unacceptable, the sprinkler system can be replaced by an approved fire extinguishing system.
Label and sign
1. Caution labels shall be provided at all the laboratory entrances and exits in accordance with SS 586. In addition, a label indicating the information as shown in Diagram 9.6.3g.(1) shall be also provided.
2. A sign shall be displayed at all entrances to the high containment facility, with the following wording: “In the event of fire or any water discharge, please notify the authority having jurisdiction for control of contaminated water runoff.”

Diagram 9.6.3g.(1) : Biohazard caution label

9.6.4

Farm buildings

General
This set of fire safety requirements shall be applicable to farm buildings that meet the following criteria:
1. the habitable height of the building shall not be more than 10m;
2. the building shall be used for the sole purpose of farming (e.g. growing of crops, fish harvesting and egg production) and not involve activities such as packaging, storage and retail;
3. other usages such as packaging, storage, retail, office and non-farming related production can be co-located within the building, provided they are compartmented and comply fully with the respective requirements stipulated in this Code; and
4. the total computed Fire Load Energy Density (FLED) within the compartment that is used solely for farming shall not exceed 200 MJ/m².
Fire Safety Requirements
1. Occupant Load
  The occupant load shall be based on the accessible floor area, excluding designated farming areas, on the basis of 30m2 per person.
2. Width of corridor
  Where the building is exempted from barrier-free accessibility compliance by the authority having jurisdiction, the clear width of corridor shall be at least 1m.
3. Travel distance
  The one-way and two-way travel distances shall not exceed 25m and 60m respectively.
4. Fire engine accessibility
  A fire engine accessway is not required, however a fire engine access road for access by firefighting appliances shall be provided to within a travel distance of 60m of every point on the project plan area of the building.
5. Compartment size
  The compartment size limitations given in Table 3.2A is not applicable. The maximum AFA per compartment shall not exceed 8000m² and the maximum cubical extent per compartment shall not exceed 30000m³. The full height of the compartment shall be used for computing the cubical extent.
6. Sprinkler system
  An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided where the AFA of any compartment that is used for farming purpose, exceeds the compartment size limit stated under Cl.9.6.4b.(5).
7. Smoke control system
  An engineered smoke control system as specified in Cl.7.4.5 shall be provided where the AFA of any compartment that is used for farming purpose, exceeds size limit of 8000m².
8. Setback distance due to unprotected openings
  The requirements on setback of unprotected openings from building/notional boundary stipulated under Cl.3.5.3 shall be complied with and in accordance with Table 1 of Annex 3B. However, the height of the unprotected openings for greenhouses, used for the computation of the setback requirement, shall be in accordance with Table 9.6.4b.(8).
  Table 9.6.4b.(8)
  Height of building
  Height of unprotected openings
  ≤ 6m
  Building's heigh
  > 6m
  6m or height of racking system (whichever is higher)
9. Emergency voice communication system and Fire Command Centre (FCC) are exempted.
10. External wall construction
  The requirements of Cl.3.5.1a.(1) for non-combustibility of external walls need not apply for greenhouse buildings. Where plastic glazing materials are used as screens or shades for a greenhouse, the material shall comply with Table 3.15G.

Table 9.6.4b.(8)
Height of building	Height of unprotected openings
≤ 6m	Building's heigh
> 6m	6m or height of racking system (whichever is higher)

9.6.5

Fuel dispensing system

General
This set of fire safety requirements shall be applicable to premises installed with fuel dispensing system other than petrol service station stipulated under Cl.9.6.2. Approval for the installation of fuel dispensing system shall be obtained from the relevant authority having jurisdiction.
Fuel storage tank
Fuel storage tank shall be installed in accordance with SS 532.
Fuel dispensing system
Fuel dispensing system shall be installed in accordance with Cl.9.6.2s..

9.6.6

Waste management and recycling premises involved in processing of flammable liquid waste

General
This set of fire safety requirements shall be applicable to waste management and recycling premises with any of the following processes:
1. reconditioning of empty storage container that is used to store flammable liquid;
2. disposal of flammable liquid waste; and
3. recovery of flammable liquid waste.
General requirements
1. Classification
  1. All recycling processes shall be classified under high hazard occupancy and shall only be located at grade level.
  2. For disposal and recovery processes stipulated under Cl.9.6.6a.(2) and (3), they shall comply with Cl.9.8.4.
2. Spillage control
  1. Spillage control in accordance with SS 532 shall be provided to all areas where flammable liquid waste is located.
  2. For reconditioning process, each untreated container will shall be assumed to contain a remnant capacity of 10% volume of the container or the actual declared content, whichever is larger, to determine the spillage control stipulated in Cl.9.6.6b.(2)(a).
3. Electrical wiring and equipment
  All electrical wiring and equipment used within the processing areas shall be spark-proof and intrinsically safe in accordance with IEC 60079.
4. Ventilation
  Mechanical ventilation system in accordance with Cl.7.1.14 shall be provided for disposal and recovery processes.
5. External processing area (open-to-sky)
  1. For external area, requirements stipulated in SS 532, e.g. separation distance, provision of fire engine access road, hydrant, etc., shall be complied with.
  2. Where separation distance is not able to comply with requirements stipulated in SS 532, use of 4-hr fire resistance rating masonry wall is allowed provided all of the following are complied with:
    1. The fire-rated wall shall be at least 1m above the stockpile and shall also intersect the direct line between the on-sites facilities and top of the stockpile. (see Diagram 9.6.6b.(5)(b)(i)).
    2. The fire-rated wall shall be at least 2m beyond the outermost edge of the stockpile. (see Diagram 9.6.6b.(5)(b)(ii)).
    3. When fire-rated wall is used, at least one façade shall remain open for firefighting accessibility.

Diagram 9.6.6b.(5)(b)(i) - Use of fire-rated separating wall between processing area/storage to on-sites facilities

Diagram 9.6.6b.(5)(b)(ii) - Use of fire-rated separating wall between processing area/storage

9.6.7

Electrical transformer room in underground structures

Scope
This set of fire safety requirements is applicable to electrical distribution transformer room located within underground structures e.g. consumer or power grid substation.
General requirements
1. Compartment size and depth limits
  1. The AFA of each transformer room shall not exceed 250m².
  2. The depth of the transformer room shall not exceed 9m below the average grade level and not more than one level below grade level.
2. The transformer oil shall be tested to ASTM D 92 or ISO 2592 standard and with the fire point exceeding 300ºC.
3. The underground structure housing the transformer shall not be sited within 15m travel distance measured between the nearest edges of the transformer door and exit staircase shaft.
4. Provision to contain spillage of transformer insulating liquid shall be provided.
5. Firefighting systems
  1. Automatic fire alarm system
    1. An automatic fire alarm system shall be provided for the electrical transformer room.
    2. The fire alarm system for the underground transformer room shall be a dedicated zone, linked to the building fire alarm system. A summary fire alarm status (alarm/ fault) shall be provided to the main fire alarm panel in the building development.
  2. Fire suppression system
    Automatic fire suppression system such as automatic sprinklers, foam-water sprinklers or water mist shall be provided for the electrical transformer room.

9.6.8

Sea-based buildings

General
This set of fire safety requirements shall be applicable to sea-based buildings that meet the following criteria:
1. the building is more than one storey (including attic and mezzanine); or s
2. any usage or part thereof used for Purpose Group V or VII.
Fire safety requirements
1. Evacuee holding area
  Evacuee holding area(s) on the basis of 0.3m²/person shall be provided. The designated evacuee holding area shall be open-to-sky and located not less than 3m from any unprotected openings. In lieu of the separation distance, a 1-hr fire-rated wall of at least 1.8m high shall be provided to separate between the unprotected openings and teh evacuee holding area. The evacuee holding area shall be located at first storey.
2. Means of escape
  One-way and two-way travel distance shall not exceed 15m or 30m, respectively as per Table 2.2A.
  1. Single storey structure
    The travel distance shall be measured from the most remote point in any room or space to an open-to-sky space.
  2. Multi-storey structure
    The travel distance shall be measured from the most remote point in any room or space to an exit staircase. An internal and/ or external exit staircase which serves as the required exit shall comply with the requirements stipulated in Cl.2.3.3;
    1. For mezzanine floors (excluding stay-in facility), one open staircase is permitted in accordance with Cl.9.6.1a.(2); and
    2. Where there are stay-in facilities provided at the upper floor(s), at least two exit staircases shall be provided.
3. Structural fire precaution
  1. Single storey structure
    The element of structure (excluding the floor) shall be constructed of non-combustible material.
  2. Multi-storey structure
    1. The flooring immediately above the sea level need not be constructed of fire-rated or non-combustible material. For other parts of the building, element of structure shall be constructed of fire-rated and non-combustible materials, in accordance with Cl.3.3 and Table 3.3A, respectively.
    2. Where wooden stilts are used for construction of sea-based building (e.g. Kelong), the part that is above the sea level shall be constructed of fire-rated and non-combustible material.
4. Marine fire vessel accessibility
  1. To facilitate SCDF’s marine firefighting and rescue operations, there shall be unobstructed access to the evacuee holding area.
  2. A minimal 3m depth is required for berthing of SCDF’s marine firefighting vessels all-around the building.
5. Fire protection systems
  1. Hydraulic hose reel(s) conforming to the requirements in SS 575 shall be provided to every storey of the building.
  2. Fire extinguishers complying with Cl.6.1 shall be provided to every storey of the building.
  3. Every part of the sea-based building shall be installed with a fire alarm system in accordance with Table 6.3A.
6. Exit signs and emergency lightings
  1. Exit and exit directional signs shall be provided in accordance with Cl.8.1.7; and
  2. Emergency lightings shall be provided in accordance with Cl.8.1.3 and Cl.8.1.4, respectively.
7. Solar Photo-Voltaic (PV) installation
  Roof-mounted modules shall comply with Cl.10.2 in terms of:
  1. means of access;
  2. fire performance of PV modules;
  3. design and installation criteria; and
  4. emergency disconnection.
8. Storage of flammable liquids
  Storage of flammable liquids shall be located at the first storey. For the maximum capacity of flammable liquids, it shall be in accordance with SS 532 Table 1 - Minor Storage.

9.7

Purpose Group VII Occupancy

9.7.1

General

Means of escape
1. One exit staircase is permitted to serve an aboveground floor used as places of public resort except for public accommodation purposes, provided:
  1. the habitable height of the floor shall not exceed 15m;
  2. the floor shall not be located above 4th storey;
  3. the AFA of the floor shall not exceed 200m²;
  4. the occupant load of the floor shall not exceed 30 persons; and
  5. the exit staircase/ floor in the building shall not be of timber construction.

9.7.2

Hotels, boarding houses, serviced apartments, hostels, backpacker hotels & capsule hotels & staff quarters

Access through an internal corridor
Guestrooms or accommodation units with access through an internal corridor shall comply with all of the following requirements:
1. Each guestroom or accommodation unit shall be compartmented from adjoining rooms and other parts of the same building, including the internal corridor, by construction having fire resistance rating of at least 1 hour.
2. Doors opening into internal corridors shall have fire resistance of at least half an hour and fitted with automatic self-closing device to comply with the requirements of Cl.3.9.2.
3. The common internal corridor can be naturally or cross ventilated. A naturally ventilated corridor shall have ventilation openings of not less than 15% of the floor area and located not more than 9m from any part of the common internal corridor. Where a corridor is cross ventilated, it shall comply with Cl.2.2.13b.(7)(c). Internal corridors which cannot be naturally or cross ventilated shall be pressurised to comply with the requirements in Chapter 7.
4. Other rooms or spaces which open into or form part of the guestroom or accommodation unit corridor which can jeopardise the means of escape shall be required to be compartmented to the same extent as the guestroom or accommodation unit.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.7.2a.(1)&(2) : Hotels,boarding houses, serviced apartments, hostels & backpacker hotels

Each guestroom is treated as a fire compartment. Walls facing the corridor and between guestrooms can be constructed of fire-rated materials other than masonry. They shall be of full height carried right-up to the underside of the soffit of the floor slab above or to an imperforate fire-rated ceiling or to the roof coverings.

Clause 9.7.2a.(3) : Hotels,boarding houses, serviced apartments, hostels & backpacker hotels

For natural ventilation to the internal corridor, the total fixed openings (a + b + c) shall not be less than 15% of the area of the internal corridor. Alternatively, internal corridor can be provided with mechanical ventilation and pressurised to comply with the requirements in Chapter 7. No part of the corridor shall be at a distance of more than 12m from any ventilation openings.

Clause 9.7.2a.(4) : Hotels,boarding houses, serviced apartments, hostels & backpacker hotels

Other rooms or spaces include linen room, which required to be fire compartmented with 1-hr fire-rated enclosure and ½-hr fire door respectively. Lounge area, business centre etc. should be treated as guestroom. Therefore, compartmentation is required.

Rationale

Clause 9.7.2a.(1)

In the event of fire within a guestroom, the compartmentation provided to each room will help to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to other rooms. It will also safeguard the internal common corridor for occupants to access to protected exit staircases.

Access through an external corridor
Guestrooms or accommodation units with access through an external corridor shall comply with all of the following requirements:
1. Each guestroom or accommodation unit shall be compartmented from adjoining rooms and other parts of the same building by construction having fire resistance rating of at least 1 hour, unless otherwise permitted under Cl.2.3.10 for the provision of window openings between the guestroom or accommodation unit and external corridor.
2. Doors opening into the external corridor need not have fire resistance rating.
3. The external corridor shall comply with Cl.2.3.10.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.7.2b. : Hotels,boarding houses, serviced apartments, hostels & backpacker hotels

The depth of the roof protection over the corridor shall not exceed 3m. The open side of the corridor shall not be installed with glazing, blinds, etc.. The external corridor refers to corridor which opens to the external and not to atrium.

Measurement of travel distance
The travel distance shall be measured from the most remote point of a guestroom or accommodation unit or suite to the exit door of an exit staircase, exit passageway or external space.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.7.2c. : Hotels,boarding houses, serviced apartments, hostels & backpacker hotels

Non-sprinkler-protected building

One-way travel distance from most remote point of guestroom to exit staircase is 15m.

Travel distance for Non-sprinkler-protected building

A to B is considered as one-way travel distance and it shall be not more than 15m. In computing the two-way travel distance, the escape route from point A to C (via B) shall not exceed 30m.

Travel distance for sprinkler-protected building

A to B is considered as one-way travel distance and it shall not be more than 20m. In computing the two-way travel distance, the escape route from point A to C (via B) shall not exceed 60m.

Spacing of smoke barrier
1. Internal corridors which are not naturally-ventilated shall be subdivided by smoke barriers into the following lengths:
  1. Building protected by sprinkler system - 45m, or
  2. Building not protected by sprinkler system - 30m
2. Smoke barriers shall comply with all of the following requirements:
  1. The smoke barriers shall consist of non-combustible partitions containing smoke check doors. The smoke barriers, including the enclosing walls to the corridor, shall be constructed to full height, carried right up to form a close joint with the soffit of the floor slab above, or an imperforate non-combustible ceiling or the roof coverings.
  2. The smoke barriers shall be sited at suitable locations across the corridor to create multiple sections, with each having free and direct access to an exit or exit staircase, exit passageway or exit ramp.
  3. Smoke-check doors excluding glass doors, shall be provided with clear glass vision panels having at least 25% of the surface area of each door leaf.
  4. Smoke-check doors shall be of the self-closing, swinging type. Double swing type is permitted provided that the door opening is closed completely with such clearance as is reasonably necessary for proper operation. The doors shall be closely fitted around their edges and the bottom clearance gap between such doors and the floor shall not exceed 4mm.
  5. Smoke-check doors shall normally be in the closed position. However, they can be left open if they are arranged to close automatically by an approved electromagnetic or electromechanical device which can be activated by the presence of smoke and/or the building fire alarm system.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.7.2d. : Hotels,boarding houses, serviced apartments, hostels & backpacker hotels

The above requirement applies to internal corridors in hotel floors, which are not naturally ventilated. The smoke barriers shall consist of non-combustible partitions containing smoke check doors. The smoke barriers, including the enclosing walls to the corridor, shall be constructed of full height, carried right up to form a close joint with the soffit of the floor slab above, or an imperforate non-combustible ceiling or the roof coverings.

With long internal corridors being subdivided by smoke barriers and smoke-check doors into multiple sections, there is no need to provide separate pressurisation system to each of the subdivided sections.

The smoke barriers shall be situated at suitable locations across the corridor to create multiple sections, with each having free and direct access to an exit or exit staircase, exit passageway or exit ramps.

Smoke-check door if it is not a glass doors, shall be provided with a clear glass panels having at least 25% of the surface area of the door leaf. Smoke-check doors shall be self-closing, the swinging type and may be double swinging but shall close the opening completely. The doors shall be closely fitted around their edge and the bottom clearance gap between door and finished floor level shall not exceed 4mm. The door is not required to have fire resistance rating.

Smoke-check doors shall normally be in the closed position. However, they may be left open if they are arranged to close automatically by an approved electromagnetic or electromechanical device which can be activated by the presence of smoke and/or the building fire alarm system.

Rationale

Clause 9.7.2d.(2)(e)

The main function of smoke-check door is to prevent the whole internal corridor being filled with smoke very quickly should there be migration of smoke from any of the guestroom to the corridor. Hence, it would act as a physical barrier dividing the corridor into separate zones against smoke migration.

Visual alarm system
At least 10% of the guestrooms or accommodation units shall be provided with visual alarms. In the case of staff quarters accommodation units, this requirement need not be complied with.
Additional requirements for capsule hotels
1. Capsule designs
  1. All capsules shall have a clear access opening of at least 800mm (width) x 600mm (height) or equivalent area of at least 0.5m² opening space. If the access opening comes with a door/hatch, it shall have an emergency access from outside of the capsule.
    
    (b) The number of tiers of capsules stacked on top of one another shall be limited to a maximum of 2.
2. Compartmentation
  The capsules shall be located within individual guestroom which complies with the following requirements:
  1. Compartmented in accordance with Cl.9.7.2;
  2. Maximum AFA of not exceeding 60m²; and
  3. Occupant load not exceeding 20 persons.
3. Construction materials
  1. Capsules that are constructed of plastics shall comply with the acceptance criteria listed in Table 3.15B.
  2. Capsules that are constructed of combustible materials shall comply with flame spread rating of Class 1 under BS 476 Part 7, or Class B or Class C under EN 13501-1.
4. Fire protection systems
  1. Sprinkler protection shall be provided in the entire building where the capsule hotel occupied in whole or in part. Inside each capsule, at least one sprinkler shall be provided and the minimum pressure and flow rate for this sprinkler shall be at least 50 kPa and 56 L/min respectively.
  2. The sprinkler system for capsule hotel shall be designed to meet requirements for Ordinary Hazard Group 1 occupancy.
  3. A minimum clearance of 500mm shall be kept between the top surface of the capsule enclosure to the deflector of the room ceiling sprinklers.
  4. K factor for the ceiling sprinkler shall be 11.5.
  5. Hydraulic calculation shall be performed to verify that water supply for the sprinkler system can meet the flow and pressure demands for all the ceiling sprinklers within a single compartmented guestroom plus 6 numbers of in capsule sprinklers to operate for a minimum duration of 60 mins.
  6. The capsule sprinkler shall be protected against tampering by occupant in the capsule.
  7. As an alternative, water-mist system in compliance with NFPA 750 is acceptable. The proposed water mist system shall be type tested and listed for ordinary hazard protection and is capable to handle fire risk similar to that of a capsule fire.
  8. In addition, smoke/heat detector shall be provided within each capsule and when activated fire alarm signal shall be sent to the building’s main fire alarm panel to activate all fire alarm sounders and visual alarms in the building, not only to those in the capsule hotel.
  9. Each capsule shall be provided with a sensor to detect the presence and motion of the occupant within the unit. This shall facilitate the conduct of search and rescue operations during a fire emergency. A display panel indicating the occupancy and motion status of the occupant within each capsule shall be co-located with the main fire alarm panel.

9.7.3

Assembly occupancy

General
Number and minimum width of exits for assembly occupancies shall comply with the provisions tabulated as follows:

TABLE 9.7.3a. : MINIMUM WIDTH OF EXITS FOR ASSEMBLY OCCUPANICIES
No. of Occupants	Min No. of Doors	Min width of corridors
51 - 200	2	1.20m
201 - 500	2	1.25m
501 - 1000	3	1.25m
exceeding 1000	4	1.25m

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.7.3a. : Assembly occupancy

The total number of occupant load of the above auditorium is more than 50 persons, but not exceeding 200 persons. The clear width of each exit door shall be sufficient to receive at least half the occupant of the floor space. The clear width of the aisles or gangways shall not be less than 1200mm. The exit doors shall be sited remote from each other to comply with Cl.2.3.12.

Assembly occupancy with fixed seating (Performance theatres, Cinemas, Auditoriums, Concert Halls, etc.)

Aisles and gangways

clear aisles or gangways of not less than the minimum width of corridors shall be provided around the auditorium, stalls and balconies leading to doors or exit doors;

aisles or gangways shall be provided with intersecting rows of seating and the number of seats in a row shall be in accordance with the provisions tabulated as follows:

TABLE 9.7.3b.(1)(b) : NUMBER OF SEATS IN A ROW
Seatway width mm	Maximum no. of seats in a row
Seatway width mm	Gangway on one side	Gangway on two sides
300 - 324	7	14
325 - 349	8	16
350 - 374	9	18
375 - 399	10	20
400 - 424	11	22
425 - 449	12	24
450 - 474	12	26
475 - 499	12	28
500 or more	12	Limited by the travel distance

The seatway shall be the minimum clear width between rows, which shall not be less than 300mm, measured as the clear horizontal distance from the back of the row ahead (including seats that tip up automatically) and the nearest projection of the row behind when the seats are in upright position. The seatway widths shall be constant throughout the length of the row. (See Diagram 9.7.3b.(1)(b) - 1 and 2)

for changes of level, steps shall not be used to overcome differences in level in aisles or gangways unless the slope of such gangways exceeds 1 in 10;
handrails shall be provided, where steps of a pitch exceeding 30º or ramps of a slope exceeding 1 in 10 are provided in aisles or gangways flanking the seating;
flooring for the surface of steps and ramps forming the aisles or gangways shall be finished using non-slip materials; and
illumination of steps shall be such that each step is clearly visible in the event of emergency.
Combustible seats for cinemas, theatre, auditorium, etc.
The construction of combustible upholstered seats in cinema, theatre, auditorium, etc. shall comply with BS 5852 in respect of the following testing standard:
1. Smouldering Ignition Source;
2. Flaming Ignition Source 1; and
3. Crib Ignition Source 5.

Diagram 9.7.3b.(1)(b) - 1 : Seatway width and number of seats in a row

Diagram 9.7.3b.(1)(b) - 2 : Determination of seatway width

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.7.3b.(1)(a) : Assembly occupancy

The above figure illustrates uniform width of gangway in the direction of escape, where escape in opposite directions are available in the auditorium.

Prior consultation with the SCDF is required if any row has more than 30 seats, as there could be concern on congestion along the gangways and at the exits.

The seating materials, in all cinemas, theatres, concert halls , auditorium, etc. are required to be type tested by a recognised testing laboratory and shall be listed by a recognised certification body.

Determination of seatway width

Seatway width shall not be less than the tabulated seatway width in Table 9.7.3b.(1)(b) and shall be constant throughout the length of the row.

Measurement of width of aisle accessway formed by rows of chairs.

Access and egress routes shall be maintained to facilitate easy movement towards the gangway(s) thus allowing faster evacuation of occupants.

Clause 9.7.3b.(1)(c). : Assembly occupancy

Steps (min. 2 numbers) may be used when gradient of slope of gangways exceeds 1 in 10. The dimensions of treads and risers shall comply with Cl.2.3.3d.(4).

Clause 9.7.3b.(1)(d). : Assembly occupancy

Clause 9.7.3b.(1)(f). : Assembly occupancy

The rationale of illuminating the steps is intended to alert the public of the presence of steps. Such arrangement will help to prevent tripping. Where the emergency lighting of the hall or auditorium is able to provide sufficient lighting to the steps, separate emergency power supply to illuminate the steps would not be required.

Rationale

Clause 9.7.3b.(1)(b)

The seatway provides the initial part of an escape route and hence it needs to be of sufficient width, depending on the number of seat it serves, to enable easy movement towards the gangway(s).

Clause 9.7.3b.(1)(f)

Emergency lighting will light up the escape route to alert the public of the presence of steps. Such arrangement will help to prevent tripping.

-
1. Exits from a theatre, cinema or a concert hall
  1. The number and capacity of exits from an enclosed space in an assembly occupancy used or intended for use as cinema, concert hall, auditorium, performance theatre that is not normally provided with natural ventilation and lighting, shall be provided its own means of escape without having to take into account exits provided for its adjoining parts of the same building in which it is housed. Exception can be permitted where the occupancy load does not exceed 200 persons, in which case at least half the capacity of exits shall be provided within the compartment.
  2. Where a building or part of a building is designed as a cineplex to house multiple mini-cinemas, the means of escape to be provided can be shared by all the mini-cinemas. Each cineplex shall be treated as a single big cinema for the purpose of determining the exit requirements under Cl.9.7.3b.(2).
  3. The exits adjacent or attached to cinema, theatre or concert hall and the like can be shared as exits with the other parts of the building, provided the exits are accessible from the common circulation areas. The occupancy load of the cinema, theatre, concert hall and the like does not exceed 200 persons.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.7.3b.(2). : Assembly occupancy

A theatre, cinema or concert hall is considered a compartment by itself. It should be self-sufficient in the provision of the exits for the occupants. Sharing of exit facilities with other part of the building under different occupancy is not permitted unless the occupant load of the theatre, cinema or concert hall is less than 200 persons.

Rationale

Clause 9.7.3b.(2)(a)

The occupants getting out of the theatre during an emergency are likely to be disorientated. The spillage of occupants outside the theatre should be within very close distance, if not immediately adjacent to it, so as to serve its purpose.

Clause 9.7.3b.(2)(c)

With the positioning of exit next to the small size cinema, theatre etc., it would help to maintain effective evacuation even with the sharing of the staircase with evacuees from the other occupancy areas on the same storey.

-
1. Separation of theatre, cinema or concert hall from other parts of the building
  A theatre, cinema or concert hall shall be separated from other parts of the same building, which is of a different purpose group, by compartment walls and floors having a fire resistance rating of at least 2 hours. If the building is protected by an automatic sprinkler system, the fire resistance rating of the compartment walls or floors can be reduced to 1 hour. Where openings are provided for access between the theatre, cinema or concert hall and any other part of the same building of a different purpose group, the openings shall either be protected by fire doors having the necessary fire resistance rating as the enclosing walls or floors, or be provided with lobby which complies with the following requirements:
  1. The lobby is enclosed by walls having fire resistance rating of at least 1 hour, is naturally ventilated complying with the requirements for ventilation of smoke-free lobbies, or mechanically ventilated to comply with the requirements in Chapter 7; and
  2. All doors to the lobby shall each have fire resistance rating of at least ½ hour and fitted with an automatic self-closing device.
2. Separation by proscenium wall in theatres or concert halls
  1. In a place of public resort, such as theatres, and concert halls, capable of seating more than 500 persons and in which fly tower is used for stage scenery or when extensive stage scenery is installed on the stage side, the stage shall be separated from the seating area by a proscenium wall of at least 1-hr fire resistance rating in such a way that the stage and the audience seating area form separate compartments.
  2. The entire stage side of the proscenium wall shall be fitted with an automatic sprinkler system which complies with the requirements in Chapter 6.
  3. The proscenium opening shall be protected by fire curtain with fire resistance rating of at least 1 hour, automatically operated by a fusible link or a smoke detector. In lieu of fire curtain, a smoke curtain is acceptable, if engineered smoke control and automatic sprinkler systems are to be provided to the stage area.
  4. Not more than three other openings can be provided in the proscenium wall. Such openings shall not exceed 2m2 in area and shall be fitted with doors having fire resistance rating of at least ½ hour and fitted with an automatic self-closing device.
3. Smoke control system
  1. Multi-tier/level seating auditorium shall be protected by an automatic sprinkler system and engineered smoke control system. For single tier/level seating auditorium that is either sprinkler-protected or non sprinkler-protected, smoke vents complying with the following criteria can be provided in lieu of engineered smoke control system:
    1. at least 2.5% of the floor area;
    2. at least 600mm X 600mm in size;
    3. adequately distributed such that no part of the auditorium is more than 12m from any ventilation opening;
    4. located at high level close to soffit of the ceiling or within a perforated ceiling space; and
    5. activated by automatic device.
  2. Exception:
    Lecture theatres and the like are exempted from the requirement to provide smoke vents, provided they fulfil all of the following criteria:
    1. without stage curtain, fly tower, props, and back stage areas;
    2. used solely for the conduct of lessons;
    3. not located below ground level; and
    4. not exceeding 5000m² in size.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.7.3b.(3) : Assembly occupancy

Clause 9.7.3b.(4) : Assembly occupancy

Fire separation between stage and auditorium is required to avoid causing panic to audience owing to a fire outbreak in the stage area.

Rationale

Clause 9.7.3b.(5)

Adequate smoke vents facilitate effective dispersion of smoke to external of building, thereby minimising the risk of a smoke-logged situation in an auditorium. These dimensions have been validated through a fire engineering study.

9.7.4

Outdoor Refreshment Areas (ORAs)

General
1. This set of fire safety requirements shall be applicable to all food and beverage (F&B) outlets where ORAs are permitted by the authority have jurisdiction. F&B outlets shall include eating houses, restaurants, coffee shops, hawker centres, fast food outlets, cafeterias, canteens, pubs, bars and the like.
2. The total occupant load within each F&B outlet shall not exceed 200 persons. Where the limit is exceeded, alternate rear exit opening directly into a back lane or safe external space shall be provided.
3. Where an ORA encroaches on neighbouring property(s) or state land, it is the responsibility of the F&B’s owner/operator to seek no objection from the property owner(s) for the setting up of the ORA on his property.
Fire safety requirements for ORAs
1. ORAs along covered walkway
  1. A five-foot way of width not less than 1.2m shall be provided along the covered walkway. Tables and chairs shall be abutting the F&B shop front or located at the outer edge of the building within the covered walkway. The entrance of the F&B outlet shall not be blocked.
  2. For F&B outlet located next to an exit staircase, a clear escape path from the staircase discharge point to external space shall be maintained. The width of the escape path shall not be less than the width of the exit staircase. No table(s), chair(s) or any form of obstruction shall encroach onto this escape path at all times.
    (See Diagram 9.7.4b.(1))
2. ORAs open to the sky
  1. There is no limit to the number of table(s) or chair(s) placed in areas open to the sky, subject to compliance to other authorities having jurisdiction.
  2. When placement of table(s) or chair(s) is extended to any covered walkway, the requirements stipulated under Cl.9.7.4b.(1) shall be complied with.
  3. There is no control on the size/height of the ODAs and the materials used for displaying goods at the ODAs. There shall be no encroachment of table(s), chair(s) or any form of obstruction on the escape path from the exit staircase discharge point to external space. The portion of covered ORAs beyond the building lines and abutting the escape path shall be demarcated from the escape path with a red colour line of width not less than 50mm. Red colour wordings, “NO OBSTRUCTION OF EXIT”, of height not less than 100mm shall be marked along the line at regular intervals of not more than 1.5m.
    (See Diagram 9.7.4b.(2))
3. ORA with umbrellas
  1. When umbrellas are used to provide shelter for diners, its size shall not be larger than 2m in diameter or 2m x 2m. The umbrellas shall be placed at a distance of not less than 1.5m from the building line (eaves of building).
  2. There shall be no limit on the number of umbrellas placed in areas open to the sky. A separation distance of not less than 1.5m shall be provided between rows of umbrella. There shall be no roofing between rows of umbrellas.
  3. Where placement of table(s), chair(s) or any form of obstruction is extended to any covered walkway, the requirements stipulated under Cl.9.7.4b.(1) shall be complied with.
  4. There shall be no encroachment of table(s), chair(s) or umbrella(s) or any form of obstruction on the escape path from the exit staircase discharge point to external space. Where umbrellas are placed close to the exit staircase discharge path, Cl.9.7.4b.(2)(c) shall be complied with.
  5. Umbrella having dimensions larger than 2m in diameter or 2m x 2m shall be treated as canopy/awning. Hence, requirements stipulated under Cl.9.7.4b.(4) shall be complied with.
    (See Diagram 9.7.4b.(3))
4. ORAs with canopy/awning
  1. There shall be no encroachment of table(s) or chair(s) or any form of obstruction onto the escape path from the exit staircase discharge point to the external space. This path beyond the building façade shall be clearly demarcated as per Cl.9.7.4b.(2)(c).
  2. For canopy/awning with projection not exceeding 1m
    1. No separation between the canopy/awning and the nearer edge of the exit staircase discharge path is required.
    2. The high/low separation requirements stipulated under Cl.3.5.7 need not be complied with.
    3. The requirements on set back of unprotected openings from building/notional boundary stipulated under Cl.3.5.3 need not be complied with.
    4. Placement of table(s) or chair(s) beneath the canopy/awning is permitted.
    5. The canopy/awning can be continuous and cover the exit staircase discharge path. Separation between the canopy/ awning of the F&B outlet and those of the neighbouring units is not required.
    6. There shall be no control on the material of the canopy/ awning.
      (See Diagram 9.7.4b.(4)(b))
  3. For canopy/awning with projection greater than 1m but not exceeding 2m
    1. A minimum separation distance of 500mm between the canopy/awning and the nearer edge of the exit staircase discharge path shall be maintained and shall only be exempted if the awning/canopy is designed to retract automatically when fire/smoke is detected within the F&B unit or its ORA.
    2. The high/low separation requirements stipulated under Cl.3.5.7 shall be complied with.
    3. The requirements on set back of unprotected openings from building/notional boundary stipulated under Cl.3.5.3 shall be complied with.
    4. At least 500mm separation distance shall be maintained between the canopy/awning of the F&B outlet and the projection line of the separating wall and shall only be exempted if the awning/canopy is designed to retract automatically when fire/smoke is detected within the F&B unit or its ORA.
    5. For auto-retractable canopy/awning as mentioned in C1.9.7.4b.(4)(c)(i), the canopy/awning can be continuous and cover the exit staircase discharge path and separation between the canopy/awning of the F&B outlet and those of the neighbouring units is not required.
    6. The surface flame spread rating of the canopy/awning shall be at least Class 2.
      (See Diagram 9.7.4b.(4)(c) - 1 & 2)
  4. For canopy/awning with projection greater than 2m but not exceeding 3m
    1. A minimum separation distance of 500mm between the canopy/awning and the nearer edge of the exit staircase discharge path shall be maintained.
    2. The high/low separation requirements stipulated in Cl.3.5.7 shall be complied with.
    3. The requirement on set back of unprotected openings from building/notional boundary stipulated under Cl.3.5.3 shall be complied with.
    4. At least 500mm separation distance shall be maintained between the canopy/awning of the F&B outlet and the projection line of the separating wall.
    5. The surface flame spread rating of the canopy/awning shall be at least Class 1.
      (See Diagram 9.7.4b.(4)(d))
  5. For canopy/awning with projection exceeding 3m
    All relevant requirements stipulated in this Code shall be complied with.
5. Other fire safety requirements
  1. There shall be no open-flame cooking in ORAs, except those open to the sky.
  2. For buildings which are installed with automatic fire sprinkler system, the sprinkler protection shall be extended to protected the covered ORAs.
  3. Every part of covered ORAs shall be within the coverage of fire hose reel(s).
  4. Approval of fire safety plans.

Diagram 9.7.4b.(1) : ORAs along covered walkway

Diagram 9.7.4b.(2) : ORAs open to sky

Diagram 9.7.4b.(3) : ORAs with umbrella

Diagram 9.7.4b.(4)(b) : ORAs with canopy/awning projection not exceeding 1m

Diagram 9.7.4b.(4)(c) - 1 : ORAs with canopy/awning projection greater than 1m but not exceeding 2m - (without auto retraction)

Diagram 9.7.4b.(4)(c) - 2 : ORAs with canopy/awning projection greater than 1m but not exceeding 2m - (with auto retraction)

Diagram 9.7.4b.(4)(d) : ORAs with canopy/awning projection greater than 2m but not exceeding 3m

Note to QP

Clause 9.7.4a

Application for approval of fire safety plans for ORA shall be required, except for ORAs which comply fully to the following conditions:

An escape route of width not less than 1.2m along the covered walkway is provided.
Entrance of the F&B outlet is not blocked by tables(s), chair(s) or any form of obstruction.
For F&B outlet located next to an exit staircase, no table(s), chair(s) or any form of obstruction is to encroach onto the escape path from exit staircase discharge point to the external space.
For F&B outlet using umbrellas for its ORA, the size of umbrella is not more than 2m in diameter or 2m x 2m and the set back of umbrellas from the building line (eaves of building) is not less than 1.5m.
For F&B outlet having canopy/awning at the ORA, the project of the canopy/awning is not exceeding 1m.

9.8

Purpose Group VIII Occupancy

9.8.1

General

Means of escape
1. aboveground warehouse floors
  One exit staircase is permitted to serve an aboveground warehouse floor provided:
  1. the habitable height of the floor shall not exceed 15m;
  2. the floor shall not be located above 4th storey; and
  3. the AFA of the floor shall not exceed 200m².
2. Mezzanine floors
  One open stair is allowed to serve a mezzanine floor(s) within an aboveground warehouse floor provided:
  1. the aggregate AFA of the mezzanine floor(s) per warehouse unit shall not exceed 60m²;
  2. the open stair shall have a width of at least 1m and be constructed of non-combustible materials;
  3. the maximum travel distance measured from remote point on the mezzanine floor(s) to the exits shall comply with Table 2.2A;
  4. the elements of structure of the mezzanine floor(s) shall be of at least 1-hr fire resistance construction;
  5. the habitable height of mezzanine floor shall not exceed 24m; and
  6. mezzanine floor shall only be used for store and/or ancillary office.
Structural fire precautions
1. Vehicle parking area
  Fire compartmentation shall be provided between a vehicle parking area (PG VIII) and other areas, except for ancillary washrooms, letter boxes and other rooms stated in footnote (4) of Table 6.4A. The fire compartment walls and floors shall have at least 1-hr fire resistance rating.
  Exceptions:
  1. For a sprinkler-protected factory, compartmentation between the vehicle parking areas and the factory is not required, provided the vehicle parking area/ loading and unloading bay and adjacent driveway are provided with an engineered smoke control system.
  2. For a sprinkler-protected warehouse, thermal insulation of the fire-rated shutters between the vehicle parking area and the warehouse is not required, provided the vehicle parking area/ loading and unloading bay and adjacent driveway are provided with an engineered smoke control system.
2. Warehouse
  Warehouse compartment size exceeding 700m² for above ground level and 100m² for below ground level are subject to full compliance of Cl.9.8.3.
3. Tenancy units
  Fire compartmentation between individual tenancy units within a warehouse building shall be provided. The entire enclosure of each of these units shall be fire compartmented with walls and floors of at least 1-hr fire resistance rating.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.8.1a.(1) : General

One-way travel distance AC, BC < 15m or 30m (if sprinkler-protected)
DE shall be treated as one-way direct distance as the floor space is an open floor plan. The direct distance for DE shall be 2/3 x 15m or 2/3 x 30m, if sprinkler-protected.
OL < 50 persons
Floor area < 200m²
Storey height < 4 storeys or habitable height of building < 15m whichever is lower.

Clause 9.8.1b.(1) : General

9.8.2

Coldroom

Where coldrooms are provided in PG III, IV, V, VI, VII or VIII buildings, the following requirements shall be complied with:

Coldroom constructed of combustible insulation panels
1. For non-sprinkler-protected buildings
  Where the aggregate floor area of coldroom(s) exceeds 10m², a separate outer layer of non-combustible construction, including the door, having at least 1-hr fire resistance rating, shall be provided to compartmentalise the coldroom(s) from other areas. The maximum aggregate floor area of the coldroom(s) shall not exceed 100m² in each compartment.
2. For sprinkler-protected buildings
  Where the aggregate floor area of coldroom(s) exceeds 20m², a separate outer layer of non-combustible construction, including the door, having 1-hr fire resistance rating, shall be provided to compartmentalise the coldroom(s) from other areas/usages. The maximum aggregate floor area of the coldroom(s) shall not exceed 700m²in each compartment.
3. Non-compartmentalised coldroom shall not be used for storage of highly flammable chemicals.
Coldroom constructed of fire-rated insulation panels
Where the coldroom panels are constructed of material having at least 1-hr fire resistance rating, the compartment sizes stipulated in Cl.9.8.2a.(1) and (2) above need not be complied with but are subject to a maximum of 2000m² (for non-sprinkler-protected buildings) or 4000m² (for sprinkler-protected buildings), or sizes stipulated under Cl.9.8.4 for storage of chemical/hazmat materials, whichever is applicable and smaller.

Properties of coldroom panel

All coldroom panels shall achieve at least Class B under EN 13501-1 or its equivalent, when tested as a composite panel with plastic or other types of core material.

For a coldroom that consists of a processing/handling area, the toxicity emission and smoke density requirements shown in Table 9.8.2c.(2) for the insulation material shall be complied with.

TABLE 9.8.2c.(2) : TOXICITY EMISSION AND SMOKE DENSITY REQUIREMENTS
Fire risk	Applicable fire test standards	Acceptance criteria
Toxicity emission	EN 45545-2; or	CIT < 0.75
Toxicity emission	EN 17084 Method 1 (50kw/m²)	CIT < 0.75
Smoke density	EN 13501-1; or	(a) Smoke classification to be of s1 rating
	EN 13501-1; or	(b) Flaming droplet classification to be d0 rating
	EN ISO 5659-2	VOF₄ < 300 min

For a standalone coldroom that does not have a processing/handling area, the above toxicity emission and smoke density requirements for the insulation material need not be complied with.

Coldroom panels supporting structures
All coldroom panels supporting structures shall have a fire resistance rating of at least 1 hour, unless it is located at an external space.
Activities involving open flame
Open-flame activities shall not be carried out in coldrooms. Where such activities are required due to the nature of the operation, the areas where open- flame activities are carried out shall be protected in accordance with Cl.3.2.5f.(1) and (4) and the coldroom insulation materials shall meet the toxicity emission and smoke density requirements stipulated under Table 9.8.2c.(2) above.

9.8.3

General warehouses

General
The scope of this section covers the fire safety requirements for general warehouses which include single-storey single-user warehouses, single-storey multi-user warehouses, underground warehouses, multi-storey warehouses with or without basements and warehouse within other non-industrial buildings.
Compartment
1. Departmental stores and supermarkets having displayed storage height more than 4m (with sprinkler protection) or 2.5m (without sprinkler protection) shall comply with the requirements as stipulated in this section.
2. The size of compartment shall not exceed the maximum allowable dimensions shown in the Table 9.8A, depending on the type of fire protection and location of the warehouse.
3. Compartmentation, in respect of size limitation, can be achieved by using fire-rated roller shutter. Localised smoke detector shall be installed to activate the roller shutter. The roller shutter shall also be linked to the building automatic fire alarm system which shall act as a backup for the activation of the shutter.
  Note: Such localised smoke detection system shall be provided with zone indication on the main fire alarm panel with buzzer sound, however its activation is not necessary to sound the general fire alarm.
4. Compartmentation between the warehouse and loading/unloading/ staging area shall be provided (to comply with Cl.9.8.3b.(3)), except where:
  1. the warehouse is a single-storey single-user or multi-storey single-user per storey type, with the loading/unloading area abutting an external space, or
  2. the roof over the loading/unloading (or staging) area abutting an external space is not more than 3m in depth.
    Note: Down-stand fire wall of minimum depth 1m hanging from the ceiling shall be provided [except for Cl.9.8.3b.(4)(b)] between the loading/unloading area and the warehouse storage area.
5. The compartment size limit stipulated in Table 9.8A shall include the loading/unloading (or staging) area if it is not fire-compartmented from the warehouse area, unless:
  1. the entire warehouse including the loading/unloading and driveway area, is protected with sprinkler and smoke control systems; and
  2. the roof over the loading/unloading (or staging) area abutting an external space is not more than 3m in depth.
Sprinkler protection
1. Automatic sprinkler system shall be provided if the compartment size of the warehouse exceeds the maximum allowable size shown in the Table 9.8A.
2. Sprinkler coverage shall be extended to the areas shielded by access platforms in the high-rack storage warehouse. The supporting structures of the platforms shall have the same fire resistance rating as the element of structure of the warehouse.
Storage height control
1. Signage shall be provided on the walls of the warehouse (including the loading/unloading or staging area) to control the maximum allowable storage height and to maintain the minimum clearance below the sprinkler heads in accordance with SS CP 52.
2. A 50mm wide red line shall be drawn around the wall with signage indicated as “No Storage Above This Line”. This sign shall be provided at intervals not exceeding 15m.
3. The lettering of the sign shall be at least 100mm.
4. The storage height limitations shall be clearly indicated on building plans and on the walls of the warehouse at intervals not exceeding 15m.
5. Transient storage at loading/unloading (or staging) area shall comply with the Table 9.8D and Table 9.8E in terms of the storage height limit. For non-sprinkler-protected warehouse, the storage height shall be limited to 2.5m.
Smoke control
1. Provision
  The provision of smoke control shall be in accordance with Table 9.8B, either in the form of smoke vent, smoke purging or engineered smoke control system depending on the fire compartment size and type of fire protection system.
2. Smoke vents
  Smoke vents (refer to Table 9.8B) shall comply with the requirements stipulated below:
  1. They shall be of permanent open type and the effective opening shall be either comply with Table 9.8B or Table 9.8C. Panels can be used as smoke vents provided they are designed to be activated automatically. The use of glass blocks as smoke vents are not permitted.
  2. The minimum dimensions of vertical smoke vent shall be 400mm (length) x 600mm (height) and horizontal smoke vent (roof or ceiling) shall be 0.25m² in area.
  3. No area in the warehouse shall be more than the stipulated distance (refer to either Table 9.8B or Table 9.8C) measured horizontally away from any vertical or horizontal smoke vent.
  4. They shall be located at the highest unobstructed level along the perimeter walls of the warehouse.
3. Smoke purging system
  Replacement of smoke vents by smoke purging system is allowed provided that the warehouse is sprinkler-protected. The smoke purging system shall comply with Cl.7.4.3.
4. Engineered smoke control
  Engineered smoke control systems shall comply with the requirements stipulated below:
  1. They shall be provided if the floor area of the compartment is more than 5000m² or 2000m² for aboveground or underground warehouses respectively;
  2. They shall be designed and installed in accordance with the requirements stipulated in this Code or equivalent standards approved by the SCDF; and
  3. The fire size determined shall be concurred by the SCDF before it is used for the design of the engineered smoke control system.
Fire extinguishers
1. Fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with SS 578.
2. Classification of storage hazards based on storage height shall follow Table 21(A) and Table 21(B) of SS CP 52 (refer to Table 9.8D and Table 9.8E) for the different categories of storage and overall stack heights. Ordinary hazard classification in SS CP 52 shall be taken as equivalent to medium hazard classification in SS 578.

9.8.4

Chemical/HazMat warehouses

Scope
1. Chemicals or hazardous materials (HazMat) have a wide range of properties and hazards, which shall be identified and understood in order to fulfil the requirements of safe warehousing. A complete understanding of the hazards requires an assessment of the container and packaging systems and storage arrangements. In addition, the requirements of general warehouse shall be complied with.
2. The fire safety requirement for laboratory storing and using chemicals/ hazmat shall be in accordance with NFPA 45 [except for Maximum Allowable Quantity (MAQ) which shall be as stipulated in Table 9.8K and Table 9.8L].
Identification of hazardous materials (HazMat)
Substances listed as hazardous materials are classified as shown in Table 9.8F.

Note to QP

Clause 9.8.4a.(2)

The laboratory operators shall minimize the amount of flammable liquids on benches by returning them to chemical store or safety cabinets when the liquids are not needed for the day. At the same time, the laboratory operators shall ensure that the quantity of these liquids placed on benches and fume cupboards shall not exceed 10% of the total allowable storage capacity within the laboratory unit. Liquids used for running and operating laboratory instruments or other work-in-progress which may require some quantities of solvents to operate are exempted from the 10% limit.

Clause 9.8.4b

Consultation with Hazmat Department of the SCDF shall be sought at the initial stage (Quantitative Risk Assessment study may be required) and, at the stage of finalizing for further comment and concurrence before the formal plan submission. QP shall obtain the technical requirements from other relevant agencies first before consulting the SCDF for the following classes of HazMat:

SPF for Class 1
NEA for Class 2.3, 3, 6.1, 6.2, 7 & 8
MOH for Class 6.2 (Health Sciences Authority, HSA) & Class 7 (Centre for Radiation Protection under HSA)

Size limitation
1. For chemical/HazMat warehouses storing Class 3, 4 & 5 hazardous materials, the maximum floor area per compartment and type of fire protection system shall be as shown in Table 9.8G.
2. Storage of compressed gases (Class 2), flammable liquid (Class 3), flammable solid (Class 4.2 & 4.3), oxidising agent (Class 5.1) and organic peroxide (Class 5.2) shall be located only at the ground floor with at least one external wall facing directly to an exterior open safe space unless otherwise stipulated.
3. Solid materials (Class 4.1) is allowed to be stored at aboveground floors of habitable height not more than 24m and the storage quantity shall be limited to 1200kg/m² of floor area.
4. Compressed gas cylinders (Class 2) are allowed to be stored at aboveground floors of habitable height not more than 24m provided that a vehicular ramp (with turning facility) suitable for 30-tonne firefighting appliances is erected for direct access to the storage area.
5. For Class 2 HazMat, no stacking is allowed. The hazardous materials shall be laid directly on the floor.
6. Storage, use and handling of compressed gases (Class 2) shall be in compliance with NFPA 55 and it be allowed to be located at aboveground floor.
7. For sprinkler-protected warehouses, the storage height shall be limited to 18m for single- storey warehouse and 15m for warehouse that is located at 1st storey of a multiple-storey building. For non-sprinkler- protected warehouse storing Class 3 HazMat, storage height shall be in compliance with NFPA 30 (basing on the flash points of the hazardous materials), subject to a maximum height of 3.6m.
8. Storage of oxidizers (Class 5.1, solid or liquid) shall be in compliance with NFPA 430 or AS 4326.
9. Storage of organic peroxide (Class 5.2) shall be in compliance with NFPA 432 or AS 2714.
10. No compartment in the chemical/hazmat warehouse shall comprise more than one storey.
11. Recommendations made within the individual Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) shall be complied with.
12. An approved layout plan (with the relevant TFP/FSC) with such hazmat warehouse/storage capacity highlighted shall be kept within the premises to facilitate the inspection and emergency operation procedures.
Provision of fire engine accessway
1. Fire engine accessway shall be provided for firefighting appliances. The minimum length of the accessway, based on the gross cubical extent of the entire warehouse space, shall be as shown in Table 9.8J.
2. At least one external wall of the warehouse shall be directly fronting an empty space (such as turf area) of minimum width 2m. One of the access doors provided along this external wall shall be placed not more than 30m (for type K1) or 15m (for type K2) from the fire engine accessway/ fire engine access road for ease of firefighting.
3. For K3 and K4 compartments, at least one external wall shall be directly fronting an engine access road or access way. At least two exit access doors (minimum 15m apart) shall be provided along this external wall for ease of firefighting.
4. The loading and unloading (the area may be roofed over) shall be carried out directly from the exterior open space for type K2, K3 and K4 compartments.
5. For type K1 compartment, the distance from the external loading/ unloading area (may be roofed over) to the access door of the compartment shall not be more than 10m for non-sprinkler-protected buildings and 15m for sprinkler-protected buildings. For Class 3 HazMat, the maximum volume of hazardous liquid shall be limited to 3000L or 5000L for non-sprinkler-protected and sprinkler-protected compartments respectively.
6. For storage of Class 4.1 HazMat aboveground level, fire engine accessway and the associated FAPs shall be provided for the full stretch of the external wall of the storage area.
Water supply for private hydrant
1. Water supply for hydrant system shall comply with the following requirements:
  1. hydrant fed by PUB mains is allowed for type K1 and K2 compartments. The water supply requirement shall comply with the Cl.4.4.2a..
  2. hydrant with dedicated pumping & storage facilities shall be provided for type K3 and K4 compartments. The water supply requirement shall comply with Table 4.4A of this Code with minimum running pressure of 3.5 bars (it shall be designed accordingly to individual emergency response plan and respective SOP).
2. The spillage control and retention basin for firefighting water for warehouse storage hazardous substances shall be in accordance with SS 532, NFPA 30 and requirements of authority having jurisdiction. Gate valve(s) shall be provided from the second containment (such as bund wall) at a safe location to allow the firefighters to operate during emergency and, the outlet shall be directly drained to a safe area or storm drain.
Mechanical ventilation systems
1. The ventilation systems for warehouse storing Class 3 HazMat shall comply with SS 532 and the smoke control system shall comply with the requirements for general warehouse.
2. The ventilation system for Class 2 shall comply with NFPA 55.
3. Mechanical ventilation system for removal of vapour shall be interlocked with the smoke control system to ensure that both systems will not be affecting one another.
4. The ventilation system shall be designed to provide air-movement across all portions of the room to prevent the accumulation of vapours. Short-circuiting of the mechanical ventilation system shall be avoided.
5. Fresh air inlets and exhaust outlets shall be properly located according to the type of gases or vapours to be exhausted.
6. The air-conditioning system and MV system for the storage area of HazMat shall not be shared with other occupied areas.
Fire extinguisher
1. Fire extinguisher shall be provided complying with SS CP 578, SS 532 and other related standards. (Also, refer to the relevant MSDS and consult the manufacturer or supplier for the details.)
2. Additional mobile type 50kg ABC (foam or chemical powder) fire extinguishers having minimum 6m throw and discharge hose length of minimum 6m shall be provided to cover the loading and unloading area for K2, K3 and K4 compartment under hazard grade 2, 3 & 4. The access from any remote point of the loading/unloading area (including the parking lots area) to the 50kg fire extinguishers shall not be more than 15m.
3. For K1 compartment size, mobile type 50kg fire extinguisher shall only be required when the overall hazmat storage area is more than 100m².
Determination of exit requirement
1. The determination of travel distance in chemical/HazMat warehouse shall be in compliance with Table 2.2A for high hazard occupancy, 10m/20m for non-sprinkler-protected building and 20m/35m for sprinkler-protected building.
2. All exit and access doors shall be provided with the proper hazard and warning sign on both sides of these doors.
Other fire safety requirements
The following standards and codes of practices (non-exhaustive) shall be complied with for the proposed chemical/HazMat warehouse:
1. SS CP 10, SS CP 52
2. SS 98, SS 254, SS 286, SS 532, SS 575, SS 578
3. AS 2714, AS 4326
4. NFPA 16, NFPA 45, NFPA 55, NFPA 400, NFPA 495
5. IEC 60079

9.8.5

Fully Automated Mechanised Car Parks (FAMCPs)

General
The provisions of this chapter of the Code shall serve to stipulate the fire safety requirements for the FAMCP. These requirements shall assist with plans submissions to the design, construction, protection, location and arrangement of the various fire safety provisions.
Parking height
The parking height refers to the height that shall be measured from the average level of the ground adjoining the outside of the external walls of the building to the highest or lowest car parking level. In situations where mixed usage involving above ground and underground car parking, the height shall be measured between the highest and lowest car parking levels.
Classification of FAMCP
The FAMCP shall be subdivided into three categories as follows:
1. Category 1a: Small aboveground having the following sizes:
  1. Maximum floor area: 200m² (Total area of car parking decks)
  2. Maximum cubical extent: 1400m³
  3. Maximum parking height: 10m
  4. Minimum side openings: At least one side of the FAMCP shall be fully open and facing the fire engine access road
2. Category 1b: Small above ground with deck sunken, having not more than 2 car parking level sunken below the ground level and having the following sizes:
  1. Maximum floor area: 200m² (Total area of car parking decks)
  2. Maximum cubical extent: 1400m³
  3. Maximum parking height: 14m (Subject to maximum parking height of 10m above ground level)
  4. Minimum side openings: At least one side of the FAMCP shall be fully open and facing the fire engine access road
3. Category 2: Any above ground that does not fall under Category 1.
4. Category 3: Any underground that does not fall under Category 1, including FAMCP that combines above ground (Category 2) and underground (Category 3) parking.

Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 9.8.5c.(1) : Fully automated mechanised car parks

Figure 9.8.5c.(1) : Category 1a - Small aboveground FAMCP

Clause 9.8.5c.(2) : Fully automated mechanised car parks

Figure 9.8.5c.(2) : Category 1b - Small aboveground FAMCP with sunken deck

Clause 9.8.5c.(3) : Fully automated mechanised car parks

Figure 9.8.5c.(3) : Category 2 - Any aboveground FAMCP not fall under Category 1

Clause 9.8.5c.(4) : Fully automated mechanised car parks

Figure 9.8.5c.(4) - 1 : Category 3 - Underground FAMCP

Figure 9.8.5c.(4) - 2 : Sectional view of an underground FAMCP

Fire safety requirements that are applicable to all three categories of FAMCP
The fire safety requirements that are applicable to all three categories of car parks are as follows:
1. areas within the car park building shall not be accessible to the public;
2. the car park building shall be classified as PG VIII (storage) as per Table 1.4A;
3. means of escape shall be provided where there are areas that are accessible by the public and these shall be in accordance with the requirements as for PG VIII buildings;
4. where a separation wall or floor is required, fire-rated floor of at least 2- hr fire resistance rating subject to compliance with the requirements of the elements of structure for PG VIII buildings shall be provided;
5. where an external wall is required in Cl.3.5, fire-rated floor of at least 1- hr fire resistance rating subject to compliance with the requirements of the elements of structure for PG VIII buildings shall be provided;
6. for unprotected openings, Table 2 of Annex 3B to Cl.3.5 shall be complied with;
7. fire extinguishers having a minimum rating of 70B shall be provided at every entrance and exit of the car park;
8. hose reel coverage shall be provided for every entrance and exit of the car park;
9. where any such installation is required, its primary and secondary source of power supplies shall be in accordance with Chapter 5; and
10. fire engine access roads to be provided to gain access to the exit staircases.

Category 1 fire safety requirements for small above ground fully automated mechanised car park (SA- FAMCP)

The SA-FAMCP shall not exceed the following compartment limits as indicated in the table below:

TABLE 9.8.5e.(1) : COMPARTMENTATION OF SA-FAMCP
Compartment	Maximum Floor Area	Maximum Cubicle Extent
Compartment between average ground level and a height of 10m.	200m² (Total area of car parking decks)	1400m³

TABLE 9.8.5e.(1) : COMPARTMENTATION OF SA-FAMCP

Compartment

Maximum Floor Area

Maximum Cubicle Extent

Compartment between average ground level and a height of 10m.

200m²

(Total area of car parking decks)

1400m³

The SA-FAMCP shall be constructed of structural steel construction. Fire resistance to element shall be provided according to Cl.3.3.
For SA-FAMCP having multi-car parking level, vertical fire separation between the upper and lower decks by using non- perforated and non- combustible materials (e.g. structural steel plate) shall be provided.
Fire engine access roads to be provided to gain access to the exit staircases.
Private fire hydrants if required shall be provided in accordance with Cl.4.4.
At least one side of the FAMCP shall be fully open and facing the access road. The maximum distance measured from the opening(s) to the most remote part of the car parking deck shall not exceed 8m.

Rationale

Clause 9.8.5e.(3)

This is to minimise direct impingement of flame to the car on the upper deck and also to prevent dripping of any possible leaking fuel to the lower deck.

Category 2 fire safety requirements for above ground fully automated mechanised car park (A - FAMCP)
All A-FAMCP shall be subjected to the Fire Certificate scheme. The specific fire safety requirements for the A-FAMCP shall be as follows:
1. the A-FAMCP shall be constructed of structural steel construction. Fire resistance to element of structure shall be provided according to Cl.3.3.
2. the vertical fire separation between the upper and lower decks by using non-perforated and non-combustible materials (structural steel plate) shall be provided.
3. firefighting provisions shall be provided as follows:
  1. all exit staircases shall conform to the requirements of Cl.2.3.3;
  2. smoke-free approach as stated in Cl.2.2.13 and Cl.2.2.14;
  3. fire doors of at least 1-hr fire resistance rating for the access of firefighters via the exit staircase into the car park. The fire door shall be of at least 850mm wide by 1m high with a visual glass panel. Wordings of “For smoke venting, do not enter” shall be posted on the external side of the door. The wordings shall be of at least 25mm in height.
  4. the numbers of exit staircases provided shall depend on the number of rising mains. Each rising main serving every car parking level shall provide the following coverage:
    1. an access platform of minimum width of 900mm shall be provided and shall be constructed with at least 1-hr fire resistance rating. Handrails shall be provided on both sides to prevent falls.
    2. no part of any car parking deck shall exceed 28m.
  5. Breeching inlet serving rising main shall be located within 18m of the fire engine access road.
  6. Dry rising main shall be provided for height exceeding 10m and up to 60m. When the height exceeds 60m, wet rising main shall be provided. The breeching inlet shall be located at the foot of the riser stack. One standby fire hose shall be provided at the ground level of each staircase.
  7. Fire lift shall be provided for habitable height exceeding 24m.
  8. Where fire lift is required, a two-way voice communication system shall be provided between the Fire Command Centre and the following areas:
    1. every fire lift lobby, including 1st storey; and
    2. all firefighting-related mechanical equipment rooms inclusive of sprinkler pump room, wet riser pump room, etc..
  9. FCC shall be provided in accordance with Cl.8.2.4.
  10. Private fire hydrant where required shall be provided in accordance with Cl.4.4;
  11. Fire engine access roads to be provided to gain access to exit staircases.
  12. The A-FAMCP shall be protected by active firefighting systems such as sprinklers or clean agent fire extinguishing systems:
    1. Where sprinkler protection is installed, quick response sprinklers shall be provided. Each parking deck shall be protected by at least one sprinkler head.
    2. Where clean agent fire extinguishing systems are installed, the amount of agent required to achieve the design concentration shall be based on total flooding method. Standby cylinders at 100% capacity shall be provided on site.
    3. All doors, shutters, dampers, and/or openings shall be closed throughout the duration of gas deployment.
    4. Bypass door shall be provided in the event where there are occupants inside A-FAMCP during gas deployment.
    5. Firefighters shall be able to activate the clean agent manually if the system was not activated during a fire.
  13. Sump pit shall be provided to contain water discharge from sprinkler system. The capacity of the sump put shall be based on simultaneous operation of sprinklers for 4 car park decks for duration of 20 mins. Foam inlet in accordance to Cl.6.2.7 shall be provided adjacent to the sump pit to address liquid fire (burning fuel on water).
  14. For A-FAMCP protected by sprinkler systems, ventilation openings (with exhaust air outlet sited at high level and fresh air inlet sited at low level) of at least 2.5% of the largest floor area of any car parking level shall be provided. It shall be operated automatically by activation of sprinklers or heat detectors, if such openings are not naturally ventilated.
  15. For A-FAMCP protected by clean agent systems, ventilation openings (with exhaust air outlet sited at high level and fresh air inlet sited at low level) of at least 2.5% of the largest floor area of any car parking level shall be provided. It shall be operated manually by firefighters.
  16. Addressable heat detectors shall be installed according to SS CP 10 and provided to every parking deck to assist firefighters in identifying the exact location of the car on fire. Each addressable heat detector shall be represented by its own LED indicator and shall be displayed at the sub-alarm panel according to their locations/levels. Sub-alarm panel shall be provided at the entrance on FAMCP.
  17. Thermocouple reading for every parking level shall be provided as a means for firefighters to identify if the fire has been effectively extinguished. No point in the FAMCP shall exceed 10m from a thermocouple. A panel to display temperature readings shall be installed adjacent to sub-alarm panel.
  18. he deck to deck height shall be at least 2.2m.
  19. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) shall be provided and maintained in a clearly marked cabinet for maintenance personnel. Maintenance personnel must be equipped with SCBA while working in A-FAMCP. Signage with words minimum 50mm shall be clearly visible and state: “Personnel must be equipped with SCBA during maintenance”
  20. A-FAMCP shall be maintained and inspected yearly or at intervals specified by the individual system suppliers, whichever is shorter.
Category 3 fire safety requirements for underground fully automated mechanised car park (U – FAMCP)
All U-FAMCPs shall be subjected to the Fire Certificate scheme. The specific fire safety requirements for the U-FAMCP shall be as follows:
1. The compartmentation of the U-FAMCP shall not exceed the following sizes:
  TABLE 9.8.5g.(1) : COMPARTMENTATION OF U-FAMCP
  Maximum Parking Depth
  Maximum Floor Area
  Cubical Extent
  28m
  2000m²
  (Total area of car parking decks)
  7000m³
2. The U-FAMCP shall be constructed on structural steel construction. Fire resistance to element of structure shall be provided according to Cl.3.3.
3. The vertical fire separation between the upper and lower decks by using non-perforated and non-combustible materials (structural steel plate) shall be provided.
4. The U-FAMCP shall be provided with the following firefighting provisions:
  1. all exit staircases shall conform to the requirements of Cl.2.3.3;
  2. smoke-free approach as stated in Cl.2.2.13 and Cl.2.2.14;
  3. fire doors of at least 1-hr fire resistance rating for the access of firefighters via the staircase into the car park;
  4. the number of exit staircases provided shall depend on the number of rising mains. Each rising main serving every car parking level shall provide the following coverage:
    1. where internal access to every car parking deck is provided:
      - an access platform of minimum width of 900mm shall be provided and shall be constructed with at least 1-hr fire resistance rating with handrails provided on both sides; and
      - no part of any car parking deck shall exceed 28m.
    2. where no internal access to every car parking deck is provided, the maximum distance measured from the staircase door to the most remote part of the car parking deck shall not exceed 8m.
  5. Breeching inlet serving rising main shall be located within a travel distance of 18m from the fire engine accessway/fire engine access road.
  6. Dry rising main shall be provided for height exceeding 10m and up to 60m. When the height exceeds 60m, wet rising main shall be provided. The breeching inlet shall be located at the foot of the riser stack. One standby fire hose shall be provided at the ground level of each exit staircase.
  7. Fire lift shall be provided for basement depth exceeding 9m.
  8. Where fire lift is required, a two-way emergency voice communication system shall be provided between the FCC and the following areas:
    1. every fire lift lobby, including first storey; and
    2. all firefighting-related mechanical equipment rooms, inclusive of sprinkler pump room, wet riser pump room etc..
  9. FCC shall be provided in accordance with Cl.8.2.4.
  10. Basement levels shall be provided with two-way emergency voice communication system in accordance with Cl.8.2.2.
5. Private fire hydrant where required shall be provided in accordance with Cl.4.4.
6. Fire engine access road to be provided to gain access to the exit staircases.
7. The U-FAMCP shall be protected by sprinklers or clean agent fire extinguishing systems.
  1. Where sprinkler protection is installed, it shall be in accordance with SS CP 52. Quick response sprinklers shall be provided. Each parking deck shall be protected by at least one sprinkler head.
  2. Where clean agent fire extinguishing systems are installed, they shall comply with NFPA 2001. The amount of agent required to achieve the design concentration shall be based on total flooding method.
    1. Standby cylinders at 100% capacity shall be provided on site;
    2. All doors, shutters, dampers, and/or openings shall be closed throughout the duration of gas deployment;
    3. Bypass door shall be provided in the event there are occupants inside U-FAMCP during gas deployment; and
    4. Firefighters shall be able to activate the clean agent manually if the system was not activated during fire.
  3. Foam inlet in accordance to Cl.6.2.7 shall be provided to address liquid fire (burning fuel on water).
8. Sump pit shall be provided to contain water discharge from the sprinkler system. The capacity of the sump pit shall be based on simultaneous operation of sprinklers for four car park decks. Foam inlet in accordance to Cl.6.2.7 shall be provided adjacent to the sump pit to address liquid fire (burning fuel on water).
9. Smoke vents shall apply to basements not exceeding 1000m² in floor area and maximum 5m in depth measured from the ground level area to the lowest floor level.
  1. For U-FAMCP protected by sprinkler systems, ventilation openings (with exhaust air outlet sited at high level and fresh air inlet sited at low level) of at least 2.5% of the largest floor area of any car parking level shall be provided. It shall be operated automatically by activation of sprinklers or heat detectors, if such openings are not naturally ventilated.
  2. For U-FAMCP protected by clean agent fire extinguishing systems, ventilation openings (with exhaust air outlet sited at high level and fresh air sited at low level) of at least 2.5% of the largest floor area of any parking level shall be provided. It shall be operated manually by firefighters. Smoke purging systems of 9 air changes per hour shall be provided if the basement exceeds 1000m2 in floor area or 5m in depth measured from the ground level area to the lowest floor level.
  3. For U-FAMCP protected by sprinkler systems, the smoke purging systems shall be operated automatically by activation of heat detectors.
  4. For U-FAMCP protected by clean agent fire extinguishing systems, smoke purging systems shall be operated manually by firefighters.
10. Detection systems shall be installed as follows:
  1. Addressable heat detectors shall be installed according to SS CP 10 and provided to every parking deck to assist firefighters in identifying the exact location of the car on fire. Each addressable heat detector shall be represented by its own LED light indicator and shall be displayed at the sub-alarm panel in accordance to their locations/ levels. Sub-alarm panels shall be provided at the entrance of U-FAMCP.
  2. Thermocouple for every parking level shall be provided such that no point in the U-FAMCP shall exceed 10m from a thermocouple. A panel to display temperature readings shall be installed adjacent to the sub-alarm panel.
11. The deck-to-deck height shall be at least 2.2m.
12. Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) shall be provided and maintained in a clearly marked cabinet for maintenance personnel. Maintenance personnel must be equipped with SCBA while working in U-FAMCP. Signage with words minimum 50mm shall be clearly visible and state: “Personnel must be equipped with SCBA during maintenance”.
13. U-FAMCP shall be maintained and inspected yearly or at intervals specified by the individual system suppliers, whichever is shorter.

TABLE 9.8.5g.(1) : COMPARTMENTATION OF U-FAMCP
Maximum Parking Depth	Maximum Floor Area	Cubical Extent
28m	2000m² (Total area of car parking decks)	7000m³

Rationale

Clause 9.8.5g.(3)

This is to minimise direct impingement of flame to the car on the upper deck and also to prevent dripping of any possible leaking fuel to the lower deck.

Clause 9.8.5g.(4)(d)(i)

Handrails provided on both sides will help to prevent falls of firefighters during the firefighting operation.

TABLE 9.8A: COMPARTMENT SIZE & STORAGE HEIGHT FOR GENERAL WAREHOUSE

TABLE 9.8A : COMPARTMENT SIZE & STORAGE HEIGHT FOR GENERAL WAREHOUSE
Location of Warehouse	Item	Sprinkler- protected	Non-sprinkler-protected
		Storage Hazard	Storage Hazard
		All	Normal	High
Single storey warehouse	Max. floor area per compartment	12000m²	3000m²	2000m²
	Max. cubical extent per compartment	NC	12000m³	7500m³
	Max. storage height	18m	+Ref Table 9.8D & E	12m
Warehouse located on 1st storey of multi-storey warehouse	Max. floor area per compartment	12000m²	3000m²	2000m²
	Max. cubical extent per compartment	NC	12000m³	7500m³
	Max. storage height	15m	+Ref Table 9.8D & E	12m
Multi-storey warehouse with vehicular ramp (min. loading 30 tonnes with dry rising mains)	Max. floor area per compartment	9000m²	3000m²	2000m²
	Max. cubical extent per compartment	NC	12000m³	7500m³
	Max. storage height	15m	+Ref Table 9.8D & E	12m
Multi-storey warehouse without vehicular ramp	Max. floor area per compartment	6000m²	3000m²	2000m²
	Max. cubical extent per compartment	NC	12000m³	7500m³
	Max. storage height	15m	+Ref Table 9.8D & E	12m
Warehouse located in basement	Max. floor area per compartment	3000m²	NP	NP
	Max. cubical extent per compartment	12000m³	NP	NP
	Max. storage height	12m	NP	NP
Note : NC = No Control NP = Not Permit * = Subject to full compliance of Cl.3.2.7a. and Cl.1.4.68d. ⁺ = Storage height not exceeding the limits for goods in the various categories suitable for ordinary hazard protection (you may also refer to Table 9.8D & Table 9.8E.

TABLE 9.8B: SMOKE CONTROL REQUIREMENTS FOR GENERAL WAREHOUSE

TABLE 9.8B : SMOKE CONTROL REQUIREMENTS FOR GENERAL WAREHOUSE
Location of Warehouse	Compartment Size	Provision of Sprinkler System	Smoke Control Requirement
Aboveground level	<= 100m²	no	NR
	> 100m² and <= 400m²	no	^aSmoke vent (min % openings follow Table 9.8C)
	> 400m² to size limit of Table 9.8A	no	^bSmoke vent (20% / 12m)
	<= 700m²	yes	NR
	> 700m² and <= 5000m²	yes	^cSmoke vent or ⁺purging system
	> 5000m²	yes	engineered smoke control system
Underground level (*Basement)	<= 2000m²	yes	^cSmoke vent or +purging system
Underground level (*Basement)	> 2000m²	yes	engineered smoke control system
Note: NR = Not Required a = smoke vent openings base on the Table 9.8C; b = smoke vent shall be at least 20% of the floor area it served and shall not be more than 12m measured horizontally away from any part of the warehouse; c = smoke vent shall comply with Cl.7.4.2 (adequately & evenly distributed along the perimeter of the fire compartment or basement); ⁺ = smoke purging system shall comply with Cl.7.4.3 (adequately & evenly distributed within the fire compartment or basement); * = smoke control system shall be provided for the entire basement except the protected exit shafts, lift shafts and M&E riser shafts.

TABLE 9.8C: SMOKE VENT REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-SPRINKLER-PROTECTED BUILDING

TABLE 9.8C: SMOKE VENT REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-SPRINKLER-PROTECTED BUILDING
Minimum size of smoke vent opening	Horizontal distance from smoke vent*
(Percentage of floor area)	(m)
2.5%	12m
5.0%	15m
10.0%	18m
15.0%	21m
20.0%	24m
Note: * - No area in the warehouse shall be more than the indicated distance measured horizontally from any vertical or horizontal smoke vent

TABLE 9.8D : HIGH-PILED STORAGE RISK INVOLVING FREE-STANDING STORAGE OR BLOCK STACKING

TABLE 9.8D : HIGH-PILED STORAGE RISK INVOLVING FREE-STANDING STORAGE OR BLOCK STACKING [Extract from TABLE 21(A) of SS CP 52]
Category of storage	Overall stack height (m)
Category of storage	Non-encapsulated storage	Encapsulated storage
1	4.0	3.00
2	3.0	2.25
3	2.1	1.60
4	1.2	0.90
Note: 1. The term “store” or “storage” includes the warehousing or the temporary depositing of goods or materials while undergoing process. 2. To provide for any future requirements, the height of storage shall be taken as not less than 1m below any ceiling or roof.

TABLE 9.8E : HIGH-PILED STORAGE RISK INVOLVING POST OR BOX PALLETS OR PALLETISED RACK STORAGE

TABLE 9.8E : HIGH-PILED STORAGE RISK INVOLVING POST OR BOX PALLETS OR PALLETISED RACK STORAGE [Extract from TABLE 21(B) of SS CP 52]
Category of storage	Overall stack height (m)
Category of storage	Non-encapsulated storage	Encapsulated storage
1	3.5	2.7
2	2.6	2.0
3	1.7	1.3
4	1.2	0.9
Note : 1. To provide for any future requirements, the height of storage shall be taken as not less than 1m below any ceiling or roof. 2. Good practice dictates that box or post pallet storage shall not exceed 2 rows wide in one direction. 3. Rack storage with aisles less than 1.2m in width is treated as multiple row racks.

TABLE 9.8F : IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

TABLE 9.8F : IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Class	Type of HazMat
1	Explosives (1.1 to 1.6)
2.1	Flammable gases
2.2	Non-flammable compressed gases
2.3	Poisonous gases
3	Flammable and combustible liquids
4.1	Flammable solids
4.2	Substances liable to spontaneous combustion
4.3	Substances which, dangerous when contact with water
5.1	Oxidizers
5.2	Organic peroxides
6.1	Poisonous substances
6.2	Infectious substances (etiologic agents)
7	Radioactive materials Category I
	Radioactive materials Category II
	Radioactive materials Category III
8	Corrosive materials
9	Miscellaneous hazardous materials (dangerous sub-substances)

TABLE 9.8G : SIZE LIMITATION

TABLE 9.8G : SIZE LIMITATION
Hazard Grade^#	Maximum Fire Compartment Size (m²)
Hazard Grade^#	K1*	K2*	K3*	K4*
3 & 4	≤ 50m²	≤ 200m²	≤ 600m²	≤ 900m²
2	≤ 100m²	≤ 400m²	≤ 2400m²	≤ 3600m²
1	≤ 400m²	≤ 2000m²	**	**
Note : (1) The required fire protection system is only restricted to the chemical/ HazMat warehouse fire compartment. However, automatic fire detectors (linked to approved alarm monitoring company) shall also be provided along the perimeter of the fire compartment wall if the building housing the HazMat warehouse is not protected with the automatic or the sprinkler system (it is only applicable where the warehouse is directly connected to other occupied area within the building through access opening). (2) The fire compartment wall shall be constructed with at least 2-hr fire resistance rating, regardless of the type of fire protection system. For Class 3 HazMat storage, it shall be masonry construction except the ceiling (all floor element above such HazMat storage shall be masonry construction with at least 2-hr fire resistance rating) can use fire-rated board but to comply fully with the M&E riser shaft requirements. (3) Different classes and incompatible HazMat shall be stored in separate fire compartment with at least 2-hr fire resistance rating. (4) No basement floor is allowed to store Hazardous materials. (5) The compartment size limit and type of fire protection system for Class 2 HazMat shall follow Hazard Grade 1 requirements. (6) Fire-rated roller shutter is not allowed for the purpose to limit the compartment size control; any fire-rated roller shutter at the access opening shall be activated by either local automatic smoke detection system or/ and the general building automatic fire alarm system. ** = No specific limit but to comply with the fire safety requirements for general warehouse. * = Refer to Table 9.8H for classification of fire protection system ^# = Refer to Table 9.8I for hazard grade classification

TABLE 9.8H : CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

TABLE 9.8H : CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
CLASS	Fire Protection System
CLASS	Type	Monitoring
K1	Manual fire alarm system	To be connected to an approved alarm monitoring company
K2	Automatic fire alarm system	To be connected to an approved alarm monitoring company
K3	Automatic fire sprinkler system	To be connected to an approved alarm monitoring company
K4	Automatic foam sprinkler system	To be connected to an approved alarm monitoring company

TABLE 9.8I : HAZARD GRADE CLASSIFICATION

TABLE 9.8I : HAZARD GRADE CLASSIFICATION
Hazard Classification		Hazard Grade
Hazard Classification		4	3	2	1	0
Liquids	Class 3	Category I & 2	Category 3	Category 4	Flash point > 150°C	Only burns with supporting fire
Liquids	Class 3	Flash point < 23°C	Flash point 23 - 60°C	Flash point 60 - 150°C	Flash point > 150°C	Only burns with supporting fire
Solid Materials	Class 4	Ignites very easily and burns rapidly	Ignites and burns rapidly	Readily combustible	Moderately combustible	Combustible only with supporting fire
Oxidizing Agent	Class 5.1	Class 4	Class 3	Class 2	-	-
Oxidizing Agent	Class 5.1	Vary strong oxidizing agent (may be classified under explosive substance)	Strong oxidizing agent	Weak oxidizing agent	-	-
Oxidizing Peroxide	Class 5.2	Class I	Class II	Class III	Class IV	Class V

TABLE 9.8J : PROVISION OF FIRE ENGINE ACCESSWAY

TABLE 9.8J : PROVISION OF FIRE ENGINE ACCESSWAY
Cubical Extent	Minimum Length of Fire Engine Acessway*
Cubical Extent	Non-sprinkler-protected	Sprinkler-protected
< 7100m³	⅙ perimeter	⅙ perimeter
> 7100m³ and < 14200m³	¼ perimeter	⅙ perimeter
> 14200m³ and < 28400m³	½ perimeter	¼ perimeter
> 28400m³ and < 42400m³	¾ perimeter	½ perimeter
> 42400m³ and < 56800m³	island site access	¾ perimeter
> 56800m³	island site access	island site access
Note : * = Length of fire engine accessway shall be as shown or 15m, whichever is the greater.

TABLE 9.8K : MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITIES (MAQ)

TABLE 9.8K : MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITIES (MAQ) IN LABORATORY FOR LIQUID
Laboratory Unit	Max Quantity (excluding qty in cabinet)	Max Quantity (including qty in cabinet)
(litres per lab unit floor area)	(litres per lab unit floor area)
Laboratory not within hospital or healthcare occupancy	(a) 50L or (b) 1.6 L/m² and not more than: (1) 350 L for non-sprinkler-protected building, or (2) 500 L for sprinkler- protected building)	3.2 L/m² and not more than: (1) 750 L for non-sprinkler-protected building, or (2) 1000 L for sprinkler-protected building)
1. liquids stored/used do not consist of category 1 or 2 flammable liquid
2. liquids stored / used consist of category 1 or 2 flammable liquid	(a) 20 L or (b) 0.8 L/m² and not more than: (1) 250 L for non-sprinkler-protected building, or (2) 350 L for sprinkler- protected building)	1.6 L/m² and not more than: (1) 500 L for non-sprinkler-protected building, or (2) 750 L for sprinkler-protected building)
Laboratory within hospital or healthcare occupancy	(a) 10 L or (b) 0.4 L/m² and not more than: (1) 150 L for non-sprinkler-protected building, or (2) 250 L for sprinkler- protected building)	0.8 L/m² and not more than: (1) 250 L for non-sprinkler- protected building, or (2) 500 L for sprinkler-protected building)
1. liquids stored/used do not consist of category 1 or 2 flammable liquid
2. liquids stored/used consist of category 1 or 2 flammable liquid	(a) 5 L or (b) 0.4 L/m² and not more than: (1) 150L for non-sprinkler- protected building, or (2) 250 L for sprinkler- protected building)	0.8 L/m² and not more than: (1) 250 L for non-sprinkler- protected building, or (2) 500 L for sprinkler-protected building)
Note : (1) Individual lab unit shall be a fire compartment. (2) Each safety cabinet is still restricted to max of 250L (to comply with SS 532). (3) Laboratory operators are strongly advised and encouraged to minimise their amount of flammable liquids on benches by returning them to chemical store or safety cabinets (UL, FM or PLS listed product) when the liquids are not needed for the day. The quantity of these liquids placed on benches and fume cupboards shall not exceed 10% of the total allowable storage capacity within the lab unit. Liquids used for running and operating laboratory instruments or other works-in- progress which may require some quantities of solvents to operate are exempted from the 10% limit.

TABLE 9.8K : MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITIES (MAQ)

IN LABORATORY FOR LIQUID

Laboratory Unit

Max Quantity (excluding qty in cabinet)

Max Quantity (including qty in cabinet)

(litres per lab unit floor area)

(litres per lab unit floor

area)

Laboratory not within hospital or healthcare occupancy

(a) 50L or

(b) 1.6 L/m² and not more than:

(1) 350 L for non-sprinkler-protected building, or

(2) 500 L for sprinkler- protected building)

3.2 L/m² and not more than:

(1) 750 L for non-sprinkler-protected building, or

(2) 1000 L for sprinkler-protected building)

1. liquids stored/used do not consist of category 1 or 2 flammable liquid

2. liquids stored / used consist of category 1 or 2 flammable liquid

(a) 20 L or

(b) 0.8 L/m² and not more than:

(1) 250 L for non-sprinkler-protected building, or

(2) 350 L for sprinkler- protected building)

1.6 L/m² and not more than:

(1) 500 L for non-sprinkler-protected building, or

(2) 750 L for sprinkler-protected building)

Laboratory within hospital

or healthcare occupancy

(a) 10 L or

(b) 0.4 L/m² and not more than:

(1) 150 L for non-sprinkler-protected building, or

(2) 250 L for sprinkler- protected building)

0.8 L/m² and not more than:

(1) 250 L for non-sprinkler- protected building, or

(2) 500 L for sprinkler-protected building)

1. liquids stored/used do not consist of category 1 or 2 flammable liquid

2. liquids stored/used consist of category 1 or 2 flammable liquid

(a) 5 L or

(b) 0.4 L/m² and not more than:

(1) 150L for non-sprinkler- protected building, or

(2) 250 L for sprinkler- protected building)

0.8 L/m² and not more than:

(1) 250 L for non-sprinkler- protected building, or

(2) 500 L for sprinkler-protected building)

Note :

(1) Individual lab unit shall be a fire compartment.

(2) Each safety cabinet is still restricted to max of 250L (to comply with SS 532).

(3) Laboratory operators are strongly advised and encouraged to minimise their amount of flammable liquids on benches by returning them to chemical store or safety cabinets (UL, FM or PLS listed product) when the liquids are not needed for the day. The quantity of these liquids placed on benches and fume cupboards shall not exceed 10% of the total allowable storage capacity within the lab unit. Liquids used for running and operating laboratory instruments or other works-in- progress which may require some quantities of solvents to operate are exempted from the 10% limit.

TABLE 9.8L : MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITIES (MAQ) IN LABORATORY FOR GASES

TABLE 9.8L : MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITIES (MAQ) IN LABORATORY FOR GASES
Item	Types of Gases	Maximum Quantity (litres per lab unit floor area protected by sprinkler system)
1	Flammable gases	(a) 170 L or (b) 3.4 L/m² per cluster
2	Oxidizing gases	(a) 170 L or (b) 3.4 L/m²per cluster
3	Liquefied flammable gases*	(a) 30 L or (b) 0.6 L/m² per cluster
4	Toxic gases	(a) 8 L or (b) 0.16 L/m² per cluster
Note : (1) The capacity in litres (L) is referred to the internal volume (water capacity) of the gas cylinder. (2) Laboratory work Area is not necessary be individual fire compartment but shall be housed within a lab unit. (3) For item 1 to 3, the MAQ shall be halved for those building which is not protected with sprinkler system. (4) Item 1 to 4 may be accommodated in a single cluster and be spaced at least 3m apart from each cluster (6m for building without sprinkler protection). (5) To comply with NFPA 45 for others requirements such as the ventilation (4 & 8 air changes), hazard identification and” No Smoking” signs etc. (6) The provision of sprinkler system shall be designed under the Ordinary Hazard Group 3 Special (SS CP 52). (7) No combustible materials shall be placed within 3m buffer range of the gas cylinder; (8) No flammable or combustible liquid shall be placed within 6m buffer range of the gas cylinder. (9) For storage and handling of Class 2 HazMat in enclosed space (including the concealed space of raised floor and ceiling), metal pipe sleeve and gas leak detection system shall be provided to reduce the accumulation of gases and vapours that may cause danger to occupant, building and emergency response team. Oxygen-level monitoring system shall be provided to prevent the possibility of oxygen-deletion (asphyxiation) within the room; (10) The air-conditioning system and MV system for laboratory unit shall not be shared with other occupied areas. * = For LPG cylinders, only 2 x 4.5kg cylinders are allowed for each lab unit.

9.9

Others

9.9.1

Buildings designated for conservation and buildings built before 1969

General
Cl.9.9.1 is applicable to buildings with timber floor/ staircase designated for conservation by the authority having jurisdiction or buildings built before 1969. Change of use of these buildings to public accommodation purpose is not permitted. Upgrading of fire safety works shall be applicable to the whole building; partial upgrading of building is not allowed.

Rationale

Clause 9.9.1a

To assist URA in their programme on conservation of old shophouses in the early 1990s,a set of fire safety guidelines was jointly drawn up by URA and SCDF, and issued by URA on 28 July 1993 under Circular No. URA/PB/93/20-CUDD. To apply the safety requirements from the existing Fire Code would mean that timber floors and timber staircases could not be retained. Hence, a separate set of fire safety guidelines was considered necessary.

Thus, it was agreed that timber floors and staircases could be retained, but the timber floors are to be upgraded to have minimum half hour fire resistance rating and that the timber staircases are required to be made protected at the 1st and upper storey, and shall be made to discharge into the five footway or rear backlane.

For shophouses that have timber floors and timber staircases, there shall be no change of use to boarding houses, hotels, workers’ quarters and the like because of the sleeping risk involved. Partial upgrading of building is considered not acceptable.

For shophouses which are not designated by URA for conservation, there is no incentive for the building owners to upgrade their buildings to have proper fire protection to the timber floors and the timber staircases. These shophouses would be considered as fire hazard.

SCDF did a survey on old shophouses and decided that the above relaxation on compliance of fire safety requirements given to shophouses under conservation should be extended to old shophouses that existed before 1969. The relaxation would provide incentive for building owners to renovate their old shophouse to comply with the set of fire safety guidelines issued by URA, instead of having to change all the timber floors/staircases to non-combustible materials to comply with the current fire code.

Timber floor joists and boards without addition of new attic
1. 2 and 3-storey shophouses
  1. Timber floor boards shall be pressure impregnated with flame retardant chemicals, in order to expose the timber floor joists and boards to retain the existing characteristics of the shophouse. For timber floor joints that fulfil the fire resistance rating requirements, they are not required to be pressure impregnated. Alternatively, timber floor boards shall be lined on the floor joists with non-combustible boards to achieve at least ½-hr fire resistance rating. For residential use, this condition does not apply. Existing timber floors can be retained provided there is no increase in floor areas or addition of a new attic. (See Diagram 9.9.1b.(1)(a) - 1 & 2)
    Diagram 9.9.1b.(1)(a) - 1 : Retaining existing 2-storey shophouse
    Diagram 9.9.1b.(1)(a) - 2 : Retaining existing 3-storey shophouse
  2. Timber floor joists and boards at the soffit of the five-footway ceiling can be left exposed.
2. 4-storey shophouses
  1. Timber floor joists and boards shall be lined on the underside between the floor joists with non-combustible boards to achieve at least 1-hr fire resistance rating.
  2. Timber floor joists and boards at the soffit of the five-footway ceiling can be left exposed.
Timber floor joists and boards with addition of new attic
1. 2-storey shophouses
  1. Timber floor boards lined on the underside between the floor joists with non-combustible boards to achieve at least ½-hr fire resistance rating. (See Diagram 9.9.1c.(1)(a))
    Diagram 9.9.1c.(1)(a) : Adding new attic to existing 2-storey shophouse
  2. Timber floor joists and boards at the soffit of the five-footway ceiling can be left exposed.
  3. The floor area of the attic shall not be lower than the highest point of the front façade window at the last storey, i.e. top of the window or fanlight.
  4. The floor area of the attic shall not exceed 50% of the floor immediately below or 50m², whichever is less, per compartment.
  5. An open connecting staircase to the attic can be considered, provided that the travel distance complies with Cl.9.9.1g..
2. 3 and 4-storey shophouses
  1. Full protection shall be provided for floor joists and boards of all floors, i.e. timber floor boards shall be lined on the underside between the floor joists to achieve at least 1-hr fire resistance rating. (See Diagram 9.9.1c.(2)(a)).
    Diagram 9.9.1c.(2)(a) : Adding new attic to existing 3-storey shophouse
  2. Timber floor joists and boards at the soffit of the five-footway ceiling can be left exposed.
  3. The floor level of the attic shall not be lower than the highest point of the front façade window at the last storey, i.e., top of the window or fanlight.
  4. The attic floor shall be set-back at least 1.5m from the inner face of the front façade and rear walls to allow for visual connection to the storey below. See Diagram 9.9.1c.(2)(d).
    Diagram 9.9.1c.(2)(d) : Visual connection between the attic and the floor below
  5. The floor area of the attic shall not exceed 50% of the floor immediately below or 50m², whichever is less, per compartment.
  6. An open connecting staircase to the attic is allowed provided that the travel distance complies with Cl.9.9.1g..
Protection of exit staircases
1. 2-storey shophouses
  1. Timber staircases, which serve as a means of escape, shall be protected and comply with:
    1. Compartmentation requirements of at least 1-hr fire resistance rating; and
    2. Pressure impregnation with flame retardant chemicals.
  2. For residential shophouses, without addition of new attic and to be occupied by one family only, the timber staircase can be left exposed and need not be compartmentalised.
  3. For non-residential shophouses, the timber staircase can be left exposed at the second storey level, provided all of the following are complied with:
    1. Travel distances on the second storey are complied with, i.e. the distance from the most remote point of the floor to the edge of the staircase landing is less than 13m or alternative escape staircase is available, e.g. rear escape staircase.
    2. The timber staircase is compartmentalised at the first storey by at least 1-hr fire-rated enclosures.
    3. There is no attic level in the second storey.
2. 3-storey shophouses
  1. Timber staircases, which serve as a means of escape, shall be protected and comply with:
    1. Compartmentation requirements of at least 1-hr fire resistance rating; and
    2. Pressure impregnation with flame retardant chemicals.
  2. For residential shophouses, without addition of new attic and to be occupied by one family only, the timber staircase can be left exposed and need not be compartmentalised.
3. 4-storey shophouses
  Timber staircases, which serve as a means of escape, shall be protected and comply with:
  1. Compartmentation requirements of at least 1-hr fire resistance rating; and
  2. Pressure impregnation with flame retardant chemicals.
Air well and covering over air well
1. 2-storey shophouses
  1. For air well that has the same usage for all floors, the following coverings shall be used:
    1. A fixed covering up to the level below the main roof eaves with approved materials such as non-drip acrylic, non-drip polycarbonate and glass, or
    2. A fully openable covering (retractable or spring open type), by activation of smoke detectors and fire alarm system, up to the level below the roof eaves with approved materials such as non-drip acrylic, non-drip polycarbonate and glass.
  2. For air well that has different usage for all floors, the following coverings shall be used:
    1. A fixed covering up to the 2nd storey floor level with approved materials such as non-drip acrylic, non-drip polycarbonate and glass, or
    2. A fully openable covering (retractable or spring open type), by activation of smoke detectors and fire alarm system, up to the level below the roof eaves with approved materials such as non-drip acrylic, non-drip polycarbonate and glass.
  3. The air well shall not be enclosed.
2. 3 and 4-storey shophouses
  1. For air well that has the same usage for all floors, the following coverings shall be used:
    1. A fixed opening up to the third storey level with approved materials such as non-drip acrylic, non-drip polycarbonate and glass, is allowed, or
    2. A fully openable covering (retractable or spring open type), by activation of smoke detectors and fire alarm system, up to the level below the roof eaves with, such as non-drip acrylic, non- drip polycarbonate and glass.
  2. For air well that has different usage for all floors, the following coverings shall be used:
    1. A fixed covering up to the 2nd storey floor level with approved materials such as non-drip acrylic, non-drip polycarbonate and glass, or
    2. A fully openable covering (retractable or spring open type), by activation of smoke detectors and fire alarm system, up to the level below the roof eaves with approved materials such as non-drip acrylic, non-drip polycarbonate and glass.
  3. The air well shall not be enclosed.
Amalgamation of shophouse units
1. If the amalgamation of shophouses is more than two units, fire shutters or fire doors shall be provided to the openings at the separating wall between every two units of shophouses.
2. For amalgamation of shophouse units exceeding an AFA of 2000m², sprinkler system shall be provided for protection against rapid spread of fire due to higher fire load in a larger space.
3. Timber floor joints and boards shall be provided with full protection for all floors, i.e. covering the underside of the floor boards in between joists with non-combustible boards if the joist size is adequate.
4. Addition of attic floor shall not exceed 50m² per compartment.
5. There shall be at least two independent exit staircases or other exits from every storey of a building, unless otherwise permitted under Cl.9.4.1 and Cl.9.5.1.

Rationale

Clause 9.9.1f.(2)

The reason for raising the limit of the AFA of amalgamated shophouse units from 1900m² to 2000m² is for the ease of remembering and alignment with the limit of underground compartment size where sprinkler system provision is required.

Means of escape for all shophouses
1. If there is only one escape route, the maximum travel distance shall not exceed 13m for non-sprinkler-protected buildings. Residential shophouses not exceeding 3 storeys and occupied by one family only are not subject to this requirement.
2. Provision of at least ½-hr fire-rated door at the exit staircase discharge can be accepted in lieu of Cl.2.3.3a.(3), which states that there shall be no unprotected openings of occupancy areas within 1.5m horizontally of the internal exit staircase ventilation/discharge point.
Alarm system for all shophouses
1. For shophouses not exceeding 3 storeys and/or amalgamation of not more than 2 shophouse units, manual alarm system is acceptable.
2. For shophouses exceeding 3 storeys or having an amalgamation of more than 2 units, automatic alarm system shall be provided.
Covering of rear courtyard for all shophouses
1. If there is a protected exit staircase located at the rear courtyard, the entire space can be covered, up to the 2nd storey floor level, provided the exit staircase discharges to the back-lane.
2. If the exit staircase does not discharge directly to the back-lane but through the rear courtyard, that part of the rear courtyard forming the escape route from the staircase door to the back door shall be made a protected passageway.
Direction of door swing for all shophouses
1. Door swings at the first storey are allowed to swing into the units so as not to obstruct the walkways.
2. However, where the aggregate occupant load served by the exit staircase exceeds 50 persons, the door shall swing in the escape direction and shall be recessed.
Electrical/ water/ gas meters, telecoms trunking and hose reel pipes for all shophouses
1. For shophouses with a separate exit staircase enclosure at the front leading to the upper storeys, electrical and water meters and Telecoms trunking are allowed to be located within the exit staircase enclosure provided that they are boxed-up with non-combustible materials, e.g. non-combustible boards or metal casing.
2. All hose reel pipes are to be located within the shophouse and hose reels shall be located near exit doorways.
Retention of timber floor in main building to be conserved with new rear extension of reinforced concrete floors
1. Timber floors in the main building to be conserved with new extension of reinforced concrete floors are subject to the following requirements:
  1. The old and new blocks are to be treated as separate buildings;
  2. Independent escape staircases are to be provided in each of the old and new blocks and the requirement on maximum travel distance is to be complied with;
  3. A fire separation in the form of fire walls and fire doors is to be provided between the old and new blocks (see Diagram 9.9.1l.(1)(c));
    Diagram 9.9.1l.(1)(c) : Fire separation between the old and new blocks
  4. Air wells, if provided, shall have a minimum distance of 4m apart between window openings; and
  5. If integration is such that it is considered as a single block, the building (old and new) shall be constructed of reinforced concrete.
2. Existing timber flooring of PG I residential building under conservation need not comply with the above-mentioned requirements provided that the following conditions are met:
  1. the residential building shall not exceed 3 levels (attic and basement shall be considered as a level);
  2. there shall be no amalgamation of units; and
  3. other requirements stipulated in the conservation requirements, such as protection to the existing timber flooring, etc. shall be complied with.

9.9.2

Temporary buildings on construction sites

All temporary structures/ buildings including site offices or housing quarters on construction sites shall comply with SS 547.

Note to QP

Regulation 42 of the Fire Safety (Building Fire Safety) Regulations allows the building industry to self-regulate the fire safety works in temporary buildings on construction sites. Submission of plans of the temporary buildings to the SCDF is not required. However, the plans, duly endorsed by a QP, shall be available on site for inspection by the SCDF at all times.

All temporary workers’ quarters shall be maintained in good condition and they shall not be allowed to deteriorate through unauthorised extensions and overcrowding. Unwanted articles shall not be stored in and around the temporary workers’ quarters. All exits, escape routes and passageway shall be kept free of obstruction at all times.

9.9.3

Buildings under construction

For buildings under construction, the following fire safety requirements shall be complied with.

Provision of dry & wet risers
1. All rising mains (dry & wet) shall be made operational for all storeys (except the uppermost 3 storeys) as soon as the uppermost completed storey reaches 24m.
2. Dry & wet rising mains shall be installed progressively as the building gains height, in order to provide firefighting capabilities during all stages of construction. All outlets, landing valves inlets, water tanks and pumps, where required shall be provided and made readily operational.
Provision of normal lift/ passenger hoist
A normal lift shall be provided for the purpose of firefighting. If this is not possible at the construction stage, a passenger hoist (usually installed on site) shall be made available.
Provision of electrical supply
A generator set shall be provided for firefighting if the permanent power supply is not available prior to the completion of the building.
Provision of fire engine accessway
1. Adequate fire engine accessway shall be provided where practicable.
2. Where there is no fire engine accessway provided at site, the quantity of portable fire extinguishers shall be doubled and installed at every floor.
Provision of adequate pressure and flow
1. Rising mains shall be hydraulically tested and a pressure-release valve shall be installed at the highest point of the riser stack. For wet riser system, a break tank of 11.5m³shall be installed to support firefighting for at least 5 mins. The break tank and fire pumps shall be installed before the building reaches 60m.
2. For the testing of flow rate for the wet riser system, the topmost landing valve shall be tested (under pump/gravity feed) with a flow rate of at least 27 L/s.
Inspection checklist
The inspection checklist attached as Annex 9.9A shall be used for checking fire safety provisions for buildings under construction.

Note to QP

Clause 9.9.3a

The main contractor of the project shall work closely with the QP to ensure that all requirements for the provision of rising mains in the building are complied with during the construction stage.

Rationale

Clause 9.9.3a.(1)

This is because the uppermost 3 storeys are likely to be strutted with props and scaffoldings for the purpose of gaining structural strength. Moreover, some of the staircases are likely to be under construction and hence access to the upper storeys may not be available.

Clause 9.9.3e.(1)

This is because most of the construction sites do not have the space to accommodate full-size water tank for the wet riser system. The smaller water tank will cater for initial firefighting requirement. Subsequently, additional water supply can be drawn from the public fire hydrant after the arrival of SCDF.

Clause 9.9.3e.(2)

This minimum flow rate shall be applicable to all buildings. This is because the fire hazard in buildings of any purpose group is similar while under construction.

9.9.4

Use of hoardings and safety nets for alteration and alteration work

General
The use of hoardings and safety nets in existing buildings undergoing addition and alteration works shall comply with the requirements stated herein.
Means of escape
1. Hoarding erected within building
  1. It shall be constructed of non-combustible material. A minimum of 1.2m wide corridor shall be provided leading to the exit(s). The hoardings shall not obstruct the escape path of occupants within the building.
  2. Alternate means of escape shall be provided outside the hoarded area if the exit(s) is obstructed due to the erection of the hoarding.
2. Hoardings erected at the external of building
  1. It shall be constructed of non-combustible material and a minimum 1.2m wide foot path shall be maintained for pedestrians. The hoardings shall not obstruct the discharge route of occupants exiting at the 1st storey units and from the exit staircase(s).
  2. It shall not obstruct smoke dispersal and means of escape of nearby buildings. Where the close proximity of the partitions may affect the smoke dispersion and escape of occupants from the nearby building, the partitions shall be located at least 1.2m away from the building.
    See Diagram 9.9.4b.(2) - 1 to 4
  Diagram 9.9.4b.(2) - 1 : Hoarding obstructing means of escape
  Diagram 9.9.4b.(2) - 2 : Hoarding obstructing means of escape
  Diagram 9.9.4b.(2) - 3 : Hoarding obstructing openings for smoke dispersal
  Diagram 9.9.4b.(2) - 4 : Hoarding obstructing openings for smoke dispersal
Fire protection and firefighting provisions
1. Hoardings erected within building
  1. For addition & alteration works involving sprinkler/ automatic alarm system, the systems covering these areas not under addition & alteration works shall remain active. For areas not involved in addition & alteration works but detector/ sprinkler heads are being isolated due to same zone/ control valve, the management shall arrange for additional surveillance checks so as to be alerted of fire at its incipient stage.
  2. Whenever possible, new systems shall be installed first before deactivating the existing systems so as to minimise the duration of no sprinkler/ automatic alarm protection to the areas affected by A&A works.
  3. The sprinkler/ automatic alarm system shall resume its operation again immediately at the end of the day wherever feasible.
  4. Within the hoarded area(s), 50kg fire extinguisher(s) in trolley shall be provided near the hoarding exit access door. Each fire extinguisher shall not cover more than 20m.
  5. Fire extinguishers and hose reels outside the hoarded area(s) shall be made available.
2. Hoardings erected at the external of building shall not obstruct public/private hydrant and fire engine accessway/fire engine access road.
Fire safety requirements for safety nets
1. Safety nets shall not obstruct the ventilation opening to rooms/areas where smoke ventilation is required, such as exit staircase, fire lift lobby, smoke-free lobby, flammable stores, kitchen with open-flame cooking, car parks, etc.
2. No hot work and activities which generate sparks such as welding, cutting and grinding shall be permitted within 3m from the safety net. If unavoidable, these works shall be isolated/ shielded from the safety nets by a non-combustible shielding material.

Note to QP

Clause 9.9.4

Note to QPs/Building Owners/Managements Clause 9.9.4

The building owner/management and/or QP shall notify all the tenants/occupants of the locations of alternate means of escape two weeks prior to carrying out the hoarding and renovation works. At the same time, inform the nearest SCDF fire station of any hoarding works that affect the following firefighting facilities:
1. Fire hydrants;
2. Fire engine accessway/fire engine access road;
3. Fire lift;
4. Exit staircase; and
5. Dry/wet riser.
These affected firefighting facilities would have to be clearly shown on the plans and submitted to the relevant fire station. The QP shall also highlight alternative or nearest firefighting facilities that can be accessed by the fire station responding personnel. The building management or building owner shall be responsible for the compliance of Cl.9.9.4a.(2).
The building management or QP shall ensure a copy of QP-endorsed hoarding plans is kept at the FCC or security guard room (if there is no FCC) at all times if the hoarding affect the areas/facilities mentioned in the paragraph 1 above. If there is no FCC and security guard room, these QP-endorsed plans shall be kept at the information counter.
Note:
While the building management or QP can undertake the above tasks, the building management or owner (if there is no building mangement) shall still be responsible to ensure their compliance,
For buildings without building management, the QP shall forward a copy of the hoarding plans to the building owner and assist with the above tasks on behalf of the building owner. Thereafter, the building owner shall ensure compliance with paragraph 3 above.

Note to QPs Clause 9.9.4

There is no plan submission required on the use of hoarding. However, a copy of QP endorsed hoarding plans shall be kept by the building management either at the FCC or security guard room (if there is no FCC) if the hoardings affect any of the following:
1. Means of escape.
2. Fire protection system (e.g. sprinkler/detector points).
3. Firefighting system (e.g. dry/wet riser, hose reel & fire extinguisher).
4. Means of access to carry out firefighting operation, (e.g. fire lifts).
5. Hydrants and fire engine accessway/fire engine access road.
Plan submission on the use of safety nets on the external façade of a building is not required. However, requirements stipulated under Cl.9.9.4d.(1) shall be complied with.

9.9.5

Engineered timber building construction

General
The engineered timber product shall be listed in accordance with the requirements of the product listing scheme.
Building design
1. The habitable height of any healthcare occupancy in an engineered timber building shall not exceed 12m, including mezzanine levels.
2. A fire safety performance-based (PB) approach shall be adopted in the design of any engineered timber building where its habitable height exceeds 12m.
3. The engineered timber building shall be fully protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
  Exception: An automatic sprinkler system can only be exempted under the following circumstances:
  1. alternative fire protection measures (e.g., fully encapsulated timber elements) are provided to minimise fire damage to the timber structures, in lieu of the sprinkler system;
  2. the building does not exceed 12m in habitable height;
  3. the building is protected by an automatic fire alarm system compliant with SS 645; and
  4. the building does not contain any healthcare occupancy.
4. Where an automatic sprinkler system is required, the system shall be designed in accordance with SS CP 52. The automatic sprinkler system shall not be shared among different engineered timber buildings if the latter is under different occupier. If the external facade of the engineered timber building is unable to meet the stated performance in accordance with Cl.3.5 for prevention of external fire spread, the external facade shall be required to be protected by a deluge system in accordance to SS CP 52, or any other suppression system that is shown to be effective in preventing vertical fire spread.
5. The use of engineered timber for elements of structure shall be permitted only for areas above the floor slab of the ground floor. The ground floor slab and basement floors below it shall not have elements of structure constructed using engineered timber.
6. Essential escape provisions such as staircase shafts and lift shafts of an engineered timber building shall be constructed of non-combustible materials which achieve the necessary fire resistance rating.
  Exception: Engineered timber can only be used as elements of structure for essential escape provisions under the following circumstances:
  1. the surfaces of engineered timber elements shall be protected by fire-rated board so that the composite element is able to achieve the necessary fire rating;
  2. the building does not exceed 12m in habitable height; and
  3. the building does not contain any healthcare occupancy.
    This exception shall not apply to staircase shelters designed to comply with the Technical Requirements for Storey Shelters.
7. Essential facilities for fire safety and firefighting operations (such as FCC, fire pump rooms, generator rooms, and smoke-free/ fire lift lobbies) shall be separated from other areas of the engineered timber building project by non-combustible material or encapsulated engineered timber, either of which shall achieve the necessary fire resistance rating.
8. The use of flammable gas cylinders for cooking is not permitted in the engineered timber building premises if the engineered timber building has access to piped-gas supply for cooking.
9. Where the usage of the building potentially involves the use of flammable gas cylinders (either for cooking, storage, factory production, etc.) which may result in explosions, the use of engineered timber as elements of structure is not allowed unless the engineered timber building is designed to take into account the explosive actions based on EN 1991 or other relevant internationally recognised standards.
10. Residential engineered timber building projects shall fully comply with the Technical Requirements for Household Shelters and Technical Requirements for Storey Shelters.
11. The engineered timber building project shall comply with the design & fire test performance requirements stipulated in European (EN) standards which include BS EN 1995, BS EN 1363, BS EN 1365 & other internationally recognised standards deemed appropriate and necessary by the SCDF.

Note to QP

Clause 9.9.5

Where automatic fire detection/suppression systems are installed, the engineered timber building owner shall undertake to engage a QP to conduct annual inspection of these systems and to submit inspection reports to the SCDF.
The QP responsible for the design of the engineered timber building project shall inform the SCDF of the project prior to the design and construction of the project. During the construction stage, the QP shall ensure that the engineered timber project work site complies with Cl.9.9.3. In addition, there shall be no smoking or use of naked flames within the engineered timber project work site.
Compliance with the requirements for an engineered timber construction does not exempt the building owner from the need to obtain the necessary permits or approval of plans from the authorities having jurisdiction, including the SCDF.

9.9.6

Use of flammable refrigerants

For PG I and II buildings, the use of flammable refrigerants is not permitted in building air-conditioning systems which require installation of piping into occupied areas. This includes both single and multi-split systems.
Exception:
1. The use of R32 is permitted in split air-conditioning systems.
2. The use of flammable refrigerants is permitted in refrigerators, and standalone wall-mounted air-conditioners, provided:
  1. the refrigerator or air-conditioner is regulated by the a authority having jurisdiction;
  2. the refrigerator or air-conditioner is meant solely for domestic use;
  3. the amount of flammable refrigerant has a charge weight cap of at most 150g; and
  4. the refrigerant is hermetically sealed within the refrigerator.
For PG III to VIII buildings, the use of flammable refrigerants is not permitted in refrigeration systems, e.g., coldrooms, chiller rooms, and food storage factories, which are meant for commercial purposes.
Exception:
The use of flammable refrigerants is permitted in standalone commercial refrigeration systems, provided Cl.9.9.6a.(2)(c) and Cl.9.9.6a.(2)(d) are complied with.
For industrial process refrigeration systems, flammable refrigerants are not permitted unless:
1. there are no alternatives which can achieve the necessary specific performance required for the industrial process; and
2. workplace safety requirements of the authority having jurisdiction are complied with.

9.9.7

Mega underground developments

General
This section provides the broad fire safety requirements for mega underground developments. It is applicable to mega underground developments regardless of size and number of occupants. Mega underground development refers to underground levels with lifts and/ or horizontal access as the primary means of egress. There is no habitable space immediately above the cavern units, which are enclosed chambers within the fire-compartmented underground developments.
Means of escape
1. Each underground development shall be provided with at least two exit shafts.
2. At least two exit staircases (at least 1.5m in width but not exceeding 2m) located at the exit shafts shall be provided for the underground development. The width of exit staircases shall be determined by the occupant load and uses of the cavern. The minimum width requirement is not applicable to exit staircases serving the cavern units. Such exit staircases shall comply with the requirements stipulated in Cl.2.3.3. Exit staircases are not the primary means of escape.
3. Fire lift lobby shall be provided at each exit shaft.
4. All cavern units shall be provided with at least two-way escape regardless of whether one-way travel distance can be complied with. One-way travel distance shall not exceed 20m and two-way travel distance shall not exceed 50m.
5. The travel distance refers to the distance required to be traversed from the most remote point in the cavern to the edge of a fire door opening directly into the protected corridor.
6. Protected corridors (enclosed by fire-rated wall/ floor) shall be provided for all cavern units at every storey. The corridor shall have direct access to the protected shaft.
7. Protected corridors shall be sectorised by fire doors. Each sector shall not consist of more than four cavern units or more than 60m (measure along the corridor). Only those doors in the sectors affected by fire need to be closed during activation of alarm.
Structural fire precautions
1. Fire compartmentation shall be provided for each cavern unit. Each compartment shall not exceed 4000m² and 15000m³.
2. Different tenancy units shall be compartmented.
3. The element of structure/compartment of each cavern unit shall have fire resistance rating of at least 4 hours.
4. Walls, ceilings, roof covering and finishes containing plastic material shall comply with the requirements stipulated in Cl.3.15.19.
5. Internal non-load bearing walls and ceilings shall be constructed of non- combustible material.
6. The surface of a wall or ceiling along protected corridor shall have a surface spread of flame of Class 0 rating.
7. The exit staircases shall be constructed of masonry. However, if drywall construction is used it shall comply with Cl.3.8.7b..
Vehicular access
1. Fire engine access road having minimum 4m width and overhead clearance of at least 4.5m for access by pump appliance shall be provided for firefighters to conduct firefighting and rescue operations.
2. Provision to alternative means of vehicle access into the underground development shall be considered.
3. The fire engine access road shall be protected from fire and smoke, and shall lead directly to the ground level.
4. Clear smoke height shall be maintained along the access road. Pushing the smoke out directly through the tunnel is not allowed.
5. Private hydrants shall be provided along the fire engine access road such that every part of the fire engine access road shall be within an unobstructed distance of 50m from the nearest hydrant.
Firefighting provisions
A room shall be provided to house the firefighting and rescue equipment. The requirements for storage area are as follows:
1. two storage areas per storey, with one near each of the exit shafts;
2. room size shall comply with the dimensions 2m in width, 2m in length and 2.1m in height; and
3. provision of four 64mm-diameter hoses, four 38mm-diameter hoses, one dividing breeching, two 38mm-diameter nozzles and two complete sets of breathing apparatus.
4. buggies shall be provided at each level to facilitate firefighting and rescue operations. The requirements for buggies are as follow:
  1. 2 buggies per level. Each near the room storing firefighting equipment;
  2. 4 seaters;
  3. able to mount 1 stretcher;
  4. electrically-operated;
  5. the size of the buggies shall be of approved type by the SCDF; and
  6. the buggies can be used by in-house fire and security personnel provided the buggies are driven back to the holding area during emergency.
Firefighting system, detection and alarm
1. The underground development shall be protected with an automatic sprinkler system.
2. Wet risers shall be provided such that every part of the underground development is not more than 38m from the nearest wet riser landing valve. The wet riser pipes are allowed to run horizontally but the landing valves shall be located within the protected corridor.
3. Breeching inlet shall be installed at one of the vertical access shafts at ground level. It shall be located near the FCC.
4. At least two fire lifts shall be provided for each exit shaft. The fire lift shall have access to every habitable floor and shall be adjacent and accessible to an exit staircase and be approached by a firefighting lobby at each storey. The fire lifts shall home to the ground level (i.e., top of shaft) during activation of alarm and power failure.
5. All passenger lifts shall be double up as evacuation lift and shall be located within the fire lift lobby. They need not be fire lifts but shall be installed with evacuation switch, connecting to the emergency backup supply, and shall home to ground level in an emergency. The use of these lifts for emergency evacuation shall be supervised by the emergency responders.
6. The fire lift car shall have a clear area/ space of not less than 2m (depth) x 1.5m (width).
7. Water mist system can be permitted as substitute of automatic sprinklers provided that the requirements are in accordance with Cl.6.4.6.
8. FCC shall be located at ground level. It shall be located beside one of the protected shafts.
Effective communication systems and holding area
1. Effective communication system shall be provided for the SCDF at the underground developments to conduct firefighting and rescue operations.
2. One-way emergency voice communication system such as emergency wireless broadcast system shall be provided for the underground developments. Two-way emergency voice communications system shall be provided between FCC and the essential areas stipulated in Cl.8.2.2.
3. A holding area shall be provided for the underground development. The size of the holding area shall take into considerations the total occupant load within that floor and shall be calculated based on 0.3m2/person.
4. The holding area shall be provided with engineered smoke control system and shall have direct connection to the fire lift lobby.
Mechanical ventilation and smoke control system
1. Engineered smoke control system shall be provided for the underground development and fire engine access road.
2. Exit staircases, smoke-free lobbies and fire lift lobbies shall be pressurised.
3. The air-handling system for the affected smoke zone and the adjacent zones shall be shut down to avoid re-circulating through the system.
Restriction of hazardous materials
1. Hazardous, flammable and combustible materials shall be prohibited or controlled strictly if they have to be used within the facilities.
2. If small quantities are needed, special approval has to be obtained from the SCDF.
Provision for emergency directional signage/ generator
1. Photoluminescent marking/ tape to guide occupants along evacuation routes to appropriate exits shall be provided:
  1. along internal walls and/ or floors of the exit staircase and protected lobby;
  2. at the exit staircase door; and
  3. in designated corridor with exit directional sign.
2. The duration of operation for standby generator shall be in accordance with the requirements stipulated in SS 535.
3. Lifts at the cavern units shall be connected to the standby generator.

Annex 9.9A: Inspection Checklist for Building Under Construction

ANNEX 9.9A : INSPECTION CHECKLIST FOR BUILDING UNDER CONSTRUCTION
S/No.	Description	In Order		If no, remedy action/comments
S/No.	Description	Yes	No	If no, remedy action/comments
PART A : PROVISION OF FIREFIGHTING SYSTEMS
Rising Mains
1	Dry rising mains shall be installed progressively during the course of construction as per approved plan and made operational for all storeys except the uppermost 3 storeys, for building exceeding 8 storeys or habitable height of 24m.
2	Wet rising mains shall be installed progressively during the course of construction as per approved plan and made operational for all storeys except the uppermost 3 storeys, for building exceeding 18 storeys or habitable height of 60m. The following shall be provided: (a) break tank with minimum water capacity of 11.5m³; and (b) fire pumps which are operational and supplied with emergency power supply.
3	Provision of breeching inlets (2-way/4-way)* provided as per approved plan. The following shall be complied with: (a) breeching inlets made operational and housed in protective enclosure; and (b) labelled and numbered accordingly.
4	Riser stacks are labelled and numbered and: (a) earthing is provided; and (b) air relief valve is provided.
5	Landing valves provided with blank caps and are strapped and padlocked in closed position.
Lift
6	Lift/passenger hoist ready for firefighters’ use shall be provided for building exceeding 8 storeys or habitable height of 24m.
Generator
7	Generator set or adequate PUB power supply shall be provided for emergency lighting and firefighting purpose.
Fire Engine Accessway
8	Provision of adequate fire engine accessway (where practicable) for firefighting purpose.
Fire Extinguisher
9	At least one fire extinguisher of 13A rating shall be provided for every 500m² or less on each floor. Where provision of fire engine accessway is not practicable, the quantity of fire extinguishers shall be doubled on each floor.
PART B : TESTING OF RISING MAINS
Breeching inlet
1	Inlet housed in protective enclosure.
2	Rigidly support
3	Labelled “dry/wet riser inlet” and numbered accordingly
4	Clear of obstruction
Riser
5	Air relief valve provided
6	Labelled & numbered accordingly
7	Earthing provided
Landing Valve
8	Blank cap provided
9	Strapped and padlock in closed position
10	Clear of obstruction
Pressure/Flow
11	Rising mains pipping Hydrostatically tested at 1380 kPa (13.8 bar) or 1.5 times the design pressure, whichever is greater, for 2 hours.
12	Wet rising mains (a) Flow rate at the topmost fully-opened landing valve (under pump/gravity feed) is at least 27 L/s; and (b) Running pressure is between 2 bars and 5.5 bars at the landing valve

* Delete as appropriate

Date inspected:_________________ by__________________________ Signature______________________