7.0 BUILDING SERVICE & FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
7.1 GENERAL
This segment of the overall report identifies those fire safety systems required in the proposed development, the relevant standards of performance associated thereto, and key characteristics that need be included with their design.
The content herein reflects the application of the QCD Fire Safety Guidelines Rev2015; the services designers shall ensure design compliance to the individual NFPA requirements.
The QCD Fire Safety Guidelines Rev2015 identifies a wide variety of ‘fire protection equipment’ that need be incorporated within the building design.
In each instance, associated and applicable NFPA Standards requirements exist that provide specific detail for the services engineer for inclusion within their design.
The following Sections below identify the various categories of equipment that need be provided within the development, namely –
(a) Smoke Detection and Communication systems;
(b) Active Smoke Control;
(c) Elevators;
(d) Automatic Fire Suppression;
(e) Hose Reel & Standpipe Systems;
(f) Breeching Inlets;
(g) Fire Water Tanks;
(h) Fire Pumps
(i) Standby Power;
(j) Emergency Lighting;
(k) Marking of means of egress;
(l) Portable Fire Extinguishers.
7.2 SMOKE DETECTION AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
7.2.1 Detection, Alarm & Communication Systems
The proposed development shall be provided with an approved detection, alarm and communication system in accordance with NFPA 72, Fire alarm and signalling code – 2016.
The strategy for the proposed fire alarm and detection system shall be as follows that shall form design basis for fire alarm and detection system within all the buildings–
(a) An addressable fire alarm control panel shall be provided;
(b) The fire alarm system shall be designed such that initiation of the fire alarm system shall be by any of the following –
(i) Manual call points;
(ii) Automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA 13 – 2016; and
(iii) Automatic detection system installed in accordance with NFPA 72 – 2016.
(c) Positive Alarm sequence if used must be in accordance with the NFPA 72 requirements and subject to QCD Fire Safety Guidelines Rev2015;
(d) Occupant notification shall be provided in accordance with the prescriptive code requirements noted within this section;
(e) The secondary power supply shall be provided for each fire alarm system. The secondary power supply shall have sufficient capacity to operate the system under quiescent load for a minimum of 24 hours and at the end of that period shall be capable of operating all alarm notification appliances used for evacuation or to direct aid to the location of an emergency for 5 minutes, however where the secondary power source is provided for voice / alarm system , it shall be capable of operating all voice / alarm notification appliances for a period of 15 minutes after operating the system under quiescent load for 24 hours;
Detectors shall be provided in all rooms, halls, storage areas, basements, spaces above suspended ceilings, and other subdivisions and accessible spaces as well as inside all store rooms, elevator shafts and chutes.
Occupant Notification shall be accomplished automatically in accordance with the following –
(a) Notification signals for occupants to evacuate shall be audible signals in accordance with NFPA 72 Fire Alarm and Signalling Code – 2016;
(b) Any area subject to occupancy by persons who are hearing impaired shall be provided with visible signals;
(c) The general evacuation alarm signal shall operate throughout the entire building;
(d) The general evacuation signal shall not be provided in exit stair enclosures and elevator cars;
(e) The Audible alarm notification appliances shall be of such character and so distributed as to be effectively heard above the average ambient sound level that exists under normal condition of occupancy;
(f) Audible alarm notification appliances shall produce signals that are distinctive from audible signals used for other purposes in the building;
The standard fire alarm evacuation signal shall be as described by NFPA 72, Fire Alarm and Signalling Code. The standard fire alarm evacuation signal shall be a three pulse temporal pattern using appropriate sound.
The pattern consists of an “on” phase lasting 0.5 second, for three successive “on” periods; these are followed by an “off” phase lasting 1.5 seconds. The signals should be repeated for a period not less than 180 seconds or for a period required to completely evacuate the building, whichever is greater.
(g) Spaces beneath raised floors and above suspended ceilings shall be treated as separate rooms for smoke detector spacing purposes. For raised floors less than 400mm and containing no combustible, no detectors shall be required. Similarly, for suspended ceilings less than 800mm in height, containing no combustibles, omission of detectors is acceptable.
(h) Visible notification signal appliances shall not be requiring din exit stair enclosures, exit passageways and elevator cars.
(i) Audible appliances shall be installed to provide signals for sleeping areas. They shall have a sound level of at least 15dB above the average ambient sound level or 5dB above the maximum sound level having duration of at least 60 seconds or a sound level of at least 75dBA, whichever is greater, measured at the pillow level in the area required to be served.
(j) Guest rooms specifically required and equipped to accommodate hearing – impaired individuals shall be provided with a visible notification appliance.
(k) In occupiable areas, other than guest rooms and guest suites, visible notification appliances shall be provided.
(l) Carbon monoxide detectors must be provided in the room or area of origin for all areas utilizing fuel fired equipment, including fire places. Combination smoke / carbon monoxide detectors are permissible;
Assessment
The design team shall ensure that compliance with the prescriptive requirements noted above shall be achieved.
7.2.2 Manual call points
The actuation of the fire alarm system is required to be initiated by Manual Fire Alarm Points located within dedicated areas that are unobstructed, accessible and visible.
Manual Fire Alarm Point must be provided on every floor and located beside each of the fire escape stairs and / or exits on each of the floor levels.
Additional Manual Fire Alarm Points need be provided such that the distance will be provided so that the horizontal distance on any floor level that need be traversed by occupants does not exceed 45-metres.
In areas where limited mobility exists the distance to a manual call point shall be reduced to 25m and in plant / hazardous areas to a distance of 16m. Manual call points shall be installed within 1.5m from exit doorways and at a height of between 1.1 – 1.4m above the floor level.
Assessment
The design team shall ensure that compliance with the prescriptive requirements noted above shall be achieved.
7.2.3 Elevator Recall for Fire Fighter’s Service
In accordance with QCD Fire Safety Guidelines Rev2015, following are the requirements for elevator recall for fire fighter’s service –
(a) System type smoke detectors, or other automatic fire detection located in elevator lobbies, elevator Hostway’s, and elevator machine rooms including machine space, control room, and control spaces used to initiate fire fighter’s service recall, shall be connected to the building fire alarm system;
(b) Each elevator lobby, elevator hoist way, and elevator machine room smoke detector, or other automatic fire detection, shall be capable of initiating elevator recall when all other devices on the same initiating device circuit have been manually or automatically placed in the alarm condition;
(c) A lobby smoke detector shall be located on the ceiling within 6.4mm of the centreline of each elevator door within the elevator bank under control of the detector;
(d) Smoke detector shall not be installed in sprinklered elevator Hostway’s unless they are installed to activate the elevator Hostway’s smoke relief equipment;
(e) When actuated, any detector that has initiated fire fighter’s recall shall also be annunciated at the building fire alarm control unit and required remote Annunciator;
Assessment
The design team shall ensure that compliance with the prescriptive requirements noted above shall be achieved.
7.2.4 Elevator Shutdown
In accordance with QCD Fire Safety Guidelines Rev2015, following are the requirements for elevator shutdown –
(a) Where heat detectors are used to shut down elevator power prior to sprinkler operation, the detector shall have both a lower temperature rating and a higher sensitivity as compared to the sprinkler;
(b) If heat detectors are used to shut down elevator power prior to sprinkler operation, they shall be placed within 610mm of each sprinkler head;
(c) If pressure or water flow switches are used to shut down elevator power immediately upon or prior to discharge of water from sprinklers, the use of devices with time delay switches or time delay capability shall not be permitted;
(d) Control circuits to shut down elevator power shall be monitored for presence of operating voltage. Loss of voltage to the control circuit for the disconnecting means shall cause a supervisory signal to be indicated at the control unit and required remote Annunciator;
(e) The initiating devices shall be monitored for integrity by the fire alarm control unit.
Assessment
The design team shall ensure that compliance with the prescriptive requirements noted above shall be achieved.
7.2.5 Emergency Voice Evacuation System
Emergency voice evacuation and communication system shall be provided in accordance with QCD Fire Safety Guidelines Rev2015 –
(a) Emergency voice evacuation system can be combined with public address or mass notification system with conditions that, the emergency voice message shall override any public address or mass communication system during an emergency. Also, the speakers and associated audio equipment are installed or located with safeguards to resist tampering or maladjustments of those components essential for intended emergency notification;
(b) Voice evacuation shall be by means of clearly visible and audible signals and voice announcements, either live or pre-recorded;
(c) Emergency voice evacuation system controls with necessary operating procedures shall be at the emergency command centre;
(d) Voice evacuation speakers at parking areas, basements, plant rooms, noisy areas shall be with flashers;
(e) All circuits necessary for operation of notification appliances shall be protected until they enter the evacuation signalling zone that they serve. Any of the following methods shall be considered acceptable as meeting the requirements of code –
(i) A 2 hour fire rated circuit integrity (CI) cable;
(ii) A 2 hour fire rated cable system (electrical circuit protective system);
(iii) A 2 hour fire rated enclosure.
(f) As a minimum for fire service use, two way telephone systems shall be common talk providing at least one telephone station or jack per floor and at least one telephone station or jack per exit stairway;
(g) A telephone station shall be provided in each fire pump room.
Assessment
The design team need ensure compliance with the prescriptive requirements noted above.
7.3 ACTIVE SMOKE CONTROL
The strategy for the smoke control system within the proposed development shall be in accordance with the QCD Fire Safety Guidelines Rev2015 as noted below –
(a) All the exit stairs shall be provided with a staircase pressurization system with a design pressure difference across the barrier of not less than 12.5kPa;
(b) All the elevator shafts shall be provided with pressurization system. This would eliminate the requirement of fire rated lobbies for the elevators;
(c) The fire man lift shall be provided with a pressurisation system and the fire lift lobby shall be provided with mechanical ventilation;
(d) The basement car park shall be provided with ducted fan system for 9 Air Change per hour;
(e) Independent mechanical ventilation shall be provided for the fire pump room with 10ACH in the fire mode;
(f) The transformer rooms shall be provided with natural ventilation;
(g) The generator room located within basement shall be provided with independent mechanical ventilation. The required mechanical ventilation system shall be independent and designed for 10ACH and manufacture recommendations;
(h) A standby fan or multiple fans with excess capacity shall be provided for each smoke control system discussed above to ensure that in the event the duty fan or the largest capacity fan fails, the required system demand is met. The standby shall be automatically activated in the event of duty fan fails;
(i) The stairway lobbies at Service floor level shall be provided with mechanical ventilation system of not less than 10 ACH;
Assessment
The design team shall ensure that compliance with the prescriptive requirements noted above shall be achieved.
Following the prescriptive code requirements above, the specific requirements are noted below that shall also be referenced for system design;
7.3.1 Exit stair enclosures Pressurization
(a) When in operation, the pressurization system shall maintain airflow of sufficient velocity through open doors to prevent smoke from entering into the pressurized area;
(b) The flow velocity shall be attained when a combination of two doors from any two successive stories and the main discharge door are fully open. Magnitude of the velocity averaged over the full area of each door opening shall be not less than 1.0m/s;
(c) Supply air for pressurization shall be drawn directly from the external and its intake shall be not less than 5m from any exhaust discharge openings;
(d) The number and distribution of injection points for supply of pressurizing air to the exit staircase should ensure an even pressure profile;
(e) Supply air for the pressurisation shall be drawn directly from the external and its intake shall not be less than 5m from any exhaust discharge openings;
(f) The pressurisation system shall be automatically activated by the building fire alarm system. In addition, a remote manual start stop switch shall be made available to fire man at the emergency command centre. Visual indication of the operation status of the pressurisation system shall be provided.
(g) The design pressure difference across the barrier of not less than 12.5Pa is required and shall be capable of maintain this pressure difference under likely conditions of stack effect or wind. The pressure difference across doors shall not exceed that which allows the door being to be opened by a force of 133N;
F1 shall not exceed 133N.
(h) Equipment and duct work for pressurisation shall be located in accordance with one of the following specifications –
Exterior to the building and directly connected to the enclosure by duct work enclosed in the non-combustible construction;
Within the enclosure with intake and exhaust air vented directly to the outside or through duct work enclosed by 2 hour fire resistive rating;
Within the building under the following conditions;
Where the equipment and duct work are separated from the remainder of the building, including other mechanical equipment, by a 2 hour fire resistive rating;
Where the building, including the enclosure, is protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system, and the equipment and duct work are separated from the remainder of the building including other mechanical equipment, by not less than a 1 hour fire resistive rating.
(i) Manual activation and deactivation control of the stairwell pressurisation systems shall be provided at the emergency command centre;
(j) Stair pressurisation shall be done by providing multiple injection points;
(k) Stair case pressurisation can be either top fed or bottom fed;
Assessment
The design team shall ensure that compliance with the prescriptive requirements noted above shall be achieved.
7.3.2 Enclosed car park.
(a) An independent mechanical ventilation system shall be provided for the car park with 9ACH in fire mode;
(b) The required mechanical ventilation system shall be activated automatically by the building fire alarm system. In addition, a remote manual start – stop switch shall be located at fire command centre. Visual indications of the operation status of the smoke purging system shall also be provided with this remote control;
(c) Supply air shall be drawn directly from the external and its intake shall not be less than 5m from any exhaust discharge openings. Outlets for the supply air shall be adequately distributed over the car park area;
(d) Exhaust air shall be discharged directly to the external and shall not be less than 5m from any air intake openings;
(e) Exhaust fans for the basement car park shall be capable of operating effectively at 400C for 2 hours;
(f) Exhaust points shall be located at high level. Smoke extract system is designed to extract smoke which is hotter than the ambient air and is naturally buoyant. Hence it is recommended to provide extract locations at the top.
(g) allow a dispensation with regards to location of exhaust points at low level i.e. 50 % of the exhaust grille allowed to be installed a lower level.
Assessment
The design team shall ensure that compliance with the prescriptive requirements noted above shall be achieved.
7.3.3 Smoke ventilation in kitchen
Cooking equipment producing smoke or grease laden vapours shall be equipped with an exhaust system in accordance with the following –
(a) A fire-actuated damper shall be installed in the supply air plenum at each point where a supply air duct inlet or a supply air outlet penetrates the continuously welded shell of the exhaust hood assembly;
(b) The fire damper shall be listed for such use or be part of a listed exhaust hood with or without exhaust damper
(c) The actuation device shall have a maximum temperature rating of 141°C;
(d) Listed grease filters, listed baffles, or other listed grease removal devices for use with commercial cooking equipment shall be provided. Listed grease filters shall be tested in accordance with UL 1046. Mesh filters shall not be used;
(e) Exhaust ducts shall not pass through fire walls. All exhaust ducts shall lead directly to the exterior of the building, so as not to unduly increase any fire hazard. Exhaust duct systems shall not be interconnected with any other building ventilation or exhaust system;
(f) Exhaust ducts shall be constructed of and supported by carbon steel not less than 1.37 mm (No. 16 MSG) in thickness or stainless steel not less than 1.09 mm (No. 18 MSG) in thickness;
(g) Smoke Exhaust fans shall be capable of operating effectively at 400°C for 2 hours;
(h) In kitchens where vertical fire barriers are penetrated, the ducts shall be enclosed in a continuous enclosure extending from the first penetrated fire barrier and any subsequent fire barriers or concealed spaces to or through the exterior, to maintain the fire resistance rating of the highest fire barrier penetrated;
(i) The continuous enclosure provisions shall not be required where a field-applied grease duct enclosure or a factory-built grease duct enclosure is protected with a listed duct-through-penetration protection system equivalent to the fire resistance rating of the assembly being penetrated, and where the materials are installed in accordance with the conditions of the listing and the manufacturer's instructions.
Assessment
The design team shall ensure that compliance with the prescriptive requirements noted above shall be achieved.
7.3.4 Fire pump room, emergency command centre and generator room
Where no natural ventilation is ensured for fire pump room and generator rooms shall be provided with Independent mechanical ventilation as per the following
(a) Supply air shall be drawn directly from the external and its intake point shall be not less than 5m from any exhaust discharge openings;
(b) Exhaust discharge shall also be direct to the external and shall not be less than 5m from any air intake opening;
(c) No fire damper shall be fitted in either the supply or exhaust duct required.
Assessment
The design team shall ensure that compliance with the prescriptive requirements noted above shall be achieved. 6.3.5 Fire Fighting Lift & Lobby
(a) Mechanical ventilation system for firefighting lobbies shall be a system exclusive to these lobbies, and it shall comply with the following requirements –
(i) The ventilation system shall be of supply mode only of not less than 10 air changes per hour;
(ii) Supply air shall be drawn directly from the external with intake point not less than 5m from any exhaust discharge or openings for natural ventilation;
(iii) Any part of the supply duct running outside the firefighting lobby which it serves shall either be enclosed or constructed to give a fire resistance rating of at least 1 hour;
(iv) The mechanical ventilation system shall be automatically activated by the building fire alarm system. In addition, a remote manual start stop switch shall be made available to fire men at the emergency command centre. Visual indication of the operation status of the mechanical ventilation system shall be provided; and
(v) Fire man lift shall be provided with pressurization system.
Assessment
The design team shall ensure that compliance with the prescriptive requirements noted above shall be achieved.
7.4 ELEVATORS
Elevators are required by the QCD Fire Safety Guidelines Rev2015, to be in accordance with the requirements of ASME A17.1 and shall also conform to the fire fighters’ emergency operations requirements of ASME A17.1.
ASME A17.1 requirements for the Fire Fighters’ Emergency Operations are generally as follows –
(a) Phase I (Elevator Recall): cars return to ground floor on detection of smoke in lobbies, shaft or machine room. The doors open and the elevators cannot be used by occupants; and
(b) Phase 2 (Manual Operation): Cars can be operated manually by a fire fighter (or other trained persons) in the car using a special key.
Assessment
The design team shall ensure that compliance with the prescriptive requirements noted above shall be achieved.
7.6 AUTOMATIC FIRE SUPPRESSION
7.6.1 Automatic Sprinkler System
The proposed development shall be fully protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system in designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for Installation of Sprinkler System 2016 Edition.
The design criteria shall be in accordance with NFPA 13 Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems – 2016 Edition as shown in Table below, which depicts Hazard identification, sprinkler spacing, design density, sprinkler area of operation, hose stream allowance and duration of discharge requirements.
System components shall be rated for the maximum system working pressure to which they are exposed but shall not be rated at less than 175 psi for components installed above ground and 150 psi for components installed underground.
The maximum floor area on any floor to be protected by sprinklers supplied by any one sprinkler system riser or combined system riser shall be as follows-
(a) Light hazard – 4831m2
b) Ordinary Hazard – 4831m2
Table 7.6.1
| LOCATION | HAZARD CATEGORY | STANDARD SPRINKLERS | DESIGN DENSITY (L/MIN) | AREA OF OPERATION (FT2) | HOSE STREAM ALLOWANCE (LPM) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAX. COVERAGE (M2) | SPACING (M) | |||||
| Above false ceiling concealed spaces and below false floor spaces | Ordinary (Group 2) | 12 | Max. 4.6 Min. 1.8 |
8.1 | 1500 | 950 |
| Business | Light Hazard | 21 | Max. 4.6 Min. 1.8 |
4.1 | 1500 | 100 |
| Corridors | Light Hazard | 21 | Max. 4.6 Min. 1.8 |
4.1 | 1500 | 100 |
| BMS, Fire Control Room | Ordinary (Group 1) |
12 | Max. 4.6 Min. 1.8 |
9.3 | 1500 | 950 |
| Pantry | Ordinary (Group 1) | 12 | Max. 4.6 Min. 1.8 |
9.3 | 1500 | 950 |
| Assembly Seating Areas | Light Hazard | 21 | Max. 4.6 Min. 1.8 |
4.1 | 1500 | 950 |
| Storage | Ordinary (Group 1) | 12 | Max. 4.6 Min. 1.8 |
9.3 | 1500 | 950 |
| Car Parking | Ordinary (Group 2) | 12 | Max. 4.6 Min. 1.8 |
8.1 | 1500 | 950 |
| Apartment | Light Hazard | 21 | Max. 4.6 Min. 1.8 |
4.1 | 1500 | 100 |
Sprinklers shall not be required in ceiling pockets where all of the following are met –
(a) The total volume of the un protected ceiling pocket does not exceed 28.3m2;
(b) The depth of the unprotected ceiling pocket does not exceed 914mm;
(c) The entire floor under the unprotected ceiling pocket is protected by sprinklers at the lower ceiling elevation;
(d) The total size of all un protected ceiling pockets in the same compartment within 3m of each other does not exceed 28.3m2;
(e) The un protected ceiling pocket has non-combustible or limited combustible finished;
(f) Quick response sprinklers are utilized throughout the compartment.
Sprinklers shall be installed beneath all stairways of combustible construction.
Concealed ceiling and floor spaces not exceeding 400mm in depth need not be protected by sprinkler.
Concealed ceiling and floor spaces exceeding 400mm but not exceeding 800mm in depth and containing combustible material shall be protected by sprinklers installed on the extended basis. Sprinkler protection may be omitted where the space is subdivided by fire and draught stops at intervals not exceeding 15m in any direction.
Concealed ceiling and floor spaces exceeding 800mm in depth not containing combustible materials shall be protected by sprinkler installed on the extended basis.
Concealed ceiling and floor spaces exceeding 800mm in depth containing combustible material shall be fully protected by sprinklers in accordance with the requirement for the particular hazard.
Assessment
The design team shall ensure that compliance with the prescriptive requirements noted above shall be achieved.
7.6.2 Other extinguishing equipment
Auxiliary occupancies such as electrical rooms, telephone rooms, generator rooms, etc. shall be protected with fire suppression system in accordance with the Table below.
Table: 7.6.2 – Other Extinguishing Systems
| DESCRIPTION | PROTECTION |
|---|---|
| Fire Pump Room | AS |
| Electrical Rooms | AS |
| Communication Rooms | CAS |
| GSM Room | CAS |
| Fire Command Center | CAS |
| AHU | AS |
| Garbage Rooms | AS |
| Lift Machine Rooms | PAS |
| Generator Rooms | FSS |
| Store Rooms | AS |
| Transformer Room | *FRR |
| LV Rooms / HV Room | *FRR |
AS- Automatic Sprinkler System
PAS – Pre Action Sprinkler System
CAS – Clean Agent Suppression System
FSS – Foam Sprinkler System
WMS – Water Mist Spray System
WSS – Water Spray System
*FRR - Enclosed with 3-hours Fire Resistance Rating
Assessment
The design team shall ensure that compliance with the prescriptive requirements noted above shall be achieved.
7.7 HOSE REEL AND STANDPIPE SYSTEMS
The development shall be protected throughout with a Class III system in accordance with QCD Fire Safety Guidelines Rev2015 and complying with NFPA 14, Standard for Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems.
Class III fire hose stations shall contain both Class I and II hose connections and shall be located in accordance with QCD Fire Safety Guidelines Rev2015.
These locations in order of preference are –
(a) In the fire lift lobby for first landing valve;
(b) In fire exit staircase for landing valve; and the fire hose cabinet including hose reel and extinguishers shall be located outside the stair enclosure within 6m of the exit stair at a location accessible to public;
(c) In the common corridor or common areas within a protected shaft where additional hose stations are required to meet the 30m coverage requirements noted below.
The fire hose stations shall be clearly visible beside the exit stairways and additional fire hose cabinets shall be provided such that all portions of each floor are within a 30m length of fire hose measured along the natural path of travel from the hose station.
Landing valves shall be installed at a height of not less than 900mm and not more than 1200mm from the finished floor level while the fire hose reel or fire hose rack shall be installed at a height of not less than 1200mm and not more than 1500mm from the finished floor level. The minimum flow rate for required Class III hydraulically remotest vertical wet riser system shall be not less than 500 GPM. The minimum flow rate for each additional standpipe shall be 250 GPM with total demand need not to exceed more than 1250 GPM or 1000 GPM if the building is fully protected by an automatic sprinkler.
Separate standpipes shall be provided for each exit stair case in accordance with NFPA 14.
Assessment
The design team shall ensure that compliance with the prescriptive requirements noted above shall be achieved. Further, the FHC drawings indicating the location of FHC shall be provided to assess the FHC coverage on each floor.
7.8 BREECHING INLETS
As per QCD Fire Safety Guidelines Rev2015 breeching inlets shall be provided and be a 4 way connection having 150mm diameter flanged outlet with 4 nos of 65mm diameter instantaneous male coupling inlets.
Separate breeching inlets shall be provided for standpipe and sprinkler system for each zone.
Breeching inlets shall be provided at remote locations within the development. Breeching inlets shall be located such that distance of breeching inlet is not more than18m from the fire engine access road.
Assessment
The design team shall provide the proposed locations of breeching inlets in line with the prescriptive requirements stated above.
7.9 FIRE WATER RESERVE (COMBINED STANDPIPE & SPRINKLER SYSTEM)
As per QCD Fire Safety Guidelines Rev2015, the fire water shall be stored in a water tank having two compartments or in two tanks with total effective fire water reserve to cater the fire water demand of (1000GPM for not less than 60 minutes).
The fire water tank shall be provided with a filling connection directly from the water authority with a float operated valve for automatic re filling.
Pursuant to QCD Fire Safety Guidelines Rev2015, in high rise buildings, a 4 way breeching shall be provided connected to each fire water tanks / compartments to refill the fire water tanks from the civil defence vehicle in case of an emergency requirements.
The fire water reserve may be combined with the domestic water however the tapping points for the domestic use shall be taken above the minimum required fire water reserve.
Assessment
The design team shall ensure that compliance with the prescriptive requirements noted above shall be achieved.
7.10 FIRE PUMPS (COMBINED STANDPIPE AND SPRINKLER SYSTEM)
A combined firefighting pump set shall be provided for the standpipe and sprinkler system. The firefighting pump set shall comprise of one diesel, one electric and one jockey standby pump.
The fire pump room shall be located within the basement floor. A direct dedicated and protected access to the fire pump room is provided.
The fire pump set capacity shall be not less than the highest fire demand calculated.
The minimum flow rate for required Class III hydraulically remotest vertical wet riser system shall be not less than 500 GPM. The minimum flow rate for each additional standpipe shall be 250 GPM with total demand need not to exceed more than 1250 GPM or 1000 GPM if the building is fully protected by an automatic sprinkler.
Assessment
The design team shall ensure that compliance with the prescriptive requirements noted above shall be achieved.
7.11 STANDBY POWER
Standby emergency power shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 70 and NFPA 110. The standby power system will have a capacity and rating sufficient to supply all required equipment.
The standby emergency power system shall provide essential power to all fire and life safety systems. The standby power system will support the following fire protection systems –
- Fire command centre equipment’s and lighting;
- Mechanical equipment for smoke proof enclosure;
- Building Management systems;
- Essential mechanical and electrical systems to maintain health and safety;
Assessment
The design team shall ensure that compliance with the prescriptive requirements noted above shall be achieved.
7.12 EMERGENCY LIGHTING
7.12.1 General
Emergency lighting for the means of egress shall be provided in accordance with the QCD Fire Safety Guidelines Rev2015 and installed such that failure of any individual lighting element shall not leave in total darkness any space that requires emergency illumination.
Emergency lighting shall be required to fulfil the following functions –
(a) To indicate clearly the escape paths;
(b) To provide illumination along such paths of travel that allows safe movement towards and through the exits provided;
(c) To ensure that the fire alarm call points (manual call points) and fire fighting equipment provided along paths of travel may be readily located;
(d) To permit operations concerned with safety measures.
Emergency lighting shall be provided to all corridors, egress paths, lobbies and including –
(a) Exit stairways;
(b) Over areas where there is not explicit path leading to an corridor, lobby and / or exit;
(c) In all mercantile and assembly rooms;
(d) At entry points of apartment units;
(e) Lift cars;
(f) Emergency Command Centre;
(g) Generator room; and
(h) Fire pump room;
(i) Basement Car Park
7.12.2 Performance of System
(a) Emergency illumination shall be provided for not less than 3 hours in the event of failure of normal lighting;
(b) It shall also be arranged to provide initial illumination that is not less than an average of 1 ft-candle (10.8 lux) and at any point not less than 0.1 ft-candle (1.1 lux), measured along the path of egress at floor level.;
(c) Illumination levels shall also be permitted to decline to not less than an average of 0.6 ft-candle (6.5 lux) and, at any point, not less than 0.06 ft-candle (0.65 lux) at the end of the 1 hours; and
(d) Have a maximum-to-minimum illumination uniformity ratio of 40:1;
(e) Emergency power systems for emergency lighting shall be at least Type 10, Class 1.5, Level 1 in accordance with NFPA110 – 2010, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems.
(f) The emergency lighting system shall be arranged to provide the required illumination automatically in the event of any interruption of normal lighting due to any of the following –
1. Failure of a public utility or other outside electrical power supply;
2. Opening of a circuit breaker or fuse; and
3. Manual act including accidental opening of a switch controlling normal lighting facilities
7.12.3 Emergency lighting for fire fighting facilities
Fire alarm panels, fire alarm call points and fire fighting equipment shall be adequately illuminated at all times so that they can be readily located.
The delay between the failure of the electrical supply to normal lighting and the energization of the emergency lighting for fire fighting facilities shall not exceed 10 seconds.
Assessment
The design team shall ensure that compliance with the prescriptive requirements noted above shall be achieved.
7.13 MARKING OF MEANS OF EGRESS
7.13.1 Exit and Direction Exit Signage
Exit signs and directional exit signs shall be provided to all exits and in paths of travel to exits in accordance with NFPA requirements.
Sign placement shall be as follows –
(a) Signs shall be placed such that no point is an exit access is more than 30m from nearest sign.
(b) Signs shall be located no more than 2030mm above the edge of egress doors.
(c) Directional signs with an indicator showing the direction of travel shall be placed in every location where the direction of travel to reach the nearest exit is not apparent.
(d) Any door, passages, or stairway that is neither an exit nor a way to an exit that it is likely to be mistaken for an exit shall have a NO EXIT sign or a room name sign, i.e. Mechanical / Elec. Room, etc.
(e) Visible signs shall mark exit access areas such as: stairs, aisles, corridors, ramps, escalators, and passageways leading to an exit, with the exception of main exterior doors that are clearly identifiable as exits.
Indiicative Location of Exit Signage
7.13.2 No Exit Sign
In accordance with NFPA, any door, passage or stairway that is neither an exit nor a way of exit access and that is located or arranged that it is likely to be mistaken for an exit shall be identified by a sign that reads “NO EXIT”.
The sign shall have the word “NO” in letters 51mm high and the word “EXIT” in letters 25mm high with the word “EXIT” below the work “NO”.
Assessment
The design team shall ensure that compliance with the prescriptive requirements noted above shall be achieved.
7.14 PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
The selection, capacity and placement of portable fire extinguishers shall be in accordance with QCD Fire Safety Guidelines Rev2015 and NFPA 10.
Selection
The selection of fire extinguishers for a given situation need be determined by considering the following factors –
(a) Type of fire most likely to occur;
(b) Size of fire most likely to occur;
(c) Hazards in the area where the fire is most likely to occur;
(d) Energised electrical equipment in the vicinity of the fire; and
(e) Ambient temperature conditions.
Class A fires – Fires in ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber and plastics (water type, multipurpose dry powder, carbon dioxide or foam);
Class B fires – Fires in flammable liquids, combustible liquids, petroleum greases, tars, oils, oil based paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols and flammable gases (dry powder, carbon dioxide or foam);
Class C fires – Fires that involve energised electrical equipment (carbon dioxide or dry powder); and
Class D fires – Fires in cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking media such as vegetable or animal oils and fats (special purpose dry powder).
Installation of Portable Fire Extinguishers shall be as follows -
(a) Fire extinguishers must be conspicuously located along normal paths of travel, including exits from areas;
(b) Fire extinguishers must not be obstructed or obscured from view;
(c) Portable fire extinguishers must be installed as follows –
(i) Securely on a hanger intended for the extinguisher;
(ii) In the bracket supplied by the extinguisher manufacturer;
(iii) In a listed bracket approved for such purpose; and
(iv) In cabinets or wall recesses.
(d) Fire extinguishers must be installed no higher than 1.5m above the floor (measured to the top of the extinguisher);
(e) The clearance between the bottom of the fire extinguisher and the floor must not be less than 300mm.
The labelling, visibility and the cabinets proposed to house the portable fire extinguishers shall also meet the following requirements –
(a) Extinguishers operating instructions shall be located on the front of the extinguisher and shall be clearly visible;
(b) Cabinets housing extinguishers must not be locked; and
(c) The location of extinguishers within cabinets must be marked conspicuously in both English and Arabic.
The Portable fire extinguishers shall conform as indicated below –
| LOCATION | TYPE | MAXIMUM TRAVEL DISTANCE |
|---|---|---|
| Office areas | Water type 9L CO2 2kg | 15m |
| Common areas, circulation areas, corridors, lobby’s and passageways | Water type 9L CO2 5kg | 23m |
| Electrical rooms / Telephone rooms | Dry Powder 4.5kg CO2 5kg | 9m |
| Lift Machine Rooms & Mechanical Rooms | Dry Powder 4.5kg CO2 5kg | 9m |
| Other Service Rooms | Dry Powder 4.5kg CO2 5kg | 9m |
| Transformer | Dry Powder 4.5kg CO2 5kg Dry Powder trolley type, 25kg per transformer | 9m |
| HV /LV Rooms | Dry Powder 4.5kg CO2 5kg Dry Powder trolley type, 12kg near exit | 9m |
| Car Parking | Multipurpose (ABC) Dry Powder Type, 4.5 Kg Co2, 5 Kg FFP Foam Trolley Type, 20 Gal – 30m along the drive way. | 15m |
| Kitchen | Co2, 2 Kg Dry Powder Type, 4.5 Kg | 9m |
| Garbage Collection Rooms | Dry powder Type, 6 Kg | 9m |
| Gym | Water type 9L Dry powder,4.5kg | 15m |
Assessment
The design team shall ensure that compliance with the prescriptive requirements noted above shall be achieved
7.15 PRIVATE FIRE HYDRANT
In accordance with QCD Fire Safety Guidelines Rev2015, where a Public Hydrant conforming to distance requirements of section 6.4 is not available, Private hydrant(s) shall be provided in accordance with section 6.
Assessment
To check if public hydrant system is not provided in the area, if there is none, this shall be checked with QCD if private hydrant system is required or not.