a. 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
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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.
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 9.2.1a.(2) : General
.tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=4c4cdab5_1 "Fg.9.2.1a(2)")
Figure 9.2.1a.(2)
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.
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
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 9.2.1a.(3) : General
-1.tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=120f8c7_1 "Fg.9.2.1a(3)-1")
Figure 9.2.1a.(3) - 1
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.
-2.tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=69c5ef_1 "Fg.9.2.1a(3)-2")
Figure 9.2.1a.(3) - 2
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.
-3.tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=d9a623c7_1 "Fg.9.2.1a(3)-3")
Figure 9.2.1a.(3) - 3
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.
-4.tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=ade0286a_1 "Fg.9.2.1a(3)-4")
Not Acceptable
Figure 9.2.1a.(3) - 4
Ventilation of the lobby through private enclosed space is not acceptable.
-5.tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=1dfaa6d9_1 "Fg.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.
-6.tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=39aabdbb_1 "Fg.9.2.1a(3)-6")
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.
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.
(4) Provision for buildings exceeding 24m in habitable height
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 9.2.1a.(4) : General
.tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=6e282cde_1 "Fg.9.2.1a(4)")
Figure 9.2.1a.(4) : Provision of single staircase for residential building not exceeding 60m in habitable height
Residential buildings not exceeding 60m in habitable height can be provided with single exit staircase, but the approach to exit staircase must be via cross-ventilated lobby. In designing the cross-ventilated lobby, there are instances where building designers only provide the minimum 2m wide and 1.2m high ventilation openings on the opposite ends of the lobby so as to minimize rain water from splashing into the lobby space. There may also be overhang structures at the openings. While the code specifies the minimum opening size for cross ventilation of the lobby, building designers are encouraged to go beyond this specification. A well-designed cross-ventilated lobby that also addresses rain water from splashing into it can be achieved through thoughtful design at the planning stage. Building designers should also note that the protrusion of any overhang structures at the openings shall not exceed 1.4m. Neither should its design be such that it results in a smaller ventilation openings size e.g. a downward sloping overhang.
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:
(a) The building’s habitable height shall not exceed 60m, unless otherwise permitted by the SCDF.
(b) The single exit staircase shall serve not more than four apartments or maisonettes at each storey.
(c) Provision of exits for each residential apartment or maisonette shall comply with the requirements under Cl.9.2.1a.(5).
(d) Travel distance from the most remote exit door to the exit staircase from each apartment or maisonette shall not exceed 15m.
(e) 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:
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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.
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 9.2.1a.(4)(e) : General
(e).tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=d4046b8a_1 "Fg.9.2.1a(4)(e)")
Figure 9.2.1a.(4)(e) :
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.
(i) 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
(ii) the entire cross ventilated corridor/ lobby shall be unobstructed and maintained at minimum 2m width throughout.
(f) 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).
(5) Exits from residential unit
(a) 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).
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 9.2.1a.(5)(a) : General
(a)-1.tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=1028b3d2_1 "Fg.9.2.1a(5)(a)-1")
Figure 9.2.1a.(5)(a) - 1
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.
(a)-2.tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=3fe55e52_1 "Fg.9.2.1a(5)(a)-2")
Figure 9.2.1a.(5)(a) - 2
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 2nd exit from a unit is required, it shall not pass through utility or storeroom.
(b) In the case of a maisonette unit comprising not more than two storeys, where a single entrance door is provided:
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 9.2.1a.(5)(b) : General
(b).tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=600a282d_1 "Fg.9.2.1a(5)(b)")
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.
(i) the door shall not be located on the upper storey of the unit; and
(ii) the floor area of the upper storey shall not exceed 60m², unless a separate exit is provided on this upper storey.
(c) 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.
Effective Date: 1 Mar 2024
Amendment History
| 9.2.1a.(5) |
1 Mar 2024 |
1 Mar 2024 |
Revised/Clarifications |
9.2.1a.(5) Exits from residential unit
(a) 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).
(b) In the case of a maisonette unit comprising not more than two storeys, where a single entrance door is provided:
(i) the door shall not be located on the upper storey of the unit; and
(ii) the floor area of the upper storey shall not exceed 60m² unless a separate exit is provided on this upper storey.
(c) All exits from residential, or maisonette units shall have direct access to an exit staircase, exit passageway, or external space. |
25 Aug 2023 |
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(d) All exits from residential, or maisonette units shall have direct access to an exit staircase, exit passageway or external space.
(6) Measurement of travel distance
Effective Date: 25 Aug 2023
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 9.2.1a.(6) : General
-1.tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=3bc9dac9_1 "Fg.9.2.1a(6)-1")
Figure 9.2.1a.(6) - 1
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.
-2.tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=375a191c_1 "Fg.9.2.1a(6)-2")
Figure 9.2.1a.(6) - 2
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.
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.
(7) Smoke-free approach to exit staircase
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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.
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 9.2.1a.(7) : General
-1.tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=93d3edd5_1 "Fg.9.2.1a(7)-1")
Section
Figure 9.2.1a.(7) - 1 : Part section of residential building
with external corridor
-2.tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=f759f4ae_1 "Fg.9.2.1a(7)-2")
Elevation
Figure 9.2.1a.(7) - 2 : Typical layout of cross-ventilated internal corridor - Exit staircase approached from external corridor
-3.tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=b2cfb4d5_1 "Fg.9.2.1a(7)-3")
Not Acceptable
Figure 9.2.1a.(7) - 3
-4.tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=8c3be66e_1 "Fg.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.
-5.tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=7900fae4_1 "Fg.9.2.1a(7)-5")
Not Acceptable
Figure 9.2.1a.(7) - 5 : Ventilation for smoke-free approach to exit staircases - Example of a 20-storey appartment building
-6.tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=e576774b_1 "Fg.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.
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.
(8) Travel distance
(a) 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).
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 9.2.1a.(8)(a) : General
(a).tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=1437c1d1_1 "Fg.9.2.1a(8)(a)")
Figure 9.2.1a.(8)(a)
(b) 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.
(9) Protection of staircases
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 9.2.1a.(9) : General
.tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=b42d8225_1 "Fg.9.2.1a(9)")
Figure 9.2.1a.(9)
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.
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:
(a) the exit staircases are cross ventilated and maintained under smoke-free conditions at all times; and
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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.
(b) 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).
(10) Ventilation
(a) Exit staircase
Effective Date: 01 Mar 2019
Amendment History
| 9.2.1a.(10)(a) |
|
01 Mar 2019 |
Revised, formerly Cl.2.3.3(f) |
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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.
Amendment History
| 9.2.1a.(10)(a) |
|
01 Mar 2019 |
Revised, formerly Cl.2.3.3(f) |
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(b) Common internal corridor
Effective Date: 1 Mar 2024
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 9.2.1a.(10)(b) : General
(b).tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=56704007_1 "Fg.9.2.1a(10)(b)")
Figure 9.2.1a.(10)(b)
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.
Amendment History
| 9.2.1a.(10)(b) |
1 Mar 2024 |
1 Mar 2024 |
Relaxation |
9.2.1a.(10)(b) Common internal corridor
(i) ………
(ii) If the common internal corridor is cross-ventilated, all the following requirements shall be complied with:
• The ventilation openings shall be located at high level and positioned directly opposite to each other.
• Each ventilation opening shall be at least 50% of the superficial area of the opposing external walls.
• No part of the floor area of the corridor shall be at a distance of more than 12m from any ventilation openings, or from the outer plane of recess void space, if ventilation opening is in recess position.
|
25 Aug 2023 |
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(i) 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.
(ii) Where the common internal corridor is cross ventilated, it shall be in accordance with Cl.2.2.13b.(7)(c).
(b) Structural fire precaution
(1) Wall separating residential apartment or maisonette
(a) 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..
Amendment History
| 9.2.1a.(10)(b) |
1 Mar 2024 |
1 Mar 2024 |
Relaxation |
9.2.1a.(10)(b) Common internal corridor
(i) ………
(ii) If the common internal corridor is cross-ventilated, all the following requirements shall be complied with:
• The ventilation openings shall be located at high level and positioned directly opposite to each other.
• Each ventilation opening shall be at least 50% of the superficial area of the opposing external walls.
• No part of the floor area of the corridor shall be at a distance of more than 12m from any ventilation openings, or from the outer plane of recess void space, if ventilation opening is in recess position.
|
25 Aug 2023 |
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(b) Any compartment wall separating a residential apartment or maisonette from any other part of the same building, shall separately comply with fire resistance requirements:
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 9.2.1b.(1)(b) : General
(b).tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=ee018309_1 "Fg.9.2.1b(1)(b)")
Figure 9.2.1b.(1)(b)
(i) 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
(ii) 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.
(2) Attic floor
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 9.2.1b.(2) : General
-1.tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=b90dbc46_1 "Fg.9.2.1b(2)-1")
Section
Figure 9.2.1b.(2) - 1
a. 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.
b. 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.
-2.tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=cfb35319_1 "Fg.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.
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.
(3) 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:
(a) a minimum 1-hr fire-rated spandrel of at least 1.5m in height, or
(b) 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.
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Explanations & Illustrations
Illustration for Cl 9.2.1b.(3)
.png?sfvrsn=2885f3e9_4 "Illustration for Cl 9.2.1b(3)(a)")
.png?sfvrsn=604a6d49_4 "Fg.3.5.9a.-2(New)")
Illustration for Cl 9.2.1b.(3)(a)
.png?sfvrsn=d9a70a95_4 "Illustration for Cl 9.2.1b(3)(b)")
Illustration for Cl 9.2.1b.(3)(b)
c. 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.
Effective Date: 1 Sep 2021
Amendment History
| 9.2.1c. |
1 Sep 2021 |
1 Sep 2021 |
Clarification/Relaxation |
Nil |
1 Sep 2021 |
Download
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9.2.2 Super high-rise residential building
Effective Date: 1 Mar 2019
Amendment History
| 9.2.2 |
|
1 Mar 2019 |
Relocated from Appendix 8 of Fire Code 2013, revised |
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a. 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..
Effective Date: 15 Sep 2020
Amendment History
| 9.2.2a |
15 Sep 2020 |
15 Sep 2020 |
Reinstatement of past requirements |
Refuge floor A super high-rise residential building 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: |
15 Sep 2020 |
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(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.
(b) 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:
(a) FCC, or
(b) Main alarm panel, or
(c) 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.
(f).tmb-firecode.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=ea2d0cba_1 "Diagram 9.2.1a.(4)(f)")
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.
(a).tmb-firecode.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=7db92d69_1 "Diagram 9.2.1a.(5)(a)")
Diagram 9.2.1a.(5)(a): Provision of exit for apartment unit
-(22-mar-2019).png?sfvrsn=e3f81ac5_8 "D. 9.2.1a.(8) (22 Mar 2019)")
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.
