Explanations & Illustrations

Clause 2.1 : GENERAL

PG I buildings not exceeding 3 storeys

1. Proposals for detached, semi-detached, terraced houses and linked- houses which do not exceed 3 storeys or levels, including basement or attic are not required to be submitted to the SCDF for approval as provided for under the Fire Safety (Exemption) Order 1994.

2. The above exemption, however, does not mean that the QPs (Architects) need not comply with the relevant fire safety requirements in the Fire Code. The QPs are to self-regulate and to ensure that:

a. the buildings are designed with proper means of escape;

b. walls, floors are constructed of non-combustible materials; and

c. the separating walls between units are properly constructed to prevent fire spread etc..

3. Similarly, owners when carrying out internal renovation to their houses should also observe and comply with fire safety requirements in the Fire Code, for example, avoid introducing combustible partitions.

4. Townhouses which are treated as under PG I for the purpose of complying with the fire safety requirements that are applicable to detached, semi-detached, terraced and linked houses, are not covered by the Fire Safety (Exemption) Order 1994, hence, submission of plans to the SCDF is required.

5. It is important to note that any reference made to detached, semi-detached, terraced or linked houses and townhouses in the current Fire Code refers to such houses which are meant for single family occupation only.

PG II to VIII Buildings

6. The provision of fire escape in buildings under PG II to VIII comprises 3 distinct parts:

a. The part within the functional room spaces to the exit staircase/area of refuge.

It is critical that occupants from their respective areas of occupancy are able to get out within a prescribed distance, should a fire break out. The prescribed distances (given in Table 2.2A) shall be measured from the most remote point in that room space to its entrance (on first storey), or to the nearest exit staircase door, serving that storey or to door of area of refuge.

Occupants in room spaces, provided with two or more exit doors, should ensure that all these doors are readily opened for escape in emergency situations.

b. The exit staircase

Once the occupants have entered the exit staircase, they shall be protected (from exposure to fire risk and obstacle) throughout their descent down the staircase to the final exit at ground level.

c. The exit discharge

Occupants exiting from the exit staircases shall be able to discharge into the open external space at the ground level. From this point on they should no longer be in any danger from the fire or smoke in the building. Where an exit opens or discharges into an internal courtyard, a safe passageway must be readily available to lead the occupants out from this internal courtyard to safety at the building exterior.

Note :

In the case of PG II building, there is another critical consideration on the part “outside the residential unit”.

Areas which are designated as means of escape, such as exit staircase, fire lift lobby, smoke-stop lobby, exit passageway, escape corridors shall not be turned into other usage. The general statement is intended to remind QP, building owner, MCST, FSM on the sole use of the designated lobby as there were cases of designated lobby being converted to commercial areas.