3.9.1 Application
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 3.9.1 : Application
( No illustration )
For functional purposes, openings in compartment walls, floor etc. are required in buildings to allow movement of people and the installation of services such as pipes, ventilation ducts etc.. To prevent the spread of fire and smoke, such openings shall be appropriately protected.
The provisions of this Clause concern the protection of openings permitted in elements of structure or other forms of fire resisting construction, which are required to act as a barrier to fire and smoke.
a. Fire doors shall have the appropriate fire resistance as required by relevant parts of the Code.
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 3.9.2a. : Fire doors
Figure 3.9.2a. - 1
The two 1-hr fire door arrangement is deemed to satisfy compartmention and be equivalent to the fire resistance rating of the compartment wall (2 hours).
Figure 3.9.2a. - 2
The provision of fire doors shown in the above figure usually occur in separating walls, compartments e.g. hotel guestrooms or protecting structures / dormitories, hostel bedrooms or protecting structures. The 2 doors shall be independent of each other and having its own door frame. However, the 2 doors may share the same door frame only if that set of door is tested to achieve the required rating. This arrangement shall not form part of the escape exit route.
b. All fire doors shall be fitted with an automatic self-closing device which is capable of closing the door from any angle and against any latch fitted to the door. The omission of a self-closing device to the bolted door leaf of a two-leaf door is acceptable if the door is the entrance door to a residential unit under PG II.
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 3.9.2b. : Fire doors
( No illustration )
All fire doors are required to be fitted with an automatic self-closing device which shall not include rising butt. Self-closing device is not required to be fitted to doors of protected shafts having a depth of not more than 750mm under Cl.3.8.9c..
Fire resisting door to exit openings of apartment/maisonette units, protected staircases, protected lobbies, exit passageway, compartment walls etc. shall have minimum half hour fire resistance. Doors to exit facilities shall not be fitted with any locking
device. However, doors to exit openings of apartment/maisonette units would be fitted with locking devices for security reasons. As fire door is to protect the openings in exit facilities, it should always remain in the closed position to prevent
the spread of smoke and heat. The main function of the self-closing device is to return the door to its closed position after being opened for movement of occupants, goods etc.. The passage latch fitted to the door is to hold the fire door in closed
position to counteract the pressure differential between the door in a fire situation.
Many private residential apartment/maisonette buildings have card key access or automatic locking devices fitted to doors of exit staircases to prevent unauthorised access by outsiders.
To gain entry into the staircase or to exit from it into any floor, the occupants need to key in a code number or use a card key access to unlock or release the locking device to the door. In times of power failure or activation of fire alarm system,
if available, the locking device would be unlocked by itself and all the exit doors could be opened manually. Prior approval should be obtained from the SCDF before any door to exit facility is fitted with any form of locking device.
When the door to the exit facilities consists of double leaves or multiple leaves, all the leaves shall be fitted with self-closing device and sequential closer.
Where the entrance door of the apartment or maisonette unit consists of large and small leaves, self-closing device shall be required to be provided to the large leaf, provided the clear width of the opening of the large leaf when open at an angle
of 90° is not less than 850mm. The smaller leaf is not to be taken into consideration as it would usually be bolted-shut, unless there is a need to open it for movement of large furniture, etc.. If the door opening has 2 leaves of equal width
for use as exit to meet the minimum clear width of opening under Cl.2.2.9b., both leaves shall be fitted with self-closing device and sequential
door closer.
Self-closing device to fire door shall be properly maintained regularly. Faulty device shall be repaired immediately to prevent fire door being left in the open position.
c. Where a self-closing device would be considered a hindrance to the normal use of the building, fire doors can be held open as follows:
(1) by a fusible link, or
(2) by electromagnetic or electromechanical devices which can be activated via smoke detector and/or the building alarm system.
d. Any hinge on which a fire door is hung shall be of the approved type, complying with SS 332.
e. Any fire door fitted in an opening which is provided as a means of escape:
(1) shall be capable of being opened manually, without the use of key, tool, special knowledge or effort for operation from the inside of the building;
(2) shall not be held open by any means other than by an electromagnetic or electromechanical device which can be activated via smoke detector and/ or the building alarm system, except in the case of fire doors opening into pressurised exit staircases;
and
(3) shall open in the direction of exit travel in accordance with Cl.2.3.9.
f. Fire doors, where required, shall be constructed and installed to comply with specifications stipulated under SS 332.
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 3.9.2f. : Fire doors
Axonometric view
Figure 3.9.2f.
All fire doors are required to be listed under a recognised certification body. It is important to note that fire door opening into pressurised exit staircases shall not be fitted with electromagnetic or electromechanical device. This is to ensure that the integrity of the pressurised exit staircase is maintained at all times.
3.9.3 Pipes
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 3.9.3 : Pipes
Top figure : Axonometric view
Bottom figure : Section
Figure 3.9.3 - 1
The clustering of pipes without proper spacing would further weaken the integrity of the fire resisting walls in times of fire emergency.
Section
Figure 3.9.3 - 2 : Penetration of elements of structure by pipes
Section
Figure 3.9.3 - 3
External corridor would be well ventilated. Hence fire risk is lower and the threat of spread of fire and smoke from floor to floor is very much reduced.
Fire doors for protection of openings shall comply with all of the following:
a. Pipes passing through a separating wall, compartment wall or compartment floor shall be kept as small as possible and be fire-stopped around the pipe. The nominal diameter of the pipe shall not be more than the respective dimension given in Table 3.9A. These pipe penetrations are permitted only for conveying non-hazardous & non-combustible substances such as air, water, etc., and approved fire-stopping material
shall be applied around the pipe penetration. The clear spacing between pipes shall be at minimum 50mm or half the diameter of the largest pipe, whichever is larger.
b. The following pipes of nominal diameter larger than 150mm, subject to the conditions listed under Cl.3.9.3c. below, are permitted
to penetrate through a separating wall, compartment wall or compartment floor:
(1) emergency standby diesel generator steel exhaust pipes connected directly to the external space;
(2) pipes of non-combustible material (such as cast iron or steel) with pipe wall thickness of at least 5mm, and melting point of at least 1200ºC; and
(3) thermal insulated pipes with pipe wall thickness of at least 5mm and combustible insulation in compliance with Cl.7.1.2c.(1).
The metal sheath for insulation material shall be at least 0.6mm thick galvanised steel with the melting point, including pipe support, of at least 1200ºC.
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Rationale - Clause 3.9.3b
Other than the maximum sizes allowed under Table 3.9A, larger pipes such as chilled water pipes can also be permitted to penetrate through a separating wall, compartment wall or compartment floor. This is because the conditions stipulated in Cl.3.9.3c. will help to minimise the risk of fire spreading across different compartments.
c. The following conditions shall be complied with for penetration of pipes stipulated under Cl.3.9.3b.:
(1) For non-sprinkler-protected area, pipe supports within 3m from the pipe penetration shall be strengthened such that the tensile stress generated on the supports shall not exceed 10N/mm2 and will not be softened or fracture when exposed
to temperature of 750ºC. For sprinkler-protected area, the pipe supports and pipe penetrations shall be protected by the sprinkler system;
(2) Combustible materials or services (e.g., pipe or ductwork) are not permitted to be placed within 1m before and after the penetration [except for those thermal insulated pipes constructed under Cl.3.9.3b.(3). For the purpose of this sub-clause, fire-rated materials are deemed as non-combustible; and
(3) The penetration shall not pass through fire-rated wall/ floor of exit staircase, fire lift lobby, smoke-free lobby, electrical switch room, transformer room, generator room, battery room and fan room serving fire protection system, fire pump room,
FCC, fuel tank room, and areas handling hazardous materials. Except for exit staircase, the penetration of pipes through the abovementioned rooms/ spaces is permitted if the pipes are fully enclosed by fire-rated enclosure with the same fire-rating
as the fire-rated walls/ floors it passes through.
Effective Date: 10 May 2019
Amendment History
| 3.9.3c(1) |
10 May 2019 |
10 May 2019 |
Change in requirements |
The following conditions shall be complied with for penetration of pipes stipulated under Cl.3.9.3b.:
(1) For non-sprinkler-protected area, pipe supports within 3m from the pipe penetration shall be strengthened such that the tensile stress generated on the supports shall not exceed 10N/mm2 and will not be softened or fracture when exposed to temperature of 800ºC. For sprinkler-protected area, the pipe supports and pipe penetrations shall be protected by the sprinkler |
10 May 2019 |
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d. In addition to Cl.3.9.3a., fuel and vent pipes for emergency standby diesel generators and fuel
tanks located outside the room they served shall be enclosed in construction having at least 2-hr fire resistance rating. They shall not be located in intakes/ fresh air vent shafts.
e. Routing of gas pipes in basements
(1) All gas pipes that are routed in basement shall be API pipes with welded joints. These joints shall be 100% radiography checked in accordance with SS 608. The gas pipes are not required to be fire-rated if they are running outside essential areas
such as an exit staircases, smoke-free or fire lift lobby, fire pump room, generator room, FCC, etc.. If gas pipes run pass through an essential area, they are required to be encased in masonry.
(2) For mechanically ventilated basement, the gas pipes shall be provided with pipe sleeves to vent the gas pipes. One end of the sleeve shall be exposed to the external space in accordance with SS 608.
(3) For naturally ventilated basement that complies with Cl.6.4.1d.(2)(b)(ii), the provision of pipe sleeve is
not required.
3.9.7 Services running inside and/or passing through fire lift lobby and smoke-free lobby
Effective Date: 25 Aug 2023
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 3.9.7 : Services passing through FCC, fire pump room,
emergency generator room & smoke control fans roo
( No illustration )
Where the services need to be routed inside fire lift lobby and smoke-stop lobby, adequate protection must strictly be adhered to. The unprotected services are required to be protected with 1-hr fire resistance enclosure, or separated with 1-hr fire resistance ceiling from the protected lobby space.
Amendment History
| 3.9.7 |
15 Sep 2020 |
15 Sep 2020 |
Clarification |
Services running inside and/or passing through fire lift lobby and smoke-free lobby Air ducts, sanitary pipes, gas pipes, electrical conduits/cable tray, and other services, excluding lifts shall not be permitted to run inside and/or pass through: a. fire lift lobbies, or b. smoke-free lobbies. unless all these services are protected with a 1-hr fire resistance rating enclosure, or separated with a 1-hr fire resistance ceiling from the said lobby. If these services are required for the operation of the above lobbies, they need not be separately protected. However, this requirement need not complied with if the smoke-free approach is through an external corridor. |
15 Sep 2020 |
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| 3.9.7 (dated 25 Aug 2023) |
25 Aug 2023 |
25 Aug 2023 |
Revised/Clarifications |
3.9.7 Services running inside and/ or passing through fire lift lobby and smoke-free lobby
Air ducts, sanitary pipes, gas pipes, electrical conduits/ cable trays, and other services e.g. fan coil units, ventilation fans (essential or non-essential) excluding lifts shall not be permitted to locate, run inside and/ or pass through:
a. fire lift lobbies, or
b. smoke-free lobbies.
Unless all these services are protected with a 1-hr fire resistance rating enclosure, or separated with a 1-hr fire resistance ceiling from the said lobby. For cablings/ pipings of firefighting or fire protection systems serving or running through the above lobbies, and for other services that are required for operation of the above lobbies during fire emergency, e.g. lighting, mechanical ventilation system, they need not be separately protected. However, this requirement need not complied with if the smoke-free approach is through an external corridor. |
25 Aug 2023 |
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a. Air ducts, sanitary pipes, gas pipes, electrical conduits/ cable trays, and other services, e.g., fan coil units, ventilation fans (essential or non-essential) are permitted to locate, run inside and/ or pass through a fire lift or smoke-free lobby provided all these services are protected with a 1-hr fire resistance rating enclosure, or separated with a 1-hr fire resistance ceiling from the said lobby.
b. For cablings/ pipings of firefighting or fire protection systems serving or running through the above lobbies, and for other services that are required for operation of the above lobbies during fire emergency, e.g., lighting, mechanical ventilation systems, these need not be separately protected.
c. Exception
The above requirements are not applicable for services running inside and/ or passing through an external corridor.
Effective Date: 25 Aug 2023
Amendment History
| 3.9.7 |
15 Sep 2020 |
15 Sep 2020 |
Clarification |
Services running inside and/or passing through fire lift lobby and smoke-free lobby Air ducts, sanitary pipes, gas pipes, electrical conduits/cable tray, and other services, excluding lifts shall not be permitted to run inside and/or pass through: a. fire lift lobbies, or b. smoke-free lobbies. unless all these services are protected with a 1-hr fire resistance rating enclosure, or separated with a 1-hr fire resistance ceiling from the said lobby. If these services are required for the operation of the above lobbies, they need not be separately protected. However, this requirement need not complied with if the smoke-free approach is through an external corridor. |
15 Sep 2020 |
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| 3.9.7 (dated 25 Aug 2023) |
25 Aug 2023 |
25 Aug 2023 |
Revised/Clarifications |
3.9.7 Services running inside and/ or passing through fire lift lobby and smoke-free lobby
Air ducts, sanitary pipes, gas pipes, electrical conduits/ cable trays, and other services e.g. fan coil units, ventilation fans (essential or non-essential) excluding lifts shall not be permitted to locate, run inside and/ or pass through:
a. fire lift lobbies, or
b. smoke-free lobbies.
Unless all these services are protected with a 1-hr fire resistance rating enclosure, or separated with a 1-hr fire resistance ceiling from the said lobby. For cablings/ pipings of firefighting or fire protection systems serving or running through the above lobbies, and for other services that are required for operation of the above lobbies during fire emergency, e.g. lighting, mechanical ventilation system, they need not be separately protected. However, this requirement need not complied with if the smoke-free approach is through an external corridor. |
25 Aug 2023 |
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a. Where the ventilation duct does not form a protected shaft or is not contained within a protecting structure,
(1) the duct shall be fitted with a fire damper where it passes through the compartment wall or compartment floor; and
(2) the opening for the duct shall be kept as small as practicable and any gap around the fire damper shall be fire-stopped.
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 3.9.4a. : Ventilation ducts
Section
Figure 3.9.4a.
Proper fire stopping around the duct where it penetrates the compartment floor/wall and provision of fire damper at the compartment wall/floor would help to prevent fire and smoke spread from compartment to compartment.
b. Where the ventilation duct forms a protected shaft or is contained within a protecting structure, the duct shall be:
(1) fitted with fire dampers at the inlets to the shaft and outlets from it; and
(2) constructed and lined with materials in accordance with the requirements in Chapter 7.
c. The installation of ventilation ducts and fire dampers shall comply with the requirements in Chapter 7.
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 3.9.4b. : Ventilation ducts
Section
Figure 3.9.4b.
The provision of fire damper at the entry to the protected shaft would help to complete the compartmentation to prevent fire or smoke from being drawn into the protected shaft via ventilation duct.
3.9.5 Flues
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 3.9.5 : Flues
Section
Figure 3.9.5 - 1
Separate kitchen exhaust shaft enclosed in masonry or drywall construction shall be provided for Kitchen (1) and (2). This is to prevent fire and smoke from spreading from one compartment to another. The wall enclosing the shaft shall have the same fire resistance as the compartment wall or floor.
Section
Figure 3.9.5 - 2
The enclosing walls to the duct serving the laboratory are required to be constructed of non-combustible materials, instead of masonry, and need to have not less than ½ the minimum period of fire resistance rating of the compartment walls or floor through which the duct passes.
Ducts encasing one or more flue pipes which pass through a compartment wall or compartment floor shall be of non-combustible construction, having fire resistance of not less than half the minimum period of fire resistance required for the compartment wall or compartment floor through which it passes, except for kitchen flue pipes when the fire resistance shall be as required for the compartment wall or compartment floor.
3.9.6 Services passing through FCC, fire pump room, emergency generator room and smoke control fans room
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 3.9.6 : Services passing through FCC, fire pump room,
emergency generator room & smoke control fans room
( No illustration )
Services not forming part of the FCC, Fire Pump Room, Emergency Generator Room and Smoke Control Fans Rooms but routed inside the mentioned spaces are disallowed. In the case of site constraint, the services not required for the operation of the mentioned system shall be separated and encased with masonry construction.
Gas pipes running inside an internal corridor/lobby without fire resistance enclosure shall be encased with a pipe duct/sleeve vented to an external space.
