4.4.1 Provision of private fire hydrant
a. General
Every part of a fire engine accessway and/ or fire engine access road shall be within an unobstructed distance of 50m from a fire hydrant. Where a public fire hydrant conforming to this requirement is not available, private fire hydrant(s) shall be provided. See Diagram 4.4.1a..
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 4.4.1a. : Provision of private hydrant

Figure 4.4.1a.
The distance of 50m is measured horizontally along the fire engine accessway.
b. Use of public fire hydrant
Existing public fire hydrants along one side of a public road shall not be designated to serve developments sited on the other side of the public road, except for a road having at most two lanes, regardless of traffic direction.
c. Locations of fire hydrants
In situations where more than one private fire hydrants is required, the fire hydrants shall be located along the fire engine accessway/ fire engine access road such that every part of the fire engine accessway/ fire engine access road is within an unobstructed
distance of 50m from any fire hydrant. See Diagram 4.4.1c..
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Rationale - Clause 4.4.1b
Public roads with multiple lanes will likely have high volume of traffic. In the event where only one fire hydrant exists on the opposite side of the road, the traffic would be affected when firefighters utilise the hydrant. This will create congestion or result in road closure, thus disrupting the traffic flow.
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 4.4.1b. : Provision of private hydrant

Figure 4.4.1b.
All developments shall be provided with its own private hydrant. In the case of a new development where the existing public hydrant is within the stipulated coverage, such hydrant can be considered. To qualify for the relaxation, the existing public hydrant shall be within an unobstructed distance of 50m to every part of a fire engine access road and/or fire engine accessway.
If the existing public hydrant is sited across the other side of the public road, the said public hydrant is not allowed to serve the development if the public road is more than 2 lanes, regardless of direction of traffic flow.
d. Siting and types of fire hydrants
Siting and types of fire hydrants shall comply with the requirements stated in SS 575.
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 4.4.1d. : Provision of private fire hydrant

Figure 4.4.1d. - 1
Hydrant H1 is not required if the adjoining land is maintained as open space. However, if the land is later developed for new buildings or usages, provision of hydrant would be required.

Section
Figure 4.4.1d. - 2
The minimum 1000mm clearance between the building or retaining wall/boundary wall and fire hydrant is to allow the minimum working space for hose connection.

Figure 4.4.1d. - 3

Section
Figure 4.4.1d. - 4
e. Ringed fire hydrant pipes
For a building that is required to have an island site fire engine accessway the fire hydrant pipe shall be a ring system. Isolation valves shall be provided on the fire hydrant ring such that on any section of ring, not more than one fire hydrant can be isolated when required for maintenance without affecting the water supply (both designed pressure and flow) to the other fire hydrants on the ring.
Effective Date: 15 Sep 2020
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 4.4.1e. : Provision of private fire hydrant
( No illustration )
Where the building is provided with island site fire engine accessway, the hydrant pipe serving hydrants within development shall be a ringed water supply system. This system to hydrant will ensure uninterrupted water supply to facilitate firefighting operation during a fire emergency. Isolation valves shall be provided at strategic locations such that any section of the ring (only one fire hydrant) scheduled for maintenance or repair shall not affect the water supply (pressure and flow) to other connected private hydrants. The hydrant ring pipe should be run above-ground or laid beneath earth. Where it is not practical (e.g. at road crossing), the section of underground hydrant pipe shall be appropriately supported to prevent any pipe leakage due to movements of vehicles above. Additional isolation valves should be provided at pipe sections just before and after the road crossing.
Amendment History
4.4.1e |
15 Sep 2020 |
15 Sep 2020 |
Clarification |
Ringed fire hydrant pipes For a building that is required to have an island site fire engine accessway under Cl.4.4.2b., the fire hydrant pipe shall be a ring system. Isolation valves shall be provided on the fire hydrant ring such that individual fire hydrant can be isolated when required for maintenance without affecting the water supply (both designed pressure and flow) to the other fire hydrants on the ring. |
15 Sep 2020 |
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f. Valve locking device
A locking device shall be provided to lock the valves in open position during normal operation. Underground valves shall be kept in an open position at all times.
Effective Date: 01 Mar 2019
Amendment History
4.4.1f. |
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01 Mar 2019 |
New |
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-
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4.4.2 Water supply for private fire hydrant
The provision of water supply for a private fire hydrant system, where required by this Code, shall comply with the following requirements:
a. Private fire hydrant at or below reduced level 125m
(1) Private fire hydrants installed at reduced level 125m and below can receive direct supply from public water mains provided the flow and pressure from the public water mains meet the fire hydrant requirements as shown in Table 4.4A
, or the following requirements are complied with:
(a) the AFA of the largest compartment shall not exceed 1000m2 for PG III, IV, V & VII and not exceed 500m2 for PG VI & VIII buildings. No AFA limit for covered car park in PG II, III, IV, V & VII buildings;
(b) the nominal bore of the fire hydrant pipe and the bulk water meter shall not be less than 150mm in diameter; and
(c) the running pressure/flow at the hydraulically most unfavourable fire hydrant of the private fire hydrant system shall comply with the following:
(i) running pressure >= 0.9 x (running pressure of the nearest public fire hydrant – pressure drop across the bulk water metre); and
(ii) flow rate >= 0.9 x water flow of the nearest public fire hydrant or >= total flow
demand (as required in
Table 4.4A
) of the private fire hydrant system, provided the running pressure at the most remote private fire hydrant is greater than 2 bars.
Note:
In calculating the frictional loss for the private fire hydrant system, the design flow rates shown in
Table 4.4A
shall be used. The pressure drop across bulk water metre shall not be more than 1 bar.
(2) If the requirements stipulated in Cl.4.4.2a.(1) cannot be met, a storage tank of sufficient capacity meeting the flow rate and duration as specified in
Table 4.4A
with the requisite pumping facilities shall be provided.
Effective Date: 1 Sep 2021
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 4.4.2a. : Water supply for private fire hydrant

Figure 4.4.2a.
There is a need to differentiate at RL 125m as public mains located at above RL 125m would not be able to provide the required water pressure. It is important that
hydrants annotated in building plan should be given their respective reduced levels.
a. Private hydrants that are sited at RL<125m are allowed to take the water supply from public water mains, which likewise should not be located above RL 125m.
b. There is a need to observe the RL<125m as the public water mains located at above RL 125m would not be able to provide the required pressure and flow rate for firefighting purposes.
It is therefore important that private hydrants and the supply public water mains annotated in building plans should be given their respective reduced levels.
Allowable losses in hydrant pipe
(Using Hazen-William’s formula)
P = [6.05 x Q1.85 x 107] / [C1.85 x d4.87]
Example :
Q = 27 L/s = 1620 L/min
d = 150mm = 0.15m
C = 140
P = 0.14173 kPa/m
Pressure after bulk meter (P1) = 300 kPa
Length of hydrant pipe = 180m
Number of bends = 4 nos.
Equivalent length of bends = 30m
Total equivalent length = 210m
Pressure loss in pipe = 29.76296 kPa
Pressure available at remote hydrant (P2) = 270.237 kPa
% loss in pressure = 0.90079 (Not < 90%)
Amendment History
4.4.2 |
1 Dec 2020 |
1 Dec 2020 |
Clarification /Relaxation |
Water supply for private fire hydrant a. Private fire hydrant at or below reduced level 125m Private fire hydrants installed at reduced level 125m and below can receive direct supply from public water mains. If the flow and pressure from the public water mains cannot meet the fire hydrant requirements as shown in Table 4.4A, a storage tank of sufficient capacity with the requisite pumping facilities shall be provided. For premises with private fire hydrants receiving direct supply from public water mains and not able to comply with the flow requirements stipulated in Table 4.4A, the following requirements shall be complied with: (1) the compartment size shall not exceed 1000m2; (2) the nominal bore of the fire hydrant pipe and the bulk water meter shall not be less than 150mm in diameter; and (3) the running pressure/flow at the hydraulically most unfavourable fire hydrant of the private fire hydrant system shall comply with the following: (a) running pressure >= 0.9 x (running pressure of the nearest public fire hydrant – pressure drop across the bulk water metre); and (b) flow rate >= 0.9 x water flow of the nearest public fire hydrant or >= total flow demand (as required in Table 4.4A) of the private fire hydrant system, provided the running pressure at the most remote private fire hydrant is greater than 2 bars. Note: In calculating the frictional loss for the private fire hydrant system, the design flow rates shown in Table 4.4A shall be used. The pressure drop across bulk water metre shall not be more than 1 bar. b. …………….. |
1 Dec 2020 |
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4.4.2a.(1)(a) |
1 Sep 2021 |
1 Sep 2021 |
Clarification/Relaxation |
Water supply for private fire hydrant a. Private fire hydrant at or below reduced level 125m (1) Private fire hydrants installed at reduced level 125m and below can receive direct supply from public water mains provided the flow and pressure from the public water mains meet the fire hydrant requirements as shown in Table 4.4A, or the following requirements are complied with: (a) the AFA of the largest compartment shall not exceed 1000m2 for PG III, IV, V & VII and not exceed 500m2 for PG VI & VIII; (b) ………… |
1 Sep 2021 |
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b. Private fire hydrant above reduced level 125m
(1) Where more than one private fire hydrant is located above reduced level 125m within the same plot, storage and pumping arrangements of water supply to these specified fire hydrants shall comply with the requirements stipulated in Cl.4.4.2c..
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 4.4.2b.(1) : Water supply for private fire hydrant
.tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=ea2d77f4_1)
Figure 4.4.2b.(1)
The hydrants are required to be charged with water all the times so that firefighters could use them for feeding the breeching inlets and for firefighting purposes.
(2) The private fire hydrant can be in the form of a dry fire hydrant, if it is not the sole fire hydrant within 50m from any breeching inlet(s) feeding firefighting systems for the building(s) within the plot of land, which include:
(a) automatic fire sprinkler systems, or
(b) dry riser systems, or
(c) wet riser systems.
(3) A dry fire hydrant shall comply with all of the following requirements:
(a) A dry private fire hydrant shall be connected to a 150mm diameter dry pipe, which shall be connected at the other end to a four-way breeching inlet.
(b) This breeching inlet shall be within 18m from any fire engine accessway/fire engine access road having minimum 4m width and within 50m from any wet fire hydrant, private or public.
(c) The private dry pillar shall be painted in “yellow” and labelled “dry” on the fire hydrant pillar.
(d) A signage indicating the location of breeching inlet shall be positioned next to the dry private fire hydrant.
c. Water supply and storage requirement
Where more than one private fire hydrant is located above reduced level 125m within the same plot, storage and pumping arrangements of water supply to these specified fire hydrants shall comply with those for wet rising mains stipulated in SS 575 and
Table 4.4A Water Supply & Storage Requirements for Private Fire Hydrant.
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 4.4.2b.(2) : Water supply for private fire hydrant
.tmb-firecode.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=4e73c5c4_1)
Figure 4.4.2b.(2)
“Dry” hydrant is equivalent to the provision of dry rising main. Care should be taken to prevent accidental damage by vehicle etc. to the horizontal run of the pipe aboveground.
The dry pipe should be differently identified on site. The provision of dry hydrant is a relaxation as all hydrants are required to be fed with water at all times. This is allowed as the firefighters could use other hydrants located below RL 125 which are within 50m from the breeching inlets.
4.4.3 Protection of fire hydrant mains in buildings
Effective Date: 15 Mar 2021
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Rationale - Clause 4.4.3
Hydrant mains running passing through a building shall be appropriately protected to prevent any damage to the hydrant pipework by fire or any activities/works carried out in the building. The hydrant mains, if damaged, would affect the water supply to the hydrant(s) which in turn would affect the firefighting operation.
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Explanations & Illustrations
Clause 4.4.3 : Protection of hydrant mains in building

Section
Figure 4.4.3 - 1

Section A - A
Figure 4.4.3 - 2
Hydrant mains supplying water to hydrant shall be appropriately protected to prevent any damage arising from fire or mechanical impact from moving objects or the carrying out of addition/alteration works within the building. Water mains, which is damaged, would affect the water supply to the hydrant. This would in turn affect the firefighting operation in an emergency. Hydrant mains protected with dry protection e.g. boxed-up with fire-rated boards or sprayed on materials shall only be allowed to be routed or located in basement or floor protected by sprinkler system.
Amendment History
4.4.3 |
15 Mar 2021 |
15 Mar 2021 |
Revised |
Protection of fire hydrant mains in buildings All fire hydrant mains which pass through a building shall have its full length within the building protected with fire resistance construction complying with Cl.3.8.7b. of at least the same fire resistance as the element of structure, provided all of the following requirements are complied with: a. The fire hydrant mains shall be located in common circulation areas, such as car parking spaces and driveways, i.e. they shall not pass through private or confined spaces. b. No services (except sprinkler pipes) shall be located above or crossing over the fire hydrant mains. c. The fire hydrant mains shall be located away from explosion risk areas. d. The protective enclosure to the fire hydrant mains shall be labelled with the words “FIRE HYDRANT MAIN” of minimum 50mm height at suitable intervals. |
15 Sep 2020 |
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All fire hydrant mains which pass through a building shall have its full length within the building protected with fire resistance construction complying with Cl.3.8.7b.of at least the same fire resistance as the element of structure, provided all of the following requirements are complied with:
a. The fire hydrant mains shall be located in common circulation areas, such as car parking spaces (except spaces used for mechanical car parking) and driveways, i.e. they shall not pass through private or confined spaces.
b. No services other than sprinkler pipe(s) shall be located above or crossing over the fire hydrant mains. Where services need to cross-over the hydrant mains, the following conditions shall be complied with:
(1) the services shall only cross over the fire hydrants mains perpendicularly;
(2) the tensile stress of the supports for the services shall not exceed 10N/mm2; and
(3) the services shall be adequately protected by the
building’s sprinkler system.
c. The fire hydrant mains shall be located away from explosion risk areas.
d. The protective enclosure to the fire hydrant mains shall be labelled with the words “FIRE HYDRANT MAIN” of minimum 50mm height at suitable intervals.
Amendment History
4.4.3 |
15 Mar 2021 |
15 Mar 2021 |
Revised |
Protection of fire hydrant mains in buildings All fire hydrant mains which pass through a building shall have its full length within the building protected with fire resistance construction complying with Cl.3.8.7b. of at least the same fire resistance as the element of structure, provided all of the following requirements are complied with: a. The fire hydrant mains shall be located in common circulation areas, such as car parking spaces and driveways, i.e. they shall not pass through private or confined spaces. b. No services (except sprinkler pipes) shall be located above or crossing over the fire hydrant mains. c. The fire hydrant mains shall be located away from explosion risk areas. d. The protective enclosure to the fire hydrant mains shall be labelled with the words “FIRE HYDRANT MAIN” of minimum 50mm height at suitable intervals. |
15 Sep 2020 |
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Cul-de-sac turning facility
U-turn radii
Dimensions of Turning Facilities for Firefighting Appliances |
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Parameters | Building Habitable Height |
< 10m* | > 10 & < 50m# | > 50m# |
R1 | 4.0m | 6.5m | 7.5m |
R2 | 8.0m | 10.5m | 12.0m |
R3 | 8.5m | 12.0m | 14.8m |
L1 | 4.0m | 4.0m | 4.5m |
L2 | 11.0m | 16.0m | 21.0m |
L3 | 15.0m | 28.1m | 33.5m |
L4 | 8.0m | 10.5m | 12.0m |
Note: * - These dimensions are applicable to all PG except PG VI and VIII buildings, unless otherwise stated in Cl.4.2.2a.(1). For PG VI and VIII buildings ≤ 10m, it shall refer to (> 10 & ≤ 50) requirements (as indicated in Table 4.2C). # - Not applicable to PG I buildings. For PG I buildings, it shall refer to (≤ 10m) requirements. |
Diagram 4.2.2e. : Turning facilities for firefighting appliances
Effective Date: 1 Mar 2022
Amendment History
Diagram 4.2.2e |
1 Sep 2021 |
1 Mar 2022 |
Revised/ Clarification |
Existing Diagram 4.2.2e. |
1 Sep 2021 |
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---1.png?sfvrsn=48ef335e_2)
Diagram 4.2.2j.(1) - 1 : CPL 34 firefighting appliance - Wheels & jacks layout
---2.png?sfvrsn=67b66d78_2)
Diagram 4.2.2j.(1) - 2 : AL 56 & CPL 60 firefighting appliances - Wheels & jacks layout

Diagram 4.2.2f. : Building structure over fire engine accessway/fire engine access road
-26-jan-2(concurred-with-sia-ops).jpg?sfvrsn=7eaefbd1_4)

Diagram 4.2.2i.(2) : Marking of fire engine accessway/fire engine access road

Diagram 4.2.2i.(3) : Pictogram signage for fire engine accessway/fire engine access road

Diagram 4.4.1a. : Provision of private fire hydrant

Diagram 4.4.1c. : Siting of private fire hydrant
TABLE 4.2A: FIRE
ENGINE ACCESSWAY/FIRE ENGINE ACCESS ROAD FOR PG II BUILDINGS |
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Details | Habitable Height
(m) |
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≤ 10 | > 10 & ≤
50 | > 50 |
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Width of fire engine access road | > 4m |
Width of fire engine accessway* | Not required | > 6m | > 7m |
Length of fire engine accessway* | - | > 15m | > 15m |
Type of firefighting appliance | Pump ladder | CPL 34 & AL
56 | AL 56, CPL 60
& HLA 90 |
Loading capacity of fire engine road# | > 24 tonnes | > 30 tonnes | > 50 tonnes |
Loading capacity of fire engine
accessway# | - | > 30 tonnes | > 50 tonnes |
Axle/Jack loading | - | See Table
4.2D & Table 4.2E |
Turning facility | See Diagram 4.2.2e. |
U-turn radii |
Note: # = The appended
figures for loading capacity of fire engine accessway/fire engine access road
are characteristic values. *
= A fire engine accessway of at least ¼ length of perimeter (minimum 15m), whichever is greater, shall be provided to access at least one facade of each block and shall be located at a distance of at least 2m and at most 10m away from the facade of the building. |
Effective Date: 1 Mar 2022
Amendment History
Table 4.2A |
1 Sep 2021 |
1 Mar 2022 |
Revised/ Clarification |
Existing Table 4.2A |
1 Sep 2021 |
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TABLE 4.2B: FIRE ENGINE ACCESSWAY/FIRE ENGINE ACCESS ROAD FOR PG III, IV, V & VII BUILDINGS
|
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Details
| Habitable Height (m)
|
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≤ 10
| > 10 & ≤ 50
| > 50
|
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Width of fire engine access road
| > 4m
|
Width of fire engine accessway
| Not required
| > 6m
| > 7m
|
Length of fire engine accessway
| -
| See Table 4.2.2a.(6)
|
Type of firefighting appliance
| Pump ladder
| CPL 34 & AL 56
| AL 56, CPL 60 & HLA 90
|
Loading capacity of fire engine access road#
| > 24 tonnes
| > 30 tonnes
| > 50 tonnes
|
Loading capacity of fire engine accessway#
| - | > 30 tonnes
| > 50 tonnes
|
Axle/Jack loading
| - | See Table 4.2D & Table 4.2E
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Turning facility
| See Diagram 4.2.2e.
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U-turn radii
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Note: # = The appended figures for loading capacity of fire engine accessway/fire engine access road are characteristic values.
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TABLE 4.2C: FIRE ENGINE ACCESSWAY/FIRE ENGINE ACCESS ROAD FOR PG VI & VIII BUILDINGS
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Details
| Habitable Height (m)
|
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≤ 10
| > 10 & ≤ 50
| > 50
|
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Width of fire engine access road
| > 4m
|
Width of fire engine accessway
| > 6m
| > 6m
| > 7m
|
Length of fire engine accessway
| See Table 4.2.2a.(7)
|
Type of firefighting appliance
| CPL 34 & AL 56
| CPL 34 & AL 56
| AL 56, CPL 60 & HLA 90
|
Loading capacity of fire engine access road#
| > 30 tonnes
| > 30 tonnes
| > 50 tonnes
|
Loading capacity of fire engine accessway#
| > 30 tonnes
| > 30 tonnes
| > 50 tonnes
|
Axle/Jack loading
| See Table 4.2D & Table 4.2E
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Turning facility
| See Diagram 4.2.2e. under (>10 & <50) | See Diagram 4.2.2e.
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U-turn radii
|
Note: # = The appended figures for loading capacity of fire engine accessway/fire engine access road are characteristic values.
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Effective Date: 1 Mar 2022
Amendment History
Table 4.2C |
1 Sep 2021 |
1 Mar 2022 |
Revised/ Clarification |
Existing Table 4.2C |
1 Sep 2021 |
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TABLE 4.2D: AXLE LOADING OF FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES
|
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Axle No. (from font)
| Type of firefighting appliances
|
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Pump Ladder
| CPL 34
| AL 56
| CPL 60
| HLA 90
|
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Loading Wt. (kg)
| No of wheels
| Loading Wt. (kg)
| No of wheels
| Loading Wt. (kg)
| No of wheels
| Loading Wt. (kg)
| No of wheels
| Loading Wt. (kg)
| No of wheels
|
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Axle 1
| 10000
| 2
| 7500
| 2
| 9000
| 2
| 9000
| 2
| 9000
| 2
|
Axle 2
| 14000
| 2
| 10500
| 2
| 10500
| 4
| 9900
| 4
| 9000
| 2
|
Axle 3
| -
| -
| 10500
| 4
| 10500
| 4
| 9900
| 4
| 10500
| 4
|
Axle 4
| -
| -
| -
| -
| -
| -
| 8200
| 2
| 10500
| 4
|
Axle 5
| -
| -
| -
| -
| -
| -
| -
| -
| 10000
| 2
|
Axle 6
| -
| -
| -
| -
| -
| -
| -
| -
| -
| -
|
Note: The appended figures for axle loading are characteristic values.
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TABLE 4.2E: JACK LOADING OF FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES
|
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Type of Fire Appliance
| CPL 34
| AL 56
| CPL 60
| HLA 90
|
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Jack load contact area
| 5625 cm2
| 5625 cm2
| 7125 cm2
| 7125 cm2
|
Maximum pressure per Jack (4 jacks per vehicle)
| 37 N/cm2
| 37 N/cm2
| 37 N/cm2
| 50 N/cm2
|
Note: The appended figures for jack loading are characteristic values.
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TABLE 4.4A WATER SUPPLY & STORAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR PRIVATE FIRE HYDRANT
|
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Purpose Group
|
Accessible Floor Area*
|
Minimum Flow Rate
| Minimum Running Pressure
| Minimum Water supply and Storage Duration
|
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(m2)
| (L/s)
| (bar)
| (mins)
|
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PG I & II
| -
| 27
| 2
| 45
|
Covered car park not within PG VI & VIII buildings + | NL | 38 | 2 | 45 |
PG III, IV, V & VII
| ≤ 1000
| 38
| 2
| 45
|
> 1000 & ≤ 5000
| 57
|
> 5000 & ≤ 10000
| 76
|
> 10000
| 95
|
PG VI & VIII
| ≤ 500
| 38
| 2
| 90
|
> 500 & ≤ 5000
| 57
|
> 5000 & ≤ 10000
| 76
|
> 10000 & ≤ 15000
| 95
|
> 15000 & ≤ 20000
| 114
|
> 20000
| 133
|
Note:
NL = No limit.
* = Based on the Accessible Floor Area (AFA) of the largest compartment in the building
+ = This requirement is only applicable to car parking facilities within PG II, III, IV, V & VII buildings, either as a standalone multi-storey car park or within a building (above ground or below ground). The hydrant requirements for the remaining parts of the buildings shall comply with Cl.4.4.2a., Cl.4.4.2b. and Cl.4.4.2c..
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Effective Date: 1 Dec 2020
Amendment History
Table 4.4A |
1 Dec 2020 |
1 Dec 2020 |
Clarification /Relaxation |
Existing Table 4.4A |
1 Dec 2020 |
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