BUILDING SERVICES

INTRODUCTION

As a building is designed, consideration of fire
protection system becomes integrally involved
with the design of the plumbing, mechanical,
communications and signaling systems.

The fire protection system must provide for early
detection of a fire and give adequate warning.

The design should consider
compartmentalization of the building, smoke
control and type of fire control system to be used.

Fire suppression system include various types of
sprinkler system, extinguishing system etc.

2
 Fire

Fire and processes of combustion happen due to 3
essential factors:

Fuel

FIRE
Heat Oxygen

These 3 often referred to as the triangle of fire. Remove

any one of them and combustion cannot take place.
3
Fuel

Any organic materials suitable for fire to start e.g
combustible solid i.e wood, paper, combustible
liquid i.e petrol and combustible gas i.e hydrogen
and butane gas.

Heat

Correct temperature to promote combustion
of a particular fuel.

Generated deliberately or it can be
spontaneous when the fuel itself ignites e.g
chemical reaction, electrical short circuit.

Oxygen

Air is necessary to sustain and support the
combustion process.

4
Understand fire science

Exist in 3 states

Combustible and non-combustible

The 3 ingredients to generate a fire.

Upper and lower limit of flammability.

Rate of flame spread.

Smothering, fire and explosion.

Fire loads.

Flash point.

Fire point.

Vapor density.

Flammability.
 FIRE PROTECTION MEANS
Elements for basic fire protection can be broken down
into two categories:

Passive elements
Active fire protection systems

Both rely on good design and installation techniques to provide

the appropriate level of protection each system is
expected to provide

6
 Benchmark-- Uniform Building By
Benchmark By--Laws 1984
Part 1 -Preliminary – citation & interpretation.
Part 11 -Submission of plans for approval.
Part 111 – Space , light and ventilation.
Part 1V - Temporary works in connection with building operations.
Part V - Structural requirements.
Pat V1 - Construction requirements
Part V11 – Fire requirements
Part V111- Fire alarm, fire detection, fire extinguishment and fire fighting access.
Part 1X -Miscellaneous.
First schedule – Fees for consideration of plans, permit etc.
Second schedule – Forms A, Form B, Form C, Forms D, Forms E
Third schedule – Ventilation at normal situation.
Forth schedule – Weight of materials.
Fifth schedule – Designation of purpose group.
Sixth schedule – Calculation of permitted limits of unprotected areas.
Seventh schedule –Maximum travel distances.
Eight Schedule – Classification of restriction of flame spread over surfaces of wall
and ceiling.
Nine schedule – Limit of compartments and minimum periods of fire resistance for
elements of structures.
Tenth Schedule – Tables of elements for fire extinguishment, alarm system and
emergency lighting.
 FIRE PROTECTION

ACTIVE PASSIVE

FIRE FIRE DESIGN STRUCTURAL

DETECTION EXTINCTION REQUIREMENT REQUIREMENT

8
 PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION

Passive fire protection measures are those that

control the likelihood of ignition and fire growth and
spread through material control or by providing
physical barriers to the movement of flame or
smoke.

Passive fire protection systems are most often fixed

in walls, floors, ceilings, beams, columns, and shaft
enclosures that are built to a prescribed fire
resistance rating.

9
 PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION

This method of fire protection involved the use of fire resistant
materials in the design and construction of parts of the building to
slow or prevent the spread of fire in a building or fire spread to
neighboring buildings.

The techniques of fire-resistant materials is to contain fire thus
allow save evacuation of building occupants.

Every elements of structure e.g load and non-load bearing walls
and partition, floors, roofs, columns, beams, suspended ceilings,
staircase etc shall be constructed as to have fire resistance for not
less than any periods specified in the Building regulations.

For example:
◦ Any external wall shall have fire resistance of not less than half an
hour
◦ Any separating wall shall have fire resistance of not less than one hour
◦ Fire doors must have fire resistance at least one hour
10
Passive requirements

Party walls – for terrace, semi-detached, apartment etc.

Compartment walls – divide large floor into compartments.

Compartment floors – each high-rise floor is a compartment floor.

Firewall – to protect fire place, boiler room etc.

Enclosure walls for emergency staircases, protected lift shafts, & protected
lobby enclosures for high rise buildings and chutes.

Vertical or horizontal barriers for high rise buildings.

Materials for protected corridors.

Ceiling materials.

Roof.

Ducting.

Fire doors

Cables chutes.
Philosophies in installing passive systems

Complements active system.

Installation depends average fire loading, usage

Limit or prevent spread of fire, smoke & heat.

Prevent fire development beyond
predetermined size and easy to control the fire.

Provide time for evacuation ( evacuation time
depends on the types of building – in term of
travel distances and dead ends. Refer Schedule 5
of the UBBL 1984 on compartment sizes.
The passive method of fire protection may involve 3
main features:

1. Compartmentation
Structural requirement
2. Fire walls
3. Fire escape Design requirement

13
Compartmentation

It is restricting the spread of fire to only small area where the fire started
by using fire resistant enclosure i.e fire resistant wall, ceiling and floor.

This will give enough time building occupants escape from the building.

It also limit the size of fire, thus giving time for the arrival of fire brigade.

Fire can spread to another parts of the building via openings in enclosure i.e
open doors. Special doors call fire doors are fire resistant for specified
periods of time.

In short, compartmentation makes the fire escape route usable, control the
spread and size of fire and the most important thing is to ensure allowance
of time for evacuation.

14
Fire Walls

A building can be made up of several premises, with each premise being owned
by different owner. To prevent an accidental fire from spreading from one
premise to another, party wall and party floor must be fireproof.

This can be frequently seen in terrace houses or multi-premise commercial
building.

Sometimes fire walls are provided to break-up premises into separate fireproof
sections especially when certain rooms with important equipments and
documents.

Fire Escape Route

Is a design fire protected route from within building (when there is fire) to the
outside ground level or safe area within outside the building.

The fire protection for the route is provided by compartmentation technique.

Thus the walls, ceiling and floor along the fire escape routes must be of fire
resistant materials.

15
This I beam has a fire resistant material sprayed onto it
as a form of passive fire protection.

Party wall

16
Common Example of Passive Fire Protection 17
Examples

Fire-resistance rated

Firewalls

Firedoor

Fire-resistance glass

Occupancy separation

Firestops

Grease ducts

Cable coating

Spray fireproofing

Fireproofing cladding

Enclosures
Firewalls
Firewalls

Have a rating of fire-resistance

Also designed to sub-divide buildings such
that if collapse occurs on one side

Also be used to eliminate the need for
sprinklers, as a trade-off.
Fire--resistance glass
Fire
Fire-resistance glass

Using multi-layer in tumescent interlayer
technology

The glass is optically clear, and can be
used in 60 minute and 120 minute fire
resistance rated assemblies

Can be installed as a fire-rated wall.
Fire door
Fire door

Type of door or movable barrier used as
part of a passive fire protection system
within buildings to prevent the spread of
fire or smoke between separate sections

It is usually the only means of allowing
people to pass through a fire-resistant
wall.
Occupancy separation
Occupancy separations

barriers design as occupancy separations
are intended to segregate parts of
buildings, where different uses are on
each side
Firestops
Firestops

passive fire protection system of various
components used to seal openings and
joints in fire-resistance rated wall or floor
assemblies, based on fire testing and
certification listings.
Grease ducts
Grease ducts

ducts that lead from commercial cooking
equipment to grease duct fans

made of sheet metal, all welded, and
certified openings for cleaning, whereby
the ducting is either inherently
manufactured to have a specific fire-
resistance rating
Cable coating
Cable coating

application of fire-retardants to reduce
flame spread and smoke development of
combustible cable-jacketing
Spray fireproofing
Spray fireproofing

application of in tumescent or
endothermic paints, or fibrous or
cementations plasters to keep substrates
such as structural steel, electrical or
mechanical services and others
Fireproofing cladding
Fireproofing cladding

boards used for the same purpose and in
the same applications as spray fireproofing

Materials for such cladding include polite,
vermiculite, calcium silicate, gypsum, in
tumescent epoxy
Enclosures
Enclosures

Boxes made of fireproofing materials,
including fire-resistive wraps and tapes to
protect specialty valves

The provision of circuit integrity
measures to keep electrical cables
operational during an accidental fire.
 ACTIVE FIRE PTOTECTION

ACTIVE FIRE
PROTECTION

EXTIGHUISHER SPRINKLER SYSTEM FIRE DETECTION FIRE HYDRANTS

FIRE BUCKET &

BLANKET HEAT DETECTOR
DRY RISER &
PORTABLE FITE SMOKE DETECTOR HOSE REEL
EXTINGUISHER WET RISER
FLAME DETECTOR

38

Active fire protection measures are those
that take direct physical action to reduce the
growth rate of fire or the migration of smoke.

Active fire protection systems are most often

fire sprinkler and smoke control systems
that receive signals, both manual and
automatic, to perform their intended
function.

Fire alarm systems are part of active fire

protection used for activation of
extinguishing systems or the notification of
building occupants and the fire department.

39
Philosophies for installing active system.

Control or limit the fire spread manually or
automatically.

If the fire cannot be control automatically then we have
to use systems such as wet & dry risers, hose reel, foam
system etc. manually.

To alert occupants on the outbreak of fire. (Sleeping risk
and non sleeping risk types of premises considered as
life safety matters).

Reduce damages to properties (including damages by
water, smoke and heat. (property safety)
Active protections (portable, fixed installations
and alarms systems )

Portable fire extinguishers. (water, foam, dry powder and co2).

Large size fire extinguishers (trolley types).

Hose reel.

Dry riser.

Down comer,

Wet riser.

Sprinkler system.

Drencher system.

Foam fixed installation.

Water spray and fog system.

Manual fire alarm.

Automatic alarm (smoke, heat, flame and gas detectors),

Exhaust fans for smoke / heat.

Energen, Co2, FM 200
 Fire Extinguisher

There are few types of fire extinguisher such as:

◦ Fire bucket and blanket

◦ Portable fire extinguisher
◦ Fire sprinklers system
◦ Gas extinguisher system

42
Fire bucket and blanket

The fire bucket are bucket containing sand and used to
smother small fire in area where there are oil and fat, but fear of
electrocution.

This method is less maintenance.

The fire blanket is made of asbestos cloth or some other fire
proof fiber and used to smother oil and fat fires.

Fire blanket are also useful for putting out a fire on person.

43
Portable Fire Extinguisher

Is a portable tank, which is filled with an extinguishing agent
either water based, gas based, foam based and powder based.

A nozzle is fitted to the top of the tank so that these agents can
be sprayed out.

Portable fire extinguishers are hung on the way at appropriate
places and can be used to attend a small fire during its initial
stage.

There are several types of portable fire extinguisher:
◦ Water
◦ Foam
◦ Carbon Dioxide
◦ Dry Chemical
◦ Wet Chemical

44

Water
◦ Red in colour, contains water under pressure and is to be used in an upright position.
◦ For use on carbonaceous solids such as wood, paper, rubbish or textiles.
◦ Unsuitable for flammable liquid fires and live electrical equipment.

Foam
◦ Red in colour with blue band, contains aqueous film-forming foam additive, and is to be
used in an upright position.
◦ Designed for use on flammable liquid fires such as petrol, oils and paint.
◦ Never used on fires involving live electrical equipment

Carbon Dioxide
◦ Red in colour with black band.
◦ Design for use on fires involving flammable liquids and live electrical equipment.

Dry Chemical
◦ Red in colour with white band, contains bicarbonate based powder and suitable far fires
involving flammable liquids and live electrical equipment.

Wet Chemical
◦ Red in colour with yellow band, it has a liquid alkaline extinguishing agent, and
specifically designed for use in kitchens on deep fryer fires involving fat and cooking oil.

45
 CO2 based
Water based

Dry chemical based

Wet chemical based

Foam based
46
 Sprinkler system

These are water based systems with automatic
fire detection and fire fighting capabilities. It
consist of a network of water pipes and sprinkling
automatic valve points (sprinkler heads) on ceiling
or walls.

It use a water supply from the city water system.
Tall building requires a backup supply, such as a
storage tank on the roof.

Sprinkler heads have various designs. They may be
an upright type of pendant type.

Two types of water sprinkler systems are:
◦ Wet pipe system (Wet riser)
◦ Dry pipe system (Dry riser)

47
Wet Riser

Keep water under pressure in the pipe system at
all time.

When sprinkler heads are activate by heat from
a fire, the water is immediately released.

This is the most widely used water system.

Dry Riser

Pipes are maintained with compressed.

When sprinkler head opens due to heat from
fire, the air pressure is released, causing the dry
pipe to open.

The pipes fill with water, which moves on
through the open sprinkler heads.
48
Types of sprinkler heads

49
 Fire Detection

Fire should be detected and be made known to the
building occupants to allow enough time for escape
and reduce fire damage.

Fire can be detected by a person and then he raise
the alarm to inform other occupants.

Or the fire can be detected by a detector which then
automatically cause an alarm sound.

Some detectors are only used to activate an
automatic fire fighting equipment such as sprinkler.

Fire can be detected by the elements of fire:
◦ Heat detector
◦ Smoke detector
◦ Flame detector

50
Heat Detector

Are the oldest, cheapest and most widely used.

Simple and reliable fire detection device.

However, they are the slowest to respond than other
type of detector.
Smoke Detector

Used of principle of the dispersion of light by smoke
particles to detect the presence of fire.

Recommended to use where surrounded materials are
produce more visible smoke than flame.

Should not be used in dusty area.

Flame Detector

Its only respond to energy which is visible i.e flame.

Thus if there is objects obstructing the view of the flame
by detectors, it’s effectiveness reduce.

Used in the area where fire are likely not to generate
smoke (such as gasoline)
51
Heat detector

Flame detector

Smoke detector

52
 Fire Hydrant

The fire hydrant actually public or private

water outlet for fire fighting which is
directly connected to the water supply
mains pipe.

In some places, hydrant water supply
separate from the mains water supply
because it will avoid a situation where
water pressure is low.

53
Example of Fire Hydrant
54
 Hose Reel

Fire Hose Reels are located to

provide a reasonably accessible
and controlled supply of water to
combat a potential fire risk.

The fire hoses are connected to the
mains water supply and extend for
about 30 feet.

Some fire hose reels are located in
cabinets whilst others are visible on
the wall in a hall or corridor. The
will always have appropriate
signage indicating their location.

Various types of reels are available
to meet specific needs.

55
 Alarm system

Fire alarm system is either classified as automatic,
manually activated, or both.

Automatic fire alarm systems can be used to notify
people to evacuate in the event of a fire or other
emergency, to summon emergency forces aid, and
to prepare the structure and associated systems to
control the spread of fire and smoke.

Alarm system can be siren or bells and sometimes
completely with flashing light and connected by
electrical distress signal to nearest fire station.

For manual alarm system, alarm is set off when
occupant press one of any alarm button.

The automatic alarm system is activate either by a
signal from a pressure detector in an activated
automatic fire fighting equipment or by fire detector.
56
Example of Fire Alarm Appliances 57
Emergency lighting and exit
signs

At this stage emergency lighting and

exit signs provide sufficient
illumination for safe evacuation of
the building.

The exit signs include directional
signs indicating the path to exits for
occupants. The lift system cannot be
used for escape in a fire and a
warning sign is displayed stating so
for all occupants.

The fire brigade only can override
the lifts for use in access for the
fighting of the fire and for the
purpose of evacuating people with
disabilities.

58
 MEANS OF ESCAPE
•Legislation requires that all buildings must be
provided with adequate means of escape, so
that in event of fire, occupants of the building
can escape to a place of safety beyond the
building.
•To achieve this, the structural measures that
constitute the means of escape (escape
routes, staircases and fire exits) must be
supported by other measures, such as
emergency escape lighting, fire warning
systems and fire safety signs
59
DEFINATION OF MEANS OF ESCAPE

 Structural means, whereby a safe route is

provided for persons to escape in case of fire,
from any point in a building to a safe place.
 To meet the safety place without heat and
gases, the evacuation time should be shorten
compare to the time taken for the fire to
spread. So the evacuation should not take too
long and complicated.

60
 STRATEGY IN ESCAPE

PROTECTION (REFUGE)
EXIT ROUTE(EGRESS)
USE OF STRUCTURAL FIRE ESCAPE
EASY WAY OF ESCAPE ROUTE ROUTE IN THE BUILDING TO OTHERS
OUT OF BUILDING WHEN ALARM RINGING SAFE COMPARTMENT

61
 4 Stages of fire escape
1st
stages
1. Escape from room or area of causes of
fire

2nd Escape from first compartment to end of

stages escape route to fire staircase
2.

3rd
stages Escape from 1st floor that in fire to lower
3. floor

4th
stages Escape to the lowest floor (safe place)
4.
62
 1 2

F60

DG F90

OG
1st stage

GESCHO SSSE
(most critical)

floor s
GESCHOSSE
OG

f loors
2nd stage
(less critical)

EG
3rd stage
(lesser critical)

KG
4th stage
(safe place)

63