Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 (UBBL)
Key Information
First Enacted: 1984
Gazetted under: Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133)
Latest Federal Revision: 2021
Source: Ministry of Local Government Development (KPKT)
Important Information: This document serves as the main source of reference for the gazettement of the Uniform Building
By-Laws 1984. However, this document does not have any empowerment for enforcement because it is only a model by-law. Only the Uniform Building By-Laws of each respective state has empowerment powers.
These by-laws provide comprehensive technical and legal requirements for building safety, structural soundness, sanitation, fire safety, lighting, and accessibility.
PART I - PRELIMINARY
By-law 1. Citation
(1)
These by-laws may be cited as the Uniform Building By-Laws 1986.
(2)
These By-laws shall come into force on the 1st of January, 1986.
NOTE
States may have adopted different commencement dates for the by-laws.
By-law 2. Interpretation
In these by-laws, unless the context otherwise requires—
“Act” means the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 [Act 133];
“advertisement hoarding” means any frame, hoarding, board, wall, bar, pillar, post, wire, or any combination of these, or any erection of any kind, or any surface or space used for the display of trade, business or professional advertisements;
“aggregate” means any material other than cement and water used in the making of concrete which does not contain additions or admixtures;
“alterations” include additions and extensions;
“approved” means approved by the local authority;
“approved plan” means a plan for a building approved by the local authority in accordance with these By-laws;
“architect” means a person who is registered as an architect under any law relating to the registration of architects and who under the law is allowed to practise or carry on business as an architect;
“ASHRAE” means the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc.;
“balcony” means any stage, platform, oriel window or other similar structure projecting outwards from the wall of a building and supported by brackets or cantilevered;
“base” in relation to a wall or pier means—
(a)
the underside of the course immediately above the footings, if any, or in the case of wall carried by a beam, above the beam;
(b)
in any other case the bottom of such wall or pier;
“basement” means any storey or storeys of a building which is or are at a level lower than the ground storey;
“building draughtsman” means any building draughtsman who is registered under the relevant Act;
“building line” means the line prescribed by either the competent planning authority or the local authority beyond which no part of a building may project, except as otherwise permitted by these By-laws;
“building plans” mean plans that include site plans, key plans, floor plans, sections and elevations of building, and shall be as stipulated in by-laws 8, 9 and 10;
“BS” means the latest published edition of the British Standard Specification;
“BSCP” means the latest published edition of the British Standard Code of Practice;
“ceiling” means the covering to the underside of floor joists or ceiling joists or floor slabs excluding in all cases any supporting beams, and where no such covering exists means the underside of floor joists or roof cellars or ties excluding any supporting beams;
“certificate of completion and compliance” means a certificate issued under by-law 25;
“column” in relation to structural steel, timber or reinforced concrete, means any part of construction which will by its resistance to compression in the direction of its length and to the bending actions induced by such compression, support and transmit loading;
“communication” means any service provided pursuant to the requirements specified by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission;
“construction project manager” means any employee of a contractor possessing the acceptable level of skill, knowledge and experience as may be determined and who is assigned to a construction site or any other such place to organise, plan, control and coordinate the construction works from inception to completion and registered with the Lembaga Pembangunan Industri Pembinaan Malaysia;
“construction site supervisor” means any employee of a contractor possessing the acceptable level of skill, knowledge and experience who is assigned to a construction site or any other such place to supervise the construction works and registered with the Lembaga Pembangunan Industri Pembinaan Malaysia;
“contractor” means a person who carries out or completes or undertakes to carry out or complete any construction works and registered with the Lembaga Pembangunan Industri Pembinaan Malaysia;
“depth” in respect of a building, means the measured distance between the front line of the building and the back line of the rear main wall which separates the main building from the open space;
“detached building” means any building not attached to any other buildings;
“disabled person” means a person with physical impairment, hearing impairment or sight impairment which affects his mobility or his use of buildings as referred to under by-law 34A;
“engineer” means a person who is registered as a professional engineer under any law relating to the registration of engineers and who under the law is allowed to practise or carry on the business as an engineer;
“external wall” means an outer wall of a building not being a party wall notwithstanding that it may immediately adjoin a wall of another building;
“factory” means any building or part thereof designed, adapted or used for—
(a)
the making of any article or part of any article, commodity or product;
(b)
the altering, repairing, ornamenting, finishing, cleaning, washing or the breaking up or demolition of any article, commodity or product;
(c)
the adapting for sale or assembly of any article, commodity or product;
(d)
any other building as defined in the *Factories and Machinery Act 1967;
“fire wall” means any wall, not being an external wall, of materials having the fire resistance as required under Part VII of these By-laws and either used or constructed to be used for the separation of adjoining buildings or the separation of parts of a building in such manner as to prevent or reduce the spreading of fire from one building to another or from one part of a building to another part of that building and includes a proscenium wall, compartment wall, separating wall and a protecting structure;
“flat” means any separate dwelling used or constructed or adapted to be used wholly or principally for human habitation for a single family, where the kitchen, lavatory and bathroom or water closet are contained within the separate dwelling and that dwelling is contained in a building comprising two or more such dwellings joined vertically;
“flat roof” means any roof having no inclination or having an inclination of not more than seven and one-half degrees with the horizontal;
“flood level” means such flood level as may be prescribed for any area by the local authority;
“floor” includes any horizontal platform forming the surface of any storey and any joist, board, timber, stone, concrete, steel or other substance connected with or forming part of such platform;
“footing” means the construction whereby the weight of the structure of building is transferred from the base structure to the foundations;
“foundation” means a system or arrangement of foundation units such as footing, raft or pile through which the loads from a building or structure are transferred to the supporting soil or rock;
“garage” for purpose of these By-laws, means a building or part thereof designed, adapted or used for the housing of motor vehicles;
“godown” means any building or part thereof designed, adapted or used for storage purposes but does not include any garage ancillary to a residential building;
“ground storey” means the lowest storey of a building to which there is an entrance from the outside on or above the level of the ground at the front of the building;
“habitable room” means any room not less than 6.5 square metres in area but does not include any bathroom, water closet, open verandah, terrace or garage;
“hardwood timber” for the purpose of these by-laws means any timber specified by the Malaysian Timber Industry Board and shall be in accordance with MS 1714 – Specification for visual strength grading of tropical hardwood timber;
“height” in relation to—
(a)
a room means the vertical distance measured between the finished floor level and the underside of the ceiling excluding the thickness of the plaster;
(b)
any storey means the vertical distance measured between the upper surfaces of its floor to the upper surface of the floor immediately above it;
(c)
a wall means the vertical distance measured from the base of the wall to its highest part or, in the case of a gable, to half the height of the gable;
“hospital” means any building or part thereof designed, adapted or used for the care, accommodation or treatment of the sick, infirm, aged, convalescent or pregnant;
“hotel” means any building specifically designed and constructed or substantially adapted to be used to accommodate persons for the purpose of gain or profit, with or without arrangements for communal feeding, and includes a boarding house, lodging house or guest house;
“imposed load” means the load assumed to be produced by the intended occupancy or use including distributed, concentrated impact and inertia loads but excluding wind loads;
“inspector of works” means a person who is registered as an inspector of works under the Architects Act 1967 [Act 117] or Registration of Engineers Act 1967 [Act 138];
“lateral support” in relation to a wall or pier, means such support in the direction of the thickness, length or breadth of the wall or pier which prevents movement thereof at the level and in line of direction of such support;
“layout plan” means a plan approved by the competent planning authority;
“lintel” means a beam supporting walling over an opening or recess;
“load bearing” in relation to any part of a building and its foundations, means that part of the building which bears a load other than that due to its own weight and to wind pressure on its own surface;
“low lying land” means any land of which the surface is below flood level or which is so situated that it cannot at all times be efficiently drained by gravitation into an existing public surface water drain or water course;
“mesh” in relation to the measurement of materials, means the mesh of a sieve complying with BS 410—Test Sieves;
“mezzanine floor” means any floor interposed between the main floors of a building and includes any platform or landing of greater than 2.5 metres width;
“MS” means the latest published edition of the Malaysian Standard;
“MS EN” means the latest published edition of the Malaysian Standard which is identical to the European Standard;
“MSCP” means the latest published edition of the Malaysian Standard Code of Practice;
“panel wall” means a non-load bearing wall set within a structural frame;
“partition” means a non-load bearing wall of any internal wall, not being a party wall, compartment wall, separating wall or an external wall;
“party wall” means a wall forming part of a building and used or constructed to be used for separation of adjoining buildings belonging to different owners or occupied or constructed or adapted to be occupied by different persons either constructed over or abutting a common boundary;
“permanent load” means that static weight of all walls, partitions, floors, roofs and finishes, including all other permanent construction;
“pitched roof” means a roof having an inclination of more than seven and a-half degrees with the horizontal;
“prestressed concrete” means concrete in which predetermined stresses are induced to counteract the stresses due to permanent and superimposed loading for the purpose of eliminating or decreasing the tensile stresses due to bending and sheer;
“principal submitting person” means a qualified person who submits building plans to the local authority for approval in accordance with these By-Laws and includes any other qualified person who takes over the duties and responsibilities of or acts for the first-mentioned qualified person in accordance with by-law 7;
“qualified person” means an architect, engineer or building draughtsman;
“residential building” means a building or part thereof designed, adapted or used for human habitation;
“room” means any portion of a building enclosed by walls or partitions;
“school” means any building or part thereof designed, adapted or used for the dissemination of knowledge and includes a crèche;
“self-closing door” means a door fitted with a device which is free from any means of holding it in an open position and which will close automatically unless held open by other approved means;
“semi-detached building” means any building designed to be built as one pair having a party wall as one of its walls;
“shophouse” means any building, part of which is designed, adapted or used for business purposes;
“site supervisory staff” means full time staff engaged for a particular project and report to the project architect or engineer, and may constitute inspector of works or registered engineer or registered building draughtsman or graduate architect or architect for the purpose of supervising all construction works at site on behalf of the principal submitting person or submitting person;
“SPAH” means a rainwater harvesting and utilisation system where the rainwater is collected from a roof, conveyed to a rainwater tank and stored for use;
“storey” means the space between the upper surface of every floor and the surface of the floor next above it, or if there be no such floor then the underside of the tie or collar beam of the roof or other covering or if there be neither tie nor collar beam then the level of half the vertical height of the underside of the rafters or other support of the roof;
“submitting person” means a qualified person who submits plans, other than building plans, to the local authority or relevant statutory authority in accordance with these By-Laws and includes any other qualified person who takes over the duties and responsibilities of or acts for the first-mentioned qualified person in accordance with by-law 7;
“swimming pool” means any pool or bath for the purpose of swimming;
“technical conditions” means conditions pertaining to health and safety issues relating to buildings and essential services serving the buildings;
“temporary building” includes any building constructed wholly or in part of materials which are, in the absence of special care, liable to rapid deterioration, or are otherwise unsuitable for use in the construction of permanent buildings, and may include any house or building the erection of which is permitted under licence issued by the local authority for a limited period to be specified upon the expiration of which the building shall be demolished;
“terrace house” means any residential building designed as a single dwelling unit and forming part of a row or terrace of not less than three such residential buildings;
“verandah-way” means a covered footway fronting a street;
“wind load” means all loads due to the effect of wind pressure or suction.
*OSHWARE NOTE
The Factories and Machinery Act 1967 [Act 139] has since been repealed by the Factories and Machinery (Repeal) Act 2022.
PART IA – DEMOLITION OF BUILDINGS
By-law 2A. Application of this Part
This Part shall apply to the demolition of a building before reconstruction thereof.
By-law 2B. Preparation and submission of demolition plan, etc.
(1)
Before the demolition is commenced, one copy of a detailed demolition plan together with a copy of the stability report prepared in accordance with MS 2318 shall be submitted to the local authority.
(2)
The detailed demolition plan shall bear a certificate by the submitting person in Form A of the Second Schedule to the effect that the details shall be in accordance with MS 2318 and that the submitting person shall accept full responsibility for the proper execution of the demolition works.
By-law 2C. Power of local authority to reject demolition plan and stability report
Notwithstanding paragraph (2) of by-law 2B, the local authority may examine and in so doing may reject any demolition plan or stability report which is not in accordance with MS 2318 and if it rejects the plan or report, it may require the submitting person to resubmit a new demolition plan or stability report in respect of the rejected portion.
By-law 2D. Notice of commencement or resumption of building operations
(1)
Notice of the intention to commence or resume the demolition of a building required under subsection 70(9) of the Act shall be made in Form B of the Second Schedule and shall include particulars of the intended work.
(2)
If the work is not commenced or resumed on the date given in such notice, a further notice in Form B of the Second Schedule shall be given before the works commence or resume.
By-law 2E. Methods of demolition
The demolition works shall conform to MS 2318.
By-law 2F. Duties of submitting person
(1)
The submitting person certifying the plan under paragraph (2) of by-law 2B shall be responsible for the proper execution of the demolition works and shall continue to be so responsible until the completion of the demolition works unless–
(a)
with the agreement of the local authority, another submitting person has been appointed to take over;
(b)
the local authority agrees to accept his withdrawal or replacement at the request of the owner provided that the demolition works has not been commenced.
(2)
Where the local authority agrees to accept the submitting person’s withdrawal or replacement under subparagraph (1)(b), the demolition works shall not commence until another submitting person has been appointed to take over.
(3)
Where any submitting person who has submitted the demolition plan has died or become bankrupt or cannot be found or has been deregistered from the register or for any other reason ceased to practise, the owner or occupier shall as soon as practicable appoint another submitting person to act for him and to submit adequate evidence to the local authority of the circumstances.
By-law 2G. Exemption from this Part
The local authority may if it deems fit exempt any minor demolition works from the requirements of this Part.
PART II – SUBMISSION OF PLANS FOR APPROVAL
By-law 3. Submission of plans for approval
(1)
All plans for buildings submitted to the local authority for approval in addition to the requirements of section 70 of the Act shall—
(a)
be deposited at the office of the local authority together with the fees prescribed for the submission of such plans in accordance with the First Schedule to these By-laws;
(b)
bear upon them a statement showing for what purpose the building for which the plans are submitted is to be erected and used;
(c)
bear the certification of the principal submitting persons or submitting persons on these plans together with Form A as set out in the Second Schedule to these By-laws for which they are respectively responsible;
(d)
(Deleted).
(2)
Every plan, drawing or calculation in respect of any building shall be submitted by a principal submitting person or submitting person.
By-law 4. Return of plan
(1)
A local authority may if it is of the view that any plan, drawing or calculation is beyond the competence of such principal submitting person or submitting person submitting the same, return such plan, drawing or calculation.
(2)
A local authority shall accept any returned plan, drawing or calculation if the same were re-submitted together with a certificate from the relevant competent authority responsible for registering such principal submitting person or submitting person, certifying that such plan, drawing or calculation is within the competence of such principal submitting person or submitting person submitting the same.
By-law 5. Supervision of work
(1)
Where under these By-laws any plan, drawing or calculation in relation to any building is required to be submitted by a principal submitting person or submitting person, no erection or continued erection of that building shall take place unless that principal submitting person or submitting person or any person duly authorised by him undertakes the supervision of the erection and the setting out, where applicable, of that building.
(2)
The erection of a building shall be carried out under the fulltime supervision of a construction project manager and assisted by a construction site supervisor who are accredited and certified by the Lembaga Pembangunan Industri Pembinaan Malaysia.
(3)
A site supervisory staff shall be appointed to supervise the works of the contractor to ensure compliance with site safety measures, erection qualities, plans and specifications of the building.
By-law 6. Plans to be signed
(1)
All plans submitted shall be signed by the principal submitting person or submitting person and by the owner or his agent and shall bear the full address of the owner.
(2)
The local authority may, if satisfied that the owner of the premises has refused to or has failed to execute any work which is required under the Act to be executed by him, direct the owner of the premises in writing to execute such work.
By-law 7. Withdrawal or change of principal submitting person or submitting person
(1)
The principal submitting person or submitting person submitting the plans shall be responsible for the proper execution of the works and shall continue to be so responsible until the completion of the works unless—
(a)
with the agreement of the local authority another principal submitting or submitting person is appointed to take over;
(b)
the local authority agrees to accept his withdrawal or replacement at the request of the owner provided that the erection of a building has not commenced.
(2)
Where the local authority agrees to accept a principal submitting person’s or submitting person’s withdrawal or replacement under paragraph (1)(b) of by-law 7 the works shall not commence until another principal submitting person or submitting person is appointed to take over.
(3)
Where any principal submitting person or submitting person who has submitted any plan, drawing or calculation in respect of any building has died or become bankrupt or cannot be found or has been deregistered from the register or for any other reason ceased to practise, the owner or occupier shall as soon as practicable appoint another principal submitting person or submitting person to act for him and to submit adequate evidence to the local authority of the circumstances.
By-law 8. Plans to be deposited
(1)
All building plans shall be deposited to and in the manner as determined by the local authority.
(2)
One set of the plans shall be retained by the local authority and the other set shall be returned after approval.
(2A)
Any plan shall be deemed to have been deposited and furnished at the time the plan has been received by the local authority.
(3)
If the plans are disapproved, one set of such plans shall be returned with a statement explaining the reasons for disapproval.
(4)
(Deleted).
By-law 9. Scale of plans
(1)
All plans shall be drawn to the following scales—
(a)
site plans - not less than 1 : 1000;
(b)
key or location plans - any convenient scale;
(c)
all other general building plans - not less than 1 : 100 except in special cases where the size of the building renders drawings to this scale to be impracticable to accommodate within the limitations of paper sizes or when the drawings are of unwieldy dimensions, the local authority may use its discretion to permit plans to be submitted to a smaller scale but in no case shall the scale be less than 1 : 200;
(d)
sketch plans for approval in principle - not less than 1 : 200.
(2)
Notwithstanding paragraph (1), all plans may be drawn in International System of Units.
By-law 10. Plans required
(1)
All building plans in respect of any building shall, unless inapplicable, contain the following:
(a)
a site plan showing—
(i)
the site of the proposed building lot together with the number of the lot and the section number;
(ii)
the means of access to the site from the street and the name of the street;
(iii)
the distance from the centre and side of roadway distinctly figured on one of such plans;
(iv)
where required by the local authority the dimensions and area of the lot;
(v)
the complete lines of surface water and foul water drainage and the point of discharge of the proposed drains;
(vi)
the scale, north point and the numbers of adjoining lots or buildings;
(vii)
the dimensions of clearances between the proposed building and the boundaries;
(viii)
all lines of proposed adjustments of land or buildings for street, river or drainage improvements and such like where applicable showing the width of such new street or proposed new street and its connection with the nearest public street;
(ix)
existing and proposed ground level of the site;
(x)
the location of the rainwater tank;
(xi)
SPAH elements such as piping systems, rainwater tanks, water pumps and other related equipment (as required to install SPAH) shall be clearly shown on the plan for the following category of buildings:
(A)
in respect of residential buildings, SPAH shall be required to be installed only for bungalows and semi-detached houses with roof areas equivalent to or more than 100 square metres;
(B)
all detached buildings with roof areas equivalent to or more than 100 square metres.
(b)
a floor plan of each floor except when other floors are repetitive or are identical floors, containing the following information—
(i)
figured dimensions of the lengths and breadths of the building and rooms and thickness of walls thereof;
(ii)
figured dimensions of all door and window openings, the clear daylight area of air wells, back areas and open spaces of the building;
(iii)
figured dimensions between walls, piers and stanchions on the foundation plan of the building;
(iv)
lines of permanent drainage of the site with arrows indicating the direction of flow, the drains into which they will discharge and their sizes;
(v)
the names and uses of rooms.
(c)
cross, longitudinal and other sections to clearly delineate the construction of the building and showing—
(i)
the existing ground level and proposed new ground level if the level of the site is to be raised or lowered;
(ii)
the level of street, roadside drain and verandah-way (if the building abuts a street);
(iii)
the width and depth of foundations and thickness of walls, partitions and floors thereof;
(iv)
the height of storeys, staircases, doors, windows and ventilating openings thereof;
(v)
the sizes, position and direction of floor joists and beams and the construction of the roof thereof;
(vi)
the materials to be used in the construction of the structure.
(d)
front, rear and side elevations showing—
(i)
the levels of adjoining footways, verandah-ways, roads and the levels of the proposed counterparts;
(ii)
part elevations of existing adjoining buildings showing their floor levels, main coping, parapets and verandah heights;
(iii)
the materials proposed for the walls, windows and roof, if applicable and visible.
(2)
The principal submitting person or owner or occupier, as the case may be shall provide the local authority with such further information as the local authority may require.
(3)
All plans shall be clearly drawn in black with differences of material shown in distinct colour and all existing structures in neutral tints.
By-law 11. Exemption from by-law 10
The local authority may if it deems fit exempt any person from any or all of the requirements of paragraph (1) of by-law 10.
By-law 12. Sketch plans for approval in principle
(1)
Notwithstanding the provisions of by-laws 8 and 10 when the consideration of the local authority is desired for approval in principle of a building, tentative sketch plans accompanied by a brief report sufficient to show the character and standard of the building may be submitted subject to the payment of the fees as prescribed in the First Schedule to these By-laws.
By-law 13. Special permission to commence building operations
(1)
The local authority may, in writing grant special permission to commence building operations provided that such commencement will not infringe the provisions of the Act or these By-laws.
(2)
The granting of any permission under paragraph (1) of by-law 13 shall not deprive the local authority of its power to give written directions in respect of such building.
By-law 14. Plans of alterations
(1)
In plans submitted for additions or alterations, including a subdivision of rooms, to a building, the parts, if any, of the building to be removed shall be shown in dotted lines and new work shall be either in red or in black fully coloured.
(2)
All existing surface water and foul water drains, stairs, windows and doors and all openings for light and ventilation of the building shall be shown on such plans.
By-law 15. Specifications
If so required by the local authority plans submitted for approval shall be accompanied by a specification of all materials proposed to be used.
By-law 16. Details and calculations of structural plans
(1)
One copy of the detailed structural plans of the proposed building together with the structural calculations for the same shall be submitted before the commencement of construction.
(2)
The detailed structural plans shall bear a certificate by the submitting person as in Form A as set out in the Second Schedule to these By-laws to the effect that the details are in accordance with these By-laws and that the submitting person accepts full responsibility.
(3)
All structural plans shall be clearly marked to indicate the imposed loads for which each floor system or each part has been designed.
By-law 17. Power of local authority to reject structural plans and calculations
Notwithstanding paragraph (2) of by-law 16, the local authority may examine and in so doing may reject any structural plans or calculations which are not in accordance with these By-laws and if it rejects such plans or calculations it may require such submitting person to resubmit new structural plans or calculations in respect of the rejected portion.
By-law 18. Permits
(1)
Sketch plans may be submitted for minor erections, minor alterations and additions in lieu of approved plans and permits may be issued as authority to carry out such works if they comply with the requirements of these By-laws, provided that if in the opinion of the local authority the works involved require the submission of normal building plans, such plans shall be submitted in accordance with these By-laws.
(2)
Permits may be issued on such terms and conditions as the local authority thinks fit for the erection of any fence which encroaches on a footway.
By-law 19. Temporary permits
(1)
A temporary permit for a limited period may be issued by the local authority for the following purpose—
(a)
the erection of a shed for shows or place of worship;
(b)
the erection of a builders’ working shed or a store or other shed to be used in connection with building works;
(c)
the depositing of building materials on streets;
(d)
the erection of scaffolding on a street;
(e)
the erection of staging, framework, platform or superstructure of any kind on a roof abutting a street;
(f)
the erection of hoarding on streets in accordance with by-law 20.
(2)
A temporary permit may be issued at the discretion of the local authority for the erection of a temporary building and shall be subject to all or some of the conditions as set out in the First Schedule to these By-laws.
(3)
Plans or sketch plans in accordance with the requirement of the local authority shall be submitted for temporary permits under this by-law.
By-law 20. Advertisement hoardings
(1)
The erection of hoardings or any framing for the display of advertisements or sign-boards shall be subject to an annual temporary permit issued at the discretion of and subject to any conditions that may be imposed by the local authority.
(2)
Plans or sketch plans of such hoardings or framings shall be submitted in accordance with the requirements of the local authority.
(3)
The plans must be certified by the submitting person to the effect that the proposed hoarding can be safely supported by the structure onto which it is to be constructed and that he accepts full responsibility.
By-law 21. Materials not to be deposited in a street without permission
(1)
No person shall deposit any building materials in any street without a temporary permit issued under by-law 19.
(2)
The fee for such permit shall be that prescribed in the First Schedule to these By-laws.
(3)
The person to whom such permit is issued shall at his own expense cause such materials to be sufficiently fenced and enclosed until the materials are removed or otherwise made secure to the satisfaction of the local authority.
(4)
Such materials shall be suitably lighted during the hours of darkness and a watchman shall be employed to ensure that this is done.
By-law 22. Notice of commencement or resumption of building operations
(1)
Notice of the intention to commence or resume the erection of a building required under subsection (9) of section 70 of the Act shall be made in Form B as set out in the Second Schedule to these By-laws and shall include particulars of the intended work.
(2)
If the work is not commenced or resumed on the date given in such notice, a further notice in Form B as set out in the Second Schedule to these By-laws shall be given before the work may be commenced or resumed.
By-law 23. (Deleted).
By-law 24. (Deleted).
By-law 25. Certificate of completion and compliance
(1)
A certificate of completion and compliance in Form F as set out in the Second Schedule shall be issued by the principal submitting person—
(a)
when all the technical conditions as imposed by the local authority have been duly complied with;
(b)
when Forms G1 to G21 in respect of certifications as set out in the Second Schedule have been duly certified and received by him;
(c)
when all the essential services, including an access road, landscape, car park, drain, sanitary, water, electricity installation, communication, fire hydrant, sewerage and refuse disposal requirements, and fire lift where required, have been provided; and
(d)
when he certifies in Form F that he has supervised the erection and completion of the building and that to the best of his knowledge and belief the building has been constructed and completed in accordance with the Act, these By-Laws and the approved plans.
(2)
Upon the issuance of the certificate of completion and compliance, the principal submitting person shall accept full responsibility for the issuance of the certificate of completion and compliance and he certifies that the building is safe and fit for occupation.
(3)
The respective contractor or trade contractor who has certified Forms G1 to G21 as set out in the Second Schedule shall be held responsible for the quality of the works erected and completed.
(4)
The principal submitting person shall within fourteen days from the issuance of the certificate of completion and compliance or partial certificate of completion and compliance, as the case may be, deposit a copy of the said certificate and Forms G1 to G21 with the local authority and the Board of Architects Malaysia or the Board of Engineers Malaysia, as the case may be.
(5)
Nothing contained in this by-law shall prevent the local authority or any officer authorised by it in writing for the purpose, from inspecting any building works at any stage thereof and calling attention to any failure to the building or non-compliance with these By-Laws which he may observe, and, giving notice in writing to the principal submitting person or submitting person ordering such failure or non-compliance to be rectified.
(6)
Subject to paragraph (5), the local authority may issue a directive in writing to the principal submitting person to withhold the issuance of the certificate of completion and compliance or partial certificate of completion and compliance, as the case may be.
(7)
The principal submitting person or submitting person shall within twenty-one days after the receipt of the notice issued in pursuance of paragraph (5) or such a further period as may be approved by the local authority, rectify the failure or non-compliance.
(8)
Where the principal submitting person or submitting person has rectified the failure or non-compliance, he shall issue a notice to the local authority confirming that such rectification works have been satisfactorily completed.
(9)
Upon receipt of the notice as mentioned in paragraph (8), the local authority shall within fourteen days from the receipt of such notice inspect the building to confirm that the failure or non-compliance has been satisfactorily rectified.
(10)
Where the local authority is satisfied that the failure or non-compliance as stipulated in paragraph (5) has been satisfactorily rectified, the local authority shall issue a directive in writing to the principal submitting person to issue the certificate of completion and compliance or partial certificate of completion and compliance, as the case may be.
(11)
Where the local authority has not carried out the inspection of rectification works in pursuance of paragraph (9) within the period as stipulated in that paragraph, it shall be deemed that the local authority is satisfied that the rectification works have been satisfactorily completed.
(12)
Where the failure or non-compliance has not been rectified by the principal submitting person or submitting person within the period stipulated in paragraph (7), the local authority may itself cause any work to be executed or any measure to be taken if it considers such work or a measure is necessary to rectify the non-compliance.
(13)
The cost for executing such work or taking such a measure as referred to in paragraph (12) shall be borne by the owner of the building.
(14)
The certificate of completion and compliance or partial certificate of completion and compliance, as the case may be, shall not be issued by the principal submitting person until all the failure or non-compliance in respect of the building has been satisfactorily rectified.
(15)
A certificate of fire safety from the Fire and Rescue Department (except for residential buildings of not exceeding 18 metres in height) shall be attached with Forms G8 and G9.
(16)
A certificate of fitness from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health shall be attached with Form G11.
(17)
A letter of confirmation from the water authority that the water supply is ready for connection shall be attached with Form G13.
(18)
A letter of clearance from a sewerage certifying agency shall be attached with Forms G14 and G15.
(19)
A letter of confirmation from Tenaga Nasional Berhad that the electrical power supply is ready for connection shall be attached with Form G16.
(20)
A letter of confirmation from the relevant local authority or Public Works Department shall be attached with Form G17 and if the letter of confirmation has not been received by the submitting person within fourteen days from the date of application, the letter of confirmation shall be deemed to be given.
By-law 25A. (Deleted).
By-law 26. (Deleted).
By-law 27. Partial certificate of completion and compliance
(1)
The principal submitting person may issue a partial certificate of completion and compliance in Form F1 as set out in the Second Schedule, in respect of any part of a building partially completed subject to any condition imposed by the local authority which it deems necessary for the reasons of public health and safety.
(2)
Notwithstanding paragraph (1), no partial certificate of completion and compliance shall be issued unless all the essential services including an access road, landscape, car park, drain, sanitary, water, electricity installation, communication, fire hydrant, sewerage and refuse disposal requirements, and fire lift where required, serving the partially completed portion of the building have been provided.
(3)
A partial certificate of completion and compliance once issued shall remain effective until the whole of the building has been completed and a certificate of completion and compliance has been issued in the pursuance of by-law 25.
(4)
A certificate of fire safety from the Fire and Rescue Department (except for residential buildings of not exceeding 18 metres in height) shall be attached with Forms G8 and G9.
(5)
A certificate of fitness from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health shall be attached with Form G11.
(6)
A letter of confirmation from the water authority that the water supply is ready for connection shall be attached with Form G13.
(7)
A letter of clearance from a sewerage certifying agency shall be attached with Forms G14 and G15.
(8)
A letter of confirmation from Tenaga Nasional Berhad that the electrical power supply is ready for connection shall be attached with Form G16.
(9)
A letter of confirmation from the relevant local authority or Public Works Department shall be attached with Form G17 and if the letter of confirmation has not been received by the submitting person within fourteen days from the date of application, the letter of confirmation shall be deemed to be given.
By-law 28. Offences
(1)
If the principal submitting person has failed to deposit a copy of the certificate of completion and compliance or partial certificate of completion and compliance, as the case may be, and Forms G1 to G21 within the period as stipulated in paragraph 25(4) with the local authority and the Board of Architects Malaysia or the Board of Engineers Malaysia, as the case may be, he shall be guilty of an offence.
(2)
If the principal submitting person or submitting person has failed to comply with the notice issued by the local authority in accordance with paragraph 25(5) in respect of the rectification of any failure to the building or non-compliance with these By-Laws, he shall be guilty of an offence.
By-law 29. Fees for consideration of plans and for permits
Fees in accordance with the First Schedule to these By-laws shall be paid by the principal submitting persons or submitting persons who submit plans and specifications for approval in respect of buildings to be constructed or altered or for the issue of permits or temporary permits in accordance with these By-laws.
PART III – SPACE, LIGHT AND VENTILATION
By-law 30. Open spaces to be provided
Every building which is erected shall, unless the local authority is of the opinion that in any particular case air space is otherwise sufficiently and permanently provided for, have directly attached thereto an open space exclusively belonging thereto of such dimensions as may be prescribed hereafter.
By-law 31. Open spaces not to be altered or roofed
(1)
Whenever any open space has been provided in connection with any building in pursuance of these By-laws, no person shall, without the approval in writing of the local authority—
(a)
make or maintain or permit to be made or maintained any alteration in such open space;
(b)
construct or maintain or permit to be constructed or maintained a roof over any portion thereof so as to diminish the area of such open space:
Provided that the local authority in its discretion may issue such a permit if it is satisfied that the free movement of air is not impeded or hindered.
(2)
The local authority may by notice in writing require the owner or any person acting in contravention of this Part to remove any such alteration or roof or otherwise to do such works as will restore such open space.
By-law 32. Space about buildings abutting a street and a backlane
(1)
The open space for buildings abutting a street and backlane shall be—
(a)
in respect of residential buildings, not less than one-third of the built-on area of the building lot;
(b)
in respect of other buildings used for non-residential purposes, not less than one-tenth of the built-on area of the building lot.
(2)
For the purpose of calculating the open space required by paragraph (1) of by-law 32 —
(a)
in a two-storeyed shophouse the space occupied by any single-storeyed annexe not being a habitable room which does not exceed the height of the ceiling of the ground floor shall be considered as neutral and shall not be counted as built-on area or as open space;
(b)
half the width of the backlane abutting a building shall be counted as open space;
(c)
balconies, passage-ways and sun-shades may project over any open space provided they do not project more than 1 metre and such projection shall be counted as open space and not as built up area;
(d)
the open space provided between the street and the set back for a building line of a terrace house shall not be counted as open space.
(3)
Where open space not abutting a backlane is provided for, such open space shall have a minimum clear dimension of not less than 2.5 metres and such open space shall exclude projections of hoods, sun-shades or balconies.
By-law 33. Space about buildings on lots abutting a street and having no backlane
For a building on a lot abutting a street and having no backlane, the open space shall be situated at the rear of the building and shall extend across the full width of the lot.
By-law 34. Space about detached buildings
(1)
Subject to the specific requirement of Part VII, for a detached building there shall be not less than 2 metres clear space measured between the extreme projections of the building and boundaries of its lot and 4 metres clear space between such building and any other building unless they are within the same building lot.
(2)
For the purpose of this by-law a pair of semi-detached buildings shall be deemed to be one building on a single lot.
By-law 34A. Building requirements for disabled persons
(1)
Any building or part thereof to which this by-law applies—
(a)
shall be provided with access to enable a disabled person to get into, out of and to move within the building except for any part of the building for which access is provided wholly or mainly for the inspection, maintenance or repair of the building, its services or fixed plant or machinery;
(b)
shall be designed with facilities for the use of the disabled person.
(2)
The requirements of this by-law shall be deemed to be satisfied by compliance with MS 1183 and MS 1184.
(3)
The buildings to which this by-law applies and which on the date of commencement of this by-law have been erected, are being erected or have not been erected but plans have been submitted and approved, shall be modified or altered to comply with this by-law within three years from the date of commencement of this by-law.
(4)
Notwithstanding paragraph (3), the local authority may, if it is satisfied that it is justifiable to do so—
(a)
allow an extension or further extensions of the period within which the requirements of this by-law are to be complied with;
(b)
allow variations, deviations or exemptions as it may specify from any provision of this by-law.
(5)
Any person aggrieved by any decision of the local authority under paragraph (4) may, within thirty days after the person has been notified of the decision, appeal against that decision in writing to the State Authority, whose decision shall be final.
(6)
(Deleted).
By-law 35. Access from a street
Every building to be erected on a site which does not front a street shall have access from a street and the means, nature and extent of the access shall be in accordance with a layout plan approved by the competent planning authority or the local authority.
By-law 36. Splayed corner
Where a building is erected at the junction of two streets and in cases where the degree of splay or rounding off is not shown on the layout plan or any statutory amendment, modification or replacement thereof maintained by the competent planning authority, the corner of such building shall be splayed or rounded off to a height of not less than 5 metres above the street level at the point of intersection of the street lines so that no part of the building below this height shall project beyond the straight line drawn across the corner of the building plot joining each street line at a point 3 metres from the point of intersection of the street lines.
By-law 37. Projections over the street and over the building line
(1)
Where buildings abut on a street, projection over the street for open verandahs, balconies, sun-shades or similar projections may be permitted on the following basis:
Projection =
Width of street in metres minus 10 metres
2
Provided that the maximum projection which may be permitted under this formula is 1.25 metres clear of the approved line of street.
(2)
Projections in the nature of canopies over entrances in excess of 1.25 metres may be permitted at the discretion of the local authority.
(3)
All such projections shall be at least 5 metres above the level of the road. Between the levels of 2.5 metres and 5 metres, projections not exceeding 500 millimetres may be permitted.
(4)
Where a building line is prescribed for a street set back from the regular line of street, projections above the ground floor over such building line may be permitted provided that such projection shall not exceed 1.80 metres and shall not exceed one half of the building frontage to the building line.
By-law 38. Width of footway.
(1)
The width of any verandah-way or uncovered footway shall not be less than 2.10 metres but piers or columns to a maximum depth of 600 millimetres from the boundary of the street may be permitted on such verandah-way or footway.
(2)
The width of the verandah-way or uncovered footway shall be measured from the boundary of the street to the wall or other part (not being an outside verandah pier) of the building nearest the street, and all dimensions referred to in this by-law shall be measured at the pavement level of the verandah or uncovered footway.
(3)
For the purpose of this by-law any step, threshold or other structure appurtenant to a building shall be deemed to be part of the building though not directly connected therewith.
(4)
Where there is a change in levels along the footway between adjoining lots there shall be provided steps with risers not exceeding 150 millimetres and treads not less than 275 millimetres or a pedestrian ramp of gradient not exceeding one in ten.
(5)
Where a service road is provided the footway required to be provided and constructed shall follow the line of the street.
By-law 38A. Energy efficiency in buildings.
(1)
A new or renovated non-residential building with air conditioned space exceeding 4,000 square metres --
(a)
shall be designed to meet the requirements of MS 1525 with regards to the Overall Thermal Transfer Value (OTTV) and the Roof Thermal Transfer Value (RTTV); and
(b)
shall be provided with an Energy Management System.
(2)
The roof for all buildings (residential and non-residential) shall not have a thermal transmittance (U-value) greater than --
(a)
0.4 W/m2K for a light weight roof (below 50 kg/m2); and
(b)
0.6 W/m2K for a heavy weight roof (above 50 kg/m2),
unless provided with other shading or cooling means.
By-law 38B. Protection of building structures against lightning strikes.
(1)
The assessment of risks and provision of measures to protect building structures against lightning strikes shall comply with the requirements as set out in MS IEC 62305.
(2)
For the purpose of paragraph (1), “MS IEC” means the latest published edition of the Malaysian Standard which is identical to the International Electrotechnical Commission Standard.
By-law 39. Natural lighting and ventilation.
(1)
Every room designed, adapted or used for residential, business or other purposes except hospitals and schools shall be provided with natural lighting and natural ventilation by means of one or more windows having a total area of not less than 10 percent of the clear floor area of such room and not less than half out of this 10 percent floor area shall have openings capable of allowing a free uninterrupted passage of air.
(2)
Every room used for the accommodation of patients in a hospital shall be provided with natural lighting and natural ventilation by means of one or more windows having a total area of not less than 15 percent of clear floor area of such room and not less than two third out of this 15 percent floor area shall have openings capable of allowing a free uninterrupted passage of air.
(3)
Every room used for the purpose of conducting classes in a school shall be provided with natural lighting and natural ventilation by means of one or more windows having a total area of not less than 20 percent of clear floor area of such room and not less than half out of this 20 percent floor area shall have openings capable of allowing a free uninterrupted passage of air.
(4)
Every water closet, latrine, urinal or bathroom shall be provided with natural lighting and natural ventilation by means of one or more openings having a total area of not less than 0.2 square metre per water closet, urinal, latrine or bathroom and such openings shall be capable of allowing a free uninterrupted passage of air.
By-law 40. Air wells.
(1)
(a)
The minimum size of each air well where provided in all buildings shall be as follows:
(i)
for buildings up to 2 storeys in height, 7 square metres;
(ii)
for buildings up to 4 storeys in height, 9 square metres;
(iii)
for buildings up to 6 storeys in height, 11 square metres;
(iv)
for buildings up to 8 storeys in height, 13 square metres;
(v)
for buildings more than 8 storeys in height, 15 square metres.
(b)
The minimum width of such air wells in any direction shall be 2.5 metres.
(2)
(a)
The minimum size of each air well for lavatories, water closets and bathrooms shall be as follows:
(i)
for buildings up to 2 storeys in height, 3.5 square metres;
(ii)
for buildings up to 4 storeys in height, 4 square metres;
(iii)
for buildings up to 6 storeys in height, 4.5 square metres;
(iv)
for buildings up to 8 storeys in height, 5 square metres;
(v)
for buildings more than 8 storeys in height, 5.5 square metres.
(b)
The minimum width of such air wells in any direction shall be 2 metres.
By-law 41. Mechanical ventilation and air conditioning.
(1)
Where permanent mechanical ventilation or air conditioning is intended, the relevant building by-laws relating to natural ventilation, natural lighting and heights of rooms shall not apply.
(2)
A permanent air conditioning system shall be provided with alternate means of ventilating the air conditioned enclosure, such that within half an hour of the air conditioning system failing, not less than the stipulated volume of fresh air specified hereinafter shall be introduced into the enclosure during the period when the air conditioning system is not functioning.
(3)
The provisions of the Third Schedule to these By-laws shall apply to buildings which are mechanically ventilated or air conditioned.
(4)
Where permanent mechanical ventilation in respect of lavatories, water closets, bathrooms or corridors is provided for and maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Third Schedule to these By-laws, the provisions of these By-laws relating to natural ventilation and natural lighting shall not apply to such lavatories, water closets, bathrooms or corridors.
By-law 42. Minimum areas of rooms in residential buildings.
(1)
The area of the first habitable room in a residential building shall be not less than 11 square metres, the second habitable room be not less than 9.3 square metres and all other rooms be not less than 6.5 square metres in area.
(2)
The width of every habitable room in a residential building shall be not less than 2 metres.
(3)
The area and width of a kitchen in a residential building shall be not less than 4.5 square metres and 1.5 metres respectively.
By-law 43. Minimum dimensions of latrines, water closets and bathrooms.
In all buildings, the sizes of latrines, water closets and bathrooms shall be --
(a)
in the case of latrines or water closets with pedestal-type closet fittings, not less than 1.5 metres by 0.75 metre;
(b)
in the case of water closets with fittings other than pedestal-type closet fittings, not less than 1.25 metres by 0.75 metre;
(c)
in the case of bathrooms, not less than 1.5 square metres with a width of not less than 0.75 metre;
(d)
in the case of bathrooms with closet fittings, not less than 2 square metres with a width of not less than 0.75 metre.
By-law 44. Height of rooms in residential buildings, shophouses, schools, etc.
(1)
The height of rooms in residential buildings other than shophouses shall be --
(a)
for living rooms and bedrooms, not less than 2.5 metres;
(b)
for kitchens, not less than 2.25 metres;
(c)
for bathrooms, water closets, latrines, porches, balconies, verandahs, garages and like, not less than 2 metres.
(2)
The average height of rooms with sloping ceilings in residential buildings other than shophouses shall be --
(a)
for living rooms and bedrooms, not less than 2.5 metres;
(b)
for kitchens, not less than 2.25 metres;
(c)
for bathrooms, water closets, latrines, porches, balconies, verandahs, garages and the like, not less than 2 metres.
Provided that no part of any room shall be less than 2 metres in height.
(3)
In shophouses the height of ground floor rooms shall be not less than 3 metres and the height of upper floor rooms shall be not less than 2.5 metres. Where the depth of such shophouse at any upper floor level is greater than 10.5 metres the height of rooms on every such upper floor shall be not less than 2.55 metres.
(4)
In schools, the height of rooms used for the dissemination of knowledge shall be not less than 3 metres headroom.
(5)
In hospitals, the height of rooms used for the accommodation of patients shall be not less than 3 metres.
(6)
The height of any room in a factory in which any person works shall be not less than 3 metres headroom.
By-law 45. Height of rooms in places of public resorts.
(1)
The height of rooms, other than water closets, lavatories, cloakrooms, corridors and rooms to which the public do not have access in places of public resort shall be not less than 3.5 metres. Where a balcony is provided for in places of public resort, the heights between the level of the topmost tier of the balcony and the ceiling over such topmost tier, and between the floor immediately under the balcony and the underside of the balcony, shall be not less than 3 metres in each case.
(2)
In places of public resorts, the provisions of paragraph (1) of by-law 46 shall apply to water closets, lavatories, cloakrooms, corridors and rooms to which the public do not have access.
By-law 46. Height of rooms in other buildings.
(2)
The height of any basement shall be not less than 2.5 metres.
(3)
Where the greater part of the ground floors is left open for use as car park or covered garden or similar purpose, the height of such ground floor shall be not less than 2.5 metres.
(4)
The minimum headroom of any habitable room or space inside any building shall be 2 metres.
(5)
The height of any verandah-way shall be not less than 3 metres.
By-law 47. Projections over a verandah-way.
Projections in the nature of --
(a)
beams;
(b)
stairways and landings;
(c)
screens;
(d)
blinds; and
(e)
signboards or advertisements:
which are not less than 2.5 metres above the verandah-way paving may be permitted.
PART IV - TEMPORARY WORKS IN CONNECTION WITH BUILDING OPERATIONS
By-law 48. Commencement of building operation.
(1)
When any building operation is commenced, the person responsible for the erection shall display a board giving the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the principal submitting person, submitting person and building contractor.
(2)
Construction of any building shall not commence unless a protective hoarding to the requirements of the local authority is erected to separate the building from the public street or footway.
(3)
Where a protective hoarding is required, a temporary permit shall be obtained in accordance with by-law 19 and the protective hoarding shall be constructed according to the approved protective hoarding plan and shall during the demolition or erection of any building be maintained in good condition to the satisfaction of the local authority.
By-law 49. Responsibility of person granted temporary permits.
The person to whom the temporary permit is granted shall be responsible for --
(a)
taking such measures as are necessary to keep the roadside drain clear of obstruction and to the satisfaction of the local authority;
(b)
adjustments to existing cables, pipes and other service or utility or equipment and for their reinstatement on completion of the works in accordance with the requirements of the relevant authorities;
(c)
painting the ends of the hoardings white and for having the ends of hoardings and railings suitably marked by red warning lights throughout the night;
(d)
any accident and damage to property or persons, directly attributable to the hoardings or railings;
(e)
ensuring that hydrant points and any other existing utility service installations are not obstructed by such hoardings or materials;
(f)
providing suitable openings with hand-rails at the ends of the hoarding to permit easy means of access and egress over the roadside drain, to and from the adjoining verandah-ways;
(g)
the maintenance of the hoarding to the satisfaction of the local authority;
(h)
exercising due care not to damage any existing service mains by overloading the ground or by any temporary construction;
(i)
removing the hoarding together with all materials and debris on completion of the works; and
(j)
to reinstate any damage to roads, drains, footways and verandah-ways and leaving the site and drains in a clean and tidy condition.
By-law 50. Cancellation of temporary permit.
The local authority shall have the right to cancel the temporary permit for breach of any of the foregoing conditions or for any reason it thinks fit and the applicant shall within one week of receipt of such notice have the hoardings, railings and all other materials connected therewith removed from the public road.
By-law 51. Vehicular access to site.
Vehicular access to the site may be restricted to specified hours to avoid obstructing the flow of traffic if found to be necessary.
By-law 52. Rising mains to be installed progressively.
In buildings which are designed to exceed 18.3 metres in height to the top most full floor, rising mains in accordance with by-law 232 shall be installed as soon as the building exceeds that height to provide fire fighting facilities during the various stages of construction.
PART V - STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS
By-law 53. Building materials.
(1)
Any materials used--
(a)
in the erection of a building;
(b)
in the structural alteration or extension of a building;
(c)
in the execution of works or the installation of fittings, being works or fittings to which any provision of these By-laws applies; or
(d)
for the backfilling of any excavations on a site in connection with any building or works or fittings to which any provision of these By-laws applies, shall be --
(aa) of a suitable nature and quality in relation to the purposes for and conditions in which they are used;
(ab) adequately mixed or prepared; and
(ac) applied, used or fixed so as to adequately perform the functions for which they are designed.
(2)
The use of any material or any method of mixing or preparing materials or of applying, using or fixing materials, which conforms with a Standard Specification or Code of Practice prescribing the quality of material or standards of workmanship shall be deemed to be sufficient compliance with the requirements of paragraph (1) of by-law 53 if the use of the material or method is appropriate for the purpose and conditions in which it is used.
By-law 54. General requirements of loading.
(1)
In determining, for the purposes of these By-laws, the loads to which any building will be subjected, the permanent and imposed loads and wind loads shall be calculated in accordance with this Part:
Provided that in the case where -
(a)
an actual imposed load to which a building will be subjected will exceed the imposed load calculated in accordance with this Part, such actual load shall be substituted for the load so calculated; and
(b)
plant, machinery or equipment will produce exceptional dynamic effects, there shall be substituted for the imposed load calculated in accordance with this Part such greater amount which would, as a static load, produce stresses of a magnitude and kind approximating to that induced dynamically.
(2)
In determining, for the purposes of this Part, the loads to which a building will be subjected --
(a)
permanent loads shall be calculated in accordance with MS EN 1991-1-1 or as provided hereinafter;
(b)
imposed loads shall be calculated in accordance with MS EN 1991-1-1 or as provided hereinafter:
Provided that, if any actual imposed load will exceed or is likely to exceed the load so calculated, that actual load shall be substituted for the load so calculated; and
(c)
wind loads shall be calculated in accordance with MS 1553.
(3)
(Deleted).
By-law 55. Permanent and imposed loads.
(1)
The provisions of this Part relating to permanent and imposed loads shall apply to --
(a)
new buildings and new structures;
(b)
structural alterations and additions to existing buildings and existing structures; and
(c)
existing construction on change of use:
but shall not apply to the maintenance of, or the replacement of parts of, existing buildings and structures where there is no change of use.
(2)
The permanent and imposed loads provided hereinafter shall be in addition to and not in substitution of provision relating to --
(a)
loads on road bridges;
(b)
loads on rail bridges;
(c)
loads due to wind;
(d)
loads due to seismic forces;
(e)
loads due to explosions;
(f)
loads on structures subject to internal pressure from their contents such as bunkers, silos and water tanks;
(g)
loads incidental to construction;
(h)
loads due to lifts and escalators;
(i)
loads due to machinery vibration (except those due to some gantry cranes);
(j)
loads due to thermal effects; and
(k)
test loads.
By-law 56. Permanent loads calculated from weights of materials used.
(1)
Permanent loads shall be calculated from unit weight given in accordance with MS EN 1991-1-1 or from the actual known weights of the materials used.
(2)
Typical values for commonly used materials are laid out in MS EN 1991-1-1.
By-law 57. Weight of partitions.
Where partitions are shown in the plans, their actual weights shall be included in the permanent load. To provide for partitions where their positions are not shown on the plans, the beams and the floor slabs where these are capable of effective lateral distribution of the load, shall be designed to carry, in addition to other loads, a uniformly distributed load per square metre of not less than one third of the weight per metre run of the finished partitions, but not less than 1kN/m2 if the floor is used for office purposes.
By-law 58. Contents of tanks and other receptacles.
The weight of tanks and other receptacles, and of their contents shall be treated as permanent loads; account shall be taken of the load conditions when a tank or receptacle is full and when it is empty.
By-law 59. Imposed floor loads.
All imposed floor loads shall be calculated in accordance with MS EN 1991-1-1.
By-law 60. Mechanical stacking.
Where there is the possibility of the use of mechanical stacking machines, such as fork lift trucks, special provision shall be made in the design of the floors in accordance with MS EN 1991-1-1.
By-law 61. Imposed loads on ceilings, skylights and similar structures.
(1)
The support of ceilings (other than false ceilings), ribs of skylights, frames and covering (other than glazing) of access hatches and similar structures shall be designed in accordance with MS EN 1991-1-1.
(2)
(Deleted).
(3)
For the purpose of this by-law, false ceiling means a ceiling which is built with a space between it and the structure above and which satisfies at least one of the following conditions relating to access to that space:
(a)
the space is inaccessible;
(b)
the ceiling is demountable for access; or
(c)
the space is provided with catwalks supported independently.
By-law 62. Reductions in total imposed floor loads.
The reduction in assumed total imposed floor loads given in MS EN 1991-1-1 shall be taken in designing columns, piers, walls, their supports and foundations.
By-law 63. Imposed roof loads.
For the purpose of this by-law, imposed roof loads shall be designed in accordance with MS EN 1991-1-1.
By-law 64. Curved roofs.
The imposed load on a curved roof shall be calculated in accordance with MS EN 1991-1-1.
By-law 65. Roof coverings.
To provide for loads incidental to maintenance, all roof coverings, other than glazing, shall be in accordance with MS EN 1991-1-1.
By-law 66. Internal suspended loads on primary structural members.
Due allowance shall be made in the design of roof trusses or other primary structural members supporting roofs, for the weight of heating, lighting and ventilating equipment, service trunking, piping for liquids or gases, mechanical handling or production equipment and overhead walkways for inspection and maintenance, as applicable.
By-law 67. Amount of suspended load.
Any panel point of the lower chord of such roof trusses or any point of such other primary structural members supporting roofs over garages, manufacturing or storage floors shall be designed in accordance with MS EN 1991-1-1.
By-law 68. Dynamic loading.
(1)
Where loads arising from machinery, runways, cranes and other plant producing dynamic effects are supported by or communicated to the framework, allowance shall be made for these dynamic effects, including impact, by increasing the dead weight values by an adequate amount.
(2)
In order to ensure due economy in design, the appropriate dynamic increase for all members affected shall be ascertained as accurately as possible.
(3)
In the absence of sufficient data for such calculations, the increase in the imposed loads shall be in accordance with MS EN 1991-1-1.
(4)
Concentrated imposed loads including impact and vibrating effects which may arise due to installed machinery shall be considered and provided for in the design. In any event the increase in imposed loads shall not be less than 20 percent or the minimum standard as specified in the MS EN 1991-1-1, whichever is the higher.
(5)
Provisions shall also be made for carrying any concentrated equipment loads while the equipment is being installed or moved for servicing and repairing.
By-law 69. Crane gantry girders.
In respect of crane gantry girders, all forces set up by vibrations, shocks from slipping of slings, kinetic action of acceleration and retardation and the impact of wheel loads shall be designed in accordance with MS EN 1991-1-1.
By-law 70. Parapets and balustrades.
Parapets, balustrades and lower panels of cladding or curtain walls shall be designed for the minimum loads in accordance with MS EN 1991-1-1.
By-law 71. Vehicle barriers for car parks.
All vehicle barriers including enclosing parapets and balustrades shall be designed to withstand the impact force of vehicles in accordance with MS EN 1991-1-1.
By-law 72. Basement walls and floors.
(1)
In the design of basement walls and similar underground structures, provision shall be made for the lateral pressure of adjacent soil, due allowance being made for possible surcharge from fixed or moving loads.
(2)
When a portion, or the whole, of the adjacent soil is below a free water surface, computations shall be based on the weight of the soil diminished by buoyancy plus full hydrostatic pressure.
(3)
In the design of basement floors and similar structures underground, the upward pressure of water, if any, shall be taken as the full hydrostatic pressure applied including any artesian pressure over the entire area.
(4)
The hydrostatic head shall be measured from the underside of the construction.
By-law 73. Foundations.
(1)
The foundations of a building shall---
(a)
safely sustain and transmit to the ground the combined permanent load, imposed load and wind load in such a manner as not to cause any settlement beyond the limits designed for or other movement which would impair the stability of, or cause damage to, the whole or any part of the building or of any adjoining building or works;
(b)
be taken down to such a depth, or be so constructed, as to safeguard the building against damage by soil settlement and movement; and
(c)
be capable of adequately resisting any attack by sulphates or any other deleterious matter present in the subsoil.
(1A)
The earthworks, the underground building works and the foundations for the building shall be designed based on the field and laboratory tests of proper site investigation and the tests shall be initiated and supervised by a professional engineer with the relevant geotechnical experience.
(2)
The requirements of paragraph (1) shall be deemed to be satisfied if the foundations of a building are designed and constructed in accordance with MS EN 1997.
By-law 74. (Deleted).
By-law 75. Reinforced concrete foundations.
Reinforced concrete foundations shall be designed and constructed in accordance with MS EN 1990, MS EN 1991 and MS EN 1992.
By-law 76. (Deleted).
By-law 76A. Buildings on hill slopes.
Every building to be constructed on hill slopes shall comply with any planning requirement as the local authority may determine.
By-law 77. (Deleted).
By-law 78. Foundations below invert of drains.
Within a distance not less than the depth of a drain measured from the closer edge of the drain, no part of a building shall be erected with its substructure foundation level higher than 450 millimetres below the drain invert level, unless the whole of such a building is carried on piles other than timber piles.
By-law 79. Foundations under external and party walls.
Where an external wall is built against another external wall or against a party wall of an adjacent building lot, the extent of concrete foundations shall not extend beyond its own lot boundary.
By-law 80. Structure above foundations.
(1)
The structure of a building above the foundations shall be designed and constructed to safely sustain and transmit to the foundations the combined permanent and imposed loads and wind loads without such deflection or deformation as will impair the stability of, or cause damage to, the whole or any part of the building.
(2)
The requirements of paragraph (1) shall be deemed to be satisfied if the design and construction of the structure or part of the structure complies with the following standards:
•
MS EN 1990 – Basis of structural design;
•
MS EN 1991 – Actions on structures;
•
MS EN 1992 – Design of concrete structures;
•
MS EN 1993 – Design of steel structures;
•
MS EN 1994 – Design of composite steel and concrete structures;
•
BS EN 1995 – Design of timber structures or MS 544 – Code of practice for structural use of timber;
•
MS EN 1996 – Design of masonry structures;
•
MS EN 1998 – Design of structures for earthquake resistance;
•
MS EN 1999 – Design of aluminium structures.
PART VI - CONSTRUCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS
By-law 81. Building site.
(1)
No building shall be erected on any site which has been filled up with any matter impregnated with faecal, animal or vegetable matter, until the whole ground surface or site of such building has been properly treated based on geotechnical techniques conforming to MS 1754 and MS 1756.
(2)
The ground to be built upon by any building shall be effectively cleared of turf and other vegetable matter.
By-law 82. Drainage of subsoil.
(1)
Wherever the dampness or position of the site of a building renders it necessary, the subsoil of the site shall be effectively drained or such other steps shall be taken as will effectively protect the building against damage from moisture.
(2)
Where, during the making of an excavation for a building, existing subsoil drains are discovered, such drains shall either be diverted or replaced by pipes of approved material to ensure the continual passage of subsoil water through such drains in such a manner as to ensure that no subsoil water entering such drains causes dampness to the site of the building.
By-law 83. Protection against soil erosion, etc.
(1)
All slopes in and around buildings shall be suitably protected against soil erosion and slope failures and shall be monitored and maintained regularly.
(2)
All ground under raised buildings shall be suitably finished and graded to prevent the accumulation of water or the growth of unwanted vegetation or for the breeding of vermin.
By-law 84. Prevention of dampness.
(1)
Suitable measures shall be taken to prevent the penetration of dampness and moisture into a building.
(2)
Damp proof courses where provided shall comply with BS 743 (materials for Horizontal D.P.C.)
(3)
Every wall of a building founded on foundation shall be provided with a damp proof course which shall be --
(a)
at a height of not less than 150 millimetres above the surface of the ground adjoining the wall; and
(b)
beneath the level of the underside of the lowest portion of the ground floor resting on the wall, or where the ground floor is a solid floor, not higher than the level of the upper surface of the concrete or other similar solid material forming the structure of the floor.
(4)
Where any part of a floor of the lowest or only storey of a building is below the surface of the adjoining ground and a wall or part of a wall of the storey is in contact with the ground --
(a)
the wall or part of the wall shall be constructed or provided with a vertical damp proof course so as to be impervious to moisture from its base to a height of not less than 150 millimetres above the surface of the ground; and
(b)
an additional damp proof course shall be inserted in the wall or part of the wall at its base.
(5)
Where the floor or any part of the walls of a building is subject to water pressure, that portion of the floor or wall below ground level shall be waterproof.
By-law 85. Nominal thickness of walls.
For the purposes of this Part wherever references are made to the thickness of any brick wall, the maximum or minimum thickness of such wall shall not exceed the nominal thickness plus or minus the maximum tolerance permissible under any standard specification.
By-law 86. Party walls.
(1)
All party walls shall generally be of not less than 200 millimetres total thickness of solid masonry or constructed of other materials of various thickness if they comply with Parts V, VI and VII of these By-Laws and have an acoustic performance of not less than STC 50 of sound transmission loss attenuation (STC rating).
(2)
Such a party wall shall be made up of two separate skins, each of the skins shall not be less than 100 millimetres thickness if constructed at different time.
(3)
Multi-storeyed residential buildings of reinforced concrete or other framed construction shall be constructed to the requirements of these By-Laws, and the party wall thereof shall not be less than 100 millimetres total thickness at any point on the wall.
(4)
No combustible material shall be built into the thickness of any party wall unless not less than 100 millimetres of masonry or a fire stop with an equivalent fire resistance period is provided between such materials.
(5)
Openings may be made or left in a party wall provided that the written consent of owners of the properties concerned are obtained and in accordance with these By-Laws.
(6)
Every opening in a party wall shall be reinstated to its original state and properly bonded therewith when the use of such an opening has been discontinued.
By-law 87. (Deleted).
By-law 88. Recess.
Where a recess is made in an external wall --
(a)
the wall at the back of the recess shall be not less than 100 millimetres thick in an external wall;
(b)
a sufficient arch or lintel of incombustible material shall be built in every storey over the recess;
(c)
in each storey the total area of recesses causing the wall at the back of the recesses to be of less thickness than that prescribed by these By-laws shall not exceed one-half of the superficial area of the wall; and
(d)
the side of the recess nearest to the inner face of a return external wall, shall be not less than 300 millimetres therefrom.
By-law 89. (Deleted).
By-law 90. Underpinning.
If underpinning is required the owner or his agent shall --
(a)
give written notice to the local authority informing of the fact and stating the method of underpinning proposed to be used;
(b)
obtain the written sanction of the local authority thereof before proceeding with the work; and
(c)
comply with the requirements as set out in these By-laws.
By-law 91. Coping, etc., to be impervious.
(1)
Every coping, cornice or other like projection shall be of brick, tile, stone concrete, cement render or other impervious material.
(2)
Every parapet wall, free-standing wall or boundary wall shall be finished on top with an impervious material.
By-law 92. (Deleted).
By-law 93. Measurement of the length of a wall.
For the purposes of these By-laws--
(a)
walls shall be deemed to be divided into distinct lengths by return walls when bonded to each other;
(b)
the length of a wall shall be measured from centre to centre of --
(i)
cross walls bonded to it; or
(ii)
a column therein having a dimension measured parallel to the length of the wall of not less than twice the thickness of the wall and a dimension measured at right angles to the wall of not less than three times the thickness of the wall.
By-law 94. (Deleted).
By-law 95. External panel walls.
In all cases where masonry or other materials and components are used for external panel walls, such walls shall be properly secured to the structural framework in accordance with Part V of these By-Laws.
By-law 96. Non load-bearing partition.
Every non load-bearing partition shall be adequately restrained or buttressed.
By-law 97. (Deleted).
By-law 98. Fences and boundary walls.
Fences or walls to the boundaries of detached properties other than the boundary which abuts the street or backlane shall be constructed to a maximum height of 1.8 metres in the case of solid fences or walls and to a maximum height of 2.75 metres in the case of fences which are so constructed as to permit the passage of light and air.
By-law 99. Cooking facilities in residential buildings.
(1)
Every residential building and every floor of a residential building which may be separately let for dwelling purposes shall be provided with a kitchen.
(2)
Where a common vertical kitchen exhaust riser is provided, the riser shall be continued up to a mechanical floor or roof for discharge to the open and shall be constructed with fire resisting material of at least 2 hours rating in accordance with BS 476: Part 3.
(3)
(Deleted).
By-law 100. (Deleted).
By-law 101. Boilers, fireplaces, forges and incinerators in factories.
Boilers, fireplaces, furnaces, forges, incinerators and other similar heat generating appliances used in buildings other than residential buildings shall be provided with adequate means for conveying the heat and fumes generated by such appliances so as to discharge into the open by means of properly constructed flues or ducts of fire resisting material of at least two hours rating in accordance with BS 476: Part 3.
By-law 102. Combustible materials adjoining smoke flues.
Combustible materials used in the construction of the building shall be at least 80 millimetres clear of any casing to any flue required for the conveyance of smoke or other products of combustion.
By-law 103. (Deleted).
By-law 104. (Deleted).
By-law 105. Space below floors to be ventilated.
Where the ground floor of any building is constructed with timber joists and flooring boards, the space below the floor shall be adequately ventilated.
By-law 106. Dimensions of staircases.
(1)
In any staircase, the rise of any staircase shall be not more than 180 millimetres and the tread shall be not less than 275 millimetres and the dimensions of the rise and the tread of the staircase so chosen shall be uniform and consistent throughout.
(2)
The widths of staircases shall be in accordance with by-law 168.
(3)
The depths of landings shall be not less than the width of the staircases.
By-law 107. Handrails.
(1)
Except for staircases of less than 4 risers, all staircases shall be provided with at least one handrail.
(2)
Staircases exceeding 2200 millimetres in width shall be provided with intermediate handrail for each 2200 millimetres of required width spaced approximately equally.
(3)
In buildings other than residential buildings, a handrail shall be provided on each side of the staircase when the width of the staircase is 1100 millimetres or more.
(4)
All handrails shall project not more than 100 millimetres from the face of the finished wall surface and shall be located not less than 825 millimetres and not more than 900 millimetres measured from the nosing of the treads provided that handrails to landings shall not be less than 900 millimetres from the level of the landing.
By-law 108. Maximum flights.
(1)
In residential buildings, a landing of not less than 1.80 metres in depth shall be provided in staircases at vertical intervals of not more than 4.25 metres and in staircases in all other buildings there shall be not more than sixteen risers between each such landing.
(2)
No part in any flight of any staircase shall have less than two risers.
By-law 109. Winders.
Winding and spiral staircase shall not form part of an exit route.
By-law 110. No obstruction in staircases.
(1)
There shall be no obstruction in any staircase between the topmost landing thereof and the exit discharge on the ground floor.
(2)
There shall be no projection, other than handrails in staircases, in any corridor, passage or staircase at a level lower than 2 metres above the floor or above any stair.
By-law 111. Lighting and ventilation of staircases.
By-law 112. Enclosure of staircases in a shop.
(1)
In a shop, the flight of stairs which has access direct from the street shall be enclosed with walls in incombustible material.
(2)
The use of other materials as walls shall be subjected to approval from the Director General.
By-law 113. Use of timber staircases.
(1)
Timber staircases may be permitted for the following types of buildings which are not more than three storeys in height:
(a)
detached residential buildings;
(b)
semi-detached residential buildings;
(c)
terrace houses;
(d)
in the upper floors of shophouses other than from the ground floor to the first floor provided that it is located within the protected area for its full height; and
(e)
other similar types of buildings of limited fire risk at the discretion of the local authority.
(2)
All other staircases shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than two hours.
By-law 114. (Deleted).
By-law 115. Roof coverings and drainage with a rainwater harvesting and utilisation system (SPAH).
(1)
All roofs of buildings shall be so constructed as to drain effectually to suitable and sufficient channels, gutters, chutes or troughs which shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of these By-Laws for receiving and conveying all water which may fall on and from the roof.
(2)
For buildings required to install SPAH, the design and construction of SPAH shall conform to the following requirements:
(a)
rainwater shall not flow into the public water tank;
(b)
water from the public water tank may flow into the rainwater tank provided that it is equipped with a one-way non-return valve or the overflow pipe in the rainwater tank shall be located at least 225 millimetres lower from the inlet pipe to the rainwater tank;
(c)
the SPAH outlet and rainwater tank shall be clearly marked with “Not For Drinking Or Bathing”;
(d)
gutters used shall have sufficient slope to prevent stagnant water; and
(e)
rainwater pipes shall be green in colour.
By-law 116. Accessible flat roofs, balconies, etc.
Every flat roof, balcony or other elevated areas 1.8 metres or more above the adjacent area where normal access is provided shall be protected along the edges with suitable railings, parapets or similar devices not less than 1 metre in height or other suitable means.
By-law 117. Access to roof space.
(1)
Where the space beneath a roof is enclosed by a ceiling, access to such space shall be provided by means of a trap door at least 600 millimetres in any direction.
(2)
(Deleted).
By-law 118. (Deleted).
By-law 119. Change of use of building.
(1)
When the use of a building is changed from non-residential to residential, refuse chutes or other alternate means for the disposal of refuse shall be provided to the satisfaction of the local authority.
(2)
Where the use of a building is changed from residential to non-residential, the openings into existing refuse chute serving the converted floors shall be sealed up.
By-laws 120-123. (Deleted).
By-law 124. Lifts.
For all non-residential buildings exceeding 4 storeys above or below the main access level at least one lift shall be provided.
By-law 125. Swimming pools.
(1)
The floor and wall surfaces of swimming pools shall be smooth and free from cracks.
(2)
Swimming pools shall be completely surrounded by an overflow channel constructed so that --
(a)
the overflow and any matter floating therein cannot return directly to the swimming pool;
(b)
the arms or legs of swimmers cannot be trapped by the overflow channel; and
(c)
swimmers can take hold of the edge of the overflow channel but so that the depth of the overflow channel does not enable the bottom of the overflow channel to be touched with the fingers.
By-law 126. Steps and footway.
(1)
Steps shall be situated at the side walls near the ends of the swimming pool and shall be so arranged that they are not higher than the internal facing of the walls of the swimming pool, such steps being constructed of non-ferrous materials with a non-slip surface and provided with a handrail.
(2)
A footway with a non-slip surface shall be provided round every swimming pool.
By-law 127. Openings into swimming pool.
The openings by which the water enters a swimming pool shall be distributed in such a manner that circulation of the water in the swimming pool is uniform and dead points of stagnant place avoided.
By-law 128. Depth of water.
(1)
Swimming pools shall have lines marked on the side walls of a swimming pool to indicate --
(a)
the depth of the water at the shallow and deep ends of the swimming pool;
(b)
the part of the swimming pool where the depth of the water is between 1.3 metres and 1.8 metres; and
(c)
the depth of the water shown in figures over the lines marked on the side of the swimming pool above the overflow channel of the swimming pool.
(2)
The water in swimming pools with diving boards or platforms shall have the following minimum depths as measured at any point within the swimming pool 1.53 metres from the free end of the diving boards or platforms:
(a)
for diving boards up to 3 metres above the level of the water, such minimum depth shall be 3.3 metres; and
(b)
for platforms up to 9.7 metres above the level of the water, such minimum depth shall be 4.5 metres.
By-law 129. Location of diving boards.
Diving boards, platforms and water chutes in the swimming pool shall be situated not less than 1.8 metres from the sides of the swimming pool or from any other diving board, platform or water chute in the swimming pool.
By-law 130. Changing rooms.
(1)
Swimming pools shall have separate changing rooms for each sex.
(2)
The flooring of such changing rooms shall be of a non-slip impermeable material, easy to clean, and graded to drainage outlets sufficient to enable water used therein for cleaning purposes to be rapidly drained.
(3)
The walls of such changing rooms shall be smooth, impermeable, and easy to clean up to a height of 1.8 metres.
By-law 131. Footbaths and shower.
There shall be provided around the swimming pool sufficient numbers of footbaths of not less than 0.9 metre each in any dimension with a shower situated over the entrance thereto and such foot-bath shall be provided with running water.
By-law 132. Private, residential swimming pools.
By-laws 125 to 131 shall apply to public and commercial swimming pools and not to private, residential or special purpose swimming pools, the approval of which shall be at the discretion of the local authority.
PART VII - FIRE SAFETY INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
By-law 133. Interpretation.
In this Part and Part VIII unless the context otherwise requires --
“automatic” means a device or system providing an emergency function without the necessity of human intervention;
“balcony approach” means a balcony being an external approach to a common staircase serving one or more occupancies;
“boundary” in relation to a building, means the boundary of the land belonging to the building (such land being deemed to include any abutting part of a street, canal or river but only up to the centre line thereof); and boundary of the premises shall be construed so as to include any such part to the same extent;
“circulation space” means any space which is solely or predominantly used as a means of access between a room and a protected shaft or between either a room or a protected shaft and exit from the building or compartment;
“compartment” means any part of a building which is separated from all other parts by one or more compartment walls or compartment floors or by both such walls and floors; and for the purposes of the Part, if any part of the top storey of a building is within a compartment, the compartment shall also include any room space above such part of the top storey;
“compartment wall” and “compartment floor” mean respectively a wall and a floor which comply with by-law 148, and which are provided as such for the purposes of by-law
“dead-end” means an area from which escape is possible in one direction only and in an open plan includes any point from which the direct routes to alternative exits subtend an angle of less than 45°;
“designated floor” means the floor level at which the fire brigade has access to the fire lifts and will normally be the floor level closest to the fire appliance access level;
“direct distance” means the shortest distance from any point within the floor area measured within the external enclosures of the building to the relevant exit disregarding walls, partitions or fittings other than the enclosing walls or partitions to exit staircases;
“Director General” means the Director General of Fire and Rescue;
“door” includes any shutter, cover or other form of protection to an opening in any wall or floor of a building, or in the structure surrounding a protected shaft, whether the door is constructed of one or more leaves;
“element of structure” means –
(a)
any member forming part of the structural frame of a building or any other beam or column (not being a member forming part of a roof structure only);
(b)
a floor, including a compartment floor, other than the lowest floor of a building;
(c)
an external wall;
(d)
a separating wall;
(e)
a compartment wall;
(f)
structure enclosing a protected shaft;
(g)
a load-bearing wall or load-bearing part of a wall;
(h)
a gallery;
“emergency lighting” means the illumination obtained through either an independent or secondary source of electricity supply such as trickle charged accumulators or separate generators to the normal or duplicate lighting;
“exit discharge” means a door from a storey, flat, or room which door gives access from such storey, flat or room on to an exit route;
“exit door” means a door from a storey, flat, or room which door gives access from such storey, flat or room on to an exit route;
“exit route” means a route by which persons in any storey of a building may reach a place of safety outside the building and may include a room, doorway, corridor, stairway or other means of passage not being a revolving door, lift or escalator;
“exit staircase” means a staircase separated from the building it serves by partitions having an FRP of not less than half hour and which has all openings in such partitions fitted with fixed lights and self-closing doors each having an FRP of not less than half hour;
“externally non-combustible” means externally faced with, or otherwise externally consisting of non-combustible material;
“external staircase” means a staircase which is completely open to the external air on at least two sides from the level of the top of the balustrade to the underside of the flight of stairs immediately above;
“final exit” means a point of discharge for the escape route from a building providing direct access to the street, passage-way or open steps sited to enable the evacuation of persons from the vicinity of a building so that they are safe from fire or smoke;
“fire appliance access level” means the level at which fire appliances can approach the building for purposes of fire fighting or evacuation of occupants;
“fire fighting access level” means the highest level that a fire appliance ladder may be brought against a building for purposes of fire fighting and evacuation;
“fire fighting access lobby” means a lobby separated from the storey it serves by construction of a FRP of at least half hour, directly accessible from a fire fighting staircase and a fire lift and containing a dry or wet riser;
“fire fighting shaft” means a protected enclosure that contains a fire fighting staircase and a fire fighting access lobby with or without a fire lift;
“fire fighting staircase” means a staircase designated as a recognised means of access into the building for firemen in the event of a fire;
“fire lifts” means lifts capable of being commandeered for exclusive use of firemen in emergency;
“firemen’s switch” means a switch located adjacent to the fire lift by the designated floor to enable the fire brigade to gain control of the fire lifts;
“fire resistance” has the meaning ascribed to it in by-law 221;
“fire resistance period” means the period for which an element will meet the requirements in respect of transmission of heat or resistance to collapse with passage of flame when tested in accordance with BS 476;
“fire resisting” means the construction so designated, including doors, has a minimum standard of fire-resistance of not less than half hour in accordance with the relevant Schedules of these By-laws or which achieves such standard when tested in accordance with BS 476 except that, in the case of the doors –
(a)
the rabbets to the door frame or the door stops whichever may be are not less than 18 millimetres deep;
(b)
the door is hung on metal hinges having a melting point of not less than 8000C; and
(c)
the door is rendered self-closing;
“fire stop” means a barrier or seal which would prevent or retard the passage of smoke or flame within a cavity or around a pipe or duct where it passes through a wall or floor or at a junction between elements of structure;
“FRP” means fire resistance period;
“height of a building” has the meaning ascribed to it in by-law 135;
“horizontal exit” is a means of egress from a compartment or building to an adjacent compartment or building on approximately the same level and thence to an exit staircase or final exit either direct or via a protected corridor;
“interior finish” means the exposed interior surface of buildings including, but not limited to fixed or movable walls, partitions, columns and ceilings;
“internal staircase” means a staircase enclosed on all sides by partitions of walls and which has all openings in the external walls glazed or otherwise protected from the weather;
“non-combustible” shall apply to materials as specified under BS 476;
“open corridor” means a corridor that has wall openings open to the atmosphere primarily for the adequate dissipation of smoke;
“open structure” means a structure that, at each level, has wall openings opening open to the atmosphere;
“permitted limit of unprotected areas” means the maximum aggregate area of unprotected areas in any side or external wall of a building or compartment, which complies with the requirements as set out in the Sixth Schedule to these By-laws for such building or compartment;
“protected corridor” means a corridor separated from the building it serves by partitions having FRP of not less than half hour and which partitions have all openings therein fitted with fixed lights and self-closing doors each having a FRP of not less than half hour;
“protected lobby” means a lobby enclosed throughout by partitions having an FRP of not less than half hour and has all openings therein fitted with fixed lights and self-closing doors having an FRP of not less than half hour;
“protected shaft” means a stairway, lift, escalator, chute, duct or other shaft which enables persons, things or air to pass between different compartments; and which complies with the requirements of by-law 150;
“protecting structure” means any wall or floor or other structure which encloses a protected shaft other than --
(a)
a wall which also forms part of an external wall, separating wall or compartment wall; or
(b)
a floor which is also a compartment floor or a floor laid directly on the ground; or
(c)
a roof;
“relevant boundary” in relation to a side or external wall of a building or compartment, means that part of the boundary of the premises or the notional boundary as prescribed in by-law 146 which is adjacent to that side or wall and either coincides with, is parallel to or is at an angle of not more than 80° with that side or wall;
“separating wall” means a wall or part of a wall which is common to two adjoining buildings;
“smoke lobby” means a protected lobby being the approach to a staircase and which acts as a fire and smoke check between a storey and the staircase;
“storey exit” means a fire rated door to a protected staircase or a corridor protected with a fire resisting structure in accordance with the Ninth Schedule to these By-laws and in the case of ground floor accommodation storey exit means a door leading direct to a place of safety outside the building;
“travel distance” means the distance required to be traversed from any point in a storey of a building to either --
(a)
the fire-resisting door in the staircase enclosure; or
(b)
if there is no such door, the first stair tread of the staircase;
“unprotected area” in relation to an external wall or side of a building, means --
(a)
a window, door or other opening;
(b)
any part of the external wall which has fire resistance less than that specified by this Part for the wall; and
(c)
any part of the external wall which has combustible material more than 1.5 millimetres thick attached or applied to its external face, whether for cladding or any other purpose;
By-law 134. Designation of purpose groups.
For the purpose of this Part every building or compartment shall be regarded according to its use or intended use as falling within one of the purpose groups set out in the Fifth Schedule to these By-laws and, where a building is divided into compartments, used or intended to be used for different purposes, the purpose group of each compartment shall be determined separately:
Provided that where the whole or part of a building or compartment, as the case may be, is used or intended to be used for more than one purpose, only the main purpose of use of that building or compartment shall be taken into account in determining into which purpose group it falls.
By-law 135. Rules of measurement.
In this Part-
(a)
the height of a building, or of such of a building as described in by-law 215 means the height of such building or part, measured from the mean level of the ground adjoining the outside of the external walls of the building to the level of half the vertical height of the roof of the building or part, or to the top of the walls of the parapet (if any), whichever is the higher;
(b)
the area of --
(i)
any storey of a building or compartment shall be taken to be the total area in that storey bounded by the finished inner surfaces of the enclosing walls or, of any side where there is no enclosing wall, by the outermost edge of the floor on that side;
(ii)
any room or garage shall be taken to be the total area of its floor bounded by the inner finished surfaces of the walls forming the room or garage;
(iii)
any part of a roof shall be taken to be the actual visible area of such part measured on a plane parallel to the pitch of the roof;
(c)
the cubic capacity of a building or compartment shall be ascertained by measuring the volume of space contained within--
(i)
the finished inner surfaces of the enclosing walls or, on any side where there is no enclosing wall, a plane extending vertically above the outermost edge of the floor on that side;
(ii)
the upper surface of its lowest floor; and
(iii)
in the case of a building or of a compartment which extends to a roof, the under surface of the roof or, in the case of any other compartments, the under surface of the ceiling of the highest storey within the compartment, including the space occupied by any other walls, or any shafts, ducts or structure within the space to be so measured.
By-law 136. Provisions of compartment walls and compartment floors.
Any building, other than a single storey building, of a purpose group specified in the Fifth Schedule to these By-laws and which has --
(a)
any storey the floor area of which exceeds that specified as relevant to a building of that purpose group and height; or
(b)
a cubic capacity which exceeds that specified as so relevant shall be so divided into compartments, by means of compartment walls or compartment floors or both, that --
(i)
no such compartment has any storey the floor area of which exceeds the area specified as relevant to that building; and
(ii)
no such compartment has a cubic capacity which exceeds that specified as so relevant to that building:
Provided that if any building is provided with an automatic sprinkler installation which complies with MS 1910, this by-law has effect in relation to that building as if the limits of dimensions specified are doubled except for a patient accommodation ward which is in accordance with by-law 224A.
By-law 136A. Use of fire shutters.
(1)
A fire shutter may be permitted to be used as a compartment wall, except for the fire compartmentation of Fire Command Centre (FCC) or means of escape including an exit staircase, fire fighting access lobby, smoke lobby or internal exit passageway.
(2)
A shutter, may be used to protect an opening in the compartment wall or floor and the shutter shall have the necessary fire resistance including a thermal insulation, which shall not be less than the fire resistance of the compartment wall or floor.
(3)
However, the fire shutter, which may be installed to any area without any intended fire load such as the edge of atria or voids such as escalators voids areas, car park driveways and between the floors or door-ways, may not have the thermal insulation.
(4)
The commonly used shutters such as vertical fire shutters, horizontal fire shutters and lateral fire shutters shall comply with MS 1073: Part 3 or BS 476: Part 22 and the following requirements:
(a)
for a vertical fire shutter operated by gravity during a fire, upon activation by a fire alarm system or fusible link, the operating mechanism of a curtain or leaf of the vertical fire shutter shall be released; and the curtain or leaf shall descend under gravity at a controlled rate; and
(b)
for an electrically operated vertical fire shutter, lateral fire shutter or horizontal fire shutter (a fusible link is not required), upon activation by fire alarm system, the electrical motor shall drive the curtain or leaf to descend and shall be backed up by an emergency power supply; and the power and signal cables shall be fire-rated.
(5)
The mode of activation for fire shutters at different locations shall be as follows:
(a)
where the fire shutter is used as a separating wall between two buildings—
(i)
if two buildings are separated by a common fire shutter, both gravity-operated and electrically-operated fire shutters shall be linked to the fire alarm systems of both buildings and shall be activated by the fire alarm system of either building, and the activation solely by a fusible link shall not be permitted; and
(ii)
if two buildings are separated by two separate fire shutters, both gravity-operated and electrically operated fire shutters shall be activated by the fire alarm system of its own building and the activation solely by a fusible link shall not be permitted;
(b)
where the fire shutter is used as a compartment wall or floor for limiting a compartment area and cubical extent, as compartmentation between different purpose groups and as compartmentation of a passenger lift lobby or goods lift lobby which is situated at the basement:
(i)
for gravity-operated vertical fire shutter, the activation by a fusible link is acceptable;
(ii)
for an electrically operated fire shutter, the activation shall be by local smoke detector or other fire alarm;
(c)
where the fire shutter is used as a compartmentation at atria or voids or between floors (being part of the engineered smoke control design), only an electrically-operated fire shutter shall be permitted, and the signal to operate the respective fire shutter shall be from a dedicated smoke detector installed at the respective smoke zone.
(6)
An exit directional signage marks with an arrow and the word “KELUAR” shall be prominently painted or pasted on a fire shutter or smoke curtain to redirect the building occupants to the nearest exits if the activated shutter visually obscure the building exit or directional sign.
(7)
The signage shall be reflective and the letter in the signage shall be at least 100 millimetres in height.
By-law 137. Compartmentation by height.
(1)
In any building of not exceeding 30 metres in height, any floor which is more than 9 metres above the ground floor level which separates one storey from another storey, other than a floor which is either within a maisonette or a mezzanine floor, shall be constructed as a compartment floor.
(2)
In any building of exceeding 30 metres in height, all floors shall be constructed as compartment floors other than compartments which are within the residential maisonettes which may comprise of two storey levels.
(3)
An atrium shall comply with the requirements of by-law 252A.
By-law 138. Other walls and floors to be constructed as compartment walls or compartment floors.
The following walls and floors in buildings shall be constructed as compartment walls or compartment floors:
(a)
any floor in a building of Purpose Group II (Institutional);
(b)
any wall or floor separating a flat or maisonette from any other part of the same building;
(c)
any wall or floor separating part of a building from any other part of the same building which is used or intended to be used mainly for a purpose falling within a different purpose group as set out in the Fifth Schedule to these By-laws; and
(d)
any floor immediately over a basement storey if such basement storey has an area exceeding 100 square metres.
By-law 138A. Partition.
Every partition in a building shall comply with the Ninth Schedule – Part IX and the material for a surface finish of the partition shall not be treated as part of the wall and shall comply with the relevant provision of by-law 206.
By-law 139. Separation of fire risk areas.
(1)
The following area or use shall be separated from the other areas of the occupancy in which it is located by a fire resisting construction of an element of structure of a fire resistance period according to the Ninth Schedule based on the degree of a fire risk:
(a)
a boiler room or associated fuel storage area;
(b)
a repair shop involving hazardous process or material;
(c)
a storage area of materials in quantities deemed hazardous;
(d)
a liquified petroleum gas storage area;
(e)
a transformer room or substation;
(f)
a flammable liquid store;
(g)
a shaft for an electrical riser excluding the shaft for an extra low voltage system; or
(h)
a cold room.
(2)
For a hospital or nursing home of Purpose Group II (Institutional), a laboratory or kitchen shall not have sleeping accommodation above them and shall form a separate compartment from inpatient treatment area, public area, staircase or lift discharge area.
By-law 140. Fire appliances access.
(1)
Fire appliance access shall be provided within the site of a building to enable a fire appliance to gain access to the building.
(2)
An access opening shall also be provided along the external wall of the building fronting the fire appliance access to provide access into the building for fire fighting and rescue operation.
(3)
The requirements of the fire appliance access shall be as follows:
(a)
the fire appliance access shall have the minimum width of 6 metres throughout its entire length and shall be able to accommodate the entry and manoeuvring of a fire appliance, extended ladder appliances, turntable and hydraulic platform;
(b)
the fire appliance access shall be metalled or paved or laid with strengthened perforated slabs to withstand the loading capacity of a stationary 30 tonnes fire appliance;
(c)
the fire appliance access shall be positioned so that the nearer edge shall not be less than 2 metres or more than 10 metres from the centre position of the access opening, measured horizontally;
(d)
the fire appliance access shall be laid on a level platform or if on an incline, the gradient shall not exceed 1:15, and an access road shall be laid on an incline of not exceeding a gradient of 1:9 ;
(e)
the dead-end of a fire appliance access road shall not exceed 46 metres in length or if it exceeds 46 metres, be provided with turning facilities;
(f)
the outer radius for a turning of the fire appliance access road shall comply with the requirements of the Fire and Rescue Department;
(g)
the overhead clearance of the fire appliance access road shall be at least 4.5 metres for passage of a fire appliance;
(h)
a public road may serve as fire appliance access if the location of such a public road complies with the requirements of distance from the access opening as the Fire and Rescue Department may specify; and
(i)
the fire appliance access road shall be kept clear of obstruction, and any other part of the building, plant, tree or any other fixture which obstructs the path between the fire appliance access and the access opening.
(4)
All corners of the fire appliance access shall be marked as follows:
(a)
the marking of a corner shall be in contrasting colour to the ground surface and finish;
(b)
the fire appliance access provided on a turfed area shall be marked with a contrasting object (preferably reflective) that shall be visible at night and the markings shall be at an interval of not more than 3 metres apart and be provided on both sides of the fire appliance access; and
(c)
a signpost displaying the wordings “Akses Perkakas Bomba – Kosongkan” shall be provided at the entrance of the fire appliance access and the size of wordings shall not be less than 50 millimetres.
(5)
For the proportion of the building in excess of 7000 cubic metres, the fire appliance access fronting the building shall be provided in accordance with the following scales:
By-law 141. Separating walls.
(1)
Subject to the exceptions specified in paragraph (2) no openings shall be made in any separating wall which forms a complete vertical wall separating any buildings.
(2)
Nothing in this by-law shall prohibit-
(a)
the passage through a separating wall of a pipe, if the pipe --
(i)
is not a flue pipe;
(ii)
has a diameter not exceeding 25 millimetres if it is made of combustible material or 150 millimetres, if it is made of non-combustible material; and
(iii)
is fire stopped where it passes through the wall; or
(b)
an opening in a separating wall which is necessary as a means of escape from fire, if the opening is fitted with a door which has in respect of separating walls FRP of not less than that required in this Part.
(3)
Any separating wall which forms, a junction with a roof shall be carried above the upper surface of the roof to a distance of not less than 225 millimetres measured at right angles to such upper surface.
(4)
(Deleted).
By-law 142. External walls.
(1)
If any external wall is carried across the end of a separating wall, such external wall and separating wall shall be bonded together or the junction of such walls shall be fire-stopped.
(2)
Subject to the provisions relating to small garages and open car parks, any side of a building shall comply with any relevant requirements relating to the permitted limits of unprotected areas specified in the Sixth Schedule to these By-laws unless the building is so situated that such side might consist entirely of any unprotected area.
(3)
Any external wall which constitutes, or is situated within a distance of 2 metres from any point on the relevant boundary or is a wall of a building which exceeds 18 metres in height shall --
(a)
be constructed wholly of non-combustible materials apart from any external cladding which complies with by-law 144; and
(b)
be so constructed as to attain any FRP required by this Part without assistance from any combustible material permitted by this Part:
Provided that the requirements of this Part shall not apply to --
(i)
an external wall of a building which is within the limits of size indicated by the letter “x” in Part 1 of the Ninth Schedule to these By-laws or an external wall of a building which is not divided into compartments and is within the limits of size indicated by the letter “z” in Part 2 of the Ninth Schedule to these By-laws if, in either case, that building does not exceed 18 metres in height; and
(ii)
an external wall of a building or part of Purpose Group III which consists of flats or maisonettes if that building has not more than three storeys or that part is separated as described in by-law 135 and does not exceed 18 metres in height.
By-law 143. Beam or column.
Any beam or column forming part of, and any structure carrying an external wall which is required to be constructed of non-combustible materials shall comply with the provisions of paragraph (3) of by-law 142 as to non-combustibility.
By-law 144. Cladding on external wall.
(1)
Any cladding on any external wall situated less than 2 metres from any point on the relevant boundary or if the building is more than 18 metres in height, the cladding shall be constructed entirely of non-combustible materials and when tested, shall demonstrate the compliance in accordance with BS 8414.
(2)
Any cladding on any external wall, if such a cladding is situated more than 2 metres from any point on the relevant boundary and the building is less than 18 metres in height, the cladding shall have a surface complying with the requirements for Class O when tested and in accordance with by-law 204.
By-law 145. Reference to Sixth Schedule.
(a)
any part of a roof shall be deemed to be part of an external wall or side of a building if it is pitched to an angle of 70º or more to the horizontal and adjoins a space within the building to which persons have access not limited to the purposes of maintenance or repair; and
(b)
any reference to the Sixth Schedule to these By-laws shall be construed as referring to the provisions of Part I of the Schedule together with, at the option of the persons intending to erect the building, either the provisions of Part II, Part III or Part IV of the Schedule.
By-law 146. Relevant boundary.
If any building is to be erected on land occupied with any other building, or two or more detached buildings are to be erected on land in common occupation and either of those buildings is within Purpose Group I or III, other than a detached building which consists only of a garage or of an open car park, in the application of the provisions of this Part to any external wall of any building to be erected which faces an external wall of such other building--
(a)
the relevant boundary shall be a notional boundary passing between those buildings and such boundary must be capable of being situated in such a position as to enable the external walls of those buildings to comply with the requirements of this Part; and
(b)
if such other building is an existing building it shall be deemed to be (a building to be) erected on the site which it occupies, being of the same purpose and having the same unprotected areas and fire resistance as the existing building.
By-law 147. Construction of separating wall.
(1)
Any separating wall, other than a wall separating buildings not divided into compartments within the limits of size indicated by the letter “x” in Part I of the Ninth Schedule to these By-laws, shall be constructed wholly of non-combustible materials, excluding any surface finish to a wall which complies with the requirements of these By-laws and the required FRP for the wall shall be obtained without assistance from such non-combustible material.
(2)
Any beam or column forming part of, and any structure carrying, a separating wall which is required to be constructed of non-combustible materials shall itself comply with the requirements of paragraph (1) as to non-combustibility.
By-law 148. Special requirements as to compartment walls and compartment floors.
(1)
No opening shall be made in any compartment wall or compartment floor with the exception of any one or more of the following:
(a)
an opening fitted with a door which complies with the requirements of by-law 162 and has FRP which is not less than --
(i)
in the case of a wall separating a flat or maisonette from any space in common use giving access to that flat or maisonette, half hour; or
(ii)
in any other case, the FRP required by the provisions of these By-laws in respect of the wall or floor;
(b)
an opening for a protected shaft;
(c)
an opening for a ventilation duct, other than a duct in, or consisting of, a protected shaft, if any space surrounding the duct is fire-stopped and the duct is fitted with an automatic fire damper in accordance with Australian Standard 1682 and 1668 Part I-1974 or its equivalent where it passes through the wall or floor which fire damper shall have not less than the required FRP of the material of the compartment wall or floor through which it passes;
(d)
an opening for a pipe which complies with the requirements of paragraph (2) of by-law 141;
(e)
an opening for a refuse chute having a FRP of at least one hour and having a close-fitting door situated in an external wall of the chamber having a FRP of half-hour.
(2)
Where a compartment wall or compartment floor forms a junction with any structure comprising any other compartment walls, or any external wall, separating wall or structure enclosing a protected shaft, such structures shall be bonded together at the junction or the junction shall be fire-stopped.
(3)
Where any compartment wall forms a junction with a roof, such wall shall be carried to the under surface of the roof covering.
(4)
Where any chimney, appliance ventilation duct or duct encasing one or more flue pipes passes through a compartment floor or compartment wall --
(a)
any flue in the chimney; or
(b)
the passage in the appliance ventilation duct; or
(c)
the space within the duct encasing the flue pipe or pipe,
shall be separated from that compartment floor or that compartment wall and from each compartment adjoining that wall or floor by non-combustible construction having FRP of not less than half the minimum FRP required by these By-laws in respect of that compartment wall or compartment floor through which such chimney, duct or pipe passes.
(5)
If any chimney, appliance ventilation duct or duct encasing one or more flue pipes forms part of a compartment wall --
(a)
any flue in the chimney; or
(b)
the passage in the appliance ventilation duct; or
(c)
the space within the duct encasing the flue pipe or pipes,
shall be separated from any compartment adjoining that wall by non-combustible construction which will, at any level, have FRP of not less than half the minimum FRP required by these By-laws in respect of the compartment wall at that level.
(6)
Any compartment wall or compartment floor which is required by these By-laws to have FRP of one hour or more shall, excluding --
(a)
any floor finish;
(b)
any surface finish to a wall or ceiling which complies with the requirements of by-law 204;
(c)
any ceiling which complies with the descriptions specified in the Ninth Schedule to these By-laws,
be constructed wholly of non-combustible materials and, apart from any ceiling, the required FRP of the wall or floor shall be obtained without assistance from any non-combustible material.
(7)
Any beam or column forming part of, and structure carrying, any compartment wall or compartment floor which is required to be constructed of non-combustible materials, shall itself comply with the provisions of paragraph (6) as to non-combustibility.
By-law 149. Horizontal and vertical barriers of the external walls.
Openings in external walls located vertically above one another shall be protected by approved flame barriers either extending 750 millimetres beyond the exterior wall in the plane of the floor or by vertical panels not less than 900 millimetres in height.
By-law 150. Protected shafts.
(1)
No protected shaft shall be constructed for use for any purposes additional to those specified in this Part other than for the accommodation of any pipe or duct, or as sanitary accommodation or washrooms, or both.
(2)
Subject to the provisions of this Part, any protected shaft shall be completed enclosed.
(3)
Any protecting structure which is required to have a FRP of one hour or more, and any beam or column forming part of that structure and any structure carrying such protecting structure shall be constructed of non-combustible materials throughout, with the exception of any external surface finish which complies with the requirements of by-law 204 relating to wall surfaces.
(4)
Any wall, floor or other structure enclosing a protected shaft but not being a protecting structure may contain such openings as shall be in accordance with other provisions of these By-laws.
(5)
There shall be no opening in any protecting structure other than any one or more of the following:
(a)
an opening for a pipe;
(b)
an opening fitted with a fire-resisting door which complies with the provisions of by-law 163;
(c)
if the protected shaft contains a lift, an opening which complies with the provisions of by-law 152; and
(d)
if the protected shaft serves as, or contains a ventilating duct, an inlet to or outlet from the duct or an opening for the duct.
(6)
Any opening for pipe shall be effectively fire-stopped.
By-law 151. Ventilation to lift shafts.
Where openings to lift shafts are not connected to protected lobbies, such lift shafts shall be provided with vents of not less than 0.09 square metre per lift located at the top of the shafts. Where the vent does not discharge directly to the open air the lift shafts shall be vented to the exterior through a duct of the required FRP as for the lift shafts.
By-law 152. Openings in lift shafts.
(1)
Every opening in a lift shaft or lift entrance shall open into a protected lobby unless other suitable means of protection to the opening to the satisfaction of the Fire and Rescue Department is provided. These requirements shall not apply to open type industrial and other special buildings as may be approved by the Director General.
(2)
Landing doors shall have a FRP of not less than half the FRP of the hoistway structure with a minimum FRP of half hour.
(3)
No glass shall be used for or in landing doors except for vision in which case any vision panel shall be glazed with wired safety glass, and shall not be more than 0.0161 square metre and the total area of one or more vision panels in any landing door shall be not more than 0.0156 square metre.
(4)
Each clear panel opening shall reject a sphere 150 millimetres in diameter.
(5)
Provision shall be made for the opening of all landing doors by means of an emergency key irrespective of the position of the lift car.
By-law 153. Smoke detectors for lift lobbies.
(1)
All lift lobbies shall be provided with smoke detectors except lift lobbies in an open structures.
(2)
Lift not opening into a smoke lobby shall not use door reopening devices controlled by light beam or photo-detectors unless incorporated with a force close feature which after thirty seconds of any interruption of the beam causes the door to close within a preset time.
By-law 154. (Deleted).
By-law 155. (Deleted).
By-law 156. Protected shafts as ventilating duct.
(1)
If a protected shaft serves as, or contains, a ventilating duct --
(a)
the duct shall be fitted with automatic fire dampers together with or without subducts as Australian Standard 1668: Part 1: 1974, so constructed at such intervals and in such positions as may be necessary to reduce, so far as a practical, the risk of fire spreading from a compartment to any other compartment, or such other provision shall be made as will reduce such risk so far as practicable; and
(b)
the duct shall not be constructed of, or lined with, any material which substantially increase such risk.
(2)
In addition, in the case of a protected shaft containing a ventilating duct, the shaft be so constructed with additional barriers to fire between the duct and the shaft as may be necessary to reduce so far as practicable the risk of fire spreading from a compartment to any other compartment.
By-law 157. Protected shafts consisting of staircase.
An exit staircase or a protected shaft containing a staircase shall not contain any pipe conveying gas or oil or any ventilating duct other than a duct serving only that staircase or shaft.
By-law 158. Stages in places of assembly.
(1)
In places of assembly, other than school halls or other similar halls where stage scenery is infrequently used, capable of seating more than 400 persons and in which stage scenery may be used, the stage shall be separated from the auditorium by a proscenium wall of not less than 220 millimetres brickwork or other material of equivalent FRP, carried down to a solid foundation and up to at least 0.90 metres above the roof level unless the roof is constructed of materials having the FRP as specified in the Ninth Schedule to these By-laws.
(2)
No more than three openings inclusive of the proscenium opening shall be provided in the proscenium wall.
(3)
No opening additional to the proscenium opening shall be more than 0.60 metres above the level of the stage nor shall such additional opening have an area exceeding 2.0 square metres and each such additional opening shall be fitted with a door constructed of materials having the FRP as specified in the Ninth Schedule to these By-laws.
By-law 159. Open stages.
Open stages without proscenium walls may be permitted provided suitable protection devices to the satisfaction of the Director General are installed.
By-law 160. Fire precautions in air conditioning systems.
(1)
All air conditioning ducts, including framing therefor, except ducts in detached and semi-detached residential buildings shall be constructed entirely of non-combustible materials and shall be adequately supported throughout their lengths.
(3)
The air intake of any air conditioning apparatus shall be situated such that air shall not be recirculated from any space in which objectionable quantities of inflammable vapours or dust are given off and shall be so situated as to minimise the drawing in of any combustible material.
By-law 161. Fire-stopping.
(1)
Any fire stop required by the provisions of this Part shall be so formed and positioned as to prevent or retard the passage of flame.
(2)
Any fire stop shall --
(a)
if provided around a pipe or duct or in a cavity, be made of non-combustible material or, if it is in a floor or wall constructed of combustible material, of timber not less than 37 millimetres thick; and
(b)
if provided around a pipe or duct, be so constructed as not to restrict essential thermal movement.
(3)
Any fire stop formed as a seal at the junction of two or more elements of structure shall be made of non-combustible material.
(4)
Any cavity in an element of structure which --
(a)
is continuous through the whole or part of such element; and
(b)
has a surface of combustible material exposed within the cavity which is of a class lower than Class O in by-law 204 shall be fire stopped --
(i)
at any junction with another element of structure or with a ceiling under a roof; and
(ii)
in such a position that there is no continuous cavity without a fire stop which in one plane exceeds either 7.625 metres in a single dimension or 23.225 square metres in area:
but nothing in this by-law shall prohibit the insertion of combustible filling in a cavity.
By-law 162. Fire doors in compartment walls and separating walls.
(1)
Fire doors of the appropriate FRP shall be provided.
(2)
Openings in compartment walls and separating walls shall be protected by a fire door having a FRP in accordance with the requirements for that wall specified in the Ninth Schedule to these By-laws.
(3)
Openings in protecting structures shall be protected by fire doors having FRP of not less than half the requirement for the surrounding wall specified in the Ninth Schedule to these by-laws but in no case less than half hour.
(4)
Openings in partitions enclosing a protected corridor or lobby shall be protected by fire doors having FRP of half hour.
(5)
(Deleted).
By-law 163. Half hour and one hour doors.
Fire doors conforming to the method of construction as stipulated below shall be deemed to meet the requirements of the specified FRP:
(a)
doors and frames constructed in accordance with one of the following specifications shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements for doors having FRP of half-hour:
(i)
a single door 900 millimetres wide X 2,100 millimetres high maximum or double doors 1,800 millimetres X 2,100 millimetres high maximum constructed of solid hardwood core of not less than 37 millimetres laminated with adhesives conforming to either BS 745 “Animal Glues”, or BS 1204, “Synthetic resin adhesives (phenolic and aminoplastic) for wood” Part 1, “Gap-filling adhesives”, or BS 1444, “Cold-setting casein glue for wood”, faced both sides with plywood to a total thickness of not less than 43 millimetres with all edges finished with a solid edge strip full width of the door. The meeting stiles of double doors shall be rabbeted 12 millimetres deep or may be butted provided the clearance is kept to a minimum;
(ii)
doors may be double swing provided they are mounted on hydraulic floor springs and clearances at floor not exceeding 4.77 millimetres and frame and meeting stiles not exceeding 3 millimetres;
(iii)
a vision panel may be incorporated provided it does not exceed 0.065 square metre per leaf with no dimension more than 1,370 millimetres and it is glazed with 6 millimetres Georgian Wired Glass in hardwood stops;
(iv)
doors constructed in accordance with BS No. 459; Part 3: 1951 Fire Check Flush Doors and Wood and Metal Frames (Half-Hour Type);
(v)
timber frames for single swing half-hour fire doors of overall width of 60 millimetres including 25 millimetres rabbet and depth to suit door thickness plus 34 millimetres stop;
(vi)
metal frames for half-hour fire doors shall be of sheet steel not lighter than 18 gauge of overall width 50 millimetres including 18 millimetres rabbet and depth to suit the door thickness plus 53 millimetres stop;
(vii)
timber or metal frames for double swing doors shall be as specified above with minimum clearances between frame and door;
(b)
doors and frames constructed in accordance with one of the following specifications shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements for doors having FRP of one hour:
(i)
a single door not exceeding 900 millimetres wide X 2,100 millimetres high or double doors not exceeding 1,800 millimetres X 2,100 millimetres high constructed as for specification (a) for half-hour door but incorporating on both faces either externally or beneath the plywood faces a layer of insulating board not less than 3 millimetres thick;
(ii)
doors may swing one way only and double doors shall have 12 millimetres wide rabbet at the meeting stiles;
(iii)
a vision panel may be incorporated provided it does not exceed 10 square metres per leaf with no dimension more than 300 millimetres and it is glazed with 6 millimetres Georgian Wire Glass in hardwood stop;
(iv)
doors constructed in accordance with BS 459: Part 3: 1951: Fire Check Flush Doors and Wood and Metal Frames (One Hour Type):
(v)
frames for one hour doors shall be as for half-hour doors except that timber frames shall be pressure impregnated with 15% to 18% solution of monoammonium phosphate in water.
By-law 164. Door closers for fire doors.
(1)
All fire doors shall be fitted with automatic door closers of the hydraulically spring operated type in the case of swing doors and of wire rope and weight type in the case of sliding doors.
(2)
Double doors with rabbeted meeting stiles shall be provided with coordinating device to ensure that leafs close in the proper sequence.
(3)
Fire doors may be held open provided the hold open device incorporates a heat actuated device to release the door. Heat actuated devices shall not be permitted on fire doors protecting openings to protected corridors or exit staircases.
By-law 165. Measurement of travel distance to exits.
(1)
The travel distance to an exit shall be measured on the floor or other walking surface along the centre line of the natural path of travel, starting 0.300 metre from the most remote point of occupancy, curving around any corners or obstructions with 0.300 metre clearance therefrom and ending at the storey exit. Where measurement includes stairs, it shall be taken in the plane of the tread nosing.
(2)
In the case of open areas the distance to exits shall be measured from the most remote point of occupancy provided that the direct distance shall not exceed two-thirds the permitted travel distance.
(3)
In any individual room which is subjected to the occupancy of not more than six persons, the travel distance shall be measured from the door of such a room:
Provided that the travel distance from the most remote point in the room to the room door does not exceed 9 metres or any other area determined by the Fire and Rescue Department.
(4)
The maximum travel distances to exits and dead end limits shall be as specified in the Seventh Schedule of these By-laws.
By-law 166. Exits to be accessible at all times.
(1)
Except as permitted by by-law 167 not less than two separate exits shall be provided from each storey together with such additional exits as may be necessary.
(2)
The exits shall be so sited and the exit access shall be so arranged that the exits are within the limits of travel distance as specified in the Seventh Schedule to these By-laws and are readily accessible at all times.
By-law 167. (Deleted).
By-law 168. Staircases.
(1)
Except as provided for in by-law 194 every upper floor shall have means of egress via at least two separate staircases.
(2)
Staircases shall be of such width that in the event of any one staircase not being available for escape purposes the remaining staircases shall accommodate the highest occupancy load of any one floor discharging into it calculated in accordance with provisions in the Seventh Schedule to these By-laws.
(3)
The required width of a staircase shall be the clear width between walls but handrails may be permitted to encroach on this width to a maximum of 80 millimetres.
(4)
The required width of a staircase shall be maintained throughout its length including at landings.
(5)
Doors giving access to staircases shall be so positioned that their swing shall at no point encroach on the required width of the staircase or landing.
By-law 169. Exit route.
(1)
No exit route may reduce in width along its path of travel from the storey exit to the final exit.
(2)
(Deleted).
By-law 170. Egress through unenclosed openings.
Where unenclosed openings are permitted between floors and for a mezzanine floor, egress may be by way of an open staircase to an adjacent floor and thence to a story exit:
(a)
the layout is such that a fire originating anywhere within the compartment will be obvious to the occupants of all communicating levels or areas;
(b)
the travel distances specified in the Seventh Schedule to these By-laws are not exceeded;
(c)
only 50 percent of the occupants of a floor are assumed to use the open staircase and storey exits are provided at every level to accommodate the other 50 percent of the occupants of that level in accordance with the provisions of the Seventh Schedule to these by-laws; and
(d)
the storey exits on the principal floor through with other levels discharge are designed to handle the occupants of that floor plus 50 percent of the occupants from the adjacent levels discharging through it.
By-law 171. Horizontal exits.
(1)
Where appropriate, horizontal exits may be provided in lieu of other exits.
(2)
Where horizontal exits are provided exit staircases and final exits need only be of a width to accommodate the occupancy load of the larger compartment or building discharging into it so long as the total number of exit widths provided is not reduced to less than half that would otherwise be required for the whole building.
(3)
For institutional occupancies the total exit capacity other than horizontal exits shall not be reduced by more than one-third that would otherwise be required for the entire area of the building.
By-law 172. Emergency exit signs.
(1)
Storey exits and access to such exits shall be marked by readily visible signs and shall not be obscured by any decorations, furnishings or other equipment.
(2)
A sign reading “KELUAR” with an arrow indicating the direction shall be placed in every location where the direction of travel to reach the nearest exit is not immediately apparent.
(3)
The design and installation of every emergency exit sign shall be in compliance with MS 2687 and MS 619.
(4)
All exit signs shall be illuminated continuously during periods of occupancy.
(5)
(Deleted).
By-law 173. Exit doors.
(1)
All exit doors shall be openable from the inside without the use of a key or any special knowledge or effort.
(2)
Exit doors shall close automatically when released and all door devices including magnetic door holders, shall release the doors upon power failure or actuation of the fire alarm.
By-law 174. Arrangement of storey exits.
(1)
Except as provided for in by-law 194, every compartment shall be provided with at least two storey exits located as far as practical from each other and shall not be less than 5 metres apart measured between the nearest edges of the opening and in such a position that the travel distance specified in the Seventh Schedule to these By-Laws shall not be exceeded.
(2)
The width of storey exit shall be in accordance with the provision in the Seventh Schedule to these By-Laws.
(3)
Basements and roof structures used solely for services need not be provided with alternative means of escape.
(4)
Where a central core has more than one exit, storey exits shall be remote from one another and no two exits shall be approached from the same lift hall, common lobby or undivided corridor.
By-law 174A. Final exit.
(1)
Each exit shall give access to—
(a)
a final exit;
(b)
a protected corridor leading to a final exit, where the protected corridor shall not exceed a travel distance and dead-end for the corridor according to the Seventh Schedule;
(c)
an exit staircase leading to a final exit;
(d)
an external route leading to a final exit which may comprise an open sided external corridor with no commercial activity and shall not be more than 5 metres from the building eave line; or
(e)
an open to sky corridor which is having a minimum width of 1.2 metres and two-way escape paths leading to a place of safety outside the building and any unprotected opening along the corridor shall not be located lower than 1.8 metres from the floor level.
(2)
In a sprinkler protected building, a maximum of 50 percent of the total number of exit staircases may discharge directly to the ground level covered circulation space if all of the following are complied with:
(a)
the discharge point of the exit staircase into the ground level circulation space shall be within sight of and with direct access to a place of safety outside the building;
(b)
the maximum distance between the discharge point of an exit staircase to a place of safety outside the building shall not exceed 10 metres;
(c)
where there are commercial activities such as shops, kiosks or carts located along one side or both sides of the designated escape passageway leading to the place of safety outside the building, a minimum separation distance of 10 metres shall be maintained between the commercial activities and the designated escape passageway, the circulation space shall also be installed with an engineered smoke control system and alternatively, the commercial activities shall be fire compartmented with walls and doors of a minimum 1 hour fire resistance period;
(d)
the clear width of an exit door leading to the place of safety outside the building shall be adequate to receive the occupant load of the discharge floor and the total number of persons discharging from the internal exit staircase.
(3)
There shall be no unprotected opening of an occupancy area or combustible material or construction within 3 metres from a discharge point of the exit staircase (both internal and external) and this distance may be reduced to 1.5 metres if the unprotected opening is along the same plane of the staircase exit.
By-law 175. Calculation of occupancy loads.
Calculation of occupancy loads and capacity of exits shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Seventh Schedule to these By-laws.
By-law 176. Computing storey exit width.
To compute the required exit width from individual floors of a building --
(a)
calculate the floor area net or gross whichever is applicable;
(b)
determine the allowable occupancy load factor from Table;
(c)
divide the floor area by the number of square metre per person to determine the number of persons for which exits must be provided for that floor;
(d)
determine from the table the capacity of the type of exit to be used for the purpose group being designed; and
(e)
calculate the number of units of exit width for each type of exit used based upon the capacity.
By-law 177. Computing number of staircases and staircase width.
The following factors shall be used in computing the exit widths:
(a)
in a multi-storey building if x units of exit width are required from each floor the staircases serving those floors do not need to be x times the number of floors served in units of exit width. The staircases need be only wide enough to serve each floor but not less than the minimum width allowed and in every case one of the exit staircases shall be assumed to be inaccessible and the remaining exit staircase shall be of sufficient width and number to accommodate the relevant occupancy;
(b)
depending on the occupancy, street floor exits have to be sized to handle not only the occupant load of the street floor but also a percentage of the load of the exits discharging to the street floor from floors above and below;
(c)
exits should never decrease in width along their length of travel and, if two or more exits converge into a common exit, the common exit should never be narrower than the sum of the width of the exits converging into it;
(d)
except as provided in these By-laws, the minimum number of exits is two;
(e)
at least one of the staircases should be a minimum of two units width except that 900 millimetres may be allowed where total occupancy of all floors served by staircases is less than 50; and
(f)
there should be no decrease in width along the path of travel of a staircase leading to a final exit.
By-law 178. Exits for institutional and places of assembly.
In buildings classified as institutional or places of assembly, exits to a street or large open space, together with staircases, corridors and passages leading to such exits shall be located, separated or protected as to avoid any undue danger to the occupants of the place of assembly from fire originating in the other occupancy or smoke therefrom.
By-law 179. Classification of places of assembly.
Each place of assembly shall be classified according to its capacity as follows:
Class A - Capacity .. 1,000 persons or more
Class B - Capacity .. 300 to 1,000 persons
Class C - Capacity .. 100 to 300 persons
By-law 180. Space standards for calculating occupancy loads.
The occupancy load permitted in any place of assembly shall be determined by dividing the net floor area or space assigned to the use by the square metre per occupant as follows:
(a)
assembly area of concentrated use without fixed seats such as an auditorium, places of worship, dance floor and lodge room – 0.65 square metre per person;
(b)
assembly area of less concentrated use such as a conference room, dining room, drinking establishment, exhibit room, gymnasium or lounge – 1.35 square metre per person;
(c)
standing room or waiting space – 3 square metres per person;
(d)
the occupancy load of an area having fixed seats shall be determined by the number of fixed seats installed. Required aisle space serving the fixed seats shall not be used to increase the occupant load.
By-law 181. Width of means of egress.
Means of egress shall be measured in units of exits width of 550 millimetres. Fractions of a unit shall not be counted, except that 300 millimetres added to one or more full units shall be counted as one half of a unit exit width and no individual access to exit shall be less than 700 millimetres.
By-law 182. Rate of discharge.
The rate of travel per floor of persons shall be sixty persons per minute through doors or along level passage ways and forty-five persons per minute down stairs.
By-law 183. Exit details for places of assembly.
Every place of assembly, every tier or balcony and every individual room used as a place of assembly shall have exits sufficient to provide for the total capacity thereof as determined in accordance with by-law 180 and as follows:
(a)
no individual unit of exit width shall serve more than one hundred persons;
(b)
doors leading outside the building at ground level or not more than three risers above or below ground – one hundred persons per exit unit;
(c)
staircases or other types of exit not specified in by-law 177 – above seventy-five persons per exit unit;
(d)
every Class A place of assembly (capacity one thousand persons or more) shall have at least four separate exits as remote from each other as practicable;
(e)
every Class B place of assembly (capacity three hundred to one thousand persons) shall have at least two separate exits as remote from each other as practicable, and if of a capacity of over six hundred at least three such exits;
(f)
every Class C place of assembly (capacity one hundred to three hundred persons) shall have at least two means of exit, consisting of separate exits or doors leading to a corridor or other space giving access to separate exits in different directions.
By-law 184. Seating.
(1)
(a)
The spacing of rows of seats from back to back shall be not less than 825 millimetres, nor less than 675 millimetres plus the sum of the thickness of the back and inclination of the back.
(b)
There shall be a space of not less than 300 millimetres between the back of one seat and the front of the seat immediately behind it as measured between plumb-lines.
(c)
Rows of seats between gangways shall have not more than fourteen seats.
(d)
Rows of seats opening on to a gangway at one end only shall have not more than seven seats.
(e)
Seats without dividing arms shall have their capacity determined by allowing 450 millimetres per person.
(2)
(a)
With continental seating the spacing of rows of unoccupied seats shall provide a clear width between rows measured horizontally as follows (automatic or self-rising seats shall be measured in the seat-up position, other seats shall be measured in the seat-down position):
450 millimetres clear width between rows of 18 seats or less;
500 millimetres clear width between rows of 35 seats or less;
525 millimetres clear width between rows of 45 seats or less;
550 millimetres clear width between rows of 46 seats or more.
(b)
With continental seating, the number of intervening seats between any seat and a gangway may be increased to 49 where exit doors are provided along each side gangway of the row of seats at the rate of 1 pair of exit doors for each 5 rows of seat. Such exit doors shall provide a minimum clear width of 1,680 millimetres.
By-law 185. Gangway in places of assembly.
(1)
A clear gangway not less than 1,200 millimetres in width shall be provided around the stalls and balcony in a place of assembly leading to exit doors therein:
Provided that if the gangways in the balcony lead to exit doors not less than 1,200 millimetres in width the rear gangway may be omitted.
(2)
Gangways not less than 1,200 millimetres wide running parallel to the rows of seating in a place of assembly shall be provided where required by the local authority.
(3)
All floors of balconies or tiers in a place of assembly shall be constructed entirely of reinforced concrete.
(4)
Steps shall not be used to overcome differences in level in a gangway in a place of assembly unless the slope of such gangway exceeds one in ten.
(5)
Where steps of a pitch exceeding 30º or ramps of a slope exceeding one in ten are provided in gangways flanking the seating in place of assembly, suitable handrails shall be provided.
(6)
The treads of steps in gangways in a place of assembly shall have a non-slip surface and the edges of such steps shall be illuminated at step level.
(7)
In circles and galleries or areas where the incline exceeds 15º, guard rails not less than 1,050 millimetres above floor level shall be provided at the foot of gangways in places of assembly.
By-law 186. Exit doors in places of assembly.
(1)
All doors used by the public as exit doors from any part of the place of assembly or leading to the open air, shall open only in the direction of exit.
(2)
In place of assembly all exit doors and doors through which the public pass on the way to the open air shall be without lock, bolts or other fastenings while the public are in the building:
Provided that doors used for exit only may be fitted with panic bolts.
(3)
Panic bolts fitted to doors in a place of assembly shall be not less than 750 millimetres or more than 1,100 millimetres above the floor.
(4)
Turnstiles, if installed in a place of assembly, shall be arranged clear of the line of exit, and shall not be included in the calculation of exit width.
(5)
In a place of assembly every external door used by the public and every collapsible gate shall be capable of being locked in the fully open position in such a way that a key is required to release such door or gate from such open position.
By-law 187. Notice affixed to door or gate.
A notice or notices so arranged as to be visible from both sides of the door, gate or shutter whether the door, gate or shutter is in the open or in the closed position shall be affixed to, or in position adjacent to every door and gate referred to above, such notice bearing the words “This gate / door is required to be kept open and locked in that position during the whole time the audience / gathering is in the building”. The height of the lettering for such notice shall not be less than 75 millimetres.
By-law 188. Travel distance in place of assembly.
Exits in any place of assembly shall be arranged that the travel distance from any point to reach an exit shall not exceed 45 metres for unsprinkled buildings and 60 metres for sprinkled buildings.
By-law 189. Enclosing means of escape in certain buildings.
(1)
Every staircase provided under these By-laws in a building of four storeys or more, or in a building where the highest floor level is more than 12 metres above the ground level, or in any place of assembly, or in any school when such staircase is to be used as an alternative means of escape shall be enclosed throughout its length with fire resisting materials.
(2)
In a building of Purpose Group IV (Office), an open corridor design may have an unenclosed staircase if provided with an extended landing which shall not be less than twice the staircase width and a wall separating the staircase from the occupancy shall be returned for a distance of not less than 1 metre along the frontage of adjacent occupancy.
By-law 190. External exit staircase.
(1)
An exit staircase may qualify as an external exit staircase if no part of it is recessed for more than 3 metres from the building façade and has —
(a)
a minimum of two adjacent sides abutting to a place of safety outside the building; or
(b)
one of its longest sides abutting to a place of safety outside the building.
(2)
An external exit staircase may be used as a required exit in-lieu of an internal exit staircase if—
(a)
it complies with the requirements for an exit staircase; and
(b)
there is no unprotected opening, combustible material and construction within 2 metres horizontally or within 9 metres vertically below, adjacent or facing it;
with the exception to a building designed with external corridor access, the access to the external exit staircase may be by means of an open-sided external corridor adjoining the occupancy areas, subject to the following:
(i)
the external corridor shall be served by at least two exit staircases; and
(ii)
an unobstructed ventilation opening shall be provided along the long side of the external corridor above the parapet or balustrade;
(c)
its final discharge shall lead directly to a place of safety outside the building.
(3)
Any ventilation opening to a toilet or other protected area is exempted from this restriction.
(4)
Where a window or any other glazed opening is required within this dimension, it shall be fitted with a wired glass and be kept permanently in a closed position.
(5)
A fire door to the external exit staircase shall be provided.
By-law 191. (Deleted).
By-law 192. Moving walks.
(1)
An inclined moving walk exit shall comply with the applicable requirements of ramps.
(2)
No moving walk capable of being operated in the direction contrary to normal exit travel shall be used as a means of egress.
By-law 193. Power operated doors as means of egress.
A power operated door shall only be regarded as a means of egress if it is possible to be swung in the direction of exit travel by manual means.
By-law 194. Building with single staircase.
A single staircase may be permitted in the following premises:
(a)
if any dwelling at 12 metres in height measured from the fire appliance access level to the highest and lowest occupied floors; or
(b)
if any building does not exceed two storeys and its first floor does not exceed 6 metres from the ground floor.
By-law 195. Staircases to reach roof level.
In buildings exceeding 30 metres in height all staircases intended to be used as means of egress shall be carried to the roof level to give access thereto.
By-law 196. Smoke lobbies.
(1)
Access to a staircase smoke lobby shall be by means of fire doors opening in the direction of escape.
(2)
The width of the smoke lobby shall at no point be less than the required exit width.
(3)
Smoke lobbies shall be provided at the basement levels where an escape staircase serving an upper storey is extended to a basement.
(4)
Where practical smoke lobbies shall have permanent openings or openable windows of not less than 1 square metre giving direct access to the open air from an external wall or internal light well.
(5)
Where natural ventilation is impractical smoke lobbies may be ventilated by means of a vertical shaft or mechanically pressurised.
By-law 197. Protected lobbies.
(1)
Protected lobbies shall be provided to serve staircase in buildings exceeding 18 metres above ground level where the staircase enclosures are not ventilated through external walls.
(2)
In buildings where the topmost occupied floor exceeds 45 metres above ground level, such protected lobbies shall be pressurised to meet the requirements of MS 1472 or any other system meeting the functional requirements of the Director General.
(3)
Protected lobbies may be omitted if the staircase enclosures are pressurised to meet the requirements of by-law 200.
By-law 197A. Provision of fire fighting shafts.
(1)
A building with the topmost occupied floor at more than 18 metres above fire appliance access level shall have one or more fire fighting shafts.
(2)
A building with a basement storey more than 9 metres below the fire appliance access level shall be provided with one or more fire fighting shafts.
(3)
A fire fighting access lobby shall be directly accessible from a fire fighting staircase, a fire lift and containing a dry riser or wet riser which shall be provided at every floor level, and shall be within 45 metres coverage from a fire fighting access lobby door.
(4)
A fire fighting access lobby may be omitted if the fire fighting staircase is pressurised to meet the requirements of by-law 200 and all fire fighting installations within the pressurised staircase enclosure shall not intrude into the clear space required for means of escape.
(5)
A fire fighting staircase shall be provided to give direct access to each fire fighting access lobby and shall be directly accessible from outside the building at fire appliance access level and the staircase may be one of the staircases required as means of escape from the building.
(6)
A fire lift, subject to paragraph (7) of this by-law, shall be provided to give access to each fire fighting access lobby or in the absence of a lobby, subject to paragraph (3) of this by-law, be connected by a protected corridor to the fire fighting staircase at each floor level.
(7)
A fire lift shall be provided at the rate of one lift in every group of lifts which discharge into the fire fighting access lobby provided that the fire lift is located not more than 60 metres travel distance from the fire lift door to the furthermost point of the floor and in an open plan, the direct distance shall be two-thirds of the travel distance.
(8)
All lifts serving upper floors shall not extend to basement floors except where the basement floors only contains low fire loads or are used solely for car parks, and in all the permitted situations, protected lobbies shall be provided which shall be interposed between the lift openings and the areas served.
By-law 197B. Fire fighting access lobbies.
A fire fighting access lobby shall conform to the following requirements:
(a)
each lobby shall have a floor area of not less than 6.0 square metres; and
(b)
the openable area of a window or area of permanent ventilation shall not be less than 25 percent of the floor area of the lobby and, if ventilation is by means of an openable window, additional permanent ventilation which is having a free opening of 500 square centimetres shall be provided except when a mechanical pressurisation is provided as an alternative.
By-law 198. Ventilation of staircase enclosures.
(1)
All staircase enclosures shall be ventilated at each floor or landing level by either permanent openings or openable windows to the open air having a free area of not less than 1 square metre per floor.
(2)
Openable windows shall meet the operational requirements of the Director General.
(3)
Deleted.
By-law 199. Ventilation of staircase enclosures in buildings not exceeding 18 metres.
In buildings not exceeding 18 metres above ground level, staircase enclosures may be unventilated provided that access to them at all levels except the top floor is through ventilated lobbies and the staircase enclosures are permanently ventilated at the top with at least 5 percent of the area of the enclosures.
By-law 200. Ventilation of staircase enclosures in buildings exceeding 18 metres.
For staircases in buildings exceeding 18 metres above ground level that are not ventilated in accordance with by-law 198, two alternative methods of preventing the infiltration of smoke into the staircase enclosures may be permitted by providing --
(a)
permanent ventilation at the top of the staircase enclosure of not less than 5 percent of the area of the enclosure and in addition at suitable intervals in the height of the staircase a mechanically ventilated shaft to achieve not less than 20 air changes per hour to be automatically activated by a signal from the fire alarm panel; or
(b)
a mechanical pressurisation of the staircase enclosure which is designed and installed in accordance with MS 1472.
By-law 201. Staircase enclosures below ground level.
All staircase enclosures below ground level shall be provided with suitable means of preventing the ingress of smoke.
By-law 202. Pressurised system for staircases.
All staircases serving a building of more than 45 metres in height where there is no adequate ventilation as required, there shall be provided with a staircase pressurisation system which is designed and installed in accordance with MS 1472.
By-law 203. Restriction of spread of flame.
(1)
A finished floor or floor covering may be exempted from the requirements of this Part:
Provided that in any case where the authority having jurisdiction finds a floor surface of unusual hazard, the floor surface shall be considered a part of the interior finish for the purposes of this Part.
(2)
The classification of interior finish materials specified shall be that of the basic material used, without regard to subsequently applied paint or wall-paper, except that the Fire and Rescue Department having jurisdiction shall include such finishes in the determination of classification in any case where in the opinion of the Fire and Rescue Department having jurisdiction they are of such character or thickness or so applied as to affect materially the flame spread characteristics.
By-law 204. Classification of restriction of flame over surfaces of walls and ceilings.
For the purpose of this Part and the Eighth Schedule to these By-laws, any reference to a surface being of a specified class shall be construed as a requirement that the material of which the wall, ceiling or soffit is constructed, shall comply with the following requirements --
Class O. Surface of no flame spread.
(a)
Any reference to a surface being Class O shall be construed as a requirement that --
(i)
the material of which the wall or ceiling is constructed shall be non-combustible throughout; or
(ii)
the surface material, or if it is bonded throughout to a substrate, the surface material in conjunction with the substrate, shall when tested in accordance with BS 476: Part 6 and Part 7, shall have an index of performance not exceeding 6.
(b)
Any reference to a surface being of a class other than Class O shall be construed as a requirement that the material of which the wall or ceiling is constructed shall comply with the relevant test criteria as to surface spread of flame specified in relation to that class in BS 476: Part 1: Clause 7.
(c)
In relation to a requirement that a surface shall be of a class not lower than a specified class, Class O shall be regarded as the highest class followed in descending order by Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 and Class 4.
Class 1. Surface of Very Low Flame Spread.
Those surfaces on which not more than 150 millimetres mean spread of flame occurs.
Class 2. Surfaces of Low Flame Spread.
Those surfaces on which during the first 1½ minutes of test, the mean spread of flame is not more than 375 mm and the final spread does not exceed 450 mm.
Class 3. Surfaces of Medium Flame Spread.
Those surfaces of which, during the first 1½ minutes of test, the mean spread of flame is not more than 375 millimetres and during the first 10 minutes of test is not more than 825 millimetres.
Class 4. Surfaces of Rapid Flame Spread.
Those surfaces on which during the first 1½ minutes of test, the mean spread of flame is not more than 375 millimetres and during the first 10 minutes of test is more than 825 millimetres.
By-law 205. Classification of interior finish materials.
(1)
Any material shown by test to have a life hazard greater than that indicated by the flame spread classification owing to the amount or character of smoke generated shall be included in the group shown in by-law 204 appropriate to its actual hazard as determined by the Fire and Rescue Department.
(2)
Classification of interior finish materials shall be in accordance with tests made under conditions simulating actual installations.
(3)
Where a complete standard system of automatic sprinklers is installed, interior finish with flame spread rating not over Class 3 may be used in any location where Class 2 is normally specified, and with rating of Class 2 in any location where Class 1 is normally specified and with rating of Class 1 where Class O is specified.
(4)
In all buildings other than private residences, Class O or Class 1 interior finish shall be used in all basements or other underground spaces from which there is no direct exit to the outside of the building if subject to occupancy for any purpose other than storage or service facilities.
By-law 206. Classification of surface of wall or ceiling.
(1)
The surface of a wall or ceiling in a room, circulation space or protected shaft shall be of a class not lower than that specified as relevant in the Eight Schedule to these By-laws:
Provided that --
(a)
a wall may have a surface of any class not lower than Class 3 to the extent permitted by paragraph (3); and
(b)
a ceiling may either have a surface of any class not lower than Class 3 to the extent permitted by paragraph (3).
(2)
Any part of the surface of a wall in a room may be of any class not lower than Class 3 if the area of the part, or, if there are two or more such parts, the total area of those parts does not exceed the lesser of the following:
(a)
half the floor area of the room; or
(b)
in the case of a building or compartment of Purpose Group I, II or III, 2.2 square metres or in any other case 6.5 square metres.
(3)
Any part or the surface of a ceiling may be of any class not lower than Class 3 if that part of the surface is the face of a layer of material the other face of which is exposed to the external air and --
(a)
(i)
the ceiling is that of a room in a building or compartment of Purpose Group II, III, IV, V or VII or that of a circulation space in a building or compartment of any purpose group;
(ii)
the area of that part does not exceed 2.5 square metres;
(iii)
the distance between that part and any other such part is not less than 4 square metres;
(b)
(i)
the ceiling is that of a room in a building or compartment of Purpose Group VI or VIII;
(ii)
the area of that part does not exceed 5 square metres;
(iii)
the distance between that part and other such part is not less than 150 millimetres;
(iv)
that part and all other such parts are evenly distributed over the whole area of the ceiling and together have an area which does not exceed 15 percent of the floor area of the room;
(c)
the ceiling is that of a balcony, verandah, open car park, covered way or loading way which, irrespective of its floor area, has at least one of its longer sides wholly and permanently open;
(d)
the ceiling is that of a garage, conservatory or outbuilding which, irrespective of whether it forms part of a building or is a building which is attached to another building or wholly detached, has a floor area not exceeding 44 square metres.
By-law 207. (Deleted).
By-law 208. Reference to roofs.
Any reference in this Part to a roof or part of a roof of a specified designation shall be construed as meaning a roof or part of a roof so constructed as to be capable of satisfying the relevant test criteria specified in respect of that designation of roof in BS 476: Part 3:
Provided that any roof or part of a roof shall be deemed to be of such a designation if --
(a)
it conforms with one of the specifications set out against the designation in the Eight Schedule to these By-laws; or
(b)
a similar part made to the same specification as that roof is proved to satisfy the relevant test criteria.
By-law 209. Reference to buildings.
Any reference in this Part to a building shall, in any case where two or more houses adjoin, be construed as a reference to one of those houses.
By-law 210. Construction of roofs.
(1)
No part of the roof of a building which --
(a)
has a cubic capacity exceeding 1,420 cubic metres;
(b)
is wholly or partly of Purpose Group VI or VII; or
(c)
is a house in a continuous terrace of more than two houses;
shall be so constructed as to be designated in accordance with by-law 212 BD, CA, CB, CC, CD, DA, DB, DC or DD, or be covered with wood shingles.
(2)
Any part of a roof which is so designated BA, BB or BC, shall not be less than 2.30 metres from any point on a boundary.
(3)
Any part of a roof which is so designated AD, BD, CA, CB, CC or CD, or is covered with wood shingles, shall be not less than 4.60 metres from any point on a boundary unless such part is --
(a)
of an area not exceeding 3 square metres; and
(b)
separated from any other part of the same roof which is so designated or covered with wood shingles by an area of roof which is at least 1.50 metres wide and which is covered by non-combustible material,
in which case such designated part or parts covered with wood shingles shall be not less than 2.30 metres from any such point.
By-law 211. Roofing materials.
(1)
A surface or material for a roof covering or roof construction shall have the surface spread of flame rating not lower than Class 1, except in the case of Purpose Group I or III as shown in the Fifth Schedule to these By-Laws, and in a building that is protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system.
(2)
The Director General may approve the use of combustible material for roof construction for the building of Purpose Group II, IV, V or VI as shown in the Fifth Schedule to these By-Laws, if the following requirements are satisfied:
(a)
the building shall not exceed four storeys;
(b)
the roof space between the roof and the ceiling shall have a cavity barrier wherever required, which complies with the relevant provision, and an opening in the cavity barrier shall be fire-stopped; and
(c)
if the underside of the roof serves as a ceiling to a room or space, the element of the underside of the roof shall comply with the relevant provision of by-law 204.
(3)
At the junctions with a separating wall or compartment wall, the roof construction shall comply with the requirements as may be specified by the Fire and Rescue Department.
By-law 211A. Materials for construction.
(1)
Material used in the construction of a building element shall comply with the requirements stated under this Part in addition to the performance requirements such as for fire resistance or limits to spread of flame.
(2)
Intumescent paint is allowed to be used for the protection of structural steel member of all buildings provided that –
(a)
the paint is of a proprietary system that has been tested to achieve the fire resistance performance as required in BS 476; and
(b)
a coating of intumescent paint onto structural steel, and subsequent maintenance of the coating conforms to BS 8202.
(3)
In a building which is protected by an automatic sprinkler system, a fire-rated glass may be used for the construction of a compartment wall, compartment floor, enclosure to smoke stop lobby, fire fighting lobby or protected shaft without an exit staircase or fire lift, subject to the following:
(a)
the wall and door shall have necessary fire resistance, including insulation, when subject to the test under BS 476 for the wall and MS 1073 for the door; and
(b)
the wall and door shall meet the Class A of impact performance requirements when subject to the test under BS 6206 or AS 2208.
(4)
The wall, ceiling, roof covering or finish shall not contain any plastic material.
(5)
For the purpose of this by-law, “AS” means the latest published edition of the Australian Standard.
By-law 212. Category designation for fire penetration and spread of flame on roof surface.
Each category designation for roofing material shall consist of two letters, the first letter referring to fire penetration and the second letter to spread of flame on the roof surface, these being determined as follows:
(a)
First letter --
(i)
A - Those specimens which have not been penetrated within 1 hour;
(ii)
B - Those specimens which are penetrated in not less than 1/2 hour;
(iii)
C - Those specimens which are penetrated in less than 1/2 hour;
(iv)
D - Those specimens which are penetrated in the preliminary test.
(b)
Second letter --
(i)
A - Those specimens on which there is no spread of flame;
(ii)
B - Those specimens on which there is not more than 525 millimetres spread of flame;
(iii)
C - Those specimens on which there is more than 525 millimetres spread of flame;
(iv)
D - Those specimens which continue to burn for 5 minutes after the withdrawal of the test flame or spread more than 375 millimetres across the region of burning in the preliminary test.
By-law 213. Fire resistance.
Subject as otherwise provided by this Part every element of structure shall be so constructed as to have fire resistance for not less than whichever of the periods specified in the Ninth Schedule to these By-laws is relevant, having regard to the purpose group of the building of which it forms part and the dimensions specified in that Schedule.
By-law 214. Additional requirements.
(1)
In addition to any relevant requirements under by-law 213--
(a)
any external wall shall have fire resistance of not less than half-hour; and
(b)
any separating wall shall have fire resistance of not less than one hour.
(2)
Nothing in by-law 213 or paragraph (1) above shall apply to any part of an external wall which is non-load bearing and such external wall may, in accordance with by-law 142, be an unprotected area.
By-law 215. Height of buildings.
(1)
Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) and any other express provision to the contrary, any reference to a building of which an element of structure forms part of such building means the building or if a building is divided into compartments, any compartment of the building of which the element forms part of such building.
(2)
Any reference to height means the height of a building, not of any compartment in the building, but if any part of the building is completely separated throughout its height both above and below ground from all other parts by a compartment wall or compartment walls in the same continuous vertical plane, any reference to height in relation to the part means the height solely of that part.
By-law 216. Single storey buildings.
(a)
a structural frame or a beam or column, provided that any beam or column, whether or not it forms part of a structural frame, which is within or forms part of a wall, and any column which gives support to a wall or gallery, shall have fire resistance of not less than the minimum period, if any, required by these By-laws for the wall or that gallery;
(b)
an internal load-bearing part of a wall, unless that wall or part is, or forms part of a compartment wall or a separating wall, or forms part of the structure enclosing a protected shaft or support a gallery; or
(c)
part of an external wall which does not support a gallery and which may, in accordance with by-law 142 be an unprotected area.
(2)
If any element of structure forms part of more than one building or compartment and the requirements for fire resistance specified in the Ninth Schedule to these By-laws in respect of one building or compartment differ from those specified in respect to any other building or compartment of which the element forms part, such element shall be so constructed as to comply with the greater or greatest of the requirements specified.
By-law 217. Fire resistance of structural member.
Any structural member or overloading wall shall have fire resistance of not less than the minimum period required by these By-laws for any element which it carries.
By-law 218. Compartment wall separating flat and maisonette.
Any compartment wall separating a flat or maisonette from any other part of the same building shall not be required to have fire resistance exceeding one hour unless--
(a)
the wall is a load-bearing wall or a wall forming part of a protected shaft; or
(b)
the part of the building from which the wall separates the flat or maisonette is of a different purpose group and the minimum period of fire resistance required by this Part for any element of structure in that part is one and a half hours or more.
By-law 219. Application of these By-laws to floors.
In the application of these By-laws to floors, no account shall be taken of any fire resistance attributable to any suspended ceiling other than a suspended ceiling constructed as described in the Ninth Schedule to these By-laws.
By-law 220. Floor area and capacity of buildings and compartments.
Where reference is made in this Part to floor areas and capacity of buildings or compartments, the maximum floor area or cubic capacity or the maximum floor area and cubic capacity of the building or compartment may be doubled where the building or compartment is fitted throughout with an automatic sprinkler system, or with such other means of fire protection of not less efficiency in relation to the nature of the building or compartment and its contents, which the fire extinguishing system is required to protect.
By-law 221. Test of fire resistance.
(1)
For the purposes of this Part requirements as to fire resistance shall be construed as meaning that an element of structure shall be capable of resisting the action of fire for the specified period under the conditions of test appropriate to such element in accordance with BS 476 subject to such modifications or applications of such conditions of test as are prescribed to these By-laws.
(2)
A compartment floor shall have the fire resistance for not less than a minimum period as required by under this Part for an element of structure forming part of a compartment immediately below such a floor if the underside of such a floor is exposed to the test by fire.
By-law 222. Fire resistance for walls.
(1)
Any structure, other than an external wall, enclosing a protected shaft shall, if each side of the wall is separately exposed to test by fire, have fire resistance for not less than the minimum period required by this Part.
(2)
Any compartment wall or separating wall shall, if each side of the wall is separately exposed to test by fire, have fire resistance for not less than the minimum period required by this Part.
(3)
Any part of an external wall which constitutes, or is situated less than 0.90 metre from any point on the relevant boundary shall, if each side of the wall is separately exposed to test by fire, have fire resistance for not less than the minimum period required by this Part.
(4)
Any part of an external wall which is situated 0.90 metre or more from the relevant boundary and which is required by these By-laws to have fire resistance, shall, if the inside of the wall is exposed to test by fire, have fire resistance for not less than the minimum period required by this Part:
Provided that, for the purposes of these by-laws, the wall shall be capable of satisfying the requirements of clause 11c of section 3 of BS 476 relating to insulation, for a period of not less than fifteen minutes.
By-law 223. Fire resistance for floors above ground floor.
Any floor above the ground storey of a house falling within Purpose Group I shall, if the underside of such floor is exposed to test by fire in accordance with BS 476 be capable of satisfying the requirements of that test as to freedom from collapse for a period of not less than half an hour and as to insulation and resistance to passage of flame for not less than fifteen minutes.
By-law 224. Fire resistance for any element of structure.
Any element of structure shall be deemed to have the requisite fire resistance if --
(a)
it is constructed in accordance with the specifications given in the Ninth Schedule to these By-laws and the notional period of fire resistance given in that Schedule as being appropriate to that type of construction and other relevant factors is not less than the requisite fire resistance; or
(b)
a similar part made to the same specification as the element is proved to have the requisite fire resistance under the conditions of test prescribed in the foregoing By-laws.
By-law 224A. Hospital.
Every hospital shall comply with the following additional requirements:
(1)
A patient accommodation area containing a bed shall not be located in the basement storey.
(2)
The minimum clear width of an exit door opening shall not be less than 1.2 metres.
(3)
Every upper storey used for the accommodation of patients shall be provided with at least two areas of refuge and the size of the areas of refuge shall be sized adequately to accommodate the number of beds for at least 50 percent of the total beds patients from the floor concerned—
(a)
for an area of refuge not adjacent to the patient ward, the route leading to the area of refuge shall be through—
(i)
an external corridor; or
(ii)
a protected lobby separated from the adjoining area of the building by a wall and door of at least 1 hour fire resistance period, and the protected lobby shall have minimum size of 4 metres (length) by 2 metres (width) and be ventilated;
(b)
for an area of refuge immediately adjacent to a patient ward, the route leading to the area of refuge may not be through an external corridor provided that both the area of refuge and the adjacent patient ward are —
(i)
fire compartmented from each other by a wall and door of at least 1 hour fire resistance period;
(ii)
provided with an engineered smoke control and the design smoke layer height shall be at least 2.5 metres above the finished floor; and
(iii)
provided with a minimum of two remotely located exit access between them.
(4)
The provision of fire escape bed lift shall be as follows:
(a)
at least two fire escape bed lifts shall be provided for premises with more than one storey;
(b)
fire escape bed lifts shall be located remotely from each other and sited adjacent to an exit staircase;
(c)
each area of refuge shall also be served by at least one fire escape bed lift;
(d)
fire lifts may double-up as fire escape bed lifts provided that there are more than one fire lift and at least one shall remain as a dedicated fire lift, and where the fire lifts double up as the fire escape bed lifts, its dimensions shall be as specified in subparagraph 224A(4)(f);
(e)
the fire escape bed lift shall be contained within a fire fighting shaft;
(f)
the entry into the fire escape bed lift and the exit staircase shall be through a common protected lobby and the fire escape bed lift shall have the minimum clear platform size of 2.7 metres (depth) by 1.8 metres (width);
(g)
the signage shall be displayed outside the fire escape bed lift stating “FIRE ESCAPE BED LIFT”;
(h)
the exit route for the fire escape bed lift at the designated floor shall be protected from other occupancy areas by 1 hour fire resistance separation and shall discharge directly into a safe area;
(i)
a fire escape bed lift that opens directly into an external corridor and which is sited adjacent to an exit staircase does not require a protected lobby, provided that there is no unprotected opening within 3 metres horizontally from the fire escape bed lift door opening, and the fire escape bed lift provided in this situation may be treated as a common bed lift that may serve multiple compartments located on the same floor; and
(j)
a fire escape bed lift shall be provided with the following features:
(i)
a secondary power supply from an emergency generating plant; and
(ii)
a switch labelled as “Fire Escape Bed Lift”, which is situated next to the lift landing door at the final exit storey;
(5)
A patient accommodation ward with access through an internal corridor shall comply with the following requirements:
(a)
each ward shall be separated from the internal corridor by a wall which is having at least 1 hour fire resistance period;
(b)
door opening into an internal corridor shall have at least half hour fire resistance period and be fitted with an automatic self-closing device;
(c)
an internal corridor shall be naturally ventilated with a fixed opening in an external wall, such a ventilation opening shall not be less than 15 percent of the floor area of the internal corridor;
(d)
the ventilation opening in the external wall shall not be less than 3.5 square metres, with at least 1.75 square metres on each side and shall be unobstructed by a parapet wall or balustrade level upwards and be positioned on opposite side of the internal corridor such that it provides effective cross ventilation throughout the entire space of the corridor;
(e)
the ventilation opening in the external wall shall not be more than 12 metres from any part of the internal corridor;
(f)
an internal corridor may be provided with mechanical ventilation and pressurisation in lieu of natural ventilation; and
(g)
other non-patient accommodation areas or space which open into or form part of the internal corridor or which may jeopardise the means of escape provision, shall be compartmentalised by one hour fire-rated enclosure and half hour fire door.
(6)
External access to a patient accommodation ward shall be through an external corridor.
(7)
For a smoke lobby to an exit staircase:
(a)
an entry into the exit staircase from any part of a building of more than four storeys above the ground level shall comply with the requirements of smoke lobby under by-law 196; and
(b)
where the smoke lobby is provided to the exit staircase to serve a patient accommodation floor, or any area where a patient is evacuated on a bed or stretcher, the smoke lobby shall have the minimum clear space of 6 square metres which is unobstructed by a door swing.
(8)
For the staircase landing width or depth:
(a)
an exit staircase that serve a patient accommodation floor to be used by a patient in an emergency fire situation shall be designed to allow the evacuation of the patient on a bed or stretcher; and
(b)
the width of a staircase, and staircase landing width and depth shall comply with the Eleventh Schedule.
(9)
For an outpatient clinic without a ward that does not fall under the above categories, the fire safety requirements under this by-law are not applicable.
PART VIII - FIRE ALARM SYSTEM AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT SYSTEM
By-law 225. Fire alarm system and extinguishment system.
(1)
Every building shall be provided with means of detection in the form of a fire alarm system or extinguishing system as specified in the Tenth Schedule.
(2)
Every building shall be served by at least one fire hydrant located not more than 30 metres from an entry to any building or breeching inlet and be designed and installed in accordance with MS 1489 and in any case, the fire hydrant shall be located not more than 90 metres apart.
(3)
Depending on the size and location of the building and the provision of access for fire appliances, additional fire hydrants shall be provided as may be required by the Director General.
By-law 226. Automatic system for hazardous occupancy.
Where hazardous processes, storage or occupancy are of such character as to require automatic sprinklers or other automatic extinguishing system, it shall be of a type and standard appropriate to extinguish fires in the hazardous materials stored or handled or for the safety of the occupants.
By-law 226A. Hose reel systems.
A hose reel system shall be provided in accordance with the Tenth Schedule and MS 1489.
By-law 227. Portable fire extinguishers.
A portable fire extinguisher shall be provided in all buildings in accordance with MS 1539.
By-law 228. Sprinkler systems.
A sprinkler system shall be provided in accordance with the Tenth Schedule and MS 1910.
By-law 228A. Automatic fire monitoring system.
An automatic fire monitoring system shall be provided in accordance with the Tenth Schedule.
By-law 229. (Deleted).
By-law 230. Dry riser systems.
(1)
A dry riser system shall be provided in every building in which the topmost occupied floor is more than 18 metres but less than 30 metres above the fire appliance access level.
(2)
The dry riser system shall be designed and installed in accordance with MS 1489.
(3)
Hose connection shall be provided in each fire fighting access lobby or adjacent to a fire fighting staircase on every floor.
(4)
(Deleted).
(5)
(Deleted).
(6)
(Deleted).
(7)
(Deleted).
By-law 231. Wet riser systems.
(1)
A wet riser system shall be provided in every building in which the topmost occupied floor is more than 30 metres above fire appliance access level.
(2)
The wet riser system shall be designed and installed in accordance with MS 1489.
(3)
Hose connection shall be provided in each fire fighting access lobby or adjacent to a fire fighting staircase on every floor.
(4)
Each stage of the wet riser shall not exceed 150 metres in height and the pressure for each stage shall not exceed 20 bar and in each stage of the wet riser, the height between the topmost and the lowest landing valves shall not exceed 75 metres and be provided with its own pump set.
(5)
(Deleted).
(6)
(Deleted).
By-law 232. Wet or dry riser system for buildings under construction.
(1)
Where either wet or dry riser system is required, at least one riser shall be installed when the building under construction has reached a height of above the level of the fire brigade pumping inlet with connections thereto located adjacent to a useable staircase.
(2)
Such riser shall be extended as construction progresses to within two floors of the topmost floor under construction and where the designed height of the building requires the installation of a wet riser system, fire pumps, water storage tanks and water main connections shall be provided to serve the riser.
By-law 233. (Deleted).
By-law 234. (Deleted).
By-law 235. Fixed extinguishing system.
A fixed extinguishing system shall either be a total flooding system, local application system or unit protection system depending upon the nature of a hazard process and occupancy as may be required by the Director General, and such systems shall be approved by the Director General.
By-law 236. Special hazards.
Places constituting special hazards or risk due to the nature of storage, trade, occupancy or size shall be required to be protected by fixed installations, protective devices, systems and special extinguishers as may be required by the Director General.
By-law 237. Fire alarm systems.
(1)
A fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with the Tenth Schedule and MS 1745.
(2)
(Deleted).
(3)
(Deleted).
By-law 238. Fire command centre.
(1)
A fire command centre shall be provided in accordance with the Tenth Schedule, located on the fire appliances access level and shall contain a panel to monitor a public address system, fireman intercom, sprinkler system, water flow detector, fire detection and alarm system and with an automatic fire monitoring system connected to the appropriate fire station by-passing the switchboard or other relevant automatic systems.
(2)
A fire command centre shall be separated from other parts of the same building by a compartment wall or compartment floor which is having at least two hours fire resistance period, is readily accessible, preferably directly from the open air, and unless inapplicable, a route to the fire command centre shall be protected.
By-law 239. Voice communication system.
There shall be two separate approved continuously electrically supervised voice communication systems including a fireman intercom system and a public address system in the following areas:
(a)
the fireman intercom shall be provided in every fire fighting access lobby or adjacent to a fire fighting staircase and shall also be provided in a refuge area, lift motor room, fire pump room, generator room and fire command centre in accordance with the Tenth Schedule; and
(b)
the public address system shall be provided in accordance with the Tenth Schedule.
By-law 240. Electrical isolation switch.
(1)
Any building which is having a floor area of exceeding 1,000 square metres per floor shall be provided with an electrical isolation switch complying with IEC 60947-3 to permit the disconnection of an electrical power supply to the relevant floor.
(2)
The electrical isolation switch shall be located in a fire fighting access lobby, adjacent to a fire fighting staircase or at the exit door.
(3)
For the purpose of this by-law, “IEC” means the latest published edition of the International Electrotechnical Commission Standard.
By-law 241. Special requirements for fire alarm systems.
In places where there are deaf persons and in places where by nature of the occupancy audible alarm system is undesirable, special requirements for fire alarm systems shall be installed in accordance with MS 1745.
By-law 242. (Deleted).
By-law 243. Fire lift.
(1)
In a building where the topmost occupied floor is over 18 metres above or a basement storey is more than 9 metres below the fire appliance access level, a fire lift shall be provided.
(2)
A penthouse occupying not more than 50 percent of the area of the floor immediately below shall be exempted from this measurement to provide the fire lift.
(3)
The fire lift shall be located within a separate protected shaft if it opens into a separate lobby.
(4)
The fire lift shall be provided at the rate of one lift in every group of lifts which discharge into the fire fighting access lobby.
By-law 243A. Emergency mode of operation in the event of mains power failure.
(1)
On failure of mains power, all lifts shall return in sequence directly to the designated floor, commencing with a fire lift, without answering any car call or landing call and park with its door open.
(2)
After all lifts are parked, all lifts on emergency power shall resume the normal operation: provided that sufficient emergency power is available for operation of all lifts, this mode of operation is not applicable.
(3)
(Deleted).
By-law 243B. Fire mode of operation.
(1)
A fire mode of operation shall be initiated by a signal from the fire alarm panel which is activated automatically by one of the alarm devices in the building or manually.
(2)
If mains power is available in this mode of operation, all lifts shall return in sequence directly to the designated floor, commencing with a fire lift, without answering any car call or landing call, overriding the emergency stop button inside the car, but not overriding any other emergency device or safety device, and park with its door open.
(3)
The fire lift shall then be available for use by the fire brigade on operation of the fireman’s switch.
(4)
Under this mode of operation, the fire lift shall only operate in response to the car call but not to the landing call in the emergency mode of operation in accordance with by-law 243A.
(5)
On failure of mains power, all lifts shall return in sequence directly to the designated floor and operate under emergency power as described under paragraphs (2) to (4).
(6)
A fireman intercom system shall be provided in a lift car for the communication between a lift operator at each lift landing and a fire command centre.
By-law 244. (Deleted).
By-law 245. Approval of Director General.
(1)
Any construction, development or installation of the fire fighting equipment or fire safety installation other than those conforming to the requirements provided in Parts VII and VIII of these By-laws shall be submitted to and approved by the Director General before the commencement of work.
(2)
The plans, drawings and calculations of all fire fighting installations shall be submitted to the Fire and Rescue Department in a manner specified by the Director General and be approved before the commencement of work.
(3)
(Deleted).
By-law 246. (Deleted).
By-law 247. (Deleted).
By-law 248. Markings on wet riser, etc.
(1)
Wet riser, dry riser, sprinkler and other fire installation pipes and fittings shall be identified in red colour.
(2)
All cabinets and areas recessed in walls for location of fire installations and extinguishers shall be clearly identified to the satisfaction of the Director General or otherwise clearly identified.
By-law 249. Smoke control.
(1)
A smoke control system, whether natural or mechanical, in accordance with MS 1780 shall be provided where—
(a)
the requirement for a compartmentation relate to the condition in by-law 252A;
(b)
any compartment in a building or part of the building exceeds 2,000 square metres; or
(c)
any basement where the total area exceeds 1,000 square metres, except in any of the following situations:
(i)
where the basement or a portion of the basement is used as a car park, the car park shall comply with the requirement of a smoke purging system if it is compartmented from the rest of the basement;
(ii)
where a plant or equipment room with a floor area which is not exceeding 250 square metres is compartmented from the rest of the basement, two doors remotely located from each other for a better reach in fire appliance access shall be provided and the provision of a single door opening for this room is permitted provided that the most remote part of the room is less than 8 metres from the door, and the equipment found inside this room does not obstruct the throw of a water jet from a fire fighting hose;
(iii)
where a plant or equipment room with a floor area which is exceeding 250 square metres but not exceeding 1,000 square metres, and for which a smoke vent or smoke purging system of at least 10 air changes per hour is provided; or
(iv)
where a service area comprising a storeroom or workshop (restricted to the staff only) is compartmented, and provided with a smoke venting system or smoke purging system of at least 10 air changes per hour in lieu of an engineered smoke control system.
(2)
A smoke vent shall be provided if the total aggregate floor area of all basement storeys exceeds 200 square metres but does not exceed 1,000 square metres, and in lieu of the smoke vent, a smoke purging system or an engineered smoke control system shall be provided for a car park or other occupancy respectively.
By-law 250. (Deleted).
By-law 251. (Deleted).
By-law 252. (Deleted).
By-law 252A. Atriums in buildings.
An atrium is permitted in a building provided that --
(a)
the horizontal dimension is not less than 6 metres and the area of an opening is not less than 95 square metres;
(b)
the exit is separately enclosed from the atrium though exit access may be within the atrium;
(c)
the atrium is open and unobstructed;
(d)
the building is fully protected by an automatic sprinkler system;
(e)
the automatic sprinkler system may be omitted for a ceiling of the atrium if it is more than 17 metres above the floor and for the atrium with ceiling height of exceeding 17 metres (in whole or in part), a water monitor, deluge or extended-throw sprinkler system shall be provided to cover the entire atrium space;
(f)
a smoke control or smoke exhaust system of the atrium and adjacent space shall be provided as per Table 1 below or other approved standards:
(g)
the smoke control or smoke exhaust system shall be activated by --
(i)
a smoke detector located at the top of the atrium and adjacent to each return air intake from the atrium;
(ii)
the automatic sprinkler system;
(iii)
an automatic detector system (but not the manual break glass system); and
(iv)
a manual control which is readily accessible to the Fire and Rescue Department;
(h)
the atrium shall be separated from the adjacent space by one hour fire resistance fire barrier except that --
(i)
any three levels of the building may open directly to the atrium without an enclosure; and
(ii)
a glass wall may be used in lieu of the fire barrier where the automatic sprinkler is spaced at 1.8 metres or less apart along both sides of the glass wall, not more than 0.3 metres from the glass so that the surface of the glass is wet upon operation of the sprinkler and the glass shall be tempered, wired or laminated glass held in place by a gasket system allowing the frame to deflect without the glass breaking before the sprinkler operates.
By-law 253. Emergency power system.
(1)
Emergency power system shall be provided to supply illumination and power automatically in the event of failure of the normal supply or in the event of accident to elements of the system supplying power and illumination essential for safety to life and property.
(2)
Emergency power systems shall provide power for smoke control systems, illumination, fire alarm systems, fire pumps, public address systems, fire lifts and other emergency systems.
(3)
Emergency systems shall have adequate capacity and rating for the emergency operation of all equipment connected to the system including the simultaneous operation of all fire lifts and one other lift.
(4)
All wiring for emergency systems shall be in metal conduit or of fire resisting mineral insulated cables, laid along areas of least fire risk.
(5)
Current supply shall be such that in the event of failure of the normal supply to or within the building or group of buildings concerned, the emergency lighting or emergency power, or both emergency lighting and power will be changed over within 60 seconds immediately after the interruption of the normal supply. The supply system for emergency purposes shall comprise one or more of the following approved types:
(a)
Storage battery
Storage battery of suitable rating and capacity to supply and maintain at not less than 87½ percent of the system voltage the total load of the circuits supplying emergency lighting and emergency power for a period of at least 1½ hours;
(b)
Generator set
A generator set driven by some form of prime mover and of sufficient capacity and proper rating to supply circuit carrying emergency lighting or lighting and power with suitable means for automatically starting the prime mover on failure of the normal service.
By-law 253A. Emergency lighting.
(1)
The emergency lighting shall be installed to provide sufficient illumination for the escape purposes.
(2)
Such lighting shall be of the self-contained type or supplied with emergency power from an emergency power system or central battery bank and shall comply with MS 619 and MS 2687.
(3)
In all cases, the duration of emergency illumination in the event of failure of a normal supply shall not be less than three hours.
PART IX - MISCELLANEOUS
By-law 254. Buildings to which Parts VII and VIII apply.
Buildings which on the date of commencement of these By-laws have been erected, or in the course of being erected or have not been erected but plans have been submitted and approved, and which according to by-law 134 fall within the classification of Place of assembly, Shop, Office, Other Residential and buildings exceeding 18.5 metres and buildings which are classified as hazardous or special risks shall be modified or altered to comply with Parts VII and VIII of these By-laws within --
(a)
one year from the date of commencement of these By-laws in the case of buildings up to three storeys; and
(b)
three years from the date of commencement of these By-laws in the case of buildings exceeding three storeys.
By-law 255. Power of local authority to extend period, etc.
(1)
Notwithstanding by-law 254, the local authority may where it is satisfied that it is justifiable to do so --
(a)
allow an extension or further extensions of the period within which the requirements under Parts VII and VIII of these By-laws are to be complied with; or
(b)
allow variations, deviations or exemptions as it may specify from any provision of Parts VII and VIII of these By-laws.
(2)
Any person aggrieved by the decision of the local authority under paragraph (1) may within thirty days of the receipt of the decision appeal in writing to the Minister / State Authority, whose decision shall be final.
By-law 256. Buildings exempted.
By-law 257. Application of standard or code of practice.
Where any standard or code of practice is referred to in these By-Laws, and there is subsequently published a corresponding Malaysian Standard or any other corresponding standard or code of practice which is acceptable to the local authority or the Director General, as the case may be, on the same subject matter, the corresponding Malaysian Standard or standard or code of practice shall be deemed to have superseded such a standard or code of practice referred to and shall be complied with.
By-law 258. Failure to buildings.
(1)
In the event of any failure to any building or part of the building, whether in the course of erection or after completion, the principal submitting person or submitting person who --
(a)
submitted the plans, drawings or calculations for such building;
(b)
supervised the setting out of such building;
(c)
certified that the setting out was carried out in accordance with the approved site plan;
(d)
supervised the erection of such building;
(e)
certified that the proper supervision of such building as carried out;
shall within one week of the occurrence of such failure or such further period as may be specified by the local authority within whose jurisdiction such building is situated --
(i)
report such failure;
(ii)
explain the cause of failure; and
(iii)
if such failure occurred during the erection of such building, state the remedial action taken.
(2)
Such principal submitting person or submitting person shall submit such further information in such manner and within such period as may be specified by the local authority.
(3)
Where the local authority has reason to believe that a failure to any building or part of a building has occurred which failure has not been reported to such local authority it shall serve a notice on the principal submitting person or submitting person who --
(a)
submitted the plans, drawings or calculations for such building;
(b)
supervised the setting out of such building;
(c)
certified that the setting out was carried out in accordance with the approved site plan;
(d)
supervised the erection of such building;
(e)
certified that proper supervision of such building was carried out;
requiring him within one week of such service to --
(i)
state whether such failure occurred.
(ii)
explain why he failed to report such failure;
(iii)
if such failure occurred during the erection of such building, state the remedial action taken.
(4)
Any principal submitting person or submitting person who fails to comply with paragraph (1), (2) or (3) shall be guilty of an offence.
(5)
Notwithstanding that any plan, drawing or calculation has been approved by the local authority, the responsibility for the failure of any building or part of a building shall prima facie lie with the principal submitting person or submitting person who submitted such plan, drawing or calculation.
SCHEDULES
FIRST SCHEDULE - FEES FOR CONSIDERATION OF PLANS, PERMITS, ETC.
Half the fees set out below shall be in respect of plans for buildings used exclusively for places of religious worship, schools or for charitable purpose.
1. New buildings.
Fees for the consideration of plans submitted for approval in respect of new buildings shall be calculated as follows:
2. Buildings approved on a temporary basis and tentative sketch plans.
In respect of plans of a building submitted for approval on a temporary year to year basis and tentative sketch plans submitted for approval in principle, one half of the fees specified in paragraph 1 shall be payable.
3. Sheds with open sides.
For plans submitted for approval of a shed type of building having all its sides open, one half of the fees specified in paragraph 1 shall be payable.
4. Open basements.
For plans submitted for approval of basement exceeding 2.5 metre in height which are open on all sides (except where retaining walls occur) one half of the fees specified in paragraph 1 shall be payable.
5. Buildings of warehouse class.
For every building of the warehouse or godown class of which no part is intended for habitation (other than provision for a watchman) and which is not constructed in reinforced concrete or structural steel, one half of the fees specified in paragraph 1 shall be payable.
6. Alterations to existing buildings.
(1)
For plans submitted for approval of alterations to existing buildings, one half of the fees specified in paragraph 1 shall be payable.
(2)
If the alterations to an existing building are generally spread over the whole area of the building, then the fee payable shall be computed on the whole area of the building, but if a clear subdivision of the building is not affected by the alteration scheme, such unaffected subdivision shall be excluded from the area on which the fee shall be computed.
(3)
If a storey of any existing building is not affected by alteration to the building, such storey shall be excluded from the areas on which the fee payable for the alterations shall be computed.
(4)
If alterations to an existing building involve an alteration to the frontage line or elevation to a street (where such elevation abuts a street) the following fees shall be paid on submission of plans for such alterations in addition to the fees payable under subparagraph (1), (2) and (3) of this paragraph:
(a)
alterations to frontage line .. RM36.00 per storey.
(b)
alterations to street elevation .. RM36.00 per storey.
(5)
Where the alterations to an existing building involve only subdivision of rooms into smaller rooms, the fees payable on submission of plans for such alterations shall be RM50.00 per smaller room or cubicle.
7. Wharves, bridges, etc.
For plans submitted for approval of wharves, bridges, or other special buildings, the fee payable shall be RM50.00 per 9 square metres or part thereof.
8. Retaining walls.
For plans submitted for approval of retaining walls, the fee payable shall be RM6.00 per 9 square metres or part thereof, of its total elevational area measured from the top of the footings.
9. Series or rows of building.
For a series or row of buildings of the same plan and materials, when plans are submitted for approval at the same time, a deduction of the fees specified in the preceding paragraph shall be made on the following basis:
10. Amendment plan to an approved plan.
(1)
When an amendment plan to an approved plan is submitted for approval, a fee of RM120.00 shall be payable for each such amendment plan.
(2)
If an amendment to an approved plan involves additional area, then such additional area shall be charged on the basis set out in paragraph 1 in addition to the fee specified in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph.
(3)
If the amendments to an approved plan are in the opinion of the local authority substantial, a fee equal to one half of the fees chargeable under paragraph 1 in respect of the approved plan shall be payable in addition to any fees payable under subparagraphs (1) and (2) of this paragraph.
11. Inspection of plans.
(1)
An approved plan may be inspected in the office of the local authority subject to the payments of the prescribed fee.
(2)
An approved plan may be copied in the office of the local authority subject to the applicant submitting with his application to copy such plan the written consent of the owner of the building.
(3)
The fees payable shall be as follows:
(i)
for inspecting an approved plan .. .. RM100.00 per set of plans.
(ii)
for copying an approved plan .. .. .. RM200.00 per set of plans.
(4)
The fee for an endorsement by the local authority to certify any copy as a true copy of an approved plan shall be RM100.00 per copy.
12. Permits for minor works in lieu of plans.
Fees for permits issued under by-law 18 shall be payable as follows:
For minor erections, alterations and additions under paragraph (1) thereof and for erection of any fence under paragraph (2) thereof .. .. .. .. .. RM100.00 per permit.
13. Temporary permits.
The following fees shall be payable for the temporary permits issued under by-law 19:
14. (Deleted).
15. Refund of plan fees.
(1)
One half of the fees paid on the submission plans shall be refunded on application when -
(a)
a plan is withdrawn before approval by the local authority within one year of submission;
(b)
a plan is not approved by the local authority;
(c)
notice of abandonment is received within one year after the date of approval of plan:
Provided that no fees will be refunded if the plans have been abandoned under subsection 70(6) of the Act.
(2)
Full fees shall be payable if a plan is re-submitted.
(3)
The submission of plans under by-law 12 shall be deemed to be in continuation of the submission of the tentative sketch plans under that by-law and the fee paid on the submission of the tentative sketch plans shall be credited against the fees payable on the submission of the plans under that by-law subject to any adjustment in the computed areas:
Provided that where such plans are submitted no refund of fees shall be made whether such plans are approved or not.
16. Additional copy of notice or permit.
The fee for each additional copy of any notice, certificate or permit shall be RM100.00.
17. Work commenced before approval of plans.
In all cases where work has been commenced before plans have been approved or a permit obtained, a fee equal to ten times that specified in the relevant preceding paragraph may be charged. The payment of this enhanced fee will not exempt any person from being prosecuted by the local authority should it decide to do so.
SECOND SCHEDULE – FORMS
FORMS C-E. (DELETED).
THIRD SCHEDULE - PROVISIONS FOR MECHANICAL VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING
1. Interpretation.
In this SCHEDULE, unless the context otherwise requires --
“air changes” means the hourly replacement of the volumetric content of air within an enclosure;
“cmm” means cubic metre of air per minute;
“enclosure” means room, ward, toilet, theatre, auditorium or any similarly enclosed space;
“foul air” means vitiated air and includes exhaust air from lavatories, bathrooms, urinals, toilets, kitchens, canteens, chemical stores, restaurants, hairdresser shops, laboratories, dark rooms, battery rooms, car parks or similar areas, and air discharged from smoke extract systems associated with fire protection services of buildings;
“fresh air” means normal outdoor air not unduly affected by odours, smoke, effluents, dust, vapours, fumes, discharges from mechanical plant and similar artificial influences which may affect the fresh air in any manner or form;
“fresh air changes” means air changes per hour and shall constitute that proportion of the air change which is wholly fresh air;
“occupancy” means the number of persons occupying an enclosure, the average rate of which shall be the equivalent of one person occupying an enclosure for a continuous period of twenty minutes in any one hour.
2. Windowless rooms.
(1)
Habitable rooms with no external walls and other enclosures shall be provided with mechanical ventilation or air conditioning having a minimum fresh air change at the rate of 0.28 cmm per person, but in no case less than that specified in ASHRAE Standard 62-73.
(2)
Isolation wards and other such areas for infectious, contagious or other dangerous diseases shall be provided with mechanical ventilation or air conditioning having a minimum fresh air change at the rate 0.42 cmm per person.
3. Filters for exhaust air.
(1)
Filters for the removal of airborne bacteria shall be provided for all exhaust air discharge points to the requirements of the governing health authority.
(2)
Exhaust air discharge points shall be at high or roof level and shall not in any case be lower than 5 metres from the external ground or pavement level.
4. Operating theatres.
(1)
Operating theatres and anaesthetic rooms shall be dealt with by combined input and extract systems to provide at least ten complete air changes per hour. It is essential that the relative quantities of input to extract air should be such that there is an outward movement of air from the operating theatre and anaesthetic room.
(2)
The air inlets should be at high level with extraction points at low level. Recirculation arrangements should not be provided. The incoming air should be filtered and air conditioned (the theatre temperature being capable of adjustment with mechanical requirements within the range 20°C to 24.4°C. Control over humidity of the air in the rooms should be provided to ensure that it will be within the range of 55 percent to 65 percent.
(3)
Sterilizing rooms whether part of or separate from the operating theatre should be dealt with in the similar manner to cater for the use of operating theatre except that humidity control is not required. The extract should be at high level to ensure the removal of water vapour rising from the sterilizers.
(4)
X-ray rooms and dark rooms should be provided with a minimum rate of ventilation of six complete air changes per hour and the temperature within the space should be maintained within the range of 20°C to 24.4°C. In addition a simple extract system will suffice.
(5)
Air inlet points shall be not lower than two-thirds of the height of the room and exhaust air openings shall be within 1 metre of the finished floor level of the enclosure.
(6)
Air shall not be recirculated nor combined with any other air conditioning or ventilation system and all air introduced into the enclosure shall be exhausted to the atmosphere without recirculation.
5. Openings for mechanical ventilation for air conditioning systems.
Where mechanical ventilation or air conditioning is provided---
(a)
foul air shall not be discharged into an air well and this requirement shall not be applicable to window room units in residential applications;
(b)
the underside of openings for the entry of air into any mechanical ventilation or air conditioning plant shall be not less than 1 metre from any external pavement, road way, ground level or similar external surface;
(c)
the underside of openings for the exhaust of air from any mechanical ventilation or air conditioning plant shall be not less than 2.5 metres from any external pavement, road way, ground level or similar external surface;
(d)
to any of the enclosures from which foul air will be exhausted, the ducts, trunking, service shafts or other such items containing or conveying the foul air from such enclosure shall in no way be connected to any air inlet system.
6. Filtration.
Unless otherwise specified, where air conditioning is mentioned herein, it shall be deemed to include air filtration down to a particle size of ten microns with an efficiency of not less than 70 percent arrestance.
7. Mechanical ventilation system in basement areas.
(1)
Basement and other enclosures below ground level used for working areas or for occupancy of more than two hours duration shall be provided with mechanical ventilation having a minimum of six air changes per hour.
(2)
Basement or underground car parks shall be provided with mechanical ventilation such that the air exhausted to the external atmosphere should constitute not less than six air changes per hour. Air extract opening shall be arranged such that it is not less than 0.5 metres above the floor level period system.
(3)
Basement and other enclosures below ground level used for working areas or for occupancy of more than two hours duration shall be provided with a minimum of one fresh air change per hour, or the minimum of 0.28 cmm per person working in such area.
8. Projection rooms.
Cinemas or other projection rooms where photographic film is being used, processed or stored, which are situated in the internal portion of the building, and in respect of which no such external walls (or those overlooking verandahs, pavements or walkways) are present, shall be provided with mechanical ventilation or air conditioning, and all plant conveying extract or exhaust air shall not be combined in any way to other such plant serving the auditorium or any other parts of the premises.
9. Any other rooms.
Where rooms or enclosures in any building not specified in this Schedule are situated in the internal portions of the building and no such external walls (or those overlooking verandahs, pavements or walkways) are present, a minimum of one fresh air change per hour shall be provided.
10. Water closets and toilets.
Water closets, toilets, lavatories, bathrooms, latrines, urinals or similar rooms or enclosures used for ablutions which are situated in the internal portions of the building and in respect of which no such external walls (or those overlooking verandahs, pavements or walkways) are present, shall be provided with mechanical ventilation or air conditioning having a minimum of fresh air change at the rate of 0.61 cmm per square metre of floor area or ten air changes per hour, whichever is the lower.
11. Room, window, etc., air conditioning units.
Where room, window or wall air conditioning units are provided as means of air conditioning, such units shall be capable of continuously introducing fresh air.
12. Fresh air changes.
(1) The minimum scale of fresh air ventilation in conjunction with recirculated, filtered and conditioned air meeting with the requirements of ASHRAE STANDARD 62-73 shall be as follows:
(2) The minimum scale of fresh air ventilation in conjunction with the mechanical ventilation systems shall be as follows:
NOTE
that all other areas shall be meet with the minimum requirements of the ASHRAE STANDARD 62-73.
FOURTH SCHEDULE - (DELETED)
FIFTH SCHEDULE - DESIGNATION OF PURPOSE GROUPS, DIMENSIONS OF BUILDINGS AND COMPARTMENTS
DESIGNATION OF PURPOSE GROUPS [By-law 134, 138]
DIMENSIONS OF BUILDINGS AND COMPARTMENTS [By-law 136]
NOTE
Purpose Groups I, IV, and VII are excluded as there are no limits applicable under by-law 138.
Note 1: For single storey premises which are not protected by a sprinkler, each patient accommodation ward shall be constructed as a compartment which is having at least 1 hour fire resistance period and at least ½ hour fire resistance period door for the protection of a door opening, and it shall be provided with an automatic fire alarm system.
SIXTH SCHEDULE - CALCULATION OF PERMITTED LIMITS OF UNPROTECTED AREAS
CALCULATION OF PERMITTED LIMITS OF UNPROTECTED AREAS
PART I - GENERAL RULES
2.
In calculating the size of unprotected areas or the permitted limit of unprotected areas, the following provisions shall apply:
(a)
where any part of an external wall is an unprotected area, only because it has combustible material attached to it as cladding, the area of that unprotected area shall be deemed to be half the area of such cladding:
(b)
no account shall be taken of any of the following:
(i)
an unprotected area unless it is an area specified in subparagraph (iii) hereof, which does not exceed 0.1 square metre and which is not less than 1.5 metre from any other unprotected area in the same side of the building or compartment;
(ii)
one or more unprotected areas having an area, or if more than one, an aggregate area not exceeding 1 square metre and not less than 4 metres from any other unprotected area in the same side of the building or compartment, except any such area as is specified in subparagraph (i) above;
(iii)
an unprotected area in any part of an external wall which forms part of a protected shaft; and
(iv)
an unprotected area in the side of a building not divided into compartments, if the area is not less than 28 metres above any ground adjoining that side of the building.
PART II - RULES FOR CALCULATION BY REFERENCE TO AN ENCLOSING RECTANGLE
1.
The conditions of this Part shall be satisfied if a building or compartment is so situated that no point on the relevant boundary is either between the relevant plane of reference and the side of the building or compartment or at a distance from the relevant plane of reference which is less than the distance specified in the Tables to this Part, according to the purpose group of the building or compartment, the dimensions of the enclosing rectangle and the unprotected percentage.
2.
For the purpose of this Part—
“plane of reference” means any vertical plane which touches the side or some part of the side of a building or compartment, but which (however far extended) does not pass within the structure of such building or compartment (and for this purpose, any balcony, coping or similar projection shall be deemed not to be part either of the side or of the structure); and the relevant plane of reference shall in each case be taken as the most favourable in that respect to the person erecting the building;
“enclosing rectangle” means the smallest rectangle on the relevant plane of reference which would—
(a)
enclose all the outer edges of any unprotected areas of the building or, if the building is divided into compartments, of the compartment (other than any part of unprotected area which is at angle of more than 80° to the plane of reference), the outer edges being for this purpose projected on the plane of reference by lines perpendicular to such plane;
(b)
have two horizontal sides;
(c)
have height and width falling within those listed in the Tables to this Part;
“unprotected percentage” means the percentage of the area of the enclosing rectangle which is equal to the aggregate of the unprotected areas taken into account in calculating the enclosing rectangle and as projected on it.
TABLES TO PART II
TABLE 1 — BUILDINGS OR COMPARTMENTS OF PURPOSE GROUPS
I (Small residential), II (Institutional), III (Other Residential), IV (Office) and VII (Assembly)
TABLE 2 — BUILDINGS OR COMPARTMENTS OF PURPOSE GROUPS
V (Shop), VI (Factory) and VIII (Storage and General)
PART III - RULES FOR CALCULATION BY REFERENCE TO AGGREGATE NOTIONAL AREA
1.
The conditions of this Part shall be satisfied if a building is so constructed that the aggregate notional area of the unprotected areas in the side of a building or compartment does not exceed---
(a)
210 square metres (if the building or compartment is of Purpose Group I, II, III, IV or VII); or
(b)
90 square metres (if the building or compartment is of Purpose Group V, VI or VIII);
such calculation being made by reference to any one of a series of vertical data, measured at intervals of not more than 3 metres from one another along the relevant boundary.
2.
For the purposes of this Part---
“aggregate national area” means the aggregate of the areas of any unprotected areas in the side of a building or compartment, each such area being multiplied by the factor specified in the Table to this Part according to the distance of such unprotected areas from the vertical datum;
“vertical datum” means a vertical line of unlimited height at any point on the relevant boundary;
“the datum line” means the line joining a vertical datum to the nearest point of the side of the building or compartment.
3.
For the purposes of this Part, no account shall be taken of any unprotected area in the side of a building or compartment which is---
(a)
screened from the vertical datum by any part of an external wall which is not an unprotected area; or
(b)
outside a horizontal arc having its centre at a point through which the vertical datum passes and having a radius measuring 50 metres and extending 90° on either side of the datum line; or
(c)
facing away from the vertical datum, or making an angle not exceeding 10° with a line drawn from it to the vertical datum.
TABLE OF FACTORS
PART IV - RULES FOR CALCULATION IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN BUILDINGS OF PURPOSE GROUP I OR III
1.
The provisions of this Part apply only to any building of Purpose Group I or III, which has not more than three storeys and of which no side (measured on an elevation) exceeds 24 metres in length.
2.
The conditions of this Part shall be satisfied if the distance between any part of a side of a building and the relevant boundary is not less than the minimum distance specified in the Table to this Part according to the length of such side and the total area of any unprotected areas to be taken into account.
TABLE TO PART IV - PERMITTED UNPROTECTED AREAS IN CERTAIN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
SEVENTH SCHEDULE - MAXIMUM TRAVEL DISTANCE, CALCULATION OF AN OCCUPANT LOAD AND CAPACITY OF AN EXIT
MAXIMUM TRAVEL DISTANCE [By-law 165(4), 166(2), 170(b), 174(1), 174A(1)(b)]
info
NR No requirement or not applicable.
x
The distance of travel on a floor below in a street in sprinkled garage shall be limited to 45 metres.
*
The dead-end limit is the distance to a storey exit or to a point where an alternative means of escape is available provided that the total travel distance shall not exceed the limit under the column (2).
+
Refers only to an aircraft hangar. In any building used for an aircraft assembly or other occupancies requiring an undivided floor area so large that the distance from a point within the area to the nearest outside wall where an exit door may be provided are in excess of 45 metres, the requirement for the distance to an exit may be satisfied if a staircase leading to an exit tunnel or to an overhead passageway is provided. In the case where such an arrangement is not practicable, other arrangements for a one-storey building, with a distance in excess of the maximum travel distance of not more than 30 metres or 45 metres in a building protected by a complete automatic sprinkler system, may be permitted, if the complete automatic sprinkler protection is provided and if the height of a ceiling, ceiling curtain board and roof ventilation is such as to minimise the possibility that employees will be overtaken by the spread of fire or smoke within 1.8 metres of the floor level before they have time to reach the exits. However, in no case may the distance to travel to reach the nearest exit exceed 120 metres.
In an open plan, the direct distance shall be two-thirds of the travel distance.
CALCULATION OF AN OCCUPANT LOAD AND CAPACITY OF AN EXIT [By-law 168(2), 170(c), 171 (3), 174(2), 175, 176, 177, 181]
NR - No requirement or not applicable.
NOTE:
(1)
An exit is measured in units of 550 milimetres width and the width of the access to the exit shall be at least 700 milimetres.
(1A)
For a hospital or nursing home, the minimum clear width of an exit door opening
(2)
For a place of assembly, the main exit shall be 50 percent of the total required exit width.
(3)
In determining the unit of exit width for an exit doorway, only the total clear width of the doorway shall be taken when the door is in the open position is to be measured.
(4)
Excluding any area occupied by a staircase, lift, sanitary accommodation or any other space occupied by machinery for any lift, air conditioning system or similar service provided for the building.
EIGHTH SCHEDULE - CLASSIFICATION OF A RESTRICTION OF SPREAD OF FLAME OVER A SURFACE OF THE WALL AND CEILING, NOTIONAL DESIGNATION OF ROOF CONSTRUCTION
CLASSIFICATION OF A RESTRICTION OF SPREAD OF FLAME OVER A SURFACE OF THE WALL AND CEILING [By-law 204, 206]
NR -- No requirement or not applicable.
NOTIONAL DESIGNATION OF ROOF CONSTRUCTION [By-law 208(a)]
PART I - PITCHED ROOF COVERED WITH THE SLATE OR TILE
PART II - IV. (DELETED)
NINTH SCHEDULE - LIMITS OF COMPARTMENTS AND MINIMUM PERIODS OF FIRE RESISTANCE FOR ELEMENTS OF STRUCTURE, SUSPENDED CEILINGS, NOTIONAL PERIODS OF FIRE RESISTANCE
Limits of Compartments and Minimum Periods of Fire Resistance for Elements of Structure [By-law 142(3), 147, 158(1), 162, 213, 216(2)] (Minimum period of fire resistance)
In this table–
“cubic capacity” means the cubic capacity of the building or if the building is divided into compartments, the compartment of which the element of structure forms part;
“floor area” means the floor area of each storey in the building or, if the building is divided into compartments, of each storey in the compartment of which the element of structure forms part;
“height” has the meaning assigned to the expression by paragraph (2) of by-law 215;
“NL” means no limit applicable.
PART 1 – BUILDINGS OTHER THAN A SINGLE STOREY BUILDING
Notes to Part 1
For the purpose of paragraph (2) of by-law 142 the period of fire resistance to be taken as being relevant to the element of structure shall be the period included in the column (5) or (6), whichever is appropriate, in the line of an entry which specifies dimension with all of which there is conformity or, if there are two or more such lines, in the topmost of those lines.
(*)
A floor which is immediately over a basement storey shall be deemed to be an element of structure forming part of a basement storey.
(†)
The expression “part” means a part which is separated as described in paragraph (2) of by-law 215.
(a)
The period shall be half an hour for an element forming the part of a basement storey which has an area not exceeding 50 square metres.
(b)
This period is reduced to half an hour in respect of a floor that is not a compartment floor, except as to a beam which supports the floor or any part of the floor which contributes to the structural support of the building as a whole.
(c)
No fire resistance is required if an element forms part of a basement storey which has an area not exceeding 50 square metres, and this period is reduced to 2 hours for an open sided building if it is used solely for a car park.
(y)
If a building is fitted throughout with an automatic sprinkler system which complies with MS 1910, any maximum limit which is specified in columns (3) and (4) shall be doubled.
PART 2 – SINGLE STOREY BUILDING
Notes to Part 2
For the purpose of paragraph (2) of by-law 142, the period of fire resistance to be taken as being relevant to the element of structure is the period included in the column (3) in the line of entry which specifies the floor area with which there is conformity or, if there are two or more such lines.
(a)
This period is reduced to 2 hours for an open sided building if it is used solely for a car park.
SUSPENDED CEILINGS [By-law 148(6), 219]
Notes:
(1)
References to classes are as specified in by-law 204.
(2)
Where the space above a suspended ceiling is protected by an automatic sprinkler system, it is exempted from a requirement for non-combustibility and surface spread of flame classification as specified in the above table provided that the ceiling is not situated over an exit passageway, protected lobby or other required protected means of escape. [Amendment 2012]
NOTIONAL PERIODS OF FIRE RESISTANCE [By-law 158(3), 224]
In this Table–
(a)
“Class 1 aggregate” means foamed slag, pumice, blastfurnace slag, pelleted fly ash, crushed brick and burnt clay products (including expanded clay), well-burnt clinker and crushed limestone.
“Class 2 aggregate” means flint gravel, granite and all crushed natural stones other than limestone.
“Class 2 aggregate” means flint gravel, granite and all crushed natural stones other than limestone.
(b)
Any reference to plaster means --
(i)
in the case of an external wall 1 m or more from the relevant boundary, plaster applied on the internal face only;
(ii)
in the case of any other wall, plaster applied on both faces;
(iii)
if to plaster of a given thickness on the external face of a wall, except in the case of a reference to vermiculite-gypsum or perlite-gypsum plaster, rendering on the external face of the same thickness;
(iv)
if to vermiculite-gypsum plaster, vermiculite-gypsum plaster of a mix within the range of 1½ to 2:1 by volume.
(c)
Load assumed to be on inner leaf only except for fire resistance period of four hours.
PART I - WALLS
A. Masonry construction
* Perlite-gypsum plaster to clay bricks only.
B. Framed and composite construction (non-loadbearing)
C. External walls more than 1 m from the relevant boundary (non-load bearing)
* The presence of a combustible vapour barrier within the thickness of these constructions will not affect these periods of fire resistance.
PART II - REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMNS
*
The minimum dimension of a circular column is the diameter.
†
No part of column projecting beyond either face of wall.
‡
Having not less fire resistance than that of the column and extending to the full height of, and not less than 600 mm on each side of, the column.
PART III - REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS
PART IV - PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BEAMS WITH POST-TENSIONED STEEL
PART V - STRUCTURAL STEEL
A. Encased steel stanchions (mass per metre not less than 45 kg)
*
Solid protection means a casing which is bedded close to the steel without intervening cavities and with all joints in the casing made full and solid.
†
Reinforcement shall consist of steel binding wire not less than 2.3 mm in thickness, or a steel mesh weighing not less than 0.48 kg/m². In concrete protection, the spacing of that reinforcement shall not exceed 150 mm in any direction.
‡
Hollow protection means that there is a void between the protective material and the steel. All hollow protection to columns shall be effectively sealed at each floor level.
§
Light mesh reinforcement required 12.5 mm to 19 mm below surface unless special corner beads are used.
B. Encased steel beams (mass per metre not less than 30 kg)
*
Hollow protection means that there is a void between the protective material and the steel. All hollow protection to columns shall be effectively sealed at each floor level.
†
Solid protection means a casing which is bedded close to the steel without intervening cavities and with all joints in that casing made full and solid.
‡
Reinforcement shall consist of steel binding wire not less than 2.3 mm in thickness, or a steel mesh weighing not less than 0.48 kg/m². In concrete protection, the spacing of that reinforcement shall not exceed 150 mm in any direction.
PART VI - STRUCTURAL ALUMINIUM
Encased aluminium alloy stanchions and beams (mass per metre not less than 16 kg)
*
Solid protection means a casing which is bedded close to the alloy without intervening cavities and with all joints in that casing made full and solid.
†
Hollow protection means that there is a void between the protected material and the alloy. All hollow protection to columns shall be effectively sealed at each floor level.
PART VII - TIMBER FLOORS
*
Or an equivalent thickness of wood chipboard.
‡
The term “modified ½ hour” refers to the requirements specified in by-law 223.
PART VIII - CONCRETE FLOORS
“V” -- vermiculite-gypsum plaster.
“A” -- sprayed cellulose fibre
“G” -- gypsum plaster
NOTE:
Where a column relating to ceiling finish contains no entry opposite a specification, the notional period of fire resistance specified in that column is not applicable.
PART IX - MINIMUM FLAME-SPREAD CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIAL CONSTRUCTION (HOMOGENOUS)*
Note
(1)
Apply to a facility for detention or healthcare, including a hospital or nursing home for the handicapped person, disabled person, aged person, person with mental impairment or person with mobility impairment.
(2)
Limited combustibility tested under BS 476: Part 11 or non-combustibility tested under BS 476: Part 4.
(3)
A common corridor, passageway and so forth.
(4)
BS or EN refer to the test standard as shown below.
NA Not Applicable.
LC
Limited combustibility.
(*)
When a composite panel is used for the construction, the minimum flame-spread classification shall be applicable to core material of the panel.
TENTH SCHEDULE - TABLE OF REQUIREMENT FOR THE FIRE ALARM SYSTEM AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT SYSTEM
TABLE OF REQUIREMENT FOR THE FIRE ALARM SYSTEM AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT SYSTEM [By-law 225 (1), 226A, 227, 228, 237, 238, 239]
NOTE 1
The hazardous area or process area within any building referred to in Group VI or VIII are the following areas:
(a)
boiler room or associated fuel storage space.
(b)
repair shop.
(c)
room or space used for storage of material in quantity deemed hazardous.
(d)
transformer room or electrical switch room.
(e)
plant room.
(f)
flammable liquid processing or refining operation.
(g)
indoor storage of a flammable liquid.
(h)
chemical plant, solvent extraction plant, distillation plant or refinery.
(i)
process equipment, pump room, open tank, dip-tank or mixing tank.
NOTE 2
The letter in the second column of this Schedule refer to the type of a fixed extinguishing system, as follows:
A
automatic sprinkler system.
B
water spray system.
C
foam system.
D
gaseous system.
E
Deleted.
F
other automatic extinguishing systems.
G
hose reel system.
H
pressurised hydrant system.
NOTE 3
The figure in the third column of this Schedule refer to the type of a fire alarm system as follows:
1.
automatic fire detection system.
2.
manual electric fire alarm system.
3.
signal indicator alarm system.
4.
public address system.
5.
fireman intercom system and fire command centre.
6.
automatic fire monitoring system.
7.
self-contained smoke detector.
NOTE 4
Type of emergency illumination:
(i)
signal point unit.
(ii)
central battery.
(iii)
generator.
In all cases, the duration of emergency illumination in the event of failure of a normal supply shall not be less than 3 hours.
NOTE 5
For the purpose of this Schedule, the measurement of height shall be taken from the level of the highest point of fire appliance access to the highest occupied floor level.
FORMS A & B. (DELETED).
ELEVENTH SCHEDULE - STAIRCASE LANDING WIDTH OR DEPTH
Note:
* Clear landing depth, instead of the clear stairs width, shall be taken for the purpose of calculating the exit capacity of a staircase.