fire fighting

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction 2 – 3

2.0 Parties involved under inspection, testing and commissioning 4

on Active Fire Protection System to comply with Certificate of

Compliance and Completion(CCC).

2.1 Flow chart issuance of certificate of compliance and completion. 5 - 8

3.0 What is the typical active fire protection system installed in

Malaysia. 9

4.0 Active fire protection system requirement for Inspection, Testing

and Commissioning.

4.1 Portable Fire Extinguisher. 10-11

4.2 External Fire Hydrant 12-14

4.3 Hose Reel System 15-18

4.4 Dry Riser System 19-21

4.5 Wet riser System 22-26

4.6 Downcomer System 27-29

4.7 Automatic Sprinkler System 30-34

4.8 Automatic Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing System 35-40

5.0 Conclusion 41

6.0 Reference 42

7.0 Attachment 43

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1.0 - Introduction

Fire is essentially a chemical reaction known as combustion. It can spread in minutes

and kill in seconds. Knowing the characteristics of fire and understanding how it can

spread can help Architect, Engineers and other professionals to formulate strategies on

life safety and property protection in building design.

Active fire protection system are installed in new development, where each system will

undergo inspection, testing and commissioning by several parties. Architect, engineers

and building designers need to design this system follow with Uniform Building By –

laws (UBBL) to produce standard design plan.

Active fire protection can be classified into 8 system :-

I. Portable fire extinguisher

- Intended for the occupants to use to extinguish a fire during its early

stages before the fire gets out of control.

II. External fire hydrant

- Fire hydrant installation consists of a system of pipework connected

directly to the water supply mains to provide water to each and every

hydrant outlet and is intended to provide water for the firemen to fight a

fire.

III. Hose reels

- Intended for the occupant to use during the early stages of a fire and

comprises hose reel pumps, fire water storage tank, hose reels, pipe

work and valve.

IV. Dry risers

- Form of internal hydrant for the firemen to use and are only required

for building where the topmost floor is higher than 18.3 m and less than

30.5m above the fire appliance access level. Dry riser are normally dry

and depend on the fire engine to pump water into the system.

V. Wet risers

- Form of internal hydrant for the firemen to use and are always charged

with water. Required for building where the topmost floor is higher than

30.5m above the fire appliance access level.

VI. Downcomer system

- Form of internal hydrant for the firemen to use and are always charged

with water from a water tank located at the top of a building but without

any pumps. Downcomers are only permitted for private residential

buildings with open balcony approach and where the topmost floor is

not higher than 60m above the fire appliance access level and should

be adopted for low cost flats only.

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VII. Automatic sprinkler system

- Intended to detect, control and extinguish a fire, and warn the

occupants of the occurrence of fire. The installation comprises fire

pumps, water storage tanks, control valve sets, sprinkler heads, flow

switches, pressure switches, pipework and valves.

VIII. Automatic carbon dioxide extinguishing system

- This system consists of carbon dioxide cylinders, steel piping,

discharge nozzles, heat and smoke detectors and a control panel,

which monitors the space, activates both visual and audio alarms

before releasing the gas.

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2.0 - PARTIES INVOLVED UNDER INSPECTION, TESTING AND COMMISSIONING

ON ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM TO COMPLY WITH CERTIFICATE OF

COMPLETION AND COMPLIANCE (CCC).

The CCC will be issued by the professional Architect or Professional Engineer who are

register with the respective Board of Architect Malaysia (BAM) or Board of Engineer

Malaysia(BEM) acting in the capacity of Principal Submitting Person(PSP).

For buildings which require intensive design input, the Professional Architect will

function as the PSP while the Professional Engineer will be PSP for projects with high

engineering input in the nature.

For bungalows which do not exceed 2 floors in height and 300 square meters in total

built up floor area, the registered Building Draughtsman will be perform the role of PSP

and will issue the CCC. This is in keeping with the Architect Act 1967.

The CCC can only be issued when all the parties concerned are satisfied that the

building construction have been supervised and completed in full compliance with the

provisions of the law and technical conditions as imposed by the Local Authority(LA) in

approving the Planning Permission and Building Plan.

PSP is responsible to obtain clearance from 6 technical agencies that will do inspection,

testing and commissioning on the building that is:

- Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia.

- Jabatan Kesihatan dan Keselamatan Pekerja(JKKP)

- Jabatan Kerja Raya(JKR)/Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan(PBT)

- Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB)

- Jabatan Perkhidmatan Pembentungan(JPP)/Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air

Negara(SPAN)

- Jabatan Bekalan Air(JBA)

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2.1 - FLOW CHART ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE AND COMPLETION.

Applicant submits B

form

OSC counter

Building Department

at PBT

Commencement of

Construction

Applicant submits

notice of completion

of stage 1

OSC counter

Stage 1

(Substructure)

(G1-G3)

(A copy of PSP’s

notice submitted to

related technical

department)

Stage 2 and 3

(superstructure and

internal / external

services)

(G4-G21)

(PSP continues to

supervise

construction work)

Building / Engineering

/ Planning

Department of PBT

Jabatan Bomba

JKKP

JKR / PBT

TNB

JBA

JPP / SPAN

PROCESS A PROCESS B PROCESS C PROCESS D

LEGEND

JBA – JAB. BEKALAN AIR, JPP – JAB.

PERKHIDMATAN PEMBENTUNGAN, TNB –

TENAGA NASIONAL BERHAD, JKKP – JAB.

KESIHATAN DAN KESELAMATAN PEKERJA,

JKR – JAB. KERJA RAYA, AT – AGENSI

TEKNIKAL, PBT – PIHAK BERKUASA

TEMPATAN, SPAN – SURUHANJAYA

PERKHIDMATAN AIR NEGARA, PSP –

PRINCIPAL SUBMITTING PERSON

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OSC Counter

PB/AT to submit non

compliance/deviation

report to OSC for

OSC committee’s

endorsement and

instruction

Issuance of CCC with

VP (for housing

project)

Certified true copies

of CCC and G forms

submitted to

professional board of

PSP

Original copy of CCC

submitted to

developer/owner

Certified true copies

of CCC and G forms

submitted to Building

Department of PBT

OSC Counter

PBT to submit non

compliance/deviation

report to OSC for

OSC committee’s

endorsement and

instruction

PROCESS E PROCESS F PROCESS G

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PROCESS A

PROCESS OF COMMENCEMENT OF BUILDING WORKS AT THE SITE

- B form submitted after the building plan is approved and work on site to

commence 4 days after the submission of B form.

PROCESS B

PROCESS OF SUBMISSION OF PSP’S NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF STAGES

CERTIFICATION TO OSC COUNTER

- PSP notifies to indicate progress of work on site

- PSP notifies once during the duration of construction work

- PSP is responsible to supervise construction phases, however PBT is allowed to

conduct site visit at any stage of construction or after completion

- Certified G forms are in the custody of PSP

PROCESS C

PROCESS OF SUBMISSION OF PSP’s NOTICE TO PBT BY OSC COUNTER

- PSP will only submit notice of completion of stage 1 to OSC counter

- Construction work in stages 2 and 3 is supervised by PSP who is also to ensure

G forms are duly signed

- G forms are downloadable from the following website:

o www.lam.gov.my

o www.Ijm.gov.my

o www.pam.org.my

o www.acem.com.my

PROCESS D

PROCESS OF SITE VISITATION BY PBT

- Site visitation on own’s inisiative, upon notification by PSP or upon complaint.

- Site visitation is not mandatory

- PSP is responsible to obtain clearances from 6 technical agencies

http://www.lam.gov.my/

http://www.ijm.gov.my/

http://www.pam.org.my/

http://www.acem.com.my/

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PROCESS E

PROCESS OF SUBMISSION OF NONCOMPLIANCE / DEVIATION REPORT TO OSC

FOR ENDORSEMENT OF RECTIFICATION MEASURES BY OSC COMMITTEE

- OSC to inform PSP and PBT / AT on endorsement of rectification measures by

OSC committee

- PSP to rectify noncompliance/deviation within 21 days after receipt of PBT notice

or such further period granted

- PSP to issue notice comfirming rectification work satisfactority completed. Within

14 days PBT/AT should inspect failure which rectification deemed satisfactory

completed

- PBT / AT to monitor rectification work

- PBT may carry out or cause to be carried rectification work if PSP fails and cost

of rectification borne by owner

- Work on site progresses unless Stop Work order issued

- Work duly progresses if no non compliance / deviation identified

PROCESS F

PROCESS OF ISSUANCE OF CCC

- CCC shall be issued by PSP :

When technical conditions as per ‘Kebenaran Merancang’, ‘Pelan Bangunan’

and G forms duly completed and complied with

G forms duly endorsed and in order

Essential services as per UUK 25(1)© of UKBS 2007 have been provided

For housing schemes subsection 20(1), of schedule G or subsection 23(1) of

H schedule have been provided

F form (Certificate of CCC) duly signed by PSP

Serial F form may be obtained from the respective professional board of PSP

PROCESS G

PROCESS OF DEPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS AFTER THE ISSUANCE OF CCC

- Original copy of CCC to be submitted to building owner or developer for housing

- Original copies of G forms in the custody of PSP

- Within 14 days after issuance of CCC PSP to deposit certified true copies of

CCC and G forms to professional board and PBT concerned

- Copies of CCC may be obtained from the Professional boards or PBT

concerned.

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3.0 - WHAT IS THE TYPICAL ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM INSTALLED IN

MALAYSIA.

Active fire defense is basically the manual or automatic fire protection system such as

- Fire alarms

- Detectors (heat and smoke) rising mains

- Fire extinguisher

- Hose reels

- Dry riser

- Wet riser

- Fire telephones

- CO2 fixed installation

- Automatic sprinkler

- Down comer system

- Smoke spills system

This system is to give warning of an outbreak of fire and the containment and

extinguishment of a fire. The provisions of adequate and suitable facilities to assist

rescue and fire suppression are also within the active fire defense strategies.

The overall fire defense strategies for development project in Malaysia are based on

the ‘Fire Safety Philosophy’ of the Malaysian Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 where life

safety is the first consideration. The fire prevention and operational requirements for

both external and internal fire suppression must be considered together. It must also be

possible for the fire fighter to operate at any point in the buildings. Facilities must be

built into the buildings to enable the fire fighter to reach the top-most floors and carry out

rescue and internal fire suppression operations.

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4.0 - Active fire protection system requirement, Inspection, Testing and

Commissioning.

4.1 - Portable Fire Extinguisher

Portable fire extinguishers are intended for the occupants to use o extinguish a fire

during its early stages before he fire gets out of control. There are four types of

portable extinguishers for use against the appropriate class of fire.

I. Water type suitable for class A fires

II. Dry powder type suitable for Class A, B and C fires

III. Carbon dioxide type suitable for Class E electrical fires

IV. Foam type suitable for Class B flammable liquid fires

Under the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984, the requirement for fire extinguishers is

stipulated under By-Law 227. Portable fire extinguishers should comply with the

following Malaysian Standards:

M.S.1179 : Specification for portable fire extinguishers

M.S.1180 : Fire extinguisher’s media

M.S.1181 : Recharging fire extinguishers

M.S.1182 : Classification of fires

Inspection :-

Check to ensure that the extinguisher is in a proper location and that it is

accessible (generally located along exit routes besides exit doors and

staircase door).

Inspect the discharge nozzle or horn for obstructions. Check for cracks and

dirt or grease accumulations.

Inspect extinguisher shell for any physical damage.

Check to see if the operating instructions on the extinguisher nameplate are

legible.

Check the lock pins and tamper seals to ensure that the extinguisher has not

been tampered with.

Determine if the extinguisher is full of agent and fully pressurized by

checking the pressure gauge, weighing the extinguisher, or inspecting the

agent level. If an extinguisher is found to be deficient in weight by 10percent,

it should be removed from service and replaced.

Check the inspection tag for the date of the previous inspection,

maintenance, or recharging.

Examine the condition of the hose and its associated fittings.

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- *Testing and commissioning are made by the manufacturer.

Fire extinguisher Checked by JBPM

Pressure gauge

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4.2 - External Fire Hydrant

Fire hydrant installation consists of a system of pipe work connected directly to the

water supply mains to provide water to each and every hydrant outlet and is

intended to provide water for the firemen to fight a fire. The water is discharged into

the fire engine from which it is not reliable or inadequate, hydrant pumps should be

provided to pressurize the fire mains.

The requirement for fire hydrant is described under By-Laws 225(2) and 225(3) of

the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 and the relevant standards are as follows:

B.S.5306 Part 1 or the equivalent Malaysian Standard

M.S. 1395 : Specification for pillar hydrant

Pressurized Hydrant System Typical Arrangement Drawing

Water supplies

Inspection:

Incoming water supply connection

Be refilled automatically from a water supply pipe capable of providing a

minimum flowrate of 20 litres per sec.

Capacity of water tanks

The fire water storage tank should be sized for a minimum effective

capacity of 18,000 litres.

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Compartmentation of water tanks, and where applicable.

Hydrant tank usually separate from other water storage tanks but may be

combined with water storage tanks for other fire fighting systems.

Breeching inlet.

A 4 way breeching inlet should also be provided to enable the fire brigade

to help refill the tank.

Testing and Commissioning

Pump operating pressure and flow rate

The running pressure of not less than 4 bars or more than 7 bars, for any

three hydrant outlets operating at the same time.

Pump not overheating

Pump room should be ventilated by natural or mechanical.

Vibration and noise level

Testing of electrical wiring system

Alternative power supply for electric pumps

Electrical cabling should be run in conduit or fire rated type of cable.

Batteries for diesel pumps

Should be maintenance free type.

Fuel for diesel pumps

Fuel supply should be adequate for minimum 2 hours operation.

Hydrant and Accessories

- Pillar hydrant should comply with M.S. 1395 and located at not less than 6

metres from the building and not more than 30m away from the entrance to the

building.

- Hydrant outlets are typically of twin or 3 outlets pillar type with an underground

sluice valve. Where these are installed within the owner’s boundry, each should

provided with 30m of 65mm diameter rubber lined hose, instantaneous coupling

and nozzles, all housed within a steel cabinet beside the hydrant.

Inspection:

Spacing of the hydrant

Hydrant are spaced at not more than 90 meters apart along access roads

of minimum 6 meters in width and capable of withstanding a load of

26tons from fire brigade vehicles.

Physical condition of hydrant, hoses and accessories.

Hydrant hose usually rubber-lined, should be provided complete with

nozzles at each outlet.

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Pressure and flow characteristics. Capable of providing 1000 l/min of water at a minimum running pressure

of 4 bars but not exceeding 7 bars.

Pipe work

Inspection:

Types of pipes used

The piping is usually of cement lined steel pipe. However, piping of

Acrylonitrile Butadiece Styrene(ABS) material may also been used

especially where corrosion is a major concern.


Hydrostatic testing and pipework

- Locate leaks or verify performance and durability in pressure vessels.

- tested to a pressure of 14 bars or 150% working pressure, whichever is the

higher for 2 hours, measured at the furthest hydrant.

Flushing of pipework

- Hydrant flushing plays an important role in the operation and maintenance

of a water distribution system.

- Hydrant flushing also provides an opportunity to check the volume of water

as well as pressure that is available at each hydrant. The hydrant’s

mechanical operation is also checked to ensure it will be in working order

when needed Fire Fighters depend on properly working hydrants with

adequate pressure and water flow. A stuck or poor flowing hydrant could

literally make the difference between life and death in an emergency

situation.

External Fire Hydrant

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4.3 - Hose reels system

Hose reel system is intended for the occupant to use during the early stages of a fire

and comprises hose reel pumps, fire water storage tank, hose reels, pipe work and

valves.

The requirement for hose reel systems is detailed under the Tenth Schedule of the

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984. The applicable standards for hose reel systems are

as follow:

BS 5306 Part 1 or the equivalent Malaysian Standard

M.S. 1447 : Hose reels with semi-rigid hose

Pr EN 694 : Semi-rigid hoses for first aid fixed installations.

Hose Reel System Typical Arrangement Drawing

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Water supplies

Inspection:


The fire storage tank should be sized based on 2275 litres for the first

hose reel and 1137.5litres for every additional hose reel up to a maximum

of 9100litres for each system.

Monitoring of water tank level.

Vortex inhibitors for water tanks

Pipe work

Inspection:

Types of pipes used

Pipework for hose reel system is generally 50mm nominal diameter and

the feed to individual hose reel should be not less than 25mm diameter.

Should be galvanized steel medium grade (class B) minimum for above

ground piping and heavy grade (class C) for underground piping.

Protection of underground pipework

Painting of pipework

The pipes should be painted with primer and finished with red paint.

Support for pipework

Pipe sleeves

Fire seal



- Locate leaks or verify performance and durability in pressure vessels.


- Pipe flushing is done to improve water quality at the tap, increase the

efficiency of the system, and help to uncover potential problems with valves

Hose reel and Accessories

Inspection:

Isolating valve for hose reel

Physical condition of hose reel drum, hose, nozzles, etc

The rubber hoses should be to pr EN 694 and are typically 30m in length

and 25mm in diameter. Nozzles should be of the jet and spray adjustable

type of different diameters but 8mm is a recommended size.

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Hose reel performance test

Each hose reel outlet is to discharge a minimum of 30 l/min of water

within 6m of all parts of the space protected.

Pumps

Inspection:

Protection of rotating parts of pump sets

The hose reel pumps draw water from the fire water storage tank and two

sets of pumps, one on duty and the other on standby, are provided.

Mounting of pumps



The pump capacity is usually sized to deliver a flow rate of 120 l/min at a

running pressure of not less than 2 bars for any four hose reels operating

at the same time.


Pump room should be ventilated by natural or mechanical.


Electrical cabling supply power to the hose reel pump should be run in

galvanized steel conduit or fire rated type of cable.


Emergency generator

Batteries for diesel engine should be maintenance free type.

Hose, Nozzle and Drum Boxes

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Pump sets

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4.4 - Dry Riser System

Dry riser are a form of internal hydrant for the firemen to use and are only required

for building where the top-most floor is higher than 18.3 m and less than 30.5m

above the fire appliance access level. Dry risers are normally dry and depend on the

fire engine to pump water into the system. Dry riser system comprises a riser pipe

with landing valves to each floor and to which rubber-linned hose with nozzles can

be connected to direct the water jet at the fire. Breeching inlets into which the

firemen pump water are provided at ground level and connected to the bottom of the

dry risers

In the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984, the By-Laws pertaining to dry risers are By-

Laws 230 and 232. The relevant standards for dry risers are:

B.S.5306 : Part 1 or the equivalent Malaysian Standard

M.S,1210 : Part 2 – Landing Valves for Dry Risers

M.S.1210 : Part 3 – Inlet Breeching for Riser Inlets

M.S.1210 : Part 4 – Boxes for Landing Valves for Dry Risers

Dry Riser System Typical Arrangement.

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Water supplies

- The fire brigade breeching inlet installed at the bottom of the riser should comply

with M.S. 1210: Part 3. Where the breeching inlet is enclosed within a box, the

enclosure should comply with M.S. 1210: Part 5 and labeled ‘Dry Riser Inlet’. A

drain should be provided at the bottom of the riser to drain system after use.

Inspection:

Breeching inlet.

Two way breeching inlet for a 100mm diameter

4 way breeching inlet for a 150mm diameter

Located not more than 18m from the fire appliance access road and not

more than 30m from the nearest external hydrant outlet.

Landing Valves

- Landing valves are provided on each floor and should comply with M.S. 1210:

Part 2. To protect the landing valves, boxes may be provided and these should

comply with M.S 1210: Part 4.

Inspection:

Location of valves

They are usually located within fire access lobbies, protected staircases

or other protected lobbies, and installed at not more than 0.75m above

the floor level.

Caps for outlet of landing valves

Pipework

- The riser pipe diameter usually located within the fire access lobby or staircase

should be 150mm if the highest outlet is more than 23m above the breeching

inlet. Otherwise, the riser pipe can be 100mm in diameter.

Inspection:

Types of pipes used

The riser pipe shall be of galvanized iron to B.S 1387 (heavy gauge) or

class C, tested to 21 bars.





Pipe sleeves

Fire seal

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Locate leaks or verify performance and durability in pressure vessels.

Tested to a pressure of 14 bars for 2 hours.


Pipe flushing is done to improve water quality at the tap, increase the

efficiency of the system, and help to uncover potential problems with

valves

Boxes Breeching Inlet

Landing Valve Rubber Lined Hose and Box

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4.5 - Wet Riser System

Wet risers are a form of internal hydrant for the firemen to use and are always

charged with water. Wet risers are only required for buildings where the topmost

floor is higher than 30.5m above the fire appliance access level.

Wet riser system comprises duty fire pump with standby pump discharging into a

150mm diameter riser pipe with landing valves at each floor and to which rubber-

linned hose with nozzles can be connected to direct the water jet at the fire. A

jockey pump is usually provided to maintain system pressure. For high rise

buildings, each stage of the wet riser should not exceed 71m.

The requirements for wet riser systems are described under By-Laws 231, 232 and

248 of the Uniform Building By-Law 1984 and the applicable standards are:

B.S 5306 : Part 1, or equivalent Malaysian Standard

M.S. 1210 : Part 1 – Landing Valves for wet risers

M.S. 1210 : Part 3 – Inlet Breeching for riser Inlets

M.S. 1210 : Part 4 – Boxes for Landing Valves for Dry risers

Wet Riser System Typical Arrangement.

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Water supplies

Inspection:



capacity of 45,500 litres with automatic refill rate of 455 l/min. The

intermediate break tank for upper stages of the wet riser should be not

less than 11,375 litres with an automatic make up flow of 1365 l/min.

Compartmentation of water tanks

The wet riser tanks may be located on the ground floor, first or second

basement. It usually separated from other water storage tanks. But it may

be combined with hose reel tank, in which case the tank capacity should

be the total sum of water storage for both system.


Ball float valves, overflow pipes, drain pipes and water level indicator

should be provided for each component.


Breeching inlet.

The breeching inlet should be a 4 way type complying with M.S. 1210:

Part 3. Where the breeching inlet is enclosed within a box, the enclosure

should comply with M.S. 1210: Part 5 and labeled ‘Wet Riser Inlet’.

Landing Valves and Accessories

- To protect the landing valves, boxes can be provided and these should comply

with M.S.1210: Part 4.

Inspection:

Location of landing valve

Landing valves are provided on each floor and should comply with

M.S.1210: Part 1. They are usually located within fire fighting access

lobbies, protected staircases or other protected lobbies and installed at

not more than 0.75m from the floor.

Storage of fire hose and accessories

Physical condition of fire hose, accessories and landing valve

Fire hose of the rubber lined type of not less than 38mm dia. 30m in

length, complete with 65mm dia. quick coupling, jet and spray nozzle

should be provided in a hose cradle beside each landing valve.


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Pressure at landing valve outlet.

Should not be less than 4 bars but not more than 7 bars.

Two types of landing valve that is pressure reducing type with or without

relief outlet.

Flow rate of water.

Three way landing valve should be provided on the top most floor for

testing purposes. It’s to measure the flow rate.

Pipework

Inspection:

Types of pipes used

Where more than one riser is required for each floor, the distance apart

between the lowest and topmost landing valve in any riser should

galvanized iron to B.S 1387 (Heavy gauge) or Class C. where a relief

pipe is required, this return pipe shall be minimum 100mm dia.

galvanized iron to B.S 1387 (medium gauge) or Class B, discharging

back to the wet riser tank wherever possible. An air release valve should

be installed at the top of riser to relieve air trapped in the system.





Pipe sleeves

Fire seal







valves

Pumps

- The wet riser pumps draw water from wet riser storage tank and two sets of

pumps, one is duty and the other on standby, are provided.

Inspection:

Protection of rotating parts

Mounting of pumps

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The pump capacity is usually sized to deliver a flow rate of 1500 l/min at

a running pressure of not less than 4 bars but not more than 7 bars, when

any three landing valves are in use at the same time.


Pump room should also be ventilated by natural or mechanical means

and to be provided with necessary signage.


Provided room or protect with curtain.


Electrical cabling to supply power to the wet riser pumps should be of

mineral insulated copper core (MICC) or fire rated type.


Emergency generator.


Should be free maintenance type.


Should be adequate minimum 2 hours of continous operation.

Automatic operation of pumps

Pump sets

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Landing Valve Breeching Inlet

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4.6 - Downcomer System

Downcomers are also a form of internal hydrant for the firemen to use and are

always charged with water from a water from a water tank located at the top of a

building but without any pumps. Downcomers are only permitted for private

residential buildings with open balcony approach and where the topmost floor is not

higher than 60m above the fire appliance access level and should be adopted for

low cost flats only.

Downcomer system comprises a high level water storage tank discharging into a

150mm diameter riser pipe with landing valves at each floor and to which rubber

lined hose with nozzles can be connected to direct the water jet at the fire. No

pumps are provided and therefore the system pressure is limited to the static

pressure only.

The section in the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984, relating to downcomer systems is

the Tenth Schedule and relevant standards for downcomer systems are :

M.S 1210 : Part 1 – Landing Valves for Wet Risers

M.S 1210 : Part 3 – Inlet Breeching for Riser Inlets

M.S 1210 : Part 4 – Boxes for Landing Valves for Dry Risers

Water supplies

Inspection:



capacity of 45,500 litres.

Compartmentation of water tanks, and where applicable.

Located at the roof

Separate with other tank, however it may be combined with hose reel

tank in which case the tank capacity should be sum total of water storage

for both system.

Breeching inlet.

The fire brigade breeching inlets into which the firemen pump water are

provided at the bottom of the riser at the ground floor so that the firemen

can pump water into the downcomer system. The breeching inlet should

be a 4 way type complying with M.S. 1210: Part 3. Where the breeching

inlet is enclosed within a box, the enclosure should comply with M.S.

1210: Part 5 and labeled ‘Downcomer Inlet’. A drain should be provided

at the bottom of the riser to drain the system after use.

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Flow rate and pressure of water supplies

Automatic refill rate of 455 l/min.

Landing Valves and Accessories

- Two sets of fire hose of the rubber lined type of not less than 38mm dia., 30m in

length, complete with 65mm dia. quick coupling, jet and spray nozzle should be

provided at the caretaker’s unit or management office.

Inspection:

Location of landing valves

Landing valves are provided on each floor and should comply with M.S

1210: Part 1. They are usually located within fire fighting access lobbies,

protected staircase or other protected lobbies and installed at not more

than 0.75m from the floor. To protect the landing valves, boxes can be

provided and these should comply with M.S.1210 : Part 4.

Storage of fire hose and accessories

Located at caretaker unit or management office.

Physical condition of fire hose, accessories and landing valve.


Pipework

- The downcomer mains are usually located within smoke free lobbies or

protected areas and such that each downcomer should cover no more than

900m2 of floor area. Where more than one riser is required for each floor, the

distance apart between the risers should not exceed 60m.

Inspection:

Types of pipes used

The riser pipe diameter should be 150mm galvanized iron to

B.S.1387(heavy gauge) or Class C. an air release valve should be

installed at the top of the riser to relieve air trapped in the system.


Coated with primer and finished with red gloss paint.


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Pressure at 14 bars or 150% the working pressure, whichever is the

higher for 2 hours, measured at the inlet and check is carried out for

leakage at the joints and landing valve connections.





valves

Water tank rubber lined hose

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4.7 - Automatic Sprinkler System

An automatic sprinkler system is intended to detect, control and extinguish a fire,

and warn the occupants of the occurrence of fire. The installation comprises fire

pumps, water storage tanks, control valve sets, sprinkler heads, flow switches,

pressure switches, pipework and valves. The system operates automatically without

human intervention. The sprinkler head has a liquid filled glass filled glass bulb that

breaks due to the heat of the fire and releases water that sprays over the fire.

Under the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984, By-Laws 226 and 228 refer to the

requirements for sprinkler systems. The accepted standards for automatic sprinkler

installation are:

LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinklers, U.K

B.S 5306 : Part 2 – Specification for Sprinkler systems

In addition to the above, the other standards may be accepted by the Fire and

Rescue Department Malaysia but prior approval must be obtained. Some of the

standards which have been accepted are:

NFPA 13

Australian Std A.S. 2118

Factory Mutual

Sprinkler System Typical Arrangement.

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Water supplies

Inspection:

Capacity of sprinkler tanks.

Storage of sprinkler tank not dependent on inflow should have a minimum

effective capacity depending on the hazard classification and the height

of the lowest to the highest sprinkler not exceeding as defined in B.S

5306 : Part 2.

Compartmentation of sprinkler tanks

The nominal pressure and flow requirements depend on the height

measured between the topmost and bottommost sprinkler head.



Protection of rotating parts of pump sets

The sprinkler pumps draw water from sprinkler storage tank to feed the

sprinkler network. Two sets of pumps, one on duty and the other on

standby, are provided together with a jockey pump to maintain system

pressure.

Mounting of pump sets.

Breeching inlet.

Breeching inlets are provided so that the firemen can pump water into the

sprinkler tank to make up for water used. The breeching inlet should be a

4 way type complying with M.S.1210: Part 3. Where the breeching inlet is

enclosed within a box, the enclosure should comply with M.S.1210: Part

5 and labeled ‘Sprinkler Inlet’.



Sprinkler pump capacity should be selected to meet the duties defined in

B.S.5306 : Part 2 for the various classes of hazards.


Should be ventilated by natural or mechanical means.


Provide room or seal with curtain.


Electrical cabling to supply power to sprinkler pumps should be of mineral

insulated copper core (MICC) or fire rated type routed within areas with

low fire risk.


Emergency generator


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Should be free maintenance type.


Fuel supply should be adequate for minimum 4 hours of continuous

operation for Ordinary Hazard and 6 hours for High Hazard applications.

Automatic operation of pumps

Sprinkler Heads

Inspection:

Area of coverage

Maximum and minimum distance between sprinkler

Maximum and minimum distance between from walls/partitions

Distance from beams, columns and other obstructions

Obstruction below sprinklers

Depth and combustibility of ceiling void

Clear space below sprinklers

Physical condition of sprinkler heads

Sprinkler heads are generally of the conventional pendant or upright type.

Temperature rating of sprinkler heads

The temperature rating of the bulb is selected based on minimum 30°C

above the maximum ambient temperature of the space protected.

Typically, this will result in a nominal temperature rating of 68°C. in

kitchen areas, the sprinkler heads should have a temperature rating of

79°C.

Sprinkler guards

Spare sprinklers and sprinkler spanners

Pipework

Inspection:

Types of pipes used

Sprinkler pipework shall be of black steel or galvanized iron to B.S.1387

(Medium gauge) Class B minimum while underground pipework should

be heavy gauge of Class C.

Pipes of sizes 80mm and below should be installed with screw joints and

only pipes 100mm and above may be welded. Welding procedures and

materials shall be in accordance with B.S.2640 and B.S.2971 and should

be carried out by qualified welders.

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Radiographic tests should be carried out where doubts exist.

Alternatively, mechanical grooved coupling can be used for jointing for all

pipe sizes up to 250mm.



Coated with primer and finished with red gloss paint.

Number of sprinklers installed on range and distribution pipes.

Pipe hangers and supports for pipework

Pipe sleeves

Fire seal

Flow switches

Total length of pipework between alarm valve and water alarm gong

Testing and commissioning




valves

Spray pattern of sprinkler

Alarm gong operating

Flow switches test

Each zone should be tested by opening the isolation valve on the test

line. The flow switch for that zone should indicate an alarm on the fire

alarm panel.

Zone monitoring (tamper switch)

Static pressure test

The system should first be flushed to clear all debris from the inside of

the riser. The riser is then hydraulically tested to a pressure of 14 bars or

150% the working pressure, whichever is the higher for 24hours.


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Boxes Flow switch

Types of sprinkler head

Sprinkler guard Size of sprinkler head

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4.8 - Automatic Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing System

Carbon Dioxide extinguishing system consists of carbon dioxide cylinders, steel

piping, discharge nozzles, heat and smoke detector and a control panel, which

monitors the space, activates both visual and audio alarms before releasing the gas.

The carbon dioxide is discharged after a time delay upon detection of fire to warn

any occupant to evacuate the room. Such system is usually provided for electrical

transformer rooms, swicthrooms and standby generator rooms and should not be

installed for rooms, which are normally occupied.

The relevant clause in the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984, relating to carbon dioxide

extinguishing systems is By-Law 235 and the applicable standard is:

NFPA 12

Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher System Typical Arrangement.

Cylinders

- All cylinders supplying the same manifold outlet for distribution of agent should

be interchangeable and of one selected size.

Inspection:

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Capacity of cylinders

A reliable means of indication by weighing should be provided to

determine the amount of gas in the cylinders.

The Carbon Dioxide gas is stored in cylinders designed to hold the gas in

liquefied form at ambient temperatures. Cylinders should be suitable for a

working pressure of 59 bars at 21C and pressure tested at 228 bars.

Where more than three cylinders are required,

Pilot cylinders

A pilot cylinder should be provided to active the discharge from each

cylinder.

Location of cylinders

Gas cylinders should be located outside of the hazard which it protects

wherever possible. However, the risk of vandalism should also be taken

into consideration.

Flexible hoses

Safety valve

Support bracket

Weighing facility

Each system should have a permanent name plate specifying the

number, filling weight and the pressurization level of the cylinders.

Pipework

Inspection:

Types of pipes used

The material of piping and fittings, etc. for the installation of the system

must be of non-combustible heat resisting and must have capacity to

maintain its own shape in room temperature during the outbreak of fire.

All piping should be of API Schedule 40/80 steel pipe. Flexible piping,

tubing or hoses (including connection) where used should be able to

withstand the pressure ratings.



Pipe sleeves

Fire seal

Nozzles


Pneumatic testing of pipework

Pneumatic leak testing at low pressure followed by hydraulic pressure

testing

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Due to the inherent dangers associated with pneumatic testing using

compressed air or inert gas, a responsible person must be in charge

of this operation at all times. This person should direct the

preparations and supervise the application of the test by working to a

pre-prepared written plan based on the risk assessment. A written

record of the test showing the system designed working pressure, the

test pressure and duration should be kept and, at the conclusion of

the test, this person must verify that the system is safely

depressurised and ready for safe operation at the design working

pressure.

Pneumatic leak test procedure

Ensure that all rooms through which the piping passes are cleared of

people, then pressurise the system to the leak test pressure (normally

20mbar, but a pressure of up to 0.5bar could be used).

Wait at least 10 minutes, checking the gauge for pressure drop, and if

necessary ‘walk’ the route of the piping under test checking for leaks

using leak detecting fluid.

Once the leak test is passed, release the air pressure slowly and then

carry out the normal hydraulic test

Detectors

- The automatic detection is usually by means of either heat or smoke detectors.

The detectors should be resistant to corrosion.

Inspection:

physical condition of detector

conduit for all wiring


Detector test

Electrical wiring test

Interfacing of detectors and control panel

Panel

- The system control panel should indicate the operation of the system, hazrds to

personnel, or failure of any supervised device and complying with M.S. 1404 and

B.S. 7273. A positive alarm and indicator should be provided to show that the

system has operated.

Inspection:

Protection of panel

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Mounting of panel


LED test

1 zone alarm test

2 zone alarm test

Discharge test

Fault test

Connection to main fire alarm

Accessories

- Alarm should be provided to give warning of a discharge or pending discharge

where a hazard to personnel may exist. Alarms indicating failure of supervised

devices or equipment should give prompt and positive indication of any failure

and should be distinctive from alarms indicating operationor hazardous

conditions.

- Warning and instruction signs should be installed at entrances to and inside

protected areas at prominent positions.

Inspection:

Flashing lights

Tripping devices

Signage

Visible and audible alarms

Electrical and mechanical manual activation.

System

- The quantity of extinguishing agent should be sufficient to ensure rapid extinction

of any fire in the protected areas and with adequate spare capacity. Test should

go under:


Simulated automatic discharge test

Simulated manual discharge test

Actual discharge test

Bracket support during actual discharge test

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Automatic Fire Curtain

Control panel and indicator lights

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Carbon Dioxide Cyclinder and Pilot cyclinder

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5.0 - Conclusion

The Fire Services Act should not be read in isolation but reference should be made to

other regulations enacted under this Act. Further reference must also be made to the

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984, accepted relevant building codes and standards. For

effective prosecution detail reference must also be made to latest version of the

Evidence Act 1950, Criminal Procedure Code, Interpretation Act 1948 & 1967 and many

other relevant Acts in Malaysia together with relevant case laws.

The overall fire defense strategies for development project in Malaysia are based on the

‘Fire Safety Philosophy’ of the Malaysian Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 where life

safety is the first consideration. The fire prevention and operational requirements for

both external and internal fire suppression must be considered together. It must also be

possible for the fire fighter to operate at any point in the buildings. Facilities must be

built into the buildings to enable the fire fighter to reach the top-most floors and carry out

rescue and internal fire suppression operations.

Certificate of completion and compliance (CCC) on the active fire protection system are

the best method to make sure all the occupant safeties are taking care of in case of fire

happen. If there are no CCC requirement the developer or contractor will not make sure

the building is safe from fire and which the possibility of fire occur might be high and the

safety of occupant cannot be guarantee.

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6.0 - Reference

1. Guide to fire protection in Malaysia, Chief editor Prof. Datuk Dr. Soh Chai Hock.

2. http://www.ukcopperboard.co.uk/literature/pdfs/Installation-Tips/Pressure-testing-

piping-systems.pdf

3. http://www.pottersignal.com/training/presentations/wetpipesprinkler.html#11

4. http://nyail.com/fsd/real_wld.html

5. Siri Asas Kebombaan – PENCEGAHAN KEBAKARAN, Jabatan Bomba dan

Penyelamat Malaysia

6. http://www.atslimited.com/hydrantflushing.asp

http://www.ukcopperboard.co.uk/literature/pdfs/Installation-Tips/Pressure-testing-piping-systems.pdf

http://www.ukcopperboard.co.uk/literature/pdfs/Installation-Tips/Pressure-testing-piping-systems.pdf

http://www.pottersignal.com/training/presentations/wetpipesprinkler.html#11

http://nyail.com/fsd/real_wld.html

http://www.atslimited.com/hydrantflushing.asp

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ATTACHMENT

fire fighting

Documents