Fire Protection
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– Detection and Communication System
– Fire Hydrant
– Fire Hose
– Sprinkler System
– Portable Fire Extinguisher
– Fire Escape
Fire protection systems are standardised elements as approved by the local fire department. For a performance oriented design of fire protection system, various recognised guidelines such as the Singapore Fire Safety Engineering Guidelines [6] can be consulted. The fire authority is notified in advance of any shutdown due to maintenance, especially when the automatic sprinklers are under maintenance. Such shutdowns could be scheduled during normal working hours and finished in the shortest possible time. If required, special precautions (e.g. fire petrol, temporary water connection, etc.) could be employed [7]. The fire safety defects raised in this chapter concern (a) detection and communication system; (b) Fire hydrant systems; (c) Fire Hose; (d) Sprinkler system; (e) Portable fire extinguisher (e.g. poor discharge of portable fire extinguisher and obstructed fire door); (f) Fire escape and related services . Considerations for the maintainability of fire protection systems at the design stage could prevent the occurrence of these identified defects. Making sure that the fire protection system is in proper condition could help avoid inconveniences during cases of false alarms.
Fire Protection System
The two main objectives of a fire protection system are: (a) to reduce the risk of losing lives to the minimum, and (b) the protection of the building and its contents, as well as to prevent/minimise the spreading of the fire to adjacent buildings. It does so by:
- preventing the initiation of fire
- restricting the growth and spread of fire
- containing the fire within specified boundaries through compartmentation
- providing some means of escape for the occupants
- controlling the fire using automatic devices and by active fire-fighting.
A safe building begins with a carefully analysed architectural layout and planned maintenance schedules. This includes the appropriate locations and construction of the various subsystems and regular maintenance and repairs.
Most designs and operations of fire protection systems are strictly governed by local fire safety codes, as well as local and international standards. The designers and facilities managers (FM) need to be conscious of these codes and standards during the design and post-occupancy phases.
Reference is made to:
- SCDF Fire Code — Code of practice for fire precaution in buildings
- NFPA 1 — Fire Code
- SS 645 — Code of practice for the installation and servicing of electrical fire alarm systems
- SS 575 — Code of practice for the fire hydrant, rising mains and hose reel system
- CP 52 — Code of practice for automatic fire sprinkler system
Maintainability of Fire Protection System
A fire protection system can be subdivided into four major components, namely, (1) a detection and communication system, (2) a fire fighting system, (3) control and monitoring devices, and (4) fire escape. Each component can be further structured and divided into major sub components which are commonly found in commercial buildings.
The main tests for fire protection systems are:
- Fire Alarm System Test
- Hydrostatic Test
- Dry Riser Test
- Wet Riser Test
- Hose Reel Test
Common Defects
Fire protection engineering is multi-disciplinary. Planning the layout and escape routes involves the expertise of architecture, while the fire rating of the construction is covered by civil engineering. Mechanical engineering’s coverage involves calculating the flow of water through the pipe work, the discharge of the extinguishing agent through equipment nozzles, and fluid mechanics. Finally, chemical engineering deals with the hazards of chemical interaction and processes.
The common defects often faced by maintenance teams are summarised in the figure below. Many of these common defects could be avoided if maintainability is considered right from the design stage. Many cases are related to (1) exits not properly marked or blocked or locked, (2) the lack of/an inoperative alarm system, (3) missing fire hose(s), standpipe(s) or extinguishers, (4) the absence of a sprinkler system or a sprinkler system’s failure to respond, and (5) no fire training provided to the occupants or maintenance team.
Common problems associated with fire protection in a facility include:
Detection and Communication System
Fire Escape and Related Services
For more information on Fire Protection, see the PDF below: