ETHIOPIAN CONSTRUCTION STANDARD EBCS 13:2014

December 2014

EBCS 13:2014

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Ethiopian Building Code Standard
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Fire Precautions duringPBuilding
Construction Design,UWorks R and
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© 2014 All rights reserved. Ref. No. EBCS 13:2014

Ministry of Urban Development, Housing and Construction.

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 EBCS 13:2014

Ethiopian Building Code Standard Revision Committee on

“Fire Precautions during Building Construction Design, Works
and Use”

Steering Committee Chair SE

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Hailemeskel Tefera

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Project Coordinator
Esayas Gebreyouhannes

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Technical Committee Members
E Chairman
R Wubishet Jekale
Asnake Adamu
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Dawit Abebe
Eshetu Temesgen

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Tesfaye Yalew

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 EBCS 13:2014

NATIONAL FOREWORD

The Proclamation to define the powers and duties of The Executive organs of The Federal
Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Proclamation No 691/ 2010 and Ethiopian Building
Proclamation No 624/2009 empowers the Ministry of Urban Development, Housing and
Construction to prepare the Country’s Building Code, issue Standards for design and
construction works, and follow up and supervise the implementation of same.

This Ethiopian Standard is the official English language version of “FIRE PRECAUTIONS
DURING BUILDING CONSTRUCTION DESIGN, WORKS AND USE - EBCS 13:2014”.
With an eye on the latest technological advancements and trends worldwide and with the
aim of bringing the Ethiopian Construction Standard at par with the present state-of-the-art,
this code is newly included. The major benefits to be gained in applying this standard is the
harmonization of professional practice and the ensuring of appropriate level of
workmanship, level of safety and quality of construction work.
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EBCS 13:2014 is prepared by a Technical Committee “FIRE PRECAUTIONS
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION DESIGN, WORKS AND USE” the secretariat P O of
DURING
which is held
by Addis Ababa University. The document is intended to be used Randin civil
conjunction with EBCS
0:2014 to EBCS 14:2014 for the design of services of buildings
As this standard is technical document which, by their
U engineering works.
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updating, revised edition will be issued by the Ministry from time to time as appropriate.

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The Ministry of Urban Development, Housing and
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Ethiopian Airport Enterprise, Fire and Emergency
I Construction, Ethiopian Standard Agency,
Prevention and Rescue Agency
contributed in the drafting of this EBCS 13 Ethrough Provision of Documents and Existing
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Standards, Active participation and Assistance to the Technical Committee, Provision of
Information and Panel Discussions.
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This document does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a contract. Users

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are responsible for their correct application.
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Compliance with this Ethiopian Building Code Standard does not of itself confer

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immunity from legal obligations.

The Ministry of Urban Development Housing and Construction as mandated acknowledges

this document as a national resource tool and reference document which comprises a
front cover, an inside front cover, a title page, National foreword, Table of Contents, pages
1 to 125 and a back cover. This Ethiopian Construction Standard, having been prepared
under the direction of the Ethiopian Building Proclamation No 624/2009, was published
under the authority of the Ministry of Urban Development, Housing and Construction on 01
December 2014.

Ministry of Urban development, Housing and Construction

FDRE
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Contents Page

SECTION 1 GENERAL .........................................................................................................3

1.1 Title and Purpose ............................................................................................................................ 3

1.1.1 Title ........................................................................................................................................ 3
1.1.2 Purpose ................................................................................................................................. 3
1.2 Scope and General References ..................................................................................................... 3
1.2.1 Scope..................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2.2 General References .............................................................................................................. 3
1.3 Definitions and Interpretations ...................................................................................................... 3
1.3.1 Definitions .............................................................................................................................. 3
1.3.2 Interpretations........................................................................................................................ 4
1.4 Fire Safety Signs and Graphical Symbols.................................................................................... 4

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SECTION 2 BASIS FOR FIRE PRECAUTIONS ...................................................................5

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2.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 5
2.1.1 Scope..................................................................................................................................... 5

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2.2 Fire Safety or Protection and Firefighting .................................................................................... 5
2.2.1
2.2.2
2.2.3
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Fire Elements ........................................................................................................................ 5
Fire Development .................................................................................................................. 5
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Fire Extinction Methods ......................................................................................................... 7
2.2.4 Safety Measures.................................................................................................................... 8
2.2.5 W
Planning in relations to Fires ................................................................................................. 8
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2.3 Fire Classifications ....................................................................................................................... 10

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2.3.1 General ................................................................................................................................ 10
2.3.2 Fire Classifications .............................................................................................................. 10
2.4 Fire Resistance Grading or Rating .............................................................................................. 17
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2.5 POPULATION /OCCUPANCY LOAD/ ........................................................................................... 22
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2.6 Relationships with Statutory Provisions / Legislations and Ethiopian Standards................ 23

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2.6.1 General ................................................................................................................................ 23
2.7 Duties and Roles of Key Stakeholders ....................................................................................... 24

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2.7.1 General ................................................................................................................................ 24
2.7.2 Regulatory Bodies ............................................................................................................... 24
2.7.3 Developers / Clients ............................................................................................................ 24
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Designers and Supervisors ................................................................................................. 25
2.7.5
2.7.6
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Contractors .......................................................................................................................... 25
Users / Occupiers ................................................................................................................ 25
2.7.7 Use of the Principles and Application of recommendations in this Code ........................... 26

SECTION 3 FIRE SAFETY AND MEANS OF ESCAPE AND / OR EGRESS ....................27

3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 27

3.1.1 Scope................................................................................................................................... 27
3.2 Escape from Fire ........................................................................................................................... 27
3.3 Planning Building Site and Site Planning .................................................................................. 28
3.3.1 Emergency Vehicular Access (EVA) ................................................................................... 28
3.3.2 Open spaces within the site ................................................................................................ 29
3.3.3 Accessibility for firefighting .................................................................................................. 30
3.4 Planning within Buildings ............................................................................................................ 31
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3.4.1 Exit or Means of Escape / Egress Facilities and Arrangements ......................................... 31

SECTION 4 FIRE SAFETY AND CONSTRUCTION DETAILS ...........................................47

4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 47

4.1.1 Scope................................................................................................................................... 47
4.2 Walls ............................................................................................................................................... 47
4.2.1 Wall types and function ....................................................................................................... 47
4.2.2 Wall thickness...................................................................................................................... 48
4.2.3 Fixtures ................................................................................................................................ 48
4.2.4 Concrete and Reinforced Concrete walls ........................................................................... 48
4.2.5 Light weight concrete walls ................................................................................................. 49
4.2.6 Masonry walls and piers ...................................................................................................... 49
4.2.7 Fire walls ............................................................................................................................. 51
4.2.8 Plastered Double-leaf walls of wood wool slabs ................................................................. 52
4.2.9 Gypsum plasterboard walls ................................................................................................. 53

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4.2.10 Filled in framed walls ........................................................................................................... 54
4.2.11 Framed walls in paneling..................................................................................................... 55

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4.3 Beams, columns & Brackets and Floors .................................................................................... 57
4.3.1 Concrete Beams and Columns ........................................................................................... 57
4.3.2
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Reinforced and Pre-stressed Concrete Beams .................................................................. 58
Reinforced and Pre-stressed Concrete Columns and Brackets ......................................... 60
4.3.4
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Reinforced Concrete Floors ................................................................................................ 62
Reinforced Concrete Floors with Steel Beams Embedded in Concrete ............................. 64
4.3.6 Reinforced Concrete Roof Slabs......................................................................................... 65
4.3.7
4.3.8
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Timber Beams ..................................................................................................................... 66
Timber Columns .................................................................................................................. 67
4.3.9 I
Timber Floor ........................................................................................................................ 70

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4.3.10 Covered Steel Beams ......................................................................................................... 77
4.3.11 Covered Steel Columns and Bracket .................................................................................. 80

4.4.1
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4.4 Stair Cases and Lifts..................................................................................................................... 82
Stair case ............................................................................................................................. 82
4.4.2 R
Lifts ...................................................................................................................................... 82

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4.5 Chimneys ....................................................................................................................................... 83
4.6 Basements ..................................................................................................................................... 83

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SECTION 5 ANCILLARY ENGINEERING SERVICES .......................................................85
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5.1 Scope .............................................................................................................................................. 85
5.2 Gas and Electrical Services ......................................................................................................... 85
5.3 Lighting .......................................................................................................................................... 86
5.4 Heating, Air Conditioning and Ventilation Systems .................................................................. 86
5.5 Incinerators .................................................................................................................................... 88
5.6 Engineering services installation rooms .................................................................................... 88

SECTION 6 FIRE DETECTION, ALARM AND CONTROL SYSTEMS...............................90

6.1 Introduction: .................................................................................................................................. 90

6.2 Fire Detection Systems ................................................................................................................ 90
6.2.1 General ................................................................................................................................ 90
6.2.2 Heat, Smoke and Flame Detection system ......................................................................... 90
6.2.3 Choice or Selection of fire detectors ................................................................................... 91
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6.3 Smoke and Heat Control Systems .............................................................................................. 92

6.3.1 Smoke Control System ........................................................................................................ 92
6.3.2 Heat Transmission and Control Systems ............................................................................ 93
6.4 Fire Alarm System......................................................................................................................... 93
6.4.1 General requirements for fire detection and alarm systems ............................................... 93
6.4.2 Fire alarm requirements for different Occupancies............................................................. 95

SECTION 7 FIREFIGHTING SYSTEMS ...........................................................................100

7.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 100

7.1.1 Scope................................................................................................................................. 100
7.1.2 Specific References .......................................................................................................... 100
7.2 Firefighting Systems ................................................................................................................... 100
7.2.1 Fire extinguishing types..................................................................................................... 100
7.3 First Aid Fire extinguishing Systems / Equipment .................................................................. 106

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7.3.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers ............................................................................................... 106
7.3.2 Hose Reel Systems ........................................................................................................... 114
7.4 Fixed Fire extinguishing Systems / Installations .................................................................... 116
7.4.1
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Fire Hydrant Systems ........................................................................................................ 116
Automatic Sprinkler Systems ............................................................................................ 119
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Automatic Water Spray Systems ...................................................................................... 122
7.4.4
7.4.5
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Automatic Deluge and Drencher Systems ........................................................................ 122
Foam Based and CO2 Extinguishing Systems.................................................................. 122
7.5 Mobile Fire extinguishing System ............................................................................................. 123

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7.6 Other provisions.......................................................................................................................... 123
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7.6.1
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Building and Site Requirements for firefighting systems .................................................. 123

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7.6.2 Fire, Heat and Smoke Detection and Alarm systems to initiate firefighting...................... 123

SECTION 8 FIRE SAFETY AND FIREFIGHTING MANAGEMENT .................................123

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8.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 123

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8.1.1 Scope................................................................................................................................. 123
8.2 Fire Safety Management ............................................................................................................. 123
8.3 Firefighting Management ........................................................................................................... 125
8.3.1
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Emergency Plan ................................................................................................................ 125
Fire Drill, Evacuation Procedures and Rescue Tools ....................................................... 125
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ETHIOPIAN CONSTRUCTION STANDARD EBCS 13:2014
December 2014

INTRODUCTION

This Part of EBCS 13, is the first Ethiopian Building Code Standard with respect to “Fire
Precautions during Building Construction Design services, Works and Uses.
This Code covers:
 Fire precautions bases during building design services, works and uses;
 Fire safety and means of escape and egress;
 Fire safety and construction details;
 Fire related ancillary engineering services;
 Fire, Smoke and Heat transmission, detection, alarm and control system;
 Firefighting system; and
 Fire safety and firefighting management.

This Code also formally recognizes:

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The Vision of the FDRE to reach to the middle income groups level by 2025;
The contexts and wide variations of the status of the cities / towns this code will be
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The Building Laws, Regulations and Directives;
The Framework agreement requirements of the MoUDC;
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 The enforcement and practicability of the fire precautions set by this code;
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The Preventive focus and mixed approach to the prescriptive and performance based

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approach in preparing this code; and

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The Mandatory nature of this code as compared to the Voluntary nature of the Ethiopian
Standards.

It has been assumed in the drafting of R

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this Code that only minimum requirements are set

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and the executions and enforcement of its provisions will be interested to appropriately
qualified and experienced experts
Coordination Office of the MinistryO
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Abbreviations

AAIT Addis Ababa Institute of Technology

BMA Classification for fire A based on building materials or elements

BS British Standard

EBCS Ethiopian Building Code Standards

CFA Classification for fire A based on Combustibility and Flammability of materials

ES Ethiopian Standards

ESA Ethiopian Standardization Authority

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ISO International Standard Organization

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MoUDC Ministry of Urban Development, Housing and Construction

OFA Classification for fire A based on Occupancy and / or Functions of buildings

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SECTION 1 General

1.1 Title and Purpose

1.1.1 Title

The Title of this Code is “EBCS 13: Fire precautions during Building Construction Design
Services, Works and Uses” as part of the other Ethiopian Building Codes of Standards.

1.1.2 Purpose

The purpose of this code is to provide minimum requirements developers, designers,

contractors and professionals to respect during building construction design services, works
and uses.

1.2 Scope and General References

1.2.1 Scope SE
The scope of this Code is to: PO
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works and uses;
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Describes the bases in which fire precautions were made for buildings during their design,

 Provides fire safety, means of escape and / or egress, and construction detail requirements;
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Sets minimum requirements regarding fire, smoke and heat detection, alarm, control and or
fighting systems, installations and / or equipment; and
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Provides guidelines with respect to the overall fire safety and firefighting management.

1.2.2 General References

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The following general references are made
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 FDRE Statutory Provisions related to Building and Fire.
 Ethiopian Standards related to Building and Fire.

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1.3 Definitions and Interpretations
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1.3.1 Definitions N
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The definitions and vocabularies provided in the following statutory provisions of the FDRE
and Ethiopian Standards are valid for this code:
 Definitions provided in the Ethiopian Building Proclamation (Proclamation No. 624/2009),
Regulations (Regulations No. 691/2010) and Directives (MoUDC, 2012) of the FDRE.
 Definitions provided in ES ISO 8421-1:2002, ES 1425:2005, ES ISO 13943:2005, ES
1492:2005, ES1494:2005, ES 3081:2006, ES 3083:2006 and ES 3084:2006.

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1.3.2 Interpretations

General

Interpretation when necessary shall only be made by qualified personnel certified by the
relevant public body and the interpretation given by the MoUDC or his delegate will be final
and binding.
Words

Words in singular form can be interpreted as in the plural form and vice versa.
Words in the heading and sub headings shall not be taken into consideration in the
interpretation of this Code.
Gender

Words expressed in a single gender may serve for both genders.

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Values
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Values or figures or numbers indicated except outline numbers are considered as minimum

Diagrams P U
requirements for their intended provisions and shall not deter use

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The diagrams / figures in this code are intended to clarify concepts and form an integral part
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of the written recommendations. However, they should not be taken as indicating the only
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acceptable forms of planning of buildings. Features such as Windows and Doors not
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relevant to the concepts or principles being illustrated
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be drawn to scale hence no measurement shall be taken and used as reference for any
purpose of this Code.
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1.4 Fire Safety Signs and Graphical Symbols
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Fire protection Safety Signs and Graphical Symbols for fire protection plans shall be as

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provided in ES ISO 6309:2002
“Equipment for fire protection
protection – Safety signs” and ES ISO 6790:2002
firefighting – Graphical symbols for fire protection plans –
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SECTION 2 Basis for Fire Precautions

2.1 Introduction

2.1.1 Scope

The scope of this section is to describe and define the basis for fire precautions during
building design services, works and uses including:
 The four basic elements of fires, its development and extinguishing methods;
 The purpose of safety measures and planning requirements in relation to fires;
 The classifications, resistance, grading and rating of fires;
 The information to be provided regarding fire precautions to key stakeholders;
 The relationship of this code with related FDRE Statutory provisions and Ethiopian
standards; and
 The uses of principles and application of recommendations of this code.

2.2 Fire Safety or Protection and Firefighting SE

2.2.1 Fire Elements
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Fire is constituted by four basic elements called “Tetrahedron of
(1) Fuel or Combustible substance such as ordinary combustible materials, liquids and gases,
(2) Oxygen or other supporters such as hydrogen to sustain combustion,
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(3) Sufficient heat for the attainment and maintenance of a certain minimum level of energy to raise the
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material to its ignition temperature, and
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(4) Unbroken or Uninhibited exothermic chemical chain reaction.

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Figure 2.1. Fire Elements

The existence of the above four elements are necessary for combustion; that is, to start
ignition of a fire.

2.2.2 Fire Development

During the early stages of fire, smoke is the first detectable evidence either by occupants or
by an alarm when fire breaks out. It is increased spread of smoke within a room that causes
severe effect on human life including intoxication, incapacity, unconsciousness and possibly
death. As the fire grows in area, flames spread to combustible furnishings, electrical fittings,
inflammable materials and ceilings which accelerate fire development and enable heat to
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spread through radiation. If the space has insufficient openings to provide a continuing air
supply, the burning rate of the fire will diminish because of lack of sufficient oxygen but the
gases generated can be extremely toxic.
Fire may also spread and penetrate to adjacent rooms and / or buildings if the enclosing
walls do not form a fire tight joint with the floor or ceiling above and its spread is rapid if they
penetrate into a vertical shaft such as stairways, lift wells or ducts acting as chimneys.
Hence, Fire development can either be from within the building or outside of the building. It
is within the building that the most direct and serious risks to life arise.
Fire development within the building: In such situations, the following three origins of fire
locations shall be given due considerations and be identified in order to choose appropriate
fire safety and firefighting precautions:
a) A fire may start in an occupied room by the actions of an occupant (deep fat frying,
smoking in bed or children playing with matches) requiring the occupant to exit from the

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room immediately and give alarm to other occupants followed by closing the room in order to
confine the fire to that room and save appreciable time before spreading into the other

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rooms. Fire will quickly develop to all accesses including corridors, stairways and other
rooms if the occupant cannot escape from the room and provide alarm. Furthermore, if the

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room is left open threatening the life of other occupants becomes evident.
b) A fire may start in an occupied room because of discarded smoking materials, electric

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faults, furniture left too close to heating appliances, etc. without any occupants in the
room. Fire will be a risk to all occupants especially if the door is open and trap them from the
exits by the presence of products of combustions. Occupants asleep may be in greater risk
in such a situation.
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c) A fire may start in the entrance hall or circulation spaces of the buildings which will

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present the most immediate and sever danger possible to all the occupants,
particularly to those in upper floors. In such situations Fire, Heat and Smoke will rapidly
develop. For this reason, it is essential to ensure that the potential for a fire starting in such
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places shall be minimized during design and users advised not to store combustible
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materials in such places. Besides, external accesses for escape route shall be provided for
upper floors.

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The risks in all cases will be more serious in storey buildings as heat and smoke transfer

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rapidly upwards rather than sideways.

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Fire development outside of the building: The risks to occupants of other buildings from
a fire in another buildings are parallel to, but much less direct than, the risks to the
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occupants of the buildings of the fire origin. In such situations, the following four conditions
shall be given due considerations and be identified in order to choose appropriate fire
safety and firefighting precautions:
a) A fire may spread through the separating walls or across the face of the building from
one window to another or by radiated heat from a fire in adjacent premises in the case of
semi-detached or terraced buildings and hence risks to occupants of an adjoining building
will arise.
b) A fire may be discovered at its initial stagey the occupants of the adjacent building
who make their way out and give alarm or call the fire service. If extinction is delayed
and doors and windows of the adjacent building left open; fire, heat and smoke spread
quickly filling exits making difficult for escape and cause direct risk to persons using common
access and occupants in the adjacent dwellings.

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c) A fire may not be discovered by occupants of the adjacent until fire is fully developed
within the origin building and penetrated to the adjacent one with consequences similar to
b above. If the adjacent building entrance gives on to an open balcony than an internal
corridor, smoke effects will be of little consequence to provide certain time for occupants to
escape.
d) A fire spread within a mixed use building requires consideration of effects of one upon
another as a fire in one occupancy having serious consequences on another.

2.2.3 Fire Extinction Methods

For fire extinguishing or extinction; it is essential to limit or eliminate one or more of the four fire
elements (section 2.2.1) using either or a combination of two or more of the following four methods
(Figure 1.2); namely:
1. Starvation (limitation or elimination of fuel or any other combustible substance),
2. Smothering / Blanketing (limitation of oxygen or other supporter of combustion),

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3. Cooling (limitation of the attainment and maintenance of a certain minimum level of Energy
or Temperature), and

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4. Inhibition / Breaking (Control of flames or interrupting or delaying the chain reaction by
removal or suppression of free radicals)

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1. Starvation
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2. Cooling Heat Fir Oxyge 3. Smothering
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Unbroken chain
reaction

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Starvation can be made by either or any of the following three approaches:
1. Removing combustible material from the neighborhood of the fire, or
2. Removing the fire from the neighborhood of combustible material, or
3. Sub - dividing the burning material.
Fire blankets and Bucket containing Water or Sand are some of the fire extinction methods
used in Starvation.
Smothering can be made by using various types of extinguishers of different types in order
to prevent or impede the access of fresh air to the seat of the fire, and allow the combustion
to reduce the oxygen content in the confined atmosphere until it extinguishes itself.
These extinguishers can use foam, clouds of finely divided particles of dry powder, etc
partly creating inert gases in the immediate vicinity of the fire to disrupt combustion and
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partly creating interference within the chain reaction of flame propagation through chemical
reaction with the fire and / or oxygen; hence reducing the oxygen content.
Foam, gas and chemical based portable and mobile fire extinguishers are some of the fire
extinguishing systems or installations used in Smothering. Besides, provision of fire tight
joints and confining fire in a closed room can have a certain smothering effect.
Cooling helps to reduce the rate of heating generated by combustion using the application
of water (which is the most useful fire extinguishing agent) and other liquids on fires (using
jets or sprays) to increase its rate of dissipation such that the possibility of combustion to
persist is nullified. Besides, it reduces the spread and strengths of heat and smokes created
as a result of the fire.
Fire Hydrant, Sprinkler system, Hose reel system, etc are some of the fire extinction
methods used in Cooling.

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Inhibition is extinguishing of fire by flame breaking the chain of reaction when the available
free radicals such as OH, H and O or chain carriers are illuminated or suppressed using
several types of dry chemical powders.
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Dry chemical based portable and mobile fire extinguishers are some of the fire
extinguishing systems or installations used in Inhibition.

2.2.4 Safety Measures P U

The following fire safety measures are available for W use and are recommended in this code
during building design services, works and uses:IE

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1. Planning and protection of alternative exits and escape routes from rooms and buildings at
all times.
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2. Defining restrictive or maximum travel distances.
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3. Selective positioning of rooms within buildings and segregation of high fire risk or hazard

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areas.
4. Provisions of automatic (where appropriate) fire, smoke, flame and heat warning or
detection, alarm and control systems or installations or equipment to maintain the

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effectiveness of exits and escape routes.
5. Provisions of self-closing fire doors where appropriate.
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6. Provisions of structural fire barriers within and between buildings and as separation to

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circulation spaces when serving as escape routes.
7. Provisions of automatic (where appropriate) firefighting or extinguishing systems to limit
growth of fires and to assist firefighters.
8. Construction with appropriate fire resistant components of buildings and building materials.
9. Provision of appropriate and sufficient access for firefighters to buildings when fire arises.
10. Timely notifying or informing or alarming occupants and fire brigades when ignition or
potential cause for fire is observed.

2.2.5 Planning in relations to Fires

Careful attention to details during building design services, works and uses shall be given
taking into consideration risks that can be predicted to exist from the outbreak and
development of a fire together with routes smoke and hot gases might go through in a
building and their effect for evacuation.

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Escape routes shall be designed and protected in order to ensure safety to occupants
through:
 Attempting to locate the positions of all possible sources of outbreak of fire,
 Predicting the courses that fire follows as it develops, and
 Predicting the risks to occupants that smoke and hot gases are likely to produce.

All parties shall recognize that:

 Fires do not normally start in two different places unless arson is involved, unlikely to
originate in the structure itself and unlikely to involve a large area but may spread through or
along circulation routes.
 Smoke will be the effect and hence the first detectable product of combustion which cause
difficulty in breathing and impair visibility, in the early stages of fires.
 Hot smoke laden gases rise upwards when a fire occurs in an enclosed space and form a
layer deepening to fill the whole space downwards and may ignite combustible ceiling,
furnishings, etc.
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Building Official or the building controlling authority shall be consulted when restrictions
imposed by urban planning requirements may cause fire hazards inO order to ensure (a) the
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safety of escape routes outside of the building, (b) access to buildings during firefighting by
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fire brigade services, and (c) the effects of car parking adjoining
Water supply sources for firefighting purposes shall be P
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identified and designated as such
for sufficiency and location.

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Modern furniture used in buildings and certain polymeric materials commonly used in the
manufacture of furniture increased risks to firesI and producing greater volumes of smoke
and other combustion products. Therefore,V rooms and / or buildings containing such
combustible materials shall be given due E considerations than other rooms and / or
buildings. R
For mixed use occupancy, the following R factors need to be considered in addition:
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Fire hazard posed by one occupancy on another,

LY
 Provision for giving warning in case of fire such as automatic fire, smoke, flame and heat
detection equipment, and

N and potential ignitions thereof shall take the following actions:
Provision of recommended firefighting systems for each and every occupancy.

Occupants observing O fires

 Leave the room where fire or probable fire is observed.
 Close the door to contain or confine the fire within the room.
 Initiate alarm to let other occupants to leave.
 Do not use lifts to leave.
 Use only recommended escape routes, do not use balconies which are non-escape route.
 Call fire brigade and inform the full address where fire or probable fire is observed.

To facilitate escape, it is necessary to (a) ensure escape routes are safeguarded from the
ingress of smoke, (b) provide a means of smoke ventilation to assist during firefighting, and
(c) regulate the travel distance to a story or final exit.

9
 EBCS 13:2014

This code provides sufficient but minimum standards and planning requirements in relation
to fires to be used during building design services, works and uses in order to ensure the
safety of life and property.

2.3 Fire Classifications

2.3.1 General

This section lays down the Classifications, Resistance, Grading and Rating of fires.

2.3.2 Fire Classifications

Fire classifications are made based on:

(1) Combustibility and flammability of building materials designated as CSA to CSE and CSK
classes,

SE
(2) Building Occupancies and functions designated as OFA to OFH and OFJ,
(3) Building Hazard levels designated as Light (low) to High (extra) hazard levels,

PO
(4) Components or types of building materials / elements designated as BMA and BMB classes,
and

R
(5) Construction Types designated as Types I to IV classifications.

(1) FIRE CLASSES BASED ON COMBUSTIBLE AND FLAMMABLE MATERIALS

P U
Internationally six types of fire classes are acknowledged based on combustible and
W
flammable materials (Table 2.1). This classification replaces fire classifications provided in
E
I
ES ISO 3941:2002 and are used to describe recommendations for minimum requirements

EV
of firefighting provisions.
(2) FIRE CLASSIFICATIONS BASED ON BUILDINGS OCCUPANCIES AND FUNCTIONS
R
R classification is preferred as it is more suitable for
This Classification is specifically based on buildings occupancy and function and its
application is limited to this Code. Such

construction requirements, the F Oclassifications

fire prevention, protection and fighting purposes. For other general design, permit and
provided in the Ethiopian Building

L Y
Proclamation, Ethiopian Building Regulation and Directives shall be used.

N
The occupancy of any building shall be in conformity with the appropriate occupancy class

O
given in Table 2.2. Classification shall reflect the primary function of any building divided
into two or more areas not having the same primary function. This classification is mainly to
define minimum requirements for fire safety precautions.
Notwithstanding the requirements of Table 2.2 above, Space in any building occupancies
which is used for other purposes ancillary to fire classification made based on building
occupancies subject to adequate facilities and safety measures being provided for it; shall
not be classified as a separate occupancy.
The above provision remains valid if and only if a space is not more than;
a) 100 m2 of an occupancy for any occupancy classifications, or
b) 300 m2 of an occupancy classified as J2 or J3 within an occupancy so classified.

10
 EBCS 13:2014

Table 2.1. Classes of Fire Based on Combustible and Flammable Materials

Fire Classes Description

Class CFA: Fires involving ordinary combustible materials (Organic Solids – compounds
of carbon) such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber and most plastics. This is the
Ordinary Combustible
type of fire that would occur in most building conditions.

Class CFB: Fires involving flammable and combustible liquids: petroleum-based

materials such as oils, greases and tars; paints, solvents, alcohols and
Flammable and
flammable gases. This type of fire would likely to occur where such
Combustible Liquids
materials are used, dispensed, or stored.

Class CFC: Fires involving energized electrical equipment. In addition to building

electrical service equipment, this type of fire could occur with electric
Energized Electrical
equipment such as computers, copiers, etc. It is important that the
Equipment
extinguishing agent / media shall be nonconductive.

SE
Class CFD: Combustible Fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium,
Metals sodium, lithium, and potassium or metal alloys (commonly found in chemical

PO
labs). The extinguisher must match the metal. It will be labeled with a list of
metals that match the extinguishing agent.

Class CFE: R
Fires involving flammable gases such as Propane, Butane, Acetylene and
Flammable Gases
Natural Gas
P U
Class CFK:
Cooking Oils and Fats W
Fires in cooking appliances involving combustible cooking materials, such
as vegetable or animal oils and fats. This is for commercial kitchens.
E
V I
(3)
E
FIRE CLASSIFICATIONS BASED ON FIRE HAZARED LEVELS

Rabove; building spaces containing large amounts

In addition to fire classifications provided
Rhazard levels.
of flammable and combustible materials and the different building occupancies are also

FO are determined using two approaches; namely:

classified based on their perceived fire
The three fire hazard level classifications

LY
(1) The anticipated quantity of Class CFA and Class CFB Materials (Table 2.3), and

N
(2) Broad classifications of Building Occupancies (Table 2.4).

11
 EBCS 13:2014

Table 2.2. Fire Classification Based on Building Occupancies or Functions

Classes Occupancies

A1
Entrainment and Public Assembly
Occupancy where persons gather to eat, drink, dance or participate in other recreation
A2
Theatrical and Indoor Sport
Occupancy where persons gather for the viewing of theatrical, operatic orchestral,
OFA. Institutional

choral, cinematography or sport performances

A3
Place of Instruction
Occupancy where school children, students or other persons assemble for the purpose
of training or learning
A4
Worship

SE
Occupancy where persons assemble for the purpose of worshipping
A5

PO
Outdoor Sport
Occupancy where persons view outdoor sport events
B1 R
High Risk Commercial Service

P U
OFB. Mercantile / Commercial

Occupancy where a non-industrial process is carried out and where either the material
handled or the process carried out is liable in the event of fire, to cause combustion

W
with extreme rapidity or give rise to poisonous fumes, or cause explosions

E
B2
Moderate Risk Commercial Service I
EV
Occupancy where a non-industrial process is carried out and where either the material
handled or the process carried out is liable in the event of fire, to cause combustion with
R
moderate rapidity but is not likely to give rise to poisonous fumes , or cause explosions
B3
R
Low Risk Commercial Service

FO
Occupancy where a non-industrial process is carried out and where neither the material
handed nor the process carried out falls into the high or moderate risk category

LY
C1
Exhibition Hall
OFC. Public

N
Occupancy where goods are displayed primarily for viewing by the public
C2
O
Museum
Occupancy comprising a museum, art gallery or library
D1
High Risk Industrial
Occupancy where an industrial process is carried out and where either the material
OFD. Industrial

handled or the process carried out is liable, in the event of fire, to cause combustion
with extreme rapidity or give rise to poisonous fumes, or cause explosions
D2
Moderate Risk Industrial
Occupancy where an industrial process is carried out and where either the material
handled or the process carried out is liable, in the event of fire, to cause combustion
with moderate rapidity but is not likely to give rise to poisonous fumes, or cause
explosions

12
 EBCS 13:2014

D3
Low Risk Industrial
Occupancy where an industrial process is carried out and where neither the material
handled nor the process carried out does not fall into the high or moderate category
D4
Plant Room
Occupancy comprising usually unattended mechanical or electrical services necessary
for the running of a building
OFE. Rehabilitation / Institutional

El
Place of Detention
Occupancy where people are detained for punitive or corrective reasons or because of
their mental condition.
E2
Hospital
Occupancy where people are cared for or treated because of physical or mental

SE
disabilities and where they are generally bed-ridden.
E3
Other Institutional (residential) buildings

PO
Occupancy where groups of people who either are not fully fit, or who are restricted in
their movements or their ability to make decisions, reside and are cared for.
F1 R
Large Shop

P U
Occupancy where merchandise is displayed and offered for sale to the public and the
2
floor area exceeds 250 m

W
OFF. Business

F2
Small Shop
I E
EV
Occupancy where merchandise Is displayed and offered for sale to the public and the
2
floor area does not exceed 250 m
F3
Wholesalers' Store
R
R
Occupancy where goods are displayed and stored and where only a limited selected

FO
group of persons is present at any one time.
G1
Offices

LY
OFG. Occupancy comprising offices, banks, consulting rooms and other similar usage
Office

H1 N
O
Hotel
Occupancy where persons rent finished rooms, not being dwelling units
OFH. Residential & Hotel

H2
Dormitory
Occupancy where groups of people are accommodated in one room
H3
Domestic Residence
Occupancy consisting of two or more dwelling units on a single site
H4
Dwelling House
Occupancy consisting of dwelling unit on its own site, including a garage and other
domestic buildings, if any

13
 EBCS 13:2014

H5
Apartments
J1
High Risk Storage
Occupancy where material is stored and where the stored material is liable, in the event
of fire, to cause combustion with extreme rapidity or give rise to poisonous fumes, or
cause explosions
OFJ. Storage & Garage

J2
Moderate Risk Storage
Occupancy where material is stored and where the stored material is liable, in the event
of fire, to cause combustion with moderate rapidity but is not likely to give rise to
poisonous fumes or cause explosions.
J3
Low Risk Storage
Occupancy where the material stored does not fall into the high or moderate risk
category

SE
J4
Parking Garage

PO
Occupancy used for storing or parking of more than 10 motor vehicles
OFK:
Basements
Basements
R
P U
Table 2.3. Fire Classifications based on Hazard Levels for stored quantities of Fire Classes

EW
Hazard Classification Class CFA Materials Class CFB Materials

Light (Low) Hazard Normally expected

V I
quantities of Expected quantities to be less than 1
furnishings
E gal.

Ordinary (Moderate) R
Occasionally contains materials Expected quantities to be from 1 to 5
Hazard beyond
R
normal anticipated gal.

FO
furnishings

Extra (High) Hazard Involve the storage, packaging, Expected quantities to be more than

LY
handling, or manufacture of 5 gal.
materials

N
NB: All other Classes (Classes C, D, E& K) of fires are considered as Ordinary (Moderate) or Extra
O
(High) hazard fires based on their occupancies placed in Table 2.4 below.

Table 2.4. Fire Classifications Based on Hazard Levels among Broad Classification of Occupancies
Hazard Classification of Occupancies
Classification

Light (Low) Residential buildings, Dwellings, Lodges and Dormitories; Office premises;
Educational and research institutions; Warehouses; Places of worships;
Hazard
Clubs; Assembled Buildings, Coffee curing, roasting and grinding plants;
Poultry farms; Fruits and Vegetables dehydrating, drying and producing
factories; Sugar Candy manufacturing and Abrasive Manufacturing
Premises; Condensed milk manufacturing, pasteurizing and diaries plants;
Sugar factories; Aerated Water factories; QC Laboratories; Battery
manufacturers and charging and service stations; Breweries; Clay based

14
 EBCS 13:2014

plants; Canning factories; Cement factories & cement based plants; Ceramic
factories; Clock and Watch manufacturing; Electric lamps and TV tube
manufacturing; Engineering Workshops; Glass and Glass fiber
manufacturing; Tanneries; Mica, gum, gelatin and glue manufacturing; and
Gold thread / gilding factories and Zinc / Copper factories.

Ordinary (Moderate) Residential Apartments, Hotels, Cafes and Restaurants; Airport and other
Hazard transportation terminal buildings; Aluminum factories; Assembly buildings;
Bakeries and Biscuit factories, Book binders, envelopes, Carbon paper, type
writer ribbon and paper bag manufacturing; Candle factories; Carpentry,
wood, filler, wax paper, carpet, garment and furniture makers; Cigar
factories; Cold Storage premises; Chemical manufacturers; Computer
installations; Dry cleaning and dyeing laundries; Cable Manufacturing; Flour
mills; Hospitals; Mercantile Occupancies; Rubber based manufacturing;
Soaps and glycerin factories; Textile mills and Starch factories.

Extra (High) Aircraft hangers; Aluminum / Magnesium powder plants; Bulk storage of

SE
flammable liquid and combustible goods warehouses; Chemical
Hazard
Manufacturing; Cigarette filter manufacturing; Cinema films and TV
production studios; Steel Plants; Distilleries; Duplicating / stencil paper

PO
making; Fire Works Manufacturing; Match factories; Oil mills; Paints /
varnish factories; Explosive factories; Petroleum refineries and Underground
shopping complexes.
R
P U
NB: Airports, Industrial buildings, Petrol Stations, Other Building occupancies and functions requiring
fulfillment of international standards, which are not subjects of this Code but classified here under
hazard levels can be used as indicative to fire safety and fighting provisions when specific and
W
international industry standards and practices are referred and adopted.

E
(4)
V I
FIRE CLASSIFICATIONS BASED ON COMPONENTS OR TYPES OF BUILDING
MATERIALS / ELEMENTS
E
R material shall be such that it shall not
The characteristics of a typical fire resisting

R of sudden cooling from a hot state should not be

disintegrate under greater heat, its expansion should not be excessive so as to damage the
structure; and its contraction on account
so rapid as to break into pieces. O
FTheirand
thermal characteristics of insulation
relevant general properties of concern are hardness,
expansion, weight, uniformity, appearance and

L Y purpose,
workability. The choice of material
its suitability for the intended
for a particular building element shall be determined by
cost, availability and compatibility with other
materials. N
O classes specified in this section (Table2.5) shall apply only to the
The building material
specified building material or composite building materials. Composite materials that are not
specified, for example composite of combustible building materials with other combustible
or non-combustible building materials; may have a different fire behavior and hence can be
assigned to another building material class. For building materials or composite materials
not classified, one may need to refer to a specialist literature and proof shall be established
as to the class to which they are assigned.

15
 EBCS 13:2014

Table 2.5. Fire Classifications based on Building Materials / Elements

Non Combustible Material

(1) Sand, gravel, loam, clay and all other soils or rocks occurring in nature used for civil
engineering purposes; (2) Minerals, earths, scoria and pumice; (3) Building materials
obtained from rocks and minerals by combustion processes and/or expansion
Class BMA

processes such as cement, lime gypsum, anhydrite, blast furnace, slag, expanded clay,
expanded shale, expanded glass, perlite and exfoliated vermiculite; (4) Mortar,
concrete, reinforced concrete, pre-stressed concrete, bricks and building boards made
of mineral materials, including those having the usual proportions of mortar or concrete
aggregates; (5) Mineral fibers case without organic additives; (6) Stone ware and
ceramic tiles; and (7) Metals and alloys not in finely divided form, with the exception of
alkali metals and alkaline earth metals and their alloys.
BMB1
(1) Wood wool slabs; (2) Gypsum plastered board with plain or cellular surface; (3) Un-
plasticized PVC pipes and fittings with a wall thickness not greater than 3.2mm; (4)
Floor coverings; (5) PVC floor adhesively bonded to a solid mineral backing; and (6)
Oak parquet floors consisting of parquet strips, parquet mosaic fingers, parquet battens,
in each case, with sealant finishes.
BMB2
SE
(1) Timber and standardized timber derivates, unless specific below, with bulk density of

PO
not less than 400 kg/m3 and thickness greater than 2mm or with a bulk density of not
less than 230 kg/m3 and thickness greater than 2mm or with a bulk density of not less
Limited Combustible Material

than 230 kg/m3 and thickness greater than 5mm; (2) Standardized timber derivates,
R
unless specified below, with a thickness greater than 2mm, coated over the whole

P U
surface with wood veneers or with decorative laminated pressed board, bonded by a
non-thermoplastics bond; (3) General purpose decorative plastics sheet veneered wood
Class BMB

flat pressed board with a thickness of not less than 4mm; (4) Decorative plastics sheet
veneered wood fiber board with a thickness of not less than 3mm; (5) Decorative
W
laminated pressed board; (6) Gypsum composite plaster board (7) Laminated light
E
I
weight building slabs made of foamed plastics and wood wool; (8) Un-plasticized PVC

EV
panels; (9) Pipes & fittings made of un-plasticized PVC, Polypropylene, Un-plasticized
polypropylene, acrylonitrile –butadiene-styrene and acrylester-styrene-acrylonitrile ; (10)
Cast polymethyle methacrylate panels, with a thickness of not less than 2mm; (11) Un-
R
foamed polystyrene (PS) molding compounds, in the form of panels with a thickness of
not less than 1.6 mm; (12) Un-saturated polyester resin (also with glass fiber
R
reinforcement or with mineral additives) with a thickness of not less than 1.3mm; (13)

FO
Un-foamed polyethylene, with a bulk density not exceeding 940 kg/m3 and a thickness
of not less than 1.4mm; (14) Un-foamed PP-B-M polypropylene molding compounds,
with a thickness of not less than 1.4 mm; (15) Un-foamed polyurethane-based joint

LY
sealing compound, without tar or bitumen additives, and also polysulfide, silicon and
acrylate in all cases installed between building materials of at least class B2; (16) Floor

N
coverings’ i.e. PVC coverings; adhesively bonded, linoleum coverings or textile floor
coverings; (17) Asphalt; and (18) Roofing felts and roof sheeting.
O
This Classification is mainly used to determine appropriate building material for the building
components or elements when designed or executed for fire safety precautions.
(5) FIRE CLASSIFICATIONS BASED ON CONSTRUCTION TYPES
For the purpose of fire protection requirements, based on types of construction all buildings
shall be classified into four categories according to fire resistance as listed below.
A. Type I (Fire Resistive): Construction in which the main structural members are made using
non-combustible materials and are fire protected: include such a manner that at least a four
hour rating is available for bearing walls, party walls, isolated piers and columns; at least a
three hour rating is available for beams, girders, joists, floors and floor ceilings assembles; a
two hour rating for roofs roof assemblies and partitions.
B. Type II (Non-combustible): Construction type in which the main structural members are
made using non-combustible or limited combustible include and shall be protected to have
16
 EBCS 13:2014

some degree of fire resistance; include all buildings having similar requirements with Type I
construction, except that bearing walls, isolated piers, columns and main girders which
support walls shall have at least a three hour fire resistance; the floor & floor assembles,
roofs and roof ceiling assembles shall have a two hour fire rating.
C. Type III (Exterior Protected Combustible): Construction type in which main structural
members are made using limited combustible materials: includes all building with bearing
walls, piers & columns (may be masonry, concrete or heavy timber) which shall have at least
a two hour fire rating; beams girders, floors and floor assemblies, roofs & roof ceiling
assemblies shall have at least a one hour fire rating.
D. Type IV (Unprotected) Construction type in which the exterior walls shall be made using
limited combustible and/or combustible materials: include all buildings where the exterior
walls are of masonry or reinforced concrete with at least two hour rating, interior structural
members may be partially or wholly of wood of smaller section; or of iron or steel which is
not specially treated against fire.

2.4 Fire Resistance Grading or Rating

SE
Fire resistance grading or Rating is the shortest period for which a building element or

PO
building component complies with the requirements for stability, integrity and insulation
when tested in accordance with a standard fire rating test. It is used to choose the right

R
materials for different parts of a building based on the time set for occupants to escape or
fire to be contained within a building. This part covers:
A. The different Division areas within a building, P U
B. The separating elements for different occupancies,
C. The different Types of Constructions, and
E W
D.
I
The designations in portable fire extinguishers that affects or determines the fire resistance

EV
grading or rating levels of the building as a whole or a building component or a building
material.
(A) DIVISION AREAS
R
Division area is area of portion of a building separated from the remainder of such building
by one or more separating elementsR

F
Any building shall be divided into
Odivisions with a floor area of not more than that given in
LYeach other by division separating elements provided that:
columns 2, 3, or 4 of Table 2.6 below, and such divisions of the respective floor areas shall
be separated effectively from
N
a) Where an occupancy classified OFJ1, used for storage of flammable liquids, forms part of
O
any building, such part shall be a separate division and the area of such division shall be not
more than 100 m2;
b) Where storage of goods is expected to be to a height of more than 3m in any occupancy
classified OFJ1 or OFJ2, an approved fixed installation of automatic fire extinguishing
system or other recommended firefighting provision shall be provided.

There is a need to limit the maximum division area in order to effectively provide fire safety
and firefighting precautions during building design, works and uses. Table 2.6 provided the
maximum division areas recommended.
Maximum division areas are spaces of each occupancy classes that are allowed to extend
without separation based on the provisions of fixed firefighting system or installation or not;
that is with or without fixed fire extinguishing system or installation.

17
 EBCS 13:2014

Table 2.6. Maximum Division Areas for classes based on building occupancies and functions
1 2 3 6
2
Occupancy Maximum Division Area (m )

No fixed automatic With fixed automatic fire extinguishment

installation
Fire extinguishment
installation
One storey Two storey and
over

OFE1a, OFE2a, 1 250 1 250 1 250

OFE3a

OFE4 250 1 250 1 250

SE
OFA2, OFB2, 5 000 No limit 10 000
OFB3, OFC1,
OFC2, OFG1

OFA4, OFA5, No limit No limit

PO No limit
OFD3, OFJ3,
R
OFJ4

All other 2 500 P U

No limit 5000
occupancies

E W
I
NB: The maximum division area on any storey, and all such divisions, shall be
interconnected.

(B) SEPARATING ELEMENTS EV

R
R
Separating elements can be Occupancy, or Division, or Tenancy, or Partition or Partition
walls.
(1) FO
OCCUPANCY SEPARATING ELEMENTS

Occupancy is a particular Y
normally put or intendedL use or the type of use to which a building or portion thereof is
to be put and Occupancy Separating Elements are partition
elements that separateNone occupancy from the other.
O
Any portion of a building having an occupancy in any one of the groups of occupancies
(OFA) to (OFG) defined in Table 2.2shall subject to the requirements contained in Table 2.5
above, and be separated by means of an occupancy separating element from any portion
of such building used for an occupancy in any other of such groups of occupancies.
Where any occupancy separating element is required, such occupancy separating element
shall have a fire resistance not less than that given in Table 2.7below.

18
 EBCS 13:2014

Table 2.7. Fire Resistance of Occupancy Separating Elements

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

OF Fire Resistance (min)

Classes
B1 B2 J1 A1– F3 D4 E1 A3 J2 F2 G1 J3 J4 H1 A5 C1 B3
3 -4 -5
D1 D2 C2 D3
F1

B1, D1 · 12 12 120 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B2, D2 120 · 12 120 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

J1 120 12 · 120 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12

SE
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

PO
A1 - A3, 120 12 12 · 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
F1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

R
F3 120 12
0
12
0
120 · 12
0
12
0
12
0
12
0
12
0
P0U
12 12
0
12
0
12
0
12
0
12
0
12
0

EW
D4 120 12 12 120 12 · 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

E1 - E4 120 12 12 120 12 12 ·
V
90I 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90
0 0 0 0
E
A3 120 12 12 120 12 12 R
90 · 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90
0 0 0
R
0

FO
J2 120 12 12 120 12 12 90 90 · 90 60 60 60 60 60 60 60
0 0 0 0

F2 120 12
0
12
0 LY
120 12
0
12
0
90 90 90 · 60 60 60 60 60 60 60

N
G1 120 12
0 O12
0
120 12
0
12
0
90 60 60 60 · 60 60 60 60 60 60

J3 120 12 12 120 12 12 90 60 60 60 60 · 60 60 60 60 60
0 0 0 0

J4 120 12 12 120 12 12 90 60 60 60 60 60 · 60 60 60 60
0 0 0 0

H1 - H5 120 12 12 120 12 12 90 60 60 60 60 60 60 · 60 60 60
0 0 0 0

A5 120 12 12 120 12 12 90 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 · 60 60
0 0 0 0

19
 EBCS 13:2014

C1, C2 120 12 12 120 12 12 90 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 · 60

0 0 0 0

B3, D3 120 12 12 120 12 12 90 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 ·

0 0 0 0

(2) DIVISION SEPARATING ELEMENTS

Division is portion of a building separated from the remainder of such building by one or
more separating elements and Division Separating Elements are internal walls that
separate one division from another division.
Where a division separating element is required, such division separating element shall
have a fire resistance of not less than the relevant figure given in Table 2.8 below for the
respective building classifications.

SE
Any construction or expansion joint provided to cater for any movement effects of a building
component in a division separating or occupancy separating element shall have the same

PO
fire resistance rating as that required for the separating element. No combustible roof
components shall penetrate the occupancy separating elements or division separating
elements between occupancies and divisions. R
P U
Table 2.8. Fire Resistance of Division Separating Elements for different Occupancies
1 2

E W
Occupancy
I Fire resistance (minutes)

EV
All occupancies other than those referred to below 60

OFJ1
R
OFB1, OFC1, OFD1, OFE1-E3, OFF1, OFF3, 120

R
(3) O
TENANCY SEPARATING ELEMENTS
F
L Y Any tenancy separating element between tenancies shall
Tenancy separating elements are separating element between tenants within the same
occupancy classification group.
N not be less than 60 min.
have a fire resistance of not less than 30 min, except forOFE1-E3, and OFH1-H3

(4)
O
occupancies; which shall
PARTITION WALLS AND PARTITIONS

Partition is interior construction less than one storey in height, and which is generally of a
light construction and demountable component. Partition Wall is non-structural internal wall
that extends to the ceiling and is constructed for the purpose of subdividing a space.
Any partition or partition wall in any occupancy;
a) Shall have a nominal fire resistance of not less than 30 min and be non-combustible, or
b) Where combustible materials are present, shall not contribute a fire load of more than 5
kg/m2 of floor area.

20
 EBCS 13:2014

In any building classified as OFH3 or OFH4;

a) Any separating element (wall and floor) between any garage that is not large enough to be
classified as OFJ4 and any habitable room shall have a fire resistance of not less than 30
min and the wall shall extend to the underside of the roof; and
b) Any door between such garage and any such room shall have a fire resistance of not less
than 30 min.

Any solid timber door constructed with double rebated joints, that have a thickness of not
less than 40 mm, shall be deemed to comply with the requirement of section 3 and 4 of this
code for a rating of at least 30 min.
(C) Fire Resistance rating based on Type of Constructions

The fire resistance ratings for various types of construction for structural and non-structural
members shall be as given in Table 2.9.
Table 2.9. Fire resistance ratings of building elements in Hours
Building Elements and functioning SE
Types of Construction

PO
Sr.
No I II III IV

1
Exterior Walls
R
 Fire separating and load bearing walls
 Fire separating and non-load bearing walls
P U 4
2
3
1.5
2
1
2
1
Interior bearing walls, bearing partitions, columns, piers,
2
 supporting more than one floor
E W
girders, trusses (other than roof trusses) and framing
4 3 2 2
 supporting a roof or one floor only
I 1 1 1 1

EV
Fire Walls for dwelling unit, tenant spaces and non-load
3
bearing partitions ire Walls 4 2 2 2

4 R
Fire enclosures of exit ways, stairways; shafts other

R
than in exit ways, elevator, hoist ways 2 2 2 2

FO
Exit way access to corridors; vertical separation for
5
dwelling unit, tenant spaces and non-load bearing 1 1 1 1
partitions

LY
Structural members supporting walls; floor construction
6
and their assemblies 3 1.5 1 1

N
Roof construction:
7
O
 5m or less in height
 more than 5 m height
2
1
1.5
1
1
1
1
1

For buildings above 15 m in height non-combustible materials with minimum fire rating of 2
hours shall be used for construction of load bearing framework. The internal walls of
staircases shall be brick work or reinforced concrete, or any other material of construction
with minimum of two hour fire rating. All floors be compartmented with area not exceeding
750 m2 by a separation wall with 2 hours fire rating.
For floors having provisions of sprinklers, the area may be increased up to 50%. In long
buildings, the fire separation walls shall be at distance not exceeding 40m. For
departmental stores, shopping centers and similar occupancies, the area shall be reduced
to 500 m2. Where this is not possible, provision of sprinklers or appropriate firefighting
precaution shall be made with appropriate spacing.
21
 EBCS 13:2014

Walls for chimney shall be considered as Type I construction.

The fire resistance of an element of a structure or combination of elements is determined
from one of the following:
 Information as established by research data or by internationally accepted standards
 Direct application of the results of fire resistance test on an element of structure
 On the basis of calculating the fire resistance of a structural element.
(D) Fire Resistance Rating and designations for portable fire extinguishers

All extinguishers capable of extinguishing Class CFA, CFB or CFK fires carry a Fire Rating
which is indicated by a number and letter such as 13A, 55B, etc. The number indicates the
size of fire it can extinguish under normal test conditions, that is; the larger the number, the
larger the fire it can extinguish. The letter indicates the fire classification based on
combustibility and flammability provided in Table 2.1 above. Class CFC, CFD and CFE fires
do not carry a rating designations.

SE
The minimum effective discharge time of extinguishers with a 2A rating shall not be less

PO
than 13 seconds. Similarly, the minimum effective discharge time of extinguishers with
Class B fire ratings shall be not less than 8 to 15 seconds.
R
2.5 POPULATION /OCCUPANCY LOAD/

P U
Population or Occupancy load is the design number of users accommodated in a building. It

E W
is a vital tool that alongside the building type, governs the fire exit placement and
evacuation strategy for a building. For determining the exits required,the number of

V
occupants, but in no case less than that specified.
I
person's within any floor area or the occupant load shall be based on the actual number of

E
R
The occupant load of a mezzanine floor discharging to a floor below shall be added to that
floor occupancy and the capacity of the exits shall be designed for the total occupancy load
thus established. R
F O
The number of occupants for an existing building with a reasonably fixed population may be

Y or cinemas, the number of seats provided should be

ascertained by questioning the responsible person(s) who owns or occupies the building.

assessed. In situationsLwhere the number of occupants is unknown, the following

For buildings such as theatres

N the density factor and the relevant floor space, will give values for
calculation [Eq. 2.1] using
the occupant load. O
Below is further information on the density factor and an equation for calculating the
occupant load.
The occupant load is equal to the floor space, subtracting the permanent features, divided
by the density factor; that is:
Occupant Load = {Floor Space – permanent features} / Density Factor [Eq. 2.1]
To calculate the maximum numbers of people permissible in any given occupancy – the
occupant load – one must refer to density factors. The density factor may be defined as
“the available floor space per person”.

22
 EBCS 13:2014

Design codes for buildings lay down specific density factors, which will vary, dependent
upon the intended use of the space. To ascertain the maximum number of people, one
calculates the floor space and deletes the area of permanent features such as stairs, toilets,
lifts, escalators, corridors and other circulation spaces.

What is left is the usable floor space and this is divided by the density factor giving you the
number of people who may occupy that area. With the ascertained occupant load numbers,
one can design the buildings fire exits accordingly.
As a result; the population of any room or story or portion thereof shall be taken as the
actual population of such room, story or portion thereof where such population is known or
determined using the above expression, where such population is not known; the
population shall be calculated from the criteria given in Table 2.10.
Table 2.10. Design Occupancy Load /Population/

SE
1 2

Class of Occupancy of Occupancy Load / Population /

PO
Room or Story or
Portion thereof

R
OFA1,
OFA5
OFA2, OFA4,
there are no fixed seats
P U
Number of fixed seats or 1 person per m2 if

OFA3 , OFH2 1 person per 5 m2

E W
OFB1-B3, OFD1-D3
I
1 person per 15 m2

EV
2
OFC1, OFE2, OFF1, 1 person per 10 m
OFF2
R 2
OFC2, OFF3
R
1 person Per 20 m

FO
OFE1, OFE3, OFH1, 2 persons per bedroom
OFH3, OFH4

LY
2
OFG1 1 person per 15 m

OFJ1-J4 N 1 person per 50 m

2

O
In the case of any occupancy classified as OFF1, where the total floor area is more than
500m2, that portion of the floor area that is in excess of 500 m2 shall, for the purposes of
calculation of population, be reduced by an amount of 20 % .

2.6 Relationships with Statutory Provisions / Legislations and Ethiopian Standards

2.6.1 General

The relevant statutory provisions and Ethiopian Standards indicated in Annex A have to be
complied within the event of a conflict with this Code. However, this Code is of a wider
scope and includes matters relevant to the protection of buildings from fire as well as the
safety of the occupants and properties; hence enjoys priority over the statutory provisions in
case they provide requirements of a specific nature and explicitly described hereof.
23
 EBCS 13:2014

It is to be noted that this code is obligatory in nature and has precedence over voluntary
standards made available by the other fire related Ethiopian Standards (Annex B).

2.7 Duties and Roles of Key Stakeholders

2.7.1 General

Information shall be sufficiently communicated to all parties specifically to Regulatory

Bodies, Developers or Clients, Designers, Supervisors, Contractors and Users or Occupiers
and their agents, as the effectiveness of fire safety and firefighting provisions included in
this code are highly dependent upon their cooperation and actions.

2.7.2 Regulatory Bodies

Regulatory bodies or their agents are advised to use the following guidance in fulfillment of

SE
their fire safety and firefighting precautions requirements:
 It is necessary that waiver of fire precautions requirement be made strictly based on

PO
justifiable reasons in towns where such hazards are minimal and / or their provisions are
non-economical by a committee established for such a specific purpose approved by the
R
Ministry of Urban Development and Works or its successors and / or delegates hereinafter


called the Ministry.

P U
It is necessary that the Ministry or its delegate keep records of qualifications and
experiences to certify fire related professionals or occupations to authorize their ability and

management and maintenance services.

E W
involvement in fire precautions design or installation or inspection or supervisory or

 I
It is necessary that the Ministry to cause review of recommendations in this code and any

EV
waivers approved thereof periodically based on the development of the imminent increase of
fire hazards in any town or city.

 R
It is necessary that fire related designs need to be approved prior to installation in buildings.
It is necessary that fire precautions installed in buildings are checked for conformance to this
R
code and periodically inspected and maintained for their operations.

2.7.3 Developers / Clients

FO
LY
Developers or their agents are advised to use the following guidance in fulfillment of their
fire safety and firefighting precautions requirements:
N

O
It is necessary that fire precautions need to be provided in accordance with the requirements
of this code and subsequent approved fire design services.
 It is necessary that all escape routes are finished, safe, unobstructed and made operational
before occupation.
 It is necessary that fire doors are always closed, are not wedged open and self-closing
mechanisms are well maintained where provided.
 It is necessary that fire, smoke and heat warning or detection, alarm and control or fighting
systems shall always be made operational; that is, need to be inspected, tested and
maintained periodically and enable early detection to let occupiers escape early and
minimize their spread.
 It is necessary that any alterations, additions, inspections, repairs, or modifications to fire
services facilities and equipment shall be carried out only by competent persons
(Occupational or Professional).

24
 EBCS 13:2014

 It is necessary to consult the relevant public body and competent persons when alterations
to buildings are being considered for any effects with respect to fire safety and firefighting
precautions.

2.7.4 Designers and Supervisors

Designers and Supervisors shall inform their Clients of the nature, functions and if
necessary limitations of fire precautions taken into considerations in the building
construction design services including provision of emphases to those whose nature may
be less evident in order to enable Clients to possess a better understanding of the
responsibility for ensuring that a high standard of safety from fire to be maintained.
Designers shall ensure the fulfillment of minimum standards (but not limited to) set in this
Code during building design services and recognize negligence and / or intentional failure
to respect for will call upon failure of professional liability legally.

SE
Designers also require referring and using recommendations of Ethiopian Standards listed
in Appendix A-2, specialist literatures, relevant international practices and specific industry

PO
requirements for those which are not specifically covered in this code andwill be liable for
their fire safety and fighting provisions.
R only to the extent the
U
Supervisors shall ensure the conformance of fire design requirements
Pcovered in this code.
design shall respect the recommendations set in this code or any approved waiver thereof
or use of international standards for specific industries not
Supervisors shall strictly approve fire precautionWinstallation systems based on the
approved design and specifications included IE in the specific contract and follow the

E V
installation of fire precautions by the Contractor for conformance.

2.7.5 Contractors
R
Code during construction works O
R of minimum standards (but not limited to) set in this
Contractors shall ensure the fulfillment
and recognize negligence and / or intentional failure will
call upon legal liabilities. F
2.7.6 Users / Occupiers Y
L
Users / Occupiers or theirN agents are advised to use the following guidance in fulfillment of
O requirements:
their fire safety precautions
 It is necessary that smoke alarms are inspected periodically for operability.
 It is necessary that all escape routes do not store anything, especially easily combustible
and flammable materials.
 It is necessary not to store combustible and flammable materials where gas and electricity
lines and / or meters are fitted.
 It is necessary not to block access roads to the building for firefighting services.
 It is necessary to leave straight away from a room where fire breaks out and close the door
behind, do not stay behind to put out the fire.
 It is necessary to let others to leave from the surrounding rooms using either alarm or all
other available means and close the front door of the building behind.
 It is usually safe to stay where you are if you identify fire in a nearby building unless smoke
and / or heat is transmitted into your building.
25
 EBCS 13:2014

 It is necessary not to use lifts, balconies unless they are part of the escape routes and call
the fire brigade, tell the address where the fire breaks out and your telephone number but do
not shut your telephone before the fire brigade representative repeats all the information.

2.7.7 Use of the Principles and Application of recommendations in this Code

Recommendations provided in this code shall be taken as minimum requirements only.

Buildings providing beyond minimum requirements stated in this code that enhance safety
of people and property are not prohibited if economy is not questionable.
Intelligible and contextual appreciation of principles and application of recommendations in
this code is essential as it is not possible to make comprehensive fire precautions covering
all possible fire risks. As a result, designers shall take into account the particular type of
buildings, their contents and kinds of occupants they serve in relation to potential fire risks
or hazards.

SE
Recommendations provided in all sections of this code shall be considered integratively;
that is, isolated or individual recommendations may give little or no benefit relating to fire
safety as well as firefighting precautions.
P O
R
Before using or purchasing this code; it is recommended to ensure its status towards the
latest version as it may be subject to reviews.
Use of recommendations in this code shall apply for theP
U
building design and works of new
buildings and alterations of existing buildings.

E W
I
EV
R
R
FO
LY
N
O

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 EBCS 13:2014

SECTION 3 Fire Safety and Means of Escape and / or Egress

3.1 Introduction

3.1.1 Scope

This section covers the fire safety and means of escape / egress requirements for planning
within the building and the building site and site planning.

3.2 Escape from Fire

Escape from fire safely through sufficient escape routes (means of escape) and exits
(means of egress) is central to allowing occupants to reach an area of relative safety
without unduly delay during fire emergency. Such provisions shall be given appropriate
consideration including staged evacuation possibilities during building program definition

SE
and design services.
Not only fire but products of fire such as smoke, heat and flames need also be considered

PO
in determining the appropriate escape routes and exits as well as their containment for
some time using compartmentalization, firefighting precautions, etc.
R
U
Each floor plan should show the location of all main corridors and exits as a means of
P within the building. Evacuation
escape, the location of fire-protection equipment—including evacuation devices—and a list
of all at-risk building occupants, including their usual location

E W
procedures should also incorporate the individual evacuation plans of the building’s at-risk
occupants and establish an area outside of the building including refuge areas where occu-
pants can meet to ensure that everyone has evacuated
V I the building safely.

not a sufficient requirement to enableR

E of appropriate escape routes and exits is
Practical experiences have shown that provision
occupants evacuate to safety places. It is also

Ron how to evacuate including practices of Fire drill.

necessary to build occupants motivation to escape by providing package of fire precaution
measures and complementary training

F
People with disabilities shall also
Obe given appropriate assistance as well as means of
occupied by escape flow, Y
escape and egress for evacuation during fire emergency. Refuge areas other than spaces
L ramps with appropriate slope, firm and slip resistant surface
N
finishes and lifts designated for firefighting services can be utilized for evacuating disable

determine minimumO
persons. Designers may refer ES 3083:2006 and relevant standards and literatures to
requirements with respect to means of escape for disable people. It is
advisable and practicable that disable people be placed in ground floors having a direct
horizontal means of escape wherever possible.
When designing a building and the resulting fire escape measures, one must be aware of
six main points; namely: (1) Fire Classification based on building occupancy and function
(Table 2.2); (2) Evacuation Time; (3) Travel distance; (4) Occupancy load (Table 2.5); (5)
Widths of Escape routes and Exits; and (6) Number of exits or means of egress.
The minimum recommended requirements of means of escape and / or egress of this code
is provided based on the fire classification of building occupancy and function defined in
section 2 above.

27
 EBCS 13:2014

Evacuation time is mainly dependent upon the fire resistance rating of building materials
and separation and division elements as provided in section 2 of this code.
While limitation of travel distance determine the position of exits; the occupancy load; that
is, the number of persons to be evacuated determine the size or widths and numbers of
escape routes and exits. However, one shall also consider the height and size of the
building in order to determine additional escape routes or stairs for firefighting purposes.
Designers full appreciation of the probable behavior of fire section by section in an
occupancy is an important requirement to design the means of escape and / or egress
taking into consideration the above six points and development rate of fire and its primary
products such as smoke, heat and flame.
The basic criteria for determining the design for means of escape and / or egress are (To
be checked for repetition in the final draft):

SE
1. Provision of alternative means of escape.
2. Every part of the building within restricted travel distance to either an exit to safe place or

PO
protected areas such as staircases or refuge areas.
3. Lifts other than firefighting lifts, passenger conveyors and escalators, portable and throw out

R
ladders and self-rescue apparatus are not acceptable as a means of escape.

3.3 Planning Building Site and Site Planning

P U
Planning building site and site planning for firefighting includes provisions for:

E W
1. Emergency vehicular access;
2. Open spaces within the sight; and I
EV
3. Accessibility for firefighting including access staircase for firemen, firemen lifts and
firefighting and rescue staircases which are called protected areas.

3.3.1 Emergency Vehicular Access (EVA)

R
R
Every building shall be provided
unobstructed access around and F Oto with adequate access to allow firemen safe and
all floors of the building in the event of a fire. Every

the Fire Services BrigadeL Yaround the building and to the site of the building for the safe
building shall also be provided with an EVA to allow the safe and unobstructed access for

N
operation of such a vehicle.
O categories should be designed and constructed complying with the
EVA for all the building
following requirements, unless otherwise specified and given a special exception:
(a) The width of an EVA in the form of a carriageway should not be less than 7.5m. An EVA that
is not in the form of a carriageway should be hard-paved, not less than 6m wide and well
demarcated on site and should be free from surface parking;
(b) If there is any overhead structure over any part of the EVA, clear headroom, of not less than
4.5m should be maintained;
(c) The EVA should allow safe and unobstructed access and safe operation of a vehicle of the
Fire Services Department having the specifications of the standard of Ethiopia fire brigade
vehicle. Turning space for vehicles of the Fire Services Department should be provided at all
dead-ends;
(d) The EVA must serve at least one major facade of the building. A major facade of a building
is defined as having more than one-fourth of the total length of all the perimeter walls of the
28
 EBCS 13:2014

building. In case the major facade is less than one-fourth of the total length of all the
perimeter walls of the building, the EVA should serve this major facade and, in addition,
other facades of the building such that the aggregate length of the facades served is not less
than one-fourth of the total length of all the perimeter walls of the building. A part of the
building facade is deemed to be served by the EVA if the horizontal distance between the
EVA and such part of the facade does not exceed 10m. The part of the EVA serving a
building facade should not be covered.
(e) Alongside any EVA reliable and adequate water supply should better be provided to enable
the fire brigade to effectively fight the fire and carry out rescue operations.

3.3.2 Open spaces within the site

The open spaces around or inside a building shall conform to the general building
requirements set by the zoning law.
For high rise buildings, the following additional provisions of means of access to the

SE
building shall be ensured:

PO
(a) The width of the main street on which the building abuts shall not be less than 12 m and one
end of this street shall join another street not less than 12m in width; the road shall not
terminate in a dead end except in the case of residential building, no higher than 30m.
R
(b) The compulsory open spaces around the building shall not be used for parking; and,

P U
adequate passageway and clearances required for fire fighting vehicles to enter the
premises shall be provided at the main entrance; the width of such entrance shall not be less
than 4.5m. If an arch or covered gate is constructed, it shall have a clear head-room of not
less than 5m.
E W
(c) The approach to the building and the open spaces of the building, on all its sides up to 6m in
I
width or greater, is to be built of a hard surface capable of taking the mass of fire engine

EV
weighing from 20 to 40 tons.
(d) The main entrance to the plot shall be of adequate width to allow easy access to the fire
R
engine and in no case shall it measure less than 6m in width. If the main entrance at the
boundary wall is built over, the minimum clearance shall be 4.5m. A turning radius of 9m
R
shall be provided for firefighting and fire brigade movement.

FO
(e) The road shall not terminate in ahead end except in the case of residential building up to a
height of 30m.

LY
(f) Ramp for basement or storied parking:- For parking spaces in a basement and upper floors,
at least two ramps of adequate width and slope shall be provided preferably at the opposite
side and such ramps may be permitted in the side and rear marginal open spaces after
N
leaving sufficient space for movement of firefighting equipment.
O

Figure 3.1. Gates Headroom Height

29
 EBCS 13:2014

3.3.3 Accessibility for firefighting

Accessibility for firefighting such as the minimum numbers of access staircase required for
firefighting, firemen’s lift and additional firefighting and rescue stairways are provided for
defined fire classifications based on occupancy and functions and additional building height
considerations (Table 3.1).
Table 3.1. Minimum Requirements of Numbers of Accesses for Fire Fighting
Fire Classification Additional Requirements Numbers of Access for firefighting
based on services
Occupancy and
Function Stairca Fireman’s Fire
ses Lifts fighting
and Rescue
Stairways
Residential (OFE3, Not exceeding three storeys None

SE
OFH3, OFH4)

PO
Residential (H5), (a) Exceeding 1 but not exceeding 6 storeys One None
and uppermost floor not exceeding 13m
Business(F1)
above ground and usable floor area not
exceeding 250m² per floor
R
(b) Exceeding 1 but not exceeding 6 storeys
and uppermost floor exceeding13m but not P U One

exceeding 17m above ground and usable

W
floor area not exceeding 150m² per floor
E
I
Residential (H5),
EV
(a) Exceeding 1 but not exceeding 30m
above mean level of lowest street,
Two or
more
Business (F1)
R
irrespective of cubical extent

R
FO
(b) Exceeding 2 storeys and exceeding 30m Two or One within None
above the mean level of lowest street, more 60m of any
irrespective of cubical extent part of floor

LY
All Non-Residential
N
(a) Exceeding 1 storey but not exceeding Two or None
Buildings
other than OFD, O
15m above mean level of lowest street,
irrespective of cubical extent
more

OFH1, OFJ, or
buildings listed
above (b) Exceeding 1 storey and exceeding 15m Two or
but not exceeding 30m above the mean more
level of the lowest street and not exceeding
7000m³ in cubical extent including
basements

(c) Exceeding 2 storeys and exceeding 15m Two or One within None
but not exceeding 30m above mean level of more 60m of any
the lowest street and exceeding 7000m³ in part of floor
cubical extent including basements

30
 EBCS 13:2014

(d) Exceeding 2 storeys and exceeding 30m Two or One within

above mean level of lowest street, more 60m of any
irrespective of cubical extent part of floor

Hotels (OFH1), (a) Exceeding 1 but not exceeding 2 storeys Two or

Institutional (OFE1
– E3) and (b) Exceeding 2 storeys, irrespective of Two or One within
height above mean level of lowest street more 60m of any
Assembly(OFA1-
and cubical extent part of floor
A2)

Industrial (OFD) and (a) Exceeding 2 storeys but not Two or One within
exceeding 30m above the mean level of the more 60m of any
Storage (OFJ1 – J3)
lowest street and not exceeding 7000m³ in part of floor
cubical extent including basements

SE
All Basements Two or One within 60m of any part
more of floor

NB: Additional provisions

PO
1.
R
Every building having a height of more than 25mts shall be provided with diesel generators which can
be utilized in case of failure of the electricity.
2. U
Water Supply: Underground tank of the capacity of 100000 liters and 200000 liters for the buildings
P
situated within the municipal limit and outside of the municipal limit respectively be invariably provided in all
the high rise buildings.
3.
W
The detailed plan showing the arrangement of pipe lines. Booster pumps and water-tanks at various
E
levels shall be submitted for approval of the concerned authority along with the plans and sections of the
buildings. I
EV
4. All the requirements under the above regulations shall be clearly indicated on plans duly signed by the
owner and the person who has prepared the plans. The Competent Authority may direct the owner to submit

R
such further drawings as may be necessary to clarify the implementation of the provisions of the above
regulations.
5.
R
Mixed Occupancy when any building is used for more than one type of occupancy. Then is so far as

FO
fire safety is concerned it shall conform to the requirements for the occupancies of higher hazard. Unless the
high hazard area is separated by separating walls of 4 h rating. The occupancies shall not be treated
individually.

LY
3.4 Planning within Buildings

3.4.1 Exit or Means N

O of Escape / Egress Facilities and Arrangements

Exit Facilities and Arrangements deals with: (A) Evacuation Routes, (B) General Exit
requirements, (C) Capacity of Exits, (D) Exit arrangements and Travel distance, and (E)
Exit Facilities.
A. Evacuation / Escape Routes

There are three main strategies for evacuations routes. Every building should have a Fire
Emergency Evacuation Plan (FEEP) posted in the lobby and kept with the building
administrator. Below are the three evacuation strategies that present themselves:
(a) Simultaneous Evacuation: In most premises, the evacuation in the case of fire will simply
be by means of everyone reacting to the warning signal and making their way, by the means
of escape, to a place of safety away from the premises. This is known as a simultaneous

31
 EBCS 13:2014

evacuation and will normally be initiated by the sounding of the general alarm over the fire
warning system.
(b) Vertical Phased Evacuation: In some larger buildings with complex premises, it is
appropriate to start the evacuation by initially evacuating only the area closest to the fire and
warning other people to stand by. This is normally done by immediately evacuating the floor
where the fire is located and the floor above and below. The other floors are then evacuated
one by one to avoid congestion on the escape routes.

A variation on the Vertical Phase Evacuation is a Horizontal Phased Evacuation, which may
be appropriately used for Institutions, Group C buildings such as hospitals. A Horizontal
Phase Evacuation divides the floor into a number of fire resisting compartments and the
occupants are moved from the compartment involved in the fire to an adjacent
compartment, and if necessary, moved again.

SE
PO
R
P U
E W
I
EV
Figure 3.2. Vertical and Immediate Evacuation Types
R
R
Because of the extra time a Horizontal Phased Evacuation takes other fire precautions may
be required. These include the use of:
(i) Fire control points. FO
LY
(ii) Compartmentation of the premises using fire-resisting construction.
(iii) Sprinklers in buildings where the top floor is 30 meters or more above ground.

N
O

Figure 3.3. Horizontal evacuation type

32
 EBCS 13:2014

(c) Staff Alarm Evacuation: In some cases it may not be appropriate for a general alarm to
start immediate evacuation for a building, for example in a cinema or assembly hall. The
staff alarm scenario is because of the need for the staff to enact pre-arranged plans for the
safe evacuation of the premises.

B. General Exit Requirements

An exit may be a doorway; corridor passageway(s) to an internal staircase or external

staircase or to a verandah or terrace (s) which have access to the street or to the roof of a
building or a refuge area. An exit may also include a horizontal exit leading to an adjoining
building at the same level.
The following general requirements shall be adhered for a safe exit:
 Lifts and escalators shall not be considered as exits.
 Every exit access or exit discharge shall be continuingly maintained free of all obstructions

SE
or impediments to full use in the case of fire of other emergency.
 Every Building meant for human occupancy shall be provided with exits sufficient to permit

PO
safe escape of occupants in case of fire or other emergency.
 In every building or structure exits shall comply with the minimum requirements of this part,
except those not accessible for general public use.
R



than that required.
P U
No building shall be so altered as to reduce the number width or protection of exits to less

Exits shall be clearly visible and the route to reach the exits shall be clearly marked and

W
signs posted to guide the occupants of the floor concerned. Signs shall be illuminated and
wired to an independent electrical circuit on an alternative source of supply. The size and
E
I
colors of the exit signs shall be in accordance with good practice. The colure of the exit signs

EV
shall be green.

Note: - this provision shall not apply to H-3 and H-5 (To be checked in the final draft)
occupancy less than 15 m in height. R
R
The floors of areas covered for the means of exit shall be illuminated to values not less than

FO

30 cm candle (10 lux) at floor level in auditions theaters connects halls and such other
pieces of assembly. The illumination of floor exit/ access may be reduced during period of

LY
performances to values not less than 6cm candle (2 lux).

N
O

Figure 3.4. Adjacent building as a means of escape

33
 EBCS 13:2014

 Fire doors with 2hrs fire resistance shall be provided at appropriate places along the escape
route and particularly at the entrance to lift in by and stair well where a funnel or flue effect
may be created, inducing an upward spread or fire to prevent spread of fire and smoke.

Figure 3.5. Fire Doors


exterior open space leading to a street. SE
All exits shall provide continuous means of egress to the exterior of a building or to an

PO
 Exits shall be so arranged that they may be reached without passing through another
occupied unit.
C. Capacity of Exits R
P U
The role of fire exits and their corresponding capacity of evacuation are to safely facilitate
the means of escape in case of a fire from any point in a building to a place of safety, clear
of the building, without outside assistance.
E W
The average exit flow rate used internationallyIis 60 people per minute for a single unit

relating to exit flow speeds and capacities. E

V The value is used herein for calculations
escape route, which leads to a single unit door.
Single unit escape route should have a minimum
width of 1050mm and a single unit door R should have a minimum width of 750mm.

R
FO
LY
N
O
Figure 3.6. Minimum Widths for Fire Doors and Escape Routes

The capacity and number of exits and escape routes should follow the designated values
given in Table 3.2 below:

34
 EBCS 13:2014

Table 3.2. Minimum Number and Width of Exit Doors and Exit Routes
Occupancy Minimum Minimum total Minimum Width
Load / No. of exit
width (in mm) (in mm) of each
Population doors /
exit routes
(No. of persons) Exit Doors Exit Exit Exit
Routes Doors Routes
4-30 1 750 1050 750 1050
31-200 2 1750 2100 850 1050
201-300 2 2500 2500 1050 1050
301-500 2 3000 3000 1050 1050
501-750 3 4500 4500 1200 1200
751-1000 4 6000 6000 1200 1200
1001-1250 5 7500 7500 1350 1350

SE
1251-1500 6 9000 9000 1350 1350
1501-1750 7 10500 10500 1500 1500
1751-2000 8 12000 12000
PO
1500 1500
2001-2500 10 15000 15000
R
1500 1500
2501-3000 12 18000 18000

P U 1500 1500

For buildings with occupancy rates greater than 3,000 people per floor, it is required for the

E W
fire engineering services, of the fire brigade, to design the exit capacities. Minimum total
width is the aggregate total of all the exit doors or exit routes added together.

V I
The unit of exit width, used to measure the capacity of any exit, shall be 500 mm; a clear
E half unit. Clear widths less than 250 mm
width of 250 mm shall be counted as an additional
shall not be counted for exit width.
R
assembly occupancies, and the O
R
When horizontal exit is provided in buildings of mercantile, Storage, industrial, business and
capacity per storey per unit width of exit of stairways in
Table may be increased by 50F percent and in buildings of institutional occupancy it may be

LYspeeds are given below in Table 3.3 for different building

increased by 100 percent.
Calculations for exit flow
densities, heights andNcapacities.
O

35
 EBCS 13:2014

Table 3.3. Discharge Values of Required Staircases in Buildings

No. of Width of required staircase (mm)
Storeys
1050 -1200 1200 - 1350 1350 - 1500 1500 - 1600 1600 - 1700 1700 - 1800
served

1 210 240 270 300 320 340

2 242 278 315 351 377 402

3 274 316 360 402 434 464
4 306 354 405 453 491 526
5 338 392 450 504 548 588
6 370 430 495 555 605 650
7 402 468 540 606 662 712

SE
8 434 506 585 657 719 774
9 466 544 630 708 776 836

10 498 582 675 759

PO 833 898

Add for each R

additional
storey
32 38 45
P U
51 57 62

E W
*Discharge values for exits moving upwards, for example to access aroofexitor an escape
staircase leading from a basement, should be multiplied by a reduction factor of 0.8.
I
EV
*Discharge values for ascissor staircase without a landing area between floors should be
multiplied by reduction factor of 0.7 for every floor without landing.

R
A.
R
Arrangement of Exits and Travel Distance

FOto minimize
It is recommended that in buildings
opposite sides of a room or floor
with more than one exit, exits to be arranged at
the risk of both exits being impassable due to
smoke or fire. In the caseYof larger buildings, with greater than two exits per floor, it is
L spaced and placed at a minimum of a 45 m from each other.
required that exits be well
Therefore; N
O
(a) Exits must be arranged so that they lead to an ultimate place of safety
(b) Directional and exit signs should be provided to indicate the location of protected exits and
assist occupants with their path of travel along the exit route. Such signs should comply with
the standard requirements set in section five of the code labeled “Fire Detection and Alarm
Systems”.
(c) Every building, except those buildings small enough and permitted to have only one required
escape staircase (refer to Table B1)should be so constructed that from each storey, not less
than two exit routes or such greater number, are available. The width of each exit route and
the total width of all the exit routes should be not less than the width shown in Table
3.2accordingto the occupant capacity and the number of exit routes provided that.
(d) It has to be ensured that the exits and stairways of any buildings are always kept clear of all
obstructions or hazardous materials.
(e) Every door across an exit or into an exit route from a room or storey with the occupant
capacity exceeding 30, should:
36
 EBCS 13:2014

 open in the direction of exit, or

 If constructed to open both ways, have transparent upper view panel.
(f) If it is necessary to secure an exit door against entry from outside, the locking device should
be of the type that is capable of being readily opened from the inside without the use of a
key. When a Push plate, push bar or a single action lever handle is installed, it should not be
encased. A locking device which is electrically operated should be capable of automatic
release upon activation of an automatic heat or smoke detection system from the operation
of an alarm system; or, allow for a central manual override designed and installed to the
satisfaction of the fire brigade. Upon power failure, the electrical locking device should be
released automatically. In the case of a door to a required staircase or to a protected lobby
of the required staircase, the security mechanism should not affect compliance regardless of
the situation.
(g) Every door opening on to a landing between flights of a required staircase, should not at any
point of its swing, reduce the effective radius of the landing to less than the minimum width
of the required staircase.
(h) The travel distance to an exit from the dead end of a corridor shall not exceed half the

SE
distance specified in Table 3.4 except in assembly and institutional occupancies in which
case it shall not exceed 6m.

PO
(i) Whenever more than one exit is required for any room space or floor of a building. Exits shall
be placed as remote from each other as possible and shall be arranged to provide direct
access in separate directions from any point in the area served.
R
Table 3.4. Travel Distance for Occupancy and Type of Construction
No Group of Occupancy P U
Maximum Travel Distance (D)

EW
Types 1&2 Types3&4

i) Residential
V I30.00 22.50

ii) Educational E 30.00 22.50

R
iii) Institutional
R 30.00 22.50

FO
iv) Assembly 30.00 30.00

LY
v) Business 30.00 30.00

vi) Mercantile 30.00 30.00

N
vii)
O Industrial 45.00 30.00

viii) Storage 30.00 30.00

ix) Hazardous 22.50 30.00

37
 EBCS 13:2014

(a)

SE
PO
R
P U
E W
I
EV
R
R
FO
LY
(b)

N Figure 3.7. Minimum Travel Distance

Notes
O
1. For fully sprinkled building, the travel distance may be increased by 50 percent of the values
specified in Table 3.4 above.

2. Ramps shall be protected with automatic sprinkler system or any appropriate equivalent and
shall be counted as one of the means of escape.

B. Exit Facilities

Building shall be so designed and constructed so that there are adequate means of escape
from the building to a place of safety outside the building that can be safely and effectively
used.
The requirement of proper exit facilities maybe met:
38
 EBCS 13:2014

(a) If there are routes of sufficient number and size, which are suitably located, to enable
persons to escape to a place of safety in the event of fire. Details on the specifications and
number of these routes have been specified in Tables 3.1, 3.2and 3.3.
(b) If the routes are sufficiently protected from the effects of fire in terms of enclosures, where
necessary, and through the deliberate use of fire retardant materials on these routes.
(c) If sufficient lighting, means of smoke control and an alarm system to warn the occupants of
the existence of fire are provided to enable them to use the routes safely.

Each qualification is dependent on the use of the buildings, its size and height. The basic
principles of the means of escape are such that:
 There should be alternative means of escape whenever possible.
 Where direct escape to place of safety is not possible, the means of escape should consist of a
refuge area that leads to a protected escape route that should ultimately lead to a place of
safety. The final place of safety is the open air, which is clear of the effects of the fire; however,
in modern large and complex buildings, reasonable safety may be reached within the building
E
itself. For such case the FEEP must designate the place of safety clearly.

S
Egressibility means that, in case of an emergency, the occupants have the ability to leave a
building or to reach an area of safety. There are various options to O
building; namely: P ensure egressibility of a
R

P U
One of the suggested options is the use of refuge areas in a building. This option implies that
occupants with disabilities do not have to evacuate during a fire; rather they move to an area
of refuge where they can be rescued later.


E W
Another option being considered is the provision of "safe elevators" in high rise building.
A third option is to develop specific evacuation procedures for people with disabilities. The
I
"buddy" system, for example, identifies one or a few persons who have the responsibility of

EV
looking after or reporting the presence of a person with limitations in case of an emergency.
 In the case of mezzanines or balconies open to the floor below, or other unprotected vertical
R
openings between floors, the population of the mezzanine or other subsidiary floor for level
shall be added to that of the main floor for the purpose of determining the required exits,
R
provided, however, that in no case shall the total number of exit units be less than that

FO
required if all vertical openings were enclosed.
 At least two separate exits shall be accessible from every part of every floor, including

LY
basements; such exits shall be as remote from each other as practicable and so arranged as
to be reached by different paths of travel in different directions. Except that a common path
of travel may be permitted for the first 15m from any point.
 N
Not less than two exits shall be provided for every floor. Including basements occupied for


O
office purposes or uses incidental thereto.
In addition to the general requirements specified for type of construction and occupancy and
the exit requirements given and the requirements given for mixed occupancy
 No dwelling unit shall have its sole means of exit through any mercantile occupancy in the
same building except in the case of a single family unit where the family operates the storey.

Generally exit facilities include (1) Doorways and Openings, (2) Corridors and
Passageways; (3) Stairways, Lifts, Lobbies and Corridors; (4) Roof Exits; (5) Ramps; and
(6) Areas of Refuge.
1. Doorways and Openings

Doorways: Doorways have two main functions for fire codes either as exit facilities or as
fire doors. The two uses of doorways are further explained below.

39
 EBCS 13:2014

Exit Doors:

The main function of exit doors is to facilitate the safe and expedient exit from a place
emergency to a place of safety. It is important that a fire exit door opens easily; that they
are sufficiently wide; that it is well marked, and that the fire door is readily accessible in the
case of fire.
(a) Fire exits of all kinds should be quick and easy to open without the need for a key. It is
important to highlight that the most problematic, and also most important of these exits, is
usually the final exit door of building.
(b) The most commonly used type of exit door used is a “push bar”, which can only be opened
from within. There are a number of other options available; however, most are prohibitively
expensive and/or not as reliable as a push bar door. A push bar door should be widely
adapted as the standard. Considerations for not using a push bar door are situations in
which the exit door must also double as a normal passage way to get in and out of the
building.

Fire Doors:
SE
PO
Fire doors have two important functions in a fire; when closed they form a barrier to stop the
spread of fire and when opened they provide a means of escape. Fire doors come in
R
different degrees of resistance but the majority range from half hour resisting doors to one

hazard rate of fire is to be expected. P U

hour resisting doors. There uses are for large buildings and industrial facilities where a high

W
A well designed fire door will delay the spread of fire and smoke without causing too much
E
V I
hindrance to the movement of people and goods. Every fire door is therefore required to act
as a barrier to the passage of smoke and/or fire to varying degrees depending upon its

E
location in a building and the fire hazards associated with that building.
A fire door required to provide resistance Rto the passage of a well-developed fire must be
Rgap between the door and its frame.
fitted with proper seals. These seals remain dormant under normal conditions but expand
greatly in the heat of a fire to close the
O
As smoke spreads it is an evenFgreater threat to life and property than flames, particularly in

LYaround the door edges.

the early stages of a fire. Fire doors should also be fitted with a „cold smoke‟ seal to
prevent the ingress of smoke
Openings in separating N Walls and Floors: At the time of designing openings in
separating walls andOfloors. Particular attention shall be paid to all such factors that will limit
fire spread through these openings and maintain fire rating of the structural member.
For Types 1 to 3 Constructions

A doorway or opening in a separating wall on any floor shall be limited to 5.6 m in area with
a maximum height/ width of 2.75 m. every wall opening shall be protected with fire –
resisting doors having the free rating of not less than 2h in accordance with accepted
standard. All openings in the floors shall be protected by vertical enclosures extending
above and below such openings, the wall of such enclosures having a fire resistance of not
less than 2 h and all openings there in being protected with a fire-resisting assembly as
specified further.

40
 EBCS 13:2014

For type 4 Constructions

Openings in the separating walls or floors shall be fitted with 2 hrs fire-resting assemblies.
Openings in walls or floors which are necessary to be provided to allow passages of all
building services like cables, Electrical wirings, Telephone cables, plumbing's pipes etc. be
protected by enclosure in the form of ducts/ Shaft having a fire resistance not less than 2h.
The inspection door for electrical shafts/ ducts shall be not less than 2 h and for other
services shafts/ ducts shall be not less than 2h and for other services shafts/ ducts.
Note: – in the case of building where it is necessary to lower of in heavy machinery or good
from one floor to the other. It may be necessary to provide large openings in the floor such
openings shall be provided with removable covers which shall have the same strength and
fire resistance as the floor.
Vertical Opening: Every vertical opening between the floors of a building shall be suiting

SE
enclosed or protected as necessary to provide Reasonable safety to the occupants while
using the means of ingress by preventing spread of fire. Smoke or fume through vertical

PO
openings from floor to floor to allow occupants to completes the use of the means of
egress. Further it shall be ensured that sill of such opening abutting on any open space
R
shall not be less than 90cms above the level of the floor from which such opening is

P U
accessible. Provided that if such opening is to be constructed flush with floor level its lower
portion for a height of 90cms shall be protected by bars or grill or similar other devices to
the satisfaction of the Competent Authority.
2. Corridors and Passageways
E W
A corridor or passageway should be wide V
I
enough to allow people to pass each other
E
especially in commercial buildings and high occupancy apartments. For larger buildings a
R
corridor is generally one of the main escape routes. Corridor width must be adequate,
meeting the standards of Codes, and focus must be directed to prevent the unintentional
impediment of corridor width. R
F O residential buildings are not needed because the
Restrictions on corridors in low-density

LY
numbers of occupants is low enough to ensure the safe exit, regardless of the corridor
widths. Below are further guidelines:
N
(a) The unobstructed clear width should be at least1.5m. Elements such as columns and fire
O
hoses should not project into this corridor width.
(b) Passing places, with an unobstructed total width of corridor 2m wide over by2m in length
should be provided at reasonable intervals and junctions. This will expedite the flow of traffic
in case of disabled people.
(c) The floor should be predominantly level with a gradient no steeper than 1:50.
(d) Any door opening towards a corridor that is a major access route or an escape route should
be recessed so that when fully open, it does not project into the corridors space except
where the doors are minor utility spaces such as small storerooms and locked cupboards.
(e) Floor surface finishes should be slip resistant, especially in buildings with overhead sprinkler
systems installed.

41
 EBCS 13:2014

Figure 3.8. Fire Exits

3. Stairways, Lifts, Lobbies and Corridors

a) Stairway

Stairways shall confirm to the following provisions in addition to given in (i) to (vii) below,
provided that stairs comply with these requirements:

SE
 The stair-case & lifts (elevators) shall be so located that it shall be within accessible distance
of not more than 25 Mts. from any entrance of tenement or an office provided on each floor.


PO
The design of the lift & stair along with the tread and riser shall comply with the provisions of
the National Building Code for that class of building.
R

P U
In all cases the leading edges of all treads should be readily visible during both descent and
ascent; means of egress via stairs must permit unobstructed travel at all times.

W
The following requirements are necessary with respect to stairways for firefighting
E
I
purposes; namely: (i) Stairways width, (ii) Flight; (iii) Risers; (iv) Threads; (v) Head Room;

EV
(vi) Floor Indicator; and (vii) Hand Rails.
(i) Width: The minimum width of a staircase other than a fire escape is given in Table 3.5
below. R
Table 3.5. Minimum width of a stairway R
Sr. No
FO
Type of occupancy Minimum width of
Stairway/Corridor (Mts)

(1) LY (2) (3)

N
1
O
Residential buildings
(a) Low rise 1.2
(b) Hotels and High rise 1.5

2 Educational building
(a) Up to 24 m. high 1.5
(b) Over 24 m. high 2.0

3 Institutional buildings(i.e. hospital)

(a) Up to 10 beds 1.5
(b) Over 10 beds 2.0

42
 EBCS 13:2014

4 Assembly building 2.0

5 Mercantile, Business, Industrial, Storage, hazardous

buildings
1.5
(a) Low Rise
2.0
(b) High Rise

In addition; the following requirements shall be adhered too:

 Landings should be provided at the top and bottom of each flight not less in width and length
than the width of required staircase, and no exit door should be at any part of its swing
reduce the effective width or effective radius of such landing as the case maybe.
 No required staircase should exceed 1800mmin width. If a wider staircase is required, it
should be divided by central handrail into separate sections such that each section should

SE
be not less than 1050mmbut not more than 1800mm in width.
 Whereas in case of residential dwelling unit occupied by single family and constructed up to
three floors width of the stairs shall not be less than 1.2 mtr.

PO
 In case of all non-residential and high-rise residential buildings. The clear width of stair and
lending exclusive of parapet shall not be less than 1.5 Mts. This includes the stairways that
R
handle 50 persons cumulative for all stories (building higher not more than 125’) and each


stairway serves < 30 occupants per floor

P U
Minimum stair width for more than 6 tenements on each floor shall be 1.2 Mts.

E W
(ii) Flight: Required staircases should be arranged in straight flights without winders and no
flight shall contain more than 14 risers and not less than 2 risers except the residential

permitted. V I
buildings in narrow plots and in high density Housing a single flight staircase may be

E
R
(iii) Risers: The maximum height of a riser shall be 19 cm. in a residential building and
16.71 cm in any other occupancy.
R
F O
(iv)Treads: The minimum width of the tread without nosing shall be 25 cm. for staircase of
a residential building. Other than fire escapes, in other occupancies the minimum width of

fashion.
L Y
the tread shall be 30cm. It shall have a non-slippery finish and shall be maintained in that

(v) Head Room: TheN minimum head room in a passage under the landing of a staircase
under the staircaseO shall be 2.1 m.
(vi) Floor Indicator: The number of each floor shall be conspicuously painted in figures at
least 15 cm. large on the wall facing the fight of a stairway or at such suitable place as is
distinctly visible from the fights.
(vii) Hand-rails: It is worth noting that handrails are one of the most important components
of a staircase, and therefore, its design should be such as to enable a comfortable grip and
also to facilitate the hand to be slid along the rail without encountering obstructions while
negotiating the stairs. A handrail should be provided on each side of the required staircase.
Every such handrail should:
 Beat a height not less than 850mm or more than 1100m from the center of the tread shall be
provided.

43
 EBCS 13:2014

 Not project so as to reduce the clear width of the required staircasebymorethan90mm, for
each handrail.

b) Elevators (Lifts)

A lift shall be provided in all buildings as prescribed hereunder:

(a) In case of Building having height more than 13.0 Mts. lift shall be provided.
(b) Lift shall be provided at the rate of one lift for 20 tenements of all the floors or part thereof for
residential buildings and at the rate of one lift per 1000sqmts or part thereof of built-up area
for non-residential buildings. The tenement and built-up area on ground floor and two upper
floors shall be excluded in computing the above requirement.
(c) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Control Regulations in case of building with 21
meters or more in height at least two lifts shall be provided.
c) Lobbies and Corridors

SE
The recommended minimum widths of lobbies or corridors in building shall be as provided
in Table 3.5 below.

PO
Table 3.6. Minimum Widths of Lobbies and Corridors
Length of
Corridor R
Width of Corridor (Mts)

(Mts) Residential U
Non-residential
P
Up to 6 1.0 1.2

E W
Up to 9 1.2
I 1.5

Up to 15
EV
1.2 2.0

Above 15 R
1.5 2.5

R
NB: (1) For every additional 3.00mts length or part thereof

FO
the width of corridor shall be increased by 0.15mts up to a
maximum of 3.00mts. (2) In case of Star hotels the width of

LY
the corridor shall be as per the authorized standards of the
Star hotels.

N
4. Roof Exits
O
The main roof of a building may be regarded as a refuge floor forth purpose of creating a
safe escape, when routes to a final place of safety are unavailable provided that:
(a) The roof should be of flat surface with easy access.
(b) Thenetarea for refuge should be not less than 50%of the gross floor area of a typical floor
below the main roof.
(c) Any required staircase serving the floors immediately below the main roof should be
continued to give access to the main roof without any obstruction at all times.
(d) The minimum dimension of the area for refuge should be at least 50%greater than the width
of the widest required staircase serving the roof.
(e) Every part of the area for refuge should be provided with at all time with lighting of a
horizontal luminance at floor level meeting the standard set herein of not less than 30 lux.
The lighting can be a combination of natural and artificial light and should be backed up by
44
 EBCS 13:2014

an emergency lighting system that complies with the code.

(f) Terraces shall be free from partitions of any kind and accessible by a common staircase

5. Ramps

Ramps are ways that facilitate the means of egress. The provisions applicable to stairway
shall generally apply to ramps.
The gradient of every ramp forming part of an exit route should not at any part be steeper
than 1:12.Ramps are used much like corridors or passageways; however, there restrictions
are limited to that of their gradient slope. The slope requirement is different from that of
passageways.
For parking spaces in a basement and upper at least two ramps of adequate width and

SE
slope shall be provided preferably at the opposite and such ramps may be permitted in the
side and rear marginal open spaces after leaving sufficient space for movement of

PO
firefighting equipment.
6. Areas of Refuge
R
U
Areas of refuge, also known as safe areas, staging areas, areas of rescue assistance or
P limit the passage of fire and
areas of evacuation assistance, consist of an accessible space, separated from the rest of
the building by fire-resisting materials and fire doors that
smoke.
E W
The area of refuge should offer the same protection
Some buildings use staircase landings as their V I
areas
and fire-rating as an exit staircase.
of refuge. In these cases, the landing

waiting there, including wheelchair usersR

E
area must be large enough so that the staircase is not obstructed by disabled occupants
and area of refuge should be directly connected to

Rto use elevators to evacuate occupants, the elevator

an escape route, such as a staircase or elevator.

F
lobby should be designed to serve
O as an area of refuge, protecting occupants while they
In situations where firefighters plan

onto a stairway or elevator,Y

wait to use the elevators if leaving the floor is necessary. If an area does not open directly
L it should at least be situated close to one.
N of refuge include same-level connections between two buildings,
Other locations for areas
where two separate Obuildings are linked by a passageway, through which occupants can
move to the next building and use its elevators to egress. Another option is the horizontal
separation of floors, where floors are divided into two or more sections, with fire and smoke
resistant doors between each compartment. In the event of a fire in one of the zones,
occupants move to the other zone and wait there until the fire is extinguished or until they
are rescued.
In apartment buildings, balconies are often defined as areas of refuge. From an owner's
point of view, areas of refuge should not represent non-leasable space.
The safety of areas of refuge depends on the details of the design, the type of fire
exposure, the outside wind, the temperature conditions and the capability and reliability of
the smoke control system.

45
 EBCS 13:2014

A crucial aspect of the success of the area of refuge concept is the occupants' willingness
to accept and use these areas during a fire that is dependent on design details: telephone,
window, chairs, distance to exit, etc. Two-way communication should be provided in each
area of refuge to allow occupants to signal their presence to rescue officers and to obtain
information on the situation.
Windows looking either to the outside or inside of the building could prove to be a source of
reassurance for occupants having to stay in refuge areas for a prolonged period of time.
Areas of refuge must be clearly indicated as such, and suitable signs should be installed.
Depending on their size and location, the areas of refuge can be used either only for
disabled occupants, or for all occupants. For example a staircase landing cannot hold more
than a few occupants, while a horizontal separation may allow all occupants to remain in
the building to wait for further instructions.

SE
PO
R
P U
E W
I
EV
R
R
FO
LY
N
O

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 EBCS 13:2014

SECTION 4 Fire Safety and Construction Details

4.1 Introduction

4.1.1 Scope

The building components shall be structurally stable for a reasonable amount of time so
that the occupant can leave within a reasonable time. During planning the building, care
shall be taken that they can leave the building safely and quickly. This chapter therefore, lay
down the essential requirements of fire safety of buildings with respect to details of
construction.

Information of building materials and building components that have been classified with
respect to their fire behavior is on the basis of internationally accepted standards which are
assumed to have a reasonable safety factor against the stated fire exposure.

SE
The information given generally relate only to building material and building components
whose properties can be assessed on the basis of local standards that are/ or to be

PO
established for improvement or amendment. For building materials and building
components not covered in this standard, the fire behavior shall be verified by testing in
R
accordance with the requirements of internationally accepted standards.

P U
The information in the following clauses shall apply only for the purpose of fire protection.
Other specifications, such as minimum dimensions, concrete cover of reinforcement for

E W
reasons of corrosion, and design requirements shall be adhered to as given in the particular
Codes & standards. The minimum requirement for fire safety shall always be met
I
irrespective to the requirements by the other codes and Standards.

4.2 Walls EV
R
4.2.1 Wall types and function
R
O distinction is made between non-load bearing and
From the point of view of fire protection,
load bearing walls and betweenFenclosing walls and non-enclosing walls, and bracing walls.

LY
a) Non-load bearing walls are flat membrane like building components that are loaded

N
predominantly only by self-weight and do not provide bracing for load bearing walls.
However, they may transfer wind loads acting on their surface to load bearing building
O
components such as walls or floors.
b) Load bearing walls are flat, membrane, like building like building components, predominantly
subject to compressive stress for supporting gravity and/or lateral loads.
c) Enclosing walls are walls exposed to fire on only one side such as in walls along escape
ways, walls of stair, partitions of living rooms and fire walls.
d) Non-enclosing walls are exposed to fire on two or more sides.
e) Bracing walls are flat, membrane, like building components, for bracing load bearing walls
against buckling. For the purposes of fire protection they shall be designed as load bearing
walls.
f) Whenever the case refers to load bearing walls, the data do not apply to walls with width
less than 60mm. Such walls shall be designed in accordance with the specifications for
column.

47
 EBCS 13:2014

4.2.2 Wall thickness

Unless otherwise indicated, the minimum thickness shall be the thickness of the uncovered
wall or uncovered wall leaf.

4.2.3 Fixtures

Apart from the exceptions given below, the fire resistance classes of the walls classified
below shall apply in all cases to walls without fixtures.
Socket boxes, switch boxes, splitter boxes, etc shall not be installed at precisely opposite in
enclosed walls1*. For walls of prefabricated or panel construction, any insulating layers
necessary for protection purposes may be compressed to a thickness of 30 mm in the
region of such boxes. Individual electric cables may be passed through the walls if the
remaining cross-section of the hole is completely sealed with mortar or concrete.
When glazing or fire barriers of a particular fire resistance class have to be installed in
enclosure walls of a particular fire resistance class, the suitability of such fittings in SE
PO
conjunction with the wall shall be verified.

4.2.4 Concrete and Reinforced Concrete walls

R
P U
The specifications listed here under shall apply to concrete and reinforced walls made of
normal weight concrete.

E W
Plain concrete and reinforced concrete made of normal weight concrete, shall comply with
the conditions specified in Table 4.2. I
EV
Table 4.2. Plain Concrete and Reinforced Concrete walls (Required to Resist Fire from one side at
a time)
R
Structural Features
R Minimum requirement for fire resistance in hours

FO
(see Figure 4.1)
Load bearing Non load bearing

LY
1 1.5 2 3 4 1 1.5 2 3 4

I. Uncovered walls
1. Slenderness Nratio =
O
storey height/wall thickness
2. Minimum wall thickness t,
25
120 140 160 190
_
120 120 120 120
in mm 250 150
3. Minimum Center line
depth t1 in mm of the longitudinal 20 20 30 40 ----
60
bars

II. Walls with plaster

covering on both sides
25 -
1. Slenderness ratio
2. Minimum wall thickness t 80 60
in mm
15 15 20 30 50 -
3. Minimum centerline depth
t1* in mm of the longitudinal bars

48
 EBCS 13:2014

1*
This limitation shall not apply to walls made of concrete or masonry with a total thickness=minimum thickness+ thickness
of covering not less than 140mm

Figure 4.1. Structural feature of RC walls

Figure 4.2. Wall joints (Schematic)

Joints between precast components shall be filled with mortar as shown in Figure 4.1 & 4.2,
SE
PO
so that the mortar depth or concrete depth complies with the minimum thickness given in
Table 4.2.
Beveled edges may be ignored if the bevel is not greater than R30 mm. For bevels greater
than 30 mm, the minimum thickness shall relate to the point U where the bevel ends. Incase
of tongue and groove type joints as shown in Figure 4.2,Pmortar filling of the joints in outer
third of the wall shall be considered sufficient.

E W
4.2.5 Light weight concrete walls
I
V weight concrete with closed structure shall
Non-load bearing enclosing walls made of light
E
R
be produced with a minimum thickness of 150mm for all fire resisting types.

R
In the case of plaster covering using cement mortar or concrete on both sides, the minimum

thickness. However, the minimumO

thickness may be reduced by considering half of plaster thickness to substitute for the wall
F wall thickness shall not be less than 60mm.
LY
The production of joints between precast components shall be as described in sub-clause
4.2.4.
N
O
4.2.6 Masonry walls and piers

The following specifications shall apply to masonry walls and piers built in bricks, normal
and light weight concrete, no-fine concrete which may be solid or hollow or perforated. No-
fine concrete is porous concrete made without the use of fine aggregate.
For the purpose of fire protection, masonry walls and piers shall have the minimum
dimensions specified in Table 4.3.
Insulating layers in connecting joints include for sound insulation, or any cavity formed for
other reasons shall be tightly sealed.
Heads, sills and lintels used as bracing shall at the minimum have the same fire resistance
class as the walls, on which they are mounted.

49
 EBCS 13:2014

The width of lintels made of reinforced concrete shall have the same minimum thickness as
the wall.
Mortar plaster may be used as covering for improving fire resistances. The condition for its
effectiveness for fire protection is the provision of adequate bonding to plaster base.
Table 4.3. Minimum thickness and width of Masonry Wall and Piers to resist fire from one side.
[The values in brackets shall apply to walls plastered on both sides]
Minimum provision for fire resistance in hours
Structural feature
Load bearing Non-load bearing
(See Figure 4)
1 1.5 2 3 4 1 1.5 2 3 4

A Minimum thickness t in mm
of:

SE
115 115 115 140 175 115 115 115 140 175
Bricks of clay or sand lime, (71) (71) (115) (115) (140)
(115) (115) (115) (115) (140)
and slag sand blocks

Bricks with horizontal 115 165 165 190 240

PO
115 115 140 170 190
perforation
(115) (115) (165) (165) (190)
R
(71) (71) (115) (140) (175)

Normal weight concrete

P U
blocks:
115 115 115 --- --- 115 115 115 165 165

EW
Solid
(90) (90) (90) (100) (100) (75) (75) (75) (90) (100)

Hollow --- --- ---

V I --- --- 125 125 140 140 150

E
(190) (200) (200) --- --- (125) (125) (140) (140) (140)

Blocks of light weight R

concrete
115 R115 115 140 150 75 75 75 125 140

FO
Solid
(90) (90) (90) (100) (100) (75) (75) (75) (75) (75)

LY
Hollow 115 115 115 --- --- 115 115 115 140 150
--- --- --- --- --- (75) (75) (115) (140) (140)
N
O
Blocks of no fine concrete 150 150
(150) (150)
150 150 150
(150) (150) (150)

Minimum dimensions for pier

of masonry with
240 240 240 300 365
 1.4 MPa, b (mm)
240 300 365 365 365
 3.0 MPa, b(mm) 240 300 365 365 365
240 365 365 365 365

50
 EBCS 13:2014

Figure 4.3. Structural features of Masonry walls and Piers

4.2.7 Fire walls

Fire walls shall be constructed using non-combustible materials with fire ratings as specified
in Table 4.1 such as normal weight concrete, no fines concrete, solid masonry units-to
subdivide buildings to restrict the spread of fire.
Construction of fire walls start at foundation and extends continuously throughout all storey
and above the roof.
S E
PO
Bracing for fire walls including in floors, heads or sills, supports or frames, lintels above
openings at the minimum have same fire resistance rating as the fire wall.
R with regard to slenderness
Fire walls shall comply with the specifications listed in Table 4.4
U
ratio, minimum wall thickness and centerline depth t1 to longitudinal reinforcement,
P
wherever applies.

W
Table 4.4. Minimum dimensions of Fire Walls to resist fire from one side [the values in bracket
E
I
stands for min. thickness of double leaf walls only]

EV
Minimum desired provision for fire
Nature of Construction & materials
protection in

R Load bearing N Non load

bearing
R
Walls of normal weight concrete:

FO
1
Without reinforcement
Slenderness ratio hs/t ---- -----

LY
Minimum thickness t in mm ---- 200 (2x180)
With reinforcement (Figure 4.1)
N
O
Slenderness ratio hs/t
Min thickness in mm
25
140(2x140)
----
120(2x100)
Centre line depth t 25 ----
Walls of no fines light weight concrete:
2
Slenderness ratio hs/t ---- 25
Min thickness in mm ---- 300(2x200)
Walls of prefabricated brickwork:
3
Slenderness ratio hs/t 25 25
Perforated filled with mortar, Min thickness in
mm 165(2x165) 165(2x165)

51
 EBCS 13:2014

Composite panels with one layer of blocks, t

in mm 190(2x165) 190(2x165)
Composite panels with two layers of block,
Min. thickness t in mm 240(2x165) 240(2x165)
Walls made of masonry of concrete
4
blocks
Bulk density>1.2, Min thickness 240(2x175) 240(2x175)
Bulk density> between 0.8 to 1.2, t in mm 290(2x190) 290(2x190)
Bulk density<0.8, Min thickness in mm. 290 (2x240) 290(2x240)

No allowance shall be considered for covering (plaster) to reduce the minimum wall
thickness specified in Table 4.4.
Junction of in situ concrete walls and masonry walls with adjacent building components

SE
shall be made with the complete joint filled with mortar.

4.2.8 Plastered Double-leaf walls of wood wool slabs

P O
The specification shall apply to non-load bearing, double leaf partition walls, the leaves of
R with an insulating layer
which consist of wood wool slabs, woven wire protection and plaster
arranged between the leaves of the walls.
P U
The individual layers of double leaf walls shall have at least the minimum thickness
specified in Table 4.5.
E W
Plastering shall be applied to the wood wool slabs
V I without joints and the plaster shall make
a tight joint with the adjacent solid components.

A protection consisting of woven wire orR

E
similar materials shall be placed on the outside of

Rnot exceeding 250 mm.

the wood wool slabs to ensure the stability of the walls; this protection shall be fixed to the
adjacent solid components at intervals
The insulating layer between F
O
the leaves wall shall consist of mineral fibers of building

than 1000 c. The insulatingY

material class A, with a bulk density of not less than 30 kg/m3 and melting point of not less
o
L layer shall make a tight joint with adjacent solid components.
N
Table 4.5. Minimum thickness of non-load bearing double-leaf walls made of wood wool slabs
O Structural Feature
Minimum thickness for fire
resistance
1 to 3 hrs 4 hrs
[See Figure 4.4]
50 50
1. Min. thickness d1 in mm, of wood wool
slabs
15 20
2. Min. thickness d2 in mm of plaster,
40 40
measured from top edge of the wood wool slab
3. Min thickness D, in mm of the insulating
layer

52
 EBCS 13:2014

Figure 4.4. Walls of wood wool slabs (Table 4.5)

4.2.9 Gypsum plasterboard walls

This specification shall apply to non-load bearing single-leaf and double-leaf partition walls,
the covering of which consist of gypsum plasterboards, having a close-graded surfacing
with the zone around the joints in the covering filled with plaster and an insulating layer
arranged between the coverings.

SE
Specification for load bearing and non-load bearing framed walls with paneling in which the

4.2.10 and 4.2.11.

P O
coverings consist partly or completely of gypsum plasterboards are provided in sub article

The gypsum plasterboard shall be butted tight against postsRframes; shall be fixed onto
U plasterboard planks with
steel sections with bolts and onto timber or layer of gypsum
screws, nails of flat head nails. The heads of screws,Pnails or flat head nails shall be
spotted.

E W and minimum bulk density of the

insulating layer shall be as specified in Table 4.6.I
The minimum thickness of covering, minimum thickness

EV
Table 4.6. Minimum thickness of single or double leaf non-load bearing walls made of gypsum
R
plasterboard and minimum thickness and bulk density of insulating layer

R
Nature of Construction and Materials
Minimum thickness for fire resistance hours

FO
(See Figure 4.5 & 4.6) 1 1.5 2 3 4

1. Minimum thickness of covering d in

LY
mm with posts or frames made from:
18 2x12.5 15+12.4 2x18 3x12.5
 30445 Steel section or

N
gypsum plasterboard plank

2.
O
30445 timber section
Minimum thickness of insulating
18 2x12.5 12x12.5 --- ---

layer D in mm/minimum bulk density  in

3
Kg/m , with posts or frames made from:
 30445 steel section or gypsum 40/40 40/40 40/40 40/40 80/50
plastered plank D/d or or or
80/30 80/50 60/100
or or
60/50 60/100
or
40/100
40/40 40/40 80/100 ------ -----
 30445 timber section D/d

53
 EBCS 13:2014

(a) Single Leaf Wall (b) Double Leaf Wall

Figure 4.5. Gypsum plaster board with posts made from steel section

SE
PO
R
P U
E W
a) Single Leaf Wall
I (b) Double Leaf Wall

EV
Figure 4.6. Gypsum plaster board with posts made from wooden section.

4.2.10 Filled in framed walls R

R
The following specifications shall apply to load bearing and non-load bearing walls

FO
consisting of posts joined by heads, sills and struts, etc made of timer with the framework
filled in and with a covering on at least one side.

LY
The specification shall apply only to wall requiring fire rating not more than one hour.
N and other timbers shall have cross-sectional dimensions not less
The posts, frames, struts
O or equivalent.
than 10 mm x 100 mm
The spaces of the framework shall be completely in filled with clay puddle, wood wool slabs
or masonry.
At least one side of the wall shall be provided with a close graded covering either with.
 Gypsum plaster board of not less than 18 mm thick, or
 Plaster of not less than 15 mm thick, or
 Wood wool slabs of not less than 25 mm thick and covered with plaster, or
 Boards made of timber derivates of not less than 16 mm thick, with bulk density of not less
than 600 kg/m3

54
 EBCS 13:2014

4.2.11 Framed walls in paneling

The following specifications shall apply to single and double leaf, load bearing and non-load
bearing framed walls with paneling.
The timber studs shall consists of cut and sawn building timber in the case of load bearing,
chipboard in case of non-load bearing, where the minimum cross-sectional dimensions
required for the purpose of fire resistance with compressive stress not exceeding D
specified in Table 4.7.

The boards and coverings of the studs consists of boards of timber derivates, times boards,
gypsum plasterboard, plywood, wood fiber board, beveled edge soft wood boards, soft
wood weather boarding, match boards with apparent groove, soft wood tongued and
grooved boards, wood wool slabs.
All slabs panel and boards shall be butted tight against timber studs as shown in Figure 4.7.

SE
The minimum thickness of the boarding and coverings shall be as provided in Table 4.7.

PO
For enclosing walls, for the purpose of improving its fire resistance, insulating layers shall

R
be placed between the boards or covering. They shall consist of mineral fibres of building
material class A with a melting point of not less than 1000oC, or of wood wool slabs fixed at

P U
all edges abutting the studs by wood strips of not less than 25mmx25mm. The minimum
thickness and bulk density of insulating layers are as specified in Table 4.8.

E W
I
EV
R
R
FO
LY
N
O

Figure 4.7. Butted boards and covering (schematic)

55
 EBCS 13:2014

Table 4.7. Minimum dimensions of load bearing, non-enclosing framed walls with paneling for the
purpose of fire resistance
Timber Studs Boarding and covering minimum Fire
thickness of Resistanc
Structural
Min dimensions Permissibl Board of timber Gypsum plaster e (hrs)
Features
item 2 of Clause e stress derivates with board
4.2.9 b1xd1 D (N/mm2) p600Kg/m3 d2 d3
(mm x mm) d2 (mm) (mm) (mm)
50x80 2.5 25 or 2x16
100x100 1.25 16
40x80 2.5 18 1
[See Figure 4.8]

50x80 2.5 15
100x100 2.5 12.5
40x80 2.5 8 12.5 1
40x80 2.5 13 12.5 9.5
40x80 2.5 9.5

SE
40x80 2.5 22 15 1.5
50x80 15 12.5
2.5

PO
Note: No insulating layer is necessary for fire protection purpose. Thus, there are no conditions with regard to
the type, thickness or fixing etc of the insulating layer

R
P U
E W
I
EV
R
Figure 4.8. Walls of timber studs, boarding and covering (Table 4.7)
R
FO
Table 4.8. Minimum Dimensions of enclosing framed walls with paneling
Timber Studs Boarding and Covering Insulator layer Minimum Fire
Structur
Minimum thickness resistan

LY
al
Min Permissi Boards of Gypsum Thickness Bulk Thicknes ce hrs.
Features
Dimensi ble timber plaster of Mineral densit s of wood
ons
N
stress derivates board or fibre y wool
b1xd1
(mm x
mm)
O D
(N/mm2)
P600
(Kg/m3) d2
(mm)
Mats
D mm
board or
mats
D (mm)
kg/m3 D mm

2.5 13 80 30 1
2.5 13 40 50
1.25 8 60 100
[See Figure 4.9]

25 13 25
1.25 8 50
*
40x80 2.5 2x16 80 30 1.5
2.5 2x16 60 50
1.25 19 80 100
1.25 19 50
0.5 2x19 100 100 2

56
 EBCS 13:2014

0.5 2x19 75

Figure 4.9. Minimum Dimensions of enclosing framed walls with paneling

4.3 Beams, columns & Brackets and Floors

4.3.1 Concrete Beams and Columns

S E
The following specifications shall apply to RC beams, columns O and brackets made of
normal weight concrete P
R beams, columns and
U
The fire resistance of reinforced concrete and pre-stressed concrete

which it supports and in no case less than 60 minutes P

brackets acting as structural element should be not less than that required for an element

The concrete cover of the reinforcement is the W

I E
reinforcing bar nearest to the surface of the building
distance between the surfaces of the
component. (See Figure 4.10).

EV
R
R
FO
LY
N
O
Figure 4.10. Concrete cover in cross-sections of beams and columns

Figure 4.11. Wire mesh reinforcement for concrete cover greater than 40 mm

When the concrete cover c of the reinforcing bar closest to the surface of the building
component is greater than 40mm, the concrete cover shall be reinforced with bars arranged
57
 EBCS 13:2014

cross-wise and solidly connected at the joints. The protective reinforcement shall consist of
bar diameter not less than 2.5 mm with mesh width range between (150x150)mm to
(500x500) mm and concrete cover of 15mm (See Figure 4.11).
When the concrete cover in reinforced concrete or pre-stressed concrete components is
limited for design reasons but the minimum requirements for fire rating of one hour are
complied with, or when building components have to be subsequently reinforced for fire
protection purpose, the necessary cover for higher fire resistance classes shall be met by a
plaster cover in accordance with the specification given in Table 4.9.
Table 4.9. Plaster thickness used as substitute for providing adequate cover
Required plaster thickness in mm, as a Maximum allowable
Type of Plaster
substitute of 10 mm of plaster thickness in
Normal weight Light weight concrete mm
concrete
10 12 25

SE
Cement mortar plasters
applied without lathings

PO
Cement mortar plasters
applied with wire fabric
8 10 25
lathing, clay lathing or any
other non-combustible
R
lathings
Fire resistant insulating
P U
plasters of vermiculite
5 6 30
cement or perlite cement
or vermiculite gypsum or
E W
perlite gypsum, applied in
two layers.
V I
E
R
4.3.2 Reinforced and Pre-stressed Concrete Beams

R exposures to fire on three sides at the most and

Fire exposure-distinction is made between

FOwith at least same fire resistance class.

on four sides at the most. Exposure to fire on three sides exists when the top of the beams
has a covering of similar elements

L Y
Exposure to fire on four sides when the top of the beams has some other type of covering
such as steel, wood or plastic or has no covering.
N
O
RC and PC beams made of normal weight concrete shall have the minimum width b,
thickness and reinforcement cover c, as specified in Table 4.10 when exposed to fire on
three sides at the most.
RC and PC beams likely to be exposed to fire on four sides, shall have the same minimum
dimensions as beams exposed to fire on three sides as specified in Table 4.10 provided:
 The minimum height (depth) of the beams shall be not less than the minimum width b,
 The beams cross-sectional areas shall be not less than twice b2

The minimum dimension b for rectangular section is the width of the beam and in the case
of beveled side; it shall be measured at the level of the centroid of the reinforcement. For I
beams, b is the bottom flange width and t is the web thickness.

58
 EBCS 13:2014

Table 4.10. Minimum dimensions, and reinforcement cover of RC & PC beams of normal weight
concrete, exposed to fire on three sides at the most
Structure features and nature of Minimum dimensions (mm) excluding
Construction any finish for fire rating in hour

[See Figure 4.12] ½ 1 ½ 2 3 4

1. Min dimensions in mm of statistically

determinate uncovered beams in the tension
zone due to bending or in the pre-
compressed tension zone in:

RC beams Width b 80 120 150 200 240 280

*1
Cove C 15 20 25 30 40 50

SE
PC beams Widths b 100 120 150 200 240 280

Thickness t 80 80 90 100 120 140

Cover C*1 20 25 45 PO 50 60 70
R
2. Min dimensions in mm of statistically
indeterminate uncovered beams in the tension
zone due to bending or in the pre-compressed P U
tension zone in:

E W
RC beams Width b
I
80 120 150 200 240 280

Cove C*1
EV 15 15 20 25 35 40

PC beams Widths b R 80 100 120 150 200 240

Thickness t R 80 80 80 90 100 120

Cover C
*1
FO 20 25 35 45 50 60

LY
3. Min dimensions in mm of statically

N
determinate uncovered beams in the tension
zone due to bending or in the pre compressed

RC beams
O
tension zone around support in
width b________________ 80 90 120 140 160 240
Cover c _______________ 12 35 45 55 60 70
PC beams width b_______________
80 90 120 140 160 240
Cover c_______________
12 35 45 55 60 70
4. Min. dimensions in mm of statically
indeterminate uncovered beams in the
tensions zone due to bending or in the pre
compressed tension zone around support in
RC & PC beams, Width b
90 100 150 220 240 400
_____________
12 20 35 45 60 70
Cover c ______________

59
 EBCS 13:2014

*1
For a concrete cover C greater than 40 mm, protective reinforcement in accordance with sub-clause 4.5.1, item
4 is necessary

Figure 4.12. Structural features of RC and PC beams (Table 4.10)

4.3.3 Reinforced and Pre-stressed Concrete Columns and Brackets

SE
The following specifications shall apply to PC columns and brackets made of normal weight
concrete. A Distinction is made between fire exposure on one side and more than one side.

PO
Fire exposure - A state of exposure to fire on more than one side exists if the columns are
exposed to fire on more than one face. A state exposure to fire on one side exists if the
R
columns over their entire height are built into enclosing walls made of concrete or masonry
U
so that the room-side surface of the columns is flush with the room-side surface of the wall.
P
If the columns are not flush with the wall or if their distance from opening in the wall is less
W
than the amount specified in Table 4.11 of item 2, that part of the column embedded in the
E
I
wall shall be able to withstand the fire exposure alone or the column shall be designed as

EV
for exposure to fire on more than one side.
Reinforced and pre-stressed concrete made of normal weight concrete, to satisfy the fire
R
ratings indicated, shall comply with the minimum thickness and minimum reinforcement
cover specified in Table 4.11.
R
The minimum thickness b in cases
FOofofcolumns
of the smaller side and in the case
columns of rectangular cross-sections, the dimension
with circular cross-section is the diameter.

LY
Table 4.11. Minimum thickness b and minimum reinforcement cover in reinforced and pre-stressed

N
concrete columns made of normal weight concrete

O
Structure features and nature of exposure Minimum dimensions (mm) for fire
rating hrs

[See Figure 4.13] ½ 1 1.5 2 3 4

1. Minimum cross -sectional dimensions

of uncovered RC columns exposed to fire on
more than one side:-

thickness b (mm)______ 150 200 250 300 400 450

Reinforcement cover c (mm)______ 20 25 30 35 35 35

2. Minimum cross-sectional dimensions

of uncovered RC columns exposed to fire on

60
 EBCS 13:2014

one side;

thickness b (mm)_____ 100 120 140 160 200 240

Reinforcement cover (mm)_____ 20 25 25 25 25 25

3. Minimum cross-sectional dimensions

of uncovered PC columns (tension members)
exposed to fire to more than one side:-

thickness b (mm)______ 120 160 190 240 280 320

Reinforcement cover (mm)______ 20 25 25 30 35 40

SE
PO
R
U
Figure 4.13. Structural Features of RC and PC Columns (Table 4.11)
P
When columns are placed at expansion joints, the minimum thickness “b” shall be related to
two adjacent columns in accordance with Figure 4.14.
E W
V I
The minimum dimensions specified in Table 4.11 may be reduced if reinforced with plaster
covering is applied in accordance with the specifications given in sub-clause 4.3.1.
E
R
Steel connections in PC tension members with no concrete cover shall be protectively
covered on all sides.
Reinforced concrete brackets on R
F O
dimensions and reinforcement cover
columns shall have the minimum cross-sectional
specified in Table 4.12

LY
N
O

Joints without sealing Joints with sealing

Figure 4.14. Expansion joint for adjacent columns

61
 EBCS 13:2014

Table 4.12. Minimum cross-sectional dimensions of RC brackets

Structure features Minimum dimensions in mm for fire rating in hour
[See Figure 4.15]

Side view Front view ½ 1 1.5 2 3 4

Minimum width b, in mm 110 120 170 240 320 400

Minimum height h, in mm at place of intersection 220 240 340 480 640 800

Minimum Cover C mm 20 25 30 35 35 35

SE
PO
R
P U
E W
Figure 4.15. Structural Features of RC Brackets (Table 4.12)

4.3.4 Reinforced Concrete Floors

V I
E
Reither from below or above.
The following specifications shall apply to reinforced and pre-stressed concrete floors made
of normal weight concrete exposed to fire
R
stressed concrete slabs made up
F O of normal weight concrete without and with cavities
Minimum thickness of slabs hf and reinforcement cover C: uncovered reinforced and pre-

(containing non-combustible constituents) irrespective of the screed laid shall have at least

L Y minimum reinforcement cover c specified in Table 4.13.

the minimum thickness hf, and

Floors made of precast

sub-clause 4.5.4 O
N concrete slabs shall comply with the specification given in item 2 of
with regard to minimum thickness and reinforcement cover. Joints
between precast slabs shall be sealed with mortar or building material class A. Beveled
edges may be ignored if the bevel is not greater than 40 mm, otherwise, the minimum
thickness hf shall refer to the end point of the bevel.

Uncovered reinforced and pre-stressed concrete ribbed floors made up of normal weight
concrete shall have the minimum dimensions assigned to the required fire resistance given
in Table 4.14.

62
 EBCS 13:2014

Table 4.13. Minimum dimensions of reinforced and pre-stressed concrete floors exposed to fire
either from below or above.
Minimum dimensions in (mm) for fire resistance
Structural feature
rating in hours
½ 1 1½ 2 3 4

1. Uncovered solid slabs without

screed statically determinate and:
 Without cavities
75 95 110 125 150 170
Thickness hf mm
15 20 25 35 45 55
Reinforcement concrete mm
[See Figure 4.16a]

SE
 With cavities
60 60 60 60 60 60
Thickness hc mm

PO
15 20 20 25 25 25
Cover c mm
[See Figure 4.16b]
R
2. Uncovered solid slabs without
screed statically indeterminate P U
and:
 Without cavities
E W
I
EV
Thickness hf mm
75 95 110 125 150 170
Cover C mm
 With cavities
R 15 20 20 25 35 45

R
FO
Thickness hC mm
80 80 80 80 80 80
Cover C mm

LY
15 20 20 25 25 25

3.
N
Uncovered flat slabs without


O
screed supported by columns
With splayed heads
150
Thickness hf (mm)
150 150 150 150 150
15
Cover c (mm) 20 25 35 45 55

[See Figure 4.16c]

Without splayed heads

150 200 200 200 200 200
Thickness hf (mm)
15 20 20 25 35 45
Cover c (mm)
[See Figure 4.16d]

63
 EBCS 13:2014

Figure 4.16. Structural feature of RC floors (a), (b), (c) and (d) (Table 4-13), respectively

SE
Table 4.14. Minimum dimensions of reinforced and pre-stressed ribbed floors exposed to fire either
from below or above.

PO
Min. dimensions (mm) for fire resistance of in hours
Structural Feature
½ 1 1.5 2 3 4
[See figure 4.17]
1. Min dimensions of uncovered RC R
ribs statistically determinate with open
soffit
70
75
90
90
105
110 P U 115
125
135
150
150
175
Thickness hf (mm)
Width b (mm)

E W
2. Min. dimension of uncovered RC
I
EV
ribs statically indeterminate with open
70 90 105 115 135 150
soffit.
75 80 90 110 125 150
thickness hf (mm)
width b (mm)
Reinforcement cover C (mm)
R
15 20 20 35 45 55

R
FO
3. Min dimensions of uncovered PC
ribbed floor with open soffit
80 80 100 120 150 150
Thickness hf (mm)
120 120 160 190 260 300

LY
Width b (mm)
20 30 40 50 60 70
Reinforcement cover C (mm)

N
O

Figure 4.17. Structural Feature (Table 4.14)

4.3.5 Reinforced Concrete Floors with Steel Beams Embedded in Concrete

The following specifications shall apply to RC floors with steel beams embedded in
concrete and exposed to fire from above or below

64
 EBCS 13:2014

RC floors with steel beams embedded in concrete without infill components shall have at
least the minimum dimensions specified in Table 4.15.
Table 4.15. Minimum dimensions of RC floors with steel beams embedded in concrete and
exposed to fire either from above or below
Min. dimensions in (mm) for fire resistance rating in
Structural features and nature of
hours
construction
½ 1 1.5 2 3 4

1. Min dimensions of RC slabs:

[See Figure 4.18]
100 100 100 120 150 170
Thickness hf (mm)
15 25 35 45 60 70
Concrete cover C (mm)
Non-combustible screed or an asphalt
screed
10 15 25 30 50 60
Thickness D (mm)
15 15 25 25 25 25

SE
Plaster thickness d1 (mm)

PO
2. Min. dimension floors with beams
‘
projecting from slabs
[See figure 4.18b]
Width b in (mm)
120
35
150
50
180
65 R200
75
240
90
300
90
Concrete side cover Cs
other min. dimensions hf, d1, D
See 1 above
P U
E W
I
EV
R
R
FO (a)

LY
N
O
(b)

Figure 4.18. Structural features of RC floors with steel beams (Table 4.15)

4.3.6 Reinforced Concrete Roof Slabs

The specifications given in sub-clause 4.5.4 and 4.5.5 shall apply to the design of
reinforced concrete roof slabs made of normal weight concrete provided:

65
 EBCS 13:2014

a) A gravel fill not less than 50 mm thick or a layer of concrete slabs not less than 50mm thick
tightly abutted is laid on the roof sealing and if,
b) Mineral fibre insulating materials of building material class B2 are used as insulating layer
and then;
The minimum floor thickness hf specified in 4.5.4 to 4.5.5, may be reduced in each case by
20 mm, but not less that the thickness hf specified for half hours fire rating in each case.

4.3.7 Timber Beams

The Specification here under shall apply to statistically determinate or statically

indeterminate timber beams of rectangular in cross-section without holes, exposed to fire
on three sides at the most and on four sides at the most subjected to bending stress
specified.
Covered beams, irrespective of the bending stress and the type of the timber shall have the
minimum cross-sectional dimensions and covering thickness specified in Table 4.16.

SE
Uncovered beams when made from solid or laminated timber shall have at least the
minimum cross-sectional dimensions specified in Table 4-17.
PO
Rthan 50 and 100 mm for ½
Beams joined with dowels may be used provided the total cross-section meets the above

and 1 hour fire resistance class, respectively.

P U
requirements, and the timber cover of the dowel bars is not less

Table 4.16. Minimum dimension of rectangular uncovered beams made of solid or laminated timber
Timber Type
Bending W
Min dimension b/h in mm/mm for fire resistance of
E
stress I
½ hr 1 hr
N/mm2
EV and exposed to fire on

R
3 sides 4 sides 3 sides 4 sides
R
FO
13 150/260 160/300 300/520 320/600
Solid timber
10 120/200 130/240 240/400 260/480

LY
7 100/160 110/200 200/320 220/400
80/160 90/180 180/240 200/400
N<3

Laminated O 13 140/280 150/300 280/560 300/600

10 110/220 120/240 220/440 240/480
timber
7 90/180 90/180 170/30 180/360
<3 80/160 80/160 140/280 160/320

66
 EBCS 13:2014

Figure 4.19. Structural feature of covered timer beam (Table 4.17)

Table 4.17. Covered beams made from solid or laminated Timber

Fire resistance class of
Structural feature
[See figure 4.19] ½ hour 1 hour

SE
80/110 160/220
Minimum cross-sectional dimension b/h mm/mm
15 2x12.5
Min. thickness d in mm of gypsum plaster board

PO
covering (may be single layer or two layer cover.)

4.3.8 Timber Columns R

P U
The specification here under shall apply to columns made from laminated timber,
uncovered or covered solid timber without holes, grooves but joints, which may be exposed
to fire on not more than four sides.
E W
V
have the minimum thickness d specified in Table
I
Uncovered rectangular columns length not exceeding
4.18 to
5m made of laminated timber shall
resist the prescribed fire ratings for
the corresponding buckling stress. E
R
Uncovered column of laminated timber with an + or I cross-section and length not
exceeding 3m shall have the minimum Rdimension specified in Table 4.18.
F
Uncovered columns of solid timber
O of rectangular cross-section with length not exceeding
Covered timber columns, L Yirrespective of the buckling stress and length shall have the
3m shall have the minimum dimension specified in Table 4.18.

Nby using
minimum cross-sectional dimension and cover thickness specified in Table 4.21. The
O
covering may be made gypsum plaster board, concrete or masonry or wall slabs in
accordance with the data given in the schematic drawings.

67
 EBCS 13:2014

Table 4.18. Minimum thickness of uncovered columns made from laminated timber, length not
exceeding 5m
Cross sectional Buckling Min. thickness d in mm for idealized pin support
2
feature stress N/mm column for fire resistance of ½ hours

½ hours 1 hours

Pin ended Fixed end Pin ended Fixed ended

[See figure 11 184 162 300 260

4.20a]
=8.5 163 149 263 234
b =d
5 132 126 210 198

[See figure 11 164 152 274 240

4.20b]
148 139 242 216

SE
=8.5
b2d 126 118 194 182
5

PO
R
P U
E W
I
EV
R
Figure 4.20. Structural feature of laminated timber column-rectangular section (Table 4.18)
R
Table 4.19. Minimum dimension of uncovered column made of laminated timber with + or I sections
length not exceeding 3m.
Cross-sectional FO
Building Stress Min. dimension d in mm for fire resistance of

LY
feature N/mm2 ½ hours 1 hours
d1 d2 d3 d4 d1 d2 d3 d4
[See
4.21a]
Figure
N 11 120
100
180
160
O =8.5
5 70 140

[See Figure 11 100 120 120 140 200 200

4.21b] =8.5 90 110 110 130 180 180
5 80 100 100 120 150 150

68
 EBCS 13:2014

Figure 4.21. Structural feature of laminated timber column –I section (Table 4.19)

Table 4.20. Minimum thickness of uncovered columns made of solid timber for fire resistance of ½
hours

SE
Buckling Min. thickness d in mm for column
Cross-Sectional
stress length not exceeding
feature

PO
2
N/mm
2m 3m 4m

[see figure 4.22]

11 240
R 260 280
=8.5
=5.0
200
160
P U 220
180
240
200

EW
2 120 140 160

V I
E
R
R
FO
LY
Figure 4.22. Cross-section of solid timber column

N
Table 4.21. Min dimension of covered columns of solid or laminated timber
O
Cross-sectional
feature bd
Min. dimension in mm
Column size Covering
Fire
resistance
D d1 class in
Hours
80 15 ½
[See figure 4.23a]
160 2x12.5 1
[See figure 4.23b]
80 50 1
[See figure 4.23a]

69
 EBCS 13:2014

(a) (b)

SE
PO
(c)

R
Figure 4.23. Cross-section of solid or laminated covered timber column (Table 4.21)

4.3.9 Timber Floor

P U
Floors of timber panels

E W
I
a) The following specifications shall apply to floors of timber panels exposed to fire from above

EV
or below and to roofs regarded as structurally equivalent.
b) These floors shall consist of cut and sawn building timer studs, whose width shall not be less

R
than 40 mm, soffit board and covering which can be of chipboard, gypsum plasterboard,
gypsum baseboard, wood wool slabs, gypsum floor slabs, wire lathing and plaster floors;
R
upper boarding may be plywood boards, chipboard, soft wood tonged and grooved boards.

FO
The panels and boards shall have a close –graded surfacing, butted tight against the timber
studs. Gypsum plasterboards shall be fixed with screws, nails or flat head nails.
c) The various minimum dimensions of lower and upper boarding or covering s, floating

LY
screeds, permissible span of boarding and size of the of the studs for fire rating of ½ and 1
hours are specified in Table 4.22.
N
d) For better fire protection, the lower boarding can have insulating layer which consists of

O
mineral fibers (density =30KG/m3) or made of any other building material of class A
(melting point not less than 1000oc).
e) Mineral fibre insulating layers in the form of boards shall be forced tightly between the studs
and adhesively bonded to the ribs to prevent them falling out. Mineral fibre insulating layer in
the form of mats may be used if they are stitched to woven wire, which in turn shall be fixed
to the timber studs by mailing.
f) Joints of butted insulating layers shall be tight. Insulating layers without joints or which are in
two layers shall be staggered for fire protection purpose. Insulating layers in the form of mats
shall overlay at the joint but not less than 100mm.
g) The minimum thickness of floating screed specified in Table 4-22 may be omitted if the
upper boarding consists of chipboard not less than 19mm, or soft wood tongued and
grooved boards not less than 21 mm in thickness and the floor does not bear a live load
exceeding 1KN/m2.
Floors supported by timber beams

70
 EBCS 13:2014

a) The following specification shall apply to timber beam floors exposed to fire from above and
below and for roofs regarded as structurally equivalent.
b) Timber bean floors with floating screed of floating floors shall consists of
 Timber beam exposed to fire on three sides,
 A boarding consisting of chipboard, soft wood tongued and grooved boards, sound boarding
with an apparent groove and/or soft wood beveled boards.

The various minimum dimensions of timber floors with floating screed where the beams are
completely exposed to fire are given in Table 4.23 The bending stresses specified refer to the timber
beams.

c) It is permitted to use additional coverings, except for steel plate covering on the soffit and to
apply floor coverings or roofing on the top surface of the floor or roof without any additional
verification.
d) The various minimum dimensions of timber beam floors with partly exposed beams to fire on
three sides in the lower region only are given in Table 4-24.

SE
e) All boards shall have a close-graded surfacing and form a tight joint to the beams. The
insulating layer for the purpose of fire protection shall consist of mineral fibers of building
material class A (bulk density 30Kg/m3, melting point not less than 10000c) and be in the

PO
form of a board installed by driving tightly in (compression of upto about 1 cm) and fixed with
timber lath not less than 40mmx60mm in size. In case where this insulating layer is absent,
R
the thickness d1 (chipboard) and d2 (board of timber) specified in Table 4.24 each need to
be multiplied by 1.25.
Roofs made of Timber or timber derivates
P U
a) The following specifications shall apply to roofs of timber or timber derivates exposed to fire

E W
from below and having continuous roofing on their upper side
b) Roofs with timber beams or timber studs of dimensions specified in item (2) above may be
I
used replacing the floating screed with a roofing material with or without insulating layer

EV
c) When the upper side of the roof is covered with
 Gravel fill not less than 50 mm thick
R
 Layer of concrete slab tightly butted not less than 50 mm thick or
 Floating screed as specified in 2 above;
R
FO
The roofs can be considered as having fire resistance class if exposed to fire from above.
d) Roofs with roof joists, trusses etc of any dimensions which have a roofing or a boarding of any

LY
thickness with a roofing on the upper side shall have a covering and where applicable any insulating
layer necessary for fire protection purpose.

N
e) The covering can be chipboard in combination with gypsum plasterboard; gypsum plasterboard,
plastered gypsum base board, plastered wood wool slabs or wire lathing and plaster ceilings. All
O
coverings shall have a closed graded surfacing and shall be butted tight together. The coverings shall
be fixed to the roof joints, trusses etc with or without the use of base lathing or fine lathing. The
various minimum dimensions of roofing for fire resistance of 30 minutes when ever exposed to fire are
specified in Table 4.25.

71
 Table 4.22. Minimum dimension of floors of timber panel exposed to fires from above and below

[See Figure 4.24]

Lower boarding or covering Insulating Upper Floating Screed Fire

layer boarding Resistanc
Timber Gypsum Chipboard Maximum board of Insulatin Mortar Boards of Gypsu e class in
thickness
Plasterboard timber g layer gypsu timber m hours
Studs Span
Minimum
Width b d1 d2 With Without
(mm)
d (mm) derivates
d3 (mm)
d4 (mm)

SE m or
asphal
derivates
timber boards
plaster
board
t d5 or parquet

PO
(mm) (mm) (mm) insulating insulating d5 (mm)
layer d1 d1 (mm) (mm)
d5 (mm)
(mm)
R
PU
40 --- --- 16 19 625 60 16 15 20 --- ---
--- --- 16 19 625 60 16 15 --- 16 --- ½

EW
--- --- 16 19 625 60 16 15 --- --- 9.5

VI
40 12.5 12.5 --- --- 400(500)* 60 19 15 20 --- --- 1
*
12.5 12.5 --- --- 400(500)
E
60 19 30 --- 25 ---
12.5 12.5 --- --- 400(500) *
R
60 19 15 --- --- 18

* R
FO
The value in the parenthesis are used when insulator layer is provided to lower boarding or covering

LY
N
O

72
 SE
PO
Figure 4.24. Floors of timber panels (Table 4.22)

Table 4.23. Minimum dimensions of Timber beam floors exposed to fire from above and below
R
PU
[See figure 4.25]

Min. dimensions of beams for a specified bending stress Minimum thickness of Minimum thickness of Fire resistance
boarding when using

E W Floating Screed class in hours

Bending stress Solid timber Laminated timber

I
Chipboard Boards or Insulating Chipboard

EV
 N/mm2 b/h mm/mm b/h mm/mm d1 mm plank d1 mm layer d2 d3 mm
mm

14 ----- 140/260 R

13 ----- 130/240 R
=11 130/220 110/200
FO
LY
=10 120/200 100/190
=7 100/160 80/150 25 28 15 16 ½
3 80/160 N 80/120

14 -----
O 280/520 45 50 30 25 1
13 ----- 260/480
=11 260/430 220/400
240/400 200/375
73
=10 200/320 160/300
=7 180/240 140/220
3

SE
PO
R
PU
E W
I
EV
R
Figure 4.25. Timber beam floors exposed to fires from above and below (Table 4.23)
R
FO
LY
N
O

74
Table 4.24. minimum dimensions of timber beam floors with partly exposed beams
Bending Min. dimension of timber beams b/h (mm/mm) as a function of
[See figure 4.26]
stress Bending stress and different fire class (FR)
s Solid timber Laminated timber
2
N/mm b/h b/h b/h b/h

≥ 14
FR = ½ hrs
---
FR = 1hrs
__
SE FR = ½ hrs
140/150
FR = 1 hr
280/260

PO
≥ 13 --- __ 130/150 260/240
= 11 130/150 260/215 110/150 220/200
= 10 120/150 240/200 100/150 200/190
=7 90/150 R
200/160 80/150 160/150

PU
≤3 80/150 180/150 80/120 140/150
Covering Mineral Fiber Boarding Floating screed or Floating floor Gypsum Fire
insulating Boards of Plaster Board resistanc
Chipboard
d1, mm
Gypsum
Plaster
Max.
span layer timber W
Insulatin Mortar or
g Layer
E gypsum
Boards of
timber Derivates d4 (mm) e Class
board l (mm) thickness derivates
I
D3 (mm) or or parquet (hrs)

EV
d1 mm D (mm) d2 (mm) asphalt d4 (mm)
d4 (mm)
16
-
--
2×12.5
625
500
30
30
13
13
R 15
15
20
20
16
25
9.5
18
½
1
R
FO
LY
N
O

75
Figure 4.26. Minimum dimensions of Timber beam floors with partly exposed beams (Table 4.24)

SE
PO
R
PU
E W
I
EV
R
R
FO
LY
N
O

76
Table 4.25. Minimum dimensions of roof coverings with board covering on the underside for fire
resistance of 30 minutes
Structural Minimum dimensions of covering Insulating layer
Features mineral fibre

Chip Gypsum Gypsum PIV Max Thickness Bulk-

board d1 plasterboard base- plaster span d (mm) density
(mm) d2 (mm) board d1 (mm) 1mm
d1(mm)  kg/m3

16 12.5 9.5 15 6.25 No

requirement
13 15 6.25
0 2x12.5 500
[See figure 4.27]

- 400

0 15 400 SE
40 100
0 15
PO
400 60 50
0 15
R
400 80 30

13 12.5
P U 625 40 100
13 12.5 625 60 50

EW
13 12.5 625 80 30

V I
E
R
R
FO
LY
N
O
Figure 4.27. Roof covering with board covering on underside (Table 4.25)

4.3.10 Covered Steel Beams

1. General
a) Critical steel temperature
The critical temperature Crit T of steel is the temperature at which the yield point of the steel falls to the
level of the stress present in the steel of the building component. For steel building components
classified as ST37, STS2, stressed up to the permissible value in accordance with this standard Crit T
is 500oc.
b) In order to ensure that steel building components when exposed to fire heat up only to a
temperature of less than 500oc, it is generally necessary to place a protective covering. This
77
 depends on the ration U/A (m-1), the ration of the peripheral area exposed to fire to the cross
sectional area exposed to fire, i.e., the cross-sectional area to be heated.
c) Calculation of U/A ratio
I. When there is exposure to fire on four sides and the protective covering follows the
section profile,
U lp

A A

Where, A is the cross-sectional area of the section and

ℓ is developed length

II. Where there is exposure to fire on four sides and the protective covering in the form of
box.

SE
U 2h  2b

A A

PO
III. Where there is exposure on three sides and the protective covering follows the section
profile.
R
U lp  b

P U
A A
W
As failure of the complete section generally results from heating up of a part facing the fire, a
E
I
modified U/A ration for the part of the section heating quickest can be calculated as:

EV
U 
R
 
 A  mod
 200 / t

R
FO
Where, t is the thickness of the part of the section concerned in cm. In this case the larger of
the two values U/A obtained shall be used for determining the minimum thickness of the
protective covering
LY
IV. When there is exposure to fire on three sides and the protective coverings in the form of a
box N
O U 2h  b

A A
V. When there is exposure to fire only on one side such as in I beams bricked in or
concreted in and only the outer surfaces of the flange are heated,

U A  100 t

d) Limiting the ratio U/A: For all classified steel building components the U/A ratio shall be not greater
than 300m-1. For steel building components with U/A ratio exceeding 300m-1, it will be necessary
to carry out standard tests.

78
e) When steel building components are to be fixed that are not required to be assigned to any fire
resistance class to load bearing or bracing steel building components assigned to a particular fire
resistance class the joints and the adjacent steel components shall be given a protective covering
over a length 300mm for fire resistance class of ½ to 1.5 hours; and 600 mm for fire resistance
class of 2 to 3 hours.
2. Fire protection of Steel Beams
a) The following specifications shall apply to statistically determinate or indeterminate steel beams
with protective covering subject to bending stress and exposed to fire on three sides at the most or
with exposure to fire on four sides when the beams have a protective covering on four sides
b) Protective plaster coverings of beams without beam filling of the areas between the flanges shall
have at least the minimum plaster thickness specified in Table 4.26.
c) For protective plaster covering of beams with beam filling of the areas between the flanges, the
minimum plaster thickness given in Table 4.27 shall apply in the region of the lower flange.
However, the minimum thickness of the brickwork for the fire class of ½ to 1.5 hours shall not be
less than 50mm and for fire class of2 and 3 hours this shall not be less than 70mm and 120mm,

SE
respectively.
d) Gypsum plaster board protective coverings shall comply with the requirements specified in Table

PO
4.27 with regard to the arrangement of the boards and minimum thickness. The span of the boards
or the spacing of the supporting steel section shall not be greater than 400mm.
R
U/A P U
Table 4.26. Minimum plaster thickness of covered steel beams without beam filling
[See figure 4.28]

m-1
E W
Minimum Plaster thickness d, in mm overlathing when using plaster of
I
Mortar and Fire class
EV Vermiculite or perlite for fire class

½ hrs 1hrs 1.5hrs R

2 hrs 3 hrs. ½ hrs 1 hrs 1.5hrs 2 hrs 3 hrs
R
<90 5 5
FO
15 15 25 5 5 15 15 25

LY
90to 119 5 5 15 25 - 5 5 15 25 -

120 to 179 5
N 15 15 25 - 5 5 15 25 -

180 to 300 5 O 15 25 - - 5 5
25
25 -

79
 Figure 4.28. Plaster thicknesses of covered steel beams without beam filling (Table 4.26)

Table 4.27. Minimum thickness of gypsum plasterboard protective covering d in mm of steel beams
with U/A  300mm
[See figure 4.29] Minimum covering thickness d in mm for
fire resistance class of ____ hours

½ 1 1.5 2

12.5 12.5+9.5 2x15 2x15+9.5

SE
PO
R
P U
Figure 4.29. Structural feature of steel beams covered with gypsum plasterboard (Table 4.27)

E W
4.3.11 Covered Steel Columns and Bracket
I
EV
The following specifications shall apply to covered steel columns and steel columns with
R
brackets (brackets shall be provided with protection covering of type described as function of
U/A) exposed to fire on not more than four sides.
R
FO
Protective coverings shall be placed over the whole height of the columns from the top edge of
lower floor to lower edge of the uncovered upper floor.

LY
Steel columns with closed cross-section with concrete mortar infilling shall have at least two
N
holes of size 6 cm2 per pair of holes placed opposite each other at the top and bottom of the
O
columns and if necessary at another level so that the distance between is not more than 5m.
Steel columns with open cross-section in which the areas between the flanges are completely
filled with mortar, concrete or masonry may any have any desired covering in addition to
covering necessary for fire protection purposes.
Covering of concrete, masonry or slabs: The minimum thickness of protective covering d in
mm of steel columns with U/A 300m-1 with a protective covering of concrete, masonry or
slabs shall be as specified in Table 4.28.

The protective coverings shall be reinforced by steel stirrups of 6 placed at intervals of not
less than 250mm in the centre of the covering. This reinforcement may not be necessary
where columns are built into the walls over their entire height and the parts on the wall running

80
by columns are bonded to the adjacent parts of the wall and have at least the minimum
thickness specified in Table 4.28.

Table 4.28. Minimum thickness d in mm of protective covering, concrete masonry or slabs to steel
columns
Minimum d (mm) for fire resistance class hours
Covering description
½ 1 1.5 2 3
Reinforced concrete or reinforced gas 50 50 50 60 75
1
concrete (30) (30) (40) (50) (60)
Masonry or wall slabs, gas concrete 50 50 50 50 75
2
blocks or gas concrete building slabs, (50) (50) (50) (50) (50)
hollow blocks, solid blocks or wall slabs
made of light weight concrete

SE
Wall bricks but not including bricks with 52 52 71 71 115
3
longitudinal perforation, sand lime bricks (52) (52) (52) (71) (71)

PO
or slab sand blocks
Gypsum wall slabs 60 60 80 100 120
4
(60) (60)
R (60) (80) (100)

between the flanges filled with concrete, mortar or masonry]

P U
[The values in brackets shall apply to hollow steel columns filled with concrete and columns with open sections but the areas

Protective plaster covering of columns shall have at least the minimum plaster thickness
specified in Table 4.29.
E W
The arrangement and fixing of the non-combustibleV I lathing, the edge protection rails and the
woven wire placed near the surface of E the protective covering shall comply with the
R The lathings and woven wire shall be carefully
specifications given in the schematic drawing.

transverse joints and the joints shall beR

fixed by tying back with soft tying wire; they shall be tied together at the longitudinal and
staggered.

F O
Table 4.29. Minimum thickness of plaster covered steel columns

LY
Min. plaster thickness d in mm, over the lathing (rib type expanded metal,
U/A
expanded metal or woven wire) in accordance with schematic drawing below and

N when using plaster of [See figure 4.30]

m
-1
O
Cement mortar for fire resistance class of
____ hours
Vermiculite or perlite mortar for fire
resistance class of ____hours
½ 1 1.5 2 3 ½ 1 1.5 2 3
15 25 45 45 65 10 10 35 35 45
<90
15 25 45 55 65 10 20 35 45 55
90 to 119
15 25 45 55 65 10 20 35 45 55
120 to 179
15 25 55 55 65 10 20 45 45 55
180 to 300

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 SE
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Figure 4.30. Structural feature of covered steel columns (Table 4.29)

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4.4 Stair Cases and Lifts

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4.4.1 Stair case

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All buildings with more than 15m height and having area more than 500 m2 on each floor

V I
should have a minimum of two stair cases. They should be enclosed type and at least one of
them should be on external walls of the building and should open to a place of safety.
E
Every area used for storage of hazardous R commodities should have an exit within 22.5m of
R
any point in the area where persons may be present or 30m where automatic sprinkler

FO
protection is provided.
Stairs should be constructed using non-combustible building materials with fire ratings not less
than 2 hours.
L Y
Other details provisions &Nstair are given in Section 3 of this code.

4.4.2 Lifts O
The general requirements for provision of lifts with regard to fire safety or protection shall be as
listed below:
1) The walls of lifts and enclosures should have a fire rating of 2 hours; lift shaft should have a vent
at the top of area not less than 0.2 m2.
2) Lift motor room should be located preferably on top of the shaft and separated from the shaft by
the floor of the room.
3) Landing doors in lifts and enclosures should have a fire resistance of not less than 1 hour.
4) Lift care door should have a fire resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.
5) Collapsible gates should not be used for lifts and should have doors with fire resistance of at
least 1 hour.
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 6) In opening other than the lift lobby, door in the lobby enclosure wall should also have the
minimum fire resistance of one hour.
7) Suitable arrangements, such as providing slope in the floor of lift lobby should be made to
prevent water used during firefighting, etc, on any landing from entering the lift shaft.
8) The safety signs should be posted and maintained at every floor at or near the lift indicating that
in case of fire, occupants should use the stairs unless instructed otherwise. The safety signs
should also contain a plan for each floor showing the location of staircase.

4.5 Chimneys

For the purpose of fire safety or protection, chimneys shall have the following provisions.
1) A clearance of at least 40mm between the outer surface of the chimney and any adjacent
combustible material forming part of a wall lining enclosing the chimney.
2) The fire resistance of any structure surrounding flew or flew pipe should be not less than the

SE
one for external walls. In the case of flew pipe there should be an air space between it and the
surrounding structure of sufficient width to permit access to the pipe for inspection and repair.

PO
3) When flew pipe passes through any other room or an enclosed roof space it should be
protected by structure having a fire resistance equal to the external walls.
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4) The Chimney excluding the pot should be carried to a minimum height of 1m above the highest
point of its junction with the roof.

P U
5) The outlet of a flew from domestic appliance having a roof covering should be at least 2.5m in a
horizontal plan from the roof of any structure built upon the roof or at least 0.6m higher than any
ridge within 2.5m.

E W
6) If the roof covering is not fire resistant, no flew outlet should be lower than the ridge for the
I
highest point of the roof or less than 1m above any ridge within 2.5m.

EV
7) Where a metal chimney passes through a roof covering which is not fire resistance, it shall be
guarded by a suitable iron or metal thimble extending not less than 225 mm above and below
R
roof construction and of a size to provide not less than 150mm clearance on all sides of
chimneys.
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4.6 Basements
F O
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For the purpose of fire protection,
conform to the following requirements:
buildings with single or multi-level basements should

N
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1) Each basement should be separated by ventilated and vents with cross-sectional area not less
than 2.5% of the floor area spread evenly round the perimeter of the basement should be
provided in the form of grills or breakable stall boards lights or pavement lights or by way of
shafts. Alternatively, a system of air inlets should be provided at basement floor level and
smoke outlets at basement ceiling level.
2) The staircase of basements should be enclosed type having fire resistance of not less than 2
hours and should be situated at the periphery of the basement to be entered at ground level
only from the open air and in such positions that smoke from any fire in the basement should
not obstruct and exit serving the ground and upper storey of the building and should
communicate with basement through a lobby provided with fire resisting self-closing doors of 1
hour fire resistance.
3) In multi-level basements, intake ducts may serve all basement levels, but each basement and
basement compartment should have separate smoke outlet duct or ducts.

83
4) Ventilating ducts should be integrated with the structure, and made out of brick masonry or RC
as far as possible and when this duct crosses the transformer area or electrical switch board,
fire dampers should be provided. Basement/sub-basement should not be used for storage,
cooking purposes, garage and ships unless provision is made for sprinkler system.

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SECTION 5 Ancillary Engineering Services

5.1 Scope

Ancillary engineering services comprise of Gas and Electrical services; Lighting; Heating, Air
Conditioning and Ventilation services; Incinerators and Lifts, Escalators and Conveyor
systems.

5.2 Gas and Electrical Services

Siting of gas service pipes in a protected stairway or lobby is prohibited where this provide the
only means of escape in case of fire only.

Siting of electrical installation including distribution boards and meters within any protected
E
stairway shall be separated by a building element with 30 minutes fire resistance.
S
Emergency controlling valves or breakers shall be provided at appropriate places preferably
Osupplies.
external to the buildings and at floor levels in order to discontinue their
P
R
Gas and Electrical services shall be installed, inspected periodically, tested and maintained by
suitably qualified professionals and / or Occupational.
P U
Gas and Electric services as they are potential sources of fire shall be installed and maintained
W
as per relevant EBCS and by suitably qualified professionals and / or Occupational; where
E other international standards, specific
inapplicable relevant voluntary Ethiopian Standards,
V I
industry practices and relevant literatures shall be consulted.
E
R
Besides and for the purpose of fire safety, electrical services should conform to the following
requirements:
R
FO
 The electric distribution cables/wiring should be laid in a separate duct. The duct should be
sealed at ever alternative floor with non-combustible materials having the same fire resistance
as that of the duct. Low and medium voltage wiring running in shaft and above false ceiling

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should run in separate conduits.

N
Water mains, telephones lines, inter-com lines, gas pipes or any other services line should not
be laid in the duct for electric cables.
 O
The inspection panel doors and any other opening in the shaft should be provided with fire
doors having fire resistance of not less than 1 hour.
 Medium and low voltage wiring running in shafts and within false ceiling should run in metal
conduit. Any 220V wiring for lighting or other services above false ceiling should have about
660V grade insulations. The false ceiling including all fixtures used for its suspension should be
of non-combustible material.
 An independent and well ventilated service room should be provided on the ground floor with
direct access from outside or from the corridor for the purpose of termination of electric supply
from the licensee’s service and alternative supply cables. The doors provided for the service
room should have fire resistance of not less than 2 hours.

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5.3 Lighting

Artificial light sufficient enough for visibility shall be provided to all escape routes.

Visible lighting needs to be provided and maintained in all escape routes in order to clearly
delineate internal circulatory exit routes and identify fire related any directional or warning
signs including location of fire alarm call points and firefighting equipment locations in case of
fire.
Escape lighting in addition to artificial lighting is designed to provide illumination when part or
all of the normal lighting system has failed and shall be provided in all escape routes within the
following:
 Underground or windowless accommodations;

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 All stairs serving storeys 18 m or more above ground level, internal corridors, external escape
routes, those parts of rooms, premises regularly used outside normal daylight hours without
direct natural or indirect light;

PO
 All escape routes in public car parks; and
 All services installation rooms as defined in section 5.6 below.
R with the relevant EBCS,
relevant voluntary Ethiopian standards, other international
U
Types of luminaire used for escape lighting shall be in accordance
P standards, specific industry
practices and relevant literatures.

E W
5.4 Heating, Air Conditioning and Ventilation Systems
I
V but their potential increases if sited near
Heating systems rarely cause fires by themselves
E
R
local heating units or when local heating units are placed adjacent to them.
Provisions of automatic fire detectors, R smoke control system using pressure differentials

limit spread of flames and smoke F O

compatible to the air conditioning and ventilation systems and fire dumpers are necessary to
when break into ventilation systems such as ducts to
Y
minimize rapid fire development.
L
tested and maintained byN
Heating, Air conditioning and Ventilations systems shall be installed, inspected periodically,

O suitably qualified professionals and / or Occupational.

Heating, Air conditioning and Ventilations systems, as they are potential sources for rapid
spread of fire; shall be installed and maintained as per the relevant EBCS; where inapplicable
relevant voluntary Ethiopian Standards such as ES 2888:2006, other international standards,
specific industry practices and relevant literatures shall be consulted.
Fire resistance of ventilation system

To prevent propagation of fire and smoke into other storey or fire compartments, the following
specifications shall apply to ventilation shafts and ducts which can be classified in fire
resistance class of ½ to 2 hours ratings.

86
Escape routes like stair cases, common corridors, lifts, lobbies etc should not be used as
return air passage. As far as possible metallic ducts should be used even for the return air
instead of space above the false ceiling.
The ducting may be constructed from concrete when it bear on earth or solid material
otherwise should be metal.
Area more than 750 m2 on individual floor should be segregated by a fire wall and automatic
fire dampers for isolation should be provided.
Air-conditioning systems circulating air to more than one floor area should be provided with
dampers designed to close automatically in case of fire and thereby prevent spread of fire or
smoke. Such a system should also be provided with automatic controls to stop fans in case of
fire, unless arranged to remove smoke from a fire, in which case these should be designed to
remain in operation.
SE
Air-conditioning system serving large places of assembly (over 1000 persons), large
departmental stores or hotels with over 100 rooms in a single block
P Oshould be provided with
effective means for preventing circulation of smoke through the system in the case of a fire in
air filters or from other sources drawn into the system even thoughR there is insufficient heat to
actuate heat sensitive devices controlling fans or dampers.
P U
Ventilation shafts made of light weight concrete precast components need to meet a minimum
requirement of fire resistance class of 1½ hours rating
E Wwith regard to aggregates, binders and
concrete structures. Solid side walls or projections
and projections with cells shall be at least 80mm V I shall
thick.
be at least 50mm thick and side walls

E
R
Floors interrupted by the shafts shall consist of class A building materials including their
insulating layers in the region of the penetrations.
Rshall be assigned at least to the same fire resistance
F O duct inserted in shaft be fully grouted in with mortar at
Barriers across openings in shaft walls
class as the shaft walls. Any ventilation
the entry points.
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Ventilation Ducts
N
Ventilation ducts made O of light weight concrete precast components shall meet the
requirements of fire resistance of 1½ hours rating if the precast components bear on the earth
or on solid building components and sub-clause 4.6.2 of item 2 to 4 shall apply as appropriate.

When the duct system does not bear on earth or on solid building components, sheet steel
ventilation ducts with an outer insulating layer shall be deemed to meet the requirements for
fire resistance class of ½ to 1½ hours ratings. They consist of black or galvanized sheet of not
exceeding 1.5mm thickness and have no openings, the thickness of galvanizing not exceeding
25 m.

The materials used for insulating the duct system shall consist of mineral fibres or building
materials of class BMA.

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Horizontal pipes or ducts may only be fixed to reinforced concrete beams or floors or roofs,
whereas vertical pipes may only be fixed to solid walls.

A wall penetration, the cavity between the pipe insulating layer and wall shall be completely
sealed with insulating material. In case of penetration through floors, the space between the
ducts or pipes and the floor shall be completely sealed with mortar or concrete or building
material of class BMA to a thickness not less than 100mm measured in the direction of the axis
of the duct or pipe.
Shafts ducts and Cables for Services

Shafts and ducts for building services shall be designed as ventilation ducts in accordance with
the specification given in sub-clause 4.6.3 subject to the following provisions.

Pipe and cables penetrating the walls of a shaft or duct shall be fully grouted in with mortar in
the region of the walls.
S E
O
Shafts and ducts for building services in which combustible materials are used shall be sealed
off by a mortar grout not less than 200mm thickness at each floorPor building material of class
BMA. R
P U
Fuel lines in shafts and ducts for building services shall consist of non-combustible building
materials. Pipes or cables or cables of combustible materials or pipes carrying materials with

E W
temperature of more than 1000C shall not be laid inside shafts or ducts for building services
containing fuel lines.
I
5.5 Incinerators
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R require special considerations and preferably be
Incinerators other than sanitary incinerators
isolated in a separate building. R
FO rooms
5.6 Engineering services installation

LY rooms include:
Engineering services installation
1. N
Electric control rooms including Transformer rooms
2.
3.
Boiler rooms O
Fuel storage spaces
4. Mechanical ventilation and air conditioning plant rooms
5. Lift machine rooms
6. Rooms containing fixed internal combustion engine
7. Rooms containing highly flammable or toxic materials
8. Battery charging rooms

The following recommendations are applicable to such rooms:

 Sitting of such rooms shall not prejudice escape from other exits in case of fire.
 Imperforate sills to doorways and necessary drainages with interceptors shall be provided if
such rooms contain highly flammable liquids and gases.

88
 Such rooms shall be ventilated, either directly or indirectly; to the outside air without impairing
any fire resistance requirements in order to avoid undue built up of heat that may cause fire.
 Appropriate voluntary Ethiopian Standards, specialist literatures, industry practices and other
international standards shall be consulted for fire related specific requirements.

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SECTION 6 Fire Detection, Alarm and Control Systems

6.1 Introduction:
This part covers the requirements for fire detection, alarm and control systems.

6.2 Fire Detection Systems

6.2.1 General

One of the prime objectives of fire safety and protection is to enable occupants to have
sufficient time to escape during fire. The detection time, the alerting time, the reaction time, the
evacuation time and the fire extinguishing time are necessary to protect life safety and
property. Among these time requirements; the first two can be fulfilled using Fire detection and
alarm system.
S E
Fire detections help to identify one or more characteristics of fires known as “fire signatures”;

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namely: heat, smoke and flames. No one type of detector can be considered to all conditions
of fires but dependent upon the fire classifications described in section 2.3 and 2.4 of this
Code. As a result, proper selection and siting of fire detectorsR are essential for achieving the
fire safety, protection and fighting objectives.
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Fire detection systems include Heat and/or Smokes and/or Flames detectors and are
described below.
E W
6.2.2 Heat, Smoke and Flame Detection system V I
E
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Heat Detectors: There are two types of heat detectors; namely (1) Fixed temperature and (2)
Rate of riser detectors.
Fixed temperature detectors are O
R
designed to detect heat exhibiting and reaching a pre-
determined temperature either for F a small area called point detectors or having a linear
Y
sensing device protecting larger area called point detectors.
L
N o
Rate of rise detectors are designed to detect heat exhibiting a rise of 1 c per minute above a
O
pre-determined temperature level.
In both cases the detector operates using a fusible metal or heat sensitive covering or
expansion effect on metals or gases to make or break a circuit when either the pre-determined
temperature rate or a designated rate of rise in temperature exists.
Smoke Detectors: There are two types of smoke detectors; namely (1) Ionization and (2)
Optical detectors.
Ionization detectors are designed to detect the invisible products of smoke when flow of ions
created is slowed towards electrodes across which a potential difference is maintained which
reduces the flow of current in the chamber that actuate the alarm system.

90
Optical detectors are designed to detect the visible products of smoke when the amount of
light falling on the photo electric cell reaches a pre-determined value to actuate the alarm.
Flame Detectors: There are three types of flame detectors; namely (1) Infra-red radiation, (2)
Ultra-violet radiation, and (2) Combined IR/UV radiation detectors.
Both infra-red and Ultra-violet radiations are results energy forms produced from a fire
reaching a flame stage. While Infra-red radiation detectors operate based on a pre-set period
of normally 2 – 15 seconds to activate the alarm; Ultra-violet radiation detector operates similar
to the ionization smoke detector for activating the alarm.
There are also Multi-sensor or Combination fire detectors which are point type resettable
detectors that can detect both heat and smoke.

6.2.3 Choice or Selection of fire detectors

S E
Each type of detector responds at a different rate to different kinds of fire. The following
O to recommend the
characteristics of the different types of fire detectors will assist designers
P
appropriate choices of detectors:
R

alarms. P U
Smoke detectors provide faster response than heat and flame detectors, but may provide false

 Ionization detectors are not suitable to fires caused by smoldering or PVC or Polyurethane foam
W
or clearly burning fires like hydrogen, certain grades of petroleum and the like.
E

I
Optical smoke detectors are more sensitive to larger particles of smoke hence slow in detecting

EV
fire.
 Smoke detectors cannot detect products from clean burning liquids such as alcohol because no

 R
smoke is produced; hence optical smoke or heat detectors are preferable.
Heat detectors are not suitable for detection in life safety and in slow burning or air-conditioned
premises. R
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 Heat detectors are suitable in compartments where heat producing equipment such as kitchen,
pantry, etc. are used.

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 Heat detectors with rate of rise elements are more suitable where ambient temperature is low or
vary very slowly while fixed temperature detectors are more suitable where the variation is rapid
N
over a short period of time.

O
Flame detectors are particularly suited for outside and general surveillance of wider open areas
such as warehouses and for critical areas where flaming fires rapidly spread such as in areas
pumps, valves or pipes containing flammable liquids.
 An approved automatic smoke detection system shall be installed in areas containing stationary
storage battery systems having a liquid capacity of more than 190 liters. The detection system
shall be supervised by an approved central, proprietary or remote station service or a local
alarm that will sound an audible signal at a constantly attended location.
 A minimum of one smoke detector shall be installed in the following areas:
o Mechanical equipment, electrical, transformer, telephone equipment, elevator machine or similar
Rooms;
o Elevator lobbies;
o The main return and exhaust air plenum of each air-conditioning system serving more than one
story and located in a serviceable area downstream of the last duct inlet;

91
 o Each connection to a vertical duct or riser serving two or more floors from return air ducts or
plenums of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems, except that in Group R occupancies,
a listed smoke detector is allowed to be used in each return air riser carrying not more than 2.4
cubic meter per second and serving not more than 10 air inlet openings.

6.3 Smoke and Heat Control Systems

6.3.1 Smoke Control System

Smoke which is a primary cause for loss of life during fire spreads faster than fires themselves.
Though the logical response to fire is to evacuate from the vicinity; this cannot be always
possible from tall and wide buildings, and its efficiency is markedly affected by existence and
rapid spread of smoke. This is more challenging in the case for physically challenged
occupants and patients in hospitals during fires. As a result, Smoke Control systems need to
be designed and installed to provide an added prevention of loss of life and enable them to
evacuate safely.
S E
The initial aim of smoke control is to raise smoke above head heightO by venting smoke and hot
gases by direct means to the external atmosphere. The recommendationsP applicable made related to
restrictive travel distance and protected escape route where R are based on
containment. In instances where such provisions are difficult
not cater for rapid and efficient evacuation; smoke control P U or such provisions alone could
system as part of a fire safety
engineering solution integrative to the other fire safety and fighting systems are recommended.
The purposes of smoke control systems include: E
W
I

EV
Inhibiting migration of smoke out of the source compartment;

evacuees); R
Inhibiting smoke from entering means of egress or escape (maintaining tenable environment for

 R
Maintaining a tenable environment outside of the source compartment for emergency

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personnel;
 Protecting life; and

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Reducing damage to property.

Smoke controlling systemsL can either be physical features that concerns about smoke
N or equipment such as fans, smoke detectors and operable
resisting construction elements;
windows; or methodsO such as design schemes such as compartmentation, smoke venting,
stairwell pressurization or a combination thereof.
Smoke Resistive Construction is a means to enable occupants be protected from smoke.
Compartmentation uses physical features designed to control smoke movement by passively
containing it within the smoke source area.
Smoke Venting uses non-ducted, stand-alone equipment (i.e., smoke vents in building
envelopes) designed to control smoke movement by releasing it under its own pressure to the
outside.

92
Stairwell Pressurization is a means to establish a pressure difference across a barrier to
protect a designated escape route such as stairway, lobby, or a room from smoke penetration.
Smoke Control uses equipment (e.g., fans, ductwork, dampers, smoke detectors) designed to
control smoke movement by actively and mechanically creating pressure differentials.

6.3.2 Heat Transmission and Control Systems

Heat is transferred from regions of higher temperature to lower temperature through three
methods; namely: (1) Conduction, or (2) Convection, or (3) Radiation from ignition to
extinguishment of fires.
Conduction: In fires, thermal conductivity which is the ability to transfer heat through
conduction determines the danger of fire spread, hence due attention shall be given to Heat
E
Conducting materials used in buildings as they are potential sources to spread fire quickly.
S
Generally good conductors of electricity such as Copper, Silver and most metals are good
conductors of heat; therefore, Steel / Metal elements in buildings O provided across rooms or
P
through walls can be good causes for fire spread rapidly from one room to another.
Rdue to conduction of heat are
Relevant provisions to protect buildings from fires created
P U
mandatory during design, construction, operations and maintenance stages sections 3 and 4
of this code shall be adhered to.

E Wenergy released by the movement and

I
Convection: In fires, the enormous amount of chemical
Vlift shafts and other open wells are potential
circulation of hot gases can be circulated in liquids and gases to spread them quickly.
Domestic heating systems; open stair wells, E
R
building elements spreading fires through convection.
Relevant provisions to protect buildingsR operations
from fires created due to convention of heat are
O
mandatory during design, construction,
F to.
and 4 of this code shall be adhered
and maintenance stages and sections 3

L Yof heat is released through radiation which is a form of energy

Radiation: In fires, 10 to 50 %
N
capable of causing fires if specially there is nearby combustible or flammable materials such
as clothes.
O
Relevant provisions to protect buildings from fires created due to radiation of heat are
mandatory during design, construction, operations and maintenance stages and sections 3
and 4 of this code shall be adhered to.

6.4 Fire Alarm System

6.4.1 General requirements for fire detection and alarm systems

A fire alarm system is used primarily to evacuate the premises in the event of occurrence of a
fire condition and then secondarily to report the fire to the proper authorities.

93
The following general requirements shall be adhered where fire detection and alarm systems
are recommended:
1. If the numbers of fire detection and alarm system exceeds 20; individual zones and / or centers
shall be determined, provided and plan showing such zoning and / or centers in addition to other
planning requirements shall be made and put in a place legibly seen in a building.
2. A control center shall be provided for buildings having high hazard level for fire and preferably
placed on the Ground floor with an area not less than 16m2 and emergency lighting system.
3. Fire detection and alarm system sounder shall be electronic hooter or horn or electric bells
having a minimum frequency of 500Hz, a minimum sound level of either the greater of 65dB or
5dB above expected noise level in any occupancy, and likely to persist for more than 30
seconds.
4. Fire detection and alarm places shall be sited in a place where the alarm is heard at all
designated locations in the building both on days and in evenings or nights.
5. In new construction, required smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building

SE
wiring where such wiring is served from a commercial source and shall be equipped with a
battery backup. Smoke alarms shall emit a signal when the batteries are low. Wiring shall be

PO
permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than as required for over-current
protection.
R
6. Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed in a building, the smoke alarms

P U
shall be interconnected in such a manner that the activation of one alarm will activate all of the
alarms in the individual unit. The alarm shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background
noise levels with all intervening doors closed.

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7. Activation of any single smoke detector, the automatic sprinkler system or any other automatic
fire detection device shall immediately sound an alarm at the building at a constantly attended
I
location from which emergency action can be initiated.

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8. A fire alarm system shall be installed in occupancies with an atrium that connects more than two
stories.
R
9. Where the lowest level of a structure is more than 18 meters below the lowest level of exit

R
discharge, the structure shall be equipped throughout with a manual fire alarm system, including
an emergency voice/alarm communication system.

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10. Manual fire alarm boxes shall be located not more than 1.5 meters from the entrance to each
exit. Additional manual fire alarm boxes shall be located so that travel distance to the nearest

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box does not exceed 60 meters.
11. The height of the manual fire alarm boxes shall be a minimum of 1 meter and a maximum of 1.2
N
meters measured vertically, from the floor level to the activating handle or lever of the box.
O
12. Manual fire alarm boxes shall be red in color.
13. Upon completion of the installation of the fire alarm system, alarm notification appliances and
circuits, alarm-initiating devices and circuits, supervisory-signal initiating devices and circuits,
signaling line circuits, and primary and secondary power supplies shall be tested.
14. Fire alarm systems shall be monitored by an approved supervising station except for Single-
and multiple-station smoke alarms and Smoke detectors in Class OFG-3 occupancies.

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6.4.2 Fire alarm requirements for different Occupancies

The fire alarm requirements for different occupancies are provided in the following tables.

Fire Class OFA: Institutional

Recommended Fire Alarm System Exceptions

Occupancy Load less than 300

SE
A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Class OFA
occupancies having an occupant load of 300 or more. PO
Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the
building is equipped throughout with an automatic
R
sprinkler system and the alarm notification
U
appliances will activate upon sprinkler water flow.
P
Occupancy Load more than and equal to 1000

E W
Activation of the fire alarm in Group A occupancies with an
occupant load of 1,000 or more shall initiate a signal using I Where approved, the prerecorded announcement is
allowed to be manually deactivated for a period of

EV
an emergency voice/alarm communications system. time, not to exceed 3 minutes, for the sole purpose
of allowing a live voice announcement from an
R approved, constantly attended location.

Night Clubs R
FO
An automatic fire detection system shall be installed Automatic fire detection systems are not required in

LY
throughout all nightclubs with an occupant load of 100 or buildings provided with an automatic sprinkler
more. If the alarm is activated by smoke detectors, it shall system throughout
be activated by either two cross-zoned smoke detectors
N
within a single protected area or a single smoke detector
O
monitored by an alarm verification zone or an approved
equivalent method, and the smoke detectors shall be of a
type designed to reduce the possibility of false notifications
based on the conditions present in the area protected. The
automatic fire detection system shall be tied to the
performance sound system and to the house lights in such
a way that activation of the fire detection system mutes the
performance sound system and restores the intensity of
illumination.

Fire Class OFD: Industrial

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Recommended Fire Alarm System Exceptions

Occupancy Load 500 or more

A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Class OFD Manual fire alarm boxes are not required when the
occupancies that are two or more stories in height and building is equipped throughout with an automatic
have an occupant load of 500 or more above or below the sprinkler system and the notification appliances will
lowest level of exit discharge. activate upon sprinkler water flow.

Fire Class OFE: Rehabilitation

Recommended Fire Alarm System Exceptions

Occupancy Load 500 or more

SE
A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Class OFE Manual fire alarm boxes in resident or patient
occupancies. An electrically supervised, automatic smoke sleeping areas of Class OFE-1 and OFE-2

PO
detection system shall be provided. Alarms activated by occupancies shall not be required at exits if located
smoke detectors required by this section shall be activated at all nurses’ control stations or other constantly
by a single smoke detector monitored by an alarm attended staff locations, provided such stations are
verification zone or an approved equivalent method. R
visible and continuously accessible and travel

1. P U
distances are not exceeded.
Smoke detection in habitable spaces is not
required where the facility is equipped throughout
W
with an automatic sprinkler system.
E
I2. Smoke detection is not required for exterior

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balconies.

Class OFE-2: Hospital

R
R
Corridors in nursing homes (both intermediate care and 1. Corridor smoke detection is not required in

FO
skilled nursing facilities), detoxification facilities and smoke compartments that contain patient sleeping
spaces permitted to be open to the corridors shall be units where patient sleeping units are provided with
equipped with an automatic fire detection system. smoke detectors. Such detectors shall provide a

LY
Hospitals shall be equipped with smoke detection. visual display on the corridor side of each patient
sleeping unit and an audible and visual alarm at the

N nursing station attending each unit.

2. Corridor smoke detection is not required in
O smoke compartments that contain patient sleeping
units where patient sleeping unit doors are equipped
with automatic door-closing devices with integral
smoke detectors on the unit sides installed in
accordance with their listing, provided that the
integral detectors perform the required alerting
function.

Class OFE-3: Other Institutions

Class OFE-3 occupancies shall be equipped with a

manual and automatic fire alarm system installed for
alerting staff.

96
System initiation
Actuation of an automatic fire-extinguishing system, a
manual fire alarm box or a fire detector shall initiate an
approved fire alarm signal which automatically notifies
staff. Pre-signal systems shall not be used.
Manual fire alarm boxes
Manual fire alarm boxes are not required to be located
where the fire alarm boxes are provided at staff-attended
locations having direct supervision over areas where
manual fire alarm boxes have been omitted. Manual fire
alarm boxes shall be permitted to be locked in areas
occupied by detainees, provided that staff members are
present within the subject area and have keys readily
available to operate the manual fire alarm boxes.

SE
PO
Fire Class OFF: Business

Recommended Fire Alarm System Exceptions

R
Occupancy Load 500 or more
P U
A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Class
OFF occupancies having an occupant load of 500 or
E W
Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the
building is equipped throughout with an automatic
more persons or more than 100 persons above or below I
sprinkler system and the alarm notification

EV
the lowest level of exit discharge. appliances will activate upon sprinkler water flow.

Place of Instruction (Education)

R
R
A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in such 1. Occupancies with an occupant load of less

FO
occupancies. When automatic sprinkler systems or than 50.
smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors 2. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required in
shall be connected to the building fire alarm system. such occupancies where all the following apply:

LY
2.1. Interior corridors are protected by smoke
detectors with alarm verification.
N 2.2. Auditoriums, cafeterias, gymnasiums and the

O like are protected by heat detectors or other

approved detection devices.
2.3. Shops and laboratories involving dusts or
vapors are protected by heat detectors or other
approved detection devices.
2.4. Off-premises monitoring is provided.
2.5. The capability to activate the evacuation
signal from a central point is provided.
2.6. In buildings where normally occupied spaces
are provided with a two-way communication system
between such spaces and a constantly attended
receiving station from where a general evacuation
alarm can be sounded, except in locations
specifically designated by the fire code official.
3. Manual fire alarm boxes shall not be required
97
 in Group E occupancies where the building is
equipped throughout with an approved automatic
sprinkler system, the notification appliances will
activate on sprinkler water flow and manual activation
is provided from a normally occupied location.

Fire Class OFH: Residential and Hotel

Recommended Fire Alarm System Exceptions

Occupancy Load 500 or more

A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Class 1. Covered mall buildings
OFH occupancies having an occupant load of 500 or more 2. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required
persons or more than 100 persons above or below the where the building is equipped throughout with an
lowest level of exit discharge. The initiation of a signal automatic sprinkler system and the alarm notification

SE
from a manual fire alarm box shall initiate alarm appliances will automatically activate upon sprinkler
notification appliances. water flow.

PO
Occupant notification
During times that the building is occupied, the initiation of
a signal from a manual fire alarm box or from a water flow R
switch shall not be required to activate the alarm
notification appliances when an alarm signal is activated P U
at a constantly attended location from which evacuation
instructions shall be initiated over an emergency
E W
voice/alarm communication system.
I
EV
The emergency voice/alarm communication system shall
be allowed to be used for other announcements provided
the manual fire alarm use takes precedence over any
other use. R
R
FO
Class OFH-1: Hotel
1. A manual fire alarm system is not required
A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in GroupH-1

LY
in buildings not more than two stories in height
occupancies.
where all individual sleeping units and contiguous
attic and crawl spaces are separated from each
N
Alarms activated by smoke detectors shall be activated by
a single smoke detector monitored by an alarm verification other and public or common areas by at least 1-hour
O
zone or an approved equivalent method.
An automatic fire alarm system shall be installed
fire partitions and each individual sleeping unit has
an exit directly to a public way, exit court or yard.
2. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required
throughout all interior corridors serving sleeping units. throughout the building when the following
In buildings that are not equipped throughout with an conditions are met:
automatic sprinkler system, the smoke alarms in sleeping 2.1. The building is equipped throughout with an
units shall be connected to an emergency electrical automatic sprinkler system;
system and shall be annunciated by sleeping unit at a 2.2. The notification appliances will activate upon
constantly attended location from which the fire alarm sprinkler water flow; and
system is capable of being manually activated. 2.3. At least one manual fire alarm box is
installed at an approved location.
Single- or multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed
in all of the following locations in Group H-1: An automatic fire detection system is not required in
buildings that do not have interior corridors serving
1. In sleeping areas. sleeping units having a means of egress door
2. In every room in the path of the means of egress
98
from the sleeping area to the door leading from the opening directly to an exterior exit access that leads
sleeping unit. directly to an exit.
3. In each story within the sleeping unit, including
Single- or multiple-station smoke alarms shall not be
basements. For sleeping units with split levels and without
required where the building is equipped throughout
an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke
with an automatic fire detection system.
alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice for the
adjacent lower level provided that the lower level is less Smoke alarms are not required to be equipped with
than one full story below the upper level. battery backup in ClassOFH-1 where they are
connected to an emergency electrical system.

Class OFH-2: Dormitory

A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Class 4. A fire alarm system is not required in
OFH-2 occupancies where: buildings not more than two stories in height where
all dwelling units or sleeping units and contiguous
1. Any dwelling unit or sleeping unit is located three
attic and crawl spaces are separated from each

SE
or more stories above the lowest level of exit discharge;
other and public or common areas by at least 1-hour
2. Any dwelling unit or sleeping unit is located more
fire partitions and each dwelling unit or sleeping unit
than one story below the highest level of exit discharge of

PO
has an exit directly to a public way, exit court or
exits serving the dwelling unit or sleeping unit; or
yard.
3. The building contains more than 16 dwelling units
5. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required
or sleeping units.
R
throughout the building when the following
Single- or multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed
and maintained in ClassesOFH-2 - 4 regardless of 5.1.
P U
conditions are met:
The building is equipped throughout with an
occupant load at all of the following locations: automatic sprinkler system.
1. On the ceiling or wall outside of each separate
E W
5.2. The notification appliances will activate upon
sprinkler flow.
sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms.
I
EV
2. In each room used for sleeping purposes. 3. A fire alarm system is not required in buildings
3. In each story within a dwelling unit, including that do not have interior corridors serving dwelling
basements but not including crawl spaces and inhabitable units and are protected by an approved automatic
R
attics. In dwellings or dwelling units with split levels and sprinkler system, provided that dwelling units either

R
without an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a
smoke alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice for
have a means of egress door opening directly to an
exterior exit access that leads directly to the exits or

FO
the adjacent lower level provided that the lower level is are served by open-ended corridors.
less than one full story below the upper level.

LY
In ClassOFH-2 occupancies required to have a fire alarm
system, all dwelling units and sleeping units shall be
N
provided with the capability to support visible alarm
notification appliances.
O

99
SECTION 7 Firefighting Systems

7.1 Introduction

7.1.1 Scope

This chapter lays down the requirements of firefighting systems including first aid, fixed and
mobile firefighting installation equipment; namely:
 Fire extinguishing types based on medias or agents and systems; and
 Firefighting systems or installations or equipment.

7.1.2 Specific References

SE
The following specific references shall be read and construed to this section:
 ESISO 5923:2002: Fire extinguishing media: CO2

PO
 ES ISO 7202:2002: Fire extinguishing media: Powder
 ES ISO 7165:2002: Firefighting Portable fire extinguishers: Performance and Construction
 R
ES ISO 6182:2002: Fire protection Automatic Sprinkler: Part 1 to 5

7.2 Firefighting Systems P U

7.2.1 Fire extinguishing types
E W
(1)
V
Firefighting types based on fire extinguishingI medias or agents

Based on fire extinguishing agents or medias; Efirefighting system is classified into the following
R
four types of fire extinction systems or installations (Table 7.1):
R
FO
Table 7.1. The different types of Fire Extinguishing Agents or Medias
No. Types Descriptions

1 Water and
LY
Steam Fire Extinguishers, Hydrant, Sprinkler, Water Spray and
based
N Deluge & Drencher installations

2 Foam basedO Low, medium

extinguishers
and high expansion foam based fire

Protein, Chemical, Synthetic and Alcohol resistance

concentrations

3 Gaseous based
CO2 or Other Inert Low and High Pressure CO2or other inert gasses Fire
gases Clean gases Extinguishers
Halogenated and Halon Alternative Fire Extinguishers (Not
Recommended)

4 Chemical based

100
 Dry Powder BC, ABC and Special powder (D Powder) based fire
extinguishers
Wet Chemical
Alkaline solution of Potassium acetate fire extinguishers

Water and Steam based fire extinguishing agent

Water and Steam based fire extinguishing agents remain the most efficient, cheapest and
readily available medium for extinguishing fires of a general nature. While Water is used as a
cooling method of fire extinction; steam directly or developed from water is used as smothering
effect for fire extinguishing.

Therefore, Water and steam extinguish fires by a combination of cooling combustible

substances and flames, and generating steam that prevents or reduces oxygen access acting
as fog or clouds in order to block the radiative effect of heat and create smothering effects.

SE
Water has the following special properties to be used as a fire extinguishing media or agent:
 kj/kg/per oc heat capacity,
PO

flammable liquid, R
4 times higher latent heat of evaporation per unit of mass (2260 kj/kg) than any other non-


P U
1760 times expansion when water changes from liquid to vapor state (steam),
 Outstandingly non – toxic, and

E W
Lower boiling point (100 oc) than most solid combustibles (250 – 450 oc).

I
To increase the effectiveness of water based fire extinguishing agents, detergent based

EV
surfactants (additives) can be added to improve the penetration of the water into the burning
material. This allows greater firefighting capacity and a 3 liter of water additive extinguisher can
R
extinguish the same area of fire as a 9 liter plain water extinguisher.
R
Water is not safe for use on other classes of fire; it will spread a Class CFB and CFK fires,

FO
conduct electricity from energized electrical equipment (Class CFC fires), release explosive
hydrogen from Class CFD fires and will boil over on class F fires. Therefore, its application is

LY
restricted for Class CFA fires only unless additives are added in which case it can be safe for
Class CFC fires for a limited capacity say < 35 KVA.
Steam is a smotheringO
N
agent rarely used nowadays but useful in certain ship holds, refineries,
benzol plants, oil tanks and industries but only for local applications using pipes from boilers
whose control valves need to be opened slowly.
Foam and Foam Making Compounds based Fire extinguishing media
Foam is usually generated by the mechanical agitation of a diluted foam compound solution in
the presence of air in order to resist radiant heat fuel vapors and loss of water content.
Foam as a fire fighting agent is the most efficient because of its minimum rate of application;
that is 50 liters per m2 of surface area per minute. Foam concentrates can be classified either
by Expansion or its Constituents (Table 7.2).

101
Mixing different types or brands or batches of foam concentrates is strictly forbidden in the
same equipment. When using foam based fire extinguishers, respecting following
Manufacturer’s instruction and recommendations is mandatory.
The following foam concentrate requirements may be used for dealing with the various areas
of Class CFB and CFE flammable liquid and gas fires (Table 7.3).
Detergent or protein based compounds added to water will produce a film or froth that can float
over the surface of Class CFB fires forming a vapor proof seal that smothers a fire. Effective
on Class CFA fires as well as Class CFB fires; Foam allows partial extinction of a liquid fire
and can prevent re-ignition.
Table 7.2. Classification of Foam based Fire Extinguishers based on expansion and associated
Concentration

SE
Classification by Expansion

PO
Low Up to 50:1 Protein Low expansion stiff foam (8:1) with good resistance
Expansi Foam to burn back @ 4 % concentration effective on most
on hydrocarbon fuels
R
Fluro-
protein
P U
Low expansion fluid foam (9:1) giving quicker control
& extinction of fire with good resistance to burn back
Foam and fuel contamination @ 4 % concentration most
W
suitable for sub surface injection for oil tanks
E
Fluro- I
Low expansion fluid foam (10:1) giving rapid control

EV
chemical and extinction of fire @ 3 - 6 % concentration
Foam effective on hydrocarbon fuels and some water
R
miscible liquids

Alcohol R Low expansion protein foams (8:1) with additives @

FO
Resistant 4 - 6 % concentration effective on water miscible
liquids and the only practical choice for fires in many
polar solvents like acetone

LY Synthetic Low (11:1) expansion foam between 1.5 to 3 %

N Foam concentrations effective on low boiling point
O hydrocarbon fuels

Medium 50:1 – 500:1 Synthetic Medium (75 to 150:1) and High (750 to 1000:1)
Expansi Foam expansion foam between 1.5 to 3 % concentrations
on effective on low boiling point hydrocarbon fuels

High 500:1 –
Expansi 5000:1
on

102
Table 7.3. Foam concentration requirements
Fire Rate of Duration of Foam Concentration
Area Application Application requirements
(m2)
(liters per (minutes) (liters)
minutes)

100 80 20 1600

1000 800 20 16000

10000 8000 20 160000

NB: In Industrial and Storage occupancies where large quantities of

flammable liquids and gases are processed and stored and where fire

SE
hazards are high; large quantities / concentrations are required; hence refer
international standards.

PO
Foams are normally unsafe on energized electrical equipment due to their water content which

R
precludes them from use on Class CFD fires. On Class CFK fires the tremendous heat of the
burning fat destroys the foam blanket rendering it ineffective. Care shall be taken as certain

P U
flammable liquids (polar solvents) may destroy normal foam solutions reducing them
ineffective.
Carbon di oxide (CO2) and Other inert gases
E W
V
CO as a fire extinguishing media is non-combustible,
2
I does not react with most substances,
can easily penetrate and spread to all partsE of fire areas, does not conduct electricity, do not
leave residue, can easily be liquefied andR bottled, can extract heat from the fire surroundings

percentage by from 21 to 10 % by R
and can serve as smothering by reducing oxygen content of the air. A reduction of Oxygen
volume will extinguish fire and explosions impossible,
F O
except for a few special gasses such as H, C H and CS which require greater dilution.
2 2 2

Care should be taken not to Y reach 9 % concentration of CO in the air because this is the
L beings withstand without losing consciousness within a few
2
maximum amount most human
minutes while using as N a fire extinguishing media. The extinguishing concentration of CO 2

O of fuels vary approximately from 30 to 62 % (Table 7.4).

required for various types
Table 7.4. CO2 concentrations required to extinguish various types of flammable materials
Flammable Minimum CO2 Flammable Materials Minimum CO2
Materials concentration to concentration to
extinguish fire extinguish fire

Acetylene 55 Ethylene Dichloride 21

Acetone 26 Ethylene Oxide 44

Benzene 31 Gasoline 28

103
 Butadiene 34 Hexane 29

Butane 28 Hydrogen 62

CS2 55 Isobutene 30*

CO 53 Kerosene 28

Coal / Natural 31* Methane 25

Gas

Cyclpropane 31 Methyl Alcohol 26

Dowtherm 38* Pentane 29

SE
Ethane 33 Propane 30

PO
Ethyl Ether 38* Propylene 30

Ethyl Alcohol 36
R
Quench, Lubricating 26

Ethylene 41
Oils

P U
E W
Carbon dioxide is a non-conductive gaseous agent that displaces oxygen to smother a fire.
I
CO2 is especially suited for Class CFC fires (energized electrical equipment) as it penetrates &

EV
floods enclosures and leaves no residue. It is also effective on small indoor Class CFB fires. It

R
is ineffective against Class CFA, CFD or CFK fires and has the same flashback risks on Class
CFB fires like Powders.
R
FO
Other Inert Gases: There are at least four types of inert gases or gas mixtures for fire;
namely, Nitrogen, Argon and each blended with Carbon-di-oxide (approx. 8%). They are used

LY
in concentrations of 35 – 50 % by volume which will reduce oxygen concentration to between
14 – 10 % by volume during fire extinguishing. As they are required to be stored as high
N
pressure gasses in order to be effective in firefighting; they require high pressure storage
cylinders.
O
Halogenated Agents and Halon Alternatives
Halogenated agents and Halon alternatives are strictly forbidden for use because of their
effect in depleting the Ozone layer of the Environment and their consequential damages.
Subsequently, ES ISO 14520: 2000 Part 1 to 15 are not any more applicable.
Dry Chemical Powders

Finely divided chemical compounds that extinguishes by separating the four elements of the
fire tetrahedron. It prevents the chemical reaction between heat, fuel and oxygen by inhibition.
There are commonly three types of extinguishing dry chemical powders in the market; namely,

104
  BC Powder (Ordinary): A Sodium or Potassium Bicarbonate compound designed for Class
CFB & CFC fires which do not conduct electricity with high performance blends (Monnex, Purple
K) and are used in the petrochemical industry.
 ABC Powder (Multi-Purpose): Mono-ammonium Phosphate compound that melts and flows to
seal and smother Class A fires in addition to its chemical inhibition properties used on Class
CFB &CFC fires. It does not conduct electricity.
 D Powder (Special): Sodium Chloride, Graphite or Copper compounds that are designed to
melt and form a crust around burning metals, smothering the fire and allowing the metal to cool.

 The following dry chemical agents are commonly used for fire extinguishing (Table 7.5).

Table 7.5. Dry Chemical Powders in use as Fire Extinguishers

No. Description Formula Remark

SE
1 Sodium bicarbonate (Backing NaHCO3 Base Chemical
Soda)

PO
2 Sodium Chloride (Common NaCl
Salt)
R
3 Potassium bicarbonate
(Purple K)
KHCO3
U
Effective twice than Baking Soda

P
4 Potassium Chloride (Super K) KCl

E W
5 Potassium Sulfide K2SO4 I
6 Mono ammonium phosphate
EV
(NH4)H2PO4 Corrodes more readily than others and
(ABC or Multipurpose
powder) R can damage delicate electrical / electronic
equipment
R
FO
7 Urea + Potassium NH2CONH2 Effective thrice than Baking Soda
bicarbonate (Pot. Carbamate
or Monnex)

L Y
N
Powders are almost multipurpose and knock down most fires in seconds but have some
O
drawbacks – they do not cool, reducing their effectiveness on Class CFA fires, the discharge is
messy and obscures vision and on Class B fires the flames will flashback if the whole fire is not
extinguished in one go or if an ignition source remains (unlike foam which is not affected either
way).
Enclosed electrical equipment is difficult to tackle and the powder (especially if ABC) will
damage electronic components. ABC Powder is ineffective on Class K fires as the heat of the
oil causes flashback once the extinguisher is empty, although BC Powder can have a limited
effect.
Wet Chemical: It is an alkaline solution of potassium acetate that reacts with the burning fat of
a Class K fire to saponify it and turn the surface into a soapy crust, sealing it from the air and
allowing it to cool.
105
It is the definitive extinguishing agent for all Class CFK fires in fryers over 3 liter capacity/300
mm diameters (the limits for using a fire blanket) and due to its water content it is also effective
on Class CFA fires. It is a conductor of electricity, hence not recommended for Class CFC
fires.
(2) Firefighting types based on fire extinguishing systems

Firefighting types based on extinguishing systems are of three types; namely:

1. First aid Firefighting systems such as Portable Fire Extinguishers and Fire Hose Reel
system;
2. Fixed Fire extinguishing systems / installations such as Fire Hydrant, Fire Sprinkler and
Other Automatic systems / installations; and
3. Mobile Fire extinguishing systems / installations.

SE
Generally, the following six types of firefighting systems are often used to extinguish fires in
both cases (Table 7.6).
Table 7.6. The different types of firefighting systems
PO
No. Types Descriptions
R
1 Fire Extinguishers U
Portable and Mobile Fire Extinguishers
P
2 Fire Hose Reel Systems Automatic and Non Automatic Hose reel systems

3 Fire Hydrant Systems

E W
External and Internal Hydrant Systems
I
EV
4 Fire Sprinkler Systems Wet, Dry, Alternate and Pre-action Sprinkler System

R
Conventional, Spray, Ceiling flush, Side wall and Dry
upright systems
R
FO
4 Fire Water Spray Systems Automatic system based on fire and smoke detection

6 Fire Deluge & Drencher Automatic systems for higher concentrations of highly

LY
Systems flammable liquids

N
O
7.3 First Aid Fire extinguishing Systems / Equipment

7.3.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers

All fires start small, and if immediately tackled with proper type and amount of extinguishing
medium, can be easily extinguished. Portable Fire extinguishers are specially designed for the
purposes of tackling fires in their incipient stage and are considered as the first line of defence
or first aid firefighting systems.
Portable fire extinguishers can be carried manually to any desired fire scene and can be
operated by a single person as their maximum weights are limited to 23 kg for manufacturers.
The two most important considerations while selecting portable fire extinguishers are:

106
 1. The nature of the area to be protected, and
2. The nature of the hazard involved.

Besides, the human element involved and their behavior and reaction to a fire situation
including the operators whose familiarity, training and experience in operating fire
extinguishing equipment is vitally important in using portable fire extinguishers.
There are five types of portable fire extinguishers which are allowed for use as first line of
defense in firefighting operations (Table 7.7).
Table 7.7. Types of Portable Fire Extinguishers
No Type Identification Rating Recommendation

1 Water type Fully Red in Typically Suitable only for Class A Fires
portable color 13A or 21A

SE
NA for fires on live electrical
extinguishers rated
equipment because of electrocution.

2 Foam
portable
type Red with light
cream strips
Typically 8A,
13A or 21A PO
Suitable only for Class A, B & E
Fires
extinguishers rated R
U
Safe for accidental fires on live
electrical equipment
P
3 CO2 type Red with Full Typically
portable black strips 34B or 55B
E W Suitable only for Class B Fires
Safe for direct use for fires on live
extinguishers rated
I electrical equipment

4 Dry Powder type Red with EV

Typically 5A, Suitable only for Class A, B, C & E
portable
extinguishers
French
strips
blue
R
8A, 13A or
21A & B
Fires

R rated
Safe direct use for fires on live

FO
electrical equipment whose V < 1000

5 Wet Chemical Red with bold Typically Suitable only for Class A & F Fires

LY
canary yellow 75F or 13A
extinguishers Safe for indirect use for fires on live
strips rated
electrical equipment
N
O
NB: Hallon or Hallon alternatives type extinguishers are banned for use because of their
effect in depleting the Ozone layer of the Environment and their consequential damages,
hence are not considered here. NA = Not Applicable

An extinguisher shall be selected and provided for protection against a specific class or
classes of fire in accordance with table 7.8 below.

107
Table 7.8. Appropriate Fire Extinguishers for the different fire classes
Fire Class OFA OFB OFC OFD OFE OFK

Descripti Fires Fires Fires Fires Fires Fires

on involving involving involving involving involving involving
flammable Flammable live flammabl flammable hot
solid liquids, e.g. electrical e metals, gasses, e.g. cooking
Extinguis materials, e.g. petrol, diesel, apparatus e.g. Propane, oil and fat,
hant wood, paper, paraffin, paint e.g. magnesiu Butane, e.g.
textiles and and spirits. computers m, sunflower
Acetylene
Not alcohol or , oil,
Other titanium, and natural
hot cooking

SE
carbonaceous printers, sodium gas maize oil,
oils
heaters, and rapeseed
materials
etc lithium oil and

PO
lard

Water R NR NB NR R NR NR

Foam R R NB
P
NR
U R NR

EW
CO2 NR R R NR NR NR

Powder
V I
ABC R R
E R NR R NR
Powder
BC
NR R
R R NR R NR

Powder
NR NR
R NR R NR NR

Special
Powder FO
Wet R
LY NB NB NR NR R
Chemical
N
O
R = Recommended; NR = Not Recommended;
NB: SOME of the latest water, water with additive, foam and wet chemical extinguishers often
indicate on the front label that they have passed an electrical dielectric test of 35KVA or state
they are safe for “inadvertent use” on live electrical equipment. This means that the extinguisher
SHOULD be safe if used ACCIDENTALLY on live electrical equipment so they are ideal in offices
where it is easy to overspray a PC or Printer but this does not mean it will replace a dedicated
electrically rated extinguisher i.e. CO2.

It is recommended to employ a professional Fire Engineer in order to select, site, install /

commission and follow up portable fire extinguishers in order to ensure their performances as
insurance claims and further criminal liability largely depends upon the use of the right fire
extinguishing equipment and their proper maintenance and operation.
108
An extinguisher shall be classified by suitability for a class of fire as defined in Table 7.7 and
7.8 above and rated for extinguishing capability. An extinguisher shall bear an approved label
indicating its class and rating.
The number and classes of extinguishers needed shall be based on the area of the building or
occupancy, the severity of the hazard and the anticipated classes of fire. A specific rule may
be set forth in other general industry safety standards where, due to process hazards,
additional portable fire extinguishers may be required.
The minimum rating of Class “OFA” fire extinguishers required which can be a base to
determine the numbers thereof shall be in accordance with Table 7.9 below.
Travel distance to the nearest extinguisher shall not be more than 20 m. A combustible
building having an occupancy hazard subject to class “CFB” or “CFC” fires shall have the

SE
required class “A” extinguishers in addition to class “CFB” or “CFC” extinguishers except
where ABC or multipurpose fire extinguishers are provided.

PO
Table 7.9. Class OFA fire Extinguishers requirements (To be reconsidered in the final draft)
Light / Low
R
Ordinary / Extra / High
Hazard
Occupancy
P U
Moderate
Hazard
Occupancy
Hazard
Occupancy

EW
Minimum rated single 2-CFA 2-CFA 4-CFA
extinguisher

V I
2
140 m2 90 m2
Maximum floor Area per unit of
recommended minimum rated E275 m

single extinguisher R
R 2

FO
Maximum floor Area for 1045 m
Extinguishers

LY
Maximum travel distance for 20 m
Extinguishers
Nless than that specified in Table 7.9 above shall have at least One
O
A floor area of a building
Class “OFA” extinguisher of the minimum size. The requirements of Table 7.9 may be fulfilled
by numbers of extinguishers of lower ratings whose total ratings are equal to or exceed the
minimum rating for the area specified, except that an extinguisher with a rating of less than
“2CFA” shall not be acceptable.
A Class “CFB” extinguisher shall be provided according to the severity of the fire hazard levels
of the occupancies or stored amount of flammable liquids are listed in table 7.10 below.

109
Table 7.10. Class B fire Extinguishers requirements
Fire Hazard Level Basic Minimum Extinguisher Rating

Light / Low Hazard Occupancy 5OFB

Ordinary / Moderate Hazard 10OFB

Occupancy

Extra / High Hazard Occupancy 20OFB

S E
Travel distance to the nearest Class “CFB” extinguisher in a building shall be not more than 15
m. widely separated hazards, such as but not limited to kitchens,
storage rooms shall be protected with an extinguisher for the type POofboiler rooms and paint
hazard present, if the
travel distance exceeds 7.5 m. A Class “CFB” extinguisher shall R be located on the same floor

to reach the extinguisher. P U

as the hazard and shall be located so as not to expose an employee to undue danger in order

A Class “CFC”, “CFD”, “CFE” and “CFK” extinguishers

EW shall
specialist literature, international standards and Ispecific
be provided in accordance with
industry requirements approved by
relevant public authority.
E V
R
An employer in control of a property where extinguishers are required and placed shall be
responsible for compliance with this part.
R in a fully charged and operable condition and kept
FO
A portable extinguisher shall be maintained
at its designated place ready for use.

L
An extinguisher or extinguishingY device containing an active agent or propellant whose thermal
of the materials listed inN
decomposition produce or products having a level of vapor toxicity equal to or greater than any

remain for use. O Table 7.11 below shall not be used, installed for use, or allowed to

Table 7.11. Prohibited Fire Extinguisher containing active agents or propellant

No Description Formula No Description Formula

1. Carbon tetrachloride, CCL4 7. Methyl bromide CH3Br

2. Chlorobromo methane, CH2B1CL 8. Ethylene di CH2BrCH2

bromide Br

3. Azeotropicchlormethane, CM7 9. Hydrogen bromide HBr

4. Di bromo di fluoro methane CBr2F2 10. Methylene CH2Br2

110
 bromide

5. 1, 2-di bromo-2-chloro-1, 1, Cbr- 11. Bromo di fluoro CHBrF2

2-trifluorothane, F2CBrCLf methane

6. 1, 2-dibromo-2, 2- CH2BrCBrF2
difluorothane,

Portable fire extinguishers can also be grouped into two categories based on their method of
operation, namely; (1) Gas Cartridge, or (2) Stored Pressure type of extinguishers (Figure
7.3).

SE
PO
R
P U
E W
I
EV
Figure 7.1. Gas Cartridge and Stored Pressure type of portable fire extinguishers

While Gas Cartridge type are operated by Rusing a cartridge containing inert gases (normally
CO ) under pressure; Stored Pressure
2 R type portable fire extinguishers are permanently

F O
pressurized such that they are operated by the use of air or gas pressure in the upper part of
the container which forces the extinguishing medium out through the nozzle.
Ytype; the cartridge need to be pierced in order to let the gas
pressure released from the L
In the case for Gas Cartridge
N cartridge which drives out the extinguishing medium.
Markings O
The following information should be labeled on all portable fire extinguishers:
 The word ‘extinguisher’
 Extinguishing medium and nominal charge
 Types of fires
 Instructions for use (pictograms and text)
 Restrictions or dangers of use
 Unsuitability for use on electrical equipment, where applicable
 Manufacturer/suppliers name and address

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Operating instructions include pictograms to enable any person to quickly and easily identify
the method of operation. This does not detract from the need for staff at any premises to be
trained in the correct use of the fire equipment provided.
The following information may be found on a separate sheet or label:
 Instructions to refill after use
 Instructions to check periodically
 Instructions to use conforming spare parts
 Identification of extinguishing medium
 Propelling gas
 Identification of percentages of additives for water-based extinguishers
 Manufacturer’s model number
 Temperature limits

SE
 Warning against freezing (if applicable)

Operating position

PO
Extinguishers shall operate without being inverted. The operating devices shall be located on
R
the upper part of the extinguisher or partly on the upper part and partly on the lower part and
partly at the end of the hose or nozzle.
P U
Hose assembly

E W
I
Extinguishers with a mass of extinguishing medium or volume greater than 3kg or 3 litres shall

EV
be provided with a discharge hose. The flexible section of the hose shall be 400mm or greater.
Inspections and Maintenance
R
R
An inspection is a quick check that visually determines whether the Fire Extinguisher is

O
properly placed and will operate. However, maintenance is a complete and thorough

cleaning, replacing defective F

examination of each extinguishers involving opening the extinguishers, examining all its parts,
parts, reassembling, recharging and re-pressurizing the
extinguishers.
L Y
Extinguishers should beNroutinely inspected by the user at not less than quarterly and
preferably at monthly O
intervals to make sure that appliances are in their proper position and
have not been discharged or lost pressure. The user should replace extinguishers not
available for use, by serviceable extinguishers. Annual inspection, service and test discharging
should be carried out by a competent person.
It is recommended to use a competent person and extinguishers should be serviced to
manufacturer’s standard and recommended procedure. To ensure a person is competent it is
recommended that they should be able to prove he/she has a registered certificate from
relevant public body and has attended a refresher course within the last three years. This will
ensure he/she has been trained on the maintenance to be followed for portable fire
extinguishers installed in industrial and commercial premises.
The servicing procedures include three levels of maintenance:
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  Basic: Annual inspection and servicing by competent person.
 Extended: Every 5 years a basic service plus test by discharge and internal examination of
stored pressure extinguishers.
 Overhaul: Every 10 years for carbon dioxide extinguishers only that include detailed inspection
and hydraulic pressure test.

During Inspection and/or Maintenance; the following are undertaken:

Pressure Test

SE
The test pressure shall not be less than 1.3 times the working pressure or at least 20 bars. The
body shall not leak or show any visible signs of permanent deformation.
Burst Test PO
R
The burst test shall not cause the body to fragment.
P U
The burst pressure shall not be less than 2.7 times the working pressure or at least 55 bars.

Plastic Components
E W
Plastic components on extinguishers subject to Ipressure undergo artificial ageing conditions
and ultra violet light tests. These components are
temperature ranges. The burst pressure shall
V
E are
subjected to burst pressure tests at different
be at least equal to 3.4 times the working
R
pressure or at least 55 bars. Plastic components fitted to charged extinguishers and impact
tested.
R
Safety Devices
F O
The operating mechanism shall
operation. It shall be possible
Y
L(used
be provided with a safety device to prevent accidental
to determine whether the extinguisher has been operated by
means of a safety element N indicator) e.g. used/empty indicator, gauge reading zero,
nonreturnable pin. O
Sitting of Extinguishers

Extinguishers should be located in conspicuous positions, available at all times for immediate
use and fitted on brackets or stands where they will be readily seen by persons following an
escape route. Fire extinguishers should be securely hung on wall brackets. Where this is
impractical extinguishers should be located on suitable stands (not on the floor).
If wall mounted; the carrying handle of larger and heavier extinguishers should be 1 m from the
floor but smaller extinguishers should be mounted so that the carrying handle is 1.5 m from the
floor.

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Extinguishers should be sited in such a way that it is not necessary to travel more than 30
meters from the site of a fire to reach an extinguisher. To avoid confusion, all extinguishers
installed in any one building or single occupancy should have the same method of operation
and if intended for the same function, they should be similar in shape, appearance and color.

Wherever possible, portable extinguishers should be grouped to form a fire point.

Extinguishers should normally be sited
 In prominent positions on brackets or stands.
 On escape routes and in similar locations on all floors.
 Near room exits, corridors, stairways, landings and lobbies.

The following factors should be considered when sitting fire extinguishers:

SE
 Extinguishers should be on an escape route.
 Elevated to a height so that the carrying handle is 1m from the floor for heavier units and 1.5m

PO
for smaller units.
 Adjacent to the risk but not too close to prevent use in the event of fire occurring.
 Near a door, inside or outside according to occupancy.
R

 In groups forming ‘fire points’.
P U
In multi-storey buildings at the same position on each storey.

 In shallow recesses where possible.


E W
Away from extremes of temperature within extinguisher temperature ranges.

I
Maximum 30m travelling distance from a fire to an extinguisher.

7.3.2 Hose Reel Systems

EV
R
Hose reel system is one of the first aid firefighting equipment which can readily and rapidly
brought into action to extinguish fire R in its early stage of its development. It delivers small
quantities of water as compared to O automatic sprinkler, fire hydrants, water spray systems and
fire deluge and drencher systems; F but larger quantities than water based portable fire
extinguishers.
L Y
N It is more effective than portable fire extinguishers due to its
Hose reel system can be capable of operation using untrained person who discovered a fire

continuous and easily O

unlike other firefighting equipment.
controlled provision of water jet to extinguish the fire.
Hose reel system shall be provided to cover 500 m2 of floor space or part thereof and shall be
sited in prominent and accessible positions at each floor level adjacent to exits or in corridors
on exit routes such that it shall be within 6m of each room taking into consideration any
obstruction thereof in such a way that the nozzle can be taken into every room of the building.
Hose reels for the purposes of firefighting shall be installed in any building of two or more story
in height or in any single-story building of more than 250 m2 in floor area at a rate of 1 hose
reel for every 500 m2 or part thereof of floor area of any story. Where a satisfactory water
supply and pressure are not available, two portable fire extinguishers with rating of 2A shall be
provided in place of each required hose reel.

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Hose reels shall preferably be installed in recesses and whose doors shall open 180o and not
fitted with locks in order to avoid obstruction allowing to serve in both directions. Hose reels
which do not automatically operate shall be warned to turn on the inlet valve before running out
the hose. They shall be drained prior to returning the hose into the drum and shall not be left
under pressure.
Legible notices shall be posted to indicate the fire hose reel and including whether there is a
need to open the inlet valve or not prior to running the hose reel.
Hose reel system shall be installed on all building floors above 15 m in height. When
installation is in open areas, the position shall be above head height and the nozzle retainer
and the inlet valve shall be at about 90cm above floor level.
The length of hose reels shall be such that no part of the floor so protected is more than 6 m

SE
away from the nozzle when the hose reel is fully extended. Hose reels brackets should be
firmly fixed to the wall.

PO
The static pressure in any line of the hose connected to a landing valve shall not exceed 7
kg/cm2 using appropriate and automatic arrangements in order to reduce the risk of hose
bursting when the water is shut off at the nozzle. R
Water Supplies and Pumping Arrangements: P U
W
The flows and pressures in the supply pipelines and in the hose reels shall at all times be
E
relevant EBCS on Plumbing).
V I
adequate to serve the designed numbers of jets likely to be used (reference shall be made to

E
R and one of which shall serve as standby. The
The hose reel system shall install two automatic pumps with interlocking arrangement
designed as per relevant EBCS on Plumbing
R in case of failure of the duty pump.
standby pump shall operate automatically

FOwith:
The supply pipeline shall be provided

 LY
Draining arrangements to enable any necessary repairs to be carried out, and
Air release valves above the highest outlet to allow any air trapped to escape when water is
N
pressurized in the hose reel system.
O
The landing valves shall be provided with suitable arrangements (such as orifice flange or
other measures) to reduce excess pressure (in excess of 4 kg/cm2) at ground or lower floors.
Tests, Inspection and Maintenance:

The pipe work feeding the hose reels shall be thoroughly flushed out to remove any debris not
to destroy the reels prior to connecting the hose reel system.
The hose reel system shall be tested for:
 Operability by running the hose reel system;

115
  10 kg/cm2 or two times the maximum working pressure of the hose reel, whichever is greater for
its pipe work for the period of at least 30 minutes,
 Leakages of water in both the pipelines or the hose and accessories,
 Pressure drops not more than 0.5 kg / cm2
 Operability of all accessories such as booster pumps including the standby pump, various
valves, nozzle, etc.

A flow test shall finally and during yearly inspections be carried out to ensure discharge of at
least 0.5 l / sec is achieved.
The standby pump shall automatically operate when failure of the operating pump occurs.
Once a year, the hose reel system shall be inspected and be completely run out and subject to
appropriate pressure of water to ensure the hose real and all other accessories are in good
conditions and be operational. Defective pipes, hose reels and accessories shall be replaced.

7.4 Fixed Fire extinguishing Systems / Installations SE

PO
Automatic Fixed extinguishing systems have proved to be the most effective means of
controlling fires in buildings. These include: R
P U
a) Water based systems such as Fire Hydrant, Automatic Sprinkler, Automatic Water Spray and
Automatic Deluge and Drencher installations;

automatic installations; and

E W
b) Foam based systems such as Installed, Fixed and Semi-fixed low, medium and high expansion

I
c) CO2 Extinguishing systems such as High and Low pressure automatic installations.

EV
This code covered the requirements for Water Based fixed fire extinguishing systems only. For
Foam and gaseous based fixed fire extinguishing systems specific literatures, international and
industry standards shall be used. R
R
7.4.1 Fire Hydrant Systems
F O
Water, being the main fire extinguishing media; is usually obtained either from external
(installed external to buildings)Yor internal (installed within buildings) hydrants.
L
Fire Hydrants can be used Neither to:

O
Suppress an initial outbreak of fire, or
 Quench a dying fire by an automatic protection system such as automatic sprinkler system, or
 Provide the sole firefighting facility after first aid fire extinguisher systems such as portable fire
extinguishers or hose reels have been unsuccessful.

There are four basic requirements for firefighting purpose using any hydrant systems, namely:
1. Source of water supply,
2. Pumps to make water available at required pressures,
3. Pipelines (water mains) for conveying water under pressure to the required places, and
4. Hydrants (outlets) installed on pipelines for drawing water using delivery hoses during fire.

116
Besides, the following ancillary equipment / components can be installed with fire hydrants,
namely; fire hose, valves, pipeline supports and cabinets.
Source of water supply
The sources of water supply can either be the Town’s Main Supply or Storage tanks.
Storage tanks or interconnected tanks shall be provided in cases where the town’s main
supply may not provide sufficient pressure and flow at all times.
Water Tanks supplying for domestic use shall not be used as tanks for fire hydrants unless
arrangements have been made for domestic supplies to be drawn in such a manner that the
required service for firefighting is always preserved.
When water tanks are used as tanks supplying fire hydrants, deterioration of the quality of
water for domestic supply due to stagnation shall be considered and appropriate inspection
and cleaning shall be performed.
SE
PO
Pumps
R
P U
Two automatic pumps (one as standby) each recommended to be supplied from a different
source of power (electrical or diesel) operating automatically and manually shall be installed to
feed fire hydrants.
E W
Pipelines I
EV
Internal pipelines shall be supported from masonry, concrete or any load bearing walls and
R
arrangements shall be incorporated to enable any necessary repairs to be carried out. When a
R
pipe supporting system is provided; the following considerations shall be made to correctly

FO
position such pipe supports:
a. Stresses and loads which may be imposed on the support system from external causes,

LY
b. Transmission of vibrations from the buildings due to lateral forces to the pipelines,
c. Effects of corrosive environments which may have the pipeline materials, and
d.
N
Fire resistance capacity of the pipeline material.
O
External pipelines shall be located underground as far as practicable; where this is not
possible; it shall be made to protect pipelines and any supports thereof from mechanical
damages and fire.
In both cases, Isolating valves shall be installed in the system so that sections of pipelines can
be isolated for repairs and maintenance works.
Hydrants
(1) Internal Fire Hydrants: These systems are generally installed for firefighting of buildings or
special structures and comprise of the following installation elements:
1. Water tank designed to store water for firefighting,
117
 2. Firefighting pumps with all accessories when necessary,
3. Pipelines (Rising and Down mains) feeding the water tank from the source of water supply and
providing pressurized water to the hydrants, and
4. Hydrants, hose reels, hoses and branch pipes in cabinets.
Internal fire hydrants shall be installed in all occupancy buildings with four or more floors.
Besides, they may also be provided in all residential except dwellings, all assembly, business
such as banks and city halls, industrial, institutional, mercantile and storage occupancies.
The minimum number of internal fire hydrants shall be installed for floor areas specified in
table 7.12 below.

SE
PO
R
Table 7.12. Minimum numbers of Internal Fire Hydrants
2 P U
No. Building Floor Area [m ] Minimum numbers of Internal Fire Hydrants

1 < or = 1000 One

E W
I
EV
2 > 1000 to < or = 5000 Two

3 > 5000 to < or = 10000

R
Three

4 > 10000 R One additional hydrant for each additional 5000

F O m
2

Internal fire hydrants shall Y

be installed in accessible positions such as within a lobby
approaching stairways whereL agreed
this is provided or in a stairway enclosure or in such other
N
accessible position as may be with relevant public authority, but shall be within reach of
O from the nozzle at the end of a hose connected to the hydrant outlet.
a 6m hose stream issuing
When a number of fire hydrants are required in a building; the pipelines shall be installed in the
form of ring to form a complete circuit.
(2) External Fire Hydrants: External fire hydrants shall be provided for industrial, storage and
buildings with high or extra hazard occupancies. They shall be located so that they are
accessible but not less than 6 m from an external wall of the building except allowed by
relevant public authority where site conditions dictates and not apart more than 150 m when
they are more than one in a compound, and shall be protected from mechanical damage such
as parking, loading and unloading from vehicles, etc.

118
External fire hydrants provide the means of drawing water from the water mains for firefighting
purposes. There are two types of external fire hydrants; namely (1) stand-post or (2)
underground / sluice valve types.
Tests, Inspections and Maintenances of Hydrants

Upon completion of the fire hydrant system; all trapped air within the system including the
pipelines shall be expelled and the system shall be fully operational.
Hydrostatic Pressure Test: All pipelines of a hydrant system shall be tested for a hydrostatic
pressure of not less than 10 kg/cm2, or two times the highest working pressure for firefighting
purposes (whichever is greater) for a period of at least 1 hr with no leakages of water. Where
pipelines are underground or inaccessible; the hydrostatic pressure test shall be made prior to
covering or concealment of the pipelines.

SE
Flow Test: All pipelines of a hydrant system shall be tested for a flow test by recording flow
gauge readings subsequent to a hydrostatic pressure test in order to investigate inability of the

PO
pipeline to sustain effective firefighting obtained from the top most outlet or any undue loss of
pressure in the fire main when water passes through the system under pressure.
Pumps in a hydrant system shall be investigated with U
R
particular attention to automatic
P occurs.
operation of a standby pump when a failure of the duty pump
The above tests shall be repeated after the failureW of one or more of the above treats are
remedied.
I E
For internal hydrants; valves, accessories andV
E hydrant cabinets shall be inspected every six
R (especially when used for both domestic and
months in order to ensure for immediate use of the hydrant during fire. Besides, checks shall
be made to the cleanliness of storage tanks
R together with associated mechanical and electrical
firefighting purposes) and booster pumps
equipment.
F O
LY
For external hydrants;
a. continuous and / or periodic inspection shall be made to ensure that:
N
 O
Around the vicinity of the hydrants there are no obstructions impeding accessibility and
mechanical damages,
 All isolation valves are kept in an open position in the hydrant system,
 Supplies have not been deteriorated or their flow and pressure reduced
 Cleanliness of storage tanks, and
 Functionality of the booster pumps and all associated mechanical and electrical equipments.

b. Maintenance shall be carried out by competent person at least once a year.

7.4.2 Automatic Sprinkler Systems

Automatic sprinklers are used to prevent spread of fire and extinguishing it completely by
automatically discharging water upon the fire. Automatic sprinklers are effective for life safety
119
because of giving early warning about the initiation of fire and simultaneously start discharging
water onto the fire. The downward force of the water also helps to minimize the smoke
accumulation and providing cooling environment in a building or room of fire. Longer travel
distances to exits and tackling higher fire load density can be possible by using automatic
sprinklers.
Partial coverage of automatic sprinkler system in a building is not advisable both from
firefighting and cost effectiveness requirements as an already developed fire from unprotected
areas will overpower and make sprinklers non-operable.
Automatic sprinklers are categorized into either wet, dry, alternate and Pre – action; or
Conventional, Spray, Ceiling flush, Side wall and Dry upright pattern based on the supply
pipeline and the sprinkler head types (Table 7.13).

SE
Table 7.13. Sprinklers pipeline and head types
Sprinkler Descriptions Sprinkler Descriptions

PO
Pipeline Head types
types

Dry Pipes are charged with air under Conventional R

Spherical discharge upward
pressure
P U
Wet Pipes are charged with water Spray Hemispherical discharge downwards
under pressure
E W
I
EV
Alternate Can be either to be wet or dry Ceiling flush Installed flushing the Ceiling with heat
depending on the ambient sensitive instrument facing downwards
temperature
R
Pre-action …….
R Side wall Installed along the walls close to the
ceiling and produces a horizontal

FO pattern of spray

LY
Automatic sprinkler systems require a suitable and acceptable water supply, pipelines, pumps
N
and other accessories. The Sprinkler heads can either be fusible solder or glass bulb type and
O
have various temperature ratings and are color coded for easy identifications (Table 7.14).
Table 7.14. Color coding for sprinklers temperature ratings
Sprinkler Fusible Link Type Bulb Type
Temperature ratings

57 oC Orange ---
o
68 C Red Uncoloured
o
79 C Yellow ---

93 oC Green White

120
 141 oC Blue Blue

182 oC Violet / Light Purple Yellow

o o
204 - 260 C Black Red (227 C)

The automatic sprinkler design density of discharge and the maximum area of operations are
dependent on the three classes of fire load systems; namely Low, Moderate and High Hazard
systems (Table 7.15).
Table 7.15. Design discharge and Maximum area of operation for different fire load systems
Fire Load Systems Design density of Maximum area of Operation
Discharge

SE
Low Hazard 2.25 lpm / m2 84 m2

PO
Moderate Hazard 5.0 lpm / m2 360 m2

High Hazard
R
Process risks
Piled storage risks
7.5 - 12.5 lpm / m
7.5 - 30 lpm / m
2
2

P U 260 m
260 - 300 m
2

E W
The maximum area covered by a sprinkler in different hazard classes of occupancies is shown
I
EV
in table 7.16 below.
Table 7.16. Maximum area covered by a sprinkler for different classes of occupancies
Hazard Class General R Special risk areas (Storage racks)
R
FO
Low Hazard 21 m2 9 m2
2 2
Moderate Hazard 12 m 9m

High Hazard LY 9 m2 7.5 – 10 m2

N
O
Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in:
1. Basements used as car parks or storage occupancies if the area exceeds 200 m2;
2. Multi-level basements, covered upper floors used as car parks and for housing essential
services ancillary to a particular occupancy or for storage occupancy, excluding any area to be
used for substation;
3. Any room or other compartments of a building exceeding 1125 m2;
4. Department stores or shops if the aggregate covered area exceeds 750 m2;
5. All non-domestic floors of mixed occupancy which constitute a hazard and are not provided with
staircases independent of the remainder of the building;
6. On all floors of the buildings other than residential buildings, if the height of the building exceeds
30 m and 45 m in case for group housing and apartments;
7. Dressing room, scenery docks, stages and stage basements of theatres;
121
 8. Hotels, hospitals, industries having low and moderate hazard, mercantile buildings of height 15
m or above;
9. Hotels below 15 m but covered area at each floors exceeds 1000 m2; and
10. Warehouses and worshiping places as advised by relevant public authority.
The design, installations, operations, testing inspections and maintenance services of sprinkler
system shall adhere to voluntary Ethiopian Standards such as ES ISO 6182: 2002, Part 1 to 5;
specialist literature of good engineering practice; relevant international standards and specific
industry requirements.

7.4.3 Automatic Water Spray Systems

Automatic water spray system is a special fixed pipe system connected to a reliable source of
pressurized water supply equipped with water spray nozzles. The system works with an
automatic smoke or fire detection and alarm system.

SE
Water spray systems are generally used for firefighting of Class B fires such as flammable

PO
liquids; Class C fires such as fires from electrical equipment including transformers, oil
switches, rotating electrical machineries; and Class E fires such as gas storage tanks. Besides
R
they are useful to control spread of fires through protection of openings in fire walls and floors.
U
The design, installations, operations, testing inspections and maintenance services of
P
automatic water spray system shall adhere to specialist literature of good engineering practice,
W
relevant international standards and specific industry requirements.
E
7.4.4 Automatic Deluge and Drencher Systems I
Vfirefighting installation fitted with open spray
Automatic deluge system is water based fixed E
Rand actuated by automatic fire detector or sprinkler
nozzles controlled by a single deluge valve
R
heads to spray water over the whole area of the building under protection.
O
Automatic deluge system are recommended where there is a concentration of highly
flammable liquids such as aircraftFhungers, fuel stations, tank farms filling gantries, etc and for
cooling purposes.
L Y
Automatic drencher system
windows and external O
N is water based fixed firefighting installation placed on roofs, walls,
openings to control spread of fire from adjacent premises.
The design, installations, operations, testing inspections and maintenance services of
automatic deluge and drencher systems shall adhere to specialist literature of good
engineering practice, relevant international standards and specific industry requirements.

7.4.5 Foam Based and CO2 Extinguishing Systems

Fixed foam based and CO2 extinguishing system is beyond the scope of this code of practice
and it is recommended that specialist literatures, relevant international practices and specific
industrial practices shall be fulfilled during designing, installations, operations, testing
inspections and maintenance services.

122
7.5 Mobile Fire extinguishing System

Mobile fire extinguishing systems are larger sizes Portable type fire extinguishers which are
difficult to carry by a fire fighter but wheeled or towed and in some instances can be connected
to water supply sources. The provisions of such fire extinguishing systems are recommended
for extra or high hazard occupancies and class of fires indicated in Table 2.1 above; however
the provision of such fire extinguishing system shall be compatible to specialist literatures,
relevant international practices and specific industrial practices.

7.6 Other provisions

7.6.1 Building and Site Requirements for firefighting systems

The building and site requirements for firefighting system are as laid down in chapter / section
3 of this Code of Practice.
S E
O
7.6.2 Fire, Heat and Smoke Detection and Alarm systems to initiate firefighting
P
R as these fire detecting and
The fire detection and alarm system requirements for the different building occupancies are as
U
laid down in chapter / section 6 of this Code of Practice. As soon

determined and appropriate firefighting interventions shallP

alarming systems indicates to possibility of fire break outs; the potential cause shall be
be identified to initiate firefighting.

E W
SECTION 8 Fire Safety and Firefighting ManagementV I
E
8.1 Introduction R
8.1.1 Scope R
FO for Fire safety and firefighting management.
This part covers the general requirements

8.2 Fire Safety Management LY

N
O
It is impractical to prevent fires 100 % as there are unpredictable factors including vagaries of
nature and acts of human omission and commission which are bound to occur. These should
not deter all those concerned and responsible for enhancement of building fire safety
standards untiring effort to mitigate loses of lives and properties.
This is because, effective fire safety management can reduce potential fire danger, assist
occupants to reach the ultimate place of safety in case of fire and regular maintenance will
ensure all fire safety provisions in the building can be kept in good workable conditions. As a
result, the following good and integrated fire safety management systems are recommended:
1. Good fire safety includes good life safety such as (1) keeping harmful effects of fire
(flammable or combustible materials) away from occupants; (2) keeping occupants segregated
from harmful effects of fire by adopting methods based on time, distance or shielding; (3) Fire

123
 prevention, and (4) crating awareness regarding fire effects in order to ensure readiness of
occupants in their the physical and mental characteristics individually and in groups.
2. Accessible staircases / means of egress such as (a) readily visible leading edges of all
treads during descent and ascent; (b) unobstructed travel at all times; (c) comfortable hand rails
to grip and slid hands without obstructions; and (d) avoidance of steps near doorways to
minimize accidents and blockages thereof.
3. Ensuring appropriate Means of Escape and barrier free environment to enable all occupants
including physically challenged people (at least to the nearest refuge areas within the building)
from any part of the buildings to safely evacuate the building without external assistance during
fire.
4. Minimizing smoke hazards by compartmentalization, dilution, air flow control, pressurization
and buoyancy of smoke as good Smoke Control / Management system in order to assist easier
evacuation, firefighting and preventing loss of life and reducing property damages during
building fires.
5. Special consideration for design of Atrium Buildings with respect to fire protection using

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compartmentation, ventilation, automatic suppression and smoke control.
6. Special Structures and High Rise Buildings call for special considerations compatible to

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recent world standards including provisions of concealed combustible spaces, various exits to
decrease remoteness, containment of hazardous areas, smoke and fire proof enclosures for
designated periods (at least 2 hrs.), etc.
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7.
8.
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Appropriate provisions of Fire detection and Firefighting systems
Appropriate Registration / Certification / Accreditation / Calibration Schemes for Fire
related designers, installers and equipment (detecting and fighting).
9.
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Regularly scheduled Inspections and Maintenance of fire detecting and firefighting
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equipment for their proper functionality and their non-obstructed accessibility.
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8.3 Firefighting Management

However and despite provisions of and adherence to all of good fire safety requirements;
experience proved that no fire prevention strategy can be totally effective. As a result, it is
recommended to prepare emergency plan, train occupants, practice fire drill and accustomed
to evacuation procedures in order to prevent loss of life and minimize loss of property.

8.3.1 Emergency Plan

Emergency Plan

The employer is responsible for preparing and implementing plans covering the actions that
employers and employees must take to ensure employee safety in the event of fire. The
elements of this plan include:
 Emergency-escape procedures and emergency escape-route assignments;
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Procedures for employees who remain to operate critical equipment before they evacuate;

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
 Procedures to account for all employees after an emergency evacuation;
 Rescue and medical duties for employees who perform them;
 The preferred means of reporting fires; R

duties under this plan. P U
Names and job titles of persons who can be contacted for further information or explanation of

8.3.2 Fire Drill, Evacuation Procedures and Rescue Tools

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Fire Drill V I
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Practice what to do in an emergency before one happens. Fire drills should be scheduled to
help people prepare for an evacuation. These include:
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 Know where the nearest fire extinguisher is located and how to use it.
 Know where the nearest fire alarm pull station is located.

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 Know the proper evacuation methods for disabled persons.
 Know primary and secondary evacuation routes, as well as the location of a safe gathering
place.
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The schedule for Fire O
Drill is recommended as:
 At least twice a year for Extra or High hazard Occupancies and Classes of Fires.
 At least once a year for Moderate or Ordinary hazard Occupancies and Classes of Fires.

Evacuation Procedures

Fire and evacuation alarms are intended to alert building occupants that a fire or other life -
threatening situation exists. Upon hearing the alarm, everyone should leave the building
immediately. In the event of a fire, the following steps should be taken to ensure the safety of
all building occupants:

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 1. Activate the fire alarm: In the event of a fire breakout requiring evacuation, activate the
nearest fire alarm or verbally notify occupants if the building is not equipped with a fire alarm
system.
2. Call Fire & Emergency Prevention and Rescue Agency: Telephone immediately to inform
about fire breakout and give all necessary information including your name, location, nature of
the emergency (including need for medical and telephone number.
3. Assist injured personnel: If properly trained, assist with first aid or evacuation.
4. Assist physically impaired individuals. Physically impaired individuals should be given
assistance to a secure area, such as a large stairwell or an office separated from a corridor by a
fire door. Emergency personnel must be notified of their locations. Each supervisor should be
aware of any physically impaired persons in their work areas and any special assistance
needed to safely evacuate them.
5. Extinguish small fires: If the fire is small and you know how to use a fire extinguisher, attempt
to extinguish the fire yourself. Do not attempt to extinguish any fire if there is a threat to your
safety.

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a. Report hazardous conditions: If you are working in a research area and have
sufficient time, ensure that the lab and experiments are in safe condition before leaving

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the area. Report any hazardous conditions to responding emergency personnel.
b. Stay low: If confronted with smoke, keep near the floor. Smoke, heat and toxic gases
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will normally rise to the ceiling. All closed doors should be checked for heat prior to

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opening. If a door knob is hot, the door should not be opened.
c. Exit the building: At the sound of a fire alarm, all building occupants should proceed to
the nearest exit and leave the building immediately. During pre-emergency planning, all

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occupants should learn two evacuation routes from each building area.
d. Ensure all personnel are out of the building: Ensure all personnel are out of the
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immediate area. If there is time and no present danger, close all doors and windows

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while evacuating. Do not use the elevators. Elevators may lose power during a fire. If
elevators are working during a fire emergency, their use is reserved for emergency
response personnel only. R
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e. Stay away from the building until it is safe to return: Do not re-enter the building until
advised to do so by the authorities.

Rescue Tools FO
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All buildings shall be made accessible for rescue tools used by the Fire brigade.
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