CHAPTER 13.

FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENT FOR MULTI-

UAE FIRE & LIFE SAFETY CODE OF TENANT (TERRACE TYPE) WAREHOUSES AND
PRACTICE FACTORIES. CONTENTS

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CHAPTER 13. FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENT FOR MULTI-TENANT (TERRACE TYPE) 632
WAREHOUSE AND FACTORIES

1. Scope 633
2. Definition 633
3. Compartment 633
4. Sprinkler Protection and Fire Fighting Systems. 634
5. Storage Height Control 634
6. Smoke Control 635
6.2. Smoke Vents 635
6.3. Smoke Purging System 635
6.4. Engineered Smoke Control 635
LIST A (Not exhaustive)
Commodities Exempted from Sprinkler with regards to Table 13.1 636
7. Material Approval 637
8. Further Refrence 637
TABLE 13A.1 - SIZE OF FIRE COMPARTMENT 638
TABLE 13A.2 – SMOKE MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENT 638
TABLE 13A.3 – DISTANCE FROM SMOKE VENT 638
Figure 13A.1: General warehouse not requiring sprinkler 639
Figure 13A.2: General warehouse requiring sprinkler 640
Figure 13A.3: General warehouse with unconfirmed type of
storage or to be rented out 641

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 CHAPTER 13. MULTI-TENANT (TERRACE TYPE)
UAE FIRE & LIFE SAFETY CODE OF PRACTICE WAREHOUSE AND FACTORY

CHAPTER 13

FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENT FOR MULTI-TENANT (TERRACE TYPE)

WAREHOUSES AND FACTORIES

1. Scope

1.1. The scope of this guideline is for multi-tenant, terrace type, group of warehouses and/or
factories arranged for multiple usages by multiple owners or that is intended to be rented
out.

1.2. Storage occupancies where extra hazardous and explosive materials are stored and in
factories or industries where hazards exist in manufacturing, processing, extracting, coating
and treating activities and all the industries identified in Chapter 9, Table 9.3, a fire risk
analysis report of the facility prepared by Civil Defence approved consultant shall be
furnished for Civil Defence jurisdiction.

2. Definition

2.1. Factories

2.1.1. Factories are occupancies in which products are manufactured or in which

processing, assembling, mixing, packaging, finishing, decorating, repair operations
and similar operations are conducted.

2.2. Warehouse

2.2.1. Warehouse is defined as space used for storing various types of goods or
materials. It includes warehouses for storing fresh/perishable food products,
paper, wood, metal and other materials which are classified as non-hazardous
material by the individual Material Safety Data Sheet.

3. Compartment

3.1. The size of fire compartment for warehouse and/or shall not exceed the maximum
allowable dimensions shown in the Table 13A.1 of this guideline, depending on the type of
fire protection and configuration of the warehouse and/or factory. Multi-tenanted
warehouses and/or factories must have fire compartmentalization between them regardless
of sprinkler provision.

3.2. Compartmentalization, in respect of size limitation, may be achieved by using fire-rated

roller shutter or by other approved means. Localized smoke detector shall be installed to
activate the roller shutter. The roller shutter shall also be linked to the building automatic
fire alarm system which shall act as a backup for the activation of the shutter. Such localized
smoke detection system shall be provided with zone indication on the main fire alarm panel
with buzzer sound, however it’s activation is not necessary to sound the general fire alarm.

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 CHAPTER 13. MULTI-TENANT (TERRACE TYPE)
UAE FIRE & LIFE SAFETY CODE OF PRACTICE WAREHOUSE AND FACTORY

3.3. Compartmentalization between the warehouse or factory and loading/unloading area shall
be provided , except where the warehouse or factory is a single-storey single-tenant or
multi-story single-tenant per storey type, with the loading/unloading area abutting external
space; or the roof over the loading/unloading area abutting external space is not more than
3m.

3.4. The compartment size limit stipulated in Table 13A.1 shall include the loading/unloading
area if it is not fire compartmented from the warehouse or factory area, unless the entire
warehouse or factory including the loading/unloading and covered driveway area is
sprinkler protected and provided with smoke control system.

3.5. Fire compartmentalization is required between the warehouse or factory and other areas
having different type of occupancy.

4. Sprinkler Protection and Fire Fighting Systems.

4.1. Automatic sprinkler system complying with NFPA13 shall be provided if the compartment
size of the warehouse or factory exceeds the maximum allowable size shown in the Table
13A.1 of this guideline. Only the list of commodities shown in List A is allowed for the
exemption of sprinkler in addition to the compartment size.

4.2. Sprinkler coverage shall be extended to the areas shielded by access platforms in the high
rack storage warehouse or factory. The supporting structures of the platforms shall have the
same fire resistant rating as the element of structure of the warehouse.

4.3. Private fire hydrants shall be provided with the most remote hydrant pressure of 6.9bar.
Hydrants shall be spaced at 100m apart along the fire engine accessway and shall be in
accordance with NFPA 24.

4.4. Two numbers of hydrants shall be considered to calculate for the hydraulic demand. Fire
fighting water shall be provided for 2 hours. Refer to Figure 13A.1, 13A.2 and 13A.3 for
illustrations of requirements.

5. Storage Height Control

5.1. Signage shall be provided on the walls of the warehouse or factory (including the
loading/unloading area) to control the maximum allowable storage height and to maintain
the minimum clearance below the sprinkler heads in accordance with NFPA 13.

5.2. A 50mm wide red line shall be drawn around the wall with signage indicated as “No Storage
Above This Line”. This sign shall be provided at no more than 30m interval along the red
line. The lettering of the sign shall not be less than 100mm.

5.3. The storage height limitations shall be clearly indicated on plans. To facilitate such provision,
the Approved Consultant shall make known to the owner and the warehouse or factory
operator the clearance and height limitations appropriate to the particular warehouse or
factory usage.

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 CHAPTER 13. MULTI-TENANT (TERRACE TYPE)
UAE FIRE & LIFE SAFETY CODE OF PRACTICE WAREHOUSE AND FACTORY

6. Smoke Control

6.1. The provision of smoke control shall be in accordance with NFPA 204 and NFPA92B or Table
13A.2 of this guideline, whichever stringent, either in a form of smoke vent, smoke purging
or engineered smoke control system depending on the fire compartment size and type of
fire protection system.

6.2. Smoke Vents

6.2.1. Smoke vents in Table 13A.2 shall be of permanent open type and the effective
opening shall comply with Table 13A.3. Smoke vents which are closed shall be
designed to be activated automatically during fire mode.

6.2.2. The minimum dimensions of vertical smoke vent shall be 400 mm (length) X 600mm
(height) and horizontal smoke vent (roof or ceiling) shall be minimum 0.25 meters
square in area.

6.2.3. No area in the warehouse or factory shall be more than the stipulated distance
mentioned in Table 13A.3 measured horizontally away from any vertical or
horizontal smoke vent.

6.2.4. All smoke vents shall be located at the highest unobstructed level along the
perimeter walls of the warehouse or factory.

6.3. Smoke Purging System

6.3.1. Replacement of smoke vents by smoke purging system is allowed provided that the
warehouse or factory is sprinkler protected.

6.4. Engineered Smoke Control

6.4.1. Engineered smoke control system shall be provided if the floor area of the
compartment is more than 4830m2.

6.4.2. The fire size and the engineered smoke control system shall be designed and
installed in accordance with the NFPA requirements.

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 CHAPTER 13. MULTI-TENANT (TERRACE TYPE)
UAE FIRE & LIFE SAFETY CODE OF PRACTICE WAREHOUSE AND FACTORY

LIST A (Not exhaustive)– Low Hazard Commodities, Materials and related activities Exempted
from Sprinkler with regards to Table 13A.1, Figure 13.A1. 13A2 and 13A.3.

LOW HAZARD STORAGE MATERIALS LOW HAZARD ACTIVITIES/ FACTORIES

1. Alcoholic beverages – up to 12% alcohol in metal, glass or ceramic 1. Beverages (nonalcoholic)
material.
2. Appliances like stove, refrigerator – not packaged, no exterior plastic 2. Brick and masonry
material.
3. Asbestos. 3. Foundries
4. Batteries – Dry cells, non-lithium, packaged in cartons, filled automobile
batteries.
5. Bottles, Jars – Empty glass, filled with noncombustible liquids or non-
combustible powders.
6. Canned food – In cartons.
7. Cans – empty metal.
8. Cement – in bags.
9. Chalk and crayons.
10. Coffee – canned in carton. 4. Telecommunications signal processing
11. Electric coil 5. Telephone exchanges
12. Fertilizers – Bagged, phosphates.
13. File cabinets – metal, wrap by cardboard.
14. Fish products – frozen, non-waxed, non plastic packaging, canned, carton.
15. Frozen food – non-waxed, non-plastic packaging.
16. Fruit – fresh, non-plastic trays or containers with wood spacers.
17. Glass and mirrors. 6. Glass products
18. Gypsum board. 7. Gypsum
19. Ice-Cream. 8. Ice
20. Meat products – bulk, canned, carton, frozen, non-waxed, non-plastic
containers.
21. Metal desk – with plastic tops and trim.
22. Metal s. 9. Metal products (fabrication and
assembly)
23. Milk and dairy products– waxed or non-waxed paper containers, plastic
containers.
24. Motor – electric
25. Nuts – canned, carton.
26. Paint – water based, carton.
27. Plastic containers – non-combustible liquids or semi-liquid in plastic
container less than 5 gal.
28. Porcelain and pottery. 10. Ceramic
29. Poultry product- canned, carton, frozen, non-waxed, non-plastic
containers.
30. Salt – bagged.
31. Syrup – drummed metal containers.
32. Transformer (Non-energized) – dry and oil filled.
33. Wire – bare wire on metal spools, on wood skids.
34. Stables, Sheds
35. Washers and Driers

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 CHAPTER 13. MULTI-TENANT (TERRACE TYPE)
UAE FIRE & LIFE SAFETY CODE OF PRACTICE WAREHOUSE AND FACTORY

7. Material Approval
7.1. All the Materials, Systems, Assemblies, equipment, Products and Accessories, referred to in
this chapter with respect to Life Safety, Fire Safety and Emergency Services shall be Listed,
Approved and Registered by the Civil Defence Material Approval Department.

7.2. The above requirement applies to all the products with or without international listing,
registration or approval.

8. Further References
8.1. The following International Codes and Standards were referred, studied and consulted for
this chapter. Further details where applicable can be referred to in these Codes and
Standards. Also see XV. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL CODES AND
STANDARDS.

• NFPA 1: Uniform Fire Code

• NFPA 101: Life Safety Code
• NFPA 5000: Building Construction and Building Code

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UAE FIRE & LIFE SAFETY CODE OF [CHAPTER 13A. FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENT FOR MULTI-TENANT (TERRACE TYPE) WAREHOUSE AND
PRACTICE FACTORY]

TABLE 13A.1 - SIZE OF FIRE COMPARTMENT

WAREHOUSE AND FACTORY CONFIGURATION WITH SPRINKLER WITHOUT SPRINKLER

Single Storey Warehouse and Maximum Floor Area Maximum gross area 4830 m2 Maximum 232 m2
Factory Maximum area per per compartment or Maximum 900 msq
(Multi-tenant) compartment 900 m² gross area (whichever lower)
Maximum Storage Height According to NFPA13 3m
Multi-storey warehouse and Maximum Floor Area Maximum gross area 3720 m2 Maximum 140 m2
Factory with mezzanine Maximum area per per compartment or 900 msq gross area
(Multi-tenant) compartment 900m² (whichever lower)
Maximum Storage Height According to NFPA13 3m

TABLE 13A.2 – SMOKE MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENT

LOCATION OF WAREHOUSE AND COMPARTMENT SIZE SMOKE CONTROL REQUIREMENT

FACTORY
Aboveground Warehouse and Factory Up to 230 m2 Smoke vent based on Table 13A.3
230 m2 to 2000 m2 Smoke purging
2000 m2 to 4830 m2 Smoke purging or engineered smoke control
More than 4830 m2 Engineered smoke control

TABLE 13A.3 – DISTANCE FROM SMOKE VENT

MINIMUM OPENING OF SMOKE VENT BASED ON FLOOR MAXIMUM DISTANCE FROM ANY PART OF WAREHOUSE TO SMOKE VENT
AREA OPENING.
2.5% 12m
5% 15m
10% 18m
15% 21m
20% 24m

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UAE FIRE & LIFE SAFETY CODE OF [CHAPTER 13A. FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENT FOR MULTI-TENANT (TERRACE TYPE) WAREHOUSE AND
PRACTICE FACTORY]

Figure 13A.1: Multi-tenant Warehouse or Factory not requiring sprinkler

Warehouse or Warehouse or Warehouse or Warehouse or

Factory Factory Factory Factory
A B C D 6.9 bar at most remote hydrant
with area with area with area with area
150 m². 200 m². 150 m². 200 m².

a) Each compartment less than or equal to 230 m².

b) Fire rating for each warehouse or factory unit shall be 2hr fire rating.
1000 GPM Fire
c) Total area of 4 units = 700m² (lesser or equal to 900 m²). Pump set

d) Storage height less than 3m.

e) Contain only Class 1 Commodity, Materials or Activity as per List A.

Water Tank for 2 Hours
f) Private fire hydrants are to be provided with 6.9bar at the most remote
operation
hydrant.

g) One 1000GPM (3800 LPM) fire pump set shall be provided.

h) Water for fire fighting shall be for 2 hours.

i) No Sprinklers or landing valves are required.

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UAE FIRE & LIFE SAFETY CODE OF [CHAPTER 13A. FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENT FOR MULTI-TENANT (TERRACE TYPE) WAREHOUSE AND
PRACTICE FACTORY]

Figure 13A.2: Multi-tenant Warehouse or Factory requiring sprinkler

Water Tank/Capacity depends

on type of hazard or
commodity/material
Fire Pump capacity depends classification
Group of 5 or more Group of 5 or more
Warehouses or Factories on hydraulic calculation
Warehouses or Factories
having area 500m² each having area 400 m²
each.
6.9 bar at
i. Each compartment is more than 230 m². Group of 5 or more most remote
Warehouses or hydrant
ii. Fire rating for each warehouse or factory unit shall be 1hr fire rating. Factories having area
300 m² each.
iii. Total area of 4 units in this example is 1600m² (i.e. more than 900 m²).

iv. Storage height more than 3m. 1000 GPM Fire

Pump
v. With or without Class 1 Commodity, Materials or Activity as mentioned in List A.

vi. Private fire hydrants are to be provided with 6.9bar at the most remote hydrant.
Water Tank for 2 Hours
operation
vii. One 1000GPM fire pump set shall be provided for fire hydrant and another fire pump set to be
provided for sprinklers and hose reel or hose racks depending on type of storage/ Activity and
hydraulic calculations.

viii. Water for fire fighting shall be for 2 hours.

ix. Landing valves are not required

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UAE FIRE & LIFE SAFETY CODE OF [CHAPTER 13A. FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENT FOR MULTI-TENANT (TERRACE TYPE) WAREHOUSE AND
PRACTICE FACTORY]

Figure 13A.3: Multi-tenant Warehouse or Factory with unconfirmed type of storage or to be rented out

Wet pipe
connection to
every
Warehouse or Factory Warehouse or Factory Warehouse or Factory Warehouse or Factory
warehouse or
A B C D
with area 400m² with area 400m² with area 400m² with area 400m²
2000 GPM Fire
Pump

Water Tank for 2 Hours

operation
i. Each compartment more than 230 m².

ii. Fire rating for each warehouse or factory unit shall be 2hr fire rating.

iii. Total area of 4 units in this example is 1600m² (i.e. more than 900 m²)

iv. Storage height more than 3m. 6.9 bar at the most
remote hydrant
v. With or without Class 1 Commodity, Material or Activity as per List A.

vi. Minimum 2000 gpm fire pump set to be provided combined with hydrant and provision for Sprinklers.

vii. 2 hours fire fighting water.

viii. Wet pipe connection to every warehouse unit for future connection to sprinkler system.

ix. Landing valves are not required. (Sprinklers need not be provided at the initial stage. Sprinklers should be
provided by the tenant based on his Material category or the Activity.
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