Royal Oman Police (English)

FIRE CODE
ROYAL OMAN POLICE

DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF CIVIL DEFENCE
CHAPTER ONE
GENERAL PREVENTIVE
REQUIREMENTS OF FIRE
PROTECTION IN INSTALLATIONS
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
GENERAL PREVENTIVE REQUIREMENTS OF FIRE PROTECTION IN INSTALLATIONS
PAGE CODE NAME OF CHAPTER
4 1 Definitions.
7 2 Classification of the buildings and installations:
7 2/1/1 * Classification of buildings and fixtures in terms of its nature of usage.
9 2/1/3 * Classification of buildings & fixtures in terms of hazard of its contents.
9 3 Documentary role of building permits and usage.
9 4 Design, supervision and execution.
9 5 Requirements of site organization for fire prevention:
10 5/4 * Access of Civil Defence vehicles.
10 5/5 * Access of Civil Defence men.
11 6 Structural and building materials requirements:
11 6/2 * Structural classification of the buildings.
11 6/3 * Specifications of building materials.
13 7 Control over spreading the fire:
15 7/1 * Fire prevention units.
15 7/2 * Fire resisting barriers.
16 7/3 * The concealed void.
18 7/4 * External spread of fire between fire sectors.
19 7/5 * Fire spreading at the terrace level between the sectors.
20 7/6 * Fire spreading in the buildings.
22 8 Structural requirements of building construction elements:
22 8/1 * Structural frame.
23 8/8 * Internal breakers.
24 8/9 * Suspended (false) ceiling.
24 8/10 * Thermal insulation covering.
25 8/11 * Fire resisting doors.
26 8/12 * Steel structural frame.
28 8/13 Plastic building materials.
29 9 General requirements of different sectors of the building (like Vault, Mezzanine
floor, skylight (light-hole) & others).
29 9/1 * Vault.
30 9/2 * Skylight (light-hole)
30 9/3 * Mezzanine floor.
Index of Schedules
CHAPTER ONE
PAGE SCHEDULE # NAME OF THE SCHEDULE
9 1-1 Classification of buildings and installations in terms of their hazards

12 1-2 Classification of the buildings & fixtures in terms of their resistance to fire
14 1-3 Division of buildings to fire spreading resisting units
15 1-4 The minimum limit of fire resistance of the structure in the buildings
16 1-5 Resistibility of partitions to the spreading of fire as per the grade of danger
in the sections that they separate.
21 1-6 The distance required between the buildings and land boundary (perimeters
of the property) based on the height of the building and width of the
openings at the external frontage
22 1-7 Rate of fire resistance required to the structural frame.
23 1-8 Grades of spreading fire to some of building materials
1 DEFINITIONS
PLOT OF LAND (QUADRANGULAR):
A large area of land with no roads inside to divide it.
UNITS OBSTRUCTING SPREAD OF FIRE:
Part or parts of the building separated and surrounded by constructional barriers that block the
spread of fire for a limited time between units blocking spread of fire and remaining parts of the
building or neighbouring buildings.
BARRIERS THAT BLOCK SPREAD OF FIRE:
Constructional elements that set apart the units defending spread of fire.
BASEMENT FLAT/FLATS:
It is a part of the building below the surface of the ground, or it is a vault protected from grenades.
LIGHT HOLES:
It is a vacuum from which light is coming down with air together from top to the ground floor in the
building. In this way the place becomes lighted and air enters into it.
FALSE CEILING (MEZZANINE):
* It is a part of the floor above the ground floor and probably whatever peeped on it.
* or it is a floor in between two main floors.
FINAL EXIT:
Any passageway or way or means of exiting the building or ground floor or basement flat to the road
or external area (open place) such as a courtyard.
EXTERNAL WALL:
It is a wall stretched out to the open internal space in the building or overlooks the road.
INTERNAL WALL:
It is a wall that divides the interior of a building into parts; the interior dividing walls may be either
fixed or moving.
CEILING/ROOFS:
It is a part of the structural skeleton of the building dividing between two horizontal units. In other
words it is a cover for the unit to become into roof.
STAIRS:
It is a means of vertical transportation/movement from one floor to another in the building.

INCOMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS:
These are materials which cannot be burnt or which do not release flammable gases or vapours.
FIRE RESISTING WALL:
It is a barrier that resists the spread fire, flammable gases and vapours for a limited period of time.
PASSAGEWAY (CORRIDOR):
It is a common highway or passageway stretching from the rooms or sections to the lobby (open
space) or stair or way-out.
DEAD END:
Passageway or the point from which escape is possible in only one direction.
EMERGENCY LIGHTING:
Lighting from an electrical source which is independent from the main electrical supply. of electric
current and combines emergency lighting by switching on as soon as electric current goes off from
the source of main supply.
PERIOD OF TIME OF EVACUATION:
This is the available period of time for the building occupants present in the fire danger zone to
reach a place of safety from the fire hazard.
EXTERNAL SPREAD OF FIRE:
Spread out of the fire towards external frontage of the building by flames of fire through the
windows and other openings or through the heat radiated from the place of fire to the neighbouring
buildings.
FIRE RESISTING DOOR:
A door, its frame and all its parts that resist the passage of smoke, hot gases or the flames while it
is closed.
SKIRTING (THAKSIYA):
Uncovered surface materials for walls and roofs of the rooms. This includes foldable or withdraw-
able partitions and glass fittings.
DISTANCE OF MOVEMENT:
The distance from the remotest point in the room or zone towards an exit or stair protected from
fire.
MECHANICAL VENTILATION:
The mechanical process of supplying air or extracting smoke or dangerous gases from a hazard
zone.
NATURAL VENTILATION:
The process of supplying air or extracting smoke or dangerous gases from a hazard zone by the use
of natural methods.
RAMP (RAMPS):
Any sloping passageway or corridor reaching between two different levels and is within the means of
escape (emergency exits).
DUMP YARD:
A vertical corridor at the length of the building to dispose of the rubbish provided with suitable
openings in each floor.
CHIMNEY:
A vertical heat resistant enclosure containing one or more passageways for conveying smoke and
gases from flammable fuel appliances to the outside atmosphere.
DRY RISER NETWORK:
A network of vertical pipes fitted in the building for the purpose of fire fighting provided with the
water taps within the reach of the firemen to push water with fire hydrants at the points demarcated
in the building. And it ends with a valve of air discharging.
WET RISER NETWORK:
A network of vertical pipes fitted in the building for the purpose of fire fighting connected with
permanent pressurized source of water provided with fire hydrants at the point demarcated in the
building.
EXTERNAL FIRE HYDRANTS:
An arrangement of supplying with fire extinguishing water which will be supplied to assist the
firemen to control the break of fire. It Is supposed that the external fire water hydrant network be
independent from the water supply network of the building or neighbouring buildings.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS:
It is a collection of instruments from which audio and visual signs are issued inviting alertness which
operate automatically or manually when smoke embarks on it or a particular level of heat does so.
MINIMUM LIMIT OF CRITICAL EXCESS RADIATION:
This is the characteristic on the basis of which categorization of resistance of surfaces of skirting to
which the flames extend are classified. This is done based on a standard test the basic technique of
which is that the extension of flame on the surfaces of the floors stops during actual fire according
to the volume of the excess thermal radiation flow of fire to which the ground is exposed.
Consequent upon it whenever the excess thermal radiation at which the standard criteria achieved is
more, the greater will be the resistance of the tested substance to the extension of flame of fire.
2 CLASSIFICATION OF BUILDING AND INSTALLATIONS
2.1 The buildings are classified in two ways, the first in terms of nature of use and the second in
terms of how hazardous its contents are.
2.1.1 The fixtures are classified in terms of nature of use to the following groups:
2.1.1.1 Assembly buildings,
2.1.1.2 Educational buildings
2.1.1.3 Health and social care buildings,
2.1.1.4 Residential buildings,
2.1.1.5 Commercial buildings and public markets,
2.1.1.6 Industrial installation buildings and industrial professions buildings,
2.1.1.7 Warehouses and car park buildings,
2.1.1.8 Buildings of special nature
2.1.2 Each of the groups consists of many types of buildings that have similar activities and we set
them as below:
2.1.2.1 Assembly buildings:
They are the buildings that are designated for the congregation of (50) person or more for
the purposes of recreation, culture, sports or display such as:
Worshiping places Courts
Lecture halls Meeting halls
Display halls Bank halls
Museums and theatres Large libraries
Sports clubs and covered playgrounds
2.1.2.2 Educational buildings:
These are the buildings or parts thereof designated for the educational purposes and they
accommodate 6 or more regular students for a period of time not less than 4 hours per diem
and 12 hours at least per week such as KGs and the preparatory, preliminary and upto
secondary schools as well as the vocational, applied institutes, colleges, universities and
similar institutions.
2.1.2.3 Health and Social Care Buildings:
These are the buildings or parts thereof designated for the health and social care purposes
and its occupants are not able to move or they are under detention and their movement is
limited and they include the hospitals, elders’ houses, nurseries, social welfare houses for
children, asylums and prisons of all categories.
2.1.2.4 Residential Buildings:
These are the buildings or parts thereof designated for accommodation or housing purposes.
The residential buildings are divided according to the type of utilization to many categories
as follows:
2.1.2.4.1 * Buildings consisting of permanent residential units for one family (flats) such as the
investment accommodation buildings.
* Buildings formed of rooms or sleep places for permanent accommodation in a single

or group living such as students, employees and workers’ accommodation and
soldiers’ barracks and similar buildings.
* Buildings consisting of the temporary night sleeping places against money or other-
wise such as hotels, motels, guesthouses, furnished apartments etc…
* Accommodation buildings of small villas and private palaces.
2.1.2.5 Commercial Buildings and Public Markets:
These are the buildings or parts thereof designated for the public such as shops of users who
do not exceed 50 individual at a time and designated for office uses “Offices”
Wholesale and retail shops Light crafts shops
Commercial malls Tailoring and barbers shops
Business administration offices Small banking services
Institutional offices Companies offices
Consultancy or engineering offices Real estate etc… offices
2.1.1.6 Industrial Installation Buildings and Industrial Professions Buildings:
These are the buildings or parts thereof designated for the purposes of industry in which
the processes of installation, mixing, packing take place or those allocated for the industrial
professions in which the repair processes take place and they include:
Dairy factories Furniture factories
Premises of different factories Printing presses
Labs of hazardous chemicals Central laundries
Industrial crafts buildings Different types of industrial workshops.
2.1.1.7 Warehouses and Car Park Buildings:
These are the buildings or parts thereof designated for the purposes of storage of raw
materials, manufactured and semi manufactured goods and they include:
Car Parks Horses Stables
Feedstock stores Foodstuff stores “fridges”
2.1.1.8 Buildings of special nature:
These are the buildings that consist of diversified and different types of the previous
buildings and they include the towers, high buildings and basements (buildings under the
ground).
2.1.3 The buildings are classified according to their hazardous contents to the following categories:
Classification of Buildings in Terms of their Hazard
Extent of Hazard Description
Mild hazard These are the buildings of weak combustion materials

hence it is not likely that a self combustion would
occur hence the likely hazard is represented in the
condition of panic and crowding in the exit while
exposed to fire and smoke from other sources.
Medium Hazard The buildings whose contents burn in medium speed

or those emit notable quantity of smoke but do not
produce toxic vapours nor do they detonate when they
burn.
High Hazard These are the buildings whose contents burn very
quickly or produce toxic vapours or explosions.
Table No. 1.1
3 DOCUMENTARY CYCLES FOR ALLOCATING BUILDING AND UTILIZATION
3.1 The documentary cycles for the permits designated for the constructions that are subject to
the fire protection requirements in the buildings are left to the laws, rules and regulations
organizing that, applicable in each of the States of the Council.
4 DESIGNING, SUPERVISION AND EXECUTION
4.1 The process of designing, supervision and executing are left to the laws, rules and regula-
tions organizing that applicable in each of the States of the Council.
5 REQUIREMENTS FOR ORGANIZING SITES FOR PROTECTION FROM FIRE
5.1 On submitting the plans for sites along with other plans in order to obtain the approval,
these should be subject to the building system as well as explanation of the place of the
project, important sites, neighbouring buildings, fields of uses and it is important to mention
the names of the roads surrounding to the sites.
5.2 The foundation of the building and determination of its distance from the neighbouring build-
ings should be approved by the Civil Defence as per the nature of use.
5.3 The access of civil defence vehicles and equipment to the nearest point possible should be
observed.
5.3.1 The concentration of the buildings, such as complexes, should observe the following:
5.3.2 Should provide sufficient internal roads,
5.3.3 The easy access of the civil defence vehicles to the buildings should be made,
5.3.4 Sufficient entrances and exits should be provided to the cars,

5.3.5 The ground fire hoses should be distributed around the buildings.
5.3.6 20% of the industrial estates areas should be left to be utilized in the protection from fire
and this should be at the approval of the Civil Defence through establishing natural dividers
between the buildings of the one block or between the buildings of the blocks and other
blocks.
5.4 ARRIVAL OF THE CIVIL DEFENCE VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT
5.4.1 Sufficient roads and ways should be provided for the arrival of the civil defence vehicles and
ancillary equipments to the distance required to the building.
5.4.2 The roads or ways to be good enough for the passage of the civil defence vehicles which to
be as follows:
5.4.2.1 The surface of the road and lids of inspection chambers should be covered in a manner that
they bear different types of civil defence vehicles.
5.4.3 The necessary distance between the boundaries of the buildings and nearest point to which
civil defence vehicles could reach should be computed according to the type and volume of
the building as follows:
5.4.3.1 The distance in buildings of more than two storeys and do not pose a hazard should not
exceed 46 meters from any point in the ground floor of the building.
5.4.3.2 The distance for ordinary buildings of three or four storeys with an area that exceeds 139
square meters should not exceed 28 meters from any point in the ground floor of the
building.
5.4.3.3 For the buildings provided with tugging fire hose reels the distance of which from the stair-
case that consists of the fire hose reels should not exceed 17 meters.
5.4.3.4 If the height of the building exceeds four storeys and its area does not exceed 139 square
meters or if the building is for industrial use, the civil defence vehicles should reach to the
distance of 5-6 meters along one façade of the building. However, if the height that mentio-
ned above exceeds, the civil defence vehicles should reach to 5-6 meters along two facades
of the buildings or more according to the type and risk of the fire in it and estimates of civil
defence.
5.5 ARRIVAL OF THE CIVIL DEFENCE FIRE-FIGHTERS
5.5.1 It is stipulated that the design of the building should consist of means and capabilities that
enable the civil defence fire fighters entering it easily to carry out the fire fighting and
rescue operations.
5.5.2 It is not permissible to fix barriers and obstacles on the windows of the external facades
above the ground floor of the building unless they are easy to open and after special
approval from civil defence.
5.5.3 On placing the fire fighting equipments designated to assist the civil defence team such as
fire hoses and pushing points and other items on the ground floor the following should be
observed:
5.5.3.1 The fire fighting equipments designated to help the fire fighters should be placed far away
from the risk of fire, glass and other items dispersed in the building as well as the other
risks.
5.5.3.2 The fire fighting equipments designated to help the fire fighters should be made distinct by
clear and express sign (red colour).
5.5.3.3 The application requirements and special specifications should be complying with the differ-
ent fire fighting equipments.
5.5.4 If the building requires vault (basement floor) there should be emergency apertures (entries
and exits) in order to pass the smoke or help the fire fighters and the following should be
observed:
5.5.4.1 They should be on apparent place and easy to access by the civil defence men,
5.5.4.2 They should be made distinct by necessary guiding signboards mentioning the purpose of
their existence.
5.5.4.3 They should be covered by materials that the civil defence team could open or break easily
when needed.
5.5.5 If the area of the site exceeds 500 square meters another emergency entrance should be
provided in the external boundary wall to facilitate the access of civil defence team.
5.5.6 A guiding plan should be placed in frame that is fixed on the main gate of the building
showing all the data related to fire protection requirements in order to facilitate the access of
civil defence team.
5.5.7 Suitable traffic signboards should be placed to prevent the parking or roads designated for
vehicles and cars of civil defence.
6 CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS AND BUILDINGS MATERIALS
6.1 Objective: the protection requirements in the construction fields aim to provide safety to the
construction structure from risks so that they would lead to:
6.1.1 Resisting the building collapse as a consequence of fire.
6.1.2 Contain the fire in the building within the least possible area and prevent its spread from and
to the neighbouring buildings.
6.2 Construction classification of the building: the buildings are classified in terms of resistance
of its construction structure to the fire, according to Table 1.2
6.3 SPECIFICATIONS OF BUILDING MATERIALS
6.3.1 The characteristics of building materials or their composition used as a construction elements
in the building are specified according to the extent of their being affected by fire.
CLASSIFICATION OF BUILDINGS IN TERMS OF FIRE RESISTANCE
Building Type Fire Description of Examples

Materials Resistance Construction
Susceptible First 3-4 hours Constructed of materials These are the whole buildings made
to fire that are not susceptible to of concrete and cement blocks and its
fire or fire resistant to the structure may consist of treated steel
degree required. element that give the same degree of
resistance
Second 1-2 hours Most of them are These are the buildings constructed in
constructed of non principle by steel structure but treated
flammable materials and to give specific degree of resistance
they are not fire resistant such as (hangers and sheds) in the
in principle but treated to industrial estates and storage areas
give the degree required and pre fabricated buildings
for resisting fire constructed of pre fabricated
construction materials or elements of
limited fire resistance
Third Non Similar to the second type Sucha as (sheds and hangers) in the
resistant but the steel structure industrial estates and storage
elements are not treated structures which are common in these
hence the building is not estates.
fire resistant.
Fire Fourth 1-2 hours Constructed of materials not Such as the buildings constructued of
susceptible susceptible to fire and fire concrete and cement blocks and
resistant in principle and its some of the elements of structure
skeleton consists of fire consist of wood (such as the ceiling
susc ep ti bl e ma te ri a l s of structure) treated to give a limited
limited resistance to fire degree of resistance such as sports
halls and games halls.
Fifth Non Constructured of materials Buildings that are not within the types
resistant susceptible to fire and non of first to fourth and the buildings that
fire resistant materials or do not have the criteria of fire
any unknown or non rated resistance.
materials.
Table No. 1.2.

7 CONTROL OVER THE SPREAD OF FIRE
7.1 In order to dominate the fire and contain in the minimum possible area and prevent its
spread inside the building itself or moving to the neighbouring buildings the protective
requirements for restricting the spread of the fire should be provided.
7.1.1 The building or storey should be divided to independent sections called (sectors preventing
spread of fire).
7.1.2 The area or volume should not exceed the limit allowable in the table for dividing the
buildings to sectors preventing spread of fire. The design of sectors preventing spread of fire
should be made in accordance with the table for dividing the buildings to sectors preventing
spread of fire.
Dividing Buildings to Independent Fire Sectors
Fire Sectors and Fire Preventive Barriers

Dividing Buildings to Fire Prevention Sectors
SN Use Maximum limit Remarks

m2 m3
1 Congregation buildings - 7000
2 Educational buildings 2000 - Each classroom is considered as secondary

independent fire sector
3 Welfare buildings 2000 - Wards and clinics are considered as secondary

4 Residential buildings 3000 - Each independent residential unit is considered

as secondary independent fire sector
5 Shops 2000 - Each leased unit is considered as secondary

6 Offices 3000 - Each leased unit is considered as secondary

SN Use Maximum Limit Remarks

Area in m2 Area in m2
of ground for vault/
floor upper floors
7 Industrial construction 1000 500 The factories manufacturing or assembling or

of high risks producing flammable, explosive or materials
that release toxic gases.
8 Shops of medium risks 5000 1500 The factories manufacturing or assembling or

professions producing non flammable materials or repair
workshops.
9 Storage (A) mild risk 5000 1500 Stores that are used to store non flammable
materials.
10 Storage (B) high risk 1000 500 Stores that are used to store materials gener-
ally risky.
11 Storage (C) high risk 1000 500 Stores that are used to store materials gener-
ally risky.
12 Car parking 500 -
Table No. 1.3
7.3.1 Regardless of the areas set out in the previous Table 1.3 “Dividing Buildings to Fire Spread
Prevention Units” each of the following units is considered independent fire sector:
7.3.1.1 The storey in a building of multiple storeys.
7.3.1.2 The unit of area that has a use which is different from the nature of the use of the building.
7.3.1.3 Vertical void in buildings such as staircase area, skylight/light-hole.
7.3.1.4 Approved fire exits in the building such as protected lobby of staircase and passage.
7.3.1.5 Hazardous areas such as those used in storage of liquids and easily flammable materials.
7.3.1.6 The construction adjacent to the neighbour’s boundaries is considered as a fire prevention
unit,
7.3.1.7 If the building is used for more than one purpose, the division allocated for each purpose is
considered as a fire preventive unit, regardless of its area.
7.2 FIRE PREVENTION BARRIERS
7.2.1 The fire spread preventing units should be separated from each other by construction ele-
ments that are called (fire spread prevention barriers) constructed of non flammable
material that resists fire to the degree specified by the table of minimum limit of fire
resisting elements structure in the building.
Minimum Limit of Degree of Fire Resisting Elements Structure of the Buildings
Construction Classification
Construction Elements 1st 2nD 3rd 4th 5th
Hours of Resistance
External Distance separating from the adjacent Bearing 4 2 - 1 -

wall building is more than 15m Not bearing - - - - -
Distance separating from the adjacent Bearing 4 2 - 2 -

building is from 5 to 15 m Not bearing 1 - - 1 -
Distance separating from the adjacent Bearing 4 2 1 2 1

building is less than 5 m Not bearing 2 2 1 2 1
Bearing construction structure 4 2 - 2 1
Bearing internal wall 3 2 - 2 1
Fixed internal sectors 1 1 - 1 -
Surrounding of vertical void 2 2 1 2 -
Ceilings and floors tiles 2 2 1 2 -
Surface structure 2 1 - 1 -
Fire prevention barriers According to following Table 1.5

and the conditions
of first chapter
Table No. 1.4
7.5.2.2 When the fire spread prevention units are only fire barriers the resistance should be
according to the type of hazard in the sectors it separates according to the table of degree of
resistance of fire spread prevention barriers as per the extent of the hazards in the sectors it
separates.
DEGREE OF RESISTANCE OF FIRE SPREAD PREVENTION BARRIERS ACCORDING TO THE EXTENT OF THE
HAZARD IN THE SECTORS THAT IT SEPARATES
Figures indicate the degree of resistance per hour Type of hazard in fire sector (B)
Mild Medium High
Type of hazard in fire sector (A) Mild 1 2 4
Medium 2 2 4
High 4 4 4
Table No. 1.5
7.3.2 Fire prevention barriers should create an actual integrated barrier that prevents penetration
and continuation of fire and smoke as it would cover the whole sector, from wall to wall,
crossing any void behind or cavity in it and from the floor till the ceiling tile according to the
conditions of the concealed void.
7.4.2 Apertures are allowed in the fire prevention barriers according to the following conditions:
7.4.2.1 If the apertures are covered by doors or windows that prevent the spread of fire in the
required degree.
7.4.2.2 Apertures allocated to pass the pipes should be limited to this purpose only and any void or
hole around the pipes should be closed with filling fire preventive materials.
7.4.2.3 It is conditioned that the area of the apertures located in the barriers of 4 hours resistance
degree should not exceed 12 square meters and their total width should not exceed 25%
of the total length of the barrier. These measures are multiplied if the place is protected by a
network of automatic water sprinklers as per the approval of the civil defence.
Fire prevention barrier extending from the floor penetrating the void till the ceiling tile
7.3 CONCEALED VOID
In order to finalize the process of dividing the building into fire sectors to prevent the spread
of fire among them:
7.3.1 Such division should include all the concealed voids behind, above, between or among the
construction materials and to fill the gaps.
7.3.2 The void or cavity among the elements of construction such as the walls, ceilings or floors
at the ends and around the apertures and on their junctions with other building
elements should be covered by approved fire preventing materials with the exception of the
void located within wall that is enclosed by non flammable materials.
7.3.3 The void enclosed behind the construction elements should be divided by fire spread preven-
tion barriers and this is the void formed above the suspended ceiling or under the last ceiling
of the building or under the floor or behind the wall etc…
7.3.4 These voids should be divided by fire prevention barriers according to the following:
7.3.4.1 They should be divided to distances one of which does not exceed 200 meters between the
barriers or areas one of which does not exceed 150 meters between the suspended ceiling
and the floor of the storey above it and 300 meters between the suspended ceiling and last
surface.
7.4.3.2 The following instances are excepted from the previous conditions:
7.4.3.2.1 The void above the suspended ceiling if it does not exceed one meter in height and does not
allow the entrance of people.
7.4.3.2.2 The void above the suspended ceiling if the ceiling is a fire preventive element or it could not
be dismantled and assembled and it does not consist on its surface, of exposed materials be
low the degree of spread of flame on its surface than 10.
7.4.3.2.3 The void protected by a network of automatic water sprinklers.
7.3.5 The voids and gaps resulting from the installation of the building elements or their inter-
locking should be closed by filling fire prevention materials in a form of a paste in the
following instances:
7.3.5.1 The void that occurs around the apertures for passing the pipes and cables.
7.3.5.2 The void that occurs on the conjunction of the building elements such as the conjunction of
wall with wall or ceiling or surface or others.
7.3.6 All the concealed voids should be closed and divided by fire and smoke spread prevention
barriers according to the following conditions:
7.3.6.1 In the void whose height exceeds one meter, the barriers should have a fire resistance for
half an hour at least.
7.3.6.2 Otherwise, the barriers could be made of gypsum slabs or reinforced glass fixed on metal
frame or similar items.
7.3.6.3 The gypsum slabs or reinforced glass should be fixed in a strong manner and they should not
be affected or dismantled in the event of fire and should be flexible so that its effectiveness
should not be affected by the extension and contraction in the building.
7.4 EXTERNAL SPREAD BETWEEN THE FIRE SECTORS
To finalize the process of control over the spread of fire inside the building the conditions
that prevent the spread between the sectors should be available through the apertures
commanding the external façades or surface or light-holes according to the following:
For windows on the external façades the distance between two neighbouring windows of
different fire sectors at the same level should not be less than the following limits:
0.50 meter if they are at a level façade;
1.20 meter if they were on two façades in a shape of an angle;
3.00 meters in the case of the staircase window is neighbouring to a window of

another fire sector.
7.4.2 The vertical distance between the windows on the external façade should not be less than
the following limit:
7.4.2.1 1.20 meter if they are above one another.
7.4.2.2 It is possible that the distance be less than 1.20 meter if they are separated from one an-
other by a concrete truss prominent for 0.50 meter from the façade line.
7.5 SPREAD AT THE LEVEL OF SURFACE BETWEEN THE FIRE SECTORS
7.5.1 The fire prevention barrier should continue to extend penetrating the void of the last ceiling.
If the last ceiling (roof) is in a form of truss it should extend to a distance of (0.50 meter)
above the point of its conjunction point with the level of the slabs of roof cover.
7.5.2 In the event of any difference in the height of the fire sectors in the building the ceiling of
the lower part should be as follows:
7.5.2.1 Fire resistance should not be less than one hour.
7.5.2.2 Apertures are not allowed in the roof of the low sectors within a distance of 2.5 meters from
the external wall of the upper sector unless that wall is compact without apertures and
resists fire for one hour at least.
7.6 SPREAD OF FIRE BETWEEN BUILDINGS
7.6.1 To prevent the spread of fire between the buildings sufficient distance should be provided
according to the conditions of the external wall in terms of relationship with the area of
apertures and type of external coat and according to table 1.6 the distance required between
the buildings and land area (property limits) taking into consideration the data of table 1.4
“Minimum Limit of Fire Resistance Rate Buildings Structure Elements” and data of table 1.5
“Rate of Resistance of Fire Spread Prevention Barriers”.
Fire Transmission between Buildings
(a) Multipurpose building (b) Areas inf which the fire spreads quickly
(c) Hazardous operations (d) Boilers or paints room (e) Stores
(f) Storage of special hazard (g) Precious materials and equipment
Internal sections
(a) Fire resistant Doors
(b) Separating fire resistant wall
(c) Fire transmission preventing unit
Distance required between the buildings and boundaries of the land (property)
According to the height of the building and area of apertures on the external façades
Height of building in meters

Area of apertures of the façade area 8 8-24 24 and above
Distance in meters
Zero No requirements
Less than 50% 3 5 10
More than 50% 3 7.5 15
100% 3 7.5 15
Table No. 1.6

8 CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS
8.1 The structure of the building, in all its elements such as walls, ceilings, bridges, pillars and
floors etc…... should be made of non flammable material with a fire resistance that suits the
nature of use according to building structure fire resistance degree shown in table 1.7.
Fire Resistance Rating Required in Building Structure
Elements of the structure Residential and commercial Industrial buildings

buildings of multiple floors and warehouses
Pillars, bridges and roof slabs 2 hours 4 hours
External wall separating from the neighbourhood 4 hours 4 hours

or hazards sections of building
Internal walls or internal sections 2 hours 4 hours
Wall separating to exit route (including the stair- - -

case)and lift room, light-hole and conduits of
vertical and horizontal services and others
N.B: The degree of fire resistance could be increased for pillars and bridges at the discretion of civil
defence in the event of using the building for more than one purpose. Apply the resistance degree
for the most hazardous use.
Table No. 1.7.
8.2 If certain elements of structure are of steel then they should be covered by a non flammable
material of resistance to the effects of fire similar to the degree required for the structure
itself.
8.3. If the ceiling structure is made of steel truss and is based on iron pillars, the external wall
shall be totally separated from the pillars and in this case the pillars and connecting bridges
should be used so that the ceiling structure would not be affected by fire heat.
8.4 A wall surrounding one block should be constructed to form a separating wall preventing fire
according to what has been stipulated in “control over the spread of fire” pursuant to the
nature of the use of the required building and the uses of the neighbouring buildings or as
per the recommendation of civil defence.
8.5 If the external wall of the building is other than the wall that separates it from the neighbour
-ing building and its distance from it is less than three meters, it is preferable that there
should not be any apertures on it unless they are covered by a door of a resistance similar to
the degree required for the wall itself.
8.6 The building should be divided to fire preventing units separated from one another by walls
or ceilings that prevents fire subject to the specifications of the structure elements as stipu-
lated under “control over the spread of fire”.
8.7 When the building is located on the borders of a block parallel to the neighbouring blocks,
the building should be bordered by external wall representing a separating wall from the
buildings in the neighbouring blocks as stipulated under “control over the spread of fire”.
8.8 CLASSIFICATION OF TYPES OF INTERNAL FINISHING MATERIALS
8.8.1 Internal sections, either of constant or mobile type, are made of a non flammable
material that has a fire resistance rating that suits the nature of use provided it
should not be less than one hour.
8.8.2 The degree of flame spread on the surface of the material should not be less than
(zero) according to the approved international specifications.
8.8.3 It is possible to use internal sections (whether constant or mobile) of flammable

materials in specific instances that are estimated by civil defence taking the
following into consideration:
8.8.3.1 They should not be in a place in which fire may break out or public exist or forms
part of escape route.
8.8.3.2 These materials should be placed in specific and isolated areas.
8.8.3.3 Their use should not conflict with the applied protective conditions for the use of the
building.
8.8.3.4 The degree of flame resistance on surface should not be less than (20) according to
the approved international specifications.
Degrees of Flame Spread in Certain Building Materials
Material Degree of Flame Spreading
Roof Fibreglass reducing to noise 15-3 degree

Metal plates reducing to noise 10-15 degree
Walls Aluminium plates with one sided furnace paint 5-10 degree
Cement asbestos slabs Zero
Cement tiles or bricks Zero
Gypsum slabs covered by carton on two sides 10-25 degree
Floors Carpet or mats 10-600 degree

Concrete, floor tiles or marble Zero
Floor linoleum 190-300 degree
Floor tile of vinyl reinforced with asbestos 10-5 degrees
NB.: a full list could be obtained for the degrees of flame spread in building materials by referring to the
building materials directory issued by the American Quality Labs:
(Build Materials Directory) published by Underwriters, Inc. Pfinsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062
Table No. 1.8

8.9 FALSE (SUSPENDED) CEILINGS
8.9.1 The ceilings (slabs and structure) should be constructed of non flammable material.
8.9.2 It is possible to construct the suspended ceilings of flammable material but in specific
instances estimated by the civil defence taking the following conditions into consideration:
8.9.2.1 They should not be in a place in which fire may break-out or in public exist or forms part of
escape route.
8.9.2.2 The total surface area should not exceed twenty eight square meters.
8.9.2.3 To separate the ceiling from the neighbouring ceilings by elevating the surrounding wall to
the original ceiling.
8.9.2.4 Its construction style should not contradict with the applied protective conditions for the use
of the building.
8.10 WRAPPING RELATED TO THERMAL OR SOUND ISOLATION OR DECORATIVE

WRAPPING
8.10.1 Materials used for the purposes of decoration and ornamentation or thermal or sound
isolation should be fire or flame spread resistance rating of not less than zero.
8.10.2 In the event of using flammable materials such materials should be treated chemically or
wrapped with paint that retards burning so that it would become a surface resistant to flame
for a period of not less than one hour.
8.10.3 It is possible to use wood in paving the floors in specific instances estimated by the civil de-
fence taking the following conditions into consideration:
8.10.3.1 The wood should be of hard type.
8.10.3.2 It should be in place where there is no risk of fire and no public exist in it and approved by civil
defence.
8.10.4 It is possible to use the flammable materials to cover the walls in specific instances
estimated by civil defence and the following conditions should be observed:
8.10.4.1 They should not be in a place in which fire may break-out or in public exist or forms
part of escape route.
8.10.4.2 These materials used should be fire resistant and the degree of resisting the flame spread
in them is not less than zero and in the event of using flammable materials they should be
treated chemically or wrapped with paint that retards burning so that it would become a
flame resisting surface for a period of not less than one hour provided they should be 76 cm
above the level of the floor and should be fixed directly to the surface of the wall without
any void behind them.
8.11 FIRE RESISTING DOORS
8.11.1 Provide all the apertures of the fire resistant diving walls with closing means such as doors
and windows that have a fire resistance rating similar to that required in the wall itself.
8.11.2 The door frame fire resistance should be of the same resistance required in the door itself.
8.11.3 The frame should be made of non flammable material if the degree of resistance required in
the door is four hours or more or if the purpose from its use is to separate divisions that are
adjacent to divisions characterised by risk of fire.
8.11.4 If the required rating of resistance is one hour or less and if the use is in ordinary place that has no
fire risk in it, it is possible to make the frame from flammable material (such as wood)
provided it should be treated by one of the following methods:
8.11.4.1 It should be coated or filled with non flammable material or painted by fire retarding
material.
8.11.4.2 It should be made of hard wood such as beech and there should not be any gaps or holes on
it and the result should give the required degree of resistance.
8.11.5 The glass panes fixed on the apertures of windows and doors should be of fire resistant type to the
rating required for the door itself.
8.11.6 The fire resisting doors should be equipped with latches and if it is required to keep the door
open, it should be equipped with an automatic closure when a fire breaks out through heat
fusing (fusing connection) or by alarm system.
8.11.7 A simple means of manual closing should be provided besides the means of automatic
closing.
8.11.8 In the event that no local specifications are available the international specifications should be
adopted in order to rate the doors’ fire resistance.
8.11.9 The materials retarding flames should be subjected to the approval of civil defence.
8.11.10 When conditions allow that the materials used in coating are less than 10 degrees then they
should be subject to the following specifications:
8.11.10.1 Selection of severity of burning: 1:20

8.11.10.2 Selection of the simplicity of burning: materials that do not burn easily.
8.11.10.3 Selection of the smoke intensity: not more than (450) and do not generate toxic gases.
8.11.11 If the materials used in wrapping are wood or materials of fire rating less than (zero) then
they should be fixed directly on the wall or to jambs fixed directly to the wall of thickness
that does not exceed (2 cm) and width of not more than (5 cm) provided the gaps between
the jambs should be filled with non flammable materials.
8.11.12 If the wrapping materials are fixed to a structure far away from the wall or ceiling, such as
the case with the suspended ceilings, the surface of the panels fixed on the two sides should
be of the required degree of resistance and fixed to non flammable materials. The back void
should be divided according to the provisions of clause 7.3.3 and all the voids existing behind
the construction elements should be divided by fire spread prevention barriers.
8.12 STRUCTURAL STEEL CONSTRUCTION
8.12.1 When the construction elements in the building are made of steel they should be treated to
give the resistance rating required to protect it from collapse as a result of fire heat.
8.12.2 The process of construction steel elements protection is divided, in terms of application to
the following:
To plunge the steel element within a cast of concrete or building by cement blocks or bricks
and the process of protection through plunging should be according to the following
conditions:
8.12.2.1 Plunging: Plunging the pillars by wrapping them in a cast of reinforced concrete or
construction by cement blocks or bricks or a layer of cement mortar on a basis of wires net
and the details of the wrapping thickness should be approved by civil defence taking into co-
nsideration of the required degree of resistance.
8.12.2.2 Wrapping: Wrapping the steel element by approved fire resisting panels in a form of box.
The protection process through wrapping method should be according to the following
conditions:
It is not permissible to pass any services in the gap behind the panels protecting the steel
elements.
When the width of the protection panels exceeds (60 cm) the installation should be on a
solid background of plates to prevent them from breaking.
8.12.2.3 Garbing: dressing the steel element by a coat of approved fire resistant material in a
form of paste applied through spraying or dressing and the protection process through garbing
method should be according to the following conditions:
8.12.2.3.1 The protection through the garbing or dressing process should be in accordance with the
manufacturer’s conditions and approved by the civil defence provided the thickness computa-
tion, manner and circumstances of application, percentage of mixing, atmospheric conditions
and their relation with the application and storage, validity period of the material, to be
taken into consideration.
8.12.2.3.2 Prepare the steel element in terms of cleaning, foundation painting etc....
8.12.2.3.3 The process of protecting the steel construction elements by the three mentioned methods
should be in accordance with the known engineering principles and the specifications of the
relevant authorities approved to the civil defence.
8.13 PLASTIC BUILDING MATERIALS
8.13.1 For the purpose of limiting the risk of fire resulting from the use of plastic materials that are
now increasingly used in construction or finishing of buildings, these materials should be su-
bject to the controls that reduce their risk, according to these conditions and the plastic
materials are divided to the following types:
8.13.1.1 First type: porous plastic materials: and these are divided in terms of formation to two main
types:
8.13.1.1.1 Solid panels: such as polystyrene, polyurethane, issusanyayth(?) and these are used in insul-
ation, sections formations, surface cover etc….
8.13.1.1.2 Flexible panels: spongy such as polyethylene and these are used in décor works and others.
8.13.1.2 A fire retarding material should be added to the mixture for manufacturing the porous plastic
materials to use them in the building so that the foamy characteristics of the plastic mate-
rials would be as follows:
8.13.1.2.1 Not easily flammable.
8.13.1.2.2 Flame spread resistance degree exceeds (10).
8.13.1.2.3 Smoke density does not exceed (450)
8.13.1.2.4 Toxicity of smoke does not exceed that of the ordinary wood.
8.13.1.2 The second type: solid plastic materials: and these are used in a form of colored or trans-
parent panels and used in covering the lighting apertures and covering of tombs and sun-
shade roofs and others.
8.13.2 PLASTIC MATERIALS AS THERMAL INSULATOR IN THE BUILDINGS
8.13.2.1 The use of plastic materials is permissible under the following conditions:
8.13.2.1.1 Pad of not more than (10 cm) thickness between two layers of blocks of thickness of 5 cm
each provided the void should be filled.
8.13.2.1.2 Plunged within a concrete cast the thickness of its cover is not less than (5 cm) in the event
of using it as a part of the components of the construction elements such as internal section
of surface cover.
8.13.2.1.3 It is permissible to use pad in doors that are not fire preventive provided that its thickness
should not exceed (5 cm) and flame spread resistance degree should not exceed (10)
covered.
8.13.2.2 They are allowed to be used inside the buildings either for thermal insulation or as pads for
internal sections according to the following conditions:
8.13.2.2.1 The area of the storey should not exceed (200 sq.m) or the area of the sections themselves
(100 sq.m) and the storey should be divided to fire sectors and the area of one sector does
not exceed (200 sq.m) if its (storey) area exceeds that.
8.13.2.2.2 Its thickness should not exceed (5 cm).
9 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE DIFFERENT SECTIONS OF CONSTRUCTION

(VAULT, MEZZANINE, LIGHT-HOLE ETC.)
9.1 Vaults: in regard of vaults the conditions for protection from fire and safety of individuals
should be observed in accordance with the nature of use and the following conditions should
be taken into account:
9.1.1 Sufficient ventilation and natural or electrical light should be made available in vaults.
9.1.2 All the precautions required to prevent leakage of water to vault should be taken and to pro-
vide the floors of vault with the means required for discharging water in the event that the
level of ground of the lower vault is at the level of the neighbouring water sources.
9.1.3 To apply the conditions related to staircases and exits of vaults in accordance with the terms
set out in the chapter for escape route and emergency exits provided that the exits of one
vault should not be less than two exits if its area exceeds 150 square meter and the distance
of the furthest point in the vault from the exit should not exceed 15 meters provided one of
the exits should directly lead to outside.
9.1.4 If the exit of any vault leads to the main stair case entrance of the building, all the precau-
tions required should be taken in the ground floor so that the staircase should lead from the
vault to outside directly without continuing to the upper floors.
9.1.5 Sufficient natural ventilation should be secured for the vault according to the nature of its
use through using windows on the external wall of the building and covered by thick mesh
barrier if they could be opened or reinforced if they are closed.
9.1.6 If there are no sufficient natural ventilation windows, other natural means to discharge
smoke and other gases from the vault in the event of fire should be made available according
to the following:
9.1.6.1 Creating apertures at the top of the external wall of the vault (or in its ceiling) mastering the
pavement or open areas of the ground floor such as corridors and others at the measures of
90 X 90 cm covered by glass bricks or any other materials that the civil defence personnel
could open or break easily if necessary in case of emergencies.
9.1.6.2 Create a system in the form of chimneys to discharge the smoke and draw it from the vault
in the event of fire and this could be made through placing entrances to the free air near the
ground of the vault and drawing pipe in the ceiling leading to apertures in the upper floor
and covered as mentioned in the previous paragraph.
9.1.6.3 The civil defence may accept and approve any other appropriate means to suck the smoke
proposed by the designing engineer provided they should meet the required purpose.
9.1.7 The following requirements should be available in the ventilation apertures of the vaults:
9.1.7.1 They should be in a clear place and accessible by the civil defence personnel.
9.1.7.2 They should be made distinct by necessary signal and indicate the purpose of their
existence.
9.1.7.3 They should be covered by materials that could be opened or broken easily, if necessary, by
civil defence personnel.
9.2 Light-holes: In regard with light-holes they should meet the requirements for protection from fire
and safety of individuals according to the nature of use and the following conditions should be
observed:
9.2.1 The windows commanding the light-hole should be of the fire resisting type, particularly if it is
placed in a location such as kitchen, toilets or others where fire risk exists or to apply the
conditions set out in “control over the spread of fire”.
9.2.2 If the light-hole is used as a passage for chimneys all the apertures commanding it should be
covered by fire resisting doors that could close automatically and this takes place according
to prior approval from civil defence.
9.2.3 The upper aperture of the light-hole should be uncovered and its edge should be surrounded
by a wall of height of not less than 1.5 meter at least above the roof to form a prevention
barrier from falling.
9.2.4 It is not permissible to use the light-hole as an exit in the emergency cases except at the
approval of civil defence.
9.2.5 It is not permissible to use the light-hole for purposes of dumping the leftovers or using it as
a room or store for the first floor or any other use that is not designated for it.
9.3 Mezzanine: In regard with the mezzanines they should meet the requirements for protection
from fire and safety of individuals according to the nature of use and the following conditions
should be observed:
9.3.1 The mezzanine should not occupy 100% of the area of the shop except after obtaining the
approval of civil defence and it is conditioned that:
9.3.1.1 It should have an open façade at the side of the road.
9.3.1.2 It should have the sufficient exits provided and one of these exits should lead to outside.
9.3.1.3 It should not pose a danger to the safety of people.
9.3.2 The mezzanine that is not connected to the ground floor of the shop is considered as an
ordinary storey and separate from the multi floors buildings.
Z
E
Illustrative drawing of mezzanine
CHAPTER TWO
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF
FIRE FIGHTING & FIRE ALARM
SYSTEMS
INDEX
CHAPTER TWO
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF FIREFIGHTING AND FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
PAGE CODE CHAPTER TWO: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF FIREFIGHTING &

FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
35 1 Objective
35 2 Fields of application
35 3 Design requirements
35 4 Licence requirments
35 5 Maintenance requirements
35 6 Training requirements.
35 7 Classification of fire fighting systements and equipments
36 7/1 Manual fire fighting equipments:
36 7/1/1 * Manual fire extinguishers.
36 7/2 ** Types of fire extinguishers
36 7/2/1 ** Water extinguishers.
36 7/2/2 ** Foam extinguishers.
37 7/3/2 ** Carbon dioxide gas extinguishers (CO2).
37 7/4/2 ** Dry powder extinguishers.
37 7/5/2 ** Vaporized liquid extinguishers.
37 7/3 How to select the appropriate fire extinguishers.
37 7/4 Types of fires:
37 7/1/4 * Fire type (a)
37 7/2/4 * Fire type (b)
38 7/3/4 * Fire type (c)
38 7/4/4 * Fire type (d)
38 7/5 General aspects of distributing manual fire extinguishers.
39 7/6 Distribution of manual fire fighting extinguishers.
47 7/7 Fixed fire fighting equipments:
47 7/1/1 * Rubber hose reels.
47 7/7/2 * Dry riser.
47 7/7/3 * Wet riser.
48 7/7/4 * Foam pumping net.
48 7/7/5 * External water outlets (hydrants).
49 7/8 Fixed automatic fire fighting systems and equipments.
49 7/8/1 * Automatic fire fighting water sprinklers.
49 7/8/2 * Types of automatic fire fighting water sprinklers.
INDEX - Contd...
CHAPTER TWO
PAGE CODE CHAPTER TWO: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF FIREFIGHTING &

FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
50 7/8/4 * Carbon dioxide (co2) system.

51 7/8/5 * Dry chemical powder system.
52 7/8/6 * Foam and water system
52 7/8/7 * Automatic fixed unit (Modeller extinguisher)
53 7/9 Fire alarm systems.
53 7/9/1 * Manual alarm system.
53 7/9/2 * Automatic alarm system.
INDEX OF TABLES
CHAPTER TWO
PAGE SCHEDULE# NAME OF THE SCHEDULE
41 1-2 Selection & methods of distributing fire type (a) extinguishers.

42-45 2-2 Selection & methods of distributing fire type (b) extinguishers.
46 2-3 Selection & methods of distributing fire type (c & d) extinguishers.
CHAPTER TWO
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF FIRE FIGHTING
AND FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
1 OBJECTIVE:
To equip the buildings and installations with fire alarm, fire-fighting and fire protection
systems with an aim to protect the buildings and its occupants from fire risks by giving early
warning for them to vacate the building and to combat the fire primarily by the trained per-
sonnel or by the help automatic equipments after which to call for the civil defence team for
actual fire fighting and rescue operation, if necessary.
2 FIELDS OF APPLICATION:
It is mandatory to equip all the buildings, installations and shops subject to the civil defence
permit with fire fighting, fire alarm and suitable fire prevention systems in accordance with
these conditions.
3 DESIGN CONDITIONS:
It is necessary to design and implement the fire fighting, fire alarm and fire prevention sys-
tems pursuant to the conditions incorporated in Part Two of (Engineering Specifications for
the Fire Fighting and Fire Alarm Systems).
4 LICENCING CONDITIONS:
To be applied by the civil defence of each country.
5 MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS:
The fire fighting and fire alarm systems must be provided with systematic periodical mainte-
nance services by specialized staff or an accredited contractor in accordance with the condi-
tions stated in Part Two.
6 TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:
It is necessary to train the occupants/users of the building how to operate, use and inspect
the fire fighting and fire alarm systems.
7 CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE FIGHTING & FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS:
The fire fighting and fire alarm systems are classified to the following major types:
(a) Manual, fixed and automatic fire fighting equipments and systems.
(b) Manual and automatic fire alarm equipments and systems.

7/1 MANUAL FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENTS:
These are the manual mobile (primary combating) equipments which are used for combat-
ing the fire in its first stage by ordinary people available in the building. Such equipments
include:
(a) Different types of manual fire extinguishing systems.
(b) Manual water pumps.
(c) Sand and water vessels.
(d) Fire resisting blankets.
7/1/1/1 MANUAL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:
The manual fire extinguishers are the simple means of fire fighting in its first stage which are
construed as the primary fire fighting equipments.
7/1/1/2 The manual fire extinguishers fitted in any building are subject to the approval of the civil
defence in accordance with the fire conditions of protection in the buildings or in any site in
which activities requiring the approval of civil defence are practised.
7/1/1/3 The manual fire extinguishers must be of the approved one vide an official licence issued
from the civil defence.
7/1/1/4 The building owner or the site owner has to keep the manual fire extinguishers in good and
sound condition in such a way that it must be fit for use when there is a need for that by
arranging necessary inspection and periodical maintenance on it by an approved agent or by
a specialized technical authority approved by the civil defence pursuant to the instructions of
the manufacturer.
7/1/1/5 The periodical inspection and testing on these equipments must be in accordance with the
instructions of the manufacturer and the civil defence.
7/2 TYPES OF EXTINGUISHERS: MANUAL EXTINGUISHERS ARE DIVIDED INTO VARIOUS TYPES
AS PER THE TYPE OF EXTINGUISHING MATERIAL USED IN IT:
7/2/1 Water Extinguishers: These are the fire extinguishers which contain water as the extinguis-
hing material and are divided into two types:
Water extinguishers of gas pressure: These are the cylinders filled with water under normal
pressure fitted with small cylinders (cartridge) inside it pressurized by carbon dioxide. In the
event of its operation the head of the cylinders are perforated to push out the water with
force through the nozzle or ejection hose.
7/2/1/1 Water extinguishers kept under pressure: These are the cylinders two third of which are
filled with water and the remaining space with ordinary air or nitrogen gas under required
pressure. At the time of operation, the valve is opened and the water is rushed out in force
by the act of the pressure detained in it.
7/2/2 Foam Extinguishers: These are the extinguishers in which foam type liquid are used as a sub-
stance of fire extinguisher which are of two types:
7/2/2/1 Chemical Foam Extinguishers: This is the one in which the foam is produced by the chemical
reaction and such foam is pushed by the help of pressure generated from this chemical
reaction.
7/2/2/2 Mechanical Foam Extinguishers: In these types of fire extinguishers the foam is produced
mechanically by mixing the liquid foam substance with water and air which is pushed out by
the help of the pressurized carbon dioxide inside the small cylinders (cartridges).
7/2/3 Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers: These are the extinguishers that contain carbon dioxide
gas as an extinguisher substance which is in principle only one type but they are in various
sizes. The gas is filled under pressure in a liquefied condition which is expelled at the time
of operation by opening the control valve fitted on top of the cylinder.
7/2/4 Dry Powder Extinguishers: These are the fire extinguishers in which the dry chemical powder
is used as a substance of fire extinguishing. These are of two types in terms of its mode of
operation:
7/2/4/1 Extinguishers Operating on Gas Pressure. This is one type in which the powder is pushed
out by the pressure of carbon dioxide kept inside the small cylinders (cartridges) under
pressure.
7/2/4/2 Fire Extinguishers that Operate by Pressure. In these types the powder is pushed out by
the pressure of nitrogen gas kept inside the cylinders along with the powder. The powder in
terms of its chemical composition is divided into different types and the most important
among them are:
(a) Powder in which its major components are of sodium bicarbonates.
(b) Power in which its major compositions are of potassium bicarbonates.
(c) Multipurpose powder.
(d) There are different types of powders categorized for a particular type of fire in
mineral which are not used except in special circumstances.
7/2/4/5 Vaporized Liquid Extinguishers (B.C.F.S): These are the fire extinguishers in which various
types of chemical liquids are utilized as the extinguishing substance. These liquids transform
into heavy condensed vapours while colliding with the heat of fire which in turn act to stop
the chain of chemical reaction of the fire. The use of these types of fire extinguishers is
banned internationally owing to its impact on the environment.
7/3 Method of selecting suitable extinguishers: The fire is classified into four major types as ex-
plained under along with the suitable manual extinguishers for them. (For your easy refer-
ence please look at the schedules from 2-1 to 2-3).
7/4 TYPES OF FIRE AND SUITABLE EXTINGUISHERS TO COMBAT THEM:
7/4/1 Fire Type (a): This fire occurs in normal solid materials of carbonic origin like papers, wood,
clothes and others. For this type of fire, water extinguishers are better especially water has
a cooling characteristic and it is easy to leak the water into the pores of the material.
7/4/2 Fire Type (b): It occurs in flammable liquids, petroleum & chemical materials.
7/4//2/1 Foam Extinguishers are better for this type of fire because liquid in the foam float on top of
the flammable liquid making it as an insulating cover on the surface of the flammable liquid
from oxygen air. The foam type is very excellent to this as the foam lasts for a long period
on top of the liquid which helps to prevent the return of the flame. It is well noted that the
foam is a good conductor of electricity.
7/4/2/3 Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers like chemical powder with a difference that the carbon dioxide
has no adverse effect on things like some types of foam and powder extinguishers. Carbon -
dioxide is not a conductor of electricity.
7/4/2/4 Vaporized Liquid Extinguishers: Since the vessels of these types are smaller in size, they are
used in minor fires only.
7/4/3 Fire Type (c): This occurs in electric systems and carbon dioxide and dry powder or vaporized
liquid types of extinguishers are used for this. Water and foam type extinguishers are
banned in this fire as they are good conductors of electric current.
7/4/4 Fire Type (d): These types of fire occur in minerals like magnesium, titanium, sodium, potas-
sium and others. A special type of dry powder extinguisher is used for these fires. There
are some minerals for which a special type of powder is used. In all circumstances, it is
necessary to get advice from the Directorate of General of Civil Defence in this regard and
follow the instructions mounted on the extinguishers issued by the manufacturer. Please
note that there is a special type of dry powder developed for combating the fire in minerals
in such a way that this type of powder form into a paste while it contacts with the burning
surface. The commercial name of the same is (purplek).
Types of Fire
Solid materials Liquefied subs- Flammable gases All types of fire

like: papers, tances like oil, like methane having a
wood, plastic, grease, pints, oxygen, butane mineral origin
clothes etc. etc. etc.
A B C D
7/5 GENERAL ASPECTS OF DISTRIBUTING MANUAL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:
In addition to the preceding articles and attached schedules, the following aspects are
observed in the selection and distribution of manual fire extinguishers:
7/5/1 The fire extinguishers to be operated in one manner at the site inorder not to have any conf-
usion or mess when using these manual fire extinguishers in case of a fire break.
7/5/2 In case of elevated places in the site or places that require control of fire in a corner, fire ex-
tinguishers having hose are utilized.
7/5/3 Select the extinguisher suitable to the location in terms its distance or type of ejection
(current or radar).
7/5/4 Select the reasonably light-weighted extinguishers appropriate to the persons supposed to be
utilized that.
7/5/5 Always the best is easy-to-use, easy-to-maintain and non-complicated types of fire
extinguishers.
7/6 DISTRIBUTION OF MANUAL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:
7/6/1 In general and unless provide a special text, the fire extinguishers are distributed in suitable
places not away more than 20 meters from one to the other. The numbers of the extinguish-
ers are specified in this way: One extinguisher to every 200 m2 area or two fire extinguish-
ers in every storey with regard to water type extinguishers. However, with regard to the
flammable liquid extinguishers, it is determined in accordance with the surface area of the
flammable liquid to be organized as illustrated in the attached schedule. Otherwise, the
extinguishers are distributed in suitable places recommended by the civil defence and in
general the following conditions are adhered to:
The fire extinguishers are kept in a cabinet or pocket on the wall having a door to protect
the same from atmospheric elements and being tampered. It is also allowed to suspend
the extinguishers uncovered on the wall in some circumstances to be approved by the
Directorate General of Civil Defence in such situation where there is no the above referred
perils.
7/6/2 The extinguishers which are suspended uncovered on the wall must be well fixed by
mounting them very tightly at a height of one meter from the base of the fire extinguishers
to the surface of the ground.
It is mandatory to attach necessary boards/panels indicating very legibly location of the fire
extinguishers along with instructions for usage or warnings to be cautioned.
Recessed Semi-Recessed Surface
7/6/3 The easy-to-access locations for the fire extinguishers to be selected suitably.
7/6/3/1 The locations to be very closer to the exits or staircase.
7/6/3/2 The distance from one fire extinguisher to another must not be more than 20 meters.
7/6/3/3 The height from the ground level must be one meter.
The extinguishers are fitted in a pocket on the wall

at an height of one meter
7/6/4 The atmospheric conditions of the location like temperature or moisture or cool or rusting
and others must be well noticed and also the extent of its impact on the fire extinguishers
and its contents.
7/6/5 The number of the required extinguishers is determined as: One water extinguisher of two
gallons or equivalent to each (2000 m2) on a condition that the number of the fire extinguis-
hers must not be less than one extinguisher for one storey with regard to ordinary fire type
(a) in accordance with the schedule No. 1-1.
7/6/6 The required number of fire extinguishers specified with regard to fire type (b) of flammable
liquid, petroleum and chemical substances is in accordance with the schedule No. 2-2.
TABLE OF SELECTING AND
MODE OF DISTRIBUTING FIRE EXTINGUISHERS OF FIRE TYPE (A)
Capacity Distance of Approximate No. of Reqd.

Type of Fire Appropriate Extinguishers Notes Extinguisher of the Extinguisher Total Extinguisher
Type Extinguisher Explusion Weight 100 meter In 1 Floor
Fire Type (a): Water: Water Water and 9 Litres 10 M 10-18 Kgs. 1 2
is a pressurised 2 Gallon 30 F 33-40 Pounds
Ordinary solid The impact of the fire extinguishing good gas
materials like substance in case of fire in ordinary conductor
wood, paper, solid materials (like wood, paper, cloth to the
cloth &others etc.) depends mainly upon the quality electricity
of the cooling it entertains. For & hence
example, water has better cooling water
characteristics than other extinguishing should
materials. Hence, water is preferred not be
more in combating the fire on ordinary used in
solid materials because the flame electric
shall resume if it is not cooled well. fires
Further, water penetrates deeply

into the fire.
Pressurised 1 2
water
Table No. 2-1

MODE OF DISTRIBUTING FIRE EXTINGUISHERS OF FIRE TYPE (B)
Capacity Distance of Approximate Coverage

Type of Fire Appropriate Extinguishers Notes Extinguisher of the Propulsion Total Area of one
Type Extinguisher Weight Extinguisher
Fire Type (b): Foam: It is very difficult to form a Automatic 9 Litres 8 M2 15-18 Kgs 1.5 M2
cover of foam on surface of foam 2 Gallon (23) F 33-40 Pounds 5 F2
Flammable The fire is quenched by the help of foam the hot liquid as it is imposs- Mechanical
liquids, petro- that formed as a cover on surface of the ible to if the liquid is running foam
leum and flaming liquid. This cover after its form- over a vertical surface.In
chemical ation remains for certain period enough such case the liquid flowing
materials to freez the liquid and prevents reverting over the tiles or horizontal
the flame again. surface is supposed to spre-
ad into larger areas than the
Therefore, foam type extinguishers are capacity of the extinguisher.
particularly good to combat liquid fire These are certain liquids like
which finish the flaming within certain alcohol which have the power
period or it becomes warm through the to break the cover to be for-
operation like the fire on tempering tank- med by the help of ordinary
ers. linseed oil tankers and warmish mobile extinguishers and
boilers etc. make the cover inactive.
In addition to that, the foam

is a very good conductor to
electricity and it must not be
used to combat the electrical
fires.
Chemcial 8M 2 15-18 kgs 1.5 M2

foam (23) Pound 33-40 Pound 5 F2
Table No. 2-2

MODE OF DISTRIBUTING FIRE EXTINGUISHERS OF FIRE TYPE (B) - Contd....

Fire Type (b): (2) Dry Powder The characteristics of freez- Dry powder 2 Kgs. 3M 4 Kgs 1 M2
ing that entertained by the extinguisher 4-5 Pounds 10 F 10 Pounds 10 F2
Flammable Dry powder extinguisher is the best one dry powder is limited. It does of different 3 Kgs. 5M 9 Kgs. 5.11 M2
liquids, petro- used in combating the fire on flammable not hinder the return of types 7 Pounds 15 F 18 Pounds 15 F2
leum and liquid. The powder quenches the flames flames supposed to be occu- 9 Kgs. 7M 18 Kgs. 4 M2
chemical spreading over the liquid surface imme- rred after stopping the repu- 20 Pounds 20 F 20 Pounds 40 F2
materials diately and it is more preferred than the sion.
foam specially if there is a potentiality of
extending the fire to neighbouring mat- Also its action is weaker than
erials before the possibility of forming a the effect of foam in case of
cover of foam over it. Also the effective- a fire inside the liquid stora-
ness of other similar extinguishers is in ge as the liquid becomes hot
its volume in cases of major fires. Further, highly due to its flaming/
the dry powder is not a conductor to burning for certain period or
electricity which can be used peacefully owing to the operations it
to combat electrical fires. passes through.
Continuation of Table No. 2-2


Fire Type (b): (3) Carbon Dioxide The quality of freezing ent- Carbon di 6 Kgs. 1 Kgs -
ertained by carbondixoide is oxide 13 Pounds 2.5 Pounds -
Flammable The carbon dioxide works to extinguish limited. It does not hinder Extinguisher 16 Kgs. 1.5 M 3 Kgs. 1.5 M2
liquids, petro- the flames on surface of the liquid very the reverting of flames/fire 23 Pounds 4F 7 Pounds 5 F2
leum and fast than the foam and it is considered supposed to be occured after 19-21 Kgs. 3M 4 Kgs. 1 M2
chemical as the best one to combat the fire which stopping the pushing 38-42 Pound 7F 10 Pounds 10 F2
materials is supposed to be extended to the surro-
unding items before the possibility of
forming a complete cover of foam on top Its effect is weaker than the
of the flammable liquid. effect of foam in case of a
fire inside the liquid storage
It is possible to use the carbondioxide as the liquid becomes very
extinguishers to quench minor fires incl- hot greatly due to its flaming/
uding the liquid fire on horizontal surface burining for certain period or
or its contamination with the dry powder owing to the operations it
or foam passes though.
Use of carbondioxide to combat fire is

better in cases of fire in paint machines,
kitchens and delicate laboratory tools.


Fire Type (b): (4) Vaporized Liquid It must not be used or stored Vaporized 1/2 Litre 7M 2 Kgs 1.3 M2
in closed places or any other liquid 1/8 Gallon 20 F 6 Pounds
Flammable It quenches the flames on surface of the places where there is the c.b.m
liquids, petro- liquid very fast. It is specially considered potentiality of break-up of b.c.f
leum and for combating minute fire because the fire vapour or gases resulted out
chemical extinguishers used for this purpose are of that while it exposes to
materials relatively smaller in size. It is widely used temperature
to controlling fires of engines run by petrol
and oil. Moreover, it is not a conductor to Methyl bromide is highly toxic
the electricity. and it is recommended not
to use the same.

TABLE OF SELECTION AND
MODE OF DISTRIBUTION OF EXTINGUISHERS OF FIRE TYPE (C, D)
Type of Fire Appropriate Extinguishers Notes
Fire Type (c): Carbon dioxide, dry powder Carbon dioxide, dry powder and
and vaporized liquid. vaporized liquid:
Electric and electronic These three materials are construed as

equipments. the best for combating the electrical
fires. The water or foam type of
extinguishers must not be used for this
purpose for fear of occurring electric
shocks (water and foam are good con -
ductors of electricity) except in cases
where it is possible to disconnect elec-
tricity because water is the best thing
for combating the fire save the fires in
oil or liquids. In such case special
liquid fire extinguishers must be used.
Carbon dioxide extinguishers are also
treated as the best for electric fires
due to its levity.
Fire Type (d): Dry chemical powder. Dry chemical powder:
Combustible minerals: There is no dry type powder to be used

for combating all types of mineral fires
but there is a clear powder. All types
of minerals are combustible and there-
fore it is necessary to adhere to the
instructions on the fire extinguishers
tagged by the manufacturer and get
advice from Civil Defence while select-
ing the suitable type of extinguishers
for combating the mineral fire.
Important Note:
It is very hazardous to the health if the

extinguishers of mineral fire are
selected wrongly.
Table No. 2-3

7/7 STATIONARY FIRE COMBATING EQUIPMENTS:
It is the fixed extensions network which is used to combat the fire in its first phase by ordi-
nary individuals available in the building. It includes equipments which are to be operated
by the trained personnel like special fire control team or civil defence men. These equip-
ments are divided into the following in terms of its operation:
7/7/1 Rubber Hose with Reel:
The rubber hose with reel is only a simple means of primary controlling fire by the users of
the building themselves without the need for any previous experience. This includes a rubber
hose having dia of 25 mm (1 inch) coiled on a reel and mounted to the wall which is kept
inside a metal box and directly connected to the water network ready to use immediately
after pulling the hose.
7/7/1/1 The rubber hose with reel is comprised of:
(1) Net, (2) Reel, (3) Hose and connections, (4) Water source.
7/7/2 Dry Riser Pipelines:
These are the fixed extensions network free from water which includes a repulsion point to
pump the water from outside the building, fire hydrants (sockets) installed at necessary loca-
tions of the building. These are used to help the civil defence men to push water and use
the same in upper storeys.
7/7/2/1 The dry riser pipes in the building include the following:
(1) The vertical pipe that feed the nozzles.

(2) Repulsion point (inlet) at the bottom of the network for pumping by the civil defence men
(3) Fire hydrants (outlet) in the floors.
7/7/2/2 The vertical dry riser pipes in the buildings are needed in the following cases:
(1) Buildings which are having five storeys and more including ground floor or having a
height of (19) meters and above.
(2) Buildings having more than two storeys if the area of the floor is more than 1000 m2.
(3) Buildings having hazards to the personnel or contents as per the estimation of the
civil defence.
7/7/3 Wet Riser Pipelines:
This is the fixed extension network having constant water sources that feed the fire hydrants
(outlets) located at necessary places in the building and are used by the civil defence men or
by trained fire fighting people in the building.
7/7/3/1 The vertical wet riser pipelines include the following divisions:
(1) Vertical pipes that feed the fire hydrants.

(2) Water sources.
(3) Water pumps.
(4) Fire hose and its connections.
(5) Points or repulsion nozzles.
7/7/2/3 The vertical wet riser pipes in the buildings are required in the following cases:
Buildings the height of which exceeds 28 meters.
Buildings having a height of more than 30 meters from the level of the ground floor upto the
floor level of the last storey.
7/7/3/3 The use of network must be restricted to fire controlling only.
7/7/3/4 The keys of the main network valve must be kept in a special locked place and a spare key
to be kept inside a closed packet in a glass panel fitted on building door inorder to prevent
any tampering on it by the public or unofficial personnel.
7/7/4 Foam Repulsion Network:
This is the fixed pipeline network utilized for pushing the mixture of water and foam material
to reach to the inaccessible places which are normally used for storing liquid fuel. The
mixture of water and foam materials shall be effused in the form of bubbles which shall act
as an insulating cover on the flaming surface from the external air and at the same time
water shall do the process of cooling.
7/7/5 External Fire Hydrants:
This is an underground pipeline network having continuous water source which supply water
to fire inlets and is used to control the fire from outside by the help of civil defence men.
7/7/5/1 The external fire hydrants are required in the following conditions:
(1) On all the public roads of the city.

(2) Outside the building fitted with wet vertical pipeline network in complementary to that.
(3) On the roads & courtyards of big companies of special hazards like airports.
7/7/5/2 The fire hydrants are comprised of the following:
(1) Pipeline network that feeds the inlets.

(2) Sources of water.
(3) Nozzles.
7/7/5/3 The fire hydrants are divided into two sections:
Vertical aboveground fire hydrants.

Underground fire hydrants.
7/7/5/3/1 The vertical aboveground fire hydrants:
(1) It is comprised of a vertical fixed pipe connected from the bottom of the feeding network
and ending at the top of a nozzle or more with lid attached with a chain.
(2) The dia of the vertical pipe will be as per the number of nozzles, its use and the quan-
tity of external water which will not be less than 4 inches and no nozzle will be less than
2.5 inches.
(3) Beside every nozzle a valve shall be placed within an inspection pit as per the specifica-
tions and conditions set out by the civil defence.
7/7/5/3/2 The underground fire hydrants:
This is a pipe having a valve and ends with a nozzle with a direct diagonal opening and a
lid and attached with a chain in accordance with the specifications and conditions of civil
defence. The fire hydrants are kept inside the inspection pit pursuant to the specifications
and conditions of the civil defence.
7/8 AUTOMATIC STATIONARY FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENTS & SYSTEMS:
These are the fixed water extension network installed in locations to be protected from fire
hazards which are fed from a constant source of appropriate extinguishing material. This
system operates automatically by the action of heat resulted out of the fire or by smoke or
balustilyne (?) together.
7/8/1 Automatic Fire Sprinkling System:
This is an overhead pipeline network installed at places to be protected from fire which are
fed from suitable sources in terms of quantity and pressure to push the water through the
closed sprinkler heads (wet sprinklers) that open automatically by the impact of the heat or
push the water forward through the open valves to places to be covered with water comple-
tely. It opens by the help of an ancillary alarm system.
7/8/1/1 It is necessary to design, implement and maintain the automatic water sprinkler network sys
tem in accordance with the conditions and specifications (part two) or the Directory of Civil
Defence.
7/8/1/2 The type of fire hazard/risk of the contents is observed while designing the automatic water
sprinkler network like high risk or medium or low and its bifurcations pursuant to the condi-
tions and specifications prescribed in (part two) or the Directory of Civil Defence.
7/8/2 Types of Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems:

(1) Wet network.
(2) Dry network.
(3) Pre-operating wet network.
(4) Total coverage network.
(5) Compound network.
7/8/2/1 Wet Network Fire Water Sprinklers:
It is network system of pressurized water to push the water through the heads of closed
sprinklers that open while its contact with heat.
7/8/2/2 Dry Network Fire Water Sprinklers:
This is a network similar to the dry riser network except it is operated by pressurized air.
The water stops at the main valve by the act of air pressure and the valve automatically
opens when the air leaks through the sprinklers’ heads, which open by the impact of fire, to
push the water though them.
7/8/2/3 Pre-operating Wet Network:
It is a network similar to the wet riser network. The water stops at the valve. It is also
added with ancillary warning network whether by the help of air or electricity. It operates
automatically when it is stimulated by the action of the fire and the valve opens to push the
water in the network after which it pushes through the sprinklers heads that open, as its
role, when it contacts with heat.
7/8/2/4 Total Coverage Network:
It is a network as in the case of wet riser network with pre-operating system but the heads
of all sprinklers are open and the location shall be covered completely at the time the system
operates.
7/8/2/5 Compound Network:
It is a mixed system of pre-operating wet network and dry network.
7/8/3 Halon System:
It consists of pipelines network, installed at locations required to be protected from fire and
fed from cylinders containing halon gas (as the extinguishing medium) kept under the pre-
ssure of nitrogen inorder to be pushed through the nozzles to the place needed to be
protected when the system operates. (Refer the Directory of Civil Defence for specifications).
Please note that this system is an internationally hazardous one due to its impact on the envi
ronment and the gas halon will be replaced by another material.
7/8/4 Carbon Dioxide System:
It is a network of pipes distributed and installed at locations to be protected from fire which
are fed from vessels (cylinders) of carbon dioxide (as the extinguishing medium) that stored
to push through the nozzles to the pipes installed at places to be protected at the time of sys
tem operation. Please refer the Directory of Civil Defence for specifications.
Figure 2-4
7/8/5 Dry Chemical Powder System:
It consists of a pipeline network installed at places to be protected from fire which is fed
from vessels of chemical powder (as the extinguishing medium) under the pressure of nitro-
gen gas or carbon dioxide to push through the nozzles to the required places. The
extinguishing substance of this system normally consists of sodium bicarbonate powder or
potassium bicarbonate or ammonium mono-phosphate.
7/8/5/1 Types of Dry Chemical Powder Systems:
The dry chemical powder system is divided into the following types in terms of its mode of
coverage:
(1) Total Coverage System: This is the system that covers the volume of the place or room
completely.
(2)Topical Coverage System: It is a system that covers a particular area in the building or
location.
7/8/5/2 Types of operation of the dry chemical powder system:
(1) Automatic operation: With the help of fire detectors which open the valve or powder
vessel.
(2) Manual electrical operation: With the help of manual electric switch in place of the fire
detector.
(3) Manual mechanical operation: With the help of mechanical hand tools.
7/8/5/3 The Design:
The dry chemical powder system to be designed, implemented and maintained in accordance
with the specifications and conditions incorporated in the Directory of Civil Defence.
Figure 2-5
7/8/6 Foam and Water System:
Definition: It consists of pipes network installed at locations to be protected from fire which
is fed from source of water and foam whether a mixture of both or to be mixed before it is
repulsed on the flaming surface.
This mixture is poured in the form of bubbles which act as an insulating cover on the flaming
surface from the open air and the water shall do the process of cooling.
7/8/6/1 Types of foam in terms of extension:

(1) Low extension.
(2) Medium extension.
(3) High extension.
7/8/6/2 Types of Foam Fire Extinguishers: The foam system is divided into the following types in
terms of its method of performance:
(1) Fixed Network System.
(2) Generating Systems (related to the foam system).
7/8/6/3 Operation of foam fire extinguisher:
(1) Automatic operation: With the help of fire detectors or through an alarm panel for pumps
operation or through other means of pushing/repulsion of solution.
(2) Manual mechanical operation: It is done by opening the foam valve or mixture system or
trap.
(3) Manual electrical operation: It is carried out by operating the water pumps or by other
means like electrical coils to open the traps.
(4) Remote control: It is done by pre-programmed system with television camera.
7/8/6/4 Design: The fire fighting system must be designed, operated, inspected and maintained in
accordance with the conditions and specifications incorporated in (part two) or the Directory
of Civil Defence.
7/8/7 Modeller Extinguisher:
It is a singe fire fighting unit (extinguisher) fixed on places to be protected from fire and
operates automatically by repulsing its contents of extinguishing substance when there is an
outbreak of a fire.
7/8/7/1 Its type, size and distribution must be appropriate to the protection of the places in accord-
ance with the conditions of Civil Defence.
7/8/7/2 These units must be pursuant to the international specifications approved by the Civil
Defence.
7/8/7/3 The units must be provided with systematic periodical maintenance services by the help of
an accredited maintenance contractor pursuant to the conditions prescribed by the Civil
Defence.
Figure 2-6
7/9 FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS:
The fire alarm systems are categorized mainly into two types:
(1) Manual Alarm System.
(2) Automatic Alarm System.
7/9/1 The manual alarm system is an apparatus that operates manually by the help of switches
(call points) installed at the concerned places and works by electric power. It is in two
types:
(1) Call points operated manually by breaking the glass lid.
(2) Call points operated manually by the help of a special key.
7/9/1/1 The manual alarm system consist of the following:
(1) Pressure button (glass lid or key).
(2) Alarm bell.
(3) Control panel.
7/9/2/2 The automatic fire alarm system operates by any of the following means:
(1) By the help of tools fixed with the modeller fire extinguishers or central air-conditioning
systems.
(2) By the help of sensor tools (detectors) stimulated by the act of heat.
(3) By the help of sensor tools (detectors) stimulated by the contact of smoke.
(4) By the help of sensor tools (detectors) stimulated by the red flame alerts.
(5) Mechanical alarm system (bell etc.) which operates by force resulted from the automatic
sprinkler systems when it operates.
(6) The fire alarm systems and its types are required in accordance with the type of the buil-
ding and its usage to be as per the conditions prescribed by the Civil Defence.
CHAPTER THREE
FIRE ESCAPE ROUTES
(EMERGENCY EXITS)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER THREE
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF ESCAPE ROUTES (EMERGENCY EXITS)
PAGE CODE CHAPTER THREE: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF ESCAPE ROUTES

(EMERGENCY EXITS)
57 1 Components of the fire escape routes (emergency exits).

57 2 Application of fire escape routes (emergency exits) conditions.
57 3 Conditions of fire escape routes (emergency exits).
58 4 Principles of designing the escape routes (emergency exits).
58 4/1 Travel distance:
60 4/1/1 * Closed-up end of the escape routes (emergency exits).
60 4/1/2 * Direct distance.
60 4/2 Occupying/absorbing capacity of the escape routes (emergency exits).
61 4/3 Height of the escape routes (emergency exits).
61 4/4 Breadth of the escape routes (emergency exits).
63 4/5 Number of the escape routes (emergency exits).
64 4/6 Distribution of the escape routes (emergency exits).
65 5 General requirements of the escape routes (emergency exits).
65 5/1 * Building materials.
65 5/2 * Protection from fire and smoke hazards.
65 5/3 * Protection of openings available in the partition walls.
65 5/4 * Internal finishing of the escape routes (emergency exits).
66 6 Lighting in the escape routes (emergency exits).
66 7 Emergency light for escape routes (emergency exits).
67 8 Signals (signboards) for the escape routes (emergency exits).
68 9 Protection from falling while using the escape routes (emergency exits).
69 10 Escape routes (emergency exits) doors:
70 10/4 * Organization of escape routes (emergency exits) doors movement.
72 10/5 * Methods of opening the escape routes (emergency exits) doors.
72 10/6 * Automatic and special doors for escape routes (emergency exits).
72 10/7 * Rolling doors.
72 10/8 * Restriction of the buildings users’ movement and emergency exits.
72 10/9 * Field of vision through the escape routes (emergency exits) doors.
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Contd...)
CHAPTER THREE
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF FIRE ESCAPE ROUTES (EMERGENCY EXITS)

(EMERGENCY EXITS)
73 11 Escape routes (emergency exits) corridors.

73 11/6 Escape routes (emergency exits) floorings.
74 12 Internal stairs.
74 13 Specifications of escape routes (emergency exits) stairs.
76 14 Protection of escape routes (emergency exits) stairs.
76 15 Escape routes (emergency exits) ventilation.
76 15/1 * Natural ventilation.
77 15/2 * Mechanical ventilation.
78 16 Distribution of escape routes (emergency exits) stairs.
78 17 External stairs.
79 18 External bridges, balconies and corridors.
79 19 Ramps.
79 20 Final exit of the escape routes (emergency exits).
80 21 Horizontal exit of the escape routes (emergency exits).
81 22 Special escaping means.
81 22/2 * Spiral stairs.
82 22/3 * Fixed rising ladder.
82 22/4 * Fixed inclined ladder.
82 22/5 * Automatic escape routes (emergency exits).
82 23 External windows.
INDEX OF SCHEDULES
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF FIRE ESCAPE ROUTES (EMERGENCY EXITS)
58 1-3 Travelling distance in various areas of the buildings.

60 3-2 The minimum width limit of the escape routes (emergency exits)
61 3-3 Duration of building evacuation in cases of fire.
62 3-4 Estimating the number of building users (occupants).
63 3-5 Number of exits required for specific number of people.
CHAPTER THREE
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF FIRE ESCAPE ROUTES
(EMERGENCY EXITS)
1 COMPONENTS OF THE FIRE ESCAPE ROUTES (EMERGENCY EXITS)
1-1 The buildings, installations and shops must include suitable fire escape routes (emergency
exits) to make passage or exit for evacuating the users and occupants of the building and
taking them from away the area of fire with an aim to protect them from any injuries or loss
of life due to firebreak.
1-2 The fire escape route (emergency exit) is comprised of one safe passage or more to enable
the persons available in the building to escape from any point of the building and reach to
the outer side of the building directly or to the courtyard or to a safe place from fire which
will lead to the outer side of the building free from the perils of the fire.
1-3 The fire exit is comprised of different parts like corridors, stairs, balconies, bridges, ramps,
doors, exits and others which collectively form in an integrated unit which is called the fire
escape routes (or emergency exits).
2 APPLICATION OF THE FIRE EXITS CONDITIONS
2-1 All the buildings, installations and shops subject to the civil defence permission for fire fight-
ing and protection equipments and alarm systems must equipped in accordance with the fol-
lowing conditions:
2-2 It is not allowed to effect any alteration or addition on the building that violate these condi-
tions. Also no permission shall be given to change the nature of the building use unless the
fire escape routes (emergency exits) are amended to be in harmony with the conditions of
the new usage.
2-3 The civil defence reserves all the right to put forth any condition it deems appropriate in
exceptional cases which are not expressly mentioned in this or if it sees extraordinary fire
hazards in it.
3 DESIGN CONDITIONS:
3-1 It is not allowed, in any circumstance, to pass the fire escape routes through a room or a
closable place. Also it is not permissible to pass the fire escape route by places where there
is a fire risk exists unless it is separated by a fire inhibition barrier.
3-2 In case the fire escape route continues upto the bottom level of the final exit, (as in the case
of stairs that lead to the vaults) the continuity of the emergency exit must be disconnected
by a fire inhibition wall inorder not to end the fire escape route by mistake to the vault or to
any other dangerous place.
3-3 Fix enough sign boards and arrows in the fire escape routes indicating the exit’s direction.
In case of an obstacle in the route like a door that lead to a hazardous place or closed-up
end, it is necessary to fix a warning board at that door in a visible manner.
3-4 The fire escape route must not be covered with any combustible materials or that cause slip-
ping or blocking materials.
3-5 It is not allowed to put or fix any sort of furniture or partition or equipments or any other
fixed or movable material that reduce the space of the escape route or cause hindrance to its
usage.
3-6 The fire escape routes always must be good enough for usage having its maximum capacity.
It is also prohibited to utilize the fire escape routes for other purposes except to which it is
designed for.
3-7 Fix barriers/parapets to protect from falling in the fire escape routes (emergency exits) at
the empty side or stairs or bridges or side or top part of the terrace. No glass panels or
similar things shall be allowed to fix as protective barriers.
3-8 It is necessary to provide enough natural or mechanical ventilation in the fire escape routes.
Provide ample natural or synthetic lights in the emergency exits. It is conditioned to provide
in crowded buildings or lofty and public buildings like hotels, cinema hall, factories and the
like an additional source of electric power in the event of its disconnection. The standby
light arrangements must include signboards and arrows indicating the escape routes
(emergency exits).
3-9 The onus of providing maintenance to the fire alarm systems and fire fighting equipments
inside the building is vested upon the shoulder of the owner. The tenant, as his role, is
responsible for removing any obstacle from the fire escape routes and protecting the fire
fighting and fire alarm systems available in the portion leased to him.
4 PRINCIPLES OF DESIGNING THE EMERGENCY FIRE EXITS
4-1 Travelling Distance:
4-1-1 The escape routes and exits to be arranged in such a manner that the travelling distance
between any point and the nearest exit in the floor must not be more than the distance
shown in the schedule No. 3-1 unless the fire protection conditions of the buildings dictate
otherwise in accordance with its usage.
Travelling Distance for Different Areas in the Building
Type of the Area Direction of Travelling

Open area 15 M 40 M
Divided/partitioned area 10 M 30 M
Area divided by corridors 10 M 30 M
Internal fire sectors of less than 50 M2 Unlimited Unlimited
Internal fire sectors from more than 150 M2
to less than 50 persons Not allowed 30 M
Internal fire sectors from more than 150 M2 to
more than 50 persons Not allowed 30 M
Protected corridor 10 M 30 M
Table No. 3-1
4-1-2 The distance at the actual line of escape route is measured from a point of 30 cm away from
the extreme point in the building till the middle of the final exit or the safe part of the fire
exits that lead to the final exits.z
4-1-3 In the rooms or separate flats, the travelling distance is measured from its entrance provided
its depth must not be more than 15 M and its absorbing capacity must not be greater than
the number determined in accordance with the fire protection conditions of the building as
per its usage.
4-1-4 The maximum limit of the travelling distance in the protected corridor to reach to the nearest
exit (it may be another fire sector or a protected stair) must not exceed 30 meters.
4-1-5 With regard to the areas in which the easy flammable or combustible materials are manufac-
tured or stored or handled, the values mentioned in the table No. 3-1 is to be multiplied with
0.5 to obtain the travel distance.
4-1-6 In installations which are not accustomed with individuals or which are difficult for them to
move-around:
(1) No travelling is allowed in one direction (closed-up end).
(2) The travel distance must be multiplied as stated in the previous table No. 3-1 by 0.75.
4-1-7 The travel distance can be increased by 50% if automatic sprinkling network and automatic
fire detection systems are available however, such increase in travel distance must not
exceed 25% with regard to the open area.
4-1-8 In buildings which are having more than five floors (ground + four) or buildings whose floor
area is more than 2500 m2, it is necessary to provide those buildings with fire alarm system
provided that its operation must be distinguished with instructions and signs.
4-1.9 Closed-up End of the Fire Escape Routes (emergency exit):
4-1-9-1 It is measured by the same method of travelling distance from the farthest point to the mid-
dle of the exit or from the farthest point to the starting point to two different escape routes.
However, the distance should not be more than 7.5 meter.
4-1-10 Direct Distance: It is the shortest illusionary line inside the building that connects between
the farthest point in the building and the exit.
4-1-11 In case of a difficulty in calculating the travelling distance while designing due to unavailabi-
lity of amble information about the nature of the use of building, an illusionary line known as
direct distance shall be hypothesized. This is the shortest line inside the building reaching
between the farthest point in it and the exit neglecting any obstructions it exposed to. This
line is estimated on the basis that the travel distance equals to 1.5 of the direct distance.
4-2 Coverage Capacity of the Escape Routes (Emergency Exit):
4-2-1 The absorbing capacity of the emergency exit is estimated by the maximum possible number
of the people available in the building or in any part thereof at any time. However, it mustn’t
be less that number mentioned in the table No. 3-2 below:
Minimum Limit of the Width of Fire Escape Routes
Minimum Limit of the Net Width of the Escape Routes in Meters

Parts of the Escape Routes Number of People
100 150 200 250 300
Doors and Corridors 0.80 0.85 1.00 1.25 1.5
Stairs 0.75 1.00 1.30 1.65 3.00
Table No. 3-2
4-2-2 The width of the fire escape route is calculated from the preceding schedule on the basis of
the number of individuals using the building at the time of an emergency. It is preferred
that the width of the fire exit and escape route not to be less than 100 cm.
4-2-3 It is possible to use the completion method for calculating the values limited between 100
and 300 persons of the users of the building to get the minimum limit of the net width of fire
escape routes of the floor in meters.
4-2-4 In case there are more than 300 occupants in the building, then it is mandatory to increase
the net width by 0.05 meter for each increase of 10 persons for using the corridor and 8 per-
sons for using the stairs.
4-2-5 In case of multi floors, the top number of persons, in one floor only will be taken to estimate
the breadth of the escape routes. However, it should not be less than the breadth of the
main fire escape routes that lead to the final exits.
4-2-6 If the number of the occupants is more than 1000 persons it is necessary to provide an addi-
tional fire exit of having a width of 152 cm for each additional 500 people. It is also
necessary that the width and breadth of the stairs to be equal in all its stages upto the final
exit. In cases of measurements are not mentioned in the schedule, the civil defence shall
define the appropriate measurements in accordance with the design circumstances.
4-3 Height of the Escape Routes: The escape routes are designed in such a manner that the net
height of any part of it must not be more than 2.2 meters.
4-4 Breadth of the Fire Escape Routes (Emergency Exits):

4-4-1 The breadth of the fire escape route is estimated in accordance with the table No. 3-2 to
become the breadth of the fire escape routes enough for the movement of the persons sup-
posed to be available in the building. The width is estimated by the net empty space from
the narrower point of any part of the components of the fire escape routes.
4-4-2 At the meeting point of the escape routes of the higher storeys and lower storeys (like vault)
in the middle storey, it is necessary that the breadth to be not less, starting from the meet-
ing point till the final exit, than the total of the whole breadth.
4-4-3 The breadth of the fire escape routes is related to the time of evacuation of the place and
the number of building occupants. The time of evacuation of one building to another is
different in accordance with the difference in the provisions of protection conditions of the
building. The table No. 3-3 below explain the times of building evacuation:
Time required for building evacuation when fire
Type of Buildings Proposed time of evacuation in Minutes
Building that fulfilled the fire protection

conditions and there is no fire risk in it. 3 Three minutes
Building that fulfilled the fire prevention

conditions and there is the risk of fire. 2.5 Two and half minutes.
Building that did not fulfil the fire prevention

conditions and there is the risk of fire also.
Or building that fulfilled the fire prevention

conditions but there is a high risk of fire. 2 Two minutes
Table No. 3-3
Estimation of the Number of Building Occupants
S Area in M2 for every No. of people in m2

N Description of the Building person (m2/person) (person/m2)
1 Single family house - -
2 Residential flats building - -
3 Hotels building
Hotel rooms 15.000 0.07
Restaurants 4.00 0.25
Conference rooms 1.00 0.15
4 Commercial shops (Marketing Centres) 0.75 1.33
Central Markets 2.00 0.50
Small Trading Shops - -
5 School Buildings 3.00 0.30
6 Assembly Buildings
Showrooms 1.50 0.67
Conference Halls 1.00 1.00
Showrooms 7.00 0.15
7 Health Care Floors
Hospital Wings 15.00 0.07
Elders Care Homes 15.00 0.07
8 Car Parks 15.00 0.07
9 Buildings allotted for Industry 10.00 0.10
10 Storage Buildings (Stores) - -
Table 3-4
4-4-4 The rate of outflow in the escape route (emergency exit): It is the exit of 40 persons in one
minute through the breadth of one unit.
4-4-5 Units of Expansion: It is the number of units necessary for the exit of the persons in accord-
ance with the rate specified for an outflow (which is 40 persons per minute) in a particular
time as per the type of the hazard in the building and extent of the provisions of protection
conditions.
For e.g. How may units of expansion is required for the evacuation of 480 people within an
evacuation time of 3 minutes?
Solution: 480 ÷ (40 x 3) = 4 units of expansion.
Mathematical equation for calculating the number of necessary units of expansion:
No. of units of expansion = No. of the persons in the building

Rate of outflow x time of evacuation in minutes
4-5 No. of Fire Escape Doors (Emergency Exit Openings): It is the minimum limit of doors
required to be provided for exit of the people in accordance with the rate of outflow (i.e. 40
persons in a minute) within the specified time.
E.g. (1): How many fire exit doors are required for the exit of 480 people within three (3)
minutes?
Solution: (No. of units of expansion ÷ 4) + 1 = (4 ÷ 4) + 1 = 2.
E.g. (2): How many fire exit doors/openings are required for a building that requires exits
with 8 units of expansion?
Solution: (No. of units of expansion ÷ 4) + 1 = (8 ÷ 4)+ 1 = 3
The equation for calculating the required number of fire exit doors:
No. of fire escape doors = No. of units of expansion + 1

4
No. of openings required for a limited number of persons
No. of persons No. of doors Minimum width of the door

Minimum 200 persons 2 90 cm
Table No. 3-5
4-5-1 The number of doors must be in accordance with the fire prevention conditions of the build-
ing and as per the type of its usage. Otherwise, all the buildings and installations must be
provided with, at least, two separate fire exit doors both leading directly to outside.
4-5-2 While calculating the required number of doors, it is preferred to take into consideration of
the possibility of damage of any of them by the act of fire in such a manner that the remain-
ing one must be enough for consuming the maximum limit of persons supposed to be
available at any time, and also to observe the conditions of distribution and area. The
estimation of which shall be left to the civil defence authority.
4-6 Distribution of the fire escape routes (emergency exits): The distribution of fire escape ways
must be organized to give the best possible coverage to the whole area.
4-6-1 The fire escape ways must be distributed at the ends/edges of the buildings inorder to avoid
closed-up ends as much as possible and the distance of closed-up end must not be more, in
any case, than the limit permitted by the fire protection conditions of the buildings as per its
usage.
4-6-2 The fire escape ways must be distributed separately inorder not to collapse all of them in a
single fire incident. The minimum limit of distance between the two exits in one place can
be calculated through any of the following two methods:
(a) Corner of meeting two exits in any point of the place to be not less than 45 degree.
(b) Distance between the two exits to be not less than half of the cord of the place.
4-6-3 While dividing the floor to more than one tenant or occupant, it is necessary that the fire
escape route (emergency exit) to become very easy for the access of the person available in
all divisions of that floor in one time.
Distribution of fire escape routes (emergency exits)
Distribution of exits
• Corner of meeting two exits in any point of the place to be not less than 54 .
• The distance between two exits to be not less than half of the cord of the place.
Least distance = half of the oblique
5 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF FIRE ESCAPE ROUTES
5-1 Building Materials: The fire escape ways (emergency exits) to be made of non-combustible
and fire resisting materials of appropriate rate as one of the elements of building structure.
5-1-1 The fire resisting rate of the materials used to make fire escape routes to be not less than
one hour in buildings of not more than three storeys and two hours in buildings having more
than three floors.
5-2 Protection from the risks of fire and smoke: The fire escape routes must be separated from
rest of the parts of the building inorder to protect it from the risks of fire and smoke by
placing fire inhibiting partitions made of non-combustible and fire resisting materials of
suitable rating.
5-3 Protection of the openings on the partition walls by doors of inhibiting the spread of smoke
in accordance with these conditions. These openings to be restricted to the necessary entry
and exit only.
5-4 Internal finishing of the emergency exit: The materials used in the internal finishing of the
fire escape ways must be of non-combustible, to the maximum possible, and the one that do
not exceed the fire risk. In all cases, such materials should be of zero degree of spreading
flame on its surface.
6 LIGHTING IN THE FIRE ESCPAE ROUTES
It is necessary to provide all the parts of the fire escape routes with enough natural or
artificial lights.
6-1 In case of an artificial lighting by electric current it must be in accordance with the specifica-
tions of Ministry of Electricity and should be from an approved source.
6-2 The distribution of light in the parts of the fire escape routes must be in such a manner that
no light in any part of it should be damaged to cause darkness or invisibility in any point of
the fire escape route.
6-3 The lighting in the fire escape routes must be constant during the period it is needed and in
the required level of light which is not less than 10 units of lights (lux) on top of the ground.
7 EMERGENCY LIGHTS IN THE FIRE ESCAPE ROUTES
It is necessary to provide light to all the parts of the fire escape routes (emergency exits),
in case of a damage in the ordinary light as per these conditions and specifications or as
advised by civil defence:
7-1 It is necessary to light the fire escape routes from a standby electric power of not the main
source in such a way that it should be enough to work (light) for a period of two hours,
atleast, or in accordance with the conditions prescribed by the civil defence.
7-2 The emergency lights in the fire exits must operate automatically when there is a disconnec-
tion in the key source with a time break of not more than 10 seconds or it must be operated
continuously.
7-3 In case of using direct current (battery) as the main feeding source for illuminating the eme-
rgency light, it must be from an approved and integrated system as per the specifications of
the second part or those prescribed by the civil defence.
7-4 In circumstances permitted vide the protection conditions for the building as per the type of
its usage, the emergency light can be made by separate electric current from a normal
source of electric current of automatic feeding in such a way that it operates immediately at
the disconnection of the current for a period of two hours at least, provided it must be the
one that approved by the civil defence authority.
8 SIGNALS/MARKINGS OF THE FIRE ESCAPE ROUTES
The fire escape routes must be equipped with required signals/markings and fixed at appro-
priate places in accordance with the protection conditions of the building as per its usage
inorder to know and identify the escape routes, its directions and to aware of any instruc-
tions related to escaping particularly and safety in general.
Signals/markings showing the escape ways
The clarity of seeing the signals/markings is determined by the rate of light intensity on the circled areas
Figure 3-5
8-1 These markings must be in appropriate size, expression, code and colour as per the technical
specifications of the civil defence in such a manner that it should be very legible, distin-
guished from the surrounding lights or finishing or colours or decors. It is also not allowed to
place any light or fittings that cause an obstacle to see them or draw the attention.
8-2 The signals/markings to be fixed at the exits directly. A marking with an arrow to be placed
for indicating the direction of fire escape routes in case the exits or routes are not visible or
deserted from the eyesight like a curve/turning and corners as it causes the markings to
keep away from the escape routes for more than 30 mts.
Some locations for fixing the signals/markings
Figure 3-6
8-3 As required by the protection conditions of the building in accordance with the type of its
usage, it is necessary to light the guideline markings from the same source of light and also
the emergency lights. However, the degree of such light must not be less than (55) units
electricity (watt) on top of the marking.
8-4 Every door or corridor or stair is approved as a part of the escape route but when consider-
ing its location there may be some confusion and cause to escape to unsafe place and
therefore it is necessary to place another marking on it stating the actual use like (to the
vault), (store room) etc.
9 PROTECTION FROM FALLING WHILE USING THE FIRE ESCAPE ROUTES
It is a must to install handrails or parapets to protect from falling at all the edges of the
empty side of all components of the escape routes and at any part of the building that may
be used by the people like terrace, edge of the skylights, major empty areas of the terrace,
balconies and similar locations including the edge of corridor.
Handrails for protection from falling on the stairs
9-1 The handrails are installed in the stairs on one side of the stairs having a width of less than
120 cm and on two sides of stairs having a width of more than that.
9-2 If the width of the stairs is more than 180 cm then it is necessary to fix an additional hand-
rail at the centre of the stairs. In this stage the stair is construed as divided into two
separate parts each of which is subject to the width condition of the stair.
9-3 The height of the handrail/parapet must not be less than 90 cm in the internal parts and 120
cm in the external parts of the building.
9-4 The glass in any circumstance is not considered as a protective handrail and if glass panels
are found on the empty frontage or on the windows, then additional handrails to be installed
for protecting from falling in accordance with these conditions.
9-5 If a discrepancy is found in the level of the ground in more than 18 cm or more than the
height of one level, then it is necessary to fix handrails to protect from falling by non-
combustible materials.
9-5-1 The handrails for protecting from falling must be designed and fixed very firmly and strongly
to endure the horizontal and vertical pressure and must be executed in a sound manner in
such a way that it should not cause any injury on body parts or cause to cling the dress-end
while touching it.
9-5-2 The gap in the handrail must not be more than 10 cm inorder not to jam the body parts in it.
Also the bars to be designed in a safe way in such a manner that children should not mount
on it.
9-5-3 When fixing the rails on the wall side, a gap of not less than 4 cm to be left between the
handle and the wall.
The allowed gap between the handle of the rail and the wall is not less than 4 cm
10 DOORS OF THE FIRE ESCAPE ROUTES
These conditions are applied on the door including all its components like frame, shutter and
fittings if they are part of the fire escape routes.
10-1 When making fire and smoke inhibition doors in the fire escape routes at the same time, the
protection conditions stated in the chapter of construction protection measures are applied in
addition to these conditions.
10-2 The width of the door is the net width when opening the door shutter.
10-3 Ground level of the fire escape routes: The ground level of the fire escape route from either
side of the door should be even to the distance of not less than the width of the door itself.
10-4 Organizing the movement of doors in fire escape routes:
10-4-1 The emergency doors must be opened in the escape direction.
10-4-2 The power to open the door in full must not be more than (23 kg on the door handle).
Opening the emergency doors
Street
It will not be approved if it is less than (305) cm (10) feet.

Emptying the exit way of exit
Figure 3-11
10-4-3 The movement of the door shutter should not affect the volume of the fire escape routes
parts that lead to it and its movement should not cause an obstacle to use the fire escape
routes in general.
10-4-3-1 The movement of the door shutter should not be less than the width of stair or the volume
of the stair or the corridor or any part of the components of the fire escape routes for more
than half of the required width.
10-4-3-2 If the door opens to the corridor’s direction, it must be opened in an angle of 180 degree in
such a way that it should not project the wall face for more than 15 cm.
10-4-3-3 If there are no consecutive doors as in the space of stairs or an insulated space, then the
distance between the core of two doors should not be less than 1.5 meter or between the
movement of two shutters than 1.00 meter.
Doors in the stairs area (vestiblue)
10-4-3-4 All the locks and fittings that used for making the doors particularly hinges of the handle
should be of non-combustible and must be having a melting point of not less than 800 C.
10-4-3-5 The door locks and locking tools must be the one that do not require keys or a special tool to
open them.
Two types of rods to open the emergency door (panic bar)
10-4-3-6 In case of stipulating a closed door in the escape route to prevent transmission of the fire
and smoke or due to any other reason, it must be fitted with an automatic locking system
(radar) of an approved one having enough power to close the door completely after it is
being opened.
10-4-3-7 When it isnecessary to use the fire inhibition doors in the fire escape routes opened, the it is
necessary to provide it with automaic closer system.
Door fitted with automatic closer systems
10-5 Methods of opening the emergency exits doors:
In buildings and locations which are stipulated by building protection conditions in accord-
ance with its nature of usage, doors fitted with speed opening system (panic bar) shall be
fixed to escape outside in case of an emergency which must be approved by the civil
defence.
10-5-1 This system must be having a rod or panel or an arm with a length of not less than the
length of its moving part by 75 cm and a height, from the ground level, of not more than 110
cm.
10-5-2 It is not allowed to equip those means with any locking system or with any tool that cause
an hindrance or disturb to open the doors at the time of an emegency.
10-6 Automatic doors of the emergency exits:
They are the automatic doors operated by light-cell when a person comes closer to them or
with any other means. It also include doors of automatic opening and closing systems like
automatic shutters. These doors must be equipped with manual opening or closure systems
to use them in case of a damage to the automatic systems.
10-7 Rolling doors shall not be accepted as part of the fire escape routes. However, in presene of
such doors, it is necessary to fix doors of approved type beside them in accordance with
these conditions .
10-8 When using the fire escape routes by the users of the building:
Due to safety reasons or any other reason, it is compulsory to adopt the necessary measures
to facilitate the use of emegency exits immediately at the time of an emergency.
10-8-1 When there is a necessity to close the emergency exit doors, the key must be kept in a
closed box having a glass lid fixed on top of the door to use the same at the time of an em-
ergency. If it is not possible, then each case may be discussed separately with the civil
defence to make suitable arrangements.
10-8-2 When placing barriers or ropes or chains to control the entrance or exit movement for the
purpose of organizing or ticket purchasing or anything like that, those partitions or barriers
must be easy-to-remove immediately at the time of an emergency or it must be in a condi-
tion that do not hinder or obstruct the use of emergency exits or reduce its space or its
competence.
10-9 Field of vision through the emegency exit doors:
In doors of swinging to two directions and the doors of the internal rooms (room inside a
room) a hole shall be made covered by transperant armored glass to give a chance of seeing
at the level of sight. The height of such opening from the level of the glass panel to be in
the normal sight level (i.e. 150 – 170 cm) and in case of handicapped persons if will be (100
cm).
11 CORRIDORS OF THE EMEGENCY EXITS
In the event that reaching directly to the exit is not easy owing to design reasons, it is nece-
ssary to provide safe and passable corridors giving access to the exit directly without any
closed-up ends. If it is not possible that, the distance of the closed-up end should not be
more than 7.5 meters.
11-1 The corridors must fulfil the normal conditions as one of the components of the emergency
exits in addition to these conditions.
11-2 The corridors to be protected from the risk of fire and smoke and this protection can be
made through readymade sections of having the required fire resistance rate in case the
building is equipped with automatic water sprinkling network or when special conditions are
provided for that.
11-3 The width of the corridors to be enough to absorb the persons who are using the same in
such a manner that it should not be less than the width of the exit that lead to it and in any
case it should not be less than (150cm) in the major corridors and less than (120 cm) in
corridors inside the flats.
Width of the emergency exit corridors
The width of the door exit must be less than the width of the passage, because the factors
of the process of using load are used for the requirements required for the width of the
passage in this example of a school.
Figure 3-15
11-4 The corridors must be distributed in such a manner that every person can reach to all the
exits in the floor easily and freely. And if there is more than one direction it is preferred if
possible, to arrange the corridors in a circle shape to facilitate the entry to the remaining
exits in case of a block in any of them due to fire.
11-5 It is compulsory to fix automatic lockable blocking doors to prevent the smoke in accordance
with the constructive protection conditions and in the following cases:
11-5-1 When the length of the corridor exceeds 30 meters from the centre of the distance.
11-5-2 At the point of joining the main corridors with the sub-corridors.
11-5-3 At any location that required the conditions of protection from the risk of smoke.
11-6 In the event of any discrepancy in the ground level of the corridors, it is compulsory to
provide a stair or a ramp to travel from one level to another. When the difference is less
than 45 cm, it is necessary to use the ramp instead of stairs.
12 INTERNAL STAIRS
The internal stairs form an important part of the emergency exits because it is located in a
well that penetrates the building vertically.
12-1 The escape stairs must be built of incombustible materials, isolated from the other parts of
the building with fire resisting doors and walls for a period of not less than one hour and to
be easy-to reach to the outer side directly or to an empty hall free from obstacles which may
lead to the outer side.
12-2 The flooring of all parts of the stairs must be solid, non-slippery and must not be perforated.
12-3 Handrails must be fixed to protect from falling in accordance with the conditions of protec-
tion from falling.
Internal stair is an important part of the escape routes
Figure 3-16
13 SPECIFICATIONS OF THE EMERGENCY EXIT STAIRS
13-1 The width of the stair is the net distance between the wall face and handrail face or another
wall.
13-2 The width of the stair must be enough to contain the people of the building in accordance
with the building protection conditions as per its type of usage pursuant to the minimum
limit of width schedule of emergency exits – table No. 3-2.
13-3 The completion method can be used to calculate the limited values between 100 and 300 pe-
ople/occupants of the building to get the minimum limit of net width of emergency exits of
the floor in meters as stated in para 5-2-3.
13-4 In case of more than 300 occupants in the building, then it is necessary to increase the net
width by 0.05 meter per each increase of 10 persons of using the corridors and eight people
of using stairs as stated in para 5-2-4.
13-5 If the number exceeds 1000 people, it is compulsory to provide an additional exit of 152 cm
width per each 500 additional people and also the width and breadth of the stairs must be
equal in all stages upto the final exit.
13-6 The depth of the stairs must not be less than 28 cm and its rising height to be ranging
between 15 – 18 cm in such a way that the relation between the width of the stair and its
height shall be accurate by the following equation:
(2 x height + width = 60 – 65) cm.
Relation between the depth and height in the stair
Figure 3-17
13-7 The stairs must be organized in cluster of not more than 14 stairs and not less than 3 stairs
and all end with an expansion.
13-8 The width of the expansion must not be less than width of the stair itself.
13-9 The sequential group of stairs in one cluster must be equal in depth and height without any
difference that exceeds 5 mm. A fluctuation of not exceeding10 mm is allowed between the
big and small height or depth of the stairs clusters.
Use of curved flabellate stairs
Curved stairs. Measurement of (B) must not be less than the double of (A). Measurement of
(C) must not be Less than 27.9cm (11 inch).
Figure 3-18
13-10 It is allowed to use curved flabellate stairs on a condition that the minimum width to be not
less than 25 cm and distance from the curve centre to the beginning of the curve of the
stairs from the centre side must be not less than the double width of the stairs.
14 PROTECTION OF THE EMERGENCY EXIT STAIRS FROM FIRE & SMOKE
The stairs must fulfil the general conditions of protection from fire and smoke in accordance
with the protection conditions in construction field in addition to these conditions.
14-1 In buildings whose height is not more than six floors or those buildings stipulated by the
protection conditions as per the type of its usage, it is necessary to separate the staircase
from the building with an isolated area/space built in accordance with the conditions of the
stairs itself as regard to the construction, ventilation, doors and others till providing double
protection of the stairs.
14-2 It is preferred, as much as possible, to place the fire equipments in the isolated space, to be
in a place protected from fire hazard, for the firemen to use them as a preparation and start-
ing point of fire fighting.
15 VENTILATION OF THE EMERGENCY EXIT STAIRS
The stairs, considering it as the only fire escape means in multi-storied building, must be
provided with enough ventilation for draining the smoke in case of leaking the same to the
staircase.
15-1 Ventilation shall arranged through natural means in the following cases:
15-1-1 Windows that could be opened, on the external walls of the building with an area of not less
than 1.5 m2 in one floor.
15-1-2 Permanent openings on roof of the staircase with an area equal to 5% of the area of the
floor of the staircase and not less than 1 m2 or a window that could be opened by using
manual approved methods and easily operated from the ground floor in one movement with
the same measurement.
15-1-3 In buildings in which the staircase is not allowed on the external walls of the building, it is
allowed to raise the ventilation windows on the skylight allotted for this purpose and should
not contain any other services involving fire risk.
15-1-4 In all circumstances, when the ventilation windows are necessarily required to be closed for
the purpose of air-conditioning or others, it is compulsory that the windows could be opened
by the civil defence men when there is an emergency by easy-to-use manual methods in one
movement which must be placed in very clear approved places like the entrance and marked
with “manual ventilation key”.
15-2 The ventilation can be made by mechanical means in buildings permitted in accordance with
the building protection conditions as per the usage.
15-2-1 The stairs can be protected by a system of increasing the pressure instead of the ventilation
systems inorder to make it free from smoke in such a way that the pressure increasing
systems shall be designed in accordance with the approved specifications.
Air-pressured ladder
Mechanical equipments and air-conditioning duct works
Figure 3-19
16 DISTRIBUTION OF EMERGENCY EXIT STAIRS
Apart from the circumstances stipulated by the protection conditions of the building in acc-
ordance with its usage, the stairs must be on the external walls of the building to avoid
any closed-up end. In building having one single stair, it should be on the outer wall of the
building.
16-1 It is not permitted to continue the stair from top floors to the vault. In such case a separate
stair to be made for the vault and if it is not possible to make separate stairs, the conti-
nuation of the stair gap must be disconnected at the ground floor by the help of a wall
inhibiting the spread of fire and extended upto the ceiling in such a way that entry to the
vault to be directly from outside.
16-2 Fix guideline markings inside the staircase to identify the numbers of the floor.
Relation of the stair with the building
Figure 3-20
17 EXTERNAL STAIR
When the external stair becomes a part of the fire escape means, in addition to these condi-
tions, the internal stair conditions are applied except the fire protection conditions.
17-1 It is allowed in some special cases in which the civil defence shall allow to make external
stairs by metal frame on a condition that it must be treated to protect it from the
atmospheric factors.
17-2 The external stair is separated from the building by walls made out of incombustible materi-
als of fire resistance of required rate and the openings appeared on the stairs to be covered
by fire inhibition doors and fitted with automatic closure and by windows with armoured fire
resisting glass in accordance with the following:
17-2-1 Within a distance of 3 meters vertically, horizontally and in depth.
17-2-2 It is not necessary in the last floor if the stair reaches to the terrace.
17-3 It is mandatory to put guideline markings on the stair doors to identify the numbers of the
floor to be entered.
18 EXTERNAL BRIDGES, BALCONIES AND CORRIDORS
When the external bridges and balconies become a part of the fire escape means, the ex-
ternal stairs’ conditions are applied on them in addition to these conditions.
18-1 The height of the sides of the openings appeared on the external balconies or bridges or cor-
ridors must be not less than 2 meters which must be built of blocks or concrete.
18-2 The width to be appropriately made to contain the persons using the building however, it
should not be less than 1.5 meters.
19 RAMPS
It is an inclined route for travel in lieu of the stairs from one level to another level of the fire
escape routes. The conditions of stairs in general shall be applied on it in addition to these
conditions.
19-1 The floorings of the ramps to be strong, rough and of incombustible.
19-2 The percentage of the oblique in all parts of the ramps should be the same.
19-3 It is necessary to use extension in the event of changing the direction of the route.
19-4 The ratio of the inclination should not be more than 1:10.
Ratio of the inclination
Figure 3-21
20 FINAL END OF THE FIRE ESCAPE ROUTES
The fire escape routes must be ended to a final exit that lead to outside of the building or to
the public way.
20-1 In circumstance that allowed by special conditions, it is possible to end a maximum 50% of
the fire escape routes to the inside of the building at final exit level (normally the ground)
provided this place must be complied with the following:
20-1-1 The access to be from the final route, like bottom of the stairs to the final exit, must be
easy, clear from any obstruction and the distance must not be more than 15 meters.
20-1-2 It must be equipped with automatic water sprinklers.
20-2 The fire escape route can be ended to the terrace if it is fulfilled with all the conditions of
fire escape route and also another route to be provided which to be safe and passable to the
public road.
20-3 The breadth of the exit or final exits must be enough to contain the persons supposed to be
available in the building however, in any circumstance, it should not be less than the breadth
of the fire escape route.
21 VERTICAL EXITS OF FIRE ESCAPE ROUTES
The vertical exit is the one which leads to a safe place inside the building or its outer side
giving a safe shelter to the persons who are exposed to the risk of fire in the building and to
circumstances stipulated by the building protection conditions as per its usage.
Vertical exit of fire escape routes
(b) Certain ladders are made with the help of three ladders to use for two vertical exits
Figure 3-22
21-1 When considering either side as safe areas, it is necessary to provide another exit to the
opposite direction on the same partition in such a way that each side becomes a safe area
with regard to the other and suitable signboard also to be fixed.
21-2 Temporary exits can be made as an alternative for maximum half of the original exits in the
building on a condition that it should fulfil the conditions of distance. The temporary exits
should contain at least one stair giving access to the outer side.
21-3 Area of the safe region must be enough to cover the maximum limit of persons supposed to
be available at either side on the basis of 0.3 m2 for one person.
21-4 It is permissible to become the safe region outside the building adjacent to the building or
bridge or corridor in such a manner it must lead to the public way in accordance with the
general conditions of the fire escape routes.
21-5 The safe regions that lead to the temporary exits must be belonging to one tenant or occ-
upant except in special cases approved by the civil defence authority.
21-6 In all circumstances it is not allowed to install locks on the temporary exits or any means to
prevent its usage at any time.
22 SPECIAL FIRE ESCAPE MEANS
It is the spiral stairs, the fixed rising ladder, fixed slopping ladder and automatic emergency
stairs.
22-1 Special fire escape means are permitted in accordance with these conditions in the following
cases:
22-1-1 In upright buildings when implementation of suitable fire escape routes in accordance with
these conditions is impossible.
22-1-2 In limited cases and for the service of limited persons like equipments rooms, lift room on
the terrace, rig, factories and places similar to that.
22-1-3 It is allowed for the special means of fire escape to be one among the means that mentioned
in these conditions or any other means approved by the civil defence authority.
22-2 It is allowed to use spiral stairs for the service of maximum five persons and at a height upto
three floors only provided the following conditions to be adhered to:
22-2-1 The diameter to be not less than 1.5 meter.
22-2-2 Width of the stairs must be not less than 19 cm at a point of 30 cm away from the centre.
22-2-3 The height of the stairs should not exceed 25 cm and field of height must be not less than 2
meters.
The spiral stairs
Figure 3-23
22-3 Fixed upright ladder:
The usage of fixed upright ladders is allowed on wall in exceptional cases to serve a few nu-
mbers of persons working on the site only. However it is necessary to fix barriers on either
side of having a length of one meter above the level of the surface to where the ladder ends.
In case the ladder is higher than 9 meters, it is necessary to cover it completely by barriers
of net to protect from falling.
22-4 Fixed sloppy ladder:
It is allowed to use the fixed inclined ladders provided the angle of inclination with the roof
must be not more than 60 degrees and on a condition that the width of the stairs not to be
less than 13 cm and distance between them not more than 20 cm. It is necessary to make
all the above referred means by incombustible materials and treated from rusting and atmos-
pheric elements. It is also necessary to become very strong, fixed and linked with the
building in a very strong manner.
22-5 Automatic emergency stairs:
It is allowed in circumstances approved by the civil defence use of automatic stairs in such a
way that it comes down when it is operated and goes up automatically when it is left with
the help of a balanced weight.
23 EXTERNAL WINDOWS
It is not allowed to fix any barriers or obstructions on the external frontage windows found
above the ground floor of the building unless it is easy-to-open and under the approval of
the civil defence authority.
23-1 When using the external windows as the emergency exits, it is necessary that it should open
to a spacious area to contain the persons with ease.
External frontage windows
Window openings to fire escape exits
Figure 3-24
CHAPTER FOUR
ENGINEERING SERVICES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER FOUR
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF ENGINEERING SERVICES
PAGE CODE CHAPTER FOUR: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF ENGINEERING

SERVICES
86 1 Central air-conditioning and ventilation.

87 2 Electric extensions (wirings).
90 3 Collection and disposal of garbage.
90 4 Hot water boilers and steam boilers.
91 5 Escalators.
91 6 Electric elevators.
91 6/4 * Fire lift.
92 6/5 * Lift well.
93 6/6 * Lift equipments room.
93 6/7 * Lift vehicle (cabin)
94 6/8 * Connecting the Lift with Electricity.
94 6/9 * Periodical maintenance and inspection of elevators.
95 7 Liquid fuel tanks.
95 8 Liquid fuel storage room.
96 9 Gas fuel tank.
96 10 Cooking vapour draining or disposal chimneys.
97 11 Ventilation and smoke disposal.
98 12 Fire protection requirements of central liquefied gas fuel system in the building:
98 12/1 * Estimation of the size of central gas fuel tank.
98 12/2 * Selecting the central gas fuel tank size.
99 12/3 * Specifications of central gas fuel tank and its systems.
100 12/4 * Choosing the site of central gas fuel tank.
101 12/5 Central gas fuel tank fencing.
101 12/6 Protection requirements when using (portable liquefied gas) cylinders in central
system.
101 12/7 Storage of the portable liquefied gas cylinders.
101 12/8 Regulator of the portable liquefied gas cylinders.
101 12/9 Supply of liquefied petroleum gas through central network.
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Contd...)
CHAPTER FOUR
PAGE CODE CHAPTER FOUR: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF ENGINEERING

SERVICES
102 12/10 Protection requirements in liquefied petroleum gas connection pipelines.

102 12/10/2 Fire protection requirements of liquefied petroleum gas connection pipelines.
103 12/10/3 Fire protection requirements in choosing the location for liquefied petroleum gas
connection pipes.
103 12/10/4 Fire protection requirements in connecting the hearth/ovens with liquefied
petroleum gas.
103 12/11 General preventive requirements of protection from fire to the central liquefied
petroleum gas system.
CHAPTER FOUR
THE ENGINEERING SERVICES IN THE BUILDINGS ARE DESIGNED AND IMPLEMENTED TO PROTECT
THEM FROM FIRE AS PER THE CONDITIONS OF THIS CHAPTER
1 CENTRAL AIRCONDITIONING AND VENTILATION
1-1 Designing the central air-conditioning system encompass enough precautions to prevent the
spread of fire and smoke through the air-conditioning pipes in accordance with these
conditions.
1-2 Upon choosing the location for the external air outlet of the air-conditioning system, care
must be taken not to exceed it those places and sources that may expose to the risk of fire
outbreak.
1-3 It is better to distribute the air-conditioning conduits through a non-centrally method, by

dividing them into independent divisions, each section to be earmarked for certain part of
the building. However, the places exposed to the hazard of fire outbreak like kitchens,
toilets etc. must be provided with separate air-conditioning systems.
1-4 The civil defence authority may require, under special circumstances, installation of
emergency keys on the air-conditioning system in suitable time for the service of the civil
defence men.
1-5 It is conditioned that buildings with closed facades due to air-conditioning system design to
be provided with windows or special openings on these facades inorder for the civil defence
men to drain the smoke from the building when there is a firebreak.
1-6 The main pipes of the air-conditioning system shall pass through the vertical or horizontal
passages made of incombustible materials as a unit of fire inhibitors. There will be also
suitable openings with fire inhibition doors inorder to facilitate the maintenance services.
1-7 When percolating the air-conditioning pipes into the fire inhibition wall or roofs in the
building, it is necessary that its fire resistance to be the same rate as in the case of the walls
and should automatically close by the act of a melting connector which activate by a degree
of heat ranging between 69 – 84 C.
1-8 The central air-conditioning and ventilation pipes to be equipped with automatic smoke
detectors to stop the system completely when detecting the smoke and at the same time
rotate the exhaust fans to expel the smoke from the building.
Smoke detector fitted at the air returning passage
Figure 4-1
1-9 The insulation materials used for covering the internal or external pipes must be of incombu-
stible type and its thickness must be not less than 3 cm. No incombustible materials are
allowed to be used in it.
1-10 It is permissible to use combustible materials to cover the air conduits of the central air-
conditioners in specific cases which will be estimated by the civil defence authority provided:
1-10-1 The distance to be short.
1-10-2 It must pass through passages made out of incombustible materials.
1-10-3 The following are stipulated in the flexible joints of the air conduits:
1-10-3-1 To be of fire resisting for a period of half an hour, at least.
1-10-3-2 It should not germinate thick smoke in case of combusting.
1-10-3-3 Its length must not exceed 25 cm if it is at the beginning of the pipes adjacent to the air-
pushing fans.
1-10-3-4 If it is at the end of the conduits, then its length to be not more than 4 meters which must
not percolate the fire inhibiting wall or the roof and it should not be seen in a place
hazardous to the outbreak of fire like kitchens and similar places.
1-11 If the central air-conditioning system is used for heating or warning plus freezing, it is
necessary to adhere to the protection conditions pertinent to the boilers, storing and burning
the liquid fuels.
2 ELECTRICAL EXTENSIONS (WIRING)
2-1 The electrical extension (wiring) specifications to be in compliance with the specifications of
Ministry of Electricity.
2-2 The electric extension and fittings must be safe and sound in general in such a manner that
it should not cause, while using, direct or indirect fire. Also the network to be fitted with an
automatically operated system to protect from electric shocking by the help of earth connec-
tors or through other means approved by Ministry of Electricity.
2-3 Wiring is done firmly through protection pipes without leaving any room for tampering the
same.
2-4 Unconcealed electric wiring will not be accepted except in very narrow areas and for a short
distance of not more than 3 meters provided such wiring should be fixed and without any
joints.
2-5 The connections that feed the systems and equipments with electricity must be inside
flexible and strong protection conduits.
Single line cable
Figure 4-3
2-6 The wiring and electrical systems in places used for storing flammable powders or liquid and
gases must be of tightly fixed fire inhibition type in such a manner that it should not
produce, while operation, any electric sparking. No gas to be leaked inside the fittings like
switches and others above the ground level by 1.5 meters.
2-7 The electric bulbs fixed at the storage places must be having protection cover made of net
and glass to form a separator that prevents the transmission of heat by radiation to other
combustible materials.
2-8 In case of a generator in the building, it must be safely kept in a special room built for this
purpose by fire resisting materials for a period of not less than four hours and isolated from
the building as a separate fire inhibition unit in compliance with the following:
2-8-1 The entrance to be directly from outside.
2-8-2 Any openings found in such room should not be connected with any other part of the
building.
2-8-3 A pit shall be made beneath the generator for the purpose of collecting the oil in case of
leaking to facilitate for its removal and cleaning.
2-8-4 It is better, in this case, the oil used for cooling to be inflammable one.
2-8-5 It is compulsory to provide separate ventilation to the room.
2-8-6 Provide necessary safety equipments in accordance with the conditions of civil defence
authority.
2-9 The secondary switches and distribution panels to be kept in easy-to-access visible places.
2-10 The main switch and main distribution panel are to be kept in a place approved by the civil
defence provided the following:
2-10-1 They must be adjacent to the main entrances.
2-10-2 It is preferred that they must be in a room isolated from the building that could be opened
from outside.
Decline in the electric charging helps to protect from electric shocking
Figure 4-4
2-11 It is necessary to fix distinct signboards to identify the place of main and secondary switches
along with manifesting the field of usage of each one.
2-12 High voltage neon signs fitted at the facade and terrace of the buildings to be provided with
electric breakers fixed in appropriate location not allowing it to be misused. It must be
covered with a breakable glass panel for the purpose of using the same by the civil defence
people while emergency.
2-13 Arrange necessary procedures to be safe from the risk of static current through infiltrating
electric charges to the earth. These procedures shall include placing a system of lightning
rod in big buildings in accordance with the specifications and conditions prescribed by the
civil defence and Ministry of Electricity.
3 COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF GARBAGE
3-1 The garbage collection room to be made of incombustible materials having a fire resistance
of at least four hours provided the doors of such rooms to be of fire resistance of the same
rating and automatically closable.
3-2 The garbage removing tube within the floors to be made of incombustible materials which
should pass through the empty space separated from other parts of the building by fire resis-
tance walls.
3-3 The garbage room and the vertical tube in large important buildings must be equipped with
automatic and manual means of closing the pipe in cases of emergency and as per the reco-
mmendations of the civil defence.
3-4 The tube must be made of incombustible materials having a fire resistance rate of at least
two hours.
3-5 The openings in the tube used for garbage collection from floors must be provided with auto-
matically closable smoke and fire inhibition doors.
4 STEAM AND HOT WATER BOILERS
4-1 The steam and hot water boilers along with all its parts are installed, maintained and used in
accordance with the gulf standard specifications (“Bases, conditions, selection and testing of
steam and hot water boilers”) and the special conditions prescribed by the civil defence.
4-2 It is preferred that the location of the boilers to be opposite to the outer wall of the building.
In case of otherwise, the location is selected taking the estimation of the explosion disposal
to the less harmful direction into consideration.
4-3 The boilers room is built of incombustible and fire resistance material of at least four hours.
4-4 It is preferred that the entrance to the boiler room tobe directly from outside and in case of
otherwise, it is observed that the room should not form any hazard of fire to the main exit of
the building.
4-5 The door of the boiler room to be of fire resistance for a period of at least four hours which
must be closable automatically and fix a distinguishing marking on the same.
4-6 Guarantee enough natural ventilation to the boiler room in accordance with the ventilation
and smoke draining conditions.
4-7 The electrical wiring to be of flame inhibiting type.
5 ESCALATORS
5-1 Separate study on escalators to be made in case-to-case basis as required by the civil
defence authority.
5-2 While installing the escalators it is necessary to keep in mind the spread of fire smoke
through the openings of these escalators.
Measurement of the escalators
Figure 4-6
Illustrative diagram of the escalator
Figure 4-7
6 ELECTRIC ELEVATORS
6-1 The electrical elevators are installed, maintained and used in accordance with the gulf stand-
ard specifications (“Personnel and Goods Electric Elevators”) and the special conditions pre-
scribed by the civil defence.
6-2 It is strictly prohibited to load the lift with any load not prescribed for it.
6-3 It is necessary to return all elevators to the ground floor and open the doors when there is a
firebreak.
6-4 Fire Lift:
6-4-1 When the height of the building exceeds 38 meters, one lift or more to be allotted for
serving the civil defence men.
6-4-2 A special key to be provided for the electric lift for controlling the lift in case of accidents
which must be kept in a closed box mounted on the wall with a glass lid marking it very
legibly and place it in suitable location of the ground floor.
6-4-3 It is better to connect the fire lift with electricity from a source heterogeneous to the electric
source of the building inorder to operate the lift even if there is a disconnection during
accidents.
6-5 Lift Well:
6-5-1 The lift well, equipments and transformers room are built of fire resistance materials of at
least two hours.
6-5-2 The lift well must be protected from vertical transmission of the fire or smoke to the other
floors.
6-5-3 It is necessary to project the lift well in the floors on an area separated from the building by
a wall with automatically closable fire inhibiting doors.
6-5-4 It is permissible for the lift well to be in the staircase as long as it is met with the fire protec-
tion requirements.
6-5-5 The lift well should not form a part of the ventilation system of the building.
6-5-6 It is compulsory to provide ample ventilation to the lift well for draining the smoke in case of
a firebreak in the lift well.
6-5-7 It is not allowed to use the lift well for any purposes other than the lift equipments.
6-5-8 The lift well should not have any door other than that are allotted for the lift.
6-5-9 No skirting or painting to be made on the internal walls of the lift house with non-fire
resisting materials.
6-5-10 A spare key of the external door of the lift well to be provided to the civil defence authority.
6-6 Lift Machines Room:
6-6-1 The lift machines rooms to be made of incombustible materials in accordance with the Gulf
Standard Specifications (GSS) “Electric Elevators for Personnel and Goods”.
6-6-2 It is forbidden to have any doors between the lift machines room and lift well save those
openings allotted for necessary ropes and other wirings.
6-6-3 It is a must to provide the lift machines room with enough ventilation and lighting.
6-6-4 If the staircase of the building does not reach to the lift machine room, a fixed and safe stair
made of incombustible materials to be provided.
6-6-5 It is necessary to fix barriers to protect from falling around the top edges or openings in the
route of machines room.
6-6-6 An armoured class covered case to be fitted in the machines rooms to keep the manual tools
and equipments like:
6-6-6-1 An handle to operate the wheels (if they are detached)
6-6-6-2 A key to open the gears of the wheels.
6-6-6-3 A clamp or fastener to fix the ropes on the reel.
6-6-6-4 External door key of the lift well.
6-6-6-5 Any other tool or equipments for operation and minor maintenance of the lift.
6-7 Lift Machine (Cabin):
6-7-1 The frame of the cabin, its internal skirting and painting to be of incombustible materials.
6-7-2 An internal door to be fixed in the lift used by personnel, in such a way that it should not
operate before its closure, to prevent cramming the sides of the lift users into the lift or their
dress between the lift machine and lift well wall.
6-7-3 It is compulsory to provide the lift machine (cabin) of the personnel with an rescue opening
in its roof enough to exit or entry of one person in accordance with the GSS “Electrical Lift
for Personnel and Goods”.
6-7-4 The cabin to be fitted with a ventilation fan suitable to the size and capacity of the lift.
6-7-5 The personnel lift must be fixed with guideline markings which include:
6-7-5-1 A board indicating that children beyond 14 years are banned to use the lift without accomp-
anying an adult.
6-7-5-2 A panel showing “no smoking” inside the lift cabin.
6-7-5-3 A board showing the prescribed load for the lift and the maximum limit of the lift users.
6-7-5-4 Put distinct signboard for the keys “button” of the lift cabin indicating the type of use.
6-7-5-5 A board to be placed indicating the name of the lift agent, his telephone number, the name
of maintenance authority and their telephone numbers for emergency use.
6-8 Electricity Connection to the Lift:
6-8-1 The control of the electric lines that feed the lift with power and lighting must be through a
special main breaker (key) (other than the key available at the machine rooms) which to be
kept near the main keys (breakers) of the main electrical lines of the building.
6-8-2 The electric lines to be connected on special circuit which must not be connected with any
other services except the lift.
6-8-3 A special marking to be made to indicate the electric switches of the lift.
6-9 Periodical Maintenance and Inspection of the Lifts:
6-9-1 After installing the lift, if is necessary to inspect it and give approval by the specialized
inspecting and testing authority approved by the civil defence. It is also necessary to comply
with the GSS.
6-9-2 All the lift for the systematic service should cover periodical maintenance service by persons
experienced in the lift maintenance works and approved by the concerned entity of the civil
defence.
6-9-3 A register to be kept for the periodical maintenance, repair of the breakdown and its dates
which must be kept in the lift engines rooms.
6-9-4 The periodical maintenance authority is also responsible for rendering any break-down
requirements that occurred to the lift and their service must be made available for 24 hours.
6-9-5 The maintenance and inspection authorities must notify the official authority immediately in
the following circumstances:
6-9-5-1 When concluding or revoking maintenance contract of the lift.
6-9-5-2 When the inspector notes any damage that may impact the safety of the lift users.
6-9-5-3 When the landlord refuses to arrange the required maintenance works of the lift.
6-9-6 The civil defence is the authority to look into the disputes germinated in between the con
cerned parties or disputes over these requirements.
9-6-7 The building owner must take necessary actions guarantying the safety and security of the
lift.
9-6-8 It is necessary to train a responsible person like building guard or lift worker to operate the
lift in normal conditions, how to deal with the accidents and damages, notify the concerned
maintenance authority and liaise with the civil defence authority when they do not response
to the maintenance requisition.
7 LIQUID FUEL TANKS
7-1 The liquid fuel tanks must be buried under the ground. If this is not viable, it is mandatory
to place them in a separate room of the building fulfilling all the fire protection conditions in
7-2 The design of the pipes connected to the fuel and oil burning equipments, in general, must
be according to the specifications of storage tank approved by the AGCC States.
7-3 It is stipulated in the fabrication of storage tanks that it must be very tightly fitted causing
no leakage or sprinkling.
7-4 The liquid fuel feeding pipes must be strong and very tightly fitted inorder not to cause any
leakage.
7-5 The liquid fuel feeding network must be fitted with necessary valves for closing in appro-
priate locations which must be earmarked with signals. The important among are:
7-5-1 A main closing valve at the beginning of the pipeline near the tank.
7-5-2 A main closing valve beside the fuel ignition system.
7-5-3 An automatic valve operated by the impact of the heat to be fitted outside the liquid fuel ign-
ition room for the purpose of stopping the fuel feeding to the fuel ignition system when there
is a fire outbreak. This operates by the help of a melting connector or with the help of any
other suitable means. In addition to that, a manually closing apparatus to be fixed inorder to
use the same in case of any damage to the automatic valve.
7-6 The fuel ignition system must be provided with fire protection means when the time of its
operation.
7-7 No expansion or its passing near any source of heat to be made.
8 LIQUID FUEL STORAGE ROOM
8-1 The fixtures of the fuel are kept in a special chamber built of fire resisting materials having a
fire rating of not less than four (4) hours. The storage tank is preferred to be buried under
the ground.
8-2 Enough natural airing to be provided to the liquid fuel storage chamber in the bottom and up
per levels of the chamber to expel the vapours out of the building.
8-3 The chamber is preferred to be opposite side of the external wall of the building.
8-4 The fuel storage tank must be away from the boiler chamber inorder to prevent the transfer
of heat to that.
8-5 The electric wiring and fittings must be made of special inflammable materials.
8-6 The door, fitted with automatic closure, of the chamber must be of fire resisting for a period
of at least four hours and distinguishing signboard to be fixed on it.
8-7 A threshold to be made on the door at an appropriate height to form along with the wall a
basin for detaining enough quantity of stored liquid with an increase of 10%.
9 GAS FUEL TANK
9-1 Extension, storage and burning of the fuels are generally to be in accordance with the speci-
fications and conditions of central gas system and civil defence requirements.
9-2 The gas extensions and feeding pipes are painted in yellow colour.
9-3 The gas fuel extension network is provided with a main closing valve fitted outside the
building, if the source of the main gas lines is from the city and at the beginning of the line,
if the source is from ordinary gas cylinders.
9-4 The gas pipelines network is provided with closing sub-valves at the beginning and end of
each flexible connection in the building.
9-5 The gas fuel using locations must be fitted and provided with liquid fuel vapour and gases
sensors.
9-6 The main and sub closing valves must be fixed in a visible and easy-to-access place which to
be subject to the approval of civil defence authority. It is also to be provided with distin-
guishing signals/markings.
9-7 It is mandatory not to build or pass the gas pipes adjacent to any source of heat.
10 COOKING VAPOUR DRAINING CHIMNEYS
10-1 The ovens and hearths and similar things like cooking and heating equipments must be fitted
with smoke exits to the outside air.
10-2 The chimneys to be made of incombustible and fire resistance materials of having appro-
priate rating.
10-3 If the location of the chimney is inside the building, then the internal roof to be arranged to
remove the accumulated carbon along with any other residues.
10-4 If the chimney is made of metal sheets, then it must be with enough thickness and the joints
of the chimneys necessarily to be fixed very tightly with the surrounding walls by strong
wires.
10-5 The chimney to be provided with openings for cleaning and inspection in suitable scale as
per the nature of the place especially in the curves (elbows)
10-6 The chimney is built at a one meter height from top point of the building and in three meters
length above the top point of the surrounding building within the boundary of a circle radius
of which is 23 meters.
10-7 It is necessary not to connect or pass the chimney near combustible materials.
11 VENTILATION AND DRAINING THE SMOKE
Research is going on ventilation and smoke draining in terms of fire protection from the
following aspects:
Ventilation to dispose the smoke for the purpose of safety of the people and the building.
Ventilation to dispose the smoke for the purpose of assisting the civil defence men for them
to combat the fire.
Ventilation to remove flammable vapours, gases and powders.
11-1 Ventilation for the safety of the people: Enough airing must be guaranteed in the escape
routes and in any part of the building in which people are gathered together.
11-2 Ventilation to control the fire: Ample ventilation must be supplied to remove flammable va-
pours or gases or powders inorder not to reach the percentage of its concentration in the air
to a flammable or explosion ratio. Following are the ventilation means:
11-2-1 Pumping or providing airing with the help of topical ventilation means to different places
which are used for storing or operating the liquid or gases flaming systems.
11-2-2 Pumping or supplying ventilation by the help of topical means to the mechanical equipments
and vapours as prescribed in the protection conditions related to that.
11-2-3 Mechanical ventilation when the natural ventilation is not enough or when it is not active.
11-3 The process of natural or mechanical ventilation must be integrated to guarantee the
required activation for renewing the air of the location within a specific and standard period
in accordance with the volume and contents of the place and type of the usage pursuant to
the fire protection conditions. The engineer concerned has to submit a study on that.
11-4 It is necessary to provide natural or mechanical ventilation in all the buildings and installa-
tions.
11-5 The ventilation is made through openings on top of the ceiling which will be opened
constantly. If it is necessary to close, then it must be made to be opened at the time of fire
break by any of the following methods or by any other means to be approved by the civil
defence authority.
11-5-1 Automatically: By the help of a melting connector or vide an alarm system.
11-5-2 Manually: By the aid of an easy manual means placed at an appropriate height from the
ground level in an easy-to-access place which must be subject to the civil defence approval.
11-5-3 Coverage by openings: By providing panels of melting instantly by heat of the fire in special
cases to be prescribed by the civil defence authority.
11-5-4 The calculation of the ventilation system will be in accordance with the international systems
and civil defence conditions.
12 FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS OF CENTRAL LIQUEFIED GAS FUEL SYSTEM

USED IN THE BUILDINGS
Gas supply, from the storage tank or from cylinders or from small gas station meters to the consumer places,
supplying system from tank which will be filled in the site itself by tanker, is considered as contrary to what is
practised with regard to the portable gas cylinders which are transported every time for filling.
12-1 Estimation of volume of the central gas fuel:
12-1-1 The size of the storage tank is estimated as per the maximum withdrawal of gas in a hour and the required
quantity and also the area of the site in which the storage tank is located in accordance with the safety and
security conditions.
Volume of the tank in litres = quantity of consumption in pound in a month x 1.5

0.7 x 1.272
Therefore 70% of the of the used volume of the tank = 0.7

(Maximum limit of usage is 58% of the tank volume)
One litre of liquefied petroleum gas = 1.272 pound.
12-2 Selection of the size of central gas fuel tank:
12-2-1 The size of the tank is selected as per its estimation and its comparison with the fabricated size which ranges in
between 380 to 4880 litres for residential projects and upto 15000 litres for commercial projects. The size of
the tank is preferred to be enough for a period of one and half months (6 weeks) to guarantee the gas with
more safely and without any disconnection to the consumer.
12-3 Specifications of central gas fuel tank and its fittings:
12-3-1 The storage tank must be made pursuant to the International Standard Specifications (ISS). The tank to be
equipped with the fittings of a vehicle on a yard allowing to fill and use the gas with all safety. These fittings
must be closed under the cover of a lid if the tank is located in a place where there is no fencing.
12-3-2 The central gas fuel tank to contain the following:
12-3-2-1 A watch/meter to gauge the level of gas.
12-3-2-2 A small valve through a hole of 1.5 mm or more to monitor the top level of gas while filling.
12-3-2-3 Closing valves on the line connected to the tank i.e. filling line and usage line plus another
valve to monitor the drawing of gas on the liquid gas line.
12-3-2-4 An internal or external discharging valve provided that the gas discharging shall be made on
the basis of cubic meter per minute.
12-3-2-5 A control valve on the filling line if the filling point is located on top of the tank. However if
the filling point is fitted at the end of a line connected to the tank, then it is necessary to fix
a second controlling valve at the end of the line.
12-3-3-6 A valve to gauge the level of gas which gives the consumer a chance to know the percentage
of the level of the liquid gas.
12-3-2-7 A first grade pressure regulator on the usage line for supplying the gas in the appropriate
pressure to the consumer. There will be another locking valve in between the tank and the
pressure regulator which separates the tank when deemed necessary. This valve will be
having a key of red in colour.
An illustrative diagram of the gas tank
Figure 4-11
12-4 Selection of the site of central gas fuel tank:
12-4-1 In all circumstances it is necessary that the tank should not be surrounded by anything at a
distance of 60 cm.
12-4-2 It is necessary to keep away any door/opening in any building from the wall of the tank with
a distance of at least of 1.5 meters.
12-4-3 The distance from the tank wall to the end of the boundary must be not less than 1.5
meters. This distance may be allowed to be 60 cm If there is a wall at the end of the
ownership line.
12-4-4 The distance from the tank wall to a point where there are flammable materials must be not
less than 3 meters.
12-4-5 The distance from the tank wall to the ignition point must be not less than 3 meters.
12-4-6 The distance from the tank wall to the public road must not be less than 1.5 meters by
keeping the distance to not less than 3 meters from the tank’s fittings.
12-4-7 The distance must not be less than 3 meters from the tanks fittings to the electric equip-
ments if they are of non-approved type to use in the middle of flammable materials.
12-4-8 The distance from the tank’s fittings to unprotected openings on the earth must be not less
than 3 meters.
12-4-9 The distance from the tank’s wall to the tanker at the filling point must be not less than 1.5
meters.
12-4-10 The distance in between the tanks must not be less than 60 cm.
12-4-11 The civil defence authority at the time of giving licence to construct or operate may ask for
suitable protection alternatives in selecting the location for the central gas fuel tank.
Figure 4-12
12-5 Central gas fuel tank fencing:
12-5-1 It is not allowed to build more than two walls. The length of the wall must be suitable not to
cause the vertical distance any possible leakage of the gas and to be not less than the
preceding distances.
12-6 Protection requirements when using cylinders (portable liquefied gas):
12-6-1 The station must be comprised of two cylinders of over regulator change (however if the sta-
tion is to provide multiple uses, in such case the number of the cylinders must be not less
than four or six of large size and suitable size of the over regulator to be opted). The largely
used capacity is 100 pounds and 50 pounds are used for operating the normal cooking
cookers.
12-7 Storing the portable liquid cylinders:
12-7-1 The cylinders must be placed vertically and must be fixed inorder not to require further pro-
tection. It is also necessary that the distance not to be less than one meter between the
cylinders and any opening in the building. The heads of the cylinders and regulator must be
in lower level of the window line by 30 cm.
12-8 Portable liquid gas cylinder regulators:
12-8-1 The changing regulator connected to the cylinders by special reels shall reduce the pressure
to 37 milli-bar if the power of the regulator is 4 kg/hour in one stage.
Or the pressure shall reduce to 1.5 bar in case of big regulators upto (40 kg/hour) and then
the regulator has to reduce the power 10 37 mili-bar in the second stage.
12-8-2 When the cylinders of the working entity are emptied, the regulator shall extract from the re
serve cylinders and separate the empty cylinders.
12-9 Supplying the liquefied petroleum gas through central network:

12-9-1 Inorder to supply two premises or more than one tank, a meter shall be installed with the
second regulator of pressure at any point of consumption. The gas is supplied to the
consumption point by a pressure of 1.5 bar by the help of the first pressure regulator which
starts directly after the tank. Also every premise is provided with the second pressure regula
tor which contain a number of safety systems.
12-9-2 It is within the specialities of the second pressure regulator to provide safety inside the buil-
ding by monitoring the drawing and the pressure of the gas. It plays the role of a control
valve which close automatically whenever the pressure changes from the normal level. In
case of a default in its performance it must be re-operated under the supervision of a specia-
lized technician till confirming safety of the extensions.
12-10 Protection requirements in liquefied petroleum gas connection pipes:
12-10-1 Material:
12-10-1-1 It is conditioned that the pipes to be made of good quality of steel or copper capable of sup-
plying gas under medium pressure (operation pressure 4 bar) and its fabrication to be in ac
cordance with the widely known international specifications.
12-10-1-2 Distribution can be made through steel or copper pipes and the option shall be in accordance
with the volume for low pressure (27, 37 or 50 milli-bar of operating pressure). For example,
if we intend to provide short extensions for cookers, then the best choice is by copper pipes
of 3/8 or ½ inches manufactured as per the specifications.
12-10-1-3 The above is for the internal extensions with low pressure.
12-10-1-4 It is also allowed to use galvanized iron pipes for internal extensions in low pressure for
industrial and commercial projects and for housing projects also.
12-10-2 Protection requirements of liquefied petroleum gas connection:
12-10-2-1 The installation of the internal pipelines to be open on a high or low level or suspended in
the roof level or underground.
12-10-2-2 Installation of the pipes can be made in readymade duct in the ground. However it must be
protected from rusting in accordance with the protection conditions.
12-10-2-3 It is also allowed for the pipes to be tied/fastened on the building wall in a high or low level
upto the consumption point.
12-10-2-4 In case the wall is transversal especially twofold, the pipe must pass straight though a prote-
ctive pipe of larger size and the width of the wall to be estimated without the need for any
welding. The gas pipe to be mantled inside the protective pipe in such a way that it does
not allow the gas to pass out through the first pipe to the second one or from the last to the
wall or the ground. The gap between the two pipes to be filled by flaccid material which
must blocks-up the ends.
12-10-2-5 Whatever may be the method of passing the gas pipe it must be very carefully fixed and
strongly tied to the wall.
12-10-2-6 In case the gas pipe is placed directly in a trench, its depth level free from any stone should
be not less than 50 cm inorder not to damage the pipes.
12-10-3 Protection requirements in selecting the location of liquefied petroleum gas connection pipes:
12-10-3-1 If the liquefied petroleum gas connection pipe is under the ground, the distance that
separate the gas pipe from the other service lines must be as under:
12-10-3-1-1 30 cm from petrol, water and drainage lines.
12-10-3-1-2 20 cm from the electrical lines.
12-10-3-1-3 10 cm from any other lines.
12-10-3-3 If the liquefied petroleum gas connection pipe is unconcealed, then the length that separates
the gas pipe from other service lines to be as under:
12-10-3-3-1 3 cm if it is parallel to the electrical or vapour or a hot water line.
12-10-3-3-2 1 cm if it crosses the electrical or vapour or a hot water line.
12-10-3-3-3 In case the pipes are buried in the ground or on the wall, the distance of pipe from the final
surface (depth) must be not less than 1 cm.
12-10-4 Protection requirements of connecting the hearth/oven with liquefied petroleum gas pipes:
12-10-4-1 The oven is connected with copper or iron pipes and a nut/bolt shall be placed beside that to
facilitate the dismantling and joining processes in the future.
12-10-4-2 Rubber reels can be used after the second regulator for low pressure on a condition that the
length of the reel must not exceed six feet (180 cm).
10-12-4-3 Every gas system must be fitted with a valve near it to make ease its removal and separation
without the need for disconnecting the gas from other systems. This valve is subject to the
widely known specifications to be fit for using the same in liquefied gas lines.
12-11 General preventive precautions to protect the central liquefied petroleum gas system from
fire:
12-11-1 It is a must to notify the civil defence authority with regard to precautionary measures
against fire in the design stage of the project and in the execution and operation stages also.
12-11-2 All the extensions of the central gas system must be very precisely tested with appropriate
pressure before operating the same with gas inorder to make sure that it is clear and free
from any defects or shortcomings.
12-11-3 Valid fire alarm and fire extinguishers must be provided to the liquefied petroleum gas which
to be placed in strategic places and adjacent to the gas station.
12-11-4 Cautionary signboards for sake of safety to be fixed in the area around the tank like: No
smoking, expressions showing presence of tanks and areas not to be carried flammable
materials etc.
12-11-5 The internal kitchen must be equipped with gas leaking warning systems. This system must
disconnect the gas supply automatically when there is a leak of the gas.
CHAPTER FIVE
FIRE PROTECTION AND

PREVENTION REQUIREMENTS
IN ASSEMBLY BUILDINGS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER FIVE
FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN ASSEMBLY BUILDINGS
PAGE CODE CHAPTER FIVE: FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN ASSEMBLY

BUILDINGS
106 1 Definition.
106 2 Fire hazard.
106 3 Constructional requirements.
106 4 Mixed usage.
107 5 Control over spreading the fire.
107 5/1 * Horizontal spreading.
107 5/2 * Vertical spreading.
107 5/3 * External spreading.
107 5/4 * Access of civil defence equipments.
107 6 Escape routes.
107 6/2 * Occupying/absorbing capacity.
107 6/3 * Volume.
108 6/4 * Travel distance.
108 6/5 * Direct distance.
108 6/6 * Corridors.
108 6/7 * Exits.
109 6/8 * Stairs.
109 6/9 * Final exit.
109 7 Fire alarm and fire fighting equipments.
111 8 Engineering services.
111 9 Special preventive conditions of “cinema and theatre floor”.
CHAPTER FIVE
FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN ASSEMBLY BUILDINGS
PAGE TABLE NO. NAME OF TABLE
108 5-1 No. of exits with regard to public halls like cinema and theatre.
110 5-2 Fire fighting equipments for assembly building in accordance with the category,
height and constructional classification.
110 5-3 Requirements of fire fighting water sprinklers in assembly building as per the con
structional category, height and classification.
111 5-4 Fire protection engineering services in assembly buildings.
CHAPTER FIVE
FIRE PROTECTION REQUIRMENTS IN ASSEMBLY BUILDINGS
1 DEFINITION OF ASSEMBLY BUILDINGS
1-1 They are the buildings that are designated for the congregation of (50) persons or more for
the purpose of recreation or culture or sports or exhibition such as:
* Worshipping places * Courts

* Lecture halls * Meeting halls
* Exhibition/display halls * Banking halls
* Museums and theatres * Large libraries
* Sports clubs * Covered playgrounds
1-2 Division of assembly buildings in terms of its occupying/absorbing capacity to the following
categories:
1-2-1 Category (a): Buildings that unite or gather more than 1000 persons.
1-2-2 Category (b): Buildings that unite or gather 300 to 1000 persons.
1-2-3 Category (c): Buildings that unite or gather 50 to 300 persons.
2 FIRE HAZARD: CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE HAZARD IN BUILDINGS:
Congregation is considered of mild hazard.
3 CONSTRUCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
3-1 It is necessary to apply the precautionary preventive conditions in the engineering field in
general to provide safety from the hazard of fire to the constructional structure of the
building.
3-2 The validity of the buildings on constructional aspects to use them for congregation purposes
shall be determined in accordance with the table 1-2: Classification of the buildings in terms
of its resistance to the fire.
4 MULTI PURPOSE USAGES:
4-1 In case the assembly buildings are used for other purposes, or in case the assembly area is
part of the other usage buildings, it is necessary to make partition in between them inorder
for the fire sector to be provided with separate fire escape routes.
4-2 The buildings or its parts categorized in (a) must not be combined with any other type of
usage except for related or connected usages on assembly nature like restaurant, cafeteria
and others. Otherwise, each case shall be studied separately and the civil defence shall
determine the things accordingly.
5 CONTROL OVER SPREADING THE FIRE:
It is necessary to apply the general precautionary preventive conditions in the field of

engineering in addition to these conditions.
5-1 The different parts of the assembly buildings are divided and each part is construed as a
separate fire sector like public hall, theatre, waiting lobby, dress room, actors’ and make-up
room. The multipurpose places are also separated in this manner.
5-2 Vertical spread of the fire: Each and every storey is considered as a separate fire sector. In
case of having central vacant places (atrium), special conditions related to that shall be
applied.
5-3 External spread of the fire: The precautionary conditions in the engineering fields are applied
in terms of distance between the buildings and external walls.
5-4 Access of the fire extinguishing equipments: The access of the civil defence tools and
equipments must be made easy to the assembly buildings.
5-4-1 A road or street around the assembly building to be provided for the access of the equip-
ments and tools of the civil defence to both sides of the building, at least, to which the main
entrance of the building projects.
5-4-2 Special parking areas must be provided to the civil defence vehicles and tools around the
building in accordance with the conditions listed in the chapter “organization of the site”.
6 ESCAPE ROUTES (EMERGENCY EXITS):
6-1 The general conditions of the fire escape routes (emergency exits) must be applied in
6-1-1 The escape routes of the assembly hall must be separated completely from the rest of the
sections of the buildings in category (a) and (b) like theatre, actors’ rooms, stores, garages
and others. These sections must have separate fire escape routes leading directly to the
external side.
6-1-2 All the escape routes must be protected from fire considering it as a fire sector made of
incobustible materials of having at least one hour fire resistance and fitted with automatically
closing doors of fire inhibition for a period of one hour.
6-1-3 In all the buildings of category (a) and (b) it is necessary that the access to the exit or stair
to be through an area protected from fire in accordance with the conditions.
6-2 Occupying/absorbing capacity: The absorbing capacity shall be in accordance with the details
stated in table number 3-4 of the chapter “fire escape routes (emergency exits)” and the
number of the seats are taken into consideration if they are fixed. However, with regard to
other uses, if they are separate like restaurants and others, each usage is accounted as
separately.
6-3 Width: The area of the width of the fire escape routes is calculated on the basis of the
number of persons who are using the building as incorporated in the chapter “fire escape
routes (emergency exits)”.
6-4 Travel distance: The travel distance from any point of access to the final exit or protected
stair must be not more than the figures mentioned below:
6-4-1 Travel distance from any point to the outer side or protected stair in the hall having
comfortable seats is 20 meters.
6-4-2 Travel distance from any point to outside or protected stair in the hall having normal seats is
15 meters.
6-4-3 Travel distance from any point to the stair or protected exit in the open multipurpose hall is
30 meters.
6-5 The direct distance from any point to outside or stair in small halls is 15 meters on a cond-
ition that its absorbing capacity must be not more than 30 persons.
6-5-1 The direct distance from any point to outside or protected stair in the rooms or annexed
sections of the theatre is 7.5 meters.
6-5-2 In big open multipurpose halls without any partition like exhibition/showrooms and party
halls, the direct distance to be more than 30 meters on a condition that the stair and exits
are to be distributed around the building and the distance from one another must be not
more than 60 meters.
6-6 Corridors: The general conditions in addition to these conditions must be fulfilled.
6-6-1 The corridors must be systematic and gliding in such a way that it must give access directly
to the external side.
6-6-2 The graded corridors must be fitted with parapets (handrails) in accordance with the
conditions.
6-6-3 The width of the corridors must be enough to cover the outflow of the persons who are
using the building on a condition that the width of the main corridor must not be less than 2
meters and of the sub-corridors less than 1.5 meters.
6-7 Exits: The fire exists must met with the general conditions as manifested in the chapter “fire
escape routes (emergency exits)”.
6-7-1 The number of exits to be in accordance with the general conditions and the annexed
sections like theatre stage, actors’ and employees’ rooms, store, garage etc. The following
schedule number 5-1 manifests the number of exits with regard to public halls of cinema,
theatre and lecture halls.
Number of exits with regard to public halls like cinema and theatre
Seats type No. of persons No. of exits Width of exits
3000 4
Ordinary 600-1000 3 As per the number
50 – 300 2 of persons
Comfortable -- 2 180 cm
6-7-2 The exits of the halls to be independent from rest of the sections especially of the theatre
hall and lead directly to the outside.
6-8 Stair: The general conditions of the fire escape routes (emergency exits) in addition to these
conditions must be applied in this regard.
6-8-1 Every floor must be having at least two stairs.
6-8-2 The stairs must be protected and separated from the building itself with an isolated area pro-
tected from fire which must be leading to the outer side directly.
6-8-3 The width of the stair to be enough to cover the persons who are using the building and
must not be less than the width of the corridors it joins in.
6-8-4 In case the assembling is on the upper or bottom storeys of the building, then it is necessary
to make the stair in more width and the grading to be with more space for resting.
6-9 Final exit: In all circumstances, the fire escape routes must lead to the final exit which in
turn gives access to the outer side.
6-9-1 In (c) grade buildings and its parts, the half of fire escape routes can be made to a place
inside the building if it is met with the general conditions of the fire escape routes.
7 FIRE ALARM AND FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENTS:
The precautionary measures of the engineering services to be provided for the general engi-
neering services conditions.
7-1 The required fire fighting, fire alarm equipments and engineering services to be provided for
the protection of the assembly buildings from fire.
7-2 The fire fighting and fire alarm equipments must be designed, implemented and maintained
in accordance with the conditions incorporated in part two.
7-3 The civil defence authority, at the time of issuing licence, may require additional equipments
as some alternatives preventive measures that required in accordance with the conditions.
Fire Fighting Equipments for the Assembly Buildings

In accordance with the category, height and construction classification
Type Circumstances
(1) MANUAL FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENTS:

a) Manual fire extinguishers All storeys
(2) FIXED INSTALLATIONS:

a) Rubber hose network All storeys
b) Dry riser network More than four storeys with a height
of less than 30 meter or two storeys
with an area exceeding 1000
meter square.
c) Wet riser network If the height is more than 30 meters
or more than two storeys with an area
of 1000 meter per storey.
d) External fire hydrant network As per the size of the building.
(3) AUTOMATIC SYSTEM

a) Automatic fire fighting water sprinklers As per the table number 503
“requirements of fire fighting
water sprinklers to assembly buildings”.
b) Other materials sprinkler automatic Special hazard places where water
network cannot be used.
(4) FIRE ALARM EQUIPMENTS
a) Manual fire alarm network In multipurpose halls and corridors.
b) Automatic fire alarm network All storeys
Table No. 5-2

Requirements of fire fighting water sprinklers to assembly buildings
as per the category, height and construction classification
Category No. of persons Floor Construction Sprinkler

classification requirements
More than 1000 Vault All types Required

A persons Ground to third First type Not required
Four and above All types Required
B 300 - 1000 persons Vault All types Required

Ground & first only 1st & 2nd types only Not required
C 50 to 300 persons Vault All types Required

Ground & first only 1st, 2nd & 4th types Not required
Ground only 5th type temporarily
and special conditions Required
Table No. 5-3
8 ENGINEERING SERVICES
It is necessary to comply with the contents of engineering services chapter by concentrating

in table 5-4.
8-1 Ventilation in theatre area: Ventilation system as per the international specifications
approved by the civil defence authority to be provided in the theatre area.
8-2 The civil defence authority may require additional equipments or alternatives for other pre-
ventive conditions.
Fire protection engineering services in the assembly buildings
Type Required Circumstances
(1) FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING SERVICES

1 Ventilation system As per the international specification approved
by the civil defence authority.
2 Lighted signboard Vault and fire escape routes (emergency exits)
3 Emergency light network Vault & fire escape routes (emergency exits).
4 Additional electric source If the height increases more than 6 floors or 20
meter whichever is lesser.
5 Fire lift If the height increases more than 6 storeys or
20 meters whichever is lesser.
6 Automatic fire doors Pursuant to the protection requirements in the
field of engineering services.
Table 5-4
9 SPECIAL PREVENTION CONDITIONS:
9-1 In case of cinema and theatre floor, each case to be studied separately for recommendation
with the suitable conditions. The American conditions of N.F.P.A 101 can be relied upon or
the international specifications can be referred for more details of these buildings in addition
to the following conditions:
9-1-1 Seats: Fixation of the seats to be in accordance with the following criteria:
9-1-1-1 The net distance between the seats row to be 30 cm for normal seating.
9-1-1-2 The net distance between the comfortable seats row to be 50 cm if the numbers of the seats
are 25 or less.
9-1-1-3 The net distance between the comfortable seats row to be 60 cm if the numbers of the seats
are more than 45 seats.
9-1-2 Number of seats:
9-1-2-1 The number of seats in a row to be at least four (4) seats.
9-1-2-2 The number of seats in one row to be maximum (7) seats when it is projected to any of the
corridor in case of normal type of seats.
9-1-2-3 The number of seats in one row to be maximum 14 seats in case it is projected to two
corridors.
9-1-2-4 The number of seats in one row of comfortable type to be maximum 100 seats when it is
projected to two corridors.
9-1-2-5 The number of seats in one row of normal type can be increased upto maximum 11 seats by
projecting to one corridor if the distance between the seats increases by 25 mm for each
seat.
9-1-2-6 The number of seats in one row of normal type can be increased upto maximum 22 seats by
projecting to two corridors if the distance between the seats increases by 25 mm for each
seat.
9-1-3 Fixing:
9-1-3-1 The seats must be fixed permanently on the ground very firmly in all halls allotted for the
public like cinema, theatre, lecture halls and all similar places which come under this rule.
9-1-3-2 In case the seats are not possible to fix permanently, the alternative procedures can be
made like:
9-1-3-2-1 Tie the seats one another in a group of not less than four numbers and each case to be
studied separately.
9-1-4 Ground:
9-1-4-1 The vertical angle inclination of the surface of the ground must be not more than 35 degree
in the seats.
9-2 In multipurpose hall that can be used as exhibition/showrooms, it is necessary to apply the
preventive conditions of the commercial buildings in addition to the following conditions:
9-2-1 The exhibiting areas to be organized in such a way that systematic corridors to be left in
accordance with these conditions.
9-2-2 The shelves and holders must be of incombustible materials.
9-2-3 Necessary signboards and fire fighting equipments must be supplied.
9-2-4 It is necessary to consult with the civil defence authority in case of making temporary
seasonal and temporary exhibition halls for getting guidelines and suitable protection
recommendations.
CHAPTER SIX
FIRE PROTECTION AND

IN EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER SIX
FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS
PAGE CODE CHAPTER FIVE: FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN EDUCATIONAL

BUILDINGS
116 1 Definition
116 2 Hazard of the fire
116 3 Constructional requirements
117 4 Mixed usage
117 5/1 * Horizontal spreading
117 5/2 * Vertical spreading
117 5/3 * External spreading
117 5/4 * Access of civil defence equipments
117 6 Escape routes:
117 6/2 * Occupying/absorbing capacity
117 6/3 * Volume/size
117 6/4 * Travel distance
117 6/5 * Direct distance
118 6/6 * Corridors
118 6/7 * Exits
119 6/8 * Ramps
119 6/9 * Stairs
119 6/10 * Final exit
119 7 Fire alarm and fighting equipments
INDEX OF TABLES
CHAPTER SIX
116 6-1 Fitness of the buildings on constructional aspects to use them for educational
purposes.
118 6-2 Calculation of travel and direct distances of educational buildings.
120 6-3 Fire fighting equipments for educational buildings in accordance with the category,
height and constructional classification.
121 6-4 Distribution of fire alarm equipments in the educational buildings.
121 6-5 Engineering services in the educational buildings.
CHAPTER SIX
FIRE PROTECTION REQUIRMENTS IN EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS
1 DEFINITION OF EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS
1-1 These are the buildings or parts thereof designated for educational purposes. They accomm-
odate 6 or more regular students for a period of not less than 4 hours per diem and 12 hours
at least per week from KG and Primary level upto secondary schools as well as the vocational
and applied institutes and similar institutions:
1-2 With regard to schools designated for teaching the handicapped (special needy students),
each case shall be studied separately to set forth the additional appropriate preventive
conditions as per the case.
3 CONSTRUCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS
3-1 It is necessary to apply the precautionary preventive conditions in the field of engineering in
building.
3-2 The validity of the buildings on constructional aspects to use them for educational purposes
shall be determined in accordance with the table 1-2: Classification of the buildings in terms
of its resistance to the fire and the next table 6-1: Fitness of the building in terms of its con-
struction to use them in the educational purposes.
Fitness of the buildings in terms of its construction to use them for educational purpose in
accordance with its area, height and classification
Constructional classification Area and height
First type Fit for all cases

Second and fourth type Fit for buildings of not more than two floors
Third and fifth type Temporary buildings the area of which does
not exceed the area of one classroom and
by special conditions.
Table 6-1
3-3 The following conditions to be kept in mind while specifying the location of the classrooms in
the building:
3-3-1 The classrooms for the students beyond the primary division should not be in the vault or
above ground level.
3-3-2 The lower primary classrooms must not be in the upper storeys above the first floor.
3-3-3 It is allowed to make the classrooms in the vault on a condition that a stair or an exit on the
external wall leading directly to the outer side protected by automatic water sprinkler
network to be provided.
3-3-4 All the classrooms to be projected directly to the external façade of the building.
4 MULTI PURPOSE USAGES:
4-1 In case the educational buildings are the part of buildings used for another purpose, it is ne-
cessary to make partition in between them inorder for the fire sector to be provided with
separate fire escape routes.
4-2 Mixed usage of any type shall not be permitted if it involves a high fire risk or an industrial
purpose.
4-3 It is necessary to separate in between the special parts of the building or sections allotted
for other related purposes.
4-4 The sections or parts of the building allotted for other purposes shall be treated as non-
educational in accordance with the type of its usages.
5-1 Horizontal spread of the fire: The area of the fire sector must not exceed 2000 m2 and there
should be a tropic to separate between different areas of usages.
5-1-1 The different areas of usages are separated each other and each of them to be treated as a
separate fire sector.
5-1-2 The fire hazard areas or places are to be separated.
5-1-3 Each and every classroom is considered as a secondary separate fire sector.
5-2 Vertical spread of the fire: The preventive conditions of the residential buildings are applied
for controlling the vertical spread of the fire.
5-3 External spread of the fire: The preventive conditions of the residential buildings are applied
for controlling the external spread of the fire.
5-4 Access of the fire extinguishing equipments: The access of the civil defence tools and equip-
ments must be made easy to the educational buildings.
6-2 Occupying/absorbing capacity: The absorbing capacity is estimated as per the details stated
in the chapter “escape (emergency exits) routes, table No. 3-4. With regard to the other
purposes places, the absorbing capacity of each one is calculated in accordance with the
nature of its usage.
6-3 Width: The width of the fire escape routes is measured on the basis of the number of
persons who are using the building as incorporated in the chapter “fire escape routes
(emergency exits)”.
stairs must not be more than the figures mentioned in table 6-2.
6-5 The direct distance from any point inside the classroom to the exit or to the protected stairs
must not be more than 15 meters and in the vault it should not be more than 10 meters.
Calculation of travel and direct distances of the educational building
Location Distance in M Floor Case & Notes
Direct distance inside 15 Ground ---

The classroom 10 Vault ---
Travel distance from door 15 Vault When there is more than one exit
Classroom or exit 20 Other floors In case of internal corridors
Or protected stairs 30 Other floors In case of external corridors
Closed-up end 6 Any floor In case of a closed-up end
Table 6-2
6-6 The corridors must meet with the general conditions as stated in the chapter “escape routes
(emergency exits) in addition to these conditions.
6-6-1 The corridors must be systematic and gliding in such a way that it must give access directly
to the external side.
6-6-2 The graded corridors must be fixed with parapets (handrails) in accordance with the
conditions.
6-6-3 The width of the corridors to be enough to cover the persons who are using the building on
a condition that the width of the main corridor must not be less than 2 meters and of the
sub-corridors less than 1.5 meters.
6-6-4 The passages must be external, as much as possible, and the internal corridors are accepted
if it is not possible otherwise. The corridors must be built in accordance with the preventive
conditions applied in the field of construction.
6-6-5 The passages/corridors inside the classroom must be not less than 1.10 meter for the corr-
idor that serves two rows of seats and 90 cm for the corridor that serves one row.
6-6-6 It is necessary that no seat to be away from any internal passage more than a distance of six
seats.
6-7 Exits: The fire exists must be met with the general conditions as manifested in the chapter
“fire escape routes (emergency exits)”.
6-7-1 All the exits must be led directly to outside or to the stairs or a passage protected from the
fire and separated from the buildings with an isolated area.
6-7-2 The number of the exits to be in accordance with the general conditions in such a way that
it must not be less than two separate exits to the ends of the building and the exits on the
external wall, leading each one to outside.
6-7-3 Every classroom to be provided with two separate exits that lead to outside or to the pro-
tected stair that leads to two exits in the following conditions:
6-7-3-1 If the absorbing capacity of the classroom is more than 50 students.
6-7-3-2 If the absorbing capacity of the classroom exceeds (30) children (nursery students).
6-7-3-3 If the area of the classes increases more than 90 m2 or its depth by 15 meters.
6-7-3-4 The windows allotted for ventilation purpose must be with an area of 0.5 m2 (50 cm width
x 60 cm height) and the height of its threshold to be more than the floor surface (110 cm)
inorder to get advantage from them in rescue works. These windows to be opened very
easily from inside without the need for any special tools or locks.
6-8 The ramps: Ramps to be provided in the educational buildings for the use of handicapped.
6-9 Stair: The general conditions of the fire escape routes (emergency exits) in addition to these
conditions must be applied in this regard.
6-9-1 The number of the stairs must be not less than two stairs for each floor, separate on the two
ends of the building and on the external wall and each of them leading directly to the
outside.
6-9-2 The stairs must be protected and separated from the building itself with an isolated area
protected from fire which must be leading to the outer side directly.
6-9-3 The width of the stair to be enough to cover the persons who are using the building and
must not be less than the total width of the corridors it joins in.
6-9-4 In case the assembling is on the upper or bottom storeys of the building, then it is necessary
to make the stair in more width and spacious for resting.
6-10 Final exit: In all circumstances, the fire escape routes must be leading to the final exit which
in turn gives access to the outer side.
6-10-1 The parts having other usages in the educational building must meet with the conditions
related to that or more whichever is more protective.
7 FIRE ALARM AND FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENTS
7-1 Manual fire alarm systems to be fixed in the multi-purpose halls, corridors of the adminis-
tration and corridors of the classrooms in all stages except in corridors of the covered
classrooms.
7-2 Automatic fire alarm systems to be fixed in the multi-purpose halls, workshop, lab, library,
stores, also in special hazardous places, air-conditioning conduits and vaults in all
circumstances.
7-3 A general alarm system (in the form of whistle or a low powered bell) that may hear from
all parts of the school with a special sound or with vocal messages and operated by the man-
agement to be fixed.
7-4 The fire alarm and fire fighting equipments must be designed, implemented and maintained
in accordance with the conditions incorporated in part two or the civil defence directory.
7-5 The civil defence authority, while issuing licence, may require additional equipments as alter-
native for some preventive measures as required in accordance with the conditions.
Fire Fighting Equipments for the Educational Buildings
Type Circumstances


b) Dry riser network More than three storeys with a height
with an area exceeding 1000
meter square.
c) Wet riser network With a height of more than 30 meters
or more than two storeys with an area
of 1000 meter per storey.
d) External fire hydrant network In the campus of universities and higher
institutions

a) Automatic fire fighting water sprinklers Vault, upper storeys of more than four
floors and buildings made of third and
fifth type.
b) Other materials sprinkler automatic Special hazard places where water

a) Manual fire alarm network In multipurpose halls, admin. corridors,
corridor of closed classrooms’ in all
cases except corridors of covered
classrooms.
b) Automatic fire alarm network In workshops, laboratories, libraries,
multipurpose halls along with manual
alarm and also in special hazardous
places. air condition ducts and vaults.
Table No. 6-3

Distribution of Fire Alarm Systems in Educational Buildings
Educational System Sections of the Building
level Type Closed Hall Lab Workshop Library Admin Notes

classrooms Corridors
corridors
Manual • • • General fire alarm
means must be
Nursery •
fixed (like whistle
Manual • or low powered
Primary Automatic • bell) that could

hear at all parts of
Manual • the school in spe-
Preparatory Automatic • • • • cial sound or vocal
messages oper-
Manual • •
ated by the man-
Secondary Automatic • • • • agement.
Table No. 6-4
It is necessary to comply with the contents of “engineering services” chapter by concentrat-

ing in table 6-5.
8-1 The civil defence authority may require additional equipments or alternatives for other
preventive conditions.
Fire protection engineering services in educational buildings
(1) Fire protection engineering services

1 Ventilation system As per the international specification approved
2 Lighted signboard Vault & fire escape routes (emergency exits)
4 Additional electric source Universities.
Table 6-5
CHAPTER SEVEN
FIRE PROTECTION AND

IN CARE BUILDINGS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER SEVEN
FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN CARE BUILDINGS
PAGE CODE CHAPTER SEVEN: FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN CARE BUILDINGS
124 1 Definition
124 2 Hazard of the fire
125 4 Mixed usage
125 5-1 * Horizontal spreading
125 5-2 * Vertical spreading
125 5-3 * External spreading
125 5-4 * Access of civil defence equipments
125 6 Escape routes:
125 6-2 * Occupying/absorbing capacity
126 6-3 * Volume/size
126 6-4 * Travel distance
126 6-5 * Direct distance
126 6-6 * Corridors
126 6-7 * Exits
126 6-8 * Ramps
127 6-9 * Stairs
127 6-10 * Horizontal exit
127 6-11 * Final exit
127 7 Fire alarm and fighting equipments
INDEX OF TABLES
CHAPTER SEVEN
124 7-1 Building fitness on constructional basis to use it as care buildings

126 7-2 Calculation of travel and direct distances of care buildings.
128 7-3 Fire fighting equipments for care buildings in accordance with the category, height
and constructional classification.
129 7-4 Engineering services in the educational buildings.
CHAPTER SEVEN
FIRE PROTECTION REQUIRMENTS IN CARE BUILDINGS
1 DEFINITION OF CARE BUILDINGS
These are the buildings or parts thereof designated for the health and social care purposes.
The occupants of which are not able to move or they are under detention and their
movement is restricted. These buildings include hospitals, elders care homes, nurseries,
social care homes for children, asylums and prisons of all categories:
1-1 Health care buildings: These are the buildings or part thereof designated for health services
of at least four families for the purpose of looking after the patients. It is well known that
the persons of these places are incapable of protecting their life due their old age or owing
to bodily or mentally illness. These include convalescent buildings, first-aid and emergency
service buildings.
1-2 Social care buildings: These are the buildings or part thereof designated for social care serv-
ices of at lease four families to look after in their disability or old age or feeding stage like
the services given in a nursery.
1-3 Social reform buildings (prisons): These are buildings where the prisoners or detainees are
lived for more than one day (24 hours). They are considered as people who are not able to
save their life in case of a fire outbreak as they are not able to come out or escape from
those places. This includes prisons of different sizes and types and detention rooms.
2 Fire hazard: The fire hazard in care buildings is classified into low category.
3 CONSTRUCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS
3-1 It is essential to apply the precautionary preventive conditions in the field of engineering in
building.
3-2 The fitness of the buildings on constructional aspects to use them as care buildings shall be
determined in accordance with the table 1-2: “Classification of the buildings in terms of its
resistance to the fire” and the next table 7-1: “Fitness of the building in terms of its constru-
ction to use them as care buildings”.
Fitness of the buildings in terms of its construction

to use them as care buildings
First and second type For more than two floors.

First, second and fourth Two storeys
All types and fifth type temporarily
with special conditions One floor
Table 7-1
3-3 Conditions of other competent entities must be taken into consideration. The official con-
cerned of the civil defence authority has to coordinate with Ministry of Health with regard to
health care buildings, with Ministry of Social Affairs regarding the nurseries and with Ministry
of Interior pertaining to the buildings of social reforms.
4 MIXED USAGES
4-1 In case the care buildings are a part of other buildings used for another purpose, it is neces-
sary to make partition in between them inorder for the fire sector to be provided with
separate fire escape routes.
purpose.
4-3 It is necessary to separate in between the special parts of the building or sections allotted
for other related purposes.
4-4 The fire escape routes designated for the care buildings or parts thereof must be indepen-
dent or separated from other sections and must lead directly to the outer side.
5-1 Horizontal spread of the fire: The area of the fire sector must not be more than 2000 m2.
5-1-1 The different areas of usages are separated each other and each of them to be treated as a
separate fire sector.
5-1-2 The fire hazard areas or places are to be made independent.
5-1-3 Any floor or a part of the floor used for treatment or sleeping or its absorbing capacity
exceeds 50 persons or the absorbing capacity of any of it wings increases more than 45 per-
sons, it must be considered as a separate secondary fire sector.
5-2 Vertical spread of the fire: The protection conditions of the residential buildings are applied
for controlling the vertical spread of the fire.
5-2-1 The vertical vacant places like skylight, staircase and lift well must be separated from the
building with fire inhibition walls and doors.
5-2-2 The central gap (atrium) is exempted from this rule if it is complied with the following
conditions:
5-2-2-1 The diameter of the middle void must not be less than 6 meters.
5-2-2-2 Provision of automatic fire fighting water sprinkler network or vertical fire and smoke spread-
ing prevention system approved by the civil defence authority.
5-2-2-3 Provision of approved vertical ventilation.
5-3 External spread of the fire: The protection conditions of the residential buildings are applied
for controlling the external spread of the fire.
ments must be made easy to the care buildings.
6 ESCAPE ROUTES (EMERGENCY EXITS)
6-1 The general conditions of the fire escape routes (emergency exits) must be applied in add-
ition to these conditions.
6-2 Occupying/absorbing capacity: The absorbing capacity is estimated as per the details stated
in the chapter “escape (emergency exits) routes, table No. 3-4. With regard to the other uti-
lization places, the absorbing capacity of each one is calculated in accordance with the
nature of its usage.
(emergency exits)”. However, the width of the major corridors must not be less than 240 cm
in any circumstance.
6-5 The direct distance from any point inside the caring room or sleeping wing to the exit or to
the protected stairs must not be more than 15 meters and in the vault it should not be more
than 10 meters.
Calculation of travel and direct distances of the care building
Location Distance in M Floor Case & Notes
Direct distance inside the

Sleeping rooms or wings 15 Ground ---
Travel distance from the As there are more than one

Door of sleeping rooms or 20 Any floor exit and due to the
wings to the exit or presence of corridors.
protected stairs
Closed-up end 7.5 Any floor In the closed-up end
Table 7-2
6-6 The corridors must meet with the general conditions as stated in the chapter “escape routes
(emergency exits). However, the width of the main corridors to be not less than 240 cm in
any circumstance.
6-7 Exits: The fire exists must meet with the general conditions as manifested in the chapter
6-7-1 Every floor must be provided with two separate exits.
6-7-2 The number of the exits to be in accordance with the general conditions in such a way that it
must not be less than two independent exits at the ends of the building and on the external
wall and each of them must be leading to outside.
6-7-3 All the exits must lead directly to the outer side or to a stair or to a corridor protected from
fire and separated from the building with an isolated area.
6-7-4 Every sleeping room or wing must be provided with two separate exits that lead to outside or
to a protected stair that leads to the two exits in the following conditions:
6-7-4-1 If the travel distance exceeds what is mentioned in the above table.
6-7-4-2 If the travel distance increases more than 90 meters.
6-7-4-3 If the area of the sleeping room or wing increases more than 230 m2.
6-8 The ramps: Ramps to be provided in the care buildings in accordance with the general condi-
tions of the fire escape routes (emergency exits) and pursuant to the circumstances of using
the care building after coordinating with the competent authorities.
6-9 The Stair: The general conditions of the fire escape routes (emergency exits) in addition to
these conditions must be applied in this regard.
6-9-1 The number of the stairs must be not less than two for each floor, independent at the ends
of the building and on the external wall and each of them leading directly to the outer side.
6-9-2 The stairs must be protected and separated from the building with an isolated area protected
from fire which must be leading directly to the outer side of the building.
6-10 Horizontal exits: A temporary protection area to be allotted in all care buildings if its height
is more than two floors or if the area of the floor is more than 2000 m2.
6-10-1 50% of the fire escape routes of all other floors or sections other than allotted for sleeping
can be end to a safe place inside the building.
in turn gives access to outside of the building.
6-11-1 The parts having other usages in the care buildings must meet with the conditions related to
that or more conditions whichever is more protective.
6-11-2 Locks can be used in health care buildings of mentally disordered persons or social care cen-
tres of prisoners or detainees. However, there should be permanent guards for twenty-four
hours to transfer the users of the building to more safe areas in case of emergencies.
It is necessary to provide preventive precautionary measures in the engineering services in

accordance with the general conditions of the engineering services in addition to the condi-
tions stated in 7-3.
7-2 The civil defence authority, while issuing licence, may require additional equipments as
alternative for some preventive measures as required in accordance with the conditions.
Fire Fighting Equipments for the Care Buildings
Type Circumstances


b) Dry riser network More than three storeys with a height
with an total area of more than 1000
meter square.
c) Wet riser network With a height of more than 28 meters
or more than two storeys having an
area of more than 1000m 2 per storey.
d) External fire hydrant network As per the size of the building

a) Automatic fire fighting water sprinklers Vault, sleeping wings if the building is
with more than two storeys and
buildings made of third and fifth type.
b) Other materials automatic sprinkler Special hazard places where water

a) Manual fire alarm network In all floors.
b) Automatic fire alarm network In the sleeping rooms with wings,
corridors, air-conditioning ducts,
vaults and special hazardous places.
Table No. 6-3
It is necessary to comply with the contents of the chapter “engineering services” by concen-
trating in table 7-4.
8-2 It is required to specify alternative equipments in buildings used for caring the mentally
disordered persons and of social care buildings like nursery and social reforms buildings
(prison) in coordination with civil defence authority and the other concerned entities.
Fire prevention engineering services in care buildings
1 Ventilation system As per the international specification approved by the

civil defence authority.
2 Lighted signboard Vault & fire escape routes (emergency exits)
4 Additional electric source All parts of the care building.


Table 7-4
CHAPTER EIGHT
FIRE PROTECTION AND

IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER EIGHT
FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
PAGE CODE CHAPTER FIVE: FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN RESIDENTIAL

BUILDINGS
133 1 Divisions of the residential buildings as per the type of use

133 First Protection conditions for the social residential buildings.
133 1-1 Definition of the social residential buildings.
133 2 Fire hazard.
133 3 Structural requirements.
134 4 Mixed use.
134 5 Control over spread of fire:
134 5-1 * Horizontal spread.
134 5-2 * Vertical spread.
135 5-3 * External spread of fire.
135 5-4 * Access of civil defence equipment.
135 6 Fire escape routes:
135 6-2 * Occupying/absorbing capacity.
135 6-3 * Volume/size.
135 6-4 * Travel distance.
135 6-5 * Direct distance.
135 6-6 * Corridors.
136 6-7 * Exits.
136 6-8 * Ramps.
136 6-9 * Stairs.
136 6-10 * Horizontal exit.
137 6-11 * Final exit.
137 7 Fire alarm and fighting equipment.
142 Second Special protection conditions for residential buildings.
142 1-2 Special definition of residential buildings.
142 2 Fire hazard.
142 4 Control over spread of fire:
TABLE OF CONTENT (Contd...)
142 4-1 * Horizontal spread.

142 4-2 * Vertical spread.
142 4-3 * External spread of fire.
142 4-4 * Access of civil defence equipment.
142 5 Fire escape routes:
142 5-1 * Exits.
143 5-2 * Stairs.
143 5-3 * Final exit.
143 6 Fire alarm and fire fighting equipments.
143 8 Application.
INDEX OF TABLES
134 8-1 Fitness of the buildings in terms of construction to use them as residential buildings.
135 8-2 Calculation of travel and direct distances of the residential buildings.
138 8-3 (a) Fire fighting equipment required for type (a) residential buildings which are
comprised of permanent residential units for a single family (flats) as per its
category, height and constructional classification.
139 8-3 (b) Fire fighting equipment required for type (b) residential buildings that are comprised
of rooms or separate permanent dormitories in single or group form as per its
140 8-3 (c) Fire fighting equipment required for type (c) buildings comprising temporary
sleeping accommodation like hotels and furnished flats as per its category, height
and structural classification.
141 8-4 (a) Fire prevention related engineering services required for type (a) buildings that
category, height and constructional classifications.
141 8-4 (b) Fire fighting related engineering services required for type (b) residential buildings
which are comprised of rooms or separate permanent dormitories in single or group
form as per its category, height and constructional classification.
141 8-4 (c) Fire fighting related engineering services required for type (c) buildings that
comprising temporary sleeping accommodation like hotels and furnished flats as per
its category, height and constructional classification.
CHAPTER EIGHT
FIRE PROTECTION REQUIRMENTS IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
1 THE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS ARE DIVIDED INTO THE FOLLOWING TWO DIVISIONS AS
PER ITS TYPE OF USE:
1-1 Social Residential Buildings, e.g. flats, dormitories and hotels.
1-2 Private Residential Buildings, e.g. small villas (private houses) or private mansions.
First: Protection requirements for group residential buildings:
1-1 Definition of the group residential buildings: They are the buildings or parts thereof design-
ated for neighbourhood residences.
1-1-1 Residential buildings are divided into the following three categories depending on use:
1-1-1-1 Category (A): Buildings comprising permanent single family residential units such as
investment residential buildings.
1-1-1-2 Category (B): Buildings comprising rooms or dormitories for permanent residence in a group
form such as accommodation for students, staff, employees, quarters for soldiers and similar
residences.
1-1-1-3 Category (C): Buildings comprising of temporary stay rooms such as hotels, motels, guest
houses, furnished flats and other similar places.
2 FIRE HAZARD:
The fire hazard in residential buildings is categorized as a mild hazard.
3 STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS :
3-1 Generally, it is necessary to apply the precautionary protection conditions in the engineering
fields to provide safety to the structural frame of the building from a fire hazard.
3-2 The structural requirement for residential buildings is determined in accordance with the
table 1-2, Classification of Buildings in Terms of Resistance to Fire and table 8-1 Fitness of
Buildings in Terms of Structural Requirements for Residential Purposes.
3-3 The basement cannot be used for residential purposes except in special conditions as
approved by the civil defence authority. An additional exit, automatic water sprinkler network
and any other equipment required by the civil defence authority must be provided.
Fitness of Buildings in Terms of Structural Requirements
for Residential Purposes
Structural classification Suitable usages
Types 1 and 2 only Category (A): Buildings comprised of permanent resi

dential units for a single family (flats); such as
investment residential buildings.
Types 1 and 2 only Category (B): Buildings comprised of rooms or perma-

nent residential dormitories in single or groups such
as; students and staff accommodation, soldiers
quarters and other similar residences.
All types and first type on Category (C): Buildings comprised of temporary stay
temporary basis with special rooms for rent such as; hotels, motels, furnished flats
conditions and other similar residences.
Table 8-1
4 MIXED USE
4-1 Mixed use of any type shall not be permitted if it involves a high fire risk or an industrial
purpose.
4-2 Mixed uses are permissible for types of buildings having light fire hazards such as; trading
shops, offices and the like. Fire escape routes must be provided separately and comprehen-
sive fire protection measures are to be provided to each part of the building in accordance
with its use.
4-3 If residential buildings form part of buildings designated for other uses, it is required to
provide partitions between fire sectors, each of which must be provided with independent
fire escape routes.
4-4 It is essential to provide separation in between the special parts of the building or sections
allotted for other related purposes.
4-5 The fire escape routes designated for residential buildings, or parts thereof, must be inde-
pendent or separated from other sections and must lead directly to the exterior of the
building.
5 CONTROL OVER THE SPREAD OF FIRE:
The general protection conditions to be applied in the engineering fields in addition to these
conditions.
5-1 Horizontal spread of the fire: The area of the fire sector must not be more than 3000 square
metres.
5-1-1 The residential units are to be separated from each other and are to be treated as separate
fire compartments.
5-1-2 The fire hazard areas or places must be separated.

5-1-3 It is essential to have a fire inhibition barrier or door to prevent the fire spread if the corridor
exceeds 30 meters and also at the joining place of corridors.
5-2 Vertical spread of the fire:
5-2-1 Vertical voids such as skylights, staircases and lift wells must be separated from the building
with fire resistant walls and doors.
5-2-2 A central void (atrium) is exempt from this rule if the following conditions are adhered to:
5-2-2-1 The dimensions of the central void must not be less than 6sq metres.
5-2-2-2 Provision of a network of automatic fire fighting water sprinklers or a system for the preven-
tion of the vertical spread of fire and smoke approved by the civil defence authority.
5-3 External spread of the fire: Structural protection conditions are applied in terms of distance
and building materials for controlling the external spread of the fire.
5-4 Access of the fire extinguishing equipment: The access of the civil defence tools and equip-
ments to the residential buildings must be made easy.
6 FIRE ESCAPE ROUTES (EMERGENCY EXITS)
6-1 The following conditions must be applied in addition to the requirements of Chapter Three,
General Requirements for Fire Escape Routes (Emergency Exits).
6-2 Occupying/absorbing capacity: The absorbing capacity is estimated as per the details inco-
rporated in the chapter “escape (emergency exits) routes under table number 3-4. With
regard to the other utilization places, the absorbing capacity of each one is calculated in
accordance with the nature of its utilization.
6-3 The width of the fire escape routes is measured on the basis of the number of persons who
are using the building as directed in Chapter Three, General Requirements for Fire Escape
Routes (Emergency Exits).
6-5 The direct distance from any point inside the rooms to the exit or to the protected stairs
must not be more than 15 metres and not more than 10 metres for the basement.
Calculation of travel and direct distances for residential buildings
Location Distance in M Basement Case & Notes
Direct distance 10 Basement ---

Inside residential flat 15 Upper floors For buildings in category (A)
10 Upper floors For buildings in category (B–C)
Travel distance from the 20 Basement In case of more than one exit
door of the residential 30 Other floors -
unit to the exit or 5 Basement In case of dead end.
protected stairs
Dead end 7.5 Any floor In case of dead end.
Table 8-2
6-6 The corridors must fulfil the general conditions as stated in Chapter Three, General Require-
ments for Fire Escape Routes (Emergency Exits).
6-6-1 The width of the main corridors must not less than 150 cm and sub-corridors must be not
less than 120 cm in residential category (A) buildings.
6-6-2 The width of the main corridors must be not less than 200 cm and sub-corridors must be not
less than 120 cm in residential category (B) buildings.
6-6-3 The width of the main corridors must be not less than 200 cm and sub-corridors must be not
less than 120 cm in residential category (C) buildings.
6-7 Exits: The fire exists must comply with the general conditions as determined in Chapter
Three, General Requirements for Fire Escape Routes (Emergency Exits).
6-7-1 All the exits must lead directly to the exterior or to a stair or corridor protected from fire and
separated from the building with an isolated area.
6-7-2 The second floor of duplex apartments (two storey apartments) must be provided with an
emergency exit leading to the corridor or to escape stairs if there is no internal stairs leading
to the apartment entry door.
6-7-3 Every residential unit or room must be provided with an additional exit leading to the
exterior or to a protected corridor if the distance exceeds the limit as prescribed in table
No. 8-2.
6-8 In residential buildings it is preferred that ramps be provided at the ground floor in acc-
ordance with the general conditions of the fire escape routes (emergency exits) for the use
of people with disabilities.
6-9 With regard to stairs, the following conditions must be applied in addition to the require-
ments of Chapter Three, General Requirements for Fire Escape Routes (Emergency Exits).
from fire which must lead directly to the exterior of the building.
of the building and on the external wall, each of them leading directly to the exterior.
6-9-3 In special circumstances approved by the civil defence authority, it is permitted to provide
only one stair in residential buildings of category (A), in accordance with the building system
and the following conditions:
6-9-3-1 The number of the floors to be not more than six floors, excluding ground floor.
6-9-3-2 The stair of the residential part must be completely independent and separated from the
stairs of the commercial part of the building.
6-10 With regard to horizontal exits, the following conditions must be applied in addition to the
requirements of Chapter Three, General Requirements for Fire Escape Routes (Emergency
Exits).
6-10-1 It is essential to provide temporary horizontal protection area in residential buildings of

category (B).
6-11 In all circumstances, the fire escape routes must lead to the final exit which in turn must
lead to the exterior of the building.
6-11-1 The parts having other utilizations in the residential buildings must comply with the condi-
tions related to that or more conditions whichever is more protective.
It is necessary to provide precautionary protection measures in the engineering services in

accordance with the general conditions of the engineering services in addition to the condi-
tions stated in table 8-3a, 8-3b and 8-3c.
7-1 The fire alarm and fire fighting equipment must be designed, implemented and maintained
in accordance with the conditions determined in Chapter Two, General Requirements of Fire
Fighting and Alarm Systems.
7-2 The civil defence authority, while issuing the licence, may require additional equipment as
necessary for some preventative measures as required in compliance with the conditions.
7-3 Motels and buildings having furnished flats for temporary accommodation without having any
hotel services and with a height of not more than six floors shall be considered to be
category (A).
Fire Fighting Equipments for the Residential Buildings of category (a)

that comprised of permanent residential units for a single family (flats)
Type Circumstances


a) Rubber hose network In complex buildings or buildings with
an height of more than 30 m.
b) Dry riser network Above 3 storeys with a height of less
than 30 meter or two floors with an
area of not more than 1000 m 2
c) Wet riser network With a height of more than 30 m or the
area of one floor in it more than 1000m 2
d) External fire hydrant network For complexes only

a) Automatic fire fighting water sprinklers Vault, a partial coverage to floors of the
large buildings, high complexes,
complexes especially escape routes,
building made of third and fifth type
and places specified in the automatic
fire fighting systems

a) Manual fire alarm network In all floors of the building having an
height of more than 30m (taller
buildings) and complex building.
b) Automatic fire alarm network In all floors of tall buildings, complex
buildings, corridors, special hazardous
places, air-conditioning ducts and vault.
Table No. 8-3 (a)

Fire Fighting Equipments for the Residential Buildings of category (B)
that are comprised of permanent single or group residential dormitories
Type Circumstances


a) Rubber hose network All floors

a) Automatic fire fighting water sprinklers Vault, all floors of the large buildings,
high complexes, complexes especially
escape routes, building made of third
and fifth type and places specified in
the automatic fire fighting systems

a) Manual fire alarm network In all floors
b) Automatic fire alarm network In all floors of tall buildings, complex
buildings, corridors, special hazardous
places and air-conditioning ducts.
Table No. 8-3 (b)

Fire Fighting Equipments for the Residential Buildings of category (c)
that are comprised of temporary stay rooms such as hotels and
furnished flats
Type Circumstances



a) Automatic fire fighting water sprinklers Vault, all floors especially escape
routes, and places specified in
the automatic fire fighting systems

b) Automatic fire alarm network In all floors especially corridor and
special hazardous places and air-
conditioning ducts.
Table No. 8-3 (c)
It is necessary to comply with the requirements of the Chapter Four, General Requir-
ements of Engineering Services with particular reference to table 8-4 (a), 8-4 (b)
and 8-4 (c).
8-1 The civil defence authority may require additional equipment or alternatives for
other protection conditions.
8-2 Motels and buildings having furnished flats for temporary accommodation without
having any hotel services and with a height of not more than six floors shall be con-
sidered to be a Residential Building of Category (A).
Fire protection engineering services in residential buildings of
category (A) that are comprised of permanent residential units for a single
family (flats) as per the category, height and constructional classification
1 Ventilation system As per the international specifications approved

2 Illuminated Exit signs Basement & fire escape routes(emergency exits)
3 Emergency lighting system Basement & fire escape routes(emergency exits).
4 Stand-by electrical source All tall buildings, complexes and buildings that
require a fire lift.
5 Fire lift If the height increases to more than 6 storeys

or 20 meters whichever is lesser.

Table 8-4 (a)

category (B) that are comprised of permanent residential
dormitories in a single or group form



Table 8-4 (b)

category (C) that are comprised of temporary stay rooms
such as hotels and furnished flats



Table 8-4 (c)
Second: Special Protection Conditions for Residential Buildings:

Small villas (private residences) or private mansions
1-2 Definition of private residential buildings: Small villas (private residences) or private
mansions.
1-2-1 It is the building for a single family that comprised of separate houses owned by or occupied
by a single family. These villa type houses (of one floor) or of two floors or three floors are
built separately or with covered balconies or the houses may be built in rows. This also
includes houses built on commercial shops to be private housing units.
(2) Fire hazard: The fire hazard in residential buildings is categorized as low.
3-1 The fire resistance rating of the constructional frame of the pillars, external walls, bridges,
ceilings and floors must be not less than one hour.
4 CONTROL OVER SPREAD OF THE FIRE:
4-1 Horizontal spread of the fire: The fire resistance of the doors of the rooms and wings in the
single family buildings is to be not less than 45 minutes.
4-2 Vertical spread of the fire: Vertical openings shall be separated from the other parts of the
residence by a fire resisting wall of not less than one hour and with openings by a fire rated
door of not less than 45 minutes.
4-3 External spread of the fire: It is essential to separate the single family buildings from each
other by a fire inhibition wall having fire resistance of not less than one hour.
4-3-1 Whenever single family houses of different types of buildings join together with a fire
inhibition wall, it is essential to have the fire resistance of that wall more than the require-
ment of any of them.
ments to the residential buildings must be made easy.
4-4-1 The fire fighting team must be capable to come closer to the house with fire extinguishing
water hose connected with a fire hydrant or water supply tank.
4-4-2 The fire fighting team must be able of reaching to the rescue openings or balconies by the
help of the stair or any other equipment to implement the rescue operation.
5-1 Exits: It is preferred that each private residential unit to have at least two exits leading to a
safe place.
5-1-1 In addition to a main exit or door to the dwelling, one of these openings can be made as a
rescue opening or balcony through which the civil defence can enter.
5-2 Stair: Whenever the accommodation is made on top of any shop or trading shops, it is neces-
sary that the stair of that building to lead out of the shop through the stair inside the trading
shop, in such case the stair must be insulated and surrounded by a wall of fire rating of at
least one hour.
5-3 The final exit in all circumstances, the entire escape routes must lead to the final exit which
in turn must lead directly to outside.
6 FIRE FIGHTING AND FIRE ALARM EQUIPMENTS:
6-1 It is preferred to provide manual fire extinguishers in the kitchens or at the end of the
corridors near the exit.
6-2 It is better to install mono fire detectors or fire alarm system.
7 ENGINEERING SERVICES:
7-1 The electrical connections must be implemented in compliance with the specifications of the
competent entities like Ministry of Electricity or as per the conditions of an electrical
company.
8 APPLICATION:
8-1 The application of fire protection conditions related to residential buildings of small villas
(private residences) or private mansions is left to the country in accordance with its system
prevailed in this regard.
CHAPTER NINE
FIRE PROTECTION AND

IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
AND PUBLIC MARKETS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER NINE
FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
AND PUBLIC MARKETS
PAGE CODE CHAPTER NINE: FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN COMMERCIAL

BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC MARKETS
147 1 Definition
147 2 Hazard of fire
148 4 Mixed usage
148 5 Control over spreading the fire
148 5/1 * Horizontal spread
148 5/2 * Vertical spread
148 5/3 * External spread
149 6 Fire escape routes
149 6/4 * Direct distance
149 6/5 * Corridors
150 6/6 * Exits
150 6/7 * Ramp
150 6/8 * Stairs
151 6/9 * Horizontal exit
151 7 Fire alarm and fire fighting equipments
153 8 Engineering services
154 9 Special protection conditions of “central shops and markets”
INDEX OF TABLES
CHAPTER NINE
FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND
PUBLIC MARKETS
147 9-1 Fitness of the buildings in terms of construction for using the same as
commercial buildings.
149 9-2 Calculation of travel and direct distances of the commercial buildings.
152 9-3 (a) Fire fighting equipments and alarm systems required for type (a) commercial
buildings comprised of trading shops as per its category, height and
constructional classification.
153 9-3 (b) Fire fighting equipments and alarm systems required for type (b) commercial
buildings comprised of offices as per its category, height and constructional
classification.
154 9-4 (a) Engineering services related to fire protection in type (a) buildings of shops.
154 9-4 (b) Engineering services related to fire protection in type (b) buildings of shops.
CHAPTER NINE
FIRE PROTECTION REQUIRMENTS IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
AND PUBLIC MARKETS
1 DEFINITION:
The commercial buildings are divided into two types in accordance with the type of its utiliza-
tion which are as follows:
1-1 Category (A) - Trading Shops: These are the buildings or part thereof designated for the
service of the public like:
Wholesale and retail shops Light professional services like:

Commercial centres (a) Barber shops
Central markets (caesarean) (b) Photography shops and the like
1-2 Category (B) - Offices: These are the buildings or part thereof whose users shall not exceed
50 persons at a time and are designated for office uses like:
Administration offices Small banks

Establishment offices Offices of the companies
Engineering & consultancy bureaus Real estate offices and others
2 FIRE HAZARD:
The fire hazard in the commercial buildings is classified in accordance with its category.
2-1 The fire hazard in commercial buildings under category (A) of trading shops is classified as
moderate hazard.
2-2 The fire hazard in commercial buildings under category (B) of offices is classified as mild
hazard.
2-3 The fire hazard in mixed commercial buildings is classified as moderate hazard.
3 STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS:
3-1 It is essential to apply the conditions incorporated in the first chapter “provision of safety
from fire to the structural frame”.
3-2 The fitness of the buildings on constructional aspects to use them as commercial buildings
is determined in accordance with the table 1-2: “Classification of the buildings in terms of its
resistance to the fire” and table 9-1: “Fitness of the building in terms of its construction to
use them as commercial buildings”.
Fitness of the buildings in terms of its construction to use them as
commercial buildings as per its area, height and constructional classification
First and second types only With a height of more than 3 storeys or with an area
exceeding 3000 m2.
All types except fifth type With a height of not more than two storeys or with an
area of less than 3000 m2.
All types and the fifth type on

temporary basis and special
conditions One story or with an area of less than 300 m2.
Table 9-1
4 MIXED USAGES
4-1 In case the commercial buildings are a part of the buildings designated for other usages or
for serving the purposes of (a) and (b), it is essential to separate them each other to make
each part an independent fire sector and must provide with separate fire escape routes.
purpose.
4-3 The fire protection conditions of the residential buildings must be applied in this regard in
case the commercial buildings are used for the purpose of residence as in the case of invest-
ment residence buildings with commercial facades.
5 CONTROL OVER THE SPREAD OF FIRE:
conditions.
5-1 Horizontal spread of the fire: The area of the fire sector must not exceed:
5-1-1 Category (A): The area of fire sector of the trading shops must not exceed 2000 m2 and
each leased unit is considered as an independent secondary fire sector.
5-1-2 Category (B): The area of fire sector of the offices must not be more than 3000 m2 and each
rented unit to be considered as a separate secondary fire sector.
5-2 Vertical spread of the fire: The conditions of vertical controlling of fire spread as stated in
the protection conditions of residential buildings are applied in this.
5-2-1 Each floor is to be considered as an independent fire sector.
5-2-2 The vertical void must be separated as per the precautionary protection conditions stated in
the engineering fields and the central void (atrium) is exempted from this rule if it is comp-
lied with the following conditions:
5-2-2-1 The height of the central void must not exceed 3 storeys (basement, ground and mezzanine).
5-2-2-2 All the floors of the trading shops must be protected by automatic fire fighting water sp-
rinklers network and approved system for natural or mechanical ventilation on top of the
void.
5-2-3 It is permitted to raise the central void to the rest of the floors of the building in case the
following conditions are fulfilled:
5-2-3-1 The dimensions of the central void must be not less than 6 meters.
5-2-3-2 Provision of automatic fire fighting water sprinklers acting as a barrier around the void and
vertical fire and smoke spreading inhibition system approved by the civil defence authority.
5-2-3-3 Provision of upper ventilation approved by the civil defence authority.
5-3 External spread of the fire: The conditions for external control of fire as stated in the protec-
tion conditions of residential buildings must be applied in this.
5-4 Access of the fire extinguishing equipment: The access of the civil defence tools and equip-
ments to the commercial buildings must be made easy.
6-1 The general conditions of the fire escape routes (emergency exits) must be applied in add-
ition to these conditions.
6-2 Occupying/absorbing capacity: The absorbing capacity is estimated as per the details incor-
porated in the chapter “escape (emergency exits) routes under table number 3-4. With
regard to the other utilization places, the absorbing capacity of each one is calculated in
(emergency exits)”.
Calculation of travel and direct distances of the commercial buildings
Location Distance Max No. of Floor Case and Notes

in Meter person
15 30 Ground Separate and not connected

with the vault or mezzanine
Direct 15 10 Vault Separate shop and

distance connected with the fire
Inside the escape routes of the building
commercial
shops or 10 10 Vault Shop attached to the ground
the office
15 3 Mezzanine Separate and attached to the
building
10 15 Mezzanine Attached to the ground floor
15 30 All floors In case of office
Direct distance from

the farthest point 12 -- All floors In case of central stair in the
in the floor to the commercial buildings (offices)
stair door
20 -- Vault When exits are provided in

Travel distance from more than one direction.
the shop or office
door to the protec- 30 -- All floors When exits are provided in
ted stair door or more than one direction.
protected exit
7.5 -- All floors In case of closed-up end
Table 9-2
6-5 Corridors: The corridors must adhere to the general conditions as incorporated in the chapter
“fire escape routes (emergency exits) in addition to these conditions.
6-5-1 The corridors must be systematic and gliding in such a way that it must directly lead to the
exits.
6-5-2 The graded corridors must be fitted with parapets (handrails) in accordance with the
conditions.
6-5-3 The width of the corridors must suffice to absorb the outflow of the persons who are using
the building on a condition that it should not be less than 2 meters for trading shops of cat-
egory (a) and 1.5 meters for offices of category (b).
6-6-1 All the exits must lead directly to the outer side or to a stair or to a corridor protected from
fire and separated from the building with an isolated area.
6-6-2 The ground floor exit must be separated from the exits of the vault and the mezzanine
floors.
6-6-3 The number of the exits must be in accordance with the general conditions in such a way
that it must be not less than two independent exits at the ends of the building and on the
external wall, each of them leading to outside.
6-6-4 One exit is accepted in the commercial buildings of category (B) like offices after taking the
approval of the civil defence authority if it is adhered to the following conditions:
6-6-4-1 The direct distance must not be more than 15 meters.
6-6-4-2 The travel distance from the office door to the final end or to the protected stair must not
exceed 30 meters.
6-6-4-3 The travel distance to the dead-end must not exceed 7.5 meters.
6-6-4-4 To meet all the remaining conditions of the fire escape routes especially of the stairs.
6-6-5 It is permissible to add a floor to the trading shops comprised of three levels like (basement,
ground and mezzanine) when it is provided with a separate additional exit in the additional
floor that leads directly to outside or to the protected corridor of the building.
6-7 The ramps: The commercial buildings must be provided with ramps for the use of persons
with disabilities.
of the building and on the external wall, each of them leading directly to the outer side of
the building.
6-8-3 The descending stair from the first floor or ascending stair from the basement must be lead
directly to the exterior or to a point away from the exit by 3 meters for the commercial shops
comprised of (basement and ground) or (ground and mezzanine) or (ground and first floor)
or (basement, ground, mezzanine and first floor).
6-8-4 One stair is accepted in the commercial buildings, after having the approval of the civil
defence authority, it they are fulfilling the following conditions:
6-8-4-1 Meeting the absorbing and distance conditions.
6-8-4-2 The height not to be increased more than 4 storeys above the ground level including ground
floor and mezzanine in commercial shops of category (A) commercial buildings and of mixed
usage of category (A and B).
6-8-4-3 The height of the building not to increase more than five floors above the ground level which
include ground floor and mezzanine in the commercial buildings of category (B) for shops
only.
6-8-4-4 It the area does not increase more than 600 m2 in one floor and 1800 m2 for the total floors
including ground, mezzanine and service floors, if any.
6-8-4-5 The single stair must be protected from the fire hazard and the external wall of the building
with an isolated area protected in accordance with the general conditions.
6-8-5 The internal open stair in the commercial buildings of category (B) for shops is not construed
as one of the emergency exits.
6-8-5-1 An internal stair is allowed if the following conditions are met with:
6-8-5-2 Fulfilment of the general conditions of the stair especially with regard to the travel distance,
ventilation and light.
6-8-5-3 Provision of a protected insulated area.
6-8-5-4 Separation of the stair and the insulated area with walls and fire and smoke spread inhibition
doors.
6-8-5-5 Separating the stairs each other completely and not allowing it linking together with one cor-
ridor inorder the fire to be uninterrupted.
6-8-5-6 In case of internal corridors it must continue in a circle form by fixing smoke inhibition doors
in the corridor in such a manner that it separates the sections as per the number of the
stairs.
6-9 Horizontal exits: A temporary protection area to be provided in the tall commercial buildings
or building having large areas in which the area of one floor exceeds 3000 square metres.
6-9-1 50% of the fire escape routes can be ended to a safe place inside the building.
6-10 Final exit: In all circumstances, the fire escape routes must lead to the final exit which in
turn leads to the exterior of the building.
6-10-1 The sections having other utilizations in the commercial buildings and public markets must
meet with the conditions related to that or more conditions whichever is more protective.
It is necessary to provide preventive precautionary measures in the engineering services in

accordance with the general conditions of the engineering services in addition to the con-
ditions stated in table 9-3a and 9-3b.
7-1 It is necessary to apply the protection conditions prescribed for the residential buildings in
case the commercial buildings are used for the residential purposes as in the case of invest-
ment residence building with commercial facades.
7-3 The civil defence authority while issuing the licence may require additional equipments as
Fire Fighting Equipments for the Commercial Buildings of category (A) of
shops as per the category, height and constructional classification
Type Circumstances


a) Automatic fire fighting water sprinklers All floors with full coverage.

a) Manual fire alarm network All floors
b) Automatic fire alarm network In all floors of the tall buildings, and
also in special hazardous places and air-
conditioning ducts.
Table No. 9-3 (a)

Fire Fighting Equipments for the Residential Buildings of category (b)
that comprised of permanent single or group residential dormitories
Type Circumstances


a) Automatic fire fighting water sprinklers Vault, all floors of tall buildings, large
complexes, complexes especially escape
routes, buildings made of third and fifth
type and places specified in the auto-
matic fire fighting systems.

b) Automatic fire alarm network In all floors especially where there are
no fire extinguishing water sprinklers
and corridors and also special hazardous
places and air-conditioning ducts.
Table No. 9-3 (b)

trating in table 9-4 (a) and 9-4 (b).
8-1 It is essential to apply the protection conditions prescribed for the residential buildings if the
commercial buildings are used for residential purposes as in the case of investment residen-
tial buildings with commercial facades.
ventive conditions.
Fire prevention engineering services in commercial buildings of

category (A) of shops as per the category, height and
constructional classification

2 Lighted signboard All floors
3 Emergency light network All floors
4 Additional electric source All tall buildings, complexes and buildings
that require a fire lift.
6 Automatic fire doors Pursuant to the protection requirements in
the field of engineering services.
Table 9-4 (a)
Fire prevention engineering services in commercial buildings of

category (b) as per the category, height and constructional classification

2 Lighted signboard All floors
3 Emergency light network All floors
4 Additional electric source All floors
Table 9-4 (b)

9 SPECIAL PROTECTION CONDITIONS:
9-1 In case of shops and central markets and other places in its category, it is essential to fulfil
the conditions incorporated in this chapter in addition to the following conditions:
9-1-1 It is necessary to end, at least, half number of the exits to the public road away from the ca-
lculated barrier.
9-2 To separate the shop from the store by a fire inhibition wall or door.
9-3 The sub-corridors that separate the display rooms must be having a width of not less than
1.5 meters and the main corridors must have 2 metres without obstruction that must lead
directly to the exterior.
9-4 The public passage leading to the exit near the parapet must be not less than 1 meter.
9-5 The parapets, handrails and display shelves must be arranged systematically inorder not to
obstruct the fire escape routes or prevent the vision of signboards.
9-6 The fire escape routes should not pass through the store attached to the shop unless it is
met with the following conditions:
9-6-1 The store to be separated by a fire inhibiting barrier or door in accordance with the
conditions.
9-6-2 The number of the passage exits in the shop must not exceed half of the number of exits
required in the shops.
9-6-3 Presence of a protected corridor from fire leading directly to the outside or protect the store
by automatic fire fighting water sprinkler network.
CHAPTER TEN
FIRE PROTECTION AND

IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER TEN
FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS
PAGE CODE CHAPTER TEN: FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN INDUSTRIAL

BUILDINGS
158 1 Definition
158 2 Fire hazard
159 4 Mixed usage
160 6/5 * Corridors
161 6/6 * Exits
161 6/7 * Stairs
INDEX OF TABLES
CHAPTER NINE
FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS
158 10-1 Fitness of the buildings in terms of construction for using the same as
industrial buildings.
159 10-2 Area of the fire sector in industrial as per the hazard of its operations.
160 10-3 Calculation of travel distance and direct distance in industrial buildings.
162 10-4 Fire fighting equipments for the industrial buildings in accordance with its
163 105 Engineering services in the industrial buildings.

CHAPTER TEN
FIRE PROTECTION REQUIRMENTS IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS
1 DEFINITION OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS:
These are the buildings or part thereof designated for the purpose of industrial purposes or
industrial professions which include different factory premises like diary and furniture facto-
ries, central laundries, hazardous chemical laboratories, printing presses, industrial handi-
crafts buildings and industrial work-shops of various categories.
1-1 Industrial installation buildings: These are the buildings or parts thereof allotted for indus-
trial purposes in which industrial processes like fitting, mixing and packaging are conducted.
1-2 Industrial profession buildings: These are the buildings or parts thereof designated for re-
pairing processes.
2 FIRE HAZARD:
The fire hazard in the commercial buildings is categorized in accordance with the type of
industrial operation carried out in such buildings which include:
2-1 Medium hazard: This include factories involved in manufacturing or collection or production
of incombustible products or the contents of which are burning in a moderate speed or from
which a notable smoke is emitted. However they do not produce toxic vapours or do not
cause a detonation or explosion when they are burning as explained in the schedule No. 1-1
of the chapter “General Protection Requirements in the Buildings”.
2-2 High hazard: These include factories manufacturing or collecting or producing combustible
materials or the contents of which burn in a drastic speed or which produce toxic vapours or
result in detonation as stated in schedule No. 1-1 of first chapter “General Requirements of
Fire Protection in the Buildings”.
3-1 It is essential to apply the conditions incorporated in the first chapter “Provision of safety
3-2 The fitness of the buildings on constructional aspects to use them for industrial purposes is
resistance to the fire” and table No. 10-1: “Fitness of the building in terms of its construction
to use them as industrial buildings”.
Fitness of the buildings in terms of its construction to use them for industrial
purposes as per the hazard of its operations
Constructional classification Rate of hazard
First and second types only Buildings of high fire risk
All types and the fifth type on a

temporary basis and special conditions Buildings of moderate fire risk.
Table 10-1
4 MIXED USAGES
4-1 In case the buildings, premises or professional shops are a part of the buildings designated
for other usages, it is essential to separate them each other to make them independent fire
sector and must be provided with separate fire escape routes.
4-2 The parts of the buildings which are allotted for other than industrial purposes shall be
treated as per the use of such parts.
4-3 It is necessary to separate between the industrial buildings parts and other parts designated
for other annexed usages
conditions.
5-1 Horizontal spread of the fire: The area of the fire sector must not exceed than the limit
prescribed in schedule No. 10-2. If a partition is not possible due to the nature of its indus-
trial operations, the civil defence authority may estimate the alternative protection in
accordance with each case.
5-1-1 The vault must be protected by providing water sprinkler network if the area of which
exceeds 150 square meters.
Area of the fire sector in the industrial buildings as per the hazard
of its operations
Hazard of the Area of the fire sector in M2 as per the floor

industrial buildings Ground Floor Vault & other upper floors
Moderate risk buildings 5000 m2 1500 m2
High fire risk buildings 1000 m2 500 m2
Table No. 10-2
5-2 Vertical spread of the fire: The protection conditions prescribed for in the engineering field
are to be applied.
5-2-1 If there are multiple storeys, each floor is considered as an independent fire sector.
5-3 External spread of the fire: The protection conditions in the engineering field are to be
applied.
5-3-1 The external walls located at the perimeters of the property on the neighbouring side must
be built of concrete and blocks.
5-4 Access of the fire extinguishing equipments: The access of the civil defence tools and
equipments to the industrial buildings must be made easy.
6-2 Occupying/absorbing capacity: The absorbing capacity is estimated as per the details
incorporated in the chapter “escape (emergency exits) routes under table number 3-4. With
regard to the other utilization places, the absorbing capacity of each one is determined in
(emergency exits)”. However, width of the main corridors in the industrial buildings must be
not less than (2 meters) and of the sub-corridors 1.5 meters in any circumstance.
6-4 Travel distance: The travel distance from any point of access to the final exit or to the
protected stairs must not be more than the figures mentioned in table 10-3.
Calculation of travel and direct distances in the industrial buildings
Location Type of Hazard Floors

Ground Vault
Direct distance inside the section Medium 15 10

High 7.5 7.5
Travel distance to the exit or to the Medium 40 20

protected stair High 20 10
Closed-up end Medium 7.5 7.5

High Not Not
necessary necessary
Table 10-3
“fire escape routes (emergency exits). However the width of the main corridors must be not
less than 2 meters and of sub-corridors 1.5 meters in any condition.
6-5-1 If the industrial places are not stable and corridors are not clear, the corridors must be
painted with reflecting paints to make the corridor, work area or store very clear.
6-6-1 Each and every floor must be provided with two independent exits.
6-6-2 The number of the exits must be in accordance with the general conditions in such a way
that it must be not less than two independent exits at the ends of the building and on the
external wall, each of them leading to outside.
6-6-3 All the exits must lead directly to the outer side or to a stair or a corridor protected from fire
and separated from the building with an isolated area.
6-6-4 One exit is accepted in the case of industrial buildings categorized under medium fire hazard
after taking the approval of the civil defence authority if it is adhered to the following
conditions:
6-6-4-1 The depth or direct distance inside the section must not be more than 15 meters.
6-6-4-2 The travel distance from the sectional door to the final end or to the protected stair must not
be more 30 meters.
6-6-4-3 The travel distance to the closed-up ends must not exceed 7.5 meters.
6-6-4-4 To comply with the remaining conditions of the fire escape routes especially of the stairs.
of the building and on the external wall and each of them must be leading directly to the
outer side of the building.
6-7-3 The civil defence authority may accept one stair in the industrial buildings that are
categorized under mild fire risk if it is complied with all protection conditions of industrial
buildings.
in turn gives access to outside of the building.
6-9 In sections having other utilizations in the industrial buildings of high fire risk, the conditions
-9 related to that or more conditions whichever is more protective shall be applied.
It is necessary to provide precautionary protection measures in the engineering services

in accordance with the general conditions of the engineering services in addition to the
conditions prescribed in table 10-4.
7-2 The fire combating method varies pursuant to the difference in the industrial operation or
materials used in the industry and consequently the fire fighting equipments and fire alarm
systems required vary from one industry to another. The table 10-4 manifests the minimum
limit of requirements and the civil defence authority may require additional equipments in
accordance with the case.
Fire Fighting Equipments for the Industrial Buildings
As per the category, height and constructional classification


d) External fire hydrant network In industrial building of high fire risk
a) Automatic fire fighting water sprinklers In all industrial building floors. The civil
defence may exempt the industrial
premise of medium fire risk from this.

b) Automatic fire alarm network In industrial installlations of high risk or

high hazardous places in the industrial
buildings of medium fire risk.
Table No. 10-4

It is necessary to comply with the contents of the chapter “engineering services” by

concentrating in table 10-5.
Fire prevention engineering services in industrial buildings

2 Lighted signboard Vaults and fire escape routes
3 Emergency light network Vaults and fire escape routes
4 Additional electric source All industrial buildings of high fire risk.
5 Fire lift Not required.

Table 10-5
CHAPTER ELEVEN
FIRE PROTECTION AND

IN WAREHOUSE AND CARE
PARK BUILDINGS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ELEVEN
FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN WAREHOUSE AND
CAR PARK BUILDINGS
PAGE CODE CHAPTER TEN: FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN WAREHOUSE

AND CAR PARK BUILDINGS
167 1 Definition
167 2 Hazard of fire
168 4 Mixed usage
170 6/5 * Corridors
170 6/6 * Exits
170 6/7 * Stairs
172 9 Special protection conditions for “car parks”
INDEX OF TABLES
CHAPTER ELEVEN
FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN WAREHOUSE AND CAR PARK BUILDINGS
168 11-1 Fitness of the buildings in terms of construction for using them in storage
purposes.
168 11-2 Area of fire sector in warehouse buildings in accordance with its fire risk.
169 11-3 Calculation of travel distance and direct distance in the warehouse buildings.
171 11-4 Fire fighting equipments for warehouse buildings in accordance with its
171 11-5 Engineering services related to fire protection in warehouse buildings.
173 11-6 Fire fighting equipments in car park buildings as per its category, height and
constructional classification.
174 11-7 Engineering services related to fire protection in car park buildings.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
FIRE PROTECTION REQUIRMENTS IN WAREHOUSE AND CAR PARK BUILDINGS
1 DEFINITION OF WAREHOUSE BUILDINGS:
1-1 These are the buildings or parts thereof designated for storing raw materials and manu-
factured or semi manufactured goods. These buildings shall be independent or a part of the
manufacturing or sale operations buildings.
1-2 The warehouse buildings are classified in terms of fire hazard into the following categories:
1-2-1 Category (a): Buildings of mild fire risk which are used for storing incombustible goods
like building materials, systems and spare parts.
1-2-2 Category (b): Buildings of medium fire risk used for storing combustible goods or incombusti-
ble materials covered by combustible materials like thick cartons, plastic or foam granules or
wooden sawyers and other.
1-2-3 Category (c): Buildings of high fire risk which are normally used for storing hazardous goods
like gas, flammable liquids, strong combustible goods like wood, papers, fibres in loose form
and also foamy plastic materials and other similar goods.
2 FIRE HAZARD:
The fire hazard in the warehouse buildings is classified in accordance with the type of
storage processes which include:
2-1 Category (a) of medium hazard: These are the warehouse buildings with low combustible
contents which do not inflame by itself as explained under table 1-1 of chapter “General
fire protection conditions in buildings” like incombustible materials of building materials, sys
tems and spare parts.
2-1-2 Category (b) of medium hazard: These are the warehouse buildings having contents of
materials that burn in a moderate speed or that emit a notable quantity of smoke but it does
not produce toxic vapours or cause explosions when burning as explained under table 1-1 of
chapter “General fire protection conditions in buildings” like warehouses that are used for
storing combustible materials or incombustible materials covered by combustible materials
like thick cartons, plastic or foam granules or wooden sawyers and other similar materials.
2-2 Category (c) of high risk: The contents of these warehouse buildings are burning in a drastic
speed or produce toxic vapours or result in explosion as we have explained under table 1-1
of chapter “General fire protection conditions in buildings” or these buildings are used
normally for storing hazardous goods, gases, flammable liquids, highly combustible goods
like wood, papers, fibres in loose form and also foamy plastic materials and other similar
goods.
3-1 It is essential to apply the conditions incorporated in the first chapter “Provision of safety
3-2 The fitness of the buildings on constructional aspects to use them for storage purposes is
resistance to the fire” and table No. 11-1: “Fitness of the building in terms of its construction
to use them for storage purposes”.
Fitness of the buildings in terms of its construction to use them for

storage purposes as per the hazard of its contents
Constructional classification Rate of hazard
First and second types only Buildings of high fire risk
First, second and third with special conditions Buildings of medium fire risk
All types and the fifth type on a temporary basis

and special conditions Buildings of low fire risk
Table 11-1
4 MIXED USAGES
4-1 In case the warehouse buildings are a part of the buildings designated for other usages, it
is essential to separate them each other to make them independent fire sector and must be
provided with separate fire escape routes.
4-2 The parts of the buildings which are allotted for other than storage purposes shall be treated
as per the use of such parts.
4-3 It is necessary to separate between the parts of warehouse buildings and other parts
designated for other annexed usages.
conditions.
5-1 Horizontal spread of the fire: The area of the fire sector must not exceed the limit prescribed
in schedule No. 11-2.
5-1-1 The basement must be protected by providing water sprinkler network if the area of which
exceeds 150 square meters.
5-1-2 Differently used parts of the building must be separated neglecting its area of measurement.
5-1-3 It is necessary to separate between the warehouse buildings parts and other parts de-
signated for other annexed usages.
Area of the fire sector in the warehouse buildings
as per the hazard of its contents
Type of hazard in the Area of the fire sector in M2 as per the floor
Warehouse buildings Ground Floor Vault & other upper floors
Low hazard 5000 m2 1500 m2
Medium hazard 3000 m2 1000 m2
High fire risk 1000 m2 500 m2
Table No. 11-2
5-2 Vertical spread of the fire: The protection conditions in the engineering field are to be
applied.
5-2-1 If there are multiple storeys, each floor is considered as an independent fire sector.
5-3 External spread of the fire: The protection conditions in the engineering field are to be
applied.
5-3-1 The external walls located at the perimeters of the property on the neighbouring side must
be built of concrete and blocks.
ments to the warehouse buildings must be made easy.
6-2 Occupying/absorbing capacity: The absorbing capacity is estimated as per the details
incorporated in the chapter “escape (emergency exits) routes under table number 3-4. With
regard to the other utilization places, the absorbing capacity of each one is determined in
(emergency exits)”. However, the width of the main corridors in the warehouse buildings
must be not less than (2 meters) and of the sub-corridors 1.5 meters in any circumstance.
6-4 Travel distance: The travel distance from any point of access to the final exit or to the
protected stairs must not be more than the figures mentioned in table 11-3.
Calculation of travel and direct distances in the warehouse buildings
Location Type of Hazard Floors

Ground Basement
Direct distance inside the section Low or medium 15 10

High 7.5 7.5
Travel distance to the exit or to Low 40 20

the protected stair Medium 30 15
High 20 10
Dead end Low or medium 7.5 7.5

High Not necessary Not necessary
Table 11-3
“fire escape routes (emergency exits). However the width of the main corridors must be not
less than 2 meters and of sub-corridors 1.5 meters in any condition.
6-5-1 If the storage places are not stable and corridors are not clear, the corridors must be painted
with reflecting paints to make the corridor, work area or store very clear.
6-6-1 The number of the exits must be in accordance with the general conditions which must be
not less than two independent exits at the ends of the building and on the external wall,
each of them leading to outside.
6-6-2 All the exits must lead directly to the outer side or to a stair or a corridor protected from fire
and separated from the building with an isolated area.
6-6-3 One exit is accepted in the case of warehouse buildings categorized under low or medium
fire hazard after taking the approval of the civil defence authority if it is adhered to the
following conditions:
6-6-3-1 The depth or direct distance inside the section must not be more than 15 meters.
6-6-3-2 The travel distance from the sectional door to the final end or to the protected stair must not
be more 30 meters.
6-6-3-3 The travel distance to the closed-up ends must not be more than 7.5 meters.
6-6-3-4 To comply with the remaining conditions of the fire escape routes.
6-7-1 The number of the stairs must be not less than two (2) for each floor, independent at the
ends of the building and on the external wall and each of them must be leading directly to
the outer side of the building.
6-8 Final exit: In all circumstances, the fire escape routes (emergency exits) must be leading to
the final exit which in turn gives access to outside of the building.
6-9 In sections having other utilizations in the warehouse buildings of high fire risk, the
conditions related to that or more conditions whichever is more protective shall be applied.
It is necessary to provide precautionary protection measures in the engineering services in

accordance with the general conditions of the engineering services in addition to the
conditions prescribed in table 11-4.
Fire Fighting Equipments for the Warehouse & Car Park Buildings
As per the category, height and constructional classification
Type Circumstances


b) Dry riser network Not required
c) Wet riser network Not required
d) External fire hydrant network In warehouse building of high fire risk.

a) Automatic fire fighting water sprinklers Vault, and warehouse buildings of
medium or high fire risk.

b) Automatic fire alarm network In warehouse buildings of medium or
high risk places in warehouse of low
risk.
Table No. 11-4

trating in table 11-5.
ventive conditions.
Fire prevention engineering services in warehouse & car park buildings

2 Lighted signboard Vaults and fire escape routes
3 Emergency light network Vaults and fire escape routes
4 Additional electric source Not required.
5 Fire lift Not required.

Table 11-5
ARABIC REFERENCES
(01) Rules and instructions of safety and protection from fire issued by UAE.
(02) Rules and instructions of safety from fire issued by the Sultanate.
(03) Rules and instructions of safety and protection from fire issued by Kuwait.
(04) Rules and instructions of safety and protection from fire issued by KSA.
(05) Rules of electricity service connection to the buildings issued by KSA.
(06) Rules of electricity extensions to buildings issued by KSA.
(07) Rules for protection from electric sources issued by KSA.
(08) Organization and issue of electricity practising licences issued by KSA.
(09) GSS of escalators for persons and goods in its full parts.
(10) Requirements of safety and security of escalators/elevators for persons and goods issued by
Civil Defence of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
FOREIGN REFERENES
(01) Life Safety Code Handbook, NEPA Seventh Edition – 1997.

(02) Fire Protection Handbook, NEPA Eighteenth Edition – 1997.
(03) Neufert Ernst, Architects’ data, Blackwell Science, Second (International), English
Edition 1978.
ROYAL OMAN POLICE
DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF CIVIL DEFENCE
REQUIREMENTS OF FIRE PREVENTION AND

PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS
PART ONE
INTRODUCTION
Pursuant to the directives of Their Highnesses and Their Excellencies Ministers of Interior of AGCC
States in their session held in Muscat during the period from 29th to 30th Jamadil Akhira 1417 AH
coinciding with 10th to 11th November 1996, to the Technical Committee of the Secretariat of the
Council States to develop the safety and protective supervision measures of the constructions, the
Secretariat General of AGCC has the pleasure to present these “Requirements of Fire Prevention and
Protection in Buildings”* as part of the group fire prevention systems that aim at protecting the lives
of the individuals working in those buildings in the Council States.
Further, the Secretariat General of Gulf Cooperation Council Countries would like to convey its thanks
to all those who contributed in developing this work and appreciation for all the efforts exerted in
order to apply these conditions and requirements aiming at protecting the individuals and proper-
ties. The application of these requirements would manifest and translate the extreme cooperation
and the goals of the leaders of Gulf Cooperation Council that endeavor to protect the national wealth
from the hazards that it meets in the modern life.
Best Regards,
SECRETARY GENERAL
* Accredited by the decision of Inspector General of Police and Customs No. 77/2002 as Omani
requirements and published in Official Gazette No. 727.
REQUIREMENTS OF FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS
SECTION ONE
1 TITLE
1.1 This regulation is known as the Requirements of Fire Prevention and Protection in Buildings
and referred to hereinafter as “the Regulation” or “This Regulation”.
2 OBJECTIVE
2.1 The objective of this regulation is to identify the minimum requirements of fire prevention
measures for protection of the occupants of the buildings from the perils of fire without
hindering their daily usage of building.
3 SCOPE
3.1 This regulation relates to the requirements for protecting the individuals from fire and similar
emergency situations.
3.2 This regulation took into consideration of the panic situation that may occur as a
consequence of fire in buildings through requirements that are designated to eliminate the
reasons for panic in emergency cases.
3.3 Many factors, most important of which are as follows, were taken into consideration on deve-
loping this regulation:
3.3.1 Fire resistance capacity of the construction elements;
3.3.2 Types and levels of protection from fire;
3.3.3 Categories and number of users of the building;
3.3.4 Types of the activities practised in the building.
3.4 This regulation stipulates the minimum required escape routes (emergency exits) for the
users of the building towards safe places inside or outside the building.
3.5 It is observed that the escape routes are not the sole elements for protecting the individuals
tackled by the regulation, however, the regulation does not deal with all the considerations,
and for instance it does not deal with the general awareness to public which is construed as
one of the elements for protecting the individuals.
3.6 The regulation does not take into account the prevention of ordinary personal accidents
(such as falling to the ground) that may result from unawareness of the users of the building
about the safety rules. Further, the regulation focused on protection of the individuals from
fire as a basis for its requirements and it does not consider the protection of the properties
as a basis for its requirements.
3.7 This regulation is not a condition for construction but is used in conjunction with the
regulation for building conditions.
3.8 This regulation is not developed to ensure the safety of those who, either incidentally or
intentionally, ignite the fire or who are near to the ignition point.
4 APPLICATION PROCEDURES
4.1 This regulation applies to all the buildings for which the building permits are issued after its
enforcement.
4.2 In most of the cases it is impractical to apply this regulation on the existing buildings. In
such instance Civil Defence may require additional equipment or alternatives for the
protective precautions required according to this regulation.
4.3 It is permissible for Civil Defence, on issuing construction or operation licences to require
additional equipment or alternatives for the protective precautions required according to this
regulation.
4.4 Any additions to the existing buildings should be subject to the requirements and conditions
of this regulation.
4.5 When a building consists of two or more activities or uses that differ in the extent of their
hazard and could not be segregated, the requirements that are more precautious in favour of
safety of individuals should apply to the different activities or uses.
4.6 None of the requirements set out in this regulation prevents design, installation or use of the
optimal fire protection equipment or more emergency exits or any equipment that positively
affect the protection of the individuals using the building or the equipment that are used in
the same purpose or exceed it as pointed out in this regulation provided that documents
and literature evidencing the efficiency of the substitute should be provided to the Civil
Defence to approve them.
4.7 The fire protection systems, equipment and tools in the building should be maintained to en
sure their permanent operation efficiency.
5 OPERATION AND EXPLOITATION OF THE BUILDING
The buildings whose construction licences are issued after the enforcement of this regulation
would not be allowed to be operated or the building or any part thereof would not be utilized
if they are in breach to this regulation.
The buildings used before the enforcement of this regulation would be allowed to be utilized
provided they should meet the essential conditions:
1. There should be no apparent actual hazard that may affect the users of the building.
2. The classification and activity of the building should remain unchanged. Any change
necessitates application of the conditions and requirements of the regulation. As far
as the escape routes (emergency exits) remain available and the fire protection
systems operate normally, the building could be used while it is under maintenance
or addition or deletion or alteration.
6 ESSENTIALS OF DESIGN
6.1 As mentioned before, the objective of this regulation is to focus on protecting the users of
the building without hindering their daily uses of such building. This objective could be
achieved by ensuring the application of the minimum prevention requirements of fire protec-
tion in the buildings and fixtures that could be briefed in the following considerations:
6.1.1 It should be taken into consideration that the structural frame and building are designed, pr-
epared, operated and maintained to evade the hazards to lives of users of the building from
fire, smoke, vapors and panic in the cases of the emergency and allow evacuation of the
building in emergency cases.
6.1.2 Ensure that the structural frame of the building could stand the impacts of the fire during the
period of evacuation of tenants in emergency cases.
6.1.3 To ensure, at the time of designing the building and before commencing its construction, the
availability of appropriate escape routes (emergency exits) for each fixture or building in
terms of number, capacity and location, the height of the building, type of materials used in
construction and should be taken into consideration of the type of building, its uses and
users, fire protection equipments to be compulsorily made available.
6.1.4 Ensure the availability of escape routes (emergency exits) without depending on the firefigh-
ting methods.
6.1.5 It is not always necessary to fully evacuate the building in order to escape from fire. The
building may consist of horizontal evacuation point protected from smoke or leakage of gases
from other floors or areas of the building. Such protected area should allow relative safety till
the elimination of the emergency incident.
6.1.5 Ensure, during the design stage, that the escape routes are free from obstacles and that the
direction of doors opening in design and execution match with the escape route.
6.1.7 Ensure placing the signals indicating the escape route so that no confusion would occur
during evacuation.
6.1.8 Ensure providing sufficient lighting and appropriate alarm systems in the building and
insulate the vertical holes from the other parts of the building.
6.1.9 Ensure providing the minimum requirements of fire protection as set out in this regulation.
6.1.10 Give a chance, on designing, for provision of further requirements of protection that give
more life time to the use of building.
General Index
FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN INSTALLATIONS

SECTION ONE
PAGE CHAPTER NAME OF CHAPTER
1 One General Preventive Requirements for Fire Protection in Installations.
32 Two General Requirements of Firefighting and Fire Alarm Systems.
54 Three General Requirements of Escape Routes (Emergency Exits).
83 Four General Requirements of Engineering Services.
104 Five Fire Prevention and Protection Requirements in Assembly Buildings.
113 Six Fire Prevention and Protection Requirements in Educational Buildings.
122 Seven Fire Prevention & Protection Requirements in (Health & Social) Care
Buildings.
130 Eight Fire Prevention and Protection Requirements in Residential Buildings.
144 Nine Fire Protection & Prevention Requirements in Commercial Buildings

and Public Markets.
156 Ten Fire Protection & Prevention Requirements in Industrial Installations &
Industrial Works Shops.
164 Eleven Fire Protection & Prevention Requirements in Warehouses and Car
Parks Buildings.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE
PAGE CODE NAME OF CHAPTER
4 1 Definitions.
7 2 Classification of the buildings and installations:
7 2/1/1 * Classification of buildings and fixtures in terms of its nature of usage.
9 2/1/3 * Classification of buildings & fixtures in terms of hazard of its contents.
9 3 Documentary role of building permits and usage.
9 4 Design, supervision and execution.
9 5 Requirements of site organization for fire prevention:
10 5/4 * Access of Civil Defence vehicles.
10 5/5 * Access of Civil Defence men.
11 6 Structural and building materials requirements:
11 6/2 * Structural classification of the buildings.
11 6/3 * Specifications of building materials.
15 7/1 * Fire prevention units.
15 7/2 * Fire resisting barriers.
16 7/3 * The concealed void.
18 7/4 * External spread of fire between fire sectors.
19 7/5 * Fire spreading at the terrace level between the sectors.
20 7/6 * Fire spreading in the buildings.
22 8 Structural requirements of building construction elements:
22 8/1 * Structural frame.
23 8/8 * Internal breakers.
24 8/9 * Suspended (false) ceiling.
24 8/10 * Thermal insulation covering.
25 8/11 * Fire resisting doors.
26 8/12 * Steel structural frame.
28 8/13 Plastic building materials.
29 9 General requirements of different sectors of the building (like Vault, Mezzanine floor,
skylight (light-hole) & others).
29 9/1 * Vault.
30 9/2 * Skylight (light-hole)
30 9/3 * Mezzanine floor.
CHAPTER TWO
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF FIRE FIGHTING AND FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
PAGE CODE CHAPTER TWO: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF FIRE FIGHTING & FIRE
ALARM SYSTEMS
35 1 Objective.
35 2 Fields of application.
35 3 Design requirements.
35 4 Licence requirements.
35 5 Maintenance requirements.
35 6 Training requirements.
35 7 Classification of firefighting systems and equipments.
36 7/1 Manual firefighting equipments:
36 7/1/1 * Manual fire extinguishers.
36 7/2 ** Types of fire extinguishers:
36 7/2/1 ** Water extinguishers.
36 7/2/2 ** Foam extinguishers.
37 7/3/2 ** Carbon dioxide gas extinguishers (co2).
37 7/4/2 ** Dry powder extinguishers.
37 7/52 ** Vaporized liquid extinguishers.
37 7/3 How to select the appropriate fire extinguishers.
37 7/4 Types of fires:
37 7/1/4 * Fire type (a)
37 7/2/4 * Fire type (b)
38 7/3/4 * Fire type (c)
38 7/4/4 * Fire type (d)
38 7/5 General aspects of distributing manual fire extinguishers.
39 7/6 Distribution of manual firefighting extinguishers.
47 7/7 Fixed firefighting equipments:
47 7/7/1 * Rubber hose reels.
47 7/7/2 * Dry riser.
47 7/7/3 * Wet riser.
48 7/7/4 * Foam pumping net.
48 7/7/5 * External water outlets (hydrants).
49 7/8 Fixed automatic firefighting systems and equipments.
49 7/8/1 * Automatic firefighting water sprinklers.
49 7/8/2 * Types of automatic firefighting water sprinklers.
50 7/8/3 * Halon system.
CHAPTER TWO (Contd...)
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF FIRE FIGHTING AND FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
PAGE CODE CHAPTER TWO: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF FIRE FIGHTING & FIRE
ALARM SYSTEMS
50 7/8/4 * Carbon dioxide (co2) system.

51 7/8/5 * Dry chemical powder system.
52 7/8/6 * Foam and water system
52 7/8/7 * Automatic fixed unit (Modeler extinguisher)
53 7/9 Fire alarm systems.
53 7/9/1 * Manual alarm system.
53 7/9/2 * Automatic alarm system.
CHAPTER THREE
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ESCAPE ROUTES (EMERGENCY EXITS)

(EMERGENCY EXITS)
57 1 Components of the escape routes (emergency exits).

57 2 Application of escape routes (emergency exits) conditions.
57 3 Conditions of escape routes (emergency exits).
58 4 Principles of designing the escape routes (emergency exits).
58 4/1 Travel distance:
60 4/1/1 * Closed end of the escape routes (emergency exits).
60 4/1/2 * Direct distance.
60 4/2 Comprising capacity of the escape routes (emergency exits).
61 4/3 Height of escape routes (emergency exits).
61 4/4 Breadth of escape routes (emergency exits).
63 4/5 Number of escape routes (emergency exits).
64 4/6 Distribution of escape routes (emergency exits).
65 5 General requirements of escape routes (emergency exits).
65 5/1 * Building materials.
65 5/2 * Protection from fire and smoke hazards.
65 5/3 * Protection of openings available in the partition walls.
65 5/4 * Interior finishing of escape routes (emergency exits).
66 6 Lighting in the escape routes (emergency exits).
66 7 Emergency light for escape routes (emergency exits).
67 8 Signals for escape routes (emergency exits).
68 9 Protection from falling while using the escape routes (emergency exits).
69 10 Escape routes (emergency exits) doors:
70 10/4 * Organization of escape routes (emergency exits) doors movement.
72 10/5 * Methods of opening the escape routes (emergency exits) doors.
72 10/6 * Automatic and special doors for escape routes (emergency exits).
72 10/7 * Rolling doors.
72 10/8 * Restriction of the buildings users’ movement and emergency exits.
72 10/9 * Field of vision through the escape routes (emergency exits) doors.
73 11 Escape routes (emergency exits) corridors.
73 11/6 Escape routes (emergency exits) floorings.
74 12 Internal stairs.
74 13 Specifications of escape routes (emergency exits) stairs.
76 14 Protection of escape routes (emergency exits) stairs.
CHAPTER THREE (Contd...)
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ESCAPE ROUTES (EMERGENCY EXITS)

(EMERGENCY EXITS)
76 15 Escape routes (emergency exits) ventilation.

76 15/1 * Natural ventilation.
77 15/2 * Mechanical ventilation.
78 16 Distribution of escape routes (emergency exits) stairs.
78 17 External stairs.
79 18 External bridges, balconies and corridors.
79 19 Ramps.
79 20 Final exit of the escape routes (emergency exits).
80 21 Horizontal exit of the escape routes (emergency exits).
81 22 Special escaping means.
81 22/2 * Spiral stairs.
82 22/3 * Fixed rising ladder.
82 22/4 * Fixed inclined ladder.
82 22/5 * Automatic escape routes (emergency exits).
82 23 External windows.
CHAPTER FOUR
PAGE CODE CHAPTER THREE: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF ENGINEERING

SERVICES
86 1 Central air-conditioning and ventilation.

87 2 Electrical wirings.
90 3 Collection and disposal of garbage.
90 4 Hot water and vapor boilers.
91 5 Mobile electrical ladders.
91 6 Electric elevators.
91 6/4 * Fire lift.
92 6/5 * Lift well.
93 6/6 * Lift equipments room.
93 6/7 * Lift vehicle (cabin)
94 6/8 * Electric power lift riser.
94 6/9 * Periodical maintenance and inspection of elevators.
95 7 Liquid fuel tanks.
95 8 Liquid fuel storage room.
96 9 Gas fuel tank.
96 10 Cooking vapor expelling or disposal chimneys.
97 11 Airing and smoke disposal.
98 12 Fire protection requirements of central liquefied gas fuel system in the building:
98 12/1 * Estimation of the size of central gas fuel tank.
98 12/2 * Selecting the central gas fuel tank size.
99 12/3 * Specifications of central gas fuel tank and its systems.
100 12/4 * Choosing the site of central gas fuel tank.
101 12/5 Central gas fuel tank fencing.
101 12/6 Protection requirements when using (portable liquefied gas) cylinders in central
system.
101 12/7 Storage of the portable liquefied gas cylinders.
101 12/8 Organizer of the portable liquefied gas cylinders.
101 12/9 Supply of liquefied petroleum gas through central network.
CHAPTER FIVE
FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN ASSEMBLY BUILDINGS
PAGE CODE CHAPTER FIVE: FIRE PREVENTION & PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS

IN ASSEMBLY BUILDINGS
106 1 Definition.
106 2 Hazard of the fire.
106 4 Mixed usage.
107 6/2 * Comprising capacity.
107 6/3 * Volume.
108 6/7 * Exits.
109 6/8 * Stairs.
109 7 Fire alarm and firefighting equipments.
111 9 Special preventive conditions of “cinema and theatre floor”.
CHAPTER SIX
FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS

IN EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS
116 1 Definition.
116 2 Hazard of the fire.
117 4 Mixed usage.
117 6/3 * Volume.
117 6/4 * Movement distance.
118 6/7 * Exits.
119 6/8 * Ramps
119 6/9 * Stairs.
CHAPTER SEVEN
FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN CARE BUILDINGS

IN CARE BUILDINGS
124 1 Definition.
124 2 Hazards of the fire.
125 4 Mixed usage.
126 6/3 * Volume.
126 6/7 * Exits.
126 6/8 * Ramps
127 6/9 * Stairs.
127 6/10 * Horizontal exit.
CHAPTER EIGHT
FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
133 1 Divisions of residential buildings as per its type of use.

133 1st Preventive measures to the group residential buildings.
133 1-1 Definition of group residential buildings.
134 4 Mixed usage.
135 6 Routes of escapes.
135 6/2 * Volume.
136 6/6 * Exits.
136 6/7 * Ramps
136 6/8 * Stairs.
CHAPTER NINE
PREVENTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE PROTECTION IN COMMERCIAL
BUILDINGS & PUBLIC MARKETS.
PAGE CODE CHAPTER NINE: PREVENTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE PROTECTION

IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS & PUBLIC MARKETS.
147 1 Definition.
147 2 Risks of the fire.
148 4 Mixed usage.
149 6/2 * Volume.
150 6/6 * Exits.
150 6/7 * Ramps
150 6/8 * Stairs.
154 9 Special preventive conditions of “central shops and markets”.
CHAPTER TEN
FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS
PAGE CODE CHAPTER NINE: FIRE PREVENTION & PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS

IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS
158 1 Definition.
158 2 Risks of the fire.
159 4 Mixed usage.
160 6/3 * Volume.
160 6/4 * Movement distance.
160 6/6 * Exits.
161 6/7 * Stairs.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
PREVENTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE PROTECTION IN CAR PARKS AND
WARE HOUSES BUILDING
PAGE CODE CHAPTER ELEVEN: PREVENTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE

PROTECTION IN CAR PARKS AND WARE HOUSES BUILDINGS
167 1 Definition.
168 4 Mixed usage.
169 6/2 * Volume.
170 6/6 * Exits.
170 6/7 * Stairs.
170 6/9 * Sectors having other usages.
172 9 Special preventive conditions of “Car Parking Lots”.
CHAPTER ONE
GENERAL PREVENTIVE REQUIREMENTS OF FIRE PROTECTION
IN INSTALLATIONS
9 1-1 Classification of buildings and installations in terms of their hazards.

12 1-2 Classification of buildings & fixtures in terms of their resistance to fire.
14 1-3 Division of buildings to fire spreading resisting units.
15 1-4 The minimum limit of fire resistance of the structure in the buildings.
16 1-5 Resistibility of partitions to the spreading of fire as per the grade of danger in the
sections that they separate.
21 1-6 The distance required between the buildings and land boundary (perimeters of the
property) based on the height of the building and width of the openings at the
external frontage.
22 1-7 Rate of fire resistance required to the structural frame.
24 1-8 Grades of spreading fire to some of building materials.
CHAPTER TWO
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENTS AND SYSTEMS
41 1-2 Selection & methods of distributing the (a) type fire extinguishers.
42-45 2-2 Selection & methods of distributing the (b) type fire extinguishers.
46 2-3 Selection & methods of distributing the (c & d) types fire extinguishers
CHAPTER THREE
GENERAL CONDITIONS OF EMERGENCY EXITS
58 1-3 Movement distance in various areas of the buildings.

60 3-2 The minimum limit of width to the escape routes (emergency exits)
61 3-3 Duration of building evacuation in cases of fire.
62 3-4 Estimating the number of building users (occupants).
63 3-5 Number of exits required for specific number of people.
CHAPTER FIVE
FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN
ASSEMBLY BUILDINGS
108 5-1 No. of exits required in public halls like cinema and theatre.
110 5-2 Firefighting equipment required in assembly buildings as per its category, height and
structural classification.
110 5-3 Requirements of firefighting water sprinklers in the assembly buildings as per its
category, height and structural classification.
111 5-4 Fire fighting related engineering services required in assembly buildings.
CHAPTER SIX
FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS
116 6-1 Fitness of the buildings in terms of construction for using the same for educational
purposes.
118 6-2 Calculation of travel and direct distances of didactic buildings.
120 6-3 Firefighting equipment required for educational buildings as per its category, height
121 6-4 Distribution of fire alarm equipment in educational buildings.
121 6-5 Firefighting related engineering services for educational buildings.
CHAPTER SEVEN
FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN CARE BUILDINGS
124 7-1 Fitness of the buildings in terms of construction for using them as welfare buildings.
126 7-2 Calculation of travel and direct distances of care buildings.
128 7-3 Firefighting equipment required for care buildings as per its category, height and
structural classification.
129 7-4 Firefighting related engineering services for educational buildings.
CHAPTER EIGHT
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
134 8-1 Fitness of the buildings in terms of construction to use them as residential buildings.
135 8-2 Calculation of travel and direct distances of the residential buildings.
138 8-3 (a) Firefighting equipments required for type (a) residential buildings that are
139 8-3 (b) Firefighting equipments required for type (b) residential buildings which are
comprised of rooms or separate permanent dormitories or in group as per its
140 8-3 (c) Firefighting equipments required for type (c) buildings that are comprised of
temporary sleeping rooms like hotels and furnished flats as per the category, height
141 8-4 (a) Fire prevention related engineering services required for type (a) building
comprising permanent residential units for a single family (flats) as per its category,
height and structural classifications.
141 8-4 (b) Fire fighting related engineering services required for type (b) residential buildings
which are comprised of rooms or separate permanent dormitories or in group as per
its category, height and structural classification.
141 8-4 (c) Firefighting related engineering services required for type (c) buildings that
are comprised of temporary sleeping rooms like hotels and furnished flats as per its
CHAPTER NINE
FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN COMMERCIAL
BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC MARKETS
147 9-1 Fitness of the buildings in terms of construction for using the same as commercial
buildings.
149 9-2 Calculation of travel distance and direct distances of the commercial buildings.
152 9-3 (a) Firefighting equipment and alarm systems required for type (a) commercial buildings
which are comprised of trading shops as per its category, height and structural
classification.
153 9-3 (b) Firefighting equipment and alarm systems required for type (b) commercial buildings
comprising offices as per its category, height and structural classification.
154 9-4 (a) Firefighting related engineering services required for type (a) buildings comprising
shops.
154 9-4 (b) Firefighting related engineering services required for type (b) buildings comprising
of shops.
CHAPTER TEN
INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS
158 10-1 Fitness of the buildings in terms of construction to use them as industrial buildings.
159 10-2 Area of fire sector in the industrial buildings as per the hazard of its operations.
160 10-3 Calculation of travel and direct distances of industrial buildings.
162 10-4 Firefighting equipment required for the industrial buildings in accordance with its
163 10-5 Firefighting related engineering services for industrial buildings.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN CAR PARKS AND
WAREHOUSE BUILDINGS
168 11-1 Fitness of the buildings in terms of construction to use them for storage purposes.
168 11-2 Area of fire sector in the warehouse buildings as per its hazard.
169 11-3 Calculation of travel distance and direct distances in the warehouse buildings.
171 11-4 Firefighting equipment required for warehouse buildings in accordance with its
172 11-5 Firefighting related engineering services for warehouse buildings.
173 11-6 Firefighting equipment required for car park buildings in accordance with its
174 11-7 Firefighting related engineering services for car parking buildings.

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FIRE CODE

ROYAL OMAN POLICE

PAGE CODE NAME OF CHAPTER

PAGE SCHEDULE # NAME OF THE SCHEDULE

9 1-1 Classification of buildings and installations in terms of their hazards

PLOT OF LAND (QUADRANGULAR):

A large area of land with no roads inside to divide it.

UNITS OBSTRUCTING SPREAD OF FIRE:

BARRIERS THAT BLOCK SPREAD OF FIRE:

FALSE CEILING (MEZZANINE):

* or it is a floor in between two main floors.

It is a means of vertical transportation/movement from one floor to another in the building.

FIRE RESISTING WALL:

PERIOD OF TIME OF EVACUATION:

EXTERNAL SPREAD OF FIRE:

FIRE RESISTING DOOR:

DRY RISER NETWORK:

WET RISER NETWORK:

EXTERNAL FIRE HYDRANTS:

FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS:

MINIMUM LIMIT OF CRITICAL EXCESS RADIATION:

2.1.1.1 Assembly buildings,

2.1.1.2 Educational buildings

2.1.1.3 Health and social care buildings,

2.1.1.4 Residential buildings,

2.1.1.5 Commercial buildings and public markets,

2.1.1.6 Industrial installation buildings and industrial professions buildings,

2.1.1.7 Warehouses and car park buildings,

2.1.1.8 Buildings of special nature

2.1.2.1 Assembly buildings:

Worshiping places Courts

Lecture halls Meeting halls

Display halls Bank halls

Museums and theatres Large libraries

Sports clubs and covered playgrounds

2.1.2.2 Educational buildings:

2.1.2.3 Health and Social Care Buildings:

2.1.2.4 Residential Buildings:

* Buildings formed of rooms or sleep places for permanent accommodation in a single

* Accommodation buildings of small villas and private palaces.

2.1.2.5 Commercial Buildings and Public Markets:

Wholesale and retail shops Light crafts shops

Commercial malls Tailoring and barbers shops

Business administration offices Small banking services

Institutional offices Companies offices

Consultancy or engineering offices Real estate etc… offices

2.1.1.6 Industrial Installation Buildings and Industrial Professions Buildings:

Dairy factories Furniture factories

Premises of different factories Printing presses

Labs of hazardous chemicals Central laundries

Industrial crafts buildings Different types of industrial workshops.

2.1.1.7 Warehouses and Car Park Buildings:

Car Parks Horses Stables

Feedstock stores Foodstuff stores “fridges”

2.1.1.8 Buildings of special nature:

Classification of Buildings in Terms of their Hazard

Extent of Hazard Description

Mild hazard These are the buildings of weak combustion materials

Medium Hazard The buildings whose contents burn in medium speed

Table No. 1.1

3 DOCUMENTARY CYCLES FOR ALLOCATING BUILDING AND UTILIZATION

4 DESIGNING, SUPERVISION AND EXECUTION

5 REQUIREMENTS FOR ORGANIZING SITES FOR PROTECTION FROM FIRE