Fire & Life Safety Report

BSB-RE-001 - REV 01
FIRE & LIFE SAFETY REPORT
PREPARED FOR:
BREWER SMITH BREWER GULF &
JLW MIDDLE EAST
REGARDING:
CITY OF LIGHTS
SITE
PLOT RT-3-C1 & PART RT-C12
CITY OF LIGHTS – PLOT RT-3-C1 & PART RT-C12

REPORT REGISTER
The following report register documents the development and issue of this
and each subsequent report(s) undertaken by Design Confidence Middle
East LLC.
The technical and intellectual content contained herein remain the property
of Design Confidence Middle East LLC and have been prepared and may
only be used, for the development being the subject of this report.
Our Reference Remarks Issue Date
PM02509.1.TS Fire & Life Safety Report issued to client 09/08/09

for review and comment
PM02509.2.TS UPDATED Fire & Life Safety Report issued 10/09/09

to reflect additional MEP comments

CONTENTS PAGE
1.0 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................1
1.1 General .................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Purpose of Report .................................................................................................................. 1
1.4 Documentation Provided for Assessment ...................................................................... 2
1.5 Report Exclusions .................................................................................................................. 2
2.0 DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION ..............................................................3
2.1 General .................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Number of Stories .................................................................................................................. 3
2.3 Building Height ....................................................................................................................... 3
2.4 Sprinkler Protection............................................................................................................... 3
2.5 Type of Construction ............................................................................................................ 3
2.6 Building Floor Area Limitation ............................................................................................ 3
3.0 CLASSIFICATION OF OCCUPANCY & OCCUPANT LOAD .................4
3.1 General .................................................................................................................................... 4
3.2 Classification of Occupancy & Hazard of Contents.................................................... 4
3.3 Occupant Load ..................................................................................................................... 5
3.4 High Rise Structure ................................................................................................................ 6
3.5 Basement Level Car Parking (B3 – B1) ............................................................................ 7
4.0 MEANS OF EGRESS...............................................................................8
4.1 General .................................................................................................................................... 8
4.2 Number of Exits ...................................................................................................................... 9
4.3 Capacity of Exits.................................................................................................................... 9
4.4 Remoteness of Exits .............................................................................................................. 9
4.5 Dead – end Distances.......................................................................................................... 9

4.6 Common Path Limit ............................................................................................................ 10
4.7 Travel Distance Limit........................................................................................................... 10
4.8 Construction of Means of Egress..................................................................................... 11
4.9 Changes in Level in Means of Egress ............................................................................ 13
4.10 Stairs........................................................................................................................................ 14
4.11 Exit Discharge....................................................................................................................... 17
4.12 Areas of Refuge & Helipad ............................................................................................... 17
5.0 FEATURES OF FIRE PROTECTION.........................................................19
5.1 General .................................................................................................................................. 19
5.2 Base Fire Ratings – Type I (442) ....................................................................................... 19
5.3 Special Provisions................................................................................................................ 20
5.4 Penetrations & Openings into Exit Enclosures.............................................................. 22
5.5 Fire & Smoke Compartments ........................................................................................... 23
5.6 Opening Protective’s.......................................................................................................... 23
5.7 Fire Department Access.................................................................................................... 28
6.0 BUILDING SERVICE & FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT .......................30
6.1 General .................................................................................................................................. 30
6.2 Smoke Control ..................................................................................................................... 30
6.3 Elevators ................................................................................................................................ 36
6.4 Fire Suppression ................................................................................................................... 37
6.5 Portable Fire Extinguishers ................................................................................................ 39
6.6 Marking of Means of Egress ............................................................................................. 40
6.7 Standpipes and Hose Reels.............................................................................................. 40
6.8 Standby Power ..................................................................................................................... 41
6.9 Emergency Command Centre........................................................................................ 42
7.0 INTERIOR FINISH, CONTENTS AND FURNISHINGS .............................44

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL
This Fire & Life Safety Report has been prepared at the request of Brewer
Smith Brewer Gulf and JLW Middle East, as relates to the proposed City of
Lights development on Plots RT3-C1 & Part RT C-12 Reem Island within the
Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
This report is based upon, and limited to, the information depicted in the
documentation provided for assessment, and does not make any
assumptions regarding ‘design intention’ or the like.
The content provided herein is subject to the proposed development

only which forms the basis of this assessment and the report is valid
subject to no design modifications having occurred, other than those for
which a formal opinion has been expressly provided by Design
Confidence Middle East LLC or the relevant Authority Having Jurisdiction.
From the documentation provided for assessment, the design is

proposed to encompass –
(a) The construction of a single building containing multiple

occupancy classifications, of both ‘mixed’ and ‘separated’
occupancies, namely –
(i) Storage (Car parking);
(ii) Industrial (Plant);
(iii) Business (Offices);
(iv) Assembly (Restaurants / Clubs); and
(v) Mercantile (Food and Beverage / Retail).
(b) Various civil and landscaping works around the perimeter of the
site to permit general and emergency services vehicular access.
1.2 PURPOSE OF REPORT
The purpose of this report is to assess the architectural and services

design strategy and identify the principal ‘fire safety design features’
applicable to the proposed development in the context of NFPA 101 Life
Safety Code – 2009, the NFPA 5000 Building Construction and Safety
Code – 2006 and the local code requirements of the Abu Dhabi Civil
Defence Authority.
1|P a g e City of Lights – Plot RT-3-C1 & Part RT-C12

This report is a ‘live document’ continuously updated as per further input
received and consideration provided from the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence
Authority, the Main Contractor, Architectural Consultant, Structural
Consultant and the Services Design team.
In reviewing the contents herein, it is highlighted that this report contains

seven (7) distinct Parts, namely –
(a) Part 1.0 - Introduction
(b) Part 2.0 - Development Description
(c) Part 3.0 - Classification of Occupancy & Occupant

Load
(d) Part 4.0 - Means of Egress
(e) Part 5.0 - Features of Fire Protection
(f) Part 6.0 - Building Service and Fire Protection

Equipment
(g) Part 7.0 - Interior Finish, Contents and Furnishings
1.4 DOCUMENTATION PROVIDED FOR ASSESSMENT
This fire and life safety assessment is based upon the approved Civil
Defence documentation prepared by BSBG and Design Confidence
Middle East LLC.
1.5 REPORT EXCLUSIONS
It is conveyed that this report should not construed to infer that an

assessment for compliance with the following has been undertaken –
(a) Structural and Services design documentation;
(b) General Building Services (i.e. passenger lifts);
(c) The individual requirements of service authorities (i.e. Emirates

Integrated Telecommunications Company DU, Etisalat, Electricity
and Water Authorities etc);
(d) Other National NFPA Fire Codes that are not listed or referenced
within this report; and
(e) Non fire and life safety provisions of NFPA 101 – 2009 and
NFPA 5000 – 2006.

2.0 DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION
2.1 GENERAL
For the purposes of NFPA 101 – 2009 and NFPA 5000 – 2006, the subject
development may be described as contained below.
2.2 NUMBER OF STORIES
(a) Three Basement Levels (3B);
(b) One (1) Ground Floor Level (1G);
(c) Six (6) Podium Levels (6L); and
(d) Fifty Four (54) above Ground Levels (54).
2.3 BUILDING HEIGHT
The ‘building height’ is calculated from grade to the highest finished roof
surface as exceed 23m in effective height, hence the building is
considered to be a ‘high rise structure’.
2.4 SPRINKLER PROTECTION
All parts of the development shall be protected throughout with an

automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13 – Standard for
the Installation of Sprinkler Systems – 2007.
2.5 TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
Based upon the classification of occupancy & hazard of contents,

building height and the provision of sprinkler protection, a minimum Type
of Construction of Type I (442) shall be achieved.
2.6 BUILDING FLOOR AREA LIMITATION
Pursuant to the requirements of NFPA, no limitation on floor area applies

to the development. 1
1 Whilst NFPA does not have any building area floor limitation, it is noted that the ADCDA
have requested that the combined car park be separated into two distinct and
separate fire rated compartments.

3.0 CLASSIFICATION OF OCCUPANCY & OCCUPANT LOAD
3.1 GENERAL
The information contained within this Part of the report identifies in two
separate sections the –
(a) Classification of Occupancy & Hazard of Contents; and
(b) The Occupant Load applicable to each floor of the building.
3.2 CLASSIFICATION OF OCCUPANCY & HAZARD OF CONTENTS
Tables 3.2.1 below, identifies the ‘Occupancy Classification’ and ‘Hazard

of Contents’ rating for each floor of the development.
Additionally, where different classifications abut one another, it identifies

whether the circumstance is “Mixed” or “Separated” occupancy.
Table 3.2.1 – Occupancy Classification & Hazard of Contents
CLASSIFICATION HAZARD OCCUPANCY
Level B3
Storage (Car parking) Ordinary Separated
Industrial (Plant) Ordinary Separated
Level B2 & B1
Industrial (Plant) Ordinary / High Separated
Ground Level
Assembly (F & B) Ordinary Separated
Podium 1 – 6
Level 7 - 30
Business (Office) Ordinary Separated
Level 31 – 31A
Business (Area of refuge) Ordinary Separated

Table 3.2.1 – Occupancy Classification & Hazard of Contents (Continued)
CLASSIFICATION HAZARD OCCUPANCY
Level 32 - 57
Business (Office) Ordinary Separated
Level 58
Storage Ordinary Separated
Level 59
Assembly (Restaurant) Ordinary Separated
Level 60
Assembly (Exec. Lounge) Ordinary Separated
Lift Motor Room
Industrial (Plant) High Separated
3.3 OCCUPANT LOAD
Calculation of the ‘Occupant Load’ is necessary to ensure the provision

of adequate exit facilities for each floor and part of the proposed
development.
This calculation need be performed in accordance with NFPA 101- 2009,

utilising the ‘occupant load factors’ specified therein for the different
occupancy classifications.
However, with respect to the car parking areas, no specific occupant

load factor applies to a storage (car parking) use.
For these areas, the egress capacity may be determined by performing

a reverse assessment, whereby the total (proposed) exit width is
determined, then divided by the applicable stairway capacity factor
(7.6mm per person).
The tables below identify the (NFPA) Occupant Load for each floor and
part of the proposed development and the cumulative load descending
from the topmost level of the building.

3.4 HIGH RISE STRUCTURE
Table 3.4.1 – Occupant Load

3.5 BASEMENT LEVEL CAR PARKING (B3 – B1)
Table 3.5.1 – Basement Occupant Load – Fire Compartment 1
LEVEL STAIR 1 STAIR 2 STAIR 3 HOR. TOTAL CAP. OCC.

WIDTH WIDTH WIDTH EXIT WIDTH FACTOR LOAD
LEVEL B3 1430MM 2 1430MM 1430MM 900MM 3 5190MM 7.6 / 5 4 744 5
LEVEL B2 1430MM 1430MM 1430MM 900MM 5190MM 7.6 /5 744
Table 3.5.2 – Basement Occupant Load – Fire Compartment 2
LEVEL STAIR 3 STAIR 10 STAIR 11 HOR. TOTAL CAP. OCC.

WIDTH WIDTH WIDTH EXIT WIDTH FACTOR LOAD
LEVEL B3 1430MM 6 1430MM 1430MM 900MM 7 5190MM 7.6 / 5 8 744 9
LEVEL B2 1430MM 1430MM 1430MM 900MM 5190MM 7.6 /5 744
Table 3.5.3 – Basement Occupant Load – Basement 1
PART STAIR 1 STAIR 2 STAIR 3 STAIR 11 TOTAL CAP. OCC.

WIDTH WIDTH WIDTH WIDTH WIDTH FACTOR LOAD
LEVEL B1 1430MM 10 900MM 900MM 1430MM 4660MM 7.6 / 5 11 736 12
2 The 1430mm dimension is the clear and unobstructed width of each of the fire escape
stairways, with only one of the handrails considered as a permitted projection.
3 The 900mm dimension refers to the Horizontal exit required within the fire wall. The
doorways must be able to swing in both directions of the fire wall and have a clear and
unobstructed width of no less than 900mm.
4 Capacity of exits is 7.6mm per person for egress via stairways and 5mm per person for
egress via horizontal exits.
5 744 persons is considered to be the maximum Occupant Load permissible within Fire
Compartment 1 of each of the basement levels
7 The 900mm dimension refers to the Horizontal exit required within the fire wall. The
doorways must be able to swing in both directions of the fire wall and have a clear and
unobstructed width of no less than 900mm.
9 744 persons is considered to be the maximum Occupant Load permissible within Fire
Compartment 1 of each of the basement levels.

4.0 MEANS OF EGRESS
4.1 GENERAL
NFPA 101 – 2009 contains a wide variety of egress related ‘fire safety
design features’ to facilitate the evacuation of building occupants to an
ultimate place of safety.
These features and the evacuation philosophy of NFPA 101 – 2009 and
NFPA 5000 – 2006 need be incorporated into the proposed design, so as
to accommodate any occurrence of a complete building evacuation in
lieu of a ‘partial’ or ‘staged’ evacuation scenario.
Sections 4.2 – 4.12 below, detail the applicable NFPA 101 - 2009 and
NFPA 5000 - 2006 requirements for design compliance, in relation to –
(a) Number of exits (Section 4.2)
(b) Capacity of exits (Section 4.3)
(c) Remoteness of exits (Section 4.4)
(d) Dead-end distances (Section 4.5)
(e) Common path limit (Section 4.6)
(f) Travel distance limit (Section 4.7)
(g) Construction of Means of Egress (Section 4.8)
(h) Changes in Level in Means of Egress (Section 4.9)
(i) Stairs (Section 4.10)
(j) Exit Discharge (Section 4.11)
(k) Areas of Refuge (Section 4.12)
For each of these categories, in all instances where a ‘mixed

occupancy’ exists, the most onerous of the requirements applicable to
the individual occupancy classifications is applied throughout the entire
combined space.
12 744 persons is considered to be the maximum Occupant Load permissible within

Basement Level 1

4.2 NUMBER OF EXITS
At least two exits are provided from each floor of the building; hence the
design achieves compliance with the prescriptive requirements of this
Clause.
4.3 CAPACITY OF EXITS
The width of each of the fire escape stairs have been designed such
that they have a clear width of 1430mm, (with only one handrail as a
permitted projection).
4.4 REMOTENESS OF EXITS
The remoteness of each of the exits are at a distance from one another
of not less than 1/3 of the diagonal length of the overall floor area, with
the measurement taken either –
(i) In a straight line between the nearest edge of the exit doors; or
(ii) Where fire rated corridors within the office levels are provided (1
hour fire rated construction) then through the natural path of
travel between each of the entry doors to the exit stairways.
Based upon the Occupancy Classifications and other characteristics of

the subject development, the proposed design has each of the exits
serving the building remotely located from each other.
4.5 DEAD – END DISTANCES
(a) Business use areas
For the purpose of this particular project, and with recognition of

current ‘local code’ requirements, a maximum dead-end travel
distance of 15-metres has been applied to the business use areas.
(b) Car parking use areas

distance of 15-metres has been applied to the car park use areas.
(c) Assembly use areas

distance of 6.1-metres has been applied to the assembly use
areas.
4.6 COMMON PATH LIMIT

current ‘local code’ requirements, a maximum common path limit
of 30-metres has been applied to the business use areas.

of 15-metres has been applied to the car parking use areas.

of 6.1-metres has been applied to the assembly use areas.
4.7 TRAVEL DISTANCE LIMIT

current ‘local code’ requirements, a maximum overall travel
distance of 91-metres has been applied to the business use areas.

distance of 61-metres has been applied to car park use areas.

distance of 76-metres has been applied to assembly use areas.
10 | P a g e City of Lights – Plot RT-3-C1 & Part RT-C12

4.8 CONSTRUCTION OF MEANS OF EGRESS
(a) Door widths
(i) Doors providing access to and are in the path of travel to

an exit from rooms that have an area not exceeding 6.5-
m2 and are not required to be occupied by disabled
persons shall be provided with a door leaf dimension of at
least 610-mm;
(ii) Doorways serving areas where access for people with

disabilities are not required, shall be provided with door
leaves that have a width of 710-mm;
(iii) The clear and unobstructed width of doorways that

provide access to the fire escape stairways shall be not less
than 900-mm in accordance with the local code
requirements of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Items (i) – (ii) above outline the requirements pursuant to NFPA 101 –
2009. However, with respect to these requirements, it is recommended
that the doorways be increased such that they have door leaf
dimensions of at least 810mm to accord with the local requirements of
the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority.
The Architectural consultant need either provide written confirmation

attesting to the above, or alternatively prepare a detailed door
schedule such that a further assessment of all door widths and leaves
may be undertaken.
(b) Swing of doors
(i) Doors utilised as exits and in exit enclosures swing in the

direction of egress;
(ii) Doors that serve rooms with high hazard contents swing in
the direction of egress;
(iii) During their swing, the doors leave not less than one-half of
the required width unobstructed and must not project
more than 180mm into the required width.

(c) Door Latch
(i) Doors shall be readily openable from the side facing

persons seeking egress whenever the building is occupied;
and
(ii) Locks, where provided shall not require the use of a key,
tool or special knowledge or effort for operation from the
egress side;
(iii) Fire exit or panic hardware shall be provided on all fire

doors and consist of a cross or push pad, the actuating
portion of which extends across not less than one–half of
the width of the door leaf and must be mounted not less
than 865-mm from the floor.
For the door assemblies providing access to each of the fire

escape stairways (serving more than four stories) the following
must also be complied with –
(i) Re entry from the stair enclosure to the interior of the

building must be provided; and
(ii) An automatic release that is actuated with the initiation of

the building fire alarm system shall be provided to unlock all
stair enclosure doors assemblies to allow re entry; or
(iii) Selected re entry shall be provided as follows –
Every fourth storey shall afford occupants with the ability

to leave the stair enclosure and access another exit
(without the doorway to this level being locked);
Re entry must be possible on the top storey or next to

top storey and such storey must provide access to
another exit;
Door assemblies allowing re entry must be identified as

such on the stair side of the door leaf;
Door assemblies not allowing re entry must be provided

with a sign on the stair side indicating the location of
the nearest door opening in each direction of travel
that allows re entry or exit;
The Architectural consultant need either provide written confirmation

attesting to the above, or alternatively prepare a detailed door latch
schedule such that a further assessment may be undertaken.
(d) Minimum Width
No part of the means of egress throughout the building is less than

1120mm.
4.9 CHANGES IN LEVEL IN MEANS OF EGRESS
(a) Thresholds
(i) Thresholds at doorways must not exceed 13mm; and
(ii) Where a threshold is between 6.3mm and 13mm it shall

be bevelled with a slope not steeper than 1:2.
The documentation provided for assessment does not indicate whether

it is proposed to incorporate thresholds at doorways.
As a consequence the Architectural consultant need provide written

confirmation that the design shall comply with the prescriptive
requirements noted above.
(b) Steps
(i) Abrupt changes in elevation of walking surfaces shall not

exceed 6.3mm;
(ii) Changes in elevation between 6.3mm and 13mm shall be

bevelled 1 to 2;
(iii) Changes in elevation not in excess of 535mm shall be

achieved by either a ramp or complying stair with a tread
depth not less than 330 mm.
The documentation provided for assessment does not indicate whether

it is proposed to incorporate any steps as changes in the level of the
means of egress (other than stairways / ramps).
As a consequence the Architectural consultant need provide written

confirmation that the design shall comply with the prescriptive

4.10 STAIRS
(a) Treads and risers
(i) The height of risers shall be not less than 100mm and not
exceed 180mm;
(ii) The minimum tread depth shall be at least 280mm;
(iii) The minimum headroom height shall be at least 2030mm;

and
(iv) The maximum height between landings shall not exceed

3660mm.
(b) Handrails and Guardrails
(i) Stairs and ramps shall have handrails on both sides;
(ii) Single steps or ramps that form part of a curb that separate
a side walk from a vehicular way are not required to be
provided with handrails;
(iii) Handrails shall be continuous for the full length of each

flight and at turns inside handrails must be continuous
between flights at landings;
(iv) Handrails shall be located at a height of between 865 mm

– 965 mm above the nosing of stair treads and be provided
with a clearance of not less than 57mm between the
handrail and the wall;
(v) The handrail height measured above the nosing’s of stair

treads may be increased from 965mm but should not
exceed 1065mm when it forms part of a guardrail;
(vi) Additional handrails that are lower or higher than the main
handrail shall be permitted;
(vii) Handrails must be continuously graspable along their entire

length;
(viii) Handrail ends must be returned to the wall or floor or shall

terminate at newel posts;

(ix) Handrails that are not continuous between flights must
extend horizontally at the required height, not less than
305mm beyond the top riser and continue to slope for a
depth of one tread beyond the bottom riser;
(x) Handrails must include one of the following design

characteristics–
Be a circular cross section with an outside diameter of

between 32mm and 51mm; or
A shape other than circular with a perimeter

dimension of between 100mm and 160mm with the
largest cross sectional dimension not exceeding
57mm.
(xi) The height of guardrails must be measured vertically to the

top of the guard from the adjacent surface and guards
must be at least 1065mm high;
(xii) Open guards must have intermediate rails or an

ornamental patters such that a sphere of 100mm in
diameter is not able to pass through any opening up to a
height of 865mm;
(xiii) The triangular openings formed by the riser, tread and

bottom element of a guardrail at the open side of a stair
must not exceed 150mm in diameter; and
(xiv) Guards must be provided at the open sides of all means of

egress that exceed 760mm above the floor below.
(c) Stairway Markings
Each of the stairways shall be provided with the following

markings at each floor level –
(i) The signage shall indicate the floor level;
(ii) The signage shall indicate the terminus of the top and
bottom of the stair enclosure;
(iii) The signage shall indicate the identification of the stair

enclosure;
(iv) The signage shall indicate the floor level of, and the
direction to, exit discharge;

(v) The signage shall be located inside the enclosure
approximately 1525mm above the floor landing in a
position that is visible when the door is in the open or
closed position;
(vi) Required signs must be painted or stencilled on the wall or

on a separate sign attached securely to the wall;
(vii) The stairway identification letters must be located at the

top of the sign in minimum 25mm high lettering;
(viii) Roof access must be designated by a sign indicating the

words “ROOF ACCESS” and must be located under the
stairway identification letter in 25mm high lettering;
(ix) The floor level number must be located within the middle of
the sign in lettering at least 125mm high. The basement
level is required to have the letter ‘B’ preceding the floor
level;
(x) All signs must be suitably illuminated by a reliable light

source including the provision of emergency lighting and
shall meet the following requirements –
Signs must be continuously illuminated or alternatively

they may be permitted to flash on or off upon the
activation of the fire alarm system. Where flashing is
proposed the rate should be approximately one cycle
per second and the duration of the off time should not
exceed ¼ second per cycle; and
Externally illuminated signs must be illuminated by not

less than 54 lux at the illuminated surface and require a
contrast ration of not less than 0.5.
The documentation provided for assessment does not provide any

detailed information with respect to the design of the proposed stairway
markings.
As a consequence the Architectural consultant need provide

architectural design details of all stairway markings to enable an
assessment of the above to be undertaken.
Alternatively, written confirmation attesting that compliance shall be

achieved with each of the prescriptive items noted above shall also be
acceptable.

4.11 EXIT DISCHARGE
(a) Fire escape stairs
The design does not incorporate any direct connection between

rising and descending parts of stairways.
(b) Exterior ways
The external discharge points of each of the fire escape stairways

and all other ground floor exits shall not be blocked or obstructed
by permanent structures, vehicles or loading bay areas.
4.12 AREAS OF REFUGE & HELIPAD
Pursuant to NFPA 101 – 2009 and NFPA 5000 – 2006, the building, as a
consequence of being provided with a sprinkler system throughout,
need not contain designated ‘Refuge Areas’ as each floor is considered
to serve as an ‘Area of Refuge’.
However, with respect to this item, the development has been classified
as a “super high rise structure” by the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority
and hence need comply with additional local fire and life safety
requirements imposed by the assessing officer on a case by case basis.
To this extent, whilst “extended landing areas” are not required within the
fire escape stairways, Levels 31 & 31A (part thereof) need be designed
to facilitate and accommodate an area sufficient as a “refuge space”
for persons occupying the levels above.
Reference shall be made to the approved Civil Defence documentation

which identifies the location required to be designated as an “area of
refuge”.
This refuge area must be provided with a capacity to accommodate 1/3

of all the occupants of the floors served by the refuge areas, being all
levels above Level 31.
From Table 3.4.1 of our report, the floors above Level 31 are proposed to
accommodate 8085 persons, hence the refuge floors must be of a size
to accommodate 2695 persons (i.e 8085 x 1/3 = 2695 persons).
Each person expected to use the refuge floor must be assigned

0.3m2/person (it is noted that NFPA 101 suggests an occupancy load of
0.28m2/person, but ADCD request that 0.3m2 be assigned to each
person), therefore based on the above expected occupancy of 2695
persons, the refuge area must be no less than 808.5m2.
As ADCD do not have a minimum number of lifts that need serve the
refuge area, the number of lifts to be used in an evacuation
is dependent on the number of lifts to be provided with backup power
and being able to evacuate 2695 persons.
In addition to the above, it is noted that the helipad is not considered as

part of the Fire and Life Safety Evacuation Strategy for the development.
Hence the stair access route that only serves the helipad need not be
pressurised. The fire suppression system for the helipad need be a foam
system with hoses (not automatic – but one operated by the fire
fighters).

5.0 FEATURES OF FIRE PROTECTION
5.1 GENERAL
The design basis for ‘Fire Compartments & Separation’ within the
proposed development is to be based upon the prescriptive provisions of
NFPA 5000 – 2006, with various adjustments to these requirements to
ensure compliance with the local provisions of the Abu Dhabi Civil
Defence Authority.
5.2 BASE FIRE RATINGS – TYPE I (442)
(a) Exterior bearing walls
(i) Supporting more than one floor, columns, or other bearing

walls – 4-hours
(i) Supporting one floor only – 4-hours
(ii) Supporting a roof only – 4-hour
(b) Interior bearing walls

walls – 4-hours
(ii) Supporting one floor only – 3-hours
(iii) Supporting a roof only – 3-hour
(c) Columns

walls – 4-hours
(d) Beams, Girders, Trusses and Arches

walls – 4-hours

(e) Floor – Ceiling assemblies
2-hours
(f) Roof – Ceiling assemblies
2-hours
(g) Interior non-load bearing walls
0-hours
(h) Exterior non-load bearing walls
0-hours
With respect to each of the fire ratings noted above, reference need
also be made to the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence approved
documentation.
It is noted that the approved plans indicate the minimum required fire
ratings for building elements. These minimum requirements do not take
into account load bearing elements.
Hence the higher fire ratings, when comparing the requirements noted
above with those identified on the approved Civil Defence
documentation need be applied.
To this extent the Structural consultant is required to provide written

confirmation that compliance shall be achieved.
5.3 SPECIAL PROVISIONS
Protection of any area having a degree of hazard greater than the

normal to the general occupancy, such as electrical distribution boards /
electrical communication rooms, essential services rooms and storage
areas should be protected in accordance with the local code
requirements enforced by the relevant Authority Having Jurisdiction.
These protection requirements are in addition to the NFPA 5000 – 2006

prescriptive limitations, which ordinarily permit –
(a) Enclosing the area with a fire barrier without windows that has a 1
hour fire resistance rating; or
(b) Protection with automatic extinguishing systems; and

(c) Applying both a 1 hour fire barrier and protection with automatic
extinguishing systems;
As a consequence, the following prescriptive limitations have been

designed for –
(a) The trash collection rooms shall be fire separated with 2 hour fire
rated construction;
(b) The main switchboard rooms (LVMSB) shall be fire separated with 2
hour fire rated construction;
(c) The store rooms and Janitor rooms shall be fire separated with 1
(d) The fire water pump rooms shall be fire separated with 2 hour fire
rated construction;
(e) Sub main telecom rooms shall be fire separated with 1 hour fire
rated construction;
(f) The electrical rooms shall be fire separated with 1 hour fire rated
construction;
(g) The IT rooms shall be fire separated with 1 hour fire rated
construction;
(h) The lift motor rooms shall be fire separated with 2 hour fire rated
construction;
(i) The energy transfer station, generator rooms, high hazard areas
and other mechanical rooms shall be fire separated with 2 hour fire
rated construction;
(j) The emergency command centre shall be fire separated with 2

(k) The “areas of refuge” on Levels 31 & 31A shall be fire separated
with 2 hour fire rated construction;
(l) Public corridors linking each of the business use areas shall be fire
separated with 1 hour fire rated construction;
(m) The fire wall separating the basement car park levels shall be fire
separated with 2 hour fire rated construction.

also be made to the Civil Defence approved documentation.
It is noted that the approved Civil Defence plans indicate the minimum
required fire ratings for building elements. These minimum requirements
do not take into account load bearing elements.
documentation are required to be applied.

5.4 PENETRATIONS & OPENINGS INTO EXIT ENCLOSURES
Penetrations into and openings through each of the fire rated exit
enclosures / stairways shall be limited to the following –
(a) Electrical conduits serving the stairways;
(b) Required exit doors;
(c) Ductwork and equipment necessary for independent stair

pressurisation;
(d) Water or steam piping necessary for the heating or cooling of the
exit enclosure;
(e) Sprinkler piping;
(f) Standpipes;
(g) Penetrations for fire alarm circuits, where the circuits are installed
in metal conduit.
The documentation provided for assessment and the Civil Defence

approved documentation do not indicate whether any penetrations
within exit enclosures are proposed.
This requirement extends to include each of the fire rated corridors that
lead to or discharge from each of the exit enclosures.
To this extent the Architectural and MEP consultant is required to provide

written confirmation that compliance shall be achieved with each of the

5.5 FIRE & SMOKE COMPARTMENTS
In accordance with the prescriptive requirements of NFPA 5000 – 2006,

buildings need be provided with fire compartments only where
separation of different Occupancies are proposed.
To this extent, each Separated Occupancy is permitted to have an

unlimited open floor area, without the provision of fire and or smoke
compartments, subject to the building complying with the Construction
Type requirements of Type I (442) and the building being provided with a
sprinkler system throughout.
However, it is noted that as part of the Civil Defence approval granted

by the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, a condition of consent
included the design and construction of a 2 hour fire rated wall within
the car park areas, such as to limit the size of each of the parking levels.
It is noted that the approved Civil Defence plans indicate the minimum
required fire ratings for building elements. These minimum requirements
do not take into account load bearing elements.
documentation are required to be applied.

5.6 OPENING PROTECTIVE’S
(a) Doorways
The following prescriptive limitations are included within the design

as relates to Opening Protective’s –
(i) Doors to the trash collection rooms need be 90 minute self

closing fire rated door sets;
(ii) Doors to the main switchboard rooms l need be 90 minute

self closing fire rated door sets and fitted with smoke seals;
(iii) Doors to the maintenance rooms need be 60 minute self

(iv) Doors to store rooms and Janitor rooms need be 60 minute

self closing fire rated door sets;

(v) Doors to the fire water pump rooms need be 90 minute self
(vi) Doors to sub main telecom room need be a 60 minute self

closing fire rated door set and fitted with smoke seals;
(vii) The doors to electrical rooms need be 90 minute self

closing fire rated door sets and fitted with smoke seals;
(viii) The doors to the Base Building Service rooms need be 60

minute self closing fire rated door sets and fitted with smoke
seals;
(ix) Lift landing doors need be 90 minute fire rated door sets;
(x) Doors to the energy transfer station, generator rooms, high

hazard areas and other mechanical rooms that open
within the building (not to the outside) need be 90 minute
fire rated door sets;
(xi) The door to the emergency command centre need be a

90 minute fire rated door set;
(xii) The doors providing direct access into the “areas of

refuge” on Levels 31 & 31A need be 90 minute fire rated
door sets;
(xiii) The doors to public corridors linking each of the business

use areas need be 1 hour fire rated door sets;
(xiv) Doors and other openings within the fire wall separating the
basement car park need be 90 minute fire rated door sets.
also be made to the Civil Defence approved documentation.
To this extent the Architectural consultant is required to provide written

confirmation that compliance with each of the above mentioned
requirements shall be achieved.
(b) Fire Stopping
Spaces between sleeves and pipes shall be sealed with fire rated
sealant or similar materials that accord with ASTM E-814 or ANSI/UL
1479 so that the fire resistance of the element is not impaired.

Fire stopping shall also be provided between the external façade
and each of the intervening floors of the building so as to restrict
the interior vertical passage of flames and hot gases from one
floor to another, at the location where the floor intersects the
interior of the exterior curtain wall assembly.
In addition to the above requirements, Chapter 8 of NFPA 5000

provides the overall prescriptive requirements relating to FIRE
RESISTIVE MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTIONS within buildings that
need be complied with.
Further, Clause 8.3.1.2 Ducts and Air Transfer Openings refers to

the provisions of Clause 8.8.8 which governs the materials and
methods of construction required to be used to protect ducts and
air transfer openings in walls.
The provisions of Section 8.8 of NFPA 5000 control the materials

and methods of construction used to protect through
penetrations in fire walls, fire barrier walls and fire resistance
rated horizontal assemblies.
(b) Fire Stop Systems & Devices
The following penetrations must be protected with a fire stop

system or device –
(i) Cable penetrations;
(ii) Cable trays;
(iii) Conduits;
(iv) Pipes;
(v) Tubes;
(vi) Combustion Vents;
(vii) Exhaust vents;
(viii) Electrical;
(ix) Mechanical;
(x) Plumbing; and
(xi) Communication systems.

The fire stop system or device must be tested in accordance with
ASTM E 814, Standard Test Method for Fire Tests of Through
Penetration Fire Stops or UL 1479 and achieve the following fire
ratings –
(i) Where the fire barrier is required to have a 4 hour fire rating,
the fire stop system must also achieve a 4 hour fire rating
(ii) Where the fire barrier is required to have a 3 hour fire rating,
the fire stop system must also achieve a 3 hour fire rating
(iii) Where the fire barrier is required to have a 2 hour fire rating,
the fire stop system must also achieve a 2 hour fire rating.
(iv) Where the fire barrier is required to have a 1 hour fire rating,
the fire stop system must also achieve a 1 hour fire rating.
(c) Ducts and Air Transfer Openings
The following provisions govern the materials and methods of

construction used to protect ducts and air transfer openings in fire
walls, fire resistance rated horizontal assemblies and fire barrier
walls.
(i) Fire dampers must be installed to protect ducts and air

transfer openings that penetrate fire barriers and fire walls;
and
(ii) Fire dampers must be designed and tested in accordance

with the requirements of UL 55, Standard for Fire Dampers
and shall have the following minimum fire protection
rating –
For 3 hour fire resistant rating a 3 hour minimum damper

rating;
For less than a 3 hour fire resistance rating a 1 ½ hour

minimum damper rating.
(d) Location of Fire Dampers
Fire Dampers are required in the following locations –
(i) Ducts and air transfer openings penetrating walls or

partitions having a fire resistance rating of 2 or more hours;
(ii) Ducts and air transfer openings penetrating shaft walls

having a fire resistance rating of 1 or more hours;
(iii) Ducts and air transfer openings penetrating floors that are
required to have protected openings where the duct also
is not protected by a shaft enclosure;
(iv) Air transfer openings that occur in walls or partitions that

are required to have a fire resistive rating of 30 minutes or
more.
Fire Dampers are NOT required in the following locations –
(i) In floors that do not require protected floor openings;
(ii) In a duct system serving only one floor and used only for
exhaust of air to the outside and not penetrating a wall or
partition having a required fire resistance rating of 2 hours
or more or passing entirely through the system and
contained within its own dedicated shaft;
(iii) Where branch ducts connect to enclosed exhaust risers in

which the airflow is upward and steel subducts at least
560mm in length are carried up inside the riser at each
inlet.
(e) Access and Maintenance
Fire dampers must be provided with an approved means of

access, as follows –
(i) The means of access shall be large enough to allow

inspection and maintenance of the damper and its
operating parts;
(ii) The access must not affect the integrity of fire resistance
rated assemblies;
(iii) The access openings must not reduce the fire resistance
rating of the assembly;
(iv) Access points must be permanently identified;
(v) Access doors in ducts must be identified with a label

having letters not less than 13mm in height;
(vi) The label must read as one of the following –
a. FIRE / SMOKE DAMPER

b. SMOKE DAMPER
c. FIRE DAMPER
(vii) Access doors in ducts shall be tight fitting and suitable for
the required duct construction.
(f) Fire Damper Actuation Device
The operating temperature of the heat actuating device must be

approximately 27.8 degrees above the normal temperature within
the duct system but not less than 71 degrees.
5.7 FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS
The provision of ‘Fire Department Access’ around the perimeter of the

development and access to each of the buildings is a key ‘fire safety
design feature’ of the proposed development.
Such need be provided to serve the development in accordance with

the requirements of NFPA 5000 – 2006 and the Authority Having
Jurisdiction.
To this extent, the following design characteristics as a minimum, have

been incorporated within the design –
(a) A fire department access road extends to within 15m of at least

one exterior doorway of the building that may be opened from
the outside and provide access to the interior of the building;
(b) The Fire department access roads are located such that any
portion of the external wall of the first storey of each building is
located no further than 137m as measured by an approved route
around the exterior of the building;
(c) The Fire department access roads have an unobstructed width of

not less than 6.0m;
(d) The Fire department access roads have an unobstructed vertical

clearance of not less than 4.1m;
(e) The angle of approach and departure to each of the roadways

does not exceed 1:20; and
(f) The Fire department access roads shall be capable of supporting

the imposed loads of the Authority Having Jurisdiction fire fighting
apparatus, being no less than 30 ton/sq ft and shall be an all
weather driving surface;

Compliance with respect to Items (a) – (e) above has been achieved as
also indicated on the approved Civil Defence documentation.
However, the Structural consultant is required to provide written

confirmation that compliance shall be achieved with respect to Item (f),
noting that the capacity of the fire perimeter access roads shall be
designed so that they are able to accommodate fire brigade
appliances having with a load of not less than 30 tone / sq ft.

6.0 BUILDING SERVICE & FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
6.1 GENERAL
This segment of the overall report identifies those fire safety systems
required in the proposed development, the relevant standards of
performance associated thereto, and key characteristics that need be
included within the design.
The content herein reflects the application of NFPA Codes 101- 2009,
NFPA 5000 – 2006 and the local code requirements of the Abu Dhabi
Civil Defence Authority; the services designers shall ensure design
compliance to the individual NFPA standards.
The NFPA Codes 101 and 5000 identify a wide variety of ‘fire protection
equipment’ that need be incorporated within the building design.
In each instance, associated NFPA Standards and ‘Local Code’

requirements exist that provide specific detail for the services engineer
for inclusion within their design.
Sections 6.2 – 6.9 below identify the various categories of equipment that
need be provided within the development, namely –
(a) Smoke control (Section 6.2)
(b) Elevators (Section 6.3)
(c) Fire Suppression (Section 6.4)
(d) Portable Fire Extinguishers (Section 6.5)
(e) Marking of means of egress (Section 6.6)
(f) Standpipes and hose reels (Section 6.7)
(g) Standby power (Section 6.8)
(h) Emergency command centre (Section 6.9)
6.2 SMOKE CONTROL
(a) Detection, Alarm & Communication Systems
(i) A fire alarm system need be provided to serve the building,

designed in accordance with the applicable provisions of
NFPA 70 and NFPA 72;

(ii) The fire alarm system must be capable of being activated /
initiated by the automatic sprinkler system;
(iii) The fire alarm system must activate both an audible and
visible alarm within units designed for the hearing impaired;
(iv) With respect to the provision of visible alarms for accessibility

persons (and with consideration provided that no
dedicated Accessibility guidelines are provided by the Abu
Dhabi Municipality) visible alarms should be provided
within –
Each office tenancy (both split and whole tenancy

floors), to at least 10% of such areas. (Tenants shall be
then responsible to increase the number of such alarms,
where they deem that additional disabled persons shall
be accommodated);
Areas not subject to occupancy by persons who are

hearing impaired shall not be required to comply with
the provisions for visible signals;
Visible signals are not required in exit stair enclosures or

associated corridors;
Visible signals are not required in elevator cars
(v) An NFPA 72 compliant positive alarm sequence is

permissible;
(vi) The announcement must be made via an approved voice

communication or public address system provided with an
emergency power source that is audible above the
ambient noise levels of the assembly occupancy;
(vii) The fire alarm system shall be arranged to automatically

actuate any smoke control systems proposed within the
building;
(viii) Provisions shall be made for the immediate notification of

the ADCDA by telephone.
The fire alarm system shall provide the functions for initiation,
notification and control which shall perform as follows –
(i) The initiation function shall provide the input signal to the
system;

(ii) The notification function shall be the means by which the
system advises that human action is required in response to
an alarm;
(iii) The control function shall provide the outputs to control

building equipment to enhance protection of life. (i.e
activation of the fire safety systems)
The following additional provisions shall also be included, as

required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction–
(i) Voice evacuation speakers shall be installed within the Car

Parking Basement Levels, Corridor Areas, Lift Lobbies and Fire
Escape Stairways (alternate floor only);
(ii) As the ceiling voids are provided with a depth of no greater

than 600mm and only contain standard equipment, shall
not be provided with any form of smoke detection;
(iii) Visible indication (beacons) are not required within the

common corridor areas;
(iv) Visible indication (beacons) shall be provided within plant

rooms containing equipment such as Air Handling Units,
Extract fans and generators.
The actuation of the complete fire alarm system must be initiated

by –
(i) The manual alarm call points;
(ii) Automatic detection;
(iii) Extinguishing system operation.
(b) Occupant Notification
(i) Occupant notification must be by means of visible signals

and voice announcements, either live or pre recorded and
initiated by the person in the constantly attended location
as required by NFPA 72;
(ii) Occupant notification must be provided to alert

occupants of a fire or other emergency, however the
following concessions may be incorporated within the
design –

Elevator lobby and associated machine room smoke
detectors that are used solely for elevator recall and
heat detectors installed solely for elevator power
shutdown are not required to activate the building
evacuation alarm if the power supply and installation
wiring to such detectors are minored by the building fire
alarm system and if the activation of such detectors
initiates a supervisory signal at the emergency
command centre which is proposed to be located
within the ground floor part of the building.
The smoke detectors used solely for closing dampers or

heating, ventilating and air conditioning system
shutdown are not required to activate the building
evacuation alarm, provided that the power supply and
installation wiring to the detectors are monitored by the
building fire alarm system and the activation of the
detectors initiates a supervisory signal at the emergency
command centre which is proposed to be located
within the ground floor part of the building.
Smoke detectors located at doors for the exclusive

operation of automatic door release (i.e sliding fire
doors in car park) are not required to activate the
building evacuation alarm, provided that the power
supply and installation wiring to the detectors are
monitored by the building fire alarm system and the
activation of the detectors initiates a supervisory signal
at the emergency command centre which is proposed
to be located within the ground floor part of the
building.
(iii) The general evacuation alarm signal due to the height of

the building shall not be required to signal throughout the
building. Only the fire affected floor, the level above and
the level below the fire affected floor need be activated,
to afford an orderly evacuation of the building. The
remaining areas may then be evacuated as the fire
develops;
(iv) The general evacuation alarm signal is not required to be

activated within exit enclosures or within the elevators.
(c) Fire Safety Functions
(i) The fire safety functions must be installed in accordance

with NFPA 72;

(ii) The following functions must be actuated –
Release of all proposed hold open devices for doors or

other opening protective’s such as the sliding fire doors
within the basement levels;
The stairwell and elevator shaft pressurisation;
The smoke management and smoke control systems;
Unlocking of any doors (proposed to be locked during

normal occupation of the building); and
Elevator recall and shutdown of the lifts not serving as

emergency lifts for evacuation persons (i.e fire mans lift
and the lifts that are required to proceed to the area of
refuge levels)
(d) Manual call points
The actuation of the fire alarm system is required to be initiated by

Manual Fire Alarm Points located within dedicated areas that are
unobstructed, accessible and visible.
Manual Fire Alarm Points must be provided on every floor and

located beside each of the fire escape stairs and / or exits on
each of the floor levels.
Manual Fire Alarm Points need also be provided such that the
horizontal distance on any floor level that need be traversed by
occupants does not exceed 60-metres.
The Manual Fire Alarm Points shall be located within 1.5m of exit
doorways.
The Manual Fire Alarm Points shall be accessible, unobstructed

and visible.
Manual Fire Alarm Points need not be provided within plantrooms

/ switchrooms.
(e) Two-Way Telephones
A Two way telephone communication service must be provided

for use by the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority. The system shall
be in accordance with NFPA 72 and the communication system
shall operate between the emergency command centre and
each floor level of exit stairs.
This requirement is in addition to the need to provide two way
telephone communication service between the emergency
command centre and every elevator car and every elevator
lobby.
(f) Car park smoke management
The basement Car Parking levels shall be provided with a ducted

smoke clearance or extraction system in accordance with the
requirements of NFPA 88.
The car park ventilation system shall be designed to operate to

provide 6 air changes per hour per level in non fire mode and 10
air changes per hour in fire mode.
During fire mode the increase to a minimum of 10 air changes per

hour shall be achieved through the parallel operation of the fans.
(g) Stair pressurisation
In accordance with the requirements of NFPA 101 - 2009, each of

the proposed fire escape stairs (above and below ground) need
be provided with an automatic stair pressurisation system that
accords with NFPA 92A.
It should also be noted that the fire rated corridors that form part
of the discharge point of the exit stairs are required to be
pressurised.
(h) Corridor Pressurisation
Corridor pressurisation need be provided to all typical office level

corridors within the building.
To this extent, the ADCDA have advised that 25 Pascal (P+) need
be achieved.
This requirement is above and beyond the prescriptive regulations

of NFPA and is enforced as part of the local code requirements of
the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority.
The corridor pressurisation system shall be designed to activate on

the fire affected floor, one level above and one level below. The
remaining levels shall be activated as the fire continues to
develop. This scenario shall be applicable in the event or instance
that the fire is detected within the tenancy areas.

Where the unlikely scenario of a fire being detected within the
corridor area of (exit access corridor) the smoke detectors within
the affected zones shall not instigate the pressurisation of the
corridor on the fire affected floor.
Smoke clearance (whilst above the requirements of NFPA 101)

shall not occur through operable windows on the external
elevation of the building but rather through a purging system. The
civil defence fire fighters will be able to open the tenancy doors
leading directly into the corridors (exit access corridors) where
corridor extraction shafts shall be provided.
6.3 ELEVATORS
Pursuant to the prescriptive requirements of NFPA 5000 – 2006, all

proposed elevators within the development shall conform to ASME A17.1
/ CSA B44 13 (Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators) and be installed
by approved Abu Dhabi Civil Defence organisations.
The elevator shafts shall be provided with an automatic pressurisation

system and the elevators shall be capable of serving each level of the
building.
In addition, a two-way communication system between each elevator

car, elevator lobby and the emergency command centre within the
ground floor of the building shall be provided, including –
(a) The means to enable emergency personnel within the building to

establish two-way voice communications to each car individually.
Two- way voice communication shall be established without any
intentional delay and shall not require intervention by a person
within the car. The means shall override communications to
outside of the building.
(b) Two-way voice communications, once established, shall be

disconnected only when emergency personnel outside the car
terminate the call.
(c) Once the two-way voice communication has been established,

the visual indication within the car shall illuminate. The visual
indication shall be extinguished when the two-way
communication is terminated.
(d) Operating instructions shall be incorporated with or adjacent to

the two-way voice communication outside the car.
13 BS / EN designed elevators are permissible subject to the installation by approved Abu

Dhabi Civil Defence organisations

With respect to each of the items noted above, this section shall be
further developed with the vertical lift consultant, to clarify and
determine further the evacuation philosophy of the building and the use
of lifts in the event of an emergency.
It is noted that as a consequence of the requirements to provide Areas

of Refuge within Levels 31 & 31A, only those lifts that need not service
Levels 31 & 31A need continue to the ground floor.
6.4 FIRE SUPPRESSION
(a) Sprinkler system
An NFPA 13 – Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems,

compliant and supervised sprinkler system serving all parts of the
development and including sprinkler control valves and water
flow devices for each floor, need be provided to serve the
building.
The sprinkler system shall not be combined with the standpipe

system.
The distinctive supervisory signal must be in accordance with

NFPA 72 and indicate a condition that may impair the sprinkler
system and include the monitoring of –
(i) Control Valves;
(ii) Fire pump power supplies and running conditions;
(iii) Water tank levels and temperatures;
(iv) Tank pressure;
The supervisory signals shall sound and be displayed at the

emergency command centre within the ground floor part of the
building.
As the sprinkler system is required to provide automatic detection

and alarm system initiation, it must be provided with an approved
alarm initiation device that operates when the flow of water is
equal to or greater that from a single automatic sprinkler.
As required by Clause 6.1.3 of NFPA 13, the sprinkler system

components shall be rated for the maximum system working
pressure to which they are exposed but shall not be rated less
than 12.1 bar for aboveground components.

Fire Department connections shall be provided near the primary
fire department response points and conform to local design
standards and fittings.
With respect to the design of the automatic sprinkler system, the

Classification of Contents as required pursuant to NFPA 13 shall be
as follows –
(i) For office use areas – Light Hazards; and
(ii) For Restaurant service areas – Light Hazard; and
(iii) For Kitchen areas – Ordinary I
(iv) For Car Parking areas – Ordinary I
In addition to the prescriptive limitations noted above the

following design criteria shall be met –
(i) The maximum floor area on any one floor to be protected

by sprinklers supplied by any one sprinkler system riser shall
be 4831m2 in compliance with Clause 8.2.1 of NFPA 13;
(ii) Sprinklers are required in public toilets / bathroom areas;
(iii) The area of coverage and sprinkler spacing for standard

side wall sprinklers (where proposed) are required to be in
accordance with their ‘listing’, but must not exceed the
following limitations –
Maximum distance along the wall – 4.27 m;

Maximum room width – 4.27m;
Maximum area of coverage of a sprinkler – 18.2m2.
(iv) Large areas and open spaces where standard sprinklers

may not be sufficient to provide adequate coverage may
utilise extended coverage sidewall sprinklers which shall
achieve coverage of between 4.9 m wide by 7.3 m long;
(v) Sprinkler protection shall be provided within voids with a

depth of less than 800mm subject to the extent of
combustibles provided within.

(b) Other extinguishing equipment
By virtue of the nature of equipment proposed within several

rooms / areas, (i.e. electrical, flammable liquids), alternate
extinguishing systems / agents need be provided in accordance
with the requirements of NFPA 101 – 2009 and the local code
requirements of the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority.
These alternative systems are identified below –
(i) Transformer rooms and substations should be provided with

CO2 portable fire extinguishers and heat detectors;
(ii) MV rooms should be provided with a gas suppression

system;
(iii) Generator Rooms should be protected with a sprinkler

system;
(iv) Fuel tank rooms should be provided with sprinklers, hand

held portable fire extinguishers and smoke detectors;
(v) Low voltage rooms (LVMSB) and server rooms should be

provided with a gas suppression system (clean agent), hand
held CO2 portable fire extinguishers and smoke detectors;
(vi) Pump rooms should be protected by the sprinkler system in

accordance with Section 5.12.13, NFPA 20 and designed as
per Section A-7-10.28(o) of NFPA 13;
(vii) Telecom rooms should be provided with CO2 portable fire

extinguishers and smoke detectors;
(viii) Lift motor rooms should be provided with smoke detectors;

and
(ix) The garbage / trash rooms should be provided with sprinklers

and smoke detectors, with the garbage chutes provided
with sidewall sprinklers.
6.5 PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
NFPA 10 compliant portable fire extinguishers need be provided

throughout the building.

Additionally, the following must also be complied with –
(a) A 5.0kG CO2 and 4.5kG Dry Powder portable fire extinguisher
need be provided adjacent to each fire hose reel cupboard; and
(b) A fire blanket need be installed within each area proposed to

accommodate a kitchen or kitchenette area.
6.6 MARKING OF MEANS OF EGRESS
An NFPA 110 emergency lighting system, not less than Type 10, Class 1.5,
Level 1, shall be provided throughout all means of egress in the
development (i.e. pathways, stairs and ramps).
Exit signs, and directional exit signs, shall be provided to all exits and in
paths of travel to exits.
Emergency illumination must be provided for not less than 2 hours in the
event of failure of normal lighting and should be arranged such that
initial illumination is not less than an average of 10.8 lux and at any point
not less than 1.1 lux measured along the path of egress at floor level.
Tactile signage indicating the word EXIT (or pictograms) shall also be
provided so that no point in an exit access corridor is in excess of 30m
from the nearest sign.
Whilst this section shall be further developed in association with the

services design team, prior to the issue of the Final fire and life safety
report, written confirmation shall be provided by the MEP consultant
attesting that the parameters noted above have been implemented
within the MEP design documentation.
6.7 STANDPIPES AND HOSE REELS
An NFPA 14 – Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, compliant

Class I standpipe and hose system shall be provided to serve all areas of
the building.
The standpipe system shall not be in combination with the automatic

sprinkler system, with the installation being in accordance with the
appropriate provisions of NFPA 14 and the pressure on the system limited
to no more than 20 bar.

Whilst NFPA 14 requires that hose connections be located at
intermediate landings, it is noted that the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence
Authority require such to be located immediately outside the entrance
to each of the fire escape stairways. (This includes the location of
standpipes within the basement levels).
The distance of the standpipes from the entry doorways of the exit
enclosures shall not exceed 6m, unless additional standpipes are
required to provide the necessary coverage based on a 30m length of
hose and 6m water spray.
The fire reserve water tanks provided must be calculated for the size
applicable to the area they serve and according to the pump capacity
but must be able to provide at least 90 minutes of uninterrupted water
supply.
Where the static pressure at a hose connection exceeds 12.1 bars, an

approved pressure-regulating device shall be provided to limit static and
residual pressures at the outlet of the hose connection to 12.1 bar. The
pressure on the inlet side of the pressure-regulating device shall not
exceed the device’s rated working pressure as per Clause 7.2.1.2 of
NFPA 14.
The standpipe system shall be designed to provide the waterflow rate at

a minimum residual pressure of 6.9 bar at the outlet of the hydraulically
most remote 65-mm (2½ -in.) hose connection, as recommended by
Clause 7.8.1.1 of NFPA 14.
All landing valves must be provided with in built pressure restricting

devices to limit the outlet pressure to a maximum of 6.9 bar.
6.8 STANDBY POWER
A Standby power system shall be provided with the capacity and rating
that is sufficient to supply the following equipment –
(a) Electric fire pumps;
(b) Emergency command centre equipment and artificial lighting;
(c) The dedicated fire mans lift and all elevators that shall be utilised
to evacuate persons from the areas of refuge on Levels 31 & 31A.
The lifts must also have the capacity to transfer the standby power
to any other elevator;

(d) Smoke proof enclosure mechanical equipment (i.e. stair
pressurisation); and
(e) Mechanical smoke control equipment and all automatic fire

rated sliding doors (shutters) provided within the car park
basement levels.
A standby power supply Type 60, Class 2, Level 1 is recommended for the
building in accordance with Article 701 of NFPA 70, the National
Electrical Code, and NFPA 110 “Standard for Emergency and Standby
Power Systems”.
6.9 EMERGENCY COMMAND CENTRE
The equipment and building characteristics noted below shall be

provided within a continuously manned Emergency Command Centre /
room and –
(a) Be separated from adjoining parts of the building by 2-hour fire

rated construction and doors and have an internal floor area of at
least 9m²; and
(b) Be provided with alarm annunciation by means of audible and

visible indicators;
(c) Contain the following systems: –
(i) Voice fire alarm system panels and controls;
(ii) Fire Department two-way telephone communication

service panels and controls;
(iii) Fire detection & fire alarm system annunciation panels;
(iv) Elevator floor location and operation annunciators;
(v) Sprinkler valve and water flow annunciators;
(vi) Emergency generator & standby power status indicators;
(vii) Fire pump status indicators;
(viii) A telephone for Fire Department use, with controlled

access to the public telephone system;
(ix) Controls for any stairways doors fitted with automatic

unlocking devices;

(x) Work table;
(xi) Schematic building plans; and
(xii) Controls for any smoke control equipment.
The location of the emergency command centre (ground floor), has

been approved by the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority as clearly
indicated and denoted on the approved documentation.
However it is noted that the Services Design with the Architectural

consultant need provide written confirmation that the systems as
identified within Item (b) above shall be included within the room.
Further, in accordance with NFPA 5000 – 2006, the Emergency

Command Centre / room shall be dedicated to the systems noted
above and should not be utilised for any other purpose including but not
limited to a storage area or a security room.

7.0 INTERIOR FINISH, CONTENTS AND FURNISHINGS
7.1 INTERIOR FINISH
All buildings
The interior finish of floor, wall and ceiling linings shall accord with the
prescriptive requirements of NFPA 101 – 2009, those being –
(a) Fire escape stairs (Class A)
(i) Flame Spread Index of between 0 – 25; and
(ii) Smoke Developed Index of 0 – 450
(b) Exit access corridors (Class B)
(c) Other areas (Class C)
As the building shall be provided with an automatic sprinkler system

throughout the concession provided by NFPA 101-2009 may be utilised,
that being –
(a) The interior wall and ceiling finish with a flame spread rating not
exceeding Class C is permitted to be used in any location where
Class B is required; and
(b) The interior wall and ceiling finish with a flame spread rating not
exceeding Class B is permitted to be used in any location where
Class A is required
Carpet and carpet like interior floor finishes shall comply with ASTM D
2859 (Standard Test Method for Ignition Characteristics of Finished Textile
Floor Covering Materials.)

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BSB-RE-001 - REV 01

FIRE & LIFE SAFETY REPORT

CITY OF LIGHTS – PLOT RT-3-C1 & PART RT-C12

Our Reference Remarks Issue Date

PM02509.1.TS Fire & Life Safety Report issued to client 09/08/09

PM02509.2.TS UPDATED Fire & Life Safety Report issued 10/09/09

CITY OF LIGHTS – PLOT RT-3-C1 & PART RT-C12

1.0 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................1

1.1 General .................................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Purpose of Report .................................................................................................................. 1

1.4 Documentation Provided for Assessment ...................................................................... 2

1.5 Report Exclusions .................................................................................................................. 2

2.0 DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION ..............................................................3

2.1 General .................................................................................................................................... 3

2.2 Number of Stories .................................................................................................................. 3

2.3 Building Height ....................................................................................................................... 3

2.4 Sprinkler Protection............................................................................................................... 3

2.5 Type of Construction ............................................................................................................ 3

2.6 Building Floor Area Limitation ............................................................................................ 3

3.0 CLASSIFICATION OF OCCUPANCY & OCCUPANT LOAD .................4

3.1 General .................................................................................................................................... 4

3.2 Classification of Occupancy & Hazard of Contents.................................................... 4

3.3 Occupant Load ..................................................................................................................... 5

3.4 High Rise Structure ................................................................................................................ 6

3.5 Basement Level Car Parking (B3 – B1) ............................................................................ 7

4.0 MEANS OF EGRESS...............................................................................8

4.1 General .................................................................................................................................... 8

4.2 Number of Exits ...................................................................................................................... 9

4.3 Capacity of Exits.................................................................................................................... 9

4.4 Remoteness of Exits .............................................................................................................. 9

4.5 Dead – end Distances.......................................................................................................... 9

CITY OF LIGHTS – PLOT RT-3-C1 & PART RT-C12

4.7 Travel Distance Limit........................................................................................................... 10

4.8 Construction of Means of Egress..................................................................................... 11

4.9 Changes in Level in Means of Egress ............................................................................ 13

4.11 Exit Discharge....................................................................................................................... 17

4.12 Areas of Refuge & Helipad ............................................................................................... 17

5.0 FEATURES OF FIRE PROTECTION.........................................................19

5.1 General .................................................................................................................................. 19

5.2 Base Fire Ratings – Type I (442) ....................................................................................... 19

5.3 Special Provisions................................................................................................................ 20

5.4 Penetrations & Openings into Exit Enclosures.............................................................. 22

5.5 Fire & Smoke Compartments ........................................................................................... 23

5.6 Opening Protective’s.......................................................................................................... 23

5.7 Fire Department Access.................................................................................................... 28

6.0 BUILDING SERVICE & FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT .......................30

6.1 General .................................................................................................................................. 30

6.2 Smoke Control ..................................................................................................................... 30

6.3 Elevators ................................................................................................................................ 36

6.4 Fire Suppression ................................................................................................................... 37

6.5 Portable Fire Extinguishers ................................................................................................ 39

6.6 Marking of Means of Egress ............................................................................................. 40

6.7 Standpipes and Hose Reels.............................................................................................. 40

6.8 Standby Power ..................................................................................................................... 41

6.9 Emergency Command Centre........................................................................................ 42

7.0 INTERIOR FINISH, CONTENTS AND FURNISHINGS .............................44

CITY OF LIGHTS – PLOT RT-3-C1 & PART RT-C12

The content provided herein is subject to the proposed development

From the documentation provided for assessment, the design is

(a) The construction of a single building containing multiple

(i) Storage (Car parking);

(ii) Industrial (Plant);

(iii) Business (Offices);

Fire & Life Safety Report

Fire & Life Safety Report