Review and Comparison of Myanmar Fire
Safety Code 2020
1. Introduction
This document reviews the Myanmar Fire Safety Code 2020 and compares it with fire safety
standards from Singapore, Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The aim is to
identify gaps in fire prevention measures and evaluate the challenges and opportunities in
harmonizing Myanmar’s standards with international best practices.
2. Overview of Myanmar Fire Safety Code 2020
The Myanmar Fire Safety Code 2020 is a relatively recent update to the country’s fire safety
regulations. It covers various aspects of fire safety in buildings, including:
Fire prevention measures
Fire detection and alarm systems
Means of egress
Fire suppression systems
Emergency response planning
3. Comparison with International Standards
3.1 Singapore Standards (SS)
Singapore’s fire safety standards are known for their stringency, particularly in high-rise
buildings.
Similarities:
Both codes emphasize the importance of regular fire safety inspections.
Both require fire safety certificates for buildings.
Differences:
Singapore’s code has more detailed requirements for smoke control systems in high-rise
buildings.
Singapore mandates the use of fire-resistant cladding materials, which is not explicitly
addressed in Myanmar’s code.
3.2 European Standards (EN)
European fire safety standards are performance-based and focus on the overall fire safety
strategy of buildings.
Similarities:
Both codes address fire resistance of building materials.
Both include provisions for fire detection and alarm systems.
Differences:
European standards place a greater emphasis on fire risk assessment methodologies.
The EN standards provide more detailed guidance on passive fire protection measures.
3.3 British Standards (BS)
British Standards are comprehensive and widely respected internationally.
Similarities:
Both codes cover fire detection and alarm systems.
Both address means of escape in case of fire.
Differences:
BS provides more detailed guidance on fire safety management systems.
The British standards have more stringent requirements for fire door specifications.
3.4 American Standards (NFPA)
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes are extensive and cover a wide range of
scenarios.
Similarities:
Both codes address fire suppression systems.
Both include provisions for emergency lighting.
Differences:
NFPA codes provide more detailed specifications for sprinkler systems.
The NFPA standards offer more comprehensive guidance on wildland-urban interface
fire protection.
4. Gaps Identified in Myanmar Fire Safety Code 2020
1. High-rise Building Regulations: The code lacks specific provisions for super high-rise
buildings (over 250m), which are becoming more common in urban areas.
2. Smoke Control Systems: There is limited guidance on advanced smoke control systems
for complex building designs.
3. Fire Risk Assessment: The code does not mandate regular fire risk assessments for
existing buildings.
4. Green Building Considerations: There is a lack of provisions addressing fire safety in
green buildings or buildings using new sustainable materials.
5. Wildland-Urban Interface: The code does not adequately address fire safety in areas
where urban development meets forested or bush areas.
5. Challenges in Harmonization
1. Economic Constraints: Implementing more stringent standards may be costly for
building owners and developers.
2. Technical Expertise: There may be a shortage of professionals trained in advanced fire
safety techniques and technologies.
3. Cultural and Traditional Practices: Some traditional building practices may conflict
with international fire safety standards.
4. Enforcement Capacity: The ability to enforce more complex regulations may be limited
by current resources.
5. Climate Considerations: Myanmar’s tropical climate may require specific adaptations to
international standards.
6. Opportunities for Harmonization
1. Phased Implementation: Gradually introducing international best practices can allow
for smoother adoption.
2. Regional Collaboration: Partnering with neighboring countries, especially Singapore,
for knowledge exchange and training.
3. Risk-Based Approach: Adopting a risk-based approach similar to European standards
can allow for more flexible and cost-effective solutions.
4. Technology Integration: Incorporating provisions for smart building technologies and
IoT-based fire safety systems.
5. Public-Private Partnerships: Engaging with the private sector to invest in fire safety
research and development.
7. Recommendations
1. Develop specific regulations for high-rise and super high-rise buildings.
2. Introduce mandatory periodic fire risk assessments for existing buildings.
3. Enhance provisions for smoke control systems, especially in complex structures.
4. Incorporate green building fire safety considerations into the code.
5. Develop a section addressing wildland-urban interface fire protection.
6. Implement a phased approach to adopting more stringent international standards.
7. Invest in training programs for fire safety professionals to build local expertise.
8. Establish a regular review cycle for the fire safety code to keep pace with international
developments.
8. Conclusion
While the Myanmar Fire Safety Code 2020 provides a foundation for fire safety regulations,
there are significant opportunities for improvement and harmonization with international
standards. By addressing the identified gaps and leveraging the opportunities for harmonization,
Myanmar can enhance its fire safety framework to better protect its citizens and properties.
