A Review on Fire Safety Code - Provision of Means of … of 49 BSD APC Series 2011 A Review on Fire Safety Code - Provision of Means of Escape In Case Of Fire 1996 by Mr. Junkers Lam

1 of 49BSD APC Series 2011

A Review on Fire Safety Code A Review on Fire Safety Code --

Provision of Means of Escape In Case Of FireProvision of Means of Escape In Case Of Fire

19961996

by Mr. Junkers Lamby Mr. Junkers Lam

Senior Building SurveyorSenior Building Surveyor

of of

Buildings DepartmentBuildings Department

(25 Aug 2011)(25 Aug 2011)

BSD APC Series 20112 of 49

Review on Review on CoPCoP for Means of Escape 1996for Means of Escape 1996

ContentsContents

I.I. IntroductionIntroduction

II.II. BackgroundBackground

III.III. Requirements of Means of EscapeRequirements of Means of Escape

IV.IV. Miscellaneous (Related Miscellaneous (Related CoPsCoPs and and PNAPsPNAPs))


Fire

��

Escape


I. IntroductionI. Introduction

Fire safety in a building is determined by a number of Fire safety in a building is determined by a number of

factors, one of which is factors, one of which is adequateadequate means of escapemeans of escape


I.I. Introduction (ContIntroduction (Cont’’d)d)

Building AuthorityBuilding Authority’’s Powers Power


Buildings OrdinanceBuildings Ordinance

–– s.16(1)(d)&(i)s.16(1)(d)&(i)

Building (Planning) RegulationsBuilding (Planning) Regulations

--B(P)R41(1): satisfactory B(P)R41(1): satisfactory MoEMoE

--B(P)R41(2)B(P)R41(2): building with second staircase as : building with second staircase as MoEMoE

StatutoryStatutory

NonNon--

statutorystatutory

CoPCoP for the Provision offor the Provision of

Means of Escape In Case Of Fire 1996Means of Escape In Case Of Fire 1996

--GuidelinesGuidelines


II.II. BackgroundBackground

Requirements had not much changes Requirements had not much changes sincesince its first publication its first publication in in 19591959

Code reprinted in 1986 only covered typos/mistakes and Code reprinted in 1986 only covered typos/mistakes and amendments in amendments in PNAPsPNAPs

Review in 1989Review in 1989 was considered as parallel exercise with review was considered as parallel exercise with review of other regulations e.g. FRC and of other regulations e.g. FRC and MoAMoA, then came the current , then came the current MOE 1996 CodeMOE 1996 Code

A comprehensive review on A comprehensive review on CoPCoP for MOE; MOA & FRC has for MOE; MOA & FRC has been completed, a been completed, a newnew CoPCoP ((CoPCoP for Fire Safety in Buildingsfor Fire Safety in Buildings) ) will be announced & issued within 2011. It is expected that a will be announced & issued within 2011. It is expected that a grace grace period of 6 monthsperiod of 6 months would be allowed for the building would be allowed for the building industryindustry




III. III. Requirements of Means of EscapeRequirements of Means of Escape

1.1. Use of the CodeUse of the Code

�� Provide Provide guidanceguidance for compliance of Building Authority (for compliance of Building Authority (BA)BA)’’ss

requirementsrequirements

2.2. ObjectivesObjectives

�� Protect occupants from effects of fire by Protect occupants from effects of fire by adequateadequate means of means of

escapeescape

3.3. Two Approaches to Fire SafetyTwo Approaches to Fire Safety

�� Prescriptive provisions (i.e. this Prescriptive provisions (i.e. this CoPCoP))

�� Alternative approach (e.g. Fire engineering approach)Alternative approach (e.g. Fire engineering approach)



4.4. Interpretations Interpretations –– Some Key ItemsSome Key Items

�� ““BasementBasement”” –– below the lower or lowest ground storey with below the lower or lowest ground storey with

anyany required exit route in required exit route in upwardupward directiondirection

�� ““Direct distanceDirect distance”” –– notional path from any part of a room to notional path from any part of a room to

center of exit door of roomcenter of exit door of room

�� ““Exit routeExit route”” –– route or means of passage to a place of safety route or means of passage to a place of safety

outside building except revolving door, lift and escalatoroutside building except revolving door, lift and escalator

�� ““Ground StoreyGround Storey””; ; ““MaisonetteMaisonette”” & & ““Usable Floor AreaUsable Floor Area”” etcetc

5.5. ApplicationApplication

�� The code applies to The code applies to all buildings exceptall buildings except domestic building of domestic building of

(i) (i) ≤≤≤≤≤≤≤≤ 3 main domestic 3 main domestic storeysstoreys; ;

(ii) (ii) ≤≤≤≤≤≤≤≤ 13m in highest floor13m in highest floor level; andlevel; and

(iii) (iii) singlesingle--family occupancyfamily occupancy

�� Provisions in Provisions in CoPCoP shall not overruleshall not overrule other regulationsother regulations



6.6. Special Hazard OccupancySpecial Hazard Occupancy

�� Protected lobby is required if area of special hazard opens intoProtected lobby is required if area of special hazard opens into

any exit route of adjoining normalany exit route of adjoining normal--hazard occupancy hazard occupancy <<MoEMoE 6.1>6.1>

7.7. Assessment of AccommodationAssessment of Accommodation

�� 2 methods to assess the number of persons (i.e. total population2 methods to assess the number of persons (i.e. total population) )

within a building: (a) by within a building: (a) by calculationcalculation < Table 1, < Table 1, MoEMoE 7>7> or (b) by or (b) by

actual countingactual counting <note (vi) of Table 1, <note (vi) of Table 1, MoEMoE 7>7>

�� Calculation of capacity depends on: Calculation of capacity depends on: --

�� Usable floor area Usable floor area (UFA);(UFA);

�� Intended Intended useuse of premises; andof premises; and

�� Prescribed Prescribed factorfactor for such use for such use

<Table 1, <Table 1, MoEMoE 7>7>

�� Capacity of Capacity of special premisesspecial premises (e.g. hospitals, hotels, places of (e.g. hospitals, hotels, places of

public entertainment etc) may be assessed by BA on the basis public entertainment etc) may be assessed by BA on the basis

of detailed layout plans of detailed layout plans <note (ii) of Table 1, <note (ii) of Table 1, MoEMoE 7>7>


8.8. General Requirements of Exit RoutesGeneral Requirements of Exit Routes

�� Each storey should be provided with such exits and exit Each storey should be provided with such exits and exit

routes as required by this Code routes as required by this Code <<MoEMoE 8.1>8.1>

�� Every exit route at ground level should lead to: Every exit route at ground level should lead to: --

�� Street; orStreet; or

�� Open areaOpen area

with with unobstructedunobstructed access and door that can be readily access and door that can be readily

opened from inside without the use of opened from inside without the use of key(skey(s) ) <<MoEMoE 8.2>8.2>




8.8. General Requirements of Exit Routes (ContGeneral Requirements of Exit Routes (Cont’’d)d)

�� MoEMoE 8.2 may not be complied with if exit staircase leads to 8.2 may not be complied with if exit staircase leads to

open area at upper floors (e.g. open area at upper floors (e.g. podium levelpodium level) unless the ) unless the

staircase is staircase is leading to an exit routeleading to an exit route at such floor which at such floor which

should : should : -- <MoE 8.3 and Diagram 7>

�� be adequately defined by permanent features;be adequately defined by permanent features;

�� lead to street or open area (place of ultimate safety); lead to street or open area (place of ultimate safety);

�� have the same have the same MoEMoE and FRC requirements as the and FRC requirements as the

exit staircaseexit staircase

�� Adequate artificial lighting of Adequate artificial lighting of min 30 lux at floor level; and at floor level; and

backed up by an backed up by an emergency lightinglighting system of system of min 2 lux

<MoE 8.4>



8.8. General Requirements of Exit Routes (ContGeneral Requirements of Exit Routes (Cont’’d)d)

�� No exit route should discharge into a No exit route should discharge into a private laneprivate lane unless unless

such lane is such lane is <<MoEMoE 8.5>:8.5>: --

�� properly paved;properly paved;

�� free from permanent obstruction; andfree from permanent obstruction; and

�� the Building Authority is satisfied with integrity of the the Building Authority is satisfied with integrity of the

lane as lane as MoEMoE (e.g. (e.g. Right of WayRight of Way))

�� Final point of discharge should be separated from Final point of discharge should be separated from

adjoining exit routes or other accommodations with adjoining exit routes or other accommodations with min.min.

450mm450mm return along / projection from the return along / projection from the frontage frontage

<<MoEMoE 8.6>8.6>



8. 8. General Requirements of Exit Routes (ContGeneral Requirements of Exit Routes (Cont’’d)d)

�� Clear height is of Clear height is of min. 2000mm with projection of with projection of

sprinkler heads sprinkler heads <MoE 8.7>:-

�� Max. 90mmMax. 90mm horizontally from side wall; andhorizontally from side wall; and

�� Max. 105mmMax. 105mm vertically under ceilingvertically under ceiling

�� Door at final point of discharge Door at final point of discharge should set back with a with a

distance distance not less than the width of exit route if there is of exit route if there is

a drop in level. If the drop consists of a a drop in level. If the drop consists of a single stepsingle step, it , it

should be should be clearly visibleclearly visible. . <MoE 8.8>



9.9. Buildings with a Single StaircaseBuildings with a Single Staircase

�� Single staircase may be permitted if : Single staircase may be permitted if : --

�� Building is Building is not more than 6 not more than 6 storeysstoreys <<MoEMoE 9.1>9.1>; ; ((DwgDwg. 1). 1)

�� Floor level of uppermost storey is Floor level of uppermost storey is not more than 17mnot more than 17m from from

ground level ground level <<MoEMoE 9.1>9.1>;;

�� Only use as Only use as domestic or officedomestic or office (except ground storey may (except ground storey may

be used as shop or be used as shop or carparkingcarparking) ) <<MoEMoE 9.2 (a)>9.2 (a)>;;

�� Access for rescue ladder/appliance at ground level Access for rescue ladder/appliance at ground level <<MoEMoE

9.2 (b)>9.2 (b)>;; andand

�� Comply with Comply with usable floor area limitationusable floor area limitation (highest floor (highest floor ≤≤

13m13m with UFA with UFA not exceedingnot exceeding 250m250m22; if ; if >13m>13m then then 150m150m22

maxmax) ) <<MoEMoE 9.2 (c) & (d)>9.2 (c) & (d)>

�� If highest floor If highest floor >13m>13m, the , the staircasestaircase should be :should be :--

�� provided with aprovided with a protected lobby protected lobby at each floor;at each floor;

�� continued continued to the roof; andto the roof; and

�� adequate refuge areaadequate refuge area should be provided atshould be provided at roofroof <<MoEMoE

9.2 (e)>9.2 (e)>


Dwg.1 Dwg.1 –– Single staircase buildingSingle staircase building

6 6 storeysstoreys

max. ormax. or17m17m

max.max.


G/FG/F

5/F5/F

4/F4/F

3/F3/F

2/F2/F

1/F1/F

R/FR/F



10.10. Exits from RoomsExits from Rooms

�� For room with For room with more than more than 3 persons3 persons, following , following

requirements should be complied with :requirements should be complied with :--

<Table 2, <Table 2, MoEMoE 10.1>:10.1>:--

�� Min. no. of exit doors (from room)/exit routes (from Min. no. of exit doors (from room)/exit routes (from

storey); storey);

�� Min. total width of exit doors/routes; andMin. total width of exit doors/routes; and

�� Min. width of each exit door/route Min. width of each exit door/route ((DwgDwg. 2 and 3). 2 and 3)

�� Every exit door Every exit door �� exit route which is exit route which is independentindependent of any of any

other exit routes other exit routes <<MoEMoE 10.2>10.2>



Dwg.2 Dwg.2 –– Min. width of exit door (750)/exit route (1050)Min. width of exit door (750)/exit route (1050)


Dwg.3 Dwg.3 –– Min. width of exit route (1050)Min. width of exit route (1050)


1050



10.10. Exits from RoomsExits from Rooms (Cont(Cont’’d)d)

�� For capacity For capacity under 200under 200 personspersons, exit doors may give , exit doors may give access to a access to a singlesingle corridor or balcony approach having corridor or balcony approach having escape in escape in more thanmore than oneone direction direction <<MoEMoE 10.2>10.2>

e.g. e.g. referring toreferring to Table 2 Table 2 on the requirements of exits:on the requirements of exits:--

(a)(a) room/storey withroom/storey with 31 31 -- 200200 persons => persons => 22 exit doors/routesexit doors/routes

(b) room/storey with (b) room/storey with 201 201 –– 300300 persons => persons => 22 exit doors/routesexit doors/routes

(c) room/storey with (c) room/storey with 301 301 –– 500500 persons => persons => 22 exit doors/routesexit doors/routes

(In all these 3 cases, min no. of exit doors/routes is the (In all these 3 cases, min no. of exit doors/routes is the same same ‘‘22’’. However, apart from the Min Total Width and Min . However, apart from the Min Total Width and Min Width of Each exit door/route are different, only exit doors Width of Each exit door/route are different, only exit doors in case in case (a)(a) may give access to a single corridor or balcony may give access to a single corridor or balcony approach having escape in more than one direction) approach having escape in more than one direction)



10.10. Exits from Rooms (ContExits from Rooms (Cont’’d)d)

�� (If 2 or more doors are provided) For door of width over (If 2 or more doors are provided) For door of width over 1.51.5

times of width of the narrowest door, such surplus portion of times of width of the narrowest door, such surplus portion of

width should be excluded in calculation of total door width width should be excluded in calculation of total door width

<<MoEMoE 10.3>, 10.3>, e.g.: e.g.: --

DoorDoor D1D1 D2D2 D3D3

Width (mm)Width (mm) 750750 850850 12001200

∴∴ Total widthTotal width = D1 + D2 + = D1 + D2 + 1.5 x D11.5 x D1 (as D3 > 1.5x D1)(as D3 > 1.5x D1)

= 750 + 850 + (750+375)= 750 + 850 + (750+375)

= = 27252725 mmmm

•• [Where D1 + D2 + [Where D1 + D2 + D3D3 = 750 + 850 + = 750 + 850 + 12001200 = = 28002800 mm]mm]



11.11. Exits from Exits from StoreysStoreys

�� Min. Min. 2 exit routes2 exit routes should be provided for should be provided for each storeyeach storey of of

building except buildings permitted to have single building except buildings permitted to have single

staircase staircase <<MoEMoE 11.1>. 11.1>. Provided that : (a) Provided that : (a) maisonettemaisonette ––

should apply should apply to only oneto only one of the of the storeysstoreys; (b) where 2 or ; (b) where 2 or

more exit routes vary in width, width over more exit routes vary in width, width over 1.5 times1.5 times of of

width of the narrowest exit route, such width of the narrowest exit route, such surplussurplus portion of portion of

width should be width should be excludedexcluded in calculation of min total widthin calculation of min total width

�� People should be able to gain access to min. one of the People should be able to gain access to min. one of the

other staircases (i.e. other staircases (i.e. interchangeableinterchangeable) (if two or more ) (if two or more

exits are required) exits are required) (Dwg.4) (Dwg.4) <<MoEMoE 11.2>:11.2>: --

�� At each floor; orAt each floor; or

�� At refuge floor At refuge floor andand the roof (if provided)the roof (if provided)

�� Not applicableNot applicable in Domestic or composite buildings in Domestic or composite buildings

not exceeding 15not exceeding 15 storeysstoreys


Review on Review on CoPCoP for Means of Escape 1996for Means of Escape 1996Dwg.4 Dwg.4 –– Staircases not interchangeableStaircases not interchangeable

(OK if not exceeding 15 (OK if not exceeding 15 storeysstoreys))



12.12. Exits at Ground StoreyExits at Ground Storey

�� Every staircase should be separated from remainder of the Every staircase should be separated from remainder of the

building with continuous enclosing walls at ground storey building with continuous enclosing walls at ground storey

<MoE 12.1> provided that (a) when served by provided that (a) when served by 2 or more 2 or more

staircasesstaircases, a cloakroom, lavatory, WC, caretaker, a cloakroom, lavatory, WC, caretaker’’s office, s office,

fire control room or caretakerfire control room or caretaker’’s counter s counter may open offmay open off; and ; and

(b) when served by (b) when served by 3 or more staircases3 or more staircases, , oneone in every 3 in every 3

such staircases such staircases may dischargemay discharge through fire resisting doors through fire resisting doors

to a to a hall or shoppinghall or shopping arcadearcade subject to compliance with subject to compliance with

MoEMoE 8.2 & 8.4.8.2 & 8.4.

�� If exit route from ground storey forms also that from a If exit route from ground storey forms also that from a

staircase staircase <MoE 12.2>, the min. width of such exit route: the min. width of such exit route: --

Min. width = Min. width = ½½ the width required for the width required for exit from G/Fexit from G/F ++ the the

widthwidth required for staircase from required for staircase from upper floorsupper floors; and that, if ; and that, if

any, from the any, from the basementsbasements



13.13. Access to Access to Staircase(sStaircase(s) within a Building) within a Building

�� Complied with min. FRC requirements for Complied with min. FRC requirements for separationseparation of of

every staircase every staircase <<MoEMoE 13.1>13.1>

�� In case of SingleIn case of Single--Staircase Building, Staircase Building, MoEMoE 9 applies9 applies <<MoEMoE

13.2>13.2>

�� Different directionDifferent direction in approaching in approaching each staircaseeach staircase provided provided

that that deadendsdeadends (Direct Distance +Travel Distance (Direct Distance +Travel Distance ≤≤ 18m) will 18m) will

be permitted under be permitted under MoEMoE 14.3(b) & 14.3(b) & Min. distanceMin. distance between 2 between 2

staircases is staircases is 6m6m (if 2 or more staircases are required) (if 2 or more staircases are required) <<MoEMoE

13.3>13.3>

�� Access to an alternative staircase should not pass through Access to an alternative staircase should not pass through

one staircase enclosure one staircase enclosure <<MoEMoE 13.4>13.4>



13.13. Access to Access to Staircase(sStaircase(s) within a Building (Cont) within a Building (Cont’’d)d)

Where internal access is provided:Where internal access is provided:--

�� no door opening on to an internal common corridor should at no door opening on to an internal common corridor should at

any part of its swing reduce the min required width of such any part of its swing reduce the min required width of such

corridor corridor <<MoEMoE 13.5 (a)>13.5 (a)>

�� Protected lobby should be provided to each and every staircase Protected lobby should be provided to each and every staircase

unless unless <<MoEMoE 13.5 (b)>:13.5 (b)>: --

�� It is an openIt is an open--sided staircase;sided staircase;

�� Highest floor of single staircase building is Highest floor of single staircase building is ≤≤≤≤≤≤≤≤ 13m13m; or; or

�� Highest floor of building with at least 2 staircases is Highest floor of building with at least 2 staircases is ≤≤≤≤≤≤≤≤ 20m20m

�� Such protected lobby should be a Such protected lobby should be a commoncommon area and an area and an integralintegral

part of the staircasepart of the staircase



14. Direct Distance (DD) and Travel Distance (TD)14. Direct Distance (DD) and Travel Distance (TD)

�� Limitation of TD & Sum of TD + DD depends on: Limitation of TD & Sum of TD + DD depends on: --

�� Arrangement of exit routes; andArrangement of exit routes; and

�� Use of premisesUse of premises

�� Exit route is categorized into 3 major arrangements: Exit route is categorized into 3 major arrangements: --

�� Balcony approachBalcony approach ((DwgDwg. 5). 5) or internal corridor with or internal corridor with

ventilation;ventilation;

�� Internal corridorInternal corridor without ventilationwithout ventilation

�� Storey Storey partitioned into roomspartitioned into rooms but exit route is not along but exit route is not along

balcony approach or internal corridorbalcony approach or internal corridor



Dwg.5 Dwg.5 –– Balcony approachBalcony approach

Staircase

StaircaseBalcony Approach



14. Direct Distance (DD) and Travel Distance (TD) (Cont14. Direct Distance (DD) and Travel Distance (TD) (Cont’’d)d)

�� Limitation of distance is imposed on 3 dimensions:Limitation of distance is imposed on 3 dimensions:--

�� Max. DDMax. DD (any part of room to exit door) (any part of room to exit door) ((DwgDwg. 6). 6) ;;

�� Max. TDMax. TD (exit door of room to a staircase or point of (exit door of room to a staircase or point of

discharge to a place of ultimate safety); anddischarge to a place of ultimate safety); and

�� Max. sumMax. sum of DD + TDof DD + TD

�� Table 3Table 3 –– for singlefor single--staircase buildingsstaircase buildings

�� Table 4Table 4 –– for buildings with 2 or more staircasesfor buildings with 2 or more staircases


Review on Review on CoPCoP for Means of Escape 1996for Means of Escape 1996Dwg.6 Dwg.6 –– Dead End Situation in a RoomDead End Situation in a Room

(Max. DD is 15m if less than 30(Max. DD is 15m if less than 30oo; otherwise 18m ); otherwise 18m )



14. Direct Distance (DD) and Travel Distance (TD) (Cont14. Direct Distance (DD) and Travel Distance (TD) (Cont’’d)d)

�� Max. distance between 2 staircases is Max. distance between 2 staircases is 48m48m (if 2 or more (if 2 or more

staircases are required) staircases are required) <<MoEMoE 14.3 (c)> (14.3 (c)> (MoEMoE 13.3 refers)13.3 refers)

�� For open plan, Max DD For open plan, Max DD ≤≤ 30m if 2 exit routes30m if 2 exit routes; ; ≤≤ 18m if 18m if

only 1 exitonly 1 exit route or 2 exit routes but forming angle less route or 2 exit routes but forming angle less

than 30than 30oo (i.e. (i.e. deadenddeadend in storey)in storey) <<MoEMoE 14.4> 14.4>

�� For room with the only exit is through another room i.e. For room with the only exit is through another room i.e.

inner roominner room <<MoEMoE 14.5>14.5> ::--

�� Max. capacity is 30;Max. capacity is 30;

�� No access through special hazard area;No access through special hazard area;

�� Vision panel should be provided except toiletVision panel should be provided except toilet

�� Angle between 2 or more required exit doors should be of Angle between 2 or more required exit doors should be of

min. 30min. 30°° <<MoEMoE 14.6>14.6>



15.15. Discharge Value (Discharge Value (DVDV) and Width of Staircase) and Width of Staircase

�� Assessment of discharge value (Assessment of discharge value (DVDV) of a staircase ) of a staircase

depends on 3 key factors depends on 3 key factors <<MoEMoE 15.3 and 15.4>:15.3 and 15.4>: --

�� Whether Building is nonWhether Building is non--sprinkleredsprinklered (Table 5)(Table 5) or or

sprinkleredsprinklered (Table 6);(Table 6);

�� No. of No. of storeysstoreys served by such staircase; andserved by such staircase; and

�� Width of the staircaseWidth of the staircase

�� Table 5Table 5 –– for nonfor non--sprinkleredsprinklered buildingsbuildings

�� Table 6Table 6 –– for for sprinkleredsprinklered buildingsbuildings



15.15. Discharge Value (Discharge Value (DVDV) and Width of Staircase (Cont) and Width of Staircase (Cont’’d)d)

�� The discharge value tables are formulated on the following The discharge value tables are formulated on the following

basis: basis: --

�� Total evacuation conceptTotal evacuation concept

�� Evacuation time (from a storey to a protected area)Evacuation time (from a storey to a protected area)

–– within within 2.5 2.5 minsmins.. for for nonnon--sprinkleredsprinklered buildings;buildings;

–– within within 5.0 5.0 minsmins.. for for sprinkleredsprinklered buildingsbuildings

�� Flow rate (descending): Flow rate (descending): 80 persons/meter width/min80 persons/meter width/min..

�� Staircase capacity (temporarily housed in staircase Staircase capacity (temporarily housed in staircase

during evacuation) : during evacuation) : 3.5 ~3.9 person/m3.5 ~3.9 person/m22


Review on Review on CoPCoP for Means of Escape 1996for Means of Escape 199615.15. Discharge Value (Discharge Value (DVDV) and Width of Staircase (Cont) and Width of Staircase (Cont’’d)d)

�� A defined reduction factor should be multiplied to the A defined reduction factor should be multiplied to the

discharge value of staircase discharge value of staircase <<MoEMoE 15.5 and 15.6>15.5 and 15.6> ::--

�� Factor of Factor of 0.80.8 if exit is of if exit is of upward upward direction; ordirection; or

�� Factor of Factor of 0.70.7 if it is a if it is a scissors scissors staircasestaircase

�� For special buildings (e.g. sport arenas, stadia & convention For special buildings (e.g. sport arenas, stadia & convention

centrescentres etc) having a total capacity of etc) having a total capacity of 10,000 persons or 10,000 persons or

moremore,, the Total Width of staircases should be the Total Width of staircases should be 1.2 times1.2 times that that

required under Table 2 according to the capacity of the area required under Table 2 according to the capacity of the area

concerned concerned <<MoEMoE 15.8>15.8> . .

�� A building having a total capacity of A building having a total capacity of not less than 10,000 not less than 10,000

personspersons may necessitate special consideration, e.g. Fire may necessitate special consideration, e.g. Fire

Engineering Approach may be the only viable means to a Engineering Approach may be the only viable means to a

satisfactory standard of a fire safety. satisfactory standard of a fire safety. <<MoEMoE 15.9>15.9>



16. Doors in relation to Exits16. Doors in relation to Exits

�� Exit door of a room with capacity Exit door of a room with capacity over 30over 30 should open in should open in

the direction of exit ; have the direction of exit ; have a vision panela vision panel if opens both if opens both

ways. ways. <<MoEMoE 16.1>16.1>

�� If it is needed to secure an exit door against entry from If it is needed to secure an exit door against entry from

outside, locking device must be capable of being outside, locking device must be capable of being readily readily

opened from inside without a keyopened from inside without a key, also be capable of , also be capable of

automatic release upon actuation of a sensor or power automatic release upon actuation of a sensor or power

failure. failure. <<MoEMoE 16.2>16.2>

�� Every door opening onto landing of a staircase should Every door opening onto landing of a staircase should

not reduce the effective radiusnot reduce the effective radius of such landing at any of such landing at any

point of its swing point of its swing <<MoEMoE 16.3> 16.3> ((DwgDwg. 7). 7)

�� Min. width of exit door from a room of capacity > 3 is Min. width of exit door from a room of capacity > 3 is

750mm750mm <<MoEMoE 16.4>16.4>



Dwg.7 Dwg.7 –– Door opening onto landing of a staircaseDoor opening onto landing of a staircase



17.17. Construction of StaircasesConstruction of Staircases

�� Requirements of staircase Requirements of staircase <<MoEMoE 17.2>17.2> (Photo. 1, 2 and 3):(Photo. 1, 2 and 3):--

�� Min. 2 RisersMin. 2 Risers and and max. 16 Risersmax. 16 Risers for each flight ; andfor each flight ; and

�� Min.Min. 225mm wide225mm wide and and max. 175mm highmax. 175mm high for treadsfor treads

�� Requirements of Requirements of schoolschool and and place of public place of public

entertainmententertainment are much are much more stringentmore stringent

�� Clear height of staircase is of min. Clear height of staircase is of min. 2000mm2000mm <<MoEMoE 17.4>17.4>

�� If width If width exceeds 1800mmexceeds 1800mm, , central handrailcentral handrail is required to is required to

separate it in sections, each section should not be less than separate it in sections, each section should not be less than

1050mm in width.1050mm in width. <<MoEMoE 17.5>17.5>

�� Handrail should be provided on each side of staircase at a Handrail should be provided on each side of staircase at a

height between height between 850mm850mm and and 1100mm1100mm <<MoEMoE 17.6>17.6>



Photo.1 Photo.1 –– NonNon--compliance of compliance of steps geometrysteps geometry in heritage buildingin heritage building

Riser : 180mm ht (>175mm) Riser : 180mm ht (>175mm)

and 200mm wide (<225mm)and 200mm wide (<225mm)

Not acceptableNot acceptable


Review on Review on CoPCoP for Means of Escape 1996for Means of Escape 1996Photo.2 Photo.2 –– MOE staircase MOE staircase with winderswith winders in heritage buildingin heritage building




Photo.3 Photo.3 –– MOE staircase with MOE staircase with more than 16 stepsmore than 16 steps in heritage buildingin heritage building

Total: 21 steps Total: 21 steps

(>16 steps)(>16 steps)




18.18. RampsRamps

�� Ramp forming part of an exit route should Ramp forming part of an exit route should not be steepernot be steeper

than than 1:121:12 <<MoEMoE 18>18>

19.19. Lift LobbiesLift Lobbies

�� Access to Access to exit routeexit route should be provided to every should be provided to every lift lift

lobbylobby without any obstruction and lockable door.without any obstruction and lockable door.

<<MoEMoE 19>19>



20.20. BasementsBasements

�� At least At least 2 exits2 exits should be provided for every should be provided for every ““genuine genuine

basementbasement”” <<MoEMoE 20.1>20.1>

�� No staircaseNo staircase serving floors above ground storey should serving floors above ground storey should

be continued to a basement be continued to a basement <<MoEMoE 20.2>20.2>

�� Sufficient Sufficient directional and exit signsdirectional and exit signs should be provided should be provided

for indication of exit direction for indication of exit direction <<MoEMoE 20.3>20.3>

�� Min. one exitMin. one exit should discharge should discharge independentlyindependently from from

other exits to a place of ultimate safety other exits to a place of ultimate safety <<MoEMoE 20.4>20.4>



21.21. Refuge FloorsRefuge Floors

�� Refuge floor should be provided in Refuge floor should be provided in all buildings exceeding 25all buildings exceeding 25

storeysstoreys in height above the lowest ground storey in height above the lowest ground storey <<MoEMoE 21.1>,21.1>, at a at a

height: height: --

�� Not more than Not more than 20 20 storeysstoreys for industrial building; orfor industrial building; or

�� Not more than Not more than 25 25 storeysstoreys for nonfor non--industrial buildingindustrial building

from other refuge floor or above street or open area from other refuge floor or above street or open area

(excluding mechanical floors)(excluding mechanical floors)

�� MoEMoE 21.1 is not applicable to 21.1 is not applicable to domestic or compositedomestic or composite building (not building (not

exceeding 40 exceeding 40 storeysstoreys) ) <<MoEMoE 21.5>,21.5>, but: but: --

�� Main roof should be a refuge floor if such types of building is Main roof should be a refuge floor if such types of building is

between 26between 26--storey to 40storey to 40--storey in height (inclusively)storey in height (inclusively)



21.21. Refuge Floors (ContRefuge Floors (Cont’’d)d)

�� Requirements are divided into 2 groups according to nature Requirements are divided into 2 groups according to nature

of such refuge floor: of such refuge floor: --

�� Genuine refuge floor (not on roof) Genuine refuge floor (not on roof) <<MoEMoE 21.2 >21.2 > ; or; or

�� Main roof as refuge floor Main roof as refuge floor <<MoEMoE 21.3>21.3>

�� General restrictions on refuge floors e.g. : General restrictions on refuge floors e.g. : --

�� Net refuge area = Net refuge area = min. 50%min. 50% of GFA of typical floor; of GFA of typical floor;

�� Min. dimension is of Min. dimension is of 50%50% greater than width of widest greater than width of widest

staircase serving such floor; andstaircase serving such floor; and

�� All staircases should be All staircases should be discontinueddiscontinued at refuge floorat refuge floor

�� Signs should be provided as per requirements Signs should be provided as per requirements <<MoEMoE

21.4>21.4>



Places of Public Entertainment (PPE)Places of Public Entertainment (PPE)

�� Para. 22 ~ 34 are additional requirements on Para. 22 ~ 34 are additional requirements on MoEMoE

provisions to all Places of Public Entertainmentprovisions to all Places of Public Entertainment

�� Including Including permanent and temporarypermanent and temporary buildings buildings

having PPEhaving PPE

�� These requirements are transferred from the These requirements are transferred from the

updated Places of Public Entertainment updated Places of Public Entertainment

Regulations (formerly PNAP 194 / now Regulations (formerly PNAP 194 / now PNAP PNAP

APPAPP--81 81 refers)refers)



Places of Public Entertainment (PPE)Places of Public Entertainment (PPE)

�� MoEMoE for PPE are more stringent since: for PPE are more stringent since: --

(a)(a) Places of Places of PublicPublic Entertainment Entertainment �� not familiar with the not familiar with the

layout, donlayout, don’’t know where are the exitst know where are the exits

(b)(b) Places of Public Places of Public EntertainmentEntertainment �� focus on the stage or the focus on the stage or the

performance, less attentive to other signs, warnings, etc.performance, less attentive to other signs, warnings, etc.

(c)(c) Large Large population population �� crowded & people tend to follow otherscrowded & people tend to follow others

(d)(d) Very often, special lighting & sound effects Very often, special lighting & sound effects �� people people

become less cautious to the emergence of fire / smoke / become less cautious to the emergence of fire / smoke /

flash / sparkle etc flash / sparkle etc �� belated reaction belated reaction �� higher riskhigher risk

(More detailed requirements not shown here, please refer to (More detailed requirements not shown here, please refer to

the the MoEMoE Code)Code)



IV. Miscellaneous (Related IV. Miscellaneous (Related CoPsCoPs and and PNAPsPNAPs))

ReferenceReference TitleTitle Date of Date of

Current IssueCurrent Issue

PNAP 54PNAP 54

(APP(APP--14)14)

Cinemas in NonCinemas in Non--domestic Buildings or Composite domestic Buildings or Composite

BuildingsBuildingsApr 10Apr 10

PNAP 117PNAP 117

(APP(APP--43)43)

Licensing of Child Care Licensing of Child Care CentresCentres, Kindergartens and , Kindergartens and

RestaurantsRestaurantsAug 96Aug 96

PNAP 169

(APP-65)

Natural Lighting to Staircases Natural Lighting to Staircases –– Building (Planning) Building (Planning)

Regulation 40Regulation 40Mar 03Mar 03

PANP 179

(APP-73)

Service LanesService Lanes Nov 95Nov 95

PNAP 182PNAP 182

(APP(APP--75)75)

Building (Planning) Regulations 41A, 41B and 41C Building (Planning) Regulations 41A, 41B and 41C ––

Means of Access for Firefighting and Rescue in Means of Access for Firefighting and Rescue in

BuildingsBuildings

May 95May 95





PANP 194PANP 194

(APP-81)

Places of Public Entertainment (Amendment) Places of Public Entertainment (Amendment)

Regulation 1996 and Associated Legislative Regulation 1996 and Associated Legislative

AmendmentsAmendments

Jun 96Jun 96

PNAP 195

(APP-82)Code of Practice for the Provision of Means of Code of Practice for the Provision of Means of

Escape in Case of Fire 1996Escape in Case of Fire 1996Jun 96Jun 96

PNAP 202

(APP-85)

Application of the Revised Fire Safety CodesApplication of the Revised Fire Safety Codes Oct 96Oct 96

PNAP 204

(APP-87)

Guide to Fire Engineering ApproachGuide to Fire Engineering Approach Mar 98Mar 98

PNAP 210PNAP 210

(APP-92)

Amendments and Clarification to Code of Practice for Amendments and Clarification to Code of Practice for

the Provision of Means of Escape in case of Fire the Provision of Means of Escape in case of Fire

19961996

Aug 97Aug 97

IV. Miscellaneous (Related IV. Miscellaneous (Related CoPCoP and PNAP) and PNAP) (Cont(Cont’’d)d)





PNAP 212

(APP-94)

Fire Safety (Commercial Premises) Ordinance, Cap Fire Safety (Commercial Premises) Ordinance, Cap

502502Oct 07Oct 07

PNAP 253

(APP-119)StairStair--well and Open Wells In School and Other well and Open Wells In School and Other

Buildings Used by YoungstersBuildings Used by YoungstersMay 01May 01

PNAP 257

(APP-121)Amendment to Code of Practice for Provision of Amendment to Code of Practice for Provision of

Means of Escape in case of Fire 1996 (Means of Escape in case of Fire 1996 (MoEMoE Code)Code)Jun 01Jun 01

PNAP 258

(APP-122)

Provision of Sky Garden in Refuge FloorProvision of Sky Garden in Refuge Floor Dec 01Dec 01

PNAP 302

(APP-145)

Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance, Cap 572Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance, Cap 572 Oct 07 Oct 07

IV. Miscellaneous (Related IV. Miscellaneous (Related CoPCoP and PNAP) (Contand PNAP) (Cont’’d)d)


MoEMoE

FRCFRC

MoAMoA


IV.IV. Miscellaneous Miscellaneous

( Main ( Main Conceptual Conceptual Objectives of the 3 Fire Safety Objectives of the 3 Fire Safety CoPCoP))



Thank You !Thank You !

Thank you for your patience!Thank you for your patience!

Q & AQ & A

Email :Email : [email protected]@bd.gov.hk

Documents

A Review on Fire Safety Code - Provision of Means of … of 49 BSD APC Series 2011 A Review on Fire Safety Code - Provision of Means of Escape In Case Of Fire 1996 by Mr. Junkers Lam