INTENTIONS

In this Chapter :
 Restrict the spread of smoke through air duct systems
 Ventilation and Smoke Control
within a building or into a building from the outside.
Systems requirements for various
locations and occupancies such as  To maintain tenable conditions, Limit smoke from
Corridor, Stair, Atrium, Sports Halls, entering stairwells, means of egress, smoke refuge areas,
Tunnels, Kitchen, Pump Room, elevator shafts, or similar areas where evacuees are in the
Generator Room etc. process of egress during fire emergencies.
 Corridor Smoke Purge System  Assist Fire Fighters visibility during combating fire,
 Stair Pressurization System Contribute to the protection of life and property, enabling
the reduction of downtime of the affected facility and
 Basement Smoke Extraction System business.

1. Definitions
1.1. Smoke.
The airborne solid and liquid particulates and gases evolved when a material undergoes py-
rolysis or combustion, together with the quantity of air that is entrained or otherwise mixed
into the mass.

1.2. Smoke Control.

A system that utilizes fans to produce pressure differences so as to manage smoke move-
ment.

1.3. Smoke Management

A smoke control method that utilizes natural or mechanical systems to maintain a tenable
environment in the means of egress from a large-volume space or to control and reduce the
migration of smoke between the fire area and communicating spaces.

1.4. Smoke Zone.

The smoke control zone in which the fire is located.

1.5. Natural Ventilation.

A method of supplying or removing , air from a space through openings on the exterior of a
building, using natural air movement from the outside.

1.6. Mechanical Ventilation.

A method of supplying or removing , air from a space with aid of mechanically operated
equipment such as Fans and ducting.

1.7. Smoke Exhaust System.

APhoto
mechanical
Caption or gravity system intended to move smoke from the smoke zone to the exteri-
or of the building, including smoke removal, purging, and venting systems, as well as the
function of exhaust fans utilized to reduce the pressure in a smoke zone. Achieving tenable
environment for egress is not the scope of these kind of systems.

1.8. Smoke Damper.

A device within an air-distribution system to control the movement of smoke, i.e. to stay
shut to prevent the spread of smoke into other compartments or to open to extract smoke
outside from the fire zone.

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1.9. Fire Damper.
A device, installed in an air distribution system, designed to close automatically upon detec-
tion of heat, to interrupt migratory airflow, and to restrict the passage of flame and heat.

1.10. Combination Fire and Smoke Damper.

A device that meets both the fire damper and smoke damper requirements.

1.11. Fire Wall.

A wall separating buildings or subdividing a building to prevent the spread of fire and having
a minimum fire resistance rating of 2 hours and structural stability.

1.12. Fire Barrier Wall

A wall, other than Fire Wall, having a fire resistance rating.

1.13. Smoke Barrier.

A 1-hour Fire rated continuous membrane, either vertical or horizontal, such as a wall, floor,
or ceiling assembly, that is designed and constructed to restrict the movement of smoke.

1.14. Smokeproof Enclosure.

An exit enclosure designed and constructed so that the movement of the products of com-
bustion produced by a fire occurring in any part of the building into the enclosure is limited.

1.15. Plenum.
A compartment or chamber to which one or more air ducts are connected and that forms
part of the air distribution system.

1.16. Air Connector.

A conduit for transferring air between an air duct or plenum and an air terminal unit or an
air inlet or air outlet.

1.17. Air Duct.

A conduit or passageway for conveying air to or from heating, cooling, air conditioning, or
ventilating equipment, but not including the plenum.

1.18. Atrium.
A large-volume space created by a floor opening or series of floor openings connecting two
or more stories that is covered at the top of the series of openings and is used for purposes
other than an enclosed stairway; an elevator hoist way; an escalator opening; or as a utility
shaft used for plumbing, electrical, air-conditioning, or communications facilities.

1.19. Mall.
Photo Caption
A roofed or covered common pedestrian area within a mall building that serves as access
for two or more tenants and does not exceed three levels that are open to each other.

1.20. Theatre.
A building or room where plays, shows, and similar events, are performed on a stage or a
room often with rising tiers of seats for assemblies.

1.21. Regular Stage.

A stage with a height of 15 m or less measured from the lowest point on the stage floor to
the highest point of the roof or floor deck above.

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1.22. Legitimate Stage.
A stage with a height greater than 15 m measured from the lowest point on the stage floor
to the highest point of the roof or floor deck above.

1.23. Mechanical Smoke Containment.

A smoke control method that uses mechanical equipment to produce pressure differences
across smoke barriers.

1.24. Smoke Control Mode.

Predefined operational configuration of a system/device for the purpose of smoke control.

1.25. Smoke Containment Systems.

A smoke control system in a given building designed to contain smoke to a given zone or
keep smoke from entering another zone. This can also be achieved by passive smoke con-
tainment using Smoke barriers.

1.26. Compensated System.

A system that adjusts for changing conditions either by modulating supply airflows or by
relieving excess pressure.

1.27. Tenable Environment

An environment in which smoke, heat and associated products of combustion are limited or
otherwise restricted to maintain the impact on occupants to a level that is not life threaten-
ing.

1.28. Design Pressure Difference.

The desired pressure difference between the protected space and an adjacent space meas-
ured at the boundary of the protected space under a specified set of conditions with the
smoke-control system operating.

1.29. Pressurization System

A type of smoke-control system with arrangement of Fans, Ducting, Relief Dampers, air
grills, to achieve design pressure difference within mechanically pressurized space, with ref-
erence to fire area.

1.30. Pressurized Stairwells.

A type of smoke-control system in which stair shafts are mechanically pressurized, with re-
spect to the fire area, with outdoor air to keep smoke from contaminating them during a
fire incident.

1.31. Multiple-Injection Pressurization System.

Photo Caption
A type of smoke-control system that has pressurization air supplied from multiple locations.

1.32. Single-Injection Pressurization System.

A type of smoke-control system that has pressurization air supplied from only one location.

1.33. Stack Effect.

The vertical airflow within buildings caused by the temperature-created density differences
between the building interior and exterior or between two interior spaces.

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1.34. Communicating Space
A space within a building that has an open pathway to a large-volume space such that
smoke from a fire either in the communicating space or in a large-volume space can move
from one to another without restriction. Communicating space can either open directly to
large volume space or through a passageway.

1.35. Axisymmetric Plume.

A plume that rises above a fire, does not come into contact with walls or other obstacles,
and is not disrupted or deflected by airflow.

1.36. Balcony Spill Plume.

A smoke plume that originates from a compartment fire, flows out the doorway, flows un-
der a balcony, and flows upward after passing the balcony edge.

1.37. Air Release

A mechanical or gravity system intended to move air from the interior to the exterior of the
building in order to provide air release for pressurization system.

1.38. Separated Spaces.

Spaces within a building that are isolated from large-volume spaces by smoke barriers.

1.39. Smoke Curtain or Draft Curtain.

A non-combustible solid material, beam, girder, or similar material or construction that is
used to channel or contain smoke and that is attached to the underside of the ceiling and
protrudes a limited distance downward.

1.40. End-to-End Verification.

A self-testing method that provides positive confirmation that the desired result (e.g., pres-
sure difference, airflow or damper position) has been achieved when a controlled device
has been activated, such as during smoke control, testing, or manual override operations.

1.41. Fuel Limited Fire.

A fire that has a heat release rate that is controlled by the material burning.

1.42. Growth Time (tg).

The time interval from the time of effective ignition until the heat release rate of the fire is
1000 Btu/sec (1055 kW).

1.43. Large-Volume Space.

An uncompartmented
Photo Caption space, generally two or more stories in height, within which smoke
from a fire either in the space or in a communicating space can move and accumulate with-
out restriction.

1.44. Listed.
Equipment, materials, or services included in a list published by Civil Defense and whose
listing states that either the equipment, material, or service meets appropriate designated
standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose.

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1.45. Network Modeling.
Network modes consist of representing each rooms in a building as a node, and shafts as a
series of vertical nodes. Each node is at one pressure and temperature. The nodes are con-
nected by flow paths that represent leakages such as construction cracks in walls and floors,
gaps around doors, and open doors. A computer program is used to solve for the flows and
pressure differences throughout a building.

1.46. Plugholing.
The condition in which air from below the smoke layer is pulled through the smoke layer
into the smoke exhaust due to a high exhaust rate.

1.47. Sprinkler Controlled Fire.

A fire that has a constant or decaying heat release rate due to the action of sprinkler spray.

1.48. Steady Fire.

A fire that has a constant heat release rate.

1.49. Transition Zone.

The layer between the smoke layer interface and the first indication of smoke in which the
smoke layer temperature decreases to ambient.

1.50. T-squared (t2) Fire.

A fire that has a heat release rate that grows proportionally to the square of time from igni-
tion.

1.51. Unsteady Fire.

A fire that has a heat release rate that varies with respect to time.

1.52. Ventilation Limited Fire.

A fire where every object in the fire compartment is fully involved in fire and the heat re-
lease rate depends on the airflow through the openings to the fire compartment.

1.53. Backdraft Damper.

A device allowing airflow in one direction only.

1.54. Pressure Relief Damper

A device having an adjustable start-open pressure, that is capable of maintaining a rela-
tively constant pressure at various airflows and which closes upon a decrease in differential
pressure.

1.55. Motorized
Photo CaptionPressure Regulating Damper
A device having an adjustable start-open pressure, that is capable of maintaining a rela-
tively constant pressure at various airflows and which closes upon a decrease in differen-
tial pressure.

1.56. Pressure Sensor

A device that measures the difference between two pressures, one connected to each side
of the sensor.

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1.57. Pressurization Kit
A kit with predefined components capable of producing and controlling set overpressure
within mechanically pressurized space.

1.58. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

The prediction of the behavior of fluids and of the effects of fluid motion past objects by
numerical methods.

1.59. Forced Airflow Pressurization System

A type of compensated smoke-control system intended to counteract stack effect using
controlled airflow resistance of pressurized space that automatically adjusts for changing
conditions by modulating supply and exhaust airflows basing on continuous measurement
of pressure differences.

1.60. Piston Effect

Transient pressures produced by elevator car motion in a pressurized hoistway that can pull
smoke into pressurized elevator lobby or hoistway.

1.61. Wind forces

Forces influencing pressure layout inside and around the building resulting in positive pres-
sures at the windward façade and negative pressure at the leeward façade.

1.62. Door Opening Force

A force required to open the door measured at the knob under specific set of conditions
with the smoke-control system operating.

Photo Caption

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2. Air-Conditioning and Ventilation Systems (HVAC)

2.1. Intention

2.1.1. HVAC System requirements in this section are to accomplish the following

2.1.1.1. Restrict the spread of smoke through air duct systems within a building or
into a building from the outside.

2.1.1.2. Restrict the spread of fire through air duct systems from the area of fire
origin, whether located within the building or outside.

2.1.1.3. Maintain the fire-resistive integrity of building components and elements

such as floors, partitions, roofs, walls, and floor- or roof-ceiling assemblies
affected by the installation of air duct systems.

2.1.1.4. Minimize the ignition sources and com- Did You Know?
bustibility of the elements of the air duct
systems. It is estimated that 50–80% of
fire deaths are the result of
2.1.1.5. Permit the air duct systems in a building smoke inhalation injuries.
to be used for the additional purpose of
emergency smoke control The hot smoke kills by a com-
bination of thermal damage,
poisoning, pulmonary irrita-
2.2. General Requirements for HVAC Systems
tion and swelling, caused by
carbon monoxide, cyanide
2.2.1. In a Fire Condition, HVAC Systems in a building
and other combustion prod-
shall automatically shut down, unless they are
ucts.
integral part of a Smoke exhaust and Smoke con-
trol systems.

2.2.2. HVAC Equipment shall be arranged to provide minimum 600 mm horizontal access
with minimum 2030 mm headroom for inspection, maintenance, and repair.

2.2.3. HAVC Equipment shall be guarded for personnel protection and against the intake of
foreign matter into the system.

2.2.4. Each air distribution system shall be provided with at least one manually operable
means for stopping the operation of the supply, return, and exhaust fan(s) in an emer-
Photo Caption
gency.

2.2.5. The means of manual operation shall be located in the emergency command center or
a dedicated protected room.

2.2.6. Exit passageways, stairs, ramps, and other exits shall not be used as a part of a supply,
return, or exhaust air system serving other areas of the building.

2.2.7. Egress corridors in health care, detention and correctional, and residential occupancies
shall not be used as a portion of a supply, return, or exhaust air system serving adjoin-

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 2.2.8. An air transfer opening(s) shall not be permitted in walls or in doors separating egress
corridors from adjoining areas.

2.2.9. Use of egress corridors shall be permitted as part of an engineered smoke-control sys-
tem.

2.2.10. Air-Handling Unit Rooms Used as Plenum Space

2.2.10.1. Air-handling unit rooms, used as plenum space, shall not be used for storage
or occupancy other than during equipment servicing.

2.2.10.2. Materials used in the construction of an air-handling unit room plenum shall
be noncombustible or shall be limited combustible having maximum flame
spread index of 25 and a maximum smoke developed index of 50 when test-
ed in accordance with ASTM E 84 and shall be suitable for continuous expo-
sure to the temperature and humidity conditions of the environmental air in
the plenum.

2.2.10.3. Electrical wires and cables and optical fiber cables shall be listed as having a
maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or less, an average optical density of
0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m or less, or shall
be installed in metal raceways, metal sheathed cable, or totally enclosed non
-ventilated bus way.

2.2.11. Air-Handling Unit Rooms That Have Air Ducts That Open Directly into a Shaft.

2.2.11.1. Air-handling Unit rooms, including the protection of openings, shall be sepa-
rated from shafts by construction having a fire resistance rating not less than
that required for the shaft.

2.2.11.2. Fire-resistant separation shall not be required for air-handling Unit rooms
that are enclosed by construction having a fire resistance rating not less than
that required for the shaft.

2.2.12. Outside Air Intakes

2.2.12.1. Outside air intakes shall be protected by screens of corrosion-resistant mate-

rial not larger than 12.7 mm mesh.

2.2.12.2. Outside air intakes shall be located so that these shall not introduce fire or
smoke into the building. The outside air intakes shall be minimum of 5 m
Photo Caption
away from air/smoke/exhaust discharge openings/grills.

2.2.13. Ventilation Ducts

2.2.13.1. Ventilation ducts should not pass through smokeproof enclosures or fire-
fighting lobby.

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 2.2.13.2. Where unavoidable, the part of
the ventilation duct within the
lobby shall be enclosed in con-
struction with fire resistance
rating at least equal to that of
the elements of structure. See
Figures for illustrations.

Figure 10.1: Ventilation Duct through protected lobby

Figure 10.2: Ventilation Duct in fire rated enclosure through protected lobby

2.2.13.3. Such construction shall be in

masonry. If other form of fire
resisting construction is used,
Photo Caption
fire damper shall be fitted
where the duct penetrates the
lobby enclosure. No air condi-
tioning or ventilation ducts
shall penetrate separating
walls.

Figure 10.3: Ventilation Duct within masonry slab through protected lobby

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2.3. Components of HVAC and Smoke Control Systems

2.3.1. Air Cleaners and Air Filters

2.3.1.1. Electrostatic air cleaners shall be listed in accordance with ANSI/UL 867.

2.3.1.2. Air filters shall be rated either as Class 1 or Class 2 in accordance with ANSI/
UL 900.

2.3.2. Fans

2.3.2.1. Exposed fan inlets shall be protected with metal screens to prevent the entry
of paper, trash, and foreign materials.

2.3.2.2. Smoke Exhaust fans shall be capable of operating effectively at 400°C for 2
hours.

2.3.3. Air Ducts

2.3.3.1. Air ducts shall be constructed

of iron, steel, aluminum, cop-
per, concrete, masonry. See
Figure 10.4 for illustrations.

2.3.3.2. Class 0 or Class 1 rigid or flexi-

ble air ducts tested in accord-
ance with ANSI/UL 181 listing
shall be permitted to be used
for ducts when air temperature
in the ducts does not exceed
250°C or when used as vertical
ducts serving not more than
two adjacent stories in height.
Figure 10.4: Duct Construction and Duct Penetration through walls
2.3.3.3. Pipe and duct insulation and
coverings, duct linings, vapor
retarder facings, adhesives,
fasteners, tapes, and supple-
mentary materials added to air
ducts, plenums, panels, and
Photo Caption
duct silencers used in duct sys-
tems, shall have, in the form in
which they are used, a maxi-
mum flame spread index of 25
without evidence of continued
progressive combustion and a
maximum smoke developed
index of 50 when tested in ac-
cordance with ASTM E 84. See
Figure 10.5: Metal pipes with combustible insulation Section 8 for Duct require-
ments

10
Figure 10.6: Metal pipes with non-combustible insulation Figure 10.7: Plastic pipes with non-combustible insulation

2.3.4. Plenum

2.3.4.1. A concealed space between the ceiling and floor above it, ceiling and roof, or
raised floor and structural floor of a building may be used as a plenum pro-
vided that the concealed space contains only:

I. Mineral-insulated metal-sheathed cable,

Ii. Aluminum-sheathed cable,
III. Copper-sheathed cable,
IV. Rigid metal conduit,
V. Enclosed metal trunk,
VI. Flexible metal conduit,
VII. Liquid-tight flexible metal conduit in lengths not more than 2 m, or
metal-clad cables;
VIII. Communication cables for computers, television, telephone and inter-
communication system;
IX. Fire protection installations;
X Pipes of non-combustible material conveying non-flammable liquids

2.3.4.2. The supports for the ceiling membrane shall be of non-combustible material.
See Figure 10.8 and 10.9 for illustrations.

Photo Caption

Figure 10.8: Return Air Plenum in ceiling space Figure 10.9: Return Air Plenum under raised floor.

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 2.3.5. Fire Dampers

2.3.5.1. Duct penetrations of fire walls should be avoided. Approved fire dampers
shall be provided where air ducts penetrate or terminate at openings in walls
or partitions required to have a fire resistance rating of 1 hour or more.

2.3.5.2. Where air ducts extend through only one floor and serve only two adjacent
stories, the air ducts shall be enclosed, or fire dampers shall be installed at
each point where the floor is penetrated. See Figure 10.10 for illustrations.

Figure 10.10: Fire dampers provided in ducts penetration through fire compartments.

2.3.5.3. Areas where Fire Dampers are required

a. Ducts and air-transfer openings penetrating walls or partitions having a

fire resistance rating of 2 or more hours.

b. Ducts and air-transfer openings penetrating shaft walls having a fire re-
sistance rating of 1 or more hours.

c. 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.

d. Air-transfer openings that occur in walls or partitions that are required to

have a fire-resistive rating of 30 minutes or more

e. 3 hour rated Damper is required for 3 hour or greater Fire rated wall/
assembly.

f. 90 minutes rated Damper is required for less than 3 hour rated Fire wall/
Photo Caption
assembly.

2.3.5.4. Ceiling radiation Damper is required for Floor/Ceiling or Roof/Ceiling assem-

blies to automatically limit the radiated heat transfer through an air inlet/
outlet opening.

2.3.5.5. Fire dampers used in any sensitive buildings as healthcare facilities, hotels
(occupancy with sleeping risk), education buildings, and any buildings where
habitable height exceeds 23m shall be controlled by an automatic alarm-
initiated device, and shall ensure no smoke leakage and no heat transfer.

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 2.3.5.6. Areas where Fire Dampers are not required

a. In floors that do not require protected floor openings.

b. 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.

c. Where branch ducts connect to enclosed exhaust risers in which the air-
flow is upward, and steel subducts at least 22 in. (560 mm) in length are
carried up inside the riser at each inlet

d. A fire damper shall not be required for the following locations:

i. Clothes Dryer Exhaust Ducts

ii. Hazardous Fume Exhaust Duct
iii. Stairwell Pressurization Ducts
iv. Smoke Extraction Ducts
v. Laundry and Trash Chutes

Photo Caption

Figure 10.11: Fire dampers (FD) in various penetrations

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 2.3.5.7. Fire damper actuation

The fire damper actuation device shall meet one of the following require-
ments:

a. The operating temperature shall be approximately 50°F (10°C) above the

normal temperature within the duct system, but not less than 160°F (71°
C).

b. The operating temperature shall be not more than 350°F (177°C) where
located in a smoke control system.

2.3.6. Smoke Dampers

2.3.6.1. Smoke dampers shall be installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA
105, Standard for the Installation of Smoke Door Assemblies and Other
Opening Protectives or as per Section 8 requirements.

2.3.6.2. Smoke dampers shall be controlled by an automatic alarm-initiated device.

2.3.6.3. Areas where Smoke Dampers are required

a. Smoke dampers shall be installed at or adjacent to the point where air

ducts pass through required smoke barriers, but in no case shall a smoke
damper be installed more than 0.6 m from the barrier, or after the first
air duct inlet or outlet, whichever is closer to the smoke barrier.

b. If the air-handling equipment is serving more than one floor then smoke
dampers shall be installed in systems with a capacity greater than 7080
L/s (15,000 ft3/min) to isolate the air-handling equipment, including fil-
ters, from the remainder of the system on both the building supply and
return sides, in order to restrict the circulation of smoke.

c. Smoke dampers used for the protection of openings in smoke barriers or

in engineered smoke-control systems shall be classified in accordance
with ANSI/UL 555S, Standard for Safety Smoke Dampers and with a mini-
mum Class II leakage rating, and elevated temperature rating shall not
be less than 250°C or as per Section 8 requirements.

2.3.6.4. Areas where Smoke Dampers are not required

Photo Caption
a. Where ducts or air-transfer openings are part of an engineered smoke
control system and the smoke damper will interfere with the operation
of a smoke control system.

b. Where the air in ducts continues to move and the air handling system
installed is arranged to prevent recirculation of exhaust or return air un-
der fire emergency conditions.

c. Where the air inlet or outlet openings in ducts are limited to a single
smoke compartment.

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 d. Where ducts penetrate floors that serve as smoke barriers.

e. Where ducts penetrate smoke barriers forming a communicating space

separation in fully sprinklered building

2.3.6.5 Smoke damper actuation.

The smoke damper shall be activated by approved smoke detector or detec-

tors installed in any of the following methods.

a. Where a smoke damper is installed within a duct, a smoke detector shall

be installed in the duct within 1524 mm of the damper with no air out-
lets or inlets between the detector and the damper.

b. Where a smoke damper is installed above smoke barrier doors in a

smoke barrier, a spot-type detector listed for releasing service shall be
installed on either side of the smoke barrier door opening.

c. Where a smoke damper is installed within an air transfer opening in a

wall, a spot-type detector listed for releasing service shall be installed
within 1524 mm horizontally of the damper.

d. Where a smoke damper is installed in a corridor wall or ceiling, the

damper shall be permitted to be activated by smoke detector in that cor-
ridor.

e. Where a total-coverage smoke detector system is provided within areas

served by a HVAC system, smoke dampers shall be activated by smoke
detection system.

2.3.7. Combination (Smoke/Fire) Dampers

.
2.3.7.1. Where smoke barrier is also constructed and serving as Fire barrier/Wall, a
combination (Smoke/Fire) Damper shall be installed for all Ducts and air-
transfer openings penetrating such barriers/Walls.

2.3.7.2. Combination fire/smoke damper actuation.

a. The actuating device operating temperature shall be approximately 50°F

(10°C) above the normal temperature within the duct system, but not less
Photo Caption
than 160°F (71°C).

b. The actuating device operating temperature shall be not more than 350°
F (177°C) where located in a smoke control system.

c. Combination fire/smoke dampers installed in smoke control system shaft

penetrations shall not be activated by local area smoke detection unless
it is secondary to the smoke management system controls.

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 2.3.8. Smoke Control Panels (SCP/Fire Fighters’ Smoke Control Station)

2.3.8.1. An approved, dedicated Smoke Control Panel shall be provided for the
Smoke Control Systems for Fire fighter’s controlled operation. Such SCP shall
be essentially located at Emergency Command Center or the agreed and ap-
proved location where Main Fire Alarm Control Panel is located.

2.3.8.2. SCP (Smoke Control Panel) shall be with graphic displays, clearly depicting
the building layout, location and working status of smoke-control systems
and equipment such as Ducts, Fans and Dampers within the building, Smoke
zones within the building etc.

2.3.8.3. SCP should provide control capability over all smoke-control system equip-
ment or zones within the building to enable fire fighters to readily under-
standing the operation of the system, to activate or isolate certain zones or
individual equipment based on their judgment of the emergency situation.

2.3.8.4. The control functions of the SCP shall override any automatic functions in the
Smoke Control System. See Section 8 for test requirements.

Photo Caption

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3. Smoke Control System
3.1. Intention

3.1.1. Smoke Control Systems required in this section are to accomplish the following

3.1.1.1. Prohibit smoke from entering stairwells, means of egress, smoke refuge are-
as, elevator shafts, or similar areas where evacuees are in the process of
egress during fire emergencies.

3.1.1.2. Maintain a tenable environment in smoke refuge areas and means of egress
during the time required for evacuation.

3.1.1.3. Prohibit the migration of smoke from the smoke zone and Fire area to neigh-
boring zones.

3.1.1.4. Provide tenable conditions outside the

smoke zone that enable emergency re-
Did You Know?
sponse personnel to conduct search and
Major Factors that affect
rescue operations and to locate and con-
Smoke movement in any
trol the fire. building are

3.1.1.5. Contribute to the protection of life and 1.Stack Effect: Stack ef-
to the reduction of property loss. Thus fect and reverse stack effect
enabling the reduction of downtime of are the vertical air movement
the affected facility and business. resulting from air density dif-
ferences between the building
3.2. General considerations for efficient Smoke spaces, interior or exterior.
Control System This effect can cause smoke
from fires to spread between
3.2.1. A Fire Engineering Analysis is necessary strategy to floors of tall buildings through
identify the Smoke Management requirements in a vents, stairs, and other shafts.
building to achieve an efficient Smoke Control Sys-
tem design. 2.Buoyancy and
Expansion: High-
3.2.2. Fire Engineering Analysis should include the follow- temperature smoke from a fire
ing elements: has a buoyancy (Thrust) force
due to its reduced density
a. Fire dynamics causing Expansion of smoke,
b. Fire size and location which drives smoke from its
Photo Caption origin to various paths.
c. Materials likely to be burning
d. Fire plume geometry
e. Fire plume of smoke layer impact on means of egress
f. Tenability conditions during the period of occupant egress
g. Response and performance of building systems, including passive barriers, auto-
matic detection and extinguishing, and smoke control
h. Response time required for building occupants to reach building exits, including
any time required to exit through the atrium

17
 3.2.3. Following are some of the useful Fire Engineering Analysis points to consider in Smoke
Control Designs.

a. For atriums, where an engineered smoke control system is installed to meet the
above requirements, the system is independently activated by each of the follow-
ing:

i. Required automatic sprinkler system and smoke detectors serving the same
zone as Atrium Smoke Control Zone. (which ever activated first)

ii. Manual controls that are readily accessible to the fire department

b. For large spaces where smoke stratification can occur, one of the following detec-
tion means shall be used:

i. Beam-type smoke detector(s) aimed at an upward angle to intersect the smoke

layer regardless of the level of stratification

ii. Horizontally mounted beam-type smoke detector(s) located at the ceiling with
additional beam-type smoke detector(s) located at other levels in the volume to
cover any identified unconditioned (dead air) spaces

iii. Horizontally mounted beam-type smoke detector(s) located below the lowest
expected level of stratification

c. A means of manually starting and stopping the smoke management system shall be
provided at the emergency command center.

d. Smoke Exhaust fans shall be capable of operating effectively at 400°C for 2 hours.

e. Makeup air shall be provided by fans, openings to the outside leakage paths, or the
combination thereof.

f. The supply points for the makeup air shall be located beneath the smoke layer in-
terface.

g. Mechanical makeup air shall be less than the mass flow rate of the mechanical
smoke exhaust.

h. It is recommended that makeup air be designed at 85 percent to 95 percent of the

exhaust mass flow rate, not including the leakages through small paths.
Photo Caption

i. The makeup air shall not cause door-opening force to exceed allowable limits.

j. The makeup air velocity shall not exceed 1.02 m/s where the makeup air could
come into contact with the plume unless a higher makeup air velocity is supported
by engineering analysis.

18
 k. Design fire load over 9.3 m2 floor space shall be restricted to the following and shall
be detailed and justified in the smoke engineering analysis:

i. For office building atrium, fire load shall be 2100 kW

ii. For mercantile occupancies, fire load shall be 5275 kW
iii. Malls and Atrium smoke engineering analysis shall be done by use of computer
models.

3.3. Requirements of Engineered Smoke Control System

3.3.1. This section dictates the requirements for Engineered Smoke Control Systems, which is
applied to Complex Structures and where Table 10.2. demands.

3.3.2. The engineered smoke control system in the form of a smoke ventilation system by
natural or mechanical extraction may be designed in accordance with any of the fol-
lowing.

a. BR 186 - Design principles for smoke ventilation in enclosed shopping centers.

b. BR 258 - Design approaches for smoke control in atrium buildings.
c. NFPA 92.
d. NFPA 204 Standard for Heat Venting.
e. Handbook of Smoke Control Engineering– ASHRAE/SFPE
f. Other Civil Defence acceptable standards.

3.3.3. Sprinkler System

a. The building to be provided with an engineered smoke control system shall be

sprinkler protected unless an engineering analysis is provided with technical justifi-
cation and approved by Civil Defence.

3.3.4. Fire Size

a. Capacity of the engineered smoke control system may be calculated based on the
incidence of a likely maximum fire size for a sprinkler controlled fire as recom-
mended in the following Table 10.1:

Table 10.1: Fire Size for various occupancies

OCCUPANCY FIRE SIZE- PERIMETER

HEAT OUTPUT OF FIRE (M)
(MW)
Photo Caption
Shops 5 12

Offices 1 14

Hotel Guest 0.5 6

Rooms

Hotel Public 2.5 12

Areas

Assembly with 2.5 12

fixed seating

19
 3.3.5. Capacity of Smoke Ventilation System

a. The capacity of an engineered

smoke control system shall be
capable of handling the largest
demand for smoke exhaust from
the worst case scenario. See Fig-
ure 10.12 for example, the
smoke is originating from first
level, directly below the exhaust
openings.

Figure 10.12: Scenario A – Fire origin at lowest Atrium level

b. Another example of the worst

case scenario at Atrium. See Fig-
ure 10.13 for example, the
smoke is originating from sec-
ond level and with protruded
obstructions from upper levels.

Figure 10.13: Scenario B – Fire origin at 2 nd floor Shop space

3.3.6. Clear Layer

a. The design smoke layer base

shall be above the heads of peo-
ple escaping beneath it. The
minimum height shall be
1830mm. See Figure 10.14 for
illustrations.

Figure 10.14: Clear smoke layer

Photo Caption

3.3.7. Smoke reservoir

a. Smoke reservoirs to prevent the

lateral spread of smoke and to
collect smoke for removal shall
be of non-combustible construc-
tion capable of withstanding
smoke temperatures. See Figure
Figure 10.15: Smoke reservoir 10.15 for illustrations.

20
 3.3.8. Stagnant Regions

a. Adequate arrangement (s) shall

be made in each smoke reservoir
for the removal of smoke in a
way that will prevent the for-
mation of stagnant regions. See
Figure 10.16. for illustrations.

Figure 10.16: Stagnant region due to atrium ceiling obstruction

3.3.9. Maximum mass flow/smoke layer temperature

a. Owing to practical limitation, a smoke ventilation system shall have:

i. Maximum mass flow not exceeding 175 kg/s; and

ii. Minimum smoke layer temperature of 18degC above ambient.

b. Replacement air shall be by natural means drawing air directly from the external.

c. The design replacement air discharge velocity shall not exceed 5.0 m/s to prevent
the escapees being hindered by the air flow.

d. Replacement air intake shall be sited at least 5 m away from any exhaust air dis-
charge.

e. Replacement air shall be dis-

charged at a low level, at least 1.5
m beneath the designed smoke
layer, to prevent smoke logging
of the lower clear zone. See
Figure 10.17 for illustrations.

Photo Caption
Figure 10.17: Smoke curtain used in relation to replacement air

f. Where the inlet cannot be sited at least 1.5 m below the smoke layer, a smoke cur-
tain or a barrier shall be used to prevent replacement air distorting the smoke lay-
er. Such smoke curtain depth shall be 20% of the total height of the space.

g. Where replacement air is taken through inlet air ventilators or doorways, devices
shall be incorporated to automatically open such inlet ventilators and doors to ad-
mit replacement air upon activation of the smoke ventilation system.

21
 3.3.10. Perforated Ceiling

a. For cases where the smoke reser-

voir is above the false ceiling, the
ceiling shall be of perforated type
with at least 25% opening.

Figure 10.18: Perforated ceiling

3.3.11. Emergency power supply

a. The smoke control system shall be provided with secondary source of power sup-
ply.

3.3.12. Mode of Activation

a. The smoke control system shall be activated by sprinkler activation, smoke detec-
tors or beam detectors located in the same smoke control zone. Use of smoke or
beam detectors for activation must be carefully designed so that accidental or
premature activation of the detectors on a non-fire zone due to smoke spills or
spread from other areas must be avoided.

3.3.13. Manual activation

a. A remote manual activation and control switches as well as visual indication of the
operation status of the smoke control system shall also be provided at the fire
command center and where there is no emergency command center, at main fire
indicator board.

3.3.14. Shut down of all other air-conditioning and ventilation systems.

a. All other air-conditioning and ventilation systems within part of the fire zone shall
be shut down automatically upon activation of the smoke ventilation system.

b. Automatic shut down of Air Handling Unit shall not affect the dedicated and inde-
Photo Caption
pendent ventilation system of the following areas:

i. Exit staircases and exit passageways.

ii. Smoke free lobbies and fire fighting lobbies.
iii. Lift shafts.
iv. Area of refuge
v. Basement carparks.
vi. Emergency command center
vii. Flammable and hazardous material storage.
viii. Emergency generator room
ix. Fire pump room

22
 3.3.15. Protected circuits

a. Fans shall be capable of operating at 400°C for 2 hours. The fans and associated
smoke control equipment shall be wired in protected circuits designed to ensure
continued operation in the event of the fire.

b. The electrical supply to the fans shall, in each case, be connected to a sub-main
circuit exclusive thereto after the main isolator of the building. The cables shall be
of at least 1-hour fire resistance.

3.3.16. Fire rating of Ducts

a. Ductwork for Engineered Smoke Control Systems (both exhaust and replacement
air ducts) shall be of at least 1 hour fire resistance. Where a duct passes through
other fire compartment of higher rating, the duct shall be constructed to have the
rating as that of the compartment.

b. The rating shall apply to fire exposure from both internal and external of the duct
or structure. See section 8 for material approval requirements.

3.3.17. Fire Damper not allowed

a. Fire damper shall not be fitted in the smoke control system.

b. Fire damper is not allowed to be fitted in the duct work of the atrium smoke con-
trol.

3.3.18. Activation of system

a. The time taken for the smoke control system within a smoke zone to be fully oper-
ational shall not exceed 60 seconds from system activation.

3.3.19. Fail safe system

a. For natural smoke control system, the natural ventilators shall be :

i. in the “open” position in the event of power/system failure

ii. positioned such that they will not be adversely affected by positive wind pres-
sure.

3.3.20. Natural/Power exhaust ventilation

Photo Caption

a. Natural exhaust ventilation shall not be used together with powered smoke ex-
haust ventilation.

3.3.21. Smoke curtains

a. All smoke curtains where required, unless permanently fixed in position, shall be
brought into position automatically to provide adequate smoke-tightness and
effective depth. The effective depth in general is 20% of the total floor ceiling
height of the space.

23
 3.3.22. Smoke Curtain Obstruction to means of egress

a. Smoke curtain or other smoke

barrier at any access route form-
ing part of or leading to a means
of escape shall not in their opera-
tional position obstruct the es-
cape of people through such
route. See Figure 10.18 for illus-
trations. However, Head room of
clear 2030 mm shall be main-
tained in escape route.

Figure 10.18: Smoke Curtain Obstruction to means of egress

3.3.23. Smoke or channeling Screens

a. Where glass walls or panels are

being used as smoke screens to
form a smoke reservoir or as
channeling screens, they shall be
1 hour fire rated. See Figure
10.19 for illustrations.

b. All smoke control equipment

(including smoke curtains) may
be supplied and installed in ac-
cordance with the accepted
standards as per section 8.
Figure 10.19: Smoke or Channeling Screen

Points to Ponder
Pressure differences generally created by smoke control systems, in highrise buildings may
prove to be Caption
Photo less effective compared to the stack effect in the building, making it difficult to
open doors, or have an adverse effect on smoke control systems.

In order to limit the stack effect, following can be considered in an effective design.

 Stair shafts can be interrupted with transfer passageways or refuge areas.

 Shafts in very tall buildings should be interrupted at regular intervals.
 Mechanical shafts can be Sealed/Fire stopped at regular intervals.
 Compensated Pressurization Systems counteracting stack effect and wind forces should

24
4. Mechanical Ventilation and Smoke Control
Requirements for specific areas and occupancies
Table 10.2: Mechanical Ventilation and Smoke Control requirements for specific areas in a building.

SPECIFIC ONE (1) MORE THAN UP TO 23m 23m TO 90m 90m AND ABOVE
AREAS IN THE BASEMENT OR ONE (1) BUILDING BUILDING BUILDING HEIGHT
BUILDING LESS THAN BASEMENT OR HEIGHT HEIGHT
IN ANY 7m DEEP MORE THAN
OCCUPANCY 7m DEEP (LOW RISE & (HIGH RISE) (SUPER
(LOW DEPTH) (HIGH DEPTH) MID RISE) HIGHRISE)
Exit Stairs No Smoke Con- Stair No Smoke Con- Stair Stair
trol require- Pressurization trol require- Pressurization Pressurization
ments. See section 4.15. ments See section 4.14. See section 4.14.
See section 4.1. See section 4.1.

Enclosed Exit Enclosed Exit Corridor and open Enclosed Exit Corridor and open Corridor and open
and Exit Corridor and Exit circulation area Corridor and circulation area circulation area
Access Access Corridor Mechanical Exit Access Mechanical Mechanical Smoke
Smoke Purge Smoke Purge Purge System.
Corridors Ventilation Corridor
System. System. See section 4.13.
See section 4.2, Ventilation
See section 4.13. See section 4.13.
4.3. See section 4.2,
4.3.
Passenger Lifts Lifts open to Cor- Lifts open to No Smoke Con- Lift Hoistway Pres- Lifts open to Corri-
open to corri- ridor not ac- Corridor not trol require- surization System dor not acceptable.
dor, without ceptable. acceptable. ments See section 4.7. Elevators should
Lobby Elevators should Elevators should have Lobby.
have Lobby. have Lobby. See section 4.6.
See section 4.6. See section 4.6.
Passenger Lifts Lift Lobby is re- Lift Lobby is re- No Smoke Con- Lift Lobby is re- Lift Lobby is re-
with Lobby quired without quired without trol require- quired without quired without
Smoke Control Smoke Control ments Smoke Control Smoke Control re-
requirements requirements requirements quirements
See section 4.6. See section 4.6. See section 4.6. See section 4.6.
Fire Man’s Lift Fire Man’s Lift is Lift Hoistway Pres- Fire Man’s Lift is Lift Hoistway Pres- Fire Man’s Lift Lob-
without Lobby not required. If surization System not required. If surization System by is required but
provided, see See section 4.7. provided, see See section 4.7. without Smoke
section 4.5. section 4.5. Control require-
ments.
See section 4.5.
Fire Man’s Lift Fire Man’s Lift/
Photo Caption
Fire Man’s Lift/ Fire Man’s Lift/ Fire Man’s Lift/ Fire Man’s Lift Lob-
Lobby Lobby is not re- Lobby is not re- Lobby is not re- Lobby is not re- by is required but
quired. If provid- quired. If provid- quired. If provid- quired. If provid- without Smoke
ed, See section ed, See section ed, See section ed, See section Control require-
4.5. However, 4.5. However, 4.5. However, 4.5. However, ments.
Lobby is Lobby is Lobby is Lobby is See section 4.5.
required required required required
See section 4.6. See section 4.6. See section 4.6. See section 4.6.
Fire Command NA NA NA Fire Command Fire Command
Center Fire Command Fire Command Fire Command Center Center
Center is not re- Center is not Center is not See section 4.10. See section 4.10.
quired required required

25
4. Mechanical Ventilation and Smoke Control
Requirements for specific areas and occupancies
Table 10.2: Mechanical Ventilation and Smoke Control requirements for specific areas in a building.

SPECIFIC ONE (1) MORE THAN UP TO 23m 23m TO 90m 90m AND ABOVE
AREAS IN THE BASEMENT OR ONE (1) BUILDING BUILDING BUILDING HEIGHT
BUILDING LESS THAN BASEMENT OR HEIGHT HEIGHT
IN ANY 7m DEEP MORE THAN
OCCUPANCY 7m DEEP (LOW RISE & (HIGH RISE) (SUPER
(LOW DEPTH) (HIGH DEPTH) MID RISE) HIGHRISE)
Open Car Park Enclosed Car Enclosed Car Open Car Park Open Car Park Open Car Park
Park Park See section 4.25. See section 4.25. See section 4.25.
See section 4.24. See section 4.24. And section 5, if And section 5, if And section 5, if
area is more area is more area is more than
than 2000 m2 than 2000 m2 2000 m2
Enclosed Car Enclosed Car Enclosed Car Enclosed Car Enclosed Car Enclosed Car Park
Park Park Park Park Park See section 4.24.
See section 4.24. See section 4.24. See section 4.24. See section 4.24.

Elevator No requirements Elevator Ma- For Midrise Elevator Ma- Elevator Machine
Machine Room chine Room buildings, chine Room Room Ventilation
Ventilation Elevator Ventilation See section 4.4.
See section 4.4. Machine Room See section 4.4.
Ventilation
See section 4.4.

Table 10.2: Mechanical Ventilation and Smoke Control requirements for specific areas in a building.

SPECIFIC AREAS IN THE REQUIRED SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEM

BUILDING IN ANY OCCUPANCY
Underground Structures/ Underground Structures/Occupancies
Occupancies See section 4.23.
Fire Pump Room Fire Pump Room Ventilation
See section 4.8.
Generator Room Generator Room Ventilation
Photo Caption
See section 4.9.
Rooms involving Hazardous and Rooms involving Hazardous and Flammable Materials/Vapors
Flammable Materials/Vapors See section 4.11.
Commercial Kitchens Commercial Kitchen Ventilation
See section 4.12.
Atrium Atrium Smoke Control
See section 4.15.

26
4. Mechanical Ventilation and Smoke Control Require-
ments for various areas and occupancies
Table 10.2: Mechanical Ventilation and Smoke Control requirements for specific areas in a building.

OCCUPANCY REQUIRED SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEM

Malls Mall Smoke Control

See section 4.21.
Hospitals Corridor and open circulation area Mechanical Smoke Purge System.
See section 4.13.

Open Plan Offices Corridor and open circulation area Mechanical Smoke Purge System.
See section 4.13.

Theaters Assembly Spaces – Theaters Smoke Control

See section 4.16.

Cinema Assembly Spaces - Cinema Smoke Control

See section 4.17.

Auditorium Assembly Spaces - Auditorium Smoke Control

See section 4.20.

Sports Halls Assembly Spaces - Sport Halls Smoke Control

See section 4.18.

Exhibition Center Assembly Spaces - Exhibition Smoke Control

See section 4.19.

Anchor Stores and Corridor and open circulation area Mechanical Smoke Purge System.
Hypermarkets See section 4.13.
(More than 900 m2)
Warehouse Warehouse and Factory – Smoke Vent and Fan Systems
See section 4.22.
Factory Warehouse and Factory – Smoke Vent and Fan Systems
See section 4.22.
Tunnels Tunnels – Jet Fan Systems
See section 5.3.

Photo Caption

Note: Smoke control systems where required by Table 10.2., shall have dedicated
ducts independent of the HVAC Systems unless justified by an engineered
smoke control system, complete with calculations and efficient damper opera-
tion logic. However, where such combined engineered smoke control systems
are permitted, the ducts and smoke control panel (SCP) shall comply with
section 8, as per dedicated smoke control system requirements.

27
4.1. Stair Natural Ventilation

4.1.1. There is no requirement of smoke control system for low rise and mid rise building exit
stairs. However, if there is need for ventilation to overcome fungus, dampness or to
clear smoke accumulated during fire emergencies, natural ventilation as per following
clauses shall be provided.

4.1.2. Stair natural ventilation shall be provided by means of a 1 m2 automatic opening vent
in the stair.

4.1.3. The automatic opening vent shall be located at the top roof of the stair and open di-
rectly to the exterior.

4.1.4. The automatic opening vent shall be activated by a smoke detector located a maximum
of 3 m away from the stair that it serves.

4.1.5. Manual override for the Vent shall be provided at the main fire alarm control panel.

4.1.6. Such Natural venting can also be achieved by openable windows with manual or
pneumatic levers provided the openable windows provide 1 m2 open area for Natural
venting.

4.1.7. Air-conditioning and fan coil units are not allowed to be in exit staircases.

Did You Know?

Berlin Brandenburg Airport project with leading consultants and con-
tractors, with 1 billion euros budget was to commence operating in
2007.Photo
ButCaption
the project was mismanaged with poor execution and de-
sign blunders.
As of today the cost of the project has gone well over 6 billion euros
and commissioning of the airport is expected in 2018.
One of the major reason is wrongly designed and executed “Smoke
Control System”.

28
4.2. Enclosed Exit Corridors and Exit Access Corridor Ventilation

4.2.1. Mechanical ventilation system for Exit Corridor or Exit access corridor, shall be an inde-
pendent system of exhaust mode only exclusive to the particular Corridor, and it shall
comply with the following requirements:

a. Makeup air for the system shall be drawn directly from the external, with intake
point not less than 5m from any exhaust discharge openings.

b. The ventilation system shall be of exhaust mode only of not less than 6 air changes
per hour.

4.2.2. This mechanical ventilation system shall be automatically activated by Sprinkler activat-
ed flow switch from that corridor and/or the building fire alarm system, from detectors
of the corridor. In addition, a remote manual start-stop switch shall be made available
to firemen on Smoke Control Panel (FCP) at the emergency command center, or at the
fire indicating board where there is no emergency command center.

4.2.3. Visual indication of the operation status of the mechanical ventilation system shall be
provided.

4.3. Corridor Natural Ventilation

4.3.1. Naturally ventilated internal corridor shall be by fixed ventilation openings in an exter-
nal wall and such ventilation openings being not less than 15 % of the floor area of the
internal corridor.

4.3.2. Natural ventilation opening shall not be more than 15 m from any part of the internal
corridor.

4.3.3. Natural Vents shall be triggered automatically by smoke detectors at the corridor.
Manual override for the Vent shall also be provided near the main fire alarm control
panel.

4.3.4. Such Natural venting can also be achieved by openable windows with manual or
pneumatic levers provided the openable windows provide 15% open area for Natural
venting.

4.4. Elevator Machine room Ventilation

4.4.1.
PhotoElevator
Caption machine rooms that contain solid-state equipment for elevators, having a
travel distance exceeding 15 m above the level of exit discharge, or exceeding 7000
mm below the level of exit discharge, shall be provided with independent ventilation or
air-conditioning systems to maintain temperature during fire fighters’ emergency oper-
ations for elevator operation. The operating temperature shall be established by the
elevator equipment manufacturer’s specifications.

4.4.2. When standby power is connected to the elevator, the elevator equipment, elevator
communications, elevator machine room cooling, and elevator controller cooling shall
be supplied by both normal and standby power.

29
 4.4.3. Wiring for power and control shall be located and properly protected to ensure a mini-
mum 1 hour of operation in the event of a fire.

4.4.4. Conveyors, elevators, dumbwaiters, and pneumatic conveyors serving various stories
of a building shall not open to an exit enclosure.

4.5. Fire-Man’s Lift Lobby (FF Lobby) Ventilation

4.5.1. Smoke control shall not be re-

quired for the firefighting lobby.

4.5.2. Firefighting lobby enclosure shall

be constructed of smoke partitions
and enclosed in one hour fire re-
sistance rating

4.5.3. Smoke control or smoke purge

shall not be required for fire-
fighting lift shafts.

4.5.4. Firefighting stairs shall be pressur-

ized in accordance with
Figure 10.20: Fire Man’s Lift Lobby Ventilation Section 4.14.

4.6. Elevators with Lobby and smoke proof enclosure ventilation

4.6.1. No Smoke control shall be required for the Elevator lobbies constructed according to
this section, section 4.6.

4.6.2. Every Highrise building floor served by the elevator shall have an elevator lobby. Barri-
ers forming the elevator lobby shall have a minimum 1-hour fire resistance rating and
shall be arranged as a smoke barrier.

4.6.3. Elevator lobby door assemblies shall have a minimum 1-hour fire protection rating. The
transmitted temperature end point shall not exceed 250°C above ambient at the end
of 30 minutes of the fire exposure. Elevator lobby door leaves shall be self-closing or
automatic-closing.

4.6.4. The elevator lobby door leaves shall close in response to a signal from a smoke detec-
tor located directly outside the elevator lobby adjacent to or on each door opening.
Photo Caption
Elevator lobby door leaves shall be permitted to close in response to a signal from the
building fire alarm system.

4.6.5. Where one elevator lobby door leaf closes by means of a smoke detector or a signal
from the building fire alarm system, all elevator lobby door leaves serving that elevator
evacuation system shall close.

4.6.6. Two-way communication systems shall be provided between elevator lobbies and a
central control point and between elevator cars and a central control point. Communi-
cations wiring shall be protected to ensure a minimum 1 hour of operation in the event
of fire.

30
4.7. Lift Hoistway Pressurization System

4.7.1. Lift hoistway pressurization systems shall be designed to operate within a pressure
difference range. This range is between the minimum design pressure difference and
the maximum design pressure difference.

4.7.2. The minimum pressure differ-

ence is intended to prevent
smoke from entering the lifts,
the maximum pressure differ-
ence across lift doors is based on
concern about lift doors jam-
ming shut in the closed position.

4.7.3. For the lift hoistway pressuriza-

tion systems, the minimum pres-
sure differences shall be 25 Pa
and the maximum pressure
differences shall be 62 Pa.

4.7.4. Lift hoistway serving more than

30 floors in height (Super high-
rise buildings) shall be provided
Figure 10.21: Lift Hoistway Pressurization with multiple-injection systems.

4.7.5. For lift hoistways pressurization

systems in super highrise build-
ings special design provision
shall be made taking into consid-
eration stack effect and piston
effect influence on pressure pro-
file within the hoistway. This
shall be determined either by
analytical calculations, network
modeling or CFD simulations.

4.7.6. Back-up (Stand-by) fans

shall not be required for
Lift hoistway pressuriza-
tion systems.
Photo Caption
4.7.7. Lift hoistway pressuriza-
tion system fan shall be
provided with emergency
power.

4.7.8. If elevators are to be used

for evacuation, Lift Hoist-
way pressurization should
be accompanied with
“Smoke Tight Lift Lobbies”
Schematic 10.1– Lift Hoistway Pressurization System Schematic

31
4.8. Fire Pump Room (With Diesel Engine driven Fire Pump) Ventilation

4.8.1. Smoke control or smoke purge is not required.

4.8.2. Smoke and fire from other areas shall not compromise and infiltrate mechanical venti-
lation system serving the fire pump room.

4.8.3. Supply air shall not be from underground or car park spaces.

4.8.4. Exhaust shall not be into underground or car park spaces. The Pump Room exhaust
shall be directly to the exterior, through dedicated ducts or shafts.

4.8.5. Supply air shall be drawn directly from the external (and is permitted to be condi-
tioned) via a shaft and its intake point shall not be less than 5 m from any exhaust dis-
charge openings. Exhaust discharge shall also be direct to the external and shall not be
less than 5 m from any air intake openings.

4.8.6. Where supply air is shared with other systems, a fire and smoke damper shall be pro-
vided where the system interfaces with the pump room in order to mitigate fire and
smoke spread into the fire pump room. Use of damper shall not adversely affect the
functionality and cooling of the fire pump.

Figure 10.22: Fire Pump Room Ventilation

Photo Caption

4.8.7. Supply air shall not be drawn directly from adjoining basement car park or other inter-
nal enclosed spaces.

4.8.8. Where dampers adversely affect fire pump room ventilation, cooling, and fire pump
performance, an independent fresh air supply system shall be provided.

32
 4.8.9. Where the corresponding ducts
run outside the room they shall
either be enclosed in a structure
or be constructed to give at least
the same fire rating as the room
which they serve or that of the
room through which they trav-
erse, whichever is higher. The
rating shall apply to fire expo-
sure from both internal and ex-
ternal of the duct or structure.

4.8.10. Where the duct risers are re-

quired to be enclosed in a pro-
tected shaft constructed of ma-
sonry or drywall, they shall be
compartmented from the rest of
Figure 10.23: Ducts serving other areas shall not pass through Pump Room
the shaft space containing other
ducts or services installations.

4.8.11. Duct serving areas other than rooms housing equipment stated in this clause shall
not pass through such rooms. See Figure 10.23.

4.9. Generator Room Ventilation

4.9.1. Smoke control or smoke purge is not required.

4.9.2. Smoke and fire from other areas shall not compromise and infiltrate mechanical ven-
tilation system serving the generator room.

4.9.3. Supply air shall not be from underground or car park spaces.

4.9.4. Exhaust shall not be into underground or car park spaces. The Generator Room ex-
haust shall be directly to the exterior, through dedicated ducts or shafts.

4.9.5. Supply air shall be drawn directly from the external (and is permitted to be condi-
tioned) and its intake point shall not be less than 5 m from any exhaust discharge
openings. Exhaust discharge shall also be direct to the external and shall not be less
than 5 m from any air intake openings.
Photo Caption

4.9.6. Where supply air is shared with other systems, a fire and smoke damper shall be pro-
vided where the system interfaces with the generator room in order to mitigate fire
and smoke spread into the generator room. Use of damper shall not adversely affect
the functionality and cooling of the generator.

4.9.7. Supply air shall not be drawn directly from adjoining basement car park or other in-
ternal enclosed spaces.

33
 4.9.8. Where dampers adversely affect generator room ventilation, cooling, and fire pump
performance, an independent fresh air supply system shall be provided.

4.9.9. Where the corresponding ducts run outside the room they shall either be enclosed in
a structure or be constructed to give at least the same fire rating as the room which
they serve or that of the room through which they traverse, whichever is higher. The
rating shall apply to fire exposure from both internal and external of the duct or
structure.

4.9.10. Where the duct risers are required to be enclosed in a protected shaft constructed of
masonry or drywall, they shall be compartmented from the rest of the shaft space
containing other ducts or services installations.

4.9.11. Duct serving areas other than rooms housing equipment stated in this clause shall
not pass through such rooms.

4.10. Emergency Command Center Ventilation

4.10.1. Smoke control or smoke purge is not required.

4.10.2. Mechanical ventilation shall be provided in accordance with one of the following
methods:

a. Dedicated AHU for exhaust and supply air with dedicated ductwork

b. Shared mechanical ventilation provided with fire and smoke dampers within sup-
ply air and exhaust ducts to mitigate smoke spread from adjacent areas into the
command center. Dampers shall be activated by smoke detection within the
ducts.

4.10.3. Mechanical ventilation shall be provided in compliance with the following:

a. Smoke and fire from other areas shall not compromise and infiltrate mechanical
ventilation system serving the emergency command center.

b. Supply air intake point shall not be less than 5 m from any exhaust discharge
openings. Exhaust discharge shall not be less than 5 m from any air intake open-
ings.
Photo Caption
c. Where supply air is shared with other systems, a fire and smoke damper shall be
provided where the system interfaces with the emergency command center in
order to mitigate fire and smoke spread into the emergency command center.

d. Supply air shall not be drawn directly from adjoining internal enclosed spaces.

g. Duct serving areas other than rooms housing equipment stated in this clause
shall not pass through such rooms.

34
 h. Where the corresponding ducts run outside the room they shall either be en-
closed in a structure or be constructed to give at least the same fire rating as the
room which they serve or that of the room through which they traverse, which-
ever is higher. The rating shall apply to fire exposure from both internal and ex-
ternal of the duct or structure.

i. Where the duct risers are required to be enclosed in a protected shaft construct-
ed of masonry or drywall, they shall be compartmented from the rest of the
shaft space containing other ducts or services installations.

4.11. Rooms involving use of Flammable and Explosive Substances

4.11.1. Mechanical ventilation system where required for rooms which involve the use of
flammable and explosive substances shall be independent from those serving other
parts of the building. It shall comply with the following requirements:

a. Ventilation system shall consist of exhaust and supply part with a rate of 20 air-
changes per hour.

b. The exhaust shall be direct to

the external and shall not be less
than 5 m from any air intake
openings;

c. Where such ducts run outside

the room they shall either be
enclosed in a structure or be
constructed to give at least the
same fire rating as the room
which they serve or that of the
room through which they trav-
erse, whichever is higher. The
rating shall apply to fire expo-
sure from both internal and ex-
ternal of the duct or structure.
Figure 10.24: Ventilation for Rooms with Flammable Substances

d. Where the
Photo Caption duct risers are required to be enclosed in a protected shaft construct-
ed of masonry or drywall complying, they shall be compartmented from the rest
of the shaft space containing other ducts or services installations;

e. No fire damper shall be fitted in either supply or exhaust duct required under
this Clause.

f. Ducts serving other areas shall not pass through rooms involving use of flamma-
ble and explosive substances. See Figure 10.24.

35
4.12. Smoke Ventilation Of Commercial Cooking Operations

4.12.1. Cooking equipment used in processes producing smoke or grease-laden vapors

shall be equipped with an exhaust system that complies with all the equipment
and performance requirements of this standard.

4.12.2. A fire-actuated damper shall be installed in the supply air plenum at each point
where a supply air duct inlet or a supply air outlet penetrates the continuously
welded shell of the exhaust hood assembly.

4.12.3. The fire damper shall be listed for such use or be part of a listed exhaust hood with
or without exhaust damper.

4.12.4. The actuation device shall have a maximum temperature rating of 141°C.

Figure 10.25: Ducting for individual kitchen

Photo Caption

Figure 10.26 protection for duct penetration from kitchen

36
 4.12.5. Listed grease filters, listed baffles, or other listed grease removal devices for use
with commercial cooking equipment shall be provided. Listed grease filters shall be
tested in accordance with UL 1046. Mesh filters shall not be used.

4.12.6. Exhaust ducts shall not pass through fire walls. All exhaust ducts shall lead directly
to the exterior of the building, so as not to unduly increase any fire hazard. Exhaust
duct systems shall not be interconnected with any other building ventilation or
exhaust system.

4.12.7. Exhaust ducts shall be constructed of and supported by carbon steel not less than
1.37 mm (No. 16 MSG) in thickness or stainless steel not less than 1.09 mm (No. 18
MSG) in thickness.

4.12.8. Smoke Exhaust fans shall be capable of operating effectively at 400°C for 2 hours.

4.12.9. In kitchens where vertical fire

barriers are penetrated, the
ducts shall be enclosed in a con-
tinuous enclosure extending
from the first penetrated fire
barrier and any subsequent fire
barriers or concealed spaces to
or through the exterior, to main-
tain the fire resistance rating of
the highest fire barrier penetrat-
ed. See Figure 10.25, 10.26,
10.27 and 10.28 for illustra-
Figure 10.27: Separated vertical shaft for kitchen exhaust duct
tions.

4.12.10. The continuous enclosure provisions shall not be required where a field-applied/
factory built grease duct enclosure is protected with a listed duct-through-
penetration protection system equivalent to the fire resistance rating of the as-
sembly being penetrated, and where the materials are installed in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions.

Photo Caption

Figure 10.28: Minimum distance between heat source and combustibles.

37
4.13. Corridor and Open circulation area Mechanical Smoke Purge System
in any Occupancy including Hospitals, Open plan offices, Hypermar-
kets and Anchor stores.

4.13.1. Corridor and open circulation areas shall be provided with mechanical smoke
purge with a mechanical system capable of achieving a minimum of 6 air changes
per hour. The intent of the smoke purge system is for smoke removal for fire-
fighting operations.

4.13.2. The smoke purge systems shall be automatically activated by the Sprinkler Flow
switch and/or smoke detection systems serving the corridor zone /open circulation
area zone. Automatic activation of the purge system by means of a double knock/
cross zoned system (activation of two detection devices) shall be preferred and
permitted. Means for manual operation of the smoke purge system with Smoke
Control Panel (SCP) shall be provided at an approved location, preferably Emergen-
cy Command Center where applicable or next to Main Fire Alarm Panel.

4.13.3. Smoke extract fans shall be capable of operating effectively at 400°C for 2 hours.

4.13.4. Air supply inlets and smoke extraction outlets are distributed alternately, such that
the horizontal distance between supply and extraction, measured along the axis of
circulation, should not exceed 15m.

4.13.5. Smoke extraction outlets must have their lower part at least 1.830 m above the
floor and be located entirely within the higher third-part of the circulation; See
Figure 10.30 for illustrations.

4.13.6. It is preferable for air supply inlets to have their lower part at least 300 mm above
the floor and their highest part at most 1m above the floor; they are preferably
located in close proximity to firestop doors and access doors to staircases. If the air
supply inlet is carried out through opening flaps, their free surface must be in the
lower half of the premise; See Figure 10.29 for illustrations.

4.13.7. When a smoke extraction outlet is served by two air supply inlets, the distances
between inlets/outlets must be equivalent. See Figure 10.33 for illustrations.

4.13.8. Any door of a premise accessible to the public, such as exit and corridor doors, not
located between an air supply inlet and a smoke extraction outlet, must be at most
5m distant to one of them. See Figure 10.29 for illustrations.

4.13.9. At the same level, several circulations or sections cannot be connected by the
Photo Caption
same ductwork, unless they make up only one smoke extraction zone.

4.13.10. If a room is ventilated continuously (air renewal, heating or air conditioning), the
ventilation system can be used for smoke extraction provided that it adheres to
the provisions of this chapter and that it does not interfere with the natural smoke
movement. The presence of filters or sound attenuators is allowed on the supply
ductwork.

4.13.11. Smoke extraction outlets are carried out through air outlets connected to an ex-
haust fan.

38
 4.13.12. Mechanical air supply inlets are carried out through air inlets connected to a sup-
ply fan.

4.13.13. Mechanical air supply inlets shall achieve a minimum 85% airflow rate of the ex-
tract. Air velocity through air supply inlets shall be lower than 5 m/s.

4.13.14. These various air inlets/outlets

are equipped with closed damp-
ers in their waiting (non-fire
mode) position.

4.13.15. The open or closed state of fans

disconnecting switch must be
reported to the security station
or a frequently supervised sta-
tion.

Figure 10.29: Location of Supply air inlets and Smoke extract outlets

4.13.16. The control devices must ensure fans startup, within a maximum delay of 30 sec-
onds in order to allow the operation of all activated security devices (dampers and
doors) ensuring smoke extraction and partitioning of the smoke extraction zone.

4.13.17. Each smoke exhaust fan must be able to be shut down from the manual control
location for security setting.

4.13.18. Back-up (Stand-by) fans shall not be required for smoke purge systems.

4.13.19. Emergency
power shall
be provided
for all
smoke
purge sys-
tem compo-
nents for
Photo Caption
high rise
buildings
and
healthcare
occupan-
cies.

Figure 10.30 - Typical Corridor and Open circulation area Mechanical Smoke Purge System

39
 Photo Caption

Schematic 10.2- Corridor and Open circulation area Mechanical Smoke Purge System Schematic

40
4.14. Staircases Pressurization System

4.14.1. Internal exit staircases shall be pressurized to comply with the criteria of this sec-
tion.

4.14.2. Exit stair pressurization systems shall be designed to operate within a pressure
difference range. This range is between the minimum design pressure difference
and the maximum design pressure difference. Where maximum design pressure
shall corresponds to the maximum allowable door-opening force depending on
door size. See section 4.14.10.

4.14.3. The pressure differences shall be of 12.5Pa

4.14.4. Where the system designer has determined that a higher minimum pressure differ-
ence is necessary to achieve the smoke control system objectives, the higher mini-
mum pressure difference shall be used.

4.14.5. The minimum pressure difference for exit stair pressurization systems shall be es-
tablished at a level that is sufficient such that it will not be overcome by the forces
of wind, stack effect, or buoyancy of hot smoke.

4.14.6. The air velocity at the supply air inlet for the stair pressurization system shall not
exceed 5 m/s.

4.14.7. The calculations shall take into account the 2 (two) number of doors to be opened
simultaneously, the floor of fire origin and the exit door at discharge as a mini-
mum. However, pressurization sizing shall be verified by Computer airflow models.

4.14.8. For exit stair pressurization systems, the orifice

equation can be used to estimate the flow
through building flow paths. Total leakage area of
the protected space shall be calculated using in-
put data from NFPA 92, EN 12101-6 standards or
other relevant standards.

4.14.9. The flow through open doors shall be calculated

based on the pressure difference across the open
doors.

4.14.10. The pressure difference across a barrier must not

Photo Caption
result in door-opening forces that exceed the
maximum force of 133 N.

4.14.11. The force required to

open a door in exit
stair pressurization
system is as follows:

Figure 10.31: Forces on a Door in a Stairwell Pressurization System.

41
 4.14.12. For the maximum door-opening force of 133 N, Table 10.3. can be used to deter-
mine the maximum pressure difference (∆P) across the door.

Table 10.3: Maximum Pressure Differences across Doors.

DOOR CLOSER DOOR WIDTH DOOR WIDTH DOOR WIDTH DOOR WIDTH DOOR WIDTH
FORCE (N) 0.81 m 0.91 m 1.02 m 1.12 m 1.22 m

25 113 Pa 102 Pa 92 Pa 84 Pa 78 Pa
30 108 Pa 97 Pa 88 Pa 80 Pa 74 Pa
35 103 Pa 93 Pa 83 Pa 77 Pa 71 Pa
40 98 Pa 88 Pa 79 Pa 73 Pa 67 Pa
45 92 Pa 83 Pa 75 Pa 69 Pa 64 Pa
50 87 Pa 78 Pa 71 Pa 65 Pa 60 Pa
55 82 Pa 74 Pa 66 Pa 61 Pa 56 Pa
60 77 Pa 69 Pa 62 Pa 57 Pa 53 Pa
65 71 Pa 64 Pa 58 Pa 53 Pa 49 Pa

4.14.13. Leakage and relief

a. The rate of supply of pressurized air to the pressurized areas shall be suffi-
cient to make up for the loss through leakages into the unpressurised sur-
roundings.

b. One of the following methods shall be provided to relieve the overpressure in

the pressurized stairwell:

i. Outdoor overpressure relief damper system (Outdoor relief dampers shall

be installed in such manner to avoid negative influence of wind forces on
pressure difference regulation.)
ii. Building barometric damper system
Iii. Bypass system,
Iv. Variable-air-volume (VAV) system (subject to engineering analysis on how
this can be commissioned. Variable-air-volume (VAV) systems shall not be
applied unless all pressure regulating electronic components e.g. frequen-
cy inverters, pressure sensors etc. are continuously monitored and its
condition is indicated on the control board in order to detect and locate
possible failure.)
Photo Caption

4.14.14. Pressure Distribution

a. The number and distribution of injection points for supply of pressurizing air
to the exit staircase should ensure an even pressure profile.

b. The arrangement of the injection points and the control of the pressurization
system shall be designed to restore variation in pressure difference as soon as
practicable.

42
 c. For staircases pressurization systems in super highrise buildings
special design provision shall be made taking into consideration
stack effect and airflow resistance of the stair on pressure profile
within the staircase.

d. For staircases pressurization systems in super highrise buildings it

shall be determined either by analytical calculations, network
modeling or CFD simulations that design pressure differences can
be achieved taking into consideration stack effect and airflow re-
sistance of the stair.

Points to Ponder
Recent Smoke Control
Designers are questioning
the Stair Pressurization
Figure 10.31: Stairwell Pressurization by Roof-Mounted Propeller Fan.
calculation with consider-
ation of compensating for
“open doors” . (2 open
doors in this case)

Compensated Stair pres-

surization could cause
jammed Stair doors.

Analyzing compensated
Stair pressurization (with
2 door held open) calcu-
Figure 10.32: Stairwell Pressurization by Top Injection Centrifugal Fan.
lation with Software aid is
recommended.

Photo Caption

Figure 10.33: Stairwell Pressurization by Multiple Injection with Roof-Mounted Fan.

43
 e. In order to achieve even pressure profile within the super highrise building
staircase shall be either divided into sections not higher than 30.5 m or com-
pensated pressurization system counteracting stack effect shall be applied.

f. Supply air for pressurization system shall be drawn directly from the external
and its intake shall not be less than 5 m from any exhaust discharge openings.

g. The pressurization system shall be automatically activated by the building fire

alarm system. In addition, a remote manual start-stop switch shall be made
available to firemen at the fire command center, or at the fire indicating board
where there is no fire command center. Visual indication of the operation sta-
tus of the pressurization system shall be provided.

h. For pressurized enclosure systems, the activation of the systems shall be initi-
ated by a smoke detector installed in an approved location within 3050 mm of
each entrance to the smoke proof enclosure.

i. Manual activation and deactivation control of the stairwell pressurization sys-

tems shall be provided at the Emergency Command Centre.

j. A single-point injection system shall be permitted to be used where the stair-

well height is less than 30.5 m. See Figure 10.31. & 10.32. for illustrations.

k. Staircase pressurization can be either bottom fed or top fed.

l. Stairwells more than 30.5 m high shall be provided with multiple-injection sys-
tems. See Figure 10.33 for illustrations.

Photo Caption

44
 Schematic 10.3– Stair Pressurization System Schematic

Photo Caption

45
 4.14.15. Stairwells Pressurization Height Limit

a. For some tall stairwells, acceptable pressurization may not be achieved due to
the impact of the indoor to outdoor temperature differences. This is more
likely with systems with treated supply air than those with untreated supply
air. In such cases, methodology of this section shall be accounted for.

b. The height limit is the height above which acceptable pressurization is not
possible for an idealized building. For standard atmospheric pressure at sea
level, the height limit is

c. If the height limit (Hm) is greater than the

height of a stairwell, acceptable pressuri-
zation is possible.

Did You Know?

Airtightness of the building
façade System can signifi-
cantly influence pressure
profile within the building.

4.14.16. Equipment and ductwork for pressurization shall be located in accordance with
one of the following specifications:

a. Exterior to the building and directly connected to the enclosure by ductwork

enclosed in noncombustible construction

b. Within the enclosure with intake and exhaust air vented directly to the out-
side or through ductwork enclosed by a 2-hour fire-resistive rating

c. Within the building under the following conditions:

i. Where the equipment and ductwork are separated from the remainder of
the building, including other mechanical equipment, by a 2-hour fire-
resistive rating
Photo Caption

ii. Where the building, including the enclosure, is protected throughout by an

approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system, and the equipment and
ductwork are separated from the remainder of the building, including oth-
er mechanical equipment, by not less than a 1-hour fire-resistive rating.

d. Back-up (Stand-by) fans shall not be required for stair pressurization systems.

e. Stairwell pressurization system fan shall be provided with emergency power.

46
4.15. Atrium
4.15.1. Atrium spaces shall be protected by a smoke management system, designed in ac-
cordance with an engineering analysis to maintain tenable conditions (smoke inter-
face layer) at a minimum height of 1830 mm above the highest walking surface
open to the atrium or floor which serves as part of the means of egress, for dura-
tion of 20 minutes or 1.5 times the calculated egress time, whichever is more. See
Figure 10.34 for a typical atrium.

4.15.2. Atrium smoke management system should be designed to clear smoke from atri-
um within 10 minutes.

4.15.3. The minimum smoke layer depth shall be 20% of the floor-to-ceiling height except
when an engineering analysis using full scale data, scale modeling, or CFD model-
ing indicates otherwise. See Figure 10.35.

4.15.4. The engineering analysis for the atrium smoke management system should include
the following elements:

a. Fire dynamics
b. Fire size and location
c. Materials likely to be burning
d. Fire plume geometry
e. Fire plume or smoke layer impact on
means of egress
f. Tenability conditions during the period
of occupant egress
g. Response and performance of building
systems, including passive barriers, auto-
matic detection and extinguishing, and
smoke control
h. Response time required for building oc-
cupants to reach building exits, including
any time required to exit through the
Figure 10.34 - Typical Atrium atrium

4.15.5. For atriums, where the smoke

management system is installed to
meet the above requirements, the
system is independently activated
by each of the following:
Photo Caption

a. Required automatic sprinkler sys-

tem and smoke detectors (which
ever activated first)

b. Manual controls that are readily

accessible to the fire department

Figure 10.35 - Minimum Smoke Layer Depth, 20% of volume height

47
 4.15.6. For large spaces where smoke stratification can occur, one of the following detec-
tion means shall be used:

a. Beam-type smoke detector(s) aimed at an upward angle to intersect the

smoke layer regardless of the level of stratification.

b. Horizontally mounted beam-type smoke detector(s) located at the ceiling

with additional beam-type smoke detector(s) located at other levels in the
volume to cover any identified unconditioned (dead air) spaces.

c. Horizontally mounted beam-type smoke detector(s) located below the lowest

expected level of stratification.

d. Aspiration (air sampling) smoke detection system.

4.15.7. A means of manually starting and stopping the smoke management system shall
be provided with Smoke Control Panel (SCP) at the emergency command center.

4.15.8. Makeup air shall be provided by fans, openings to the outside leakage paths, or the
combination thereof.

4.15.9. The supply points for the makeup air shall be located beneath the smoke layer in-
terface.

4.15.10. Mechanical makeup air shall be less than the mass flow rate of the mechanical
smoke exhaust.

4.15.11. Mechanical makeup air shall be designed to achieve 85 percent to 95 percent of

the exhaust mass flow rate, not including the leakage through these small paths.

4.15.12. The makeup air shall not cause door-opening force to exceed allowable limits.

4.15.13. The makeup air velocity shall not exceed 1.02 m/s where the makeup air could
come into contact with the plume, unless a higher makeup air velocity is supported
by engineering analysis.

4.15.14. Convenience Openings and communicating spaces shall not require an atrium
smoke management system. However, any of the following methods shall be im-
plemented to prevent smoke spread to Communicating space or convenience
opening.
Photo Caption
a. Maintaining the smoke layer interface at a level higher than that of the high-
est opening to the communicating space.

b. Providing a smoke barrier to limit smoke spread into the communicating

space.

c. Providing an opposed airflow through the opening to prohibit smoke spread

into the communicating space.

48
 4.15.15. Smoke Exhaust fans shall be capable of operating effectively at 400°C for 2 hours.

4.15.16. Back-up (Stand-by) fans shall not be required for atrium smoke management sys-
tems.

4.15.17. Atrium smoke management system fans shall be provided with emergency power.

Photo Caption

Schematic 10.4– Atrium Smoke Control System Schematic

49
4.16. Assembly Spaces - Theaters

4.16.1. Theaters with regular stages greater than 93 m² and legitimate stages shall be pro-
vided with automatic smoke management system to provide a means of removing
smoke and combustion gases directly to the outside in the event of a fire.

4.16.2. The smoke control system shall be designed to maintain the smoke level at not less
than 1830 mm above the highest level of assembly seating or above the top of the
proscenium opening where a proscenium wall and opening protection are provid-
ed. The smoke control system shall be activated independently by any of the fol-
lowing:

a. Activation of the sprinkler system in the stage area

b. Activation of Cross zoned smoke detectors over the stage area

c. Operation of a manual switch with Smoke Control Panel (SCP) at an approved

location.

4.16.3. The fan of the smoke control

system shall be supplied by
both normal and standby pow-
er. The fan power wiring and
ducts shall be located and
properly protected to ensure a
minimum of 20 minutes of
operation in the event of acti-
vation.

4.16.4. Makeup air shall be provided

by fans, openings to the out-
DUBAI DUCTAC THEATER side leakage paths, or the
combination thereof.

4.16.5. The supply points for the makeup air shall be located beneath the smoke layer in-
terface.

4.16.6. The makeup air velocity shall not exceed 1.02 m/s where the makeup air could
come into contact with the plume unless a higher makeup air velocity is supported
by engineering analysis.
Photo Caption
4.16.7. Where theaters are located within a mall and are not provided with a regular or
legitimate stage, a smoke purge system capable of achieving 6 air changes per
hour shall be provided.

50
4.17. Assembly Spaces - Cinemas
4.17.1. Where located in malls and multi-use buildings, the requirements of this section
are applicable.

4.17.2. Cinema halls shall be sprinkler protected and seats shall be Civil Defence approved.

4.17.3. Cinemas shall be separated by a mini-

mum 1 hour fire barrier from the re-
mainder of the building.

4.17.4. A smoke purge system shall be provided

which is capable of extracting 6 air
changes per hour. Make up air is per-
mitted to be provided mechanically at a
minimum rate of 85% of the extract air
or passively (natural) via openings di-
rectly to the exterior of the building. The
CINEMA HALL FOR ILLUSTRATION
make-up air shall not exceed a velocity
of 5m/s.

4.17.5. The smoke purge system shall be activated automatically through sprinkler activa-
tion or cross zoned smoke detectors or by manual controls that are readily accessi-
ble to the fire department on Smoke Control Panel (SCP).

4.18. Assembly Spaces - Sport Halls

4.18.1. Sports halls of floor area more than 4645

m2 shall be provided with a smoke purge
system. The system shall be capable of
extracting 6 air changes per hour. Make up
air is permitted to be provided mechanical-
ly at a minimum rate of 85% of the extract
air or passively (natural) via openings di-
rectly to the exterior of the building. The
make-up air shall not exceed a velocity of
5m/s.
SPORTS HALL FOR ILLUSTRATION

Photo Caption
4.18.2. The smoke purge system shall be activated automatically through sprinkler activa-
tion or cross zoned smoke detectors or by manual controls that are readily accessi-
ble to the fire department on Smoke Control Panel (SCP).

51
4.19. Assembly Spaces - Exhibition Centers

4.19.1. Exhibition centers shall be provided with a smoke purge system. The system shall
be capable of extracting 6 air changes per hour. Make up air is permitted to be pro-
vided mechanically at a minimum rate of 85% of the extract air or passively
(natural) via openings directly to the exterior of the building. The make-up air shall
not exceed a velocity of 5m/s.

4.19.2. The smoke purge system shall be

activated automatically through
sprinkler activation or cross zoned
smoke detectors or by manual con-
trols that are readily accessible to
the fire department on Smoke Con-
trol Panel (SCP).

4.19.3. Smoke Exhaust fans shall be capa-

ble of operating effectively at 400°C
for 2 hours.
EXHIBITION HALL FOR ILLUSTRATION

4.19.4. Backup (stand-by) fans shall not be

required.

4.19.5. Back-up (stand-by) power shall be provided.

4.20. Assembly Spaces - Auditorium

4.20.1. Auditorium halls shall be sprinkler

protected and seats shall be Civil
Defence approved.

4.20.2. Auditorium halls shall be provided

with a smoke purge system. The
system shall be capable of ex-
tracting 6 air changes per hour.
Make up air is permitted to be pro-
vided mechanically at a minimum
rate of 85% of the extract air or
passively (natural) via openings di-
Photo Caption rectly to the exterior of the build-
SCHOOL AUDITORIUM FOR ILLUSTRATION
ing. The make-up air shall not ex-
ceed a velocity of 5m/s.

4.20.3. The smoke purge system shall be activated automatically through sprinkler activa-
tion or cross zoned smoke detectors or by manual controls that are readily accessi-
ble to the fire department on Smoke Control Panel (SCP).

52
4.21. Malls

4.21.1. Malls with a floor opening connecting more than two levels shall be provided with
a smoke management system.

4.21.2. The smoke management system shall be designed to maintain tenable conditions
and to maintain the level of smoke at not less than 1830 mm above the highest
walking surface for duration of 20 minutes or 1.5 times the calculated egress time,
whichever is more.

4.21.3. The smoke management system shall be activated independently by each of the
following:

a. Required automatic sprinkler system and smoke detectors (which ever acti-
vated first).
b. Manual controls that are readily accessible to the fire department.

4.21.4. The fan of the smoke control system shall be supplied by both normal and standby
power. The fan power wiring and ducts shall be located and properly protected to
ensure a minimum of 20 minutes of operation in the event of activation.

4.21.5. A means of manually starting and stopping the smoke management system shall
be provided at the emergency command center on Smoke Control Panel.

4.21.6. Smoke Exhaust fans shall be capable of operating effectively at 400°C for 2 hours.

4.21.7. Makeup air shall be provided by fans, openings to the outside leakage paths, or the
combination thereof.

4.21.8. The supply points for the makeup air shall be located beneath the smoke layer in-
terface.

4.21.9. Mechanical makeup air shall be provided at a minimum rate of 85% of the me-
chanical smoke exhaust.

4.21.10. The makeup air shall not cause door-opening force to exceed allowable limits.

Photo Caption

DUBAI MALL FOR ILLUSTRATION

53
 4.21.11. The makeup air velocity shall not exceed 1.02 m/s where the makeup air could
come into contact with the plume unless a higher makeup air velocity is supported
by engineering analysis.

4.21.12. Single and two story Malls shall be provided with mechanical smoke purge system.
The system shall be capable of extracting 6 air changes per hour. Make up air is
permitted to provided mechanically at a minimum rate of 85% of the air change
rate or passively (natural) via openings directly to the exterior of the building. The
make-up air shall not exceed a velocity of 5m/s.

4.21.13. Smoke curtains shall be provided at mall circulation areas at every 60 m of travel
path, in accordance with section 3.3.21 and 3.3.22. All smoke curtains unless per-
manently fixed in position, shall be brought into position automatically to provide
adequate smoke-tightness and effective depth. The effective depth in general is
20% of the total floor ceiling height of the space.

4.21.14. Tenant spaces of floor area more than 900 m2 within Malls shall be provided with
smoke purge system as per section 4.13. Corridor and open circulation area Me-
chanical Smoke Purge System. The system shall be capable of extracting 6 air
changes per hour. Make up air is permitted to provided mechanically at a mini-
mum rate of 85% of the air change rate or passively (natural) via openings directly
to the exterior of the building. The make-up air shall not exceed a velocity of 5m/s.

4.21.15. Tenant units less than 900 m2 within Malls are permitted to be provided with dedi-
cated smoke exhaust if required by an engineered analysis.

Photo Caption

54
4.22. Warehouses and Factories

4.22.1. Multi-tenant Warehouses and Factories having less than 900 m2 area

4.22.1.1. The following requirements shall apply to multi-tenant warehouses

and factories where individual warehouse or factory area does not ex-
ceed 900 m2 .

4.22.1.2. Automatic Smoke vents on the roof shall be provided to Multitenant

warehouses and factories.

Table 10.4: Smoke Vent area and Distribution 4.22.1.3. The smoke vents
shall be sized and
MINIMUM OPENING BASED ON MAXIMUM DISTANCE OF VENT FROM distributed based on
FLOOR AREA ANY PART OF THE FACILITY VOLUME the floor area as per
2.5% 12 Meters Table 10.4.
5% 15 Meters
4.22.1.4. In no case the dis-
10% 18 Meters tance between two
vents shall exceed
15% 21 Meters
4H, where H is the
20% 24 Meters total floor to ceiling
height of the vol-
ume.

4.22.1.5. Alternatively, in an irregular vent plan, the distance between any point
on the floor and the nearest vent should not exceed 2.8H, where H is
the total floor to ceiling height of the volume.

4.22.1.6. Where area exceeds 500 m2 Smoke curtains shall be installed to con-
tain the smoke. Such smoke curtains shall be installed at a depth of
20% of the total floor to ceiling height of the volume. See Figure 10.36.

4.22.1.7. The smoke vents shall be

dedicated smoke vents,
electrically operated. Hurri-
cane type and Natural type
smoke vents are not ac-
ceptable.

Photo Caption
4.22.1.8. The smoke vents shall be
interfaced with Fire detec-
tion and sprinkler activa-
tion.
Figure 10.36- Natural Smoke Vents

4.22.1.9. Smoke vents shall also be operable manually with manual overriding
switch.

4.22.1.10. A smoke vent layout clearly depicting the layout of smoke vents and
respective manual switches shall be provided near the entrance.

55
 4.22.2. Single tenant Warehouses and factories having more than 900 m2 area

4.22.2.1. The following requirements shall apply to single-tenant warehouses

and factories with or without sprinkler protection, where the ware-
house or factory area exceeds 900 m2 .

4.22.2.2. Single-tenant warehouses and factories with or without sprinkler pro-

tection, where the warehouse or factory area exceeds 900 m2 shall be
provided with Mechanical Smoke Exhaust Fans on the roof.

4.22.2.3. The roof smoke exhaust fans shall be designed to

Did You Know? achieve 6 air changes per hour in a single smoke
zone of not more than 900 m2, assuming a single
The Industry's difference of smoke zone is active at any single point in time.
opinions regarding benefits of Make-up air is permitted by natural means, provided
Smoke vents and Fans and the supply air does not exceed an inlet velocity of
their effect on sprinkler per- 5m/s.
formance is older than 50
years. 4.22.2.4. Smoke zone areas can vary if justified by an engi-
neering analysis.
Many researches and experi-
ments of sprinkler activation
4.22.2.5. Each smoke zone shall be provided with a smoke
and performance were con-
ducted with and without
reservoir with smoke curtains which allows for the
Smoke vents and Fans to ver-
formation of a smoke layer equal to a minimum
ify the benefits. depth of 20% of the total floor to ceiling height.

Till date, there is no consen- 4.22.2.6. The Mechanical smoke fans shall be dedicated
sus nor conclusion regarding smoke exhaust fans, electrically operated.
the Cost of providing Smoke
vents and Fans versus their 4.22.2.7. The smoke fans shall be interfaced with cross zoned
intended benefit of Assisting Fire detection and sprinkler activation.
Fire fighters and Property
protection. 4.22.2.8. Smoke exhaust fans shall also be operable manually
with manual overriding switch at Smoke Control
Panel (SCP).

4.22.2.9. A smoke fan layout clearly depicting the layout of smoke fans and re-
spective manual switches shall be provided near the entrance.

4.22.2.10. Where area exceeds

2000 m2 Smoke cur-
Photo Caption
tains shall be in-
stalled to contain
the smoke. Such
smoke curtains shall
be installed at a
depth of 20% of the
total floor to ceiling
height of the vol-
ume. See Figure
10.37.
Figure 10.37 - Mechanical Roof Smoke Exhaust Fans

56
4.23. Underground Buildings other than Basement Carparks

4.23.1. The underground portions of a building (high depth basement) which are not part
of a car park shall be provided with a smoke purge system where the underground
structure has the following features:

a. Occupant load of more than 100 persons in the underground portions of the
structure

b. Floor level used for human occupancy located more than 7000 mm below the
lowest level of exit discharge, or more than one level located below the low-
est level of exit discharge

c. Combustible contents, combustible interior finish, or combustible construc-

tion

4.23.2. In addition, any basement with total area greater than 2,000 m², irrespective of the
floor depth, shall be provided with a smoke purge system.

4.23.3. The following are acceptable methods for basement smoke purge

a. Enclosed rooms with floor area not exceeding 250 m², compartmented from
rest of the basement, and provided with access to a corridor, the smoke
purge can be achieved by the corridor smoke purge system.

b. Enclosed rooms with floor area of 250 m² or greater shall be provided with a
dedicated smoke purge system. Smoke purge for these rooms shall achieve
the following:

i. Mechanical system which can achieve a minimum of 10 air changes per

hour;

ii. Mechanical make-up air inlet shall achieve a minimum 85% airflow rate
of the extract. Air velocity through air supply inlets shall be lower than 5
m/s.

iii. The smoke purge system shall be activated automatically by means of

confirmed sprinkler flow switch and /or smoke detection in the room of
fire origin. A remote manual start-stop switch shall be provided and lo-
cated at the emergency command center, or adjacent to the main fire
Photo Caption
alarm panel.

iv. The exhaust fans and associated ductwork shall be capable of operating
effectively at 400°C for 2 hours.

v. Back-up (Stand-by) fans shall not be required for basement smoke sys-
tems.

vi. Basement smoke purge system fans shall be provided with emergency
power.

57
4.24. Enclosed Car Parking / Automated Carpark

4.24.1. Enclosed car parking shall be provided with ducted smoke extract system which is
independent of any systems serving other parts of the building, shall be provided to
give a smoke extract rate of not less than 10 air-change per hour.

4.24.2. In automated or mechanized carparks, virtual zoning shall be established and such
zoning alarm detection or deluge system activation shall trigger smoke extraction to
achieve 10 air-change per hour. See 4.24.10.

4.24.2. The smoke extract system shall be activated automatically by the car park sprinkler
activation. In addition, a remote manual start-stop switch shall be located at fire com-
mand center or at main fire alarm panel on ground floor (where there is no emergen-
cy command center in the building). Visual indication of the operation status of the
smoke extract system shall also be provided with this remote control.

4.24.3. Makeup air shall be drawn directly from the external and its intake shall not be less
than 5 m from any exhaust discharge openings. Outlets for the supply air shall be ade-
quately distributed over the car park area.

4.24.4. Mechanical makeup air is permitted to be provided at a minimum rate of 85% of the
extract air via openings directly to the exterior of the building. The make-up air shall
not exceed a velocity of 5m/s.

4.24.5. Where there is natural supply air for such basement car park based upon openings
equal to not less than 2.5% of the floor area of such storey, such natural supply may
be considered as a satisfactory substitute for the supply part of the smoke purge sys-
tem. The openings shall be evenly distributed over the car park areas.

4.24.6. Exhaust air shall be discharged directly to the external and shall not be less than 5m
from any air intake openings.

4.24.7. Exhaust ducts shall be fabricated from heavy gauge steel (1.2mm thick) for the base-
ment car park smoke purging system.

4.24.8. Exhaust fans of the basement car park smoke extract system shall be capable of oper-
ating effectively at 400ºC for 2 hours. See Figure 10.37. for illustrations.

4.24.9. Jet fans shall not be permitted for any enclosed carpark.

Photo Caption
4.24.10. Car parking
smoke extract
system zoning
shall be deter-
mined by the en-
gineered design
and coordinated
with the sprinkler
or deluge system
zone system de-
Figure 10.37: Smoke purging for enclosed car park structure
sign.

58
 Schematic 10.5– Enclosed Car Park Smoke Extraction Schematic

4.25. Open Car park

4.25.1. Open car parking less than 2000 m2 is not required to be provided with smoke con-
trol system where all of the following are met:

a. Each parking level shall have permanent wall openings open to the atmos-
phere, for an area of not less than 0.4m2 for each linear meter of its exterior
perimeter.

b. Such openings shall be distributed over 40 percent of the building perimeter

surface or 40 percent uniformly over each of at least two opposing side sur-
faces.

c. Interior wall lines and column lines

shall be at least 20 percent open,
with openings distributed to pro-
vide ventilation.
Photo Caption
d. Any part of the carpark shall be
within 30 m of the permanent natu-
ral ventilation opening on the pe-
rimeter surface.
Figure 10.38: Natural ventilation for open car park structure

4.25.2. Open car parks more than 2000 m2 shall be provided with Jet Fan Systems as per
section 5.2.1. or ducted extraction as per section 4.24. or shall be provided with
automatic sprinkler system as per Chapter 9.

59
5. Jet Fan Systems in Open car park and Tunnels

5.1. Scope

5.1.1. This section of Jet fan system requirements are applicable only to

a. Open and conventional car parks (See section 4.25.1. for open carpark
definition) of more than 2000 m2 where passenger cars/light weight vehicles
are parked alongside each other with common driveways and is not intended
for mechanized/automated car park system or enclosed car parking.

b. Road, Rail and Transport Tunnels.

5.2. Open Car park Jet Fan Systems

5.2.1. Jet Fan Zoning in Car Park

a. The open car park space shall be divided into smoke control zones with each
zone not larger than 2000m2 (excluding plant rooms and circulation spaces) for
purpose of smoke containment and faster location of fire. As the zones are vir-
tual smoke zones, it has to be demonstrated that smoke can be contained with-
in the zone boundaries and channeled to the extract fans. Demonstration is to
be carried out using hot smoke test as part of the commissioning test.

b. Each smoke control zone shall have its own jet fans system (fresh air fans, ex-
haust air fans and jet fans) to purge smoke from the affected zone. The ducts
shall be fabricated from heavy steel gauge steel of 1.2mm thick. Alternatively,
sharing of the fresh air and exhaust air fans is permitted provided the fans, wir-
ing and control panel are protected with at least 1-hr fire resistance rating. The
exhaust fan system shall also be designed to run in at least two parts, such that
the total exhaust capacity does not fall below 100% of the required rate of ex-
tract for the zones affected in the event of failure of any one part. This require-
ment is also applicable for mechanized supply fan system, if it is used.

c. The design, testing and acceptance of Jet Fan system for the open car shall com-
ply with section 5. 4.

Photo Caption

Figure 10.39: Zoning of jet fan system

60
5.3. Road, Rail and Transport Tunnel Jet Fan Systems

5.3.1. Ventilation is necessary in most road tunnels to limit the concentrations of contami-
nants to acceptable levels within the traveled roadway. Ventilation systems can also
be used to control smoke and heated gases that are generated during a tunnel fire
emergency. Some short tunnels are ventilated naturally (without fans). However,
such tunnels could necessitate a ventilation system to combat a fire emergency.

5.3.2. The intent of the Tunnel Smoke control shall be to provide an evacuation path for
motorists who are exiting from the tunnel and to facilitate fire-fighting operations
using Jet Fan Systems. Any other method of Tunnel ventilation system shall be
through Fire Engineering Analysis demonstrating the efficiency and fulfillment of
the above mentioned intent.

5.3.3. In tunnels with bidirectional traffic where motorists can be on both sides of the fire
site, the following objectives shall be met.

a. Smoke stratification shall not be disturbed.

b. Longitudinal air velocity shall be kept at low magnitudes.
c. Smoke extraction through ceiling openings or high openings along the tunnel
wall(s) is effective and shall be considered.

5.3.4. In tunnels with unidirectional traffic where motorists are likely to be located up-
stream of the fire site, the following objectives shall be met.

a. Prevent backlayering by producing a longitudinal air velocity that is greater than

the critical velocity in the direction of traffic flow.
b. Avoid disruption of the smoke layer initially by not operating jet fans that are
located near the fire site. Operate fans that are farthest away from the site first.
c. Maximize the exhaust rate in the ventilation zone that contains the fire and
minimize the amount of outside air that is introduced by a transverse system.
d. Create a longitudinal airflow in the direction of traffic flow by operating the up-
stream ventilation zone(s) in maximum supply and the downstream ventilation
zone(s) in maximum exhaust.

5.3.5. The design fire size [heat-release rate produced by a vehicle(s)] shall be used to de-
sign the emergency ventilation system.

5.3.6. The selection of the design fire size (heat-release rate) shall consider the types of
vehicles that are expected to use the tunnel.
Photo Caption
5.3.7. A longitudinal Jet Fan ventilation system achieves its objectives through the longitu-
dinal flow of air within the roadway.

5.3.8. A longitudinal Jet Fan ventilation system introduces air into, or removes air from,
the tunnel roadway at a limited
number of points, such as a por-
tal or a shaft, thus creating a lon-
gitudinal flow of air within the
roadway, with discharge at the
exiting portal.
Figure 10.40: Longitudinal Jet Fan system in Tunnel

61
 5.3.9. Jet fan-based longitudinal ventilation employs a series of axial fans that are mount-
ed at the ceiling level of the tunnel roadway. Such fans, due to the effects of the
high-velocity discharge, induce a longitudinal airflow through the length of the tun-
nel.

5.3.10. In all longitudinal ventilation systems, the exhaust gas stream (pollutants or smoke)
discharges from the exit portal.

5.3.11. The design, testing and acceptance of Jet Fan system for the Tunnel shall comply
with section 5.4. and NFPA 502.

5.4. Design, Installation, Testing and Acceptance of Jet Fan system

5.4.1. The jet fans system shall be activated by the Fire Detection or Deluge/sprinkler sys-
tem serving the Jet Fan Zone. The activation of the jet fans system shall at least be
confined to the smoke control zone on fire and all its adjacent zones.

5.4.2. A fireman cut off and activation (override) switch shall be provided at the Fire Com-
mand Centre.

5.4.3. The jet fans system shall be provided with a secondary source of power supply
through automatic operation of an emergency generator in case of failure of the
primary power supply source.

5.4.4. The jet fans shall be distributed at a spacing of 2/3 of the tested effective range of
the particular jet fan. The tested effective range of the jet fan shall be taken as the
distance up to the point at 0.2m/s of the air-velocity distribution profile.

5.4.5. The minimum headroom for the installation of the jet fans system is 3m.

5.4.6. The interaction of the various components of the jet fans system shall be in the fol-
lowing manner:

5.4.7. Each group of exhaust fans for each smoke control zone shall be interlocked with its
corresponding groups of jet fans for that zone.

5.4.8. If the group of exhaust fans stops/fails in any smoke control zone, its corresponding
groups of jet fans in that zone shall stop. But if any of the exhaust fan is still in oper-
ation in a particular smoke control zone, all the jet fans shall continue to operate in
Photo Caption
that zone.

5.4.9. The exhaust fan shall continue to run even if any corresponding group of jet fans
fails.

5.4.10. The other groups of jet fans shall continue to run even if any one group of jet fans
fails.

62
 5.4.11. If the fire alarm signal is isolated, the exhaust fans and jet fans shall continue to run
at high speed. If the fireman stops the fans and restart them, both the exhaust fans
and jet fans shall continue to run at high speed. This continues to be so until the
fans are reset to low speed at the field control panel.

5.4.12. The jet fans system design shall be such that the bulk air velocity induced by the jet
fans is sufficient to stop the advance of the ceiling jet within 5m from the fire loca-
tion in the direction opposite to the induced bulk air flow.

5.4.13. The jet fans system design shall take into consideration the presence of any down-
stand beams and other obstruction that are of depths of more than 1/10 of the
floor to ceiling height of the volume so as to account for any resistance to airflow
and turbulence.

5.4.14. On activation of the jet fans system, the movement of smoke towards the extract/
discharge point(s) should not adversely affect the means of escape and cause
smoke to be blown into the egress areas.

5.4.15. The operation of the jet fans system should be such that there are no stagnant are-
as where smoke can accumulate in the event of fire.

5.4.16. The operation of the jet fans system should not cause the volume of air movement
to be greater than that volume extracted by the main exhaust fans.

5.4.17. Wiring arrangement of jet fans

a. All jet fans shall be connected to the local jet fan control panel in groups of not
more than 3 jet fans.

b. Each group will be connected by fire rated cabling in a zigzag configuration and
no two consecutive jet fans in a straight line is to be wired as the same group.

5.4.18. Provision of supply air for jet fan systems

a. Supply air can be provided via mechanized supply air fans or by permanent
openings of at least 2.5% of the floor area. Whether supply air is provided via
permanent openings or by mechanized supply fans, the maximum inlet air
speed should be 2m/s to prevent recirculation of smoke. Supply air can be pro-
vided by natural and mechanical means provided the acceptance criteria can be
achieved through fire modeling.
Photo Caption
b. The replacement air intakes shall face away from any smoke exhaust points and
sited at least 5m apart so as to prevent recirculation of smoke.

c. The replacement air intake should also be located on the opposing end of the
smoke exhaust points so that there is no opposing flow between the supply air
and the smoke that is drawn towards the exhaust fan or Discharge opening.

63
 5.4.19. Exhaust fan design for jet fan system

a. At least 10 air-changes per hour shall be achieved with Jet Fan System, during
fire condition.

b. The capacity of the exhaust fan and any associated ducting should be calculated
on the basis that the pressure close to the extract points or discharge points is
equal to the external atmospheric pressure.

c. Each smoke control zone shall have its own exhaust fan system. The exhaust fan
system in each zone should be designed to run in at least two parts, such that
the total exhaust capacity does not fall below 50% of the required rate of ex-
tract in the event of failure of any one part and that a fault or failure of the ex-
haust fan system in one zone will not affect the operation of the exhaust fan
system in the other zones.

d. The smoke discharge points should be located such that the smoke extracted
from the smoke exhaust fans does not affect any occupied area or means of
escape at the level where smoke is discharged.

5.4.20. Fire resistance of jet fans system

a. The jet fans and wiring shall be capable of operating effectively at 250°C for 2
hours.

5.4.21. Acceptance criteria for jet fan system

a. Not more than 1000m2 can be smoke-logged for at least 20 minutes, regardless
of whether the fire is located within the smoke control zone or across the zone
boundaries (Note: After the 20mins duration, smoke is expected to remain con-
fined within the 1000m2 area). Within this smoke-logged area, there shall be at
least 1 viable route for the fire-fighters where the following conditions are satis-
fied:

i. Smoke temperature shall not exceed 2500C at a height of 1.7m from floor
level.

ii. Visibility shall not be less than 5m at a height of 1.7m from floor level.

b. These conditions shall commence at a distance of 5m from the fire location in

Photo Caption
the direction opposite to the induced bulk air flow induced by the jet fans. All
other areas outside the smoke-logged area shall be kept substantially free from
smoke i.e. smoke temperature not more than 60°C and visibility of at least 25m
(please see Figure 10.33 and 10.34).

c. Note: If hot smoke test is performed, assessment is to be made on the opera-

tion of the jet fans system, movement of smoke towards the extraction or dis-
charge points and smoke spread. This can be generally verified using the above
visibility criterion. The temperature criterion need not be verified in view of the
nature of the hot smoke test.

64
 5.4.22. CFD fire modeling input parameters for jet fan system

a. Fire Size

i. The design fire size shall be based on at least 4MW steady-state fire (i.e. car
fire). For general goods vehicle, the design fire size shall be based on at least
10MW steady state fire.

b. Type of fire

i. The type of fire shall be flaming polyurethane.

c. Location of fire

i. Generally, the fire should be located furthest away from the exhaust or dis-
charge points and in between zones. The relevant Professional Engineer or
Fire Safety Engineer should decide on the fire location(s) that is (are) deemed
most onerous with justification.

d. Down-stand beams and other obstruction

i. The CFD model shall take into consideration the presence of any down-stand
beams and other obstruction that are of depths of more than 1/10 of the
floor to ceiling height of the volume so as to account for any resistance to
airflow and turbulence.

e. Jet fan velocity profile

i. Validation model of the velocity profile is to be carried out for a single jet
fan. The data from the model shall be compared against physical test data.
As such, the jet fan shall be tested for velocity profile by an accredited
testing laboratory for comparison with the simulated velocity profile. The
test report is to be attached to the Fire Engineering Report.

ii. The equation to be used for the deviation between the CFD profile and actu-
al test profile is as follows:

Equation: Deviation = [(A-B) / B] X 100%

Where: A = distance/width/height from CFD profile

B = distance/width/height from actual test profile
Photo Caption

iii. The deviation of the distance, width and height of the actual profile from the
simulated profile at the various air velocities should be within 10%.

f. Duration of fire simulation

i. The duration of the fire simulation shall be at least 20 minutes.

65
 g. Sprinkler activation

i. The model shall assume there is no sprinkler activation for the design fire
size specified in Section 5.4.22. a.

h. Grid resolution

i. The grid size to be used in the fire model shall not be larger than 0.2m X
0.2m X 0.2m in the smoke control zone where fire is located and its adjacent
zones. Other than these zones, the grid size shall not be larger than 0.4m X
0.4m X 0.4m. Alternatively, the relevant PE or FSE undertakes a grid resolu-
tion study to ascertain the appropriate grid size needed for the fire size and
smoke flows modeled (e.g. outcome of study showing that additional resolu-
tion does not make much of a difference to the results).

i. Sensitivity study

i. A sensitivity study is to be carried out to show the impact of 1 group of jet

fan failure nearest the fire on the overall effectiveness of the jet fans system.
This study is applicable to both fire modeling and hot smoke test. Notwith-
standing the failure of 1 group of jet fans, the acceptance criteria must still
be maintained.

j. Operations and Maintenance Manual for jet fan systems

i. An operations and maintenance manual shall be attached. The manual shall

contain the roles and responsibilities of the building owner/operator, the
restrictions placed on the building or tunnel, identification of the sub-
systems, servicing and maintenance plan, fault identification, etc. The manu-
al can also be used as a guide for future renovations and changes to the
building or tunnel.

k. Commissioning Test for jet fan system

i. The Registered Inspector who carries out commissioning test of the jet fans
system may make reference to Table 2 of BS 7346 - Part 7 as a guide. When
hot smoke test is performed, the Professional Engineer/Fire Safety Engineer
shall use a test fire size of 1MW. Reference may be made to AS 4391 on hot
smoke test or any approved standards.

ii. Note: This standard is more relevant for an engineered smoke control system
Photo Caption
rather than jet fans system. Nevertheless, there are some aspects in this
standard where the Fire Engineer may find useful, such as how the test can
be prepared and carried out in a proper manner.

66
6. Acceptance testing of Pressurization Systems

6.1. Pressurization System acceptance testing shall demonstrate that the final integrated smoke-
control system installation complies with the specific design and is functioning as intended
and operating parameters shall comply with the design objectives defining pressure differ-
ences, air velocities and door opening force.

6.2. Pressurization systems shall prove that system can be activated either manually or auto-
matically, where applicable, by the building fire alarm system, all components are placed in
the appropriate operating modes in accordance with control matrix, and design objectives
are met.

6.3. In addition, acceptance testing shall enable to evaluate potential interactions that can take
place between different smoke-control systems and components installed in the building.

6.4. Prior to acceptance testing, all building equipment shall be placed in the normal operating
mode, including equipment that is not used to implement smoke control.

6.6. The following four acceptance tests shall be carried out.

a. Activation of Pressurization system

b. Pressure difference test
c. Air velocity test
d. Door opening force test

a. Activation of Pressurization System

Regardless of the activation methods mentioned below, these tests shall demonstrate
that pressurization system can be activated in case of a fire and is capable to operate in
accordance with specific building design.

i. Activation by the building fire alarm system

This test shall be to operate the automatic fire detection system (smoke detector) by
introducing smoke into the detector head. This shall in turn operate the central fire
alarm panel, thus activating the pressurization system.

ii. Activation by manual switches

This test
Photo Caption shall be to activate pressurization system by means of manual switch at the
Smoke Control Panel (SCP).

b. Pressure Difference Test

This acceptance test shall measure pressure differences across the closed door sepa-
rating a pressurized and an unpressurized space and to determine pressure distribution
(field) within the pressurized space. The test(s) shall be carried out as follows:

67
 i. Initiate the pressurization system either automatically or manually.
ii. Close all relevant doors.
iii. Measure pressure differences across the closed door separating a pressurized and
an unpressurized space on at least 3 lowest and 3 top floors of the building. In case
when vertical distance between floors where measurements were carried out ex-
ceeds 6 floors additional measurement on one of the middle floors shall be carried
out.

iv. Additional pressure difference measurements shall be carried out on floors with
different air release paths. These readings shall be taken using a calibrated manom-
eter, with the appropriate tube connections.

The calibration of all test equipment shall be such that the measurements are accu-
rate to at least 5 %.

Each pressure difference reading shall be continuously taken and logged for at least
10 seconds.

Pressure differences measured relative to this acceptance test shall comply with
specific design pressure differences.

The design objective requirement is considered to be fulfilled if measured values of

pressure differences deviate less than 10% of design value.

Note: For the super high-rise buildings it is recommended to carry out pressure
differences measurements on all building floors.

c. Air Velocity Test

This acceptance test shall measure the air velocity through an open door separating a
pressurized and an unpressurized space. The measurement of flow velocity through the
relevant doors shall be taken with all other doors open or closed in accordance with the
specific design assumptions.

The test(s) shall be carried out as follows:

i. Initiate the pressurization system either manually or automatically.

ii. Open or close all relevant doors,
iii. Measure air velocity through the relevant door.

iv. For each door at least 8 measurements shall be taken, uniformly distributed over
Photo Caption
the doorway, to establish an accurate air velocity. Calculate the mean of these
measurements or alternatively move an appropriate measuring device steadily over
the cross section of the open door and record the average air velocity.

These measurements shall be taken with an open air release path consequently on
following floors, in order to determine if the air release system has been properly
designed and balanced.

These readings shall be taken using calibrated anemometer.

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 The calibration of all test equipment shall be such that the measurements are accu-
rate to at least 5 %.

Air velocities measured relative to this acceptance test shall comply with specific
design air velocities.

The design objective requirement is considered to be fulfilled if an average value of

air velocity is not less than 90% of design value.

Note: For the super high-rise buildings it is recommended to carry out air velocity
measurements on all building floors.

d. Door Opening Force Test

This acceptance test is to measure the door opening force on the doors between the
pressurized and unpressurized spaces.

The test(s) shall be carried out as follows:

i. Measure door opening force without pressurization system operating.

ii. Close all relevant doors,
iii.Initiate the pressurization system operation either manually or automatically.
iv. Actuate the pressure differential system.
v. Fasten the end of the force measuring device (e.g. a spring balance) to the door
handle, on the side of the door in the direction of opening, release any latching
mechanism, if necessary holding it open,
vi. Pull on the free end of the force measuring device, noting the highest value of force
measured as the door opens. Measure door-opening force at all doors located with-
in the escape route. For each door take at least 3 measurements and calculate the
mean of these measurements.

Note: Instead of force measuring devices where a spring is drawn apart, devices,
where a spring is pressed can be used as well. In this case the piston of the
device shall be pressed against the door in the direction of opening. The
spot where the piston is pressed against the door shall be located right
above or below the door handle or the panic bar, at a distance of approxi-
mately 0.1 m from the door leaf edge.
These readings shall be taken using a calibrated dynamometer.
The calibration of all test equipment shall be such that the measurements
are accurate to at least 5 %.
Door opening forces measured relative to this acceptance test shall comply
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with specific design door opening forces and in particular shall not exceed
maximum allowable door opening force of 132 N.

Door opening force measurements shall be taken for all doors located with-
in the escape routes.

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7. Maintenance of Pressurization Systems

a. General

i. Maintenance is a combination of all technical, administrative and managerial actions tak-

en with the objective of ensuring the specified function of the pressurization system.

ii. Pressurization system, including the smoke detection system or any other type of fire
alarm system used, the Smoke Control Panel (SCP), the fans, the equipment power sup-
ply arrangements and the automatically operated ventilation equipment, shall be subject
to a regular maintenance and functional testing procedure.

iii. The Consultant responsible for the design of the system shall provide the Owner/Facility
management with a maintenance check list. Records shall be kept of all maintenance and
functional testing by the facility management.

iv. The entire pressurization system shall be properly inspected, serviced and if necessary
repaired strictly in accordance with manufacturer’s and supplier’s instructions.

v. The equipment shall be included in the Building Services maintenance schedule.

vi. A maintenance and functional test schedule shall be prepared.

vii. All unsatisfactory findings or defects found regarding the maintenance of equipment
shall be recorded in the log book and reported to the facility management.

viii. Maintenance of equipment shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

ix. Records shall indicate all reports regarding repeated faults that can be deemed to be de-
sign faults.

b. Weekly Tests

i. Each week the pressure differential system shall be actuated. While the system is oper-
ating, checks shall be made that the fans are running satisfactorily and that the ventila-
tion system has operated.

ii. Each week the fuel level for the secondary power supply shall be checked so that there is
sufficient
Photo Caption fuel to run the generator for the required time, if the secondary power supply
is a generator.

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c. Monthly Tests

In addition to Weekly tests, following tests shall be conducted monthly.

i. A failure of the primary power supply shall be simulated and a check made that the system
has switched automatically to the secondary power supply. If the secondary power supply
is provided by a diesel generator it shall energies the system for a minimum of 1 hour.

ii. A zero airflow condition shall be simulated and a check made that the stand-by fans are
running if they are provided.

d. Yearly Tests

Every 12 months, in addition to the manufacturer's recommendation and monthly tests, the
entire pressurization system shall be tested by following the acceptance test procedures de-
tailed in section 6.

e. Re-tests

The entire pressurization system shall be re-tested in accordance with section 6, following any
modification to the building that could affect the pressurization system, e.g. alterations to in-
ternal partitions, extensions and alterations to the pressurization system.

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8. Smoke Control System Material Test Standards,
Approval and registration.

8.1. Acceptable Test Standards and criteria

8.1.1. All the Materials, Systems, Assemblies, equipment, Products and Accessories, re-
ferred to in this chapter with respect to Life Safety, Fire Safety and Emergency Ser-
vices shall be Listed, Approved and Registered by the Civil Defence Material Approv-
al Department.

8.1.2. There is no year of edition mentioned against any test standards. It is the intent of
Civil Defence to convey to the customers seeking laboratory tests and the test la-
boratories to follow the “LATEST EDITION OF THE TEST STANDARD, AS AND WHEN
THEY ARE UPGRADED/REVISED/AMENDED, TO THE DATE”

8.1.3. Smoke Damper (With 1.5mm galvanized steel frame)

i. ANSI/UL 555S, Standard for Smoke Dampers.

ii. EN 12101-8: Smoke and heat control systems—Smoke control dampers.
iii. ISO 21927-8: Smoke and heat control systems — Specification for smoke con-
trol dampers.
iv. EN 1366-10 Fire resistance tests for service installations. Smoke control damp-
ers.

8.1.4. Fire Damper (90 minutes and 3 hour fire rated with 1.2mm galvanized steel frame)

i. ANSI/UL 555, Standard for Fire Dampers.

ii. EN 1366-2 Fire resistance tests for service installations. Fire dampers.
iii. EN 13501-3: Fire classification of construction products and building elements -
Part 3: Classification using data from fire resistance tests on products and ele-
ments used in building service installations: fire resisting ducts and fire dampers

8.1.5. Combination (Fire/Smoke) Damper (90 minutes and 3 hour fire rated with 1.5mm
galvanized steel frame)

i. ANSI/UL 555, Standard for Fire Dampers, and ANSI/UL 555S, Standard for
Smoke Dampers.
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ii. EN 1366-2 Fire resistance tests for service installations. Fire dampers.
iii. EN 1366-10 Fire resistance tests for service installations. Smoke control damp-
ers.
iv. EN 13501-3: Fire classification of construction products and building elements -
Part 3: Classification using data from fire resistance tests on products and ele-
ments used in building service installations: fire resisting ducts and fire dampers

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 8.1.6. Smoke Control Panel (SCP) and Power Supply (With 3 hour battery backup,
enclosure rating of UL 864, IP 65 or above)

i. ANSI/UL 864, Standard for Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Sys-
tems, category UUKL, for their intended purpose.
ii. ISO 21927-9:Smoke and heat control systems — Specification for control
equipment.
iii. ISO 21927-10: Smoke and heat control systems — Specification for power out-
put devices.
iv. EN 12101-10: Smoke and heat control systems. Power supplies.

8.1.7. Smoke Curtains or Draft Curtains (Rated at 6000 C for 2 hours)

i. ISO 21927-1: Smoke and heat control systems, Specification for smoke barri-
ers.
ii. EN 12101-1: Smoke and heat control systems. Specification for smoke barriers.

8.1.8. Fire Curtains (Rated at 11000 C for 2 hours)

i. UL 10D. Standard for Fire Curtains.

ii. BS 476; part 22, Fire Resistance Test to Building Material
iii. ISO 21927-1: Smoke and heat control systems, Specification for smoke barri-
ers.
iv. EN 12101-1: Smoke and heat control systems. Specification for smoke barriers.
v. BS 8524-1:2013 Active fire curtain barrier assemblies Part 1 - Specification

8.1.9. Natural Smoke and Heat Vents (Rated at 4000 for 2 hours)

i. ISO 21927-2: Smoke and heat control systems — Specification for natural
smoke and heat exhaust ventilators.
ii. FM 4430, Heat and Smoke Vents.
iii. UL 793, Standard for Automatically Operated Roof Vents for Smoke and Heat
iv. EN 12101-2: Smoke and heat control systems. Specification for natural smoke
and heat exhaust ventilators.

8.1.10. Mechanical Roof Extract Fans (Rated at 4000 for 2 hours)

i. EN-12101-3: Smoke and heat control systems. Specification for powered

smoke and heat exhaust ventilators.
ii. UL 705, Standard for Power Ventilators.
iii.
Photo Caption
EN 13501-4: Fire classification of construction products and building elements -
Part 4: Classification using data from fire resistance tests on components of
smoke control systems

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 8.1.11. Powered Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilators (Rated at 4000 for 2 hours)

i. EN 12101-3: Smoke and heat control systems. Specification for powered smoke
and heat exhaust ventilators.
ii EN ISO 13350: Industrial fans. Performance testing of jet fans.
iii. EN 13501-4: Fire classification of construction products and building elements -
Part 4: Classification using data from fire resistance tests on components of
smoke control systems

8.1.12. Ducts for Smoke control systems (Type A, Rated for both fire outside and Type B,
fire outside and inside, 2 hour fire rated, 1.2mm thick galvanized steel)

i. BS 476, Part 24, Fire tests on building materials and structures. Method for
determination of the fire resistance of ventilation ducts.
ii. ISO 21927-7: Smoke and heat control systems—Smoke control Ducts.
iii. Class 0 or Class 1 in accordance with ANSI/UL 181.
iv. ASTM E-84, Class A– Pipe and Duct insulation, coverings, linings fasteners, ad-
hesives.
v. ASTM E2816-12: HVAC ducts fire resistance
vi. EN 1366-1: Fire resistance test for service installations. PART 1: DUCTS.
vii. EN 1366-8: Fire resistance tests for service installations - Part 8: Smoke extrac-
tion ducts
viii. UNE-EN 1366-9: Fire resistance tests for service installations - Part 9: Single
compartment smoke extraction ducts
ix. EN 13501-4: Fire classification of construction products and building elements -
Part 4: Classification using data from fire resistance tests on components of
smoke control systems

8.1.13. Air cleaners

ii. ANSI/UL 867 Standard for Electrostatic Air Cleaners.

8.1.14. Air Filters

i. Class 1 or Class 2 in accordance with ANSI/UL 900.

ii. ANSI/UL 867

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