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Introduction Fire safety is a critical aspect of any building or facility, and ensuring the proper functioning of fire protection field equipment is of utmost importance. Regular maintenance and inspection of fire equipment is essential to identify potential issues, ensure compliance with regulations, and maintain system readiness. Hegel Engineering Sdn Bhd, as a fire service maintenance contractor, recognizes the significance of thorough inspections by checking each fire protection field equipment individually rather than relying on random checks. This approach ensures that no stone is left unturned, enhancing fire safety measures and promoting system reliability. Importance of Individual Equipment Checks 1. Identifying Malfunctioning Equipment Random checks may overlook specific equipment that requires immediate attention. By inspecting each fire protection field equipment individually, maintenance contractors can identify malfunctioning or non-operational devices, such as hosereels, landing valves, fire extinguishers, and sprinkler systems. This comprehensive approach helps prevent failures during emergencies and enhances the overall effectiveness of the fire safety system. 2. Ensuring Compliance Fire safety regulations and codes require routine inspections and maintenance of fire protection equipment. Conducting individual checks ensures compliance with these standards and helps organizations avoid penalties or legal issues. By thoroughly examining each field equipment, Hegel Engineering Sdn Bhd ensures that the fire safety systems adhere to relevant regulations and industry best practices. 3. Addressing Hidden Issues Random checks may provide a false sense of security, as underlying issues might go unnoticed. By inspecting each equipment, potential hidden issues such as leaks, blockages, corrosion, or damaged components can be detected. Identifying these problems early on allows for timely repairs or replacements, reducing the risk of equipment failure during emergencies. 4. System Integration Verification Fire protection systems are complex and interconnected. Individual equipment checks enable the verification of proper integration and functioning of the entire fire safety system. By meticulously examining each equipment, Hegel Engineering Sdn Bhd ensures that all components are in sync and capable of working together seamlessly when needed. Hegel Engineering Sdn Bhd Approach 1. Thorough Inspection Hegel Engineering Sdn Bhd's maintenance contractors meticulously inspect each fire protection field equipment during every service visit. This includes hosereels, landing valves, fire extinguishers, fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and other critical components. The technicians follow a comprehensive checklist that covers all necessary aspects of equipment inspection. 2. Functional Testing In addition to visual inspection, functional testing is performed on each field equipment to ensure its operational readiness. This includes activating hosereels, testing landing valves, conducting flow tests, inspecting pressure gauges, and conducting live fire alarm tests. Such testing verifies that the equipment operates as intended and is capable of responding effectively during fire emergencies. 3. Documentation and Reporting Hegel Engineering Sdn Bhd maintains detailed documentation of all inspections, checks, and maintenance activities performed on each field equipment. This documentation includes equipment details, inspection findings, repairs or replacements conducted, and recommendations for future enhancements. The comprehensive reports provide a transparent overview of the fire safety system's condition, allowing facility managers to make informed decisions. Conclusion Checking fire protection field equipment individually, rather than randomly, during every service visit is crucial for ensuring fire safety and system readiness. Hegel Engineering Sdn Bhd understands the significance of this approach and employs it to guarantee that no equipment is overlooked or assumed to be in working condition. By thoroughly inspecting and testing each field equipment, they identify potential issues, ensure compliance, address hidden problems, and verify system integration. This meticulous approach strengthens fire safety measures, minimizes the risk of equipment failure, and promotes a proactive fire safety culture in organizations.

An addressable fire alarm color graphic workstation is an essential component of a modern fire alarm system. It serves as a central monitoring system that provides real-time graphical information about the status of an addressable fire alarm system. This workstation is typically used by building management personnel, fire safety officers, or other authorized personnel to monitor and control the fire alarm system. One of the most significant advantages of an addressable fire alarm color graphic workstation is its ability to provide a graphical representation of the building or facility being monitored. The graphical interface allows operators to easily identify the location and status of each fire alarm device, such as smoke detectors, heat detectors, and manual call points. Color-coded symbols indicate the status of each device, making it easy to identify any alarms or faults that occur within the system. Real-time monitoring is another key feature of an addressable fire alarm color graphic workstation. This allows operators to quickly respond to any alarms or faults that occur within the system. The workstation can also be customized to display different views of the building or facility, allowing operators to focus on specific areas or zones as needed. In addition to real-time monitoring, the workstation can be configured to provide audible and visual alarms to alert operators to any fire alarms or faults that occur. This ensures that operators can respond quickly and effectively to any emergencies. Historical data storage is another important feature of an addressable fire alarm color graphic workstation. It allows operators to review past events and identify any trends or patterns in the system's performance. This can help identify potential issues before they become significant problems, allowing for preventative maintenance and repairs. An addressable fire alarm color graphic workstation is a valuable tool for managing and monitoring a complex fire alarm system. Its real-time monitoring, graphical interface, customizable displays, alarm notification, and historical data storage features provide operators with the information they need to quickly respond to any emergencies and ensure the safety of building occupants and property.

Addressable smoke detectors are a crucial component of modern fire alarm systems, providing a reliable and accurate means of detecting smoke and alerting building occupants to the presence of a fire. These detectors use a unique address to identify their location within a building, allowing the fire alarm control panel to quickly and accurately respond to a potential fire. The process of addressing an addressable smoke detector is a critical step in the programming of a fire alarm system. Without proper addressing, the fire alarm control panel may not be able to accurately identify the location of a fire, potentially delaying the response and putting building occupants at risk. The first step in addressing an addressable smoke detector is to install the detector at the desired location, following the manufacturer's instructions and local fire codes. Proper installation is crucial to ensure that the detector is functioning correctly and able to accurately detect smoke. It is important to ensure that the detector is installed in a location where it can detect smoke quickly, such as near bedrooms, kitchens, and living areas. Once installed, the detector is connected to the communication loop of the fire alarm control panel, using the appropriate wiring and connectors. The communication loop is a network that connects all of the addressable smoke detectors in the system to the fire alarm control panel. With the detector installed and connected to the communication loop, the next step is to access the programming menu of the fire alarm control panel. This can be done through the programming software or keypad, depending on the manufacturer's specifications. Once in the programming menu, the option to add a new device to the system should be selected, and the device should be specified as an addressable smoke detector. At this point, the unique address for the smoke detector can be entered, which is typically a combination of letters and numbers. It is important to ensure that each addressable smoke detector in the system has a unique address. If two detectors have the same address, the fire alarm control panel may not be able to accurately identify which detector has activated, potentially delaying the response to a fire. The address should be selected in a logical and organized way that can be easily understood by maintenance personnel, emergency responders, and building occupants. After entering the unique address for the smoke detector, it is essential to test the detector to ensure that it is communicating with the fire alarm control panel and activating the alarm when smoke is detected. Testing each detector in the system is critical to ensuring that the system is functioning correctly and that building occupants will be alerted in the event of a fire. Regular testing and maintenance of the fire alarm system are also essential to ensure that it is functioning correctly and providing the necessary protection. Smoke detectors should be tested at least once a year, and the batteries should be replaced as needed. In addition, the system should be inspected by a qualified professional on a regular basis to ensure that it is up to code and functioning correctly. Addressing an addressable smoke detector is a critical step in the programming of a fire alarm system. By following the manufacturer's instructions and local fire codes, installing the detector correctly, and ensuring that each detector has a unique address, building owners and occupants can have peace of mind knowing that they are protected in the event of a fire. Regular testing and maintenance of the system are also essential to ensure that it is functioning correctly and providing the necessary protection. A properly functioning fire alarm system can save lives and prevent property damage, making it an essential investment for any building owner.

A fire pump room is a critical component of any building's fire protection system. It houses the fire pump, which is responsible for supplying water to the building's sprinkler system or other fire protection systems during a fire emergency. As such, the design and construction of a fire pump room should be given the utmost attention to ensure that it is effective, safe, and reliable in case of a fire outbreak. In this blog, we will discuss the essential elements of a fire pump room design, which include location, size, entrance, flooring, walls, ventilation, lighting, fire suppression, clearance, and signage. 1. Location: The location of the fire pump room is critical to its effectiveness. The room should be located close to the main water supply for the building and have easy access for firefighters in case of an emergency. The fire pump room should be situated away from potential hazards like electrical rooms or other flammable materials. 2. Size: The size of the fire pump room is determined by the capacity of the fire pump and the amount of equipment that needs to be housed in the room. The room should be spacious enough to accommodate the fire pump, the electric motor that drives it, and other auxiliary equipment like controllers, backup power supplies, and gauges. 3. Entrance: The entrance to the fire pump room should be wide enough to allow for easy removal and installation of the fire pump and other equipment. It should also have enough clearance to allow for the removal and replacement of large equipment without any difficulty. 4. Flooring: The floor of the fire pump room should be sloped towards a drain to allow for easy removal of any water that may accumulate in the room. The slope should be adequate to ensure that the water drains entirely, leaving no stagnant water. The floor should also be made of materials that are not combustible, waterproof, and corrosion-resistant. 5. Walls: The walls of the fire pump room should be made of materials that are not combustible and should be fire-rated to prevent the spread of fire. The thickness of the walls will depend on the type of fire protection system in place, the size of the fire pump, and the equipment housed in the room. 6. Ventilation: The fire pump room should be adequately ventilated to prevent the buildup of heat and fumes from the fire pump. This is essential to keep the temperature in the room at a safe level and prevent the buildup of toxic gases. The ventilation system should be designed to ensure that the room has sufficient airflow to keep the room cool, prevent moisture buildup and remove fumes. 7. Lighting: The fire pump room should be adequately illuminated to allow for easy maintenance and inspection of the fire pump and other equipment. The lighting should be bright enough to allow the fire pump to be seen clearly and should be placed in such a way that it does not create any shadows or dark spots. 8. Fire suppression: The fire pump room should be protected by an automatic fire suppression system, such as a clean agent system. This system should be able to detect and suppress fires quickly, minimizing the risk of damage to the fire pump and other equipment. 9. Clearance: Sufficient clearance should be provided around the fire pump and other equipment to allow for easy access for maintenance and inspection. There should be enough space around the fire pump to ensure that it can be serviced or replaced easily without interfering with other equipment in the room. 10. Signage: Appropriate signage should be installed to indicate the location of the fire pump room and the location of the fire pump switch. The signage should be highly visible, and the location of the switch should be easy to find, even in low light conditions. Designing a fire pump room requires careful consideration of the critical elements discussed above. A well-designed fire pump room can provide the necessary

Fire safety is an essential aspect of building management, particularly for high-rise buildings. Building and facility managers have a responsibility to ensure that their properties are equipped with effective fire safety measures that adhere to safety standards and regulations. In this blog post, we will discuss the key considerations that building and facility managers must keep in mind to maintain fire safety in high-rise buildings. Fire Safety Systems and Equipment Building and facility managers should ensure that their properties are equipped with the appropriate fire safety systems and equipment. This includes fire alarms, sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, and emergency lighting. Fire alarms should be placed strategically throughout the building and be connected to a central monitoring system to ensure that emergency responders are alerted in case of a fire. Sprinkler systems should also be installed throughout the building to extinguish fires quickly, preventing them from spreading. Smoke detectors should be installed in every room, including common areas such as hallways and lobbies, to detect smoke and trigger the fire alarm. Lastly, emergency lighting should be installed in all exit routes, ensuring that they remain visible in the event of a power outage. Proper Installation, Maintenance, and Testing It is not enough to install fire safety systems and equipment; building and facility managers must ensure that they are properly installed, maintained, and tested regularly. Regular maintenance and testing of fire safety equipment is critical to ensuring that they are in good working condition and are ready to respond to a fire emergency. It is essential to work with licensed professionals who are qualified to install and maintain fire safety systems and equipment to ensure that they are compliant with safety standards and regulations. Fire Safety Procedures and Evacuation Routes Building and facility managers must ensure that building occupants are aware of fire safety procedures and evacuation routes. This involves conducting regular fire drills to help occupants understand the evacuation procedures in case of a fire. It is essential to provide clear and visible signage to guide occupants to the nearest exit routes, including stairwells and emergency exits. Building managers should ensure that these exits are easily accessible and are not obstructed by any equipment or storage items. Emergency Response Plan Building and facility managers should have a detailed emergency response plan in place to ensure that staff members are trained on how to respond to emergencies. The emergency response plan should include instructions on how to evacuate the building, how to use fire safety equipment, and how to alert emergency responders. Building managers should also maintain close relationships with local fire departments to ensure that they can respond quickly in case of a fire emergency. Technology and Fire Safety Building and facility managers should also consider using technology to enhance fire safety. For example, installing sensors and monitoring systems can help detect fires early and provide early warning to building occupants and emergency responders. Additionally, smart fire safety systems can provide real-time monitoring, alerts, and notifications, allowing managers to respond quickly and effectively to a fire emergency. Conclusion In conclusion, fire safety is a critical concern for building and facility managers in high-rise buildings. Managers must ensure that their properties are equipped with the appropriate fire safety systems and equipment, maintain them regularly, and ensure that occupants are aware of fire safety procedures and evacuation routes. Managers must also have a detailed emergency response plan in place and maintain close relationships with local fire departments. Finally, building and facility managers should consider using technology to enhance fire safety and respond quickly and effectively in the event of a fire emergency. By implementing these measures, building and facility managers can help protect building occupants and minimize property damage.

Fires can happen anytime and anywhere, and when they do, they can cause significant damage to property and even loss of life. That's why it's essential to have fire suppression systems in place to minimize the damage caused by a fire. One such system is the Clean Agent Fire Suppression System, which uses a clean agent gas to extinguish fires quickly and effectively. However, like any other system, it needs regular maintenance and testing to ensure it remains functional and effective. In this article, we'll explore the process of Clean Agent Fire Suppression Cylinder removal, hydrostatic testing, and refilling. Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems are designed to protect critical assets and high-value equipment in environments where water-based fire suppression systems cannot be used. This system uses clean agents like FM-200 or Novec 1230, which are non-conductive, non-corrosive, and leave no residue. Clean agent fire suppression systems are ideal for use in data centers, telecommunications facilities, museums, archives, and other high-value areas. The Clean Agent Fire Suppression System is made up of a cylinder filled with the clean agent, a piping network, and discharge nozzles. The cylinder containing the clean agent is the most critical component of the system, and it needs to be maintained and tested regularly to ensure it remains functional. The first step in the process is to remove the cylinder containing the clean agent from the fire suppression system. This is done by a qualified technician who will follow strict safety procedures to ensure that the cylinder is removed safely and without causing any damage to the surrounding equipment or personnel. The cylinder is then transported to a hydrostatic testing facility for testing. Hydrostatic testing is a non-destructive test that involves pressurizing the cylinder to a specific level to check for any leaks or deformities. This test is crucial to ensure that the cylinder can withstand the pressure of the clean agent and that it won't rupture or leak during a fire event. If any defects are found during the testing process, the cylinder is deemed unsafe for use and must be replaced. After the hydrostatic test is completed, the cylinder is refilled with the clean agent and re-installed into the fire suppression system. The refill process involves removing any residual gas from the cylinder and replacing it with the appropriate amount of clean agent. The technician will also ensure that the cylinder is reinstalled correctly and that all the discharge nozzles are functioning correctly. In conclusion, the Clean Agent Fire Suppression System is a critical component in protecting high-value assets and equipment. Regular maintenance, testing, and inspection of the cylinder containing the clean agent are essential to ensure the system remains functional and effective. The process of removing, testing, and refilling the cylinder should only be carried out by qualified and trained technicians who follow strict safety procedures. By ensuring the system is in good working order, you can have peace of mind knowing that your property and assets are well protected in the event of a fire.

The Impact of Incorrectly Coordinated and Lack of Monitoring Renovation Work on Building Fire Alarm Systems Fire alarm systems play a critical role in ensuring the safety of building occupants in the event of a fire. However, renovation work, if not properly coordinated and monitored, can have a negative impact on these life-saving systems. When renovation work is being carried out, it’s essential to ensure that the fire alarm system is not impacted in any way. If the system is damaged, disabled or altered during the renovation process, it can result in the system not functioning properly when needed. This can put the lives of building occupants at risk. Incorrectly coordinated renovation work can result in a number of issues, including damage to fire alarm components, interference with the system's communication network, and interruption of power supply to fire alarm devices. These issues can lead to false alarms, delayed alarms, or the failure of the fire alarm system to activate at all in the event of a fire. Lack of monitoring during the renovation process can also have a significant impact on the fire alarm system. The workers may not have the necessary knowledge or expertise to identify potential risks to the fire alarm system, and they may unintentionally cause damage while carrying out their work. To avoid these risks, building owners and managers must ensure that renovation work is properly coordinated and monitored. This can be achieved by having a designated fire safety coordinator on site who is responsible for ensuring the fire alarm system is not impacted during the renovation process. Additionally, it's essential to have a fire alarm system inspection before and after the renovation work is completed. This will ensure that the fire alarm system is functioning correctly and that any issues that may have arisen during the renovation process are identified and resolved. In conclusion, it is vital to understand the impact that renovation work can have on building fire alarm systems. Proper coordination and monitoring of the renovation process can help to minimize the risks and ensure that the fire alarm system is functioning correctly in the event of a fire. Building owners and managers must take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of their occupants and comply with local fire safety codes and regulations.

The Fire Engineering-Performance Based Approach (PBA) is a methodology for designing, evaluating and assessing fire safety in buildings. The design relies on the practice of fire engineering principles, calculations and appropriate software modelling tools to satisfy the intentions of the BS 7974:2019- Application of Fire Safety Engineering Principles to the Design of Buildings. Code of practice. The PBA does NOT cover any 'purpose group' used for bulk storage or processing flammable liquids, industrial chemicals or explosive materials. The intrinsic risk associated with such buildings will necessitate special consideration. In Malaysia, it is essential to comply with all the clauses stated in the prescriptive building code of Uniform Building By-Law (UBBL) 1984 (amendment 2012) and Sarawak Building Ordinance 1994 (amendment 2008). Still, it is permissible to adopt the PBA approach for noncompliance. During architectural plan approval, the noncompliance allowed only for compartmentation and travel distance where the development of the project exceeds 150 meters high, covering an area of more than one million square meters, as well as mixed development where such purpose groups are strenuous to comply with the existing standard requirements of compartmentation and travel distance as stipulated in the following UBBL by-Law: - Seventh Schedule "Maximum travel distances to exits and dead-end limits shall be specified in the Seventh Schedule of By-Laws. When alternatives are available for shops, limits are 45 meters (sprinkler protected building)". Ninth Schedule "Dimensions of Buildings and Compartments Maximum Limits of Dimensions – 4000m² (3700m² under SBO 1994 by Law) or 14000m³ (under sprinkler protected building". The performance Based Approach has been widely practised in Malaysia since 2003. Therefore, the PBA is applicable if the architectural plan's compartmentation and travel distance limits exceed the seventh and ninth schedules. Can you imagine big malls such as a hypermarket with little compartments? An airport building with a limited travel distance of 45 meters (non-sprinkler protected) or 60 meters (sprinkler protected)? And so on, for each of those limits, it must be unusual, right? And don't forget that coupled with the uniqueness of various designs and the variety of functions of large buildings, including skyscrapers, it is clear that it is onerous to comply with the existing prescriptive building code. The Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (FRDM) or known as BOMBA, strongly encourages the compliance of the prescriptive building code, that is why only compartmentation and travel distance of fire requirement are allowed as noncompliance and provide alternative means with PBA with an approach of smoke management system compliance with MS 1780: 2017 and AS / NZS 1668-1: 2015 standards. In Australia and Germany, for example, almost all compliance with the prescriptive building code can be replaced with the PBA, including the fire doors! This was witnessed by the author, who had the opportunity to visit the facilities while attending the EU-sponsored Fire Safety in Nuclear Power Plant course back in 2013-2014. Now, here comes the role and responsibility of the Fire Safety Consultant to come out with the provision of an engineered smoke management system through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) or other similar software for modelling purposes together with evacuation study (egress). But, first, the Fire Safety Consultant will need to substantiate that the proposed solution will fully meet the intent of the Fire Code using established fire safety engineering methodology to prove to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), which is FRDM representatives, that larger compartment area will not jeopardize critical life safety tenability criteria for anticipated fire loads at compartment area during fire conditions, and therefore occupants have safe egress. In general, the core principle of the PBA is smoke management with proper evacuation, where the consultants are expected to be very particular in considering the exact perimeters used in simulating the scenario. And it is imperative to verify the boundary proposed accurately and precisely, especially when it comes to simulation, calculation and documentation. In addition to CFD software for smoke modelling, the consultant also appertains other software, such as SYLVIA, CFAST, LUMP PARAMETER and others. At the same time, software for evacuation studies, such as SIMPLEX and PATHFINDER, was also practised. Most notably in this study is the compliance with smoke management standards based on MS 1780: 2017 and AS / NZS 1668-1: 2015, according to acceptance criteria. This includes the sprinkler system (MS1910:2017 and NFPA 13), which will be reviewed if necessary, including the Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) sprinkler application for the 'atrium' or large void area. Do not get astounded if the previous approval following the prescriptive building code will be reviewed again as part of a 'cross check' evaluation by the Fire Safety Officer of FRDM. This is because only the gazette (specific) area is allowed for PBA while the rest still comply with the UBBL-by Law requirement. Moreover, what we want to observe during the evaluation and testing of this PBA project is the visibility clearance exceeding 10 meters, smoke layer height of 2.5 meters, convective heat of 60°C, radiant heat from 2.1-2.5 meters equal to 183°C-200°C@2.5kW/m2, toxicity compliance and of course all smoke extraction systems function correctly as well as a smoke curtain, alarm and others. During verification, we can intercept or expropriate together with other functional system testing, such as tests on elevators, fire-rated roller shutters and so on, because the PBA activation is 'zoning' (selected coverage area), more or less like the zoning concept of electrical isolation switch testing. This is important in ensuring that the PBA testing does perform well accordingly. Hopefully, in the future, we could fully adopt a performance code (pre-engineered) in line with the changes that take place so that the PBA evaluation and testing will meet the objective Code of Practice and indirectly protect our Malaysian firefighters/women firefighters in the line of duty.

Any project development clustered as a ‘high hazard’ requires special consideration and approval from respective authorities. In Malaysia, the industrial practitioner is expected to be commonly exposed with such reports prepared by professional consultants, such as the Control of Industrial Major Accidents Hazard (CIMAH) report of the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report by Department of Environment (DOE) for example, but... Very rare we hear about the Fire Safety Design Philosophy (FSDP) report of BOMBA that has been widely practised since 2003 with the Performance Based Approach (PBA) for the non-compliance of the prescriptive code. So, what is the FSDP all about? In principle, FSDP is a technical assessment scrutinized by professionals to determine the potential fire hazard and risk, including possibilities of an explosion to have occurred (radius impact study) and dissemination of toxic release fume where all of these consequences are potential to cause fatalities, injuries of the workers and nearby people surrounding of the incident place including property damages. Through the FSDP report, the competent building practitioner will determine the appropriate fire prevention system to be successfully designed, installed and tested with the clarified hazardous materials processing involved, bulk storage and production, a complex industrial chemicals and petrochemicals process and production, power plant facilities and others where the need for installation of these fire prevention systems is not clearly defined in prescriptive code (UBBL-by Law,1984-10th schedule) or (SBO-by Law,1994-Schedule J). The assessment determines the appropriate fire prevention system for the fire hazard and risks inside the premises. The need for FSDP preparation In line with the allotment of Uniform Building By-law (1984), by-Law 236, where the Director General of FRDM could request any building owners to have a fixed installation system of unique fire detection and extinguishing systems if the said premises have a potential hazard and risk due to its ample storage, trend, occupancy or its size. Moreover, referring to the 10th Schedule of UBBL-by Law or Schedule J of SBO by-Law also indicate that the purpose group for factory (VI), which runs the hazardous material processing and production or bulk storage, requires providing a fixed prevention and suppression system. Unfortunately, both allotment (by-Law 236 & 10th schedule/ Schedule J) does not clearly define the types of firefighting and fire safety installation systems required. Hence, the FSDP assessment is needed to overcome this matter. The purpose of FSDP is to determine the best appropriate firefighting and fire prevention system of the premises based on hazard and risk assessment conducted inside the premises considering various factors as explained in the above paragraph. It also serves as a guideline to FRDM personnel (Fire Safety officers) during plan processing and document verification for architectural and M&E plan approval. Here are building categories that require for submitting the FSDP report which are; dangerous/high-risk buildings, dangerous/high-risk industrial buildings, industrial chemicals and petrochemical plants, power plant generating facilities, and any buildings not categorized in the purpose group of UBBL by Law/SBO by-Law and buildings with unique, complex and extraordinary design. Processing plan involved with FSDP The principal submitting person (PSP) or architect will inform the FRDM regarding the proposed development plan and would officially apply to meet for a technical discussion to determine the firefighting and fire prevention system proposed for the project development. The PSP and the consultant or submitting person (SP) will present the technical presentation to FRDM regarding the proposed development plan. Typically, the content of the discussion in the earlier stage is merely focused on the proposed project development introduction, the design concept of the building, the exact location of the proposed site and the activity of the business, including fire prevention requirements. From the above discussion, the appointed SP will prepare the FSDP accordingly and will present the outcome to FRDM again to finalize the proposed firefighting and fire prevention system of FSDP based on hazard and risk assessment. One of the methods used by SP for the assessment is by using special design software to run a simulation, such as computational fluids dynamics (CFD). The compiled document (hard copy) will be submitted officially to FRDM if there is no amendment to be made after the presentation for written approval by FRDM. Then, the architectural and M&E plan will be submitted according to the FSDP report for plan approval. The content of the FSDP The FSDP report is prepared only by Professional Fire Safety engineers, Mechanical engineers and Chemical engineers with a minimum of 5 years in the related field. The content of the FSDP, in general, is listed below:- Introduction : (Briefly explained the company background, site location and proposed plant/premises) List of Consultants : (Project Owner and Design, Architect, Civil & Structure Engineer, Mechanical Engineer and Fire Safety Consultant) Finish Products and Raw Materials : (Including the byproduct if necessary, Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to be attached) Building and Structures : (Detail layout of buildings and structures to be attached such as dimension and usage) Product Processes : (Briefly explain all the processes involved, excluding confidential business information) Hazard and Risk Analysis Fire Protection System including Fire Hydrant and Access Road Water Supply Requirements for Fire Control and Extinguishment Emergency Response Set-up Maintenances of Fire Protection Systems Fire Safety Training Codes and Standards for System Design Conclusion As part of any design and development process, hazard and risk identification are required to determine the different levels of threats and fire risk areas. National Fire Protection Association 704 (NFPA 704) will be adopted as a tool for these purposes. The project components were categorized in four (4) risk rankings, namely High, Moderately High, Moderate and Low, based on the identified fire hazards, specifically:- High: Areas where a catastrophic spontaneous fire is possible due to a large amount of combustible material and process-related ignition sources. Moderately High: Areas where a spontaneous fire is possible due to the combustible material and process-related ignition sources. Moderate: Areas where the spontaneous fire risk is low due to lack of either process-related ignition sources or combustible material; if flammable material is present, it is adequately protected by passive measures. Low: Areas where a spontaneous fire is not possible under normal circumstances. The worst-case fire scenario can be identified or estimated from the initial investigation of potential incidents at similar facilities worldwide. Potential events also can be described, together with possible consequences and safeguards employed to control incidents. The potential for such an incident can be effectively reduced by clearly understanding the FSDP for its hazard and applying adequate safety measures. Fire protection requirements for the proposed development will be as 10th Schedule and Schedule J. The recommended fire protection systems shall be as to the level of hazard and risk involved for each building structure. Buildings and structures that did not have a high fire risk and exposure hazards are clearly indicated in the 10th Schedule, and Schedule J follows the prescriptive requirements. Such an example of the building was Administration Buildings, Guard Houses, Canteen Buildings and Laboratory Buildings. The fire protection systems will be as to the 10th Schedule and Schedule J in areas involving hazardous processes. Also, foot Note 2 of the Schedule as for any fire protection systems required by the FRDM. For Note 3, Fire Alarm System and Note 4, Emergency Lighting, the fire safety will follow the prescriptive requirements in the law for each building or structure. Under Extinguishing System, Note 2, of the 10th Schedule and Schedule J, areas involving hazardous processes were required to satisfy Section VI, Factory, and Item 5 Special Structures (b) Hazardous Processes. In this section, the extinguishing systems indicated were A, B, C and D only for UBBL, 1984 and A, B, C, D, E or F of SBO, 1994, which in Note 2 of the Schedule J, the letters mean as follows; Note 2 of UBBL by-Law, 1984 (Amendment 2012). The letters in the second column of this Schedule refer to the types of fixed extinguishing systems, as follows:- A-Hose Reel System B-Sprinkler System C-Gaseous Extinguishing System D-Pressurized Fire Hydrant While Note 2 of the SBO by-Law, 1994. The letters in the second column of this Schedule refer to the types of fixed extinguishing systems, as follows:- A. = Automatic Sprinklers System B. = Water Spray System C. = High Expansion Foam System D. = Carbon Dioxide System E. = Approved Halogenated Extinguishing System F. = Other Automatic Extinguishing System G. = Hose Reel H. = Hydrant System. For the proposed development plan, the Fire Safety Concepts Tree of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 550 will be the primary guide in identifying the fire extinguishing systems. The three primary fire safety objectives are life safety, property protection, operational continuity and environment safety. The logic of the Fire Safety Concepts Tree is that fire safety objectives can be accomplished by preventing a fire from starting or by managing the impact of the fire. To determine the required firewater storage capacity, worst-case scenarios and fire occurrence areas need to be identified. The proposed development will provide a dedicated fire water storage tank with a capacity of not less than the required minimum total fire water demand and is linked to a backup industrial water pit with a capacity of more than 50% of the minimum total fire water demand. Fire protection systems pumps will be located in a protected pump house at a safe distance. All fire pumps must comply with FM/UL standards as stated in NFPA 20. Besides the fire water demand, supplementary fire safety equipment shall also be provided, such as portable foam firefighting equipment according to foam AR-AFFF (Alcohol-Resistance Aqueous Film Forming Foam) concentrate calculation. The following standards will also design an active fire protection system provided for this proposed development: - Pressurize Hydrant System NFPA 24 Hydraulic Hose Reel System NFPA 14 Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing System NFPA 2001 Fire Alarm System NFPA 72 Water Spray System NFPA 15 Automatic Sprinkler System NFPA 13 Fire-Water Pump System NFPA 20

The minimum and maximum distances between the most common sprinkler heads, as well as the head-to-wall distance, are carefully observed with the NFPA 13. One sprinkler can cover an impressively large area. The latest Fire Service Act can protect more than 200 square feet with a single head in some environments. However, the sprinkler placement is more than square feet. For example, if you move the sprinklers too close to the wall, close to each other, or place obstacles, the chances of a fire spreading are much higher. Part 1 of the Maximum and Minimum Sprinkler Spacing series takes a closer look at the following standard spray sprinkler rules: Why do we need rules regarding distances between fire sprinklers? What main factors determine sprinklers’ required distances? Pendent and upright fire sprinklers: what’s the maximum allowable distance between two heads? Sidewall fire sprinklers: what’s the maximum allowable distance between two heads? All sprinkler types: what’s the minimum allowable distance between two heads? All sprinkler types: what’s the minimum or maximum allowable distance from walls? HEGEL also recommends browsing a selection of off-the-shelf sprinkler systems from major fire protection manufacturers, including standard spray models. Concerns over late or failed activation create a need for fixed distances from sprinkler heads to walls (and each other) The installer`s bible for commercial sprinklers is NFPA 13: Standard for installing Sprinkler Systems. NFPA 13`s rules on distances ensure, first and foremost, that sprinklers spray when and where they`re supposed to spray. This article focuses on rules for standard spray sprinklers—a widely-used sprinkler type that serves as the standard for sprinkler performance. The NFPA 13 Handbook explains that they are “proven effective for a broad range of hazards and applications by adjusting the water discharge density.” Decades ago, when standard spray sprinklers were far and away the most common type, these rules might be all that a contractor needed to know. But the experts behind NFPA 13 have added new rules to accompany newer sprinkler types, charging today`s installers with keeping track of minimum distance and obstruction requirements for various sprinklers. Why does the installer require these rules? In short, heat activates the sprinkler system. As a result, all heads belong to places where their heat-sensitive parts are exposed to the layer of hot gas that forms when the fire is burning. However, as explained in the article on side wall sprinklers where walls meet walls and ceilings, pockets of colder air can be trapped and delayed activation. The heat also rises, causing similar problems if the sprinkler system is located well below the ceiling. Another key issue with the sprinkler spacing is cold soldering. When the sprinkler is ejected to another sprinkler, the second sprinkler cools. As a result, this sprinkler may not be ejected in a timely manner or at all. You can prevent this unwanted problem from occurring by setting the appropriate intervals. Sprinkler distances vary with system types and sprinkler design. The maximum and minimum sprinkler distance between standard spray sprinklers—and from heads to walls—vary with two main factors: Sprinkler characteristics. The design and performance of fire sprinkler heads have a significant impact on distance and obstruction requirements. Chapters 10 through 15 of NFPA 13 (2019) provide these guidelines in detail. Sprinkler orientation. NFPA 13 has rules specific to pendent, upright, and sidewall heads in subsections throughout the chapters above. Spacing requirements between sprinkler heads can also vary with the type of construction—that is, with the presence of combustible materials or fixed obstructions. In NFPA 13, the type of sprinkler system installed also plays a role in determining the maximum space between fire sprinklers. Engineers can break Sprinkler systems into two types: Systems are designed with the pipe schedule method. Designers use the building’s hazards, water supply, and sprinkler placement density to determine the appropriate pipe size for sprinklers on branch lines. Hydraulically designed sprinkler systems. Designers rely on mathematical analysis of pipes’ capacity to distribute water to fire sprinkler heads. The sprinkler’s maximum distance from walls correlates with these spacing requirements. As the maximum spacing between sprinklers increases, so does the maximum allowable distance from walls. NFPA 13 modifies these requirements for small rooms, curved surfaces, and angled walls. Further, installers may sometimes place specially equipped or specially designed sprinklers together. One such exception is the in-rack sprinkler, used when ceiling-mounted sprinklers can’t effectively protect items stored on racks. NFPA 13 also allows close spacing for heads equipped with baffles—bowl or disc-shaped accessories that keep one sprinkler’s spray from prematurely cooling another head. Maximum spaces between standard upright and pendent sprinklers vary with a room’s hazards. NFPA 13 establishes a maximum sprinkler-to-sprinkler distance using five tables for standard upright and pendent sprinklers. Tables 10.2.4.2.1(a) through 10.2.4.2.1(d) set spacing and protection area requirements for four hazard types: Light Hazard (10-15 ft). Excluding heads in combustible concealed spaces, all sprinklers in this category have 15 feet (4.6 meters) of maximum allowable spacing between them. Ordinary Hazard (15 ft). All sprinklers in these environments have a 15-foot (4.6-meter) maximum. Extra Hazard (12-15 ft). The rules vary by system type. Pipe-schedule and hydraulically calculated systems with a density of over 0.25 gallons per minute per square foot have a 12-foot (3.7 meters) maximum distance between sprinklers. Hydraulically calculated systems with less density have the standard 15-foot (4.6-meter) maximum. High-Piled Storage (12-15 ft). Hydraulically calculated systems with a density of over 0.25 gallons per minute per square foot have a 12-foot (3.7 meters) maximum. Hydraulically calculated systems with densities under 0.25 have the standard 15-foot (4.6-meter) maximum. Two exceptions deserve mention: Sprinklers in some light-hazard, combustible concealed spaces (see 10.2.6.1.4) have exceptionally detailed requirements. For example, maximum spacing varies from 10 to 15 feet. Where extra-hazard occupancies and high-piled storage feature bays made from solid structural members, spacing may increase to 12.5 feet. However, this doesn’t apply to calculated systems with densities under 0.25 gallons per minute per square foot. Hazards and concerns over cold soldering determine the maximum spacing between standard spray sidewall sprinkler heads . Sidewall sprinkler heads are typically mounted on a wall. When it’d be hard to use pipes in the ceiling or overhead sprinklers wouldn’t look good, sidewall sprinklers provide designers with an alternative. While the distance between sprinklers is reasonably straightforward for the pendant and upright types, NFPA 13 has detailed rules for standard sidewall fire sprinkler heads. First off: installers can’t measure these distances from the inside edges. Nor can they always measure for the shortest possible length. From the 2019 edition of NFPA 13 10.3.4.1.1 The maximum distance between sidewall spray sprinklers shall be based on the centerline distance between sprinklers on the branch line. 10.3.4.1.2 The maximum distance between sidewall spray sprinklers or a wall shall be measured along the slope of the ceiling. In section 10.3.4, NFPA 13 clarifies that the maximum distance also varies with the hazards involved: For example, light-hazard areas allow a maximum distance of 14 feet (4.3 meters). Ordinary-hazard areas permit a distance of only 10 feet (3 meters). Sidewall heads protecting spaces below overhead doors have maximum distances for light-hazard areas, even when installed in ordinary-hazard environments. To stop cold soldering, sidewall sprinklers placed on opposing or adjacent walls must not be within the maximum protection area of another sprinkler. Additionally, installers can’t put these sprinklers back-to-back without a lintel (a beam typically placed over a door or window) or soffit (a lowered section of a ceiling) between them. This can stop a sprinkler from spraying needlessly—or prevent cold soldering of one sidewall head by another. However, that lintel or soffit can’t exceed 16 inches in width unless a pendent head protects it. Minimum distance: With few exceptions, NFPA 13 requires at least six feet between all standard spray fire sprinklers While maximum distances between sprinklers vary with the room’s hazards and fire sprinkler types, the minimum sprinkler distance from head to sprinkler head changes with only two factors: First, are sprinklers (properly) equipped with baffles? Are they in-rack sprinkler heads? NFPA 13’s rules for sidewall heads closely resemble those for the pendant and upright types. Those guidelines, found in sections 10.2.5.4 (pendent and upright) and 10.3.4.4 (sidewall), require 6 feet of clearance between heads. That minimum distance is measured from the centre of each sprinkler head (or “on centre”). Baffles allow for reduced spacing between heads when they: Protect the actuating elements (heat-sensitive bulbs and links) It consists of “solid and rigid material that will stay in place before and during sprinkler operation.” Are no longer than 8 inches and no higher than 6 inches Have tops that extend from 2 to 3 inches above upright and sidewall deflectors Have bottoms that “extend downward to a level at least even with” pendent and sidewall deflectors NFPA 13 makes one final exception for in-rack sprinklers. Because they’re designed to work even when closely spaced, in-rack sprinklers may be placed closer than six feet together (10.2.5.4.3). All standard spray sprinklers have four-inch minimum spacing from walls and maximums that vary with room shape and size . All standard sprinkler heads—pendent, upright, and sidewall—have the same minimum sprinkler distance from walls: four inches. For sidewall heads, that’s the distance from an end wall (10.3.4.3.1). Pendent and upright sprinkler heads keep this minimum distance from all walls (10.2.5.3). In doing so, these heads stay away from sources of cool air that might delay their activation or surfaces that could block the intended spray pattern. However, NFPA 13 has much more to say about the maximum distances between fire sprinklers and walls. For all head types, the maximum distance between heads and walls is half the top distance between two sprinkler heads (the latter detailed in the sections above). For example, an upright sprinkler in an ordinary hazard environment can be as far as 15 feet from an adjacent head. That same head can be up to half that distance—as far as 7.5 feet—from a wall. For pendent and upright heads, NFPA 13 has more detailed requirements on distances from walls, including: Exceptions for irregular or angled walls (10.2.5.2.2). When two walls meet at a narrow-angle, a sprinkler placed just a few feet away from those walls may wind up being a considerable distance away from the corner space it’s supposed to protect. This is just a quirk of design, and NFPA 13 allows these odd-shaped rooms. It prescribes a longer maximum distance between the head and the corner where walls meet at odd angles. Thus, whereas the distance from heads to the wall usually may be no further than 0.5 times the maximum allowable distance from sprinkler head to sprinkler head (0.5 x the full length of 15’ between sprinklers = 7.5’), if there is a sharp angle in a deep corner, this maximum to the corner jumps to 0.75 (.75 x 15’ = 11.5’), as shown in the image below: Exceptions for small rooms (10.2.5.2.3). Light-hazard compartments under 800 square feet may follow different rules. When these small rooms have unobstructed construction, sprinklers’ maximum distance from walls becomes 9 feet. For more details, see the section referenced above in NFPA 13. To be continued: NFPA 13’s rules on sprinkler head distance. This concludes part one of our look at NFPA 13’s rules regarding maximum and minimum sprinkler distances from walls and between heads. We’ve only scratched the surface of the standard’s extensive guidelines for safe and effective sprinkler placement—so stay tuned for more.

Fire safety equipment protects you, your employees, customers and your premises. Whether you are the owner of a hotel, manager of a care home, or the landlord of a residential building or an office, you need to have a fire equipment maintenance plan in place. In a worse case (and very real) scenario, the difference between a properly maintained fire protection system and a neglected one could be the contrast between preparedness and disaster in an emergency. When it comes to fire safety equipment, 99% reliability isn’t good enough. Find out below why having a fire maintenance plan is vital. Planned, Preventative Fire Maintenance You never want to have to use your fire safety equipment, but in the unfortunate case it’s required, you need to know with 100% certainty it will work. Planned and preventative fire maintenance should be carried out throughout the life of the premises, helping identify worn or outdated parts. By carrying out scheduled fire safety maintenance, faulty and poor equipment can be timely replaced before complete failure. Preparation and planning ahead is the only way to be sure you’ll be ready for an emergency. You need a fire alarm system that’s tested and ready to alert you at the first sign of danger; fire extinguishers that are located in the right place and prepared to fight the flames; and emergency lighting that won’t go out when you need it to guide the way to safety. Most of all, they all need to guarantee you’re compliant with fire safety regulations. At Hegel, our experienced team can provide fire alarm, emergency lighting, extinguisher maintenance and flexible, comprehensive fire maintenance plans to keep you prepared and compliant. After all, a plan will make sure you’re always up to date. We provide you with confidence that the work is being carried out by qualified hands. Stay Compliant Fire maintenance plans are vital in helping you remain compliant with fire safety equipment standards. There’s a lot to consider in your business, and fire safety probably isn’t always at the top of your concerns, but if you get a visit from a BOMBA Officer – it’s definitely at the top of theirs. Failing to meet fire regulations can be punitive and could threaten the existence of your business. When it comes to regulations, there’s a lot to cover. First, every business must conduct a fire risk assessment and take the necessary steps, but it’s also essential to keep up these preparedness standards. Inspectors are very fond of picking on issues like locked fire exit doors, blocked escape routes, and inadequate fire equipment maintenance. Planned and preventative maintenance will ensure any of these issues are picked up and resolved to keep you compliant and prepared. Cost Management Strategies Fire safety is not a choice. You need to invest in your business to keep it thriving and safe, and adequate fire safety equipment that’s fit for purpose and compliant is a statutory requirement. Keeping track of finances can be difficult, but you need to invest in your fire safety. That’s why Hegel makes investing in fire safety maintenance and fire safety services manageable so you can have peace of mind during unprecedented times. We offer the opportunity to move to a monthly subscription model for your fire safety equipment maintenance with our Diamond Maintenance Plan. This plan spreads the cost of your routine maintenance, including any spare parts, over the year in 12 monthly instalments. It’s ideal for budgeting, but it also helps your cash flow. At Hegel, we aim to provide services that inspire confidence. We want to support our clients with their fire safety and make sure they’re prepared for any outcome. We know that things like money and people matter, so they become essential to our considerations. Hegel can help organize and teach fire safety training and workshops to prepare your staff for an unexpected fire this holiday season. Contact Hegel today for more details on fire protection services, equipment, and training.

All fire alarm systems have a control panel that communicates with the field devices (smoke detectors, pull stations, etc.) that alert the building occupants of a fire and signal the sprinkler system to activate. Thus, the fire alarm panel acts as the “brains” of the system and can trigger a building’s sprinkler system if a fire is detected. However, how the detection devices communicate with the control panel varies by system type. Conventional fire alarm systems vs addressable fire alarm systems Two types of fire alarm systems commonly found in commercial buildings are addressable systems and conventional systems. The main difference between these two systems is how the field devices communicate with the fire alarm panel. Conventional systems were the first fire alarm system that came to the market. Addressable systems are newer and more advanced. Wiring Conventional systems have zones on them, which are basically just circuits. Conversely, the fire alarm panels of addressable systems actually communicate over a communication circuit with each field device. In other words, with addressable systems, there is one wire that connects all devices to the fire alarm control panel. In contrast, there is a different wire for each device with conventional systems, and each wire connects to the fire alarm control panel. As a result, addressable systems require less cabling than conventional systems since each detector has its own unique address. Location detection With conventional fire alarm panels, there will be multiple devices on a zone, so if any of the devices on that zone go into alarm, you’ll get an alarm at the panel that will say “Zone Alarm.” It will also tell you what location, as they’re numbered. This means that if an alarm comes in, it will tell you the building area that the notice is in, but not a specific location since it could be any of the devices on that circuit. You would then have to walk around in that area, looking at the devices to try and determine which one caused the alarm. Addressable systems allow you to set an address on the field device, usually a 3-digit number, and then tell the panel what and where that device is located. If you get an alarm, you will see something like: “Alarm Smoke Detector (Address: 023) 1st Floor Hall at Room 102.” These systems will provide a specific location where the alarm is and what type of device caused the alarm. This is a big help in response times for the fire department or the customer. It also gives you the ability to individually program each device, so if you have one smoke detector and one duct detector next to each other, you can program one to send an alarm and the other to just send a supervisory and not set off the horns and strobes. On a conventional panel, every device on the same circuit would report the same. The fire alarm control panel on an addressable system receives information and status reports from each device and indicates its exact location if there is smoke or fire. Cost Conventional fire alarm systems cost less to purchase but actually cost more to install due to the extensive wiring involved with these systems. It takes more time and more wires to install conventional systems. Addressable fire alarm systems are more advanced from a functionality standpoint but cost less to install. Addressable systems can also be more cost-efficient in the long run when you consider the accuracy of these systems at detecting fires and therefore preventing fire damage. These systems are also less likely to signal false alarms, a costly mistake. Functionality Looking at pure functionality, addressable fire alarm panels are more advanced and allow for more control and flexibility. These types of systems are even known as “intelligent” fire alarm systems. They are also more reliable than conventional fire alarm panels when it comes to false alarms. This isn’t to say that conventional fire alarm systems are not effective; just in some ways limited when it comes to the scope of protection they can offer. What type of fire alarm system is suitable for my building? Conventional systems are still used for minimal applications or for customers who don’t want to upgrade, but they have severe limitations as to their abilities to protect more significant buildings. Addressable systems are generally “safer” systems as they can decipher and communicate more detailed information to the control panel and therefore increase the speed and accuracy of fire extinguishment. First responders need as much information as possible when responding to a fire alarm. In addition, addressable fire alarm systems provide the exact location of a fire in a building, saving lives, time, and money.