FIRE PROTECTION

REQUIREMENTS IN BUILDINGS

By Chandimal Jayakody
BSc.(Eng), C.Eng., MIE(SL)., MLABSE.

WHAT IS FIRE
Fire is a Chemical reaction involving rapid oxidation or burning of a
fuel. It needs four elements to occur
Tetrahedron of Fire
FUEL - Fuel can be any combustible material - solid, liquid or gas.
Most solids and liquids become a vapor or gas before they will
burn.
OXYGEN - The air we breathe is about 21% oxygen. Fire only
needs an atmosphere with at least 16% oxygen.
HEAT - Heat is the energy necessary to increase the temperature
of the fuel to a point where sufficient vapors are given off for
ignition to occur.
CHEMICAL CHAIN REACTION - A chain reaction can occur when
the three elements of fire are present in the proper conditions
and proportions. Fire occurs when this rapid oxidation or burning
takes place. Take any of these factors away and the fire cannot
occur or will be extinguished if it was already burning.

What Are the Fire Protections Systems in

Buildings
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Fire Extinguisher
Hose Reel system
Dry Riser System
Wet Riser Systems
Sprinkler Systems
Gas suppression system
Foam systems

What are the Applicable Standards/Codes

Code of practice of Fire Service Department

ICTAD Fire Regulations
ICTAD Fire Specifications
BS standards
BS 336:2010 Hose couplings and ancillary equipment
BS 750
Underground fire hydrants and surface box frames and
covers
BS 5306
Fire extinguishing and equipment on premises
BS EN 3
Portable fire extinguishers

Relevant Document

continued

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards

NFPA 13
Installation of Sprinkler Systems
NFPA 14
Fire hose and stand pipes
NFPA 17
Clean agent fire suppression systems
NFPA 20:
Standard for Installation of stationary fire pumps for
fire protection

What is Fire Requirement Letter

The Letter is issued by Fire Service department Colombo or
regional office up on request
It contained all active and passive fire requirements
Active fire requirements include all fire
protection/detection/ACMV/ emergency lighting/Exit signs
systems
Passive fire requirements include all fire related building
architectural requirements which is doing under Civil
construction such as openings/ satire ways/wall &
ceilings/fire stopping/Exit doors

Applying process of Fire Requirement for New

Buildings/ Modifications to existing
Submission of Plans
Site inspection if required
Correction of any deviation in passive fire
protection Under Civil works
Request letter to Issue of fire safety requirements
for building permit to the fire department
(Then Engineers can design the fire systems
according to given requirements)

Onsite inspection / approval of Drawings

Intermediate inspections Medium and High
rise/ Super High Rise Buildings
Access Route Under Civil work
Correct Construction of Passive fire protection- Under
Civil works
Positioning of Active Fire Protection System

Deviations from requirements

Submission of appeal
Forwarded to the Referee Committee
Exemption or insist on the requirement

Final Certification ( after construction

finished)
Performance test Active Fire Protection
Inspect for correct construction and
completion of Passive Fire Protection
Under Civil work
Issue of Recommendation for COC
(certificate of conformity)