Analysing Fire Regulation In Malaysia Engineering Essay

Analysing attempt Regulation In Malaysia Engineering EssayIn Malaysia, draw come on Rescue Department or everydayly know as Bomba is the send word and rescue services agency. The resurrect safety stock(a)s moldiness be implemented by following the regulations in the resembling edifice By-Law (UBBL) 1984, subject field inflammation surety Association (NFPA) Codes and Standards and brush off Services take on 1988.2.1.1 furnish Building By-Law (UBBL) 1984 supply Building By-Law (UBBL) 1984 is a published document, which is apply as a necessitate safety standard and overly is emphasized by the government. The Standing Committee recommended that life safety of the have occupants mustiness be considered first and it is to be achieved by giving the minimum requirement regarding to the unlike aspects. The various aspects refer to egress for the occupants, spread of set down indoors the construct or from cardinal construct to an a nonher(prenominal) one winding an d center of sensing and extinguish of flacks.In UBBL 1984, 80 percent emphasized on life safety requirement and 20 percent ar rest on the seat harborion of a construction (Goh, 2009). sympatheticly, the basic requirements of the UBBL ar adequate sack protection materials and construction transcription of rules to make reliable the safety of the life and property in the structure during the cease. Furtherto a greater extent, UBBL 1984 too decl bed more or less attempt requirements regarding the construction design in order to pick at and decrease the risk of kick up. mechanical wake sprinkler organisation is mentioned in Uniform Building By-Law 1984 at Part VIII (Fire Alarm, Fire Detection, Fire Extinguishment and Fire Fighting Access).2.1.2 National Fire defense Association (NFPA)National Fire Protection Association is an international non-profit organization which is authorized on heighten, electric and building safety. The NFPA was established in 1896 an d it serves as the worlds leading advocate in harass prevention and is an authoritative ascendant for information on burn down safety (Tharmarajan, 2007). Besides that, NFPA develops, publishes, and disseminates al to the highest degree 300 consensus codes and standards which intended to minimize the effect of call forth and other risk. Actually for every building, process, service, design, and readiness in high society today is already affected by NFPA documents (National Fire Protection Association, 2009).Automatic fire sprinkler is mentioned in NFPA 13 (Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems), NFPA 25 (Standard for the Inspection, Testing, Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection System)2.1.3 Fire Services Act 1988The Fire Services Act 1988 is implemented to make necessary provision for the effective and efficient functioning of the fire Services Department. In addition, this act is also for the protection of somebody and property from fire risks and othe r purposes attached therewith. This Act intimately app arnt apologises the duties of the Fire service Department, which consists of implementing fire prevention, fire safety inspection and fire hazard abatement, investigation and prose reduceion (Tharmarajan, 2007).2.2 Types of fire sprinkler governancesFire sprinkler musical arrangement of ruless ar the most(prenominal) important and successful of the fire fighting schemas. there ar quin main lawsuits of fire sprinkler remains which argon cockeyed tobacco shout out, change shriek, pre-action, re-cycling and jumpstart blotto and dry organ holler. The three additional types of fire sprinkler administration which are tail-end leaf, tail-end dry tube and oversupply. These three systems whitethorn be combined with change tube and/or alternate rigid and dry pipe sprinkler system to form extensions. The type of sprinkler systems to be selected for the building go forth be depended on type of building and t ype of materials to be protect (Hassan, 1996). For example, a computer memory facility that stores highly flammable liquids leave behind need a dispa charge per unit sprinkler system from a shopping centre.2.2.1 rigorous pipe systemWet pipe systems are the most common fire sprinkler system that hasten been using in the building. This sprinkler system is suitable physical exercise in het up(p) buildings where temperatures remain above 0 and there is no risk of the body of pee in the sprinkler system freeze (Hassan, 1996). Water is forever maintained within the distribution piping. When a fire produced the high temperature, it leave behind cause the nearest sprinkler passs to founder at their operating temperature. Water go away immediately discharged onto the fire, at the same period the flowing of piss activates a hydraulically operated affright bell outside the building and ar posements stand also be do to alert the local Fire Brigade (Hassan, 1996). Figure 2.1 shows a distinctive unbendable sprinkler system where the piddle supply is taken directly from the body of wonky main. Figure 2.2 shows how the pipe connected the alarm valve to an alarm chime and turbine.The meat flesh of sprinklers that connected to an founding volition be different for crystallise hazard, ordinary hazard and high hazard and, depending on the circumstances. Besides that, the number of sprinklers system fitted to each installation will vary over the range of 500 to 1000 (Hassan, 1996).When fire sprinkler systems installed in a high filch building, the difference in height between the lowest and the highest sprinkler in an installation must not be greater than 45 meters (Hassan, 1996). Distribution pipes are to be connected independently to the main rise pipe at the floor universe served and no segmentation shall turn tail to more than than one floor, cogitate that each section being served by a discriminate main rise pipe.Figure 2.1 Figure 2.2 2.2.1.1 Advantages of wet pipe sprinkler systemSimplicity and reliability systemWet pipe sprinkler systems ready the few number of components and require less(prenominal) installation time compare to other systems. Due to the systems simplicity, the system aliment whitethorn not be performed as the desired frequency. The reliability of wet pipe sprinkler system is important since sprinklers whitethorn be utilise to standby for many grades before they are needed (API Group, 2003).Financial scrimpingThe installation and charge expense for wet pipe sprinkler system are relative low (API Group, 2003). It is because wet pipe sprinkler systems require least amount of installation time and also less service time is required.Ease of modificationThe clobbers to modify the wet pipe sprinkler system include shutting down the weewee supply, flow pipes and making alterations. after(prenominal) accordingly, the following work is to pressure test the system and restore it. Additional work for detection and special apply equipment is avertible which may saves the time and represent (API Group, 2003).Shorter time to rep charge after fireWet pipe sprinkler systems require the least amount of effort and time to restore after a fire (API Group, 2003). In most instances, fire sprinkler is reinstated by replacing the fused sprinklers and turning the weewee supply subscribe on. For other types of sprinkler systems, it may require additional effort to reset aver equipment.2.2.1.2 Disadvantages of wet pipe sprinkler systemThe disfavors of wet pipe sprinkler system are that it disregardnot be installed in an area where distribution pipes are subject to freezing temperatures. It is because the water inside the distribution pipe will call on red-blooded if exposed to freezing temperatures.2.2.2 Dry pipe systemThis system may only be used in the conditions that it is impossible to use a wet pipe system, or alternate wet and dry type system. Dry pipe sprinkler system s are installed in areas where distribution pipes are exposed to freezing temperatures. For example, dry pipe sprinkler systems will be installed at unheated buildings and parking garages.The system between dry pipe system and wet pipe system are different. The difference is that, wet pipe sprinkler systems dispel water but dry pipe sprinkler systems post two-dimensional logical argument. The compressed halo is supplied by an electric air compressor, nitrogen bottles, or other source. In addition, the air pressure inside the pipes that is about one-third to half times greater than the maximum water pressure.Dry pipe sprinkler systems have a valve applauder and alarm port. The function of dry pipe valve clapper is to dispel between air pressure and water pressure at the valve interface. When a fire starts, fire work the heat causes a sprinkler bearing to open and the compressed air would be released. Once this happened, water will enter the pipe and flowing through open sp rinkler onto the fire.Due to this system is liable to suffer frost misuse, it is important that the pipe work should be self-draining and sprinkler brainpowers must be fitted above the range pipes. The number of sprinkler fitted to each installation shall be within the range 125 to 500, and depends on whether or not an accelerator has been fitted to the system (Hassan, 1996). Figure 2.3 shows how sprinkler headsprings fitted above the range pipe.Figure 2.3(Sources from Hassan, 1996)2.2.2.1 Advantages of dry pipe sprinkler systemSuitable for freezing temperaturesDry pipe sprinkler systems are suitable to be installed in areas where distribution pipes are exposed to freezing temperatures. For example, dry pipe installations include unheated buildings and parking garages.Suitable for water reactive areasThe advantage of dry pipe sprinkler systems is that it is suitable to be used to protect collections and other water sensitive areas while the wet pipe system does not. While a phys ical damage on the wet pipe sprinkler systems will cause the pipes leaking, dry pipe sprinkler system will not. It will take 1 minute to release the air inside the pipes before water flowing.2.2.2.2 Disadvantages of dry pipe sprinkler system append complexityAccording to API Group, dry pipe sprinkler systems require additional control equipment and air pressure supply components which will sum up complexity of the systems. If proper concern is not followed for this sprinkler system, the system would be less reliable. graduate(prenominal)er installation and maintenance wooThe installation follow for dry pipe sprinkler system will be high since the complexity level is higher and installation time is longer compare to wet pipe system. Besides that, the maintenance equal will also be higher due to labour dexterity is required to maintain this complex sprinkler systems.Lower design flexibility in that respect are strict requirements regarding the maximum permitted size of individ ual dry pipe systems (API Group, 2003). These limitations may impact the ability of an possessor to make system additions.Increased fire response timeThe wide time taken from sprinkler head opens until water is discharged onto the fire is up to 60 seconds (API Group, 2003). The fire extinguishing actions will be delay for 60 seconds and caused the fire damage to the building increase.Increased corrosion potentialDry pipe sprinkler systems must be completely drained and dried. If there is water remaining inside the pipe, it will cause corrosion and premature failure. This kind of difficulty will not happen on wet pipe system because the water is constantly maintained in piping.2.2.3 Pre-action systemPre-action sprinkler systems are installed in water sensitive environments such as computer rooms, library and paper records office. When in an echt fire condition, these systems will operate to save the building and its components from fire damage. It will give earliest warning if d etected of combustion in the protected areas and which will arise from the action of a smoke detector. This will gives liberal time for the outbreak to be dealt with satisfactorily by using take-away extinguishers.The pre-action system is similar to a dry pipe system and violent stream system. The difference between pre-action system and dry pipe system is that the air pressure may or may not be used for pre-action system. The difference between pre-action system and deluge system is that the valve is electronically held disagreeable and standard closed are used for pre-action system.Two separate events must be presented to initiate sprinkler discharge onto the fire. Firstly, the detection system identifies a growth fire and then involuntaryally sprinkler system would open the pre-action valve. When the pre-action valve is open up, it allows water to flow into system piping. Secondly, each of the sprinkler heads will verify whether there is fire then only permit water flow on to the fire.This system must be self-draining. For pre-action sprinkler system installation, the maximum numbers of sprinklers that may be fitted to an installation for enlighten hazard is about 500, ordinary hazard and high hazard is about 1000 (Hassan, 1996).2.2.3.1 Advantages of pre-action sprinkler systemThe dual action required water releaseThe dual action here means that the pre-action valve must operate and sprinkler head must fuse then only water release (API Group, 2003). This frolic provides double level of protection against inadvertent discharge. With this reason, pre-action sprinkler systems are frequently installed in water sensitive areas such as book libraries, computer centers and and so on2.2.3.2 Disadvantages of pre-action sprinkler systemHigher installation and maintenance costPre-action sprinkler systems are more complex with several additional components, such as fire detection system. Thus the installation and maintenance cost will become higher due to the additions system required.Modification difficultiesPre-action sprinkler systems have specific size limitations which may affect future system modifications (API Group, 2003). Besides that, system modifications must compound changes to the fire detection and control system to understand proper operation. authorization decreased reliabilityThe higher level of complexity with pre-action sprinkler systems the higher opening night that something may not work when needed. Regular maintenance is needed to examine reliability.2.2.4 Alternate wet and dry pipe systemThis system is used for those developments in which the water in the pipes may freeze when change in the climate and where the surrounding temperature does not make pass 70. For example, the system is operated dry in winter and wet in the summer.The system inside the pipes will be changes by following the climate, when it is dry pipe system then the pipes contain compressed air, and when it is changes to wet pipe system then the pipes are make full with water.In some cases, this system may require a duplicate of the automatic alarm valves, which may be connected in parallel. The get ahead of the automatic alarm valves is to facilities an easy changeover at the turn of the season. Besides that, the system must be self-draining and the number of sprinkler fitted to each installation shall be within the range 125 to 500 (Hassan, 1996).2.2.5 Recycling systemThe use of this system is generally restricted to situation where it is necessaryTo limit water damage after a conflagrationTo prevent inadvertent water damage caused by any accident mechanical interference with the pipe work or sprinklers andTo be able to carry out work on the installation while ensuring that the system remains in a state of readiness at all times.When pre-action valve turn to open mean than the operation of any heat detector activates the alarm driven gong and primes the pipe work ready for the imminent opening of one or more sprink lers. If the fire was put out by portable extinguishers immediately, the heat detectors automatically reset to the normal monitoring position. This has the effect of initiating a hydraulic pressure equalization process which may typically take 5 minutes to complete. After this has occurred, the pre-action valve will be from opened and turn to closed. If the fire begins to rekindle, the heat detectors will be reactivated and cause the pre-action valve again be opened. After then water will be directed discharge to the source of the fire.Others installations use electrical timing units and the use of electrically interlocking circuitry is installed to ensure that the system will not operate solely because of falling air pressure in the pipe work. With this system, any accidental damage to any the pipe work, or the sprinkler heads will not cause the main valve to open. The disadvantage is when operatives working on such an installation must take dread that they isolate that part of t he system on which they are working from the potentially active main system. The system must be self-draining and the number of sprinklers fitted to such an installation must not exceed 1000 (Hassan, 1996).2.2.6 Deluge systemDeluge sprinkler systems are installed in high hazard operations, such as power generating station, chemical storage, munitions plants, and the areas which store items such as flammable liquids. These sprinkler systems will work together with independent fire detection systems and discharge water immediately to the protected area during a fire. The deluge sprinkler system is similar to a pre-action system. The difference between deluge sprinkler system and pre-action system is that the deluge sprinkler heads are open and the pipe is not pressurized with air.Deluge systems are connected to a water supply through a deluge valve that is opened when smoke or heat detection system is activated. The detection system is installed in the same area as the sprinklers. Whe n the detection system is activated, water will discharges through all of the sprinkler heads onto the fire. Water is not adequate to control or extinguishment fire in areas where flammable liquids are manufactured or stored. Water is require to mixed with the foam squeeze and cause the concentrate to expand when released through the sprinkler head, it may depriving the fire source of oxygen required to support combustion of flammable materials (Hassan, 1996).2.2.7 Tail-end alternate pipe and tail-end dry pipe systemsThese systems may be regarded as an add-on system to a standard sprinkler installation and they are intended to deal with comparatively small areas.In a heated buildings will served by a conventional wet pipe system, it is possible that a small part of the building is either unheated or is overheated temperatures. In order to deal with this, it is permissible to join a tail-end alternate system onto the main wet pipe system.The number of sprinklers on any tail-end ex tension must not exceed 100. If it is more than two tail-end extensions are services by one valve set, the total number of sprinklers in the tail-end extension must not exceed 250 (Hassan, 1996).2.3 pull in of fire sprinkler systemAutomatic fire sprinkler systems have been used to protect industrial and commercial properties for more than 100 years. Nowadays, fire sprinklers are not only installed in commercial and industrial buildings but also installed in residential buildings, office buildings, schools and hotels. Fire sprinkler systems are become common and popular that is because it is provide many benefits to us.2.3.1 precipitate fatalitiesIt is difficult to estimate how much safer fire sprinklers could provide in the event of fire. Based on evidence from testing ground studies and limited field experience in the United States, the studies prove that fire sprinklers could save an additional 7.7 lives per one trillion million million houses per year. In addition, the evide nce also proves that fire sprinklers could reduce the risk of firefighter death and injury during put out a fire. It is estimated if all the buildings were installed with fire sprinklers, about 0.1 firefighter lives could be protected per million houses per year. Thus, the study concludes that fire sprinkler could save an additional 7.8 lives per million houses per year (Rousseau, 1989).2.3.2 sign on injuriesBased on the United Stated research, the study proves that if installation of fire sprinkler in buildings could prevent about 87 people injuries per million houses each year. The amount of firefighting injuries could also be reduced through change magnitude installation of sprinklers by as many as 30 firefighting injuries per million houses per year. Based on Ameri drop Studies, the cost to remedial per injury to a civilian or firefighter is $30,000 (Rousseau, 1989). These cost are included to commit medical bills and allowance for pain and suffering.2.3.3 Reduce Insurance Pr emiumsResidential fire sprinkler systems are becoming more prevalent with each passing year. If the building installed with fire sprinkler systems, it will cause the additional 1 to 2 % increase in the final cost of the house (Snyder, 2008). Besides that, municipalities must accounting for the increase in residential system and ensure that they are being maintained in accordance with current National Fire Protection Association standards.After installed fire sprinkler systems, they will actually save coin because they can reduce home insurance rates by 5 to 15 percent (Snyder, 2008). These values are expected to be increase in the future. In the event that there is a fire, they will also save money in potential damages.2.3.4 Increase value of the buildingA building constructed with fire sprinkler system has more value than a building without a fire sprinkler system. It is because a building with a fire sprinkler system provides additional fire safety for the building and thus, the building worthy more and the owner could gain more profit when selling the building.2.3.5 Reduce property damage costAccording to records for decades on property damage, the owner save about 90% on property damage costs with fire sprinkler systems than those without fire sprinkler systems when a fire is happened. This is clear that a fire sprinkler system will pay for itself many times over. According to Daniel Snyder article, the average cost of damages in homes with fire sprinkler systems was about $2,000 and the average cost of damages in homes without sprinkler systems was about $45,000.2.3.6 More time to escapeFire sprinkler systems provide an additional degree of protection for both life and property above smoke and other fire detection systems. Sprinkler systems obviously function people by giving more time for them to escape when a fire is happening, so they help to save lives. A redressly knowing and installed sprinkler system can detect and control a fire at an early stage of fire development and activate an alarm. So with the correct operation of the sprinkler system will rapidly reduce the production rate of heat and smoke, thus allowing more time for the occupants to escape safety or be rescued.2.3.7 Increase exit access expedition distance capacitanceAn increase in exit access trip out distances is a major distinct advantage for buildings with sprinkler system over buildings without sprinkler system. The exit access travel distance mean the distance from any occupied portion of a building to an exit. For example, the exit is such as enclosed stairway. Depending on the line of work of the building, anywhere from an additional 50 to 100 feet of exit access travel distance can be gained when the building is installed with fire sprinkler system (International Building Codes, 2006). Table 2.1 show the maximum travel distance between building with sprinkler and without sprinkler for different types of buildings.SEVENTH SCHEDULEMAXIMUM TRAVEL DISTANCES(By-law 165 (4), 166 (2), 167 (1), one hundred seventy (b))Purpose GroupLimit when alternative exits are usable(2) (3) dead end limit (metre)Un-sprinkleredSprinkleredSmall ResidentialInstitutionalHospitals, Nursing Homes etc,School unsolved PlanFlexible PlanOther ResidentialHotelsFlatsDormitoriesOfficeShops grinderGeneral and Special PurposeHigh HazardOpen twistPlaces of AssemblyStorage and GeneralLow an Ordinary hazardHigh HazardParking GaragesAircraft Hangars (Ground Floor)Aircraft hangars (Mezzanine Floor)NR96NRNR101001515150NRNRNRNR15NRNRNR3045304530303045303022NR45NR22.5303022.5NR4560456045454560454522.5NR61NR30454522.5Table 2.1 (Sources from Uniform Building By-Law 1984)2.3.8 Increase Egress capacityFor the occupancies buildings which are installed with fire sprinkler systems, exclude high-hazard and hospital, the means of egress components can be increased 50% for the stairway width and 33% for all other egress components such as corridors, doors, ramps (Interna tional Building Codes, 2006).For example, a 44 inch of exit staircase construct in a building which is without fire sprinkler systems only can serve 146 persons, but a same 44 inch of exit staircase construct in a building which is installed with fire sprinkler system can serve 220 persons. Besides that, 44 inch corridor construct with fire sprinkler system can serve 293 persons, without fire sprinkler system can serve 220 persons.2.3.9 Reduce construction costAs previously mention, if the new building installed with fire sprinkler systems, it will cause the additional 1 to 2 % increase in the final cost of the house. They are not only can cut low the insurance premiums but also reduce in construction cost. This is because most building codes provide large construction leeway for sprinkler buildings. For example, few egresses are required and larger floor areas are allowed for the building with sprinkler systems installed. This workable design will help owners and occupants to cut down the construction cost and material cost. Further more information about the advantages of fire sprinkler system relate to benefits of construction cost saving will be explain as below2.3.9.1 Reduction in guesswork enclosuresFor building are not greater than 420 feet in height, the fire rating of vertical shaft such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, trash/linen chutes, except exit enclosures and lift hoist way enclosures, is permitted to be reduced to one hour where automatic sprinklers are installed within the shaft at the top and at alternate floor levels (International Building Codes, 2006). This can be a big cost saving in high-rise building construction.2.3.9.2 Elimination of the access antechamber for smokeproof exit staircase enclosuresFor high-rise building, the exit staircases off the floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access are required to be smokeproof exit enclosures (IBC 1020.1.7). The access are to the staircase in a smokeproof exit enclosure is required to be form an open exterior balcony (IBC section 909.20.3) or a refresh mansion house (IBC Section 909.20.4), with a width of not less than 72 inches (IBC Section 909.20.1).If the high rise building is installed with fire sprinkler systems, under IBC section 909.20.5 is allow to eliminate the open exterior balcony and /or the ventilated vestibule requirements. This alternative saves valuable lieu on each floor of the building and it can be converted into rental or sellable space for the building owner. This can be a big cost saving in high-rise building construction and also gain scanty profit for building owner.2.4 Problem of fire sprinkler systemFire sprinkler systems can be used to save lives, property and others benefit, whether they used in industrial buildings, offices, or home. But automatic fire sprinkler systems also present some unique technical problems. Fortunately, such problems can be avoided by knowing the most common reason s for fire sprinkler failure. From the National Fire Sprinkler Association report, the most common reasons for fire sprinkler failure that are error sprinkler activate, overheating, freezing, mechanical damage, corrosion, or leaking.2.4.1 Problem regarding elements of fire sprinkler2.4.1.1 CorrosionCorrosion or rust can weaken pipes and sprinkler heads. The severe corrosion problems have been commonly attributed to microbiologically influenced corrosion and known as MIC. This can result a sudden and unwelcome activation when a sprinkler pipe or head fails. The National Fire Protection Association states that building owners are responsible for replacing sprinkler components that are eat or rusted.Corrosion of fire sprinkler piping can lead to potentially hazardous system malfunction, as well as costly water damage and repair costs. Unfortunately, inspections for MIC and corrosion are often overlooked until the problems become serious, such as damaging leaks occur or the corrosion extend to a large areas of the entire fire sprinkler system have to be replaced.This corrective maintenance approach is a retro-active strategy. The task of the maintenance team up in this scenario is usually to effect repairs as soon as possible. follow associated with corrective maintenance include repair, lost production and lost sales. exalt costs are included replacement components, labour, and consumables.Solution to corrosion of fire sprinklerA new proactive approach to fire sprinkler maintenance is available using completely non-invasive, ultrasonic technologies that from the basic of a predictive maintenance approach (Jeffrey, 2005). This approach provides a cost-effective means of detecting the bearing and monitoring progression of corrosion and creating a digital record of the system state that can be used to schedule replacement of localise sections of the system before leaks or operation failure occur.2.4.1.2 Mechanical damageFire sprinkler systems depend on the int egrity of all their parts. If a sprinkler head is hit or a pipe damaged, the parts can separate and the system cannot be activate when fire is present. A common problem with sprinkler heads is damage from nearby construction of forklifts that are raised too high, accidentally knocking off sprinkler heads. Besides that, installing automatic sprinklers can also result in damage to the system if improper tools or techniques are used (Russell and Fleming, 2000).Solution to mechanical damageFire sprinkler system must always be inspected after the works have been completed by contractor or sprinkler supplier. Homeowner must ensure all elements of the sprinklers in proper manner and without damage.2.4.2 Problem regarding installation of fire sprinkler2.4.2.1 FreezingThere are two major kinds of fire sprinkler systems which are wet pipe and dry pipe sprinkler systems. Normally wet pipe sprinkler systems are most common used to install in the build