Fire Protection.

1. Interpretation of terms.	24.	Disposition and minimum number of exit-ways.
2.Fire-resistance rating.	25	Required width of Passageways.
3.Assessment of height of buildings or occupancy-units.	26	Population once served by an exit-way or exit-ways.
CLASSIFICATION OF OCCUPANCY-UNITS NICID-CONSEQUENTIAL STRUCTUAAL REMQUIREMENTS.	27	Passageways and ramps.
4. Classification of occupancy-units into classes and grades	28	Stairways
5. Separation of occupancy-units and tenancy-units.	29	Lobbies, foyers and vestibules, forming part of an exit-way.
6. Maximum cubic capacity of divisions.	30	Doorways and doors forming part of exit ways.
7. Particular requirements for grade A construction.	31	Exit-courts.
8. Particular requirements for grade B construction.	32	Exit-signs and lighting of exit-ways.
9. Particular requirements for grade C construction	33	Protection of exit-ways against fire
		SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN BUILDINGS AND PORTIONS THEREOF
10. Particular requirements for grade D construction.	34	Places of indoor assembly.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL BUILDINGS II.	35	Places of outdoor assembly: provision of seat-ing in grandstandS and similar structures.
11. Fire-resistance rating of supporting structural members.	36	Stages and back-stage areas.
12. Division-walls and division.	37	Projection and rewinding enclosures.
13. Occupancy-separation structures and tenancy-separation structures.	38	Rooms for storage or keeping of film.
14. Openings in external walls.	40	Spray-rooms.
15. Service-shafts.	41	Rooms containing heating appliances and air-conditioning appliances.
16. Roof-lights and floor-lights.	42	Flues, chimneys and smokestacks.
17. Access to roof-spaces.	43	Parking-garages
18. Service-pipes set in structural members.	44	Storage or keeping of flammable liquids and substances.
19. Fire-stopping.	45	Windowless buildings.
20. Access for rescue and fire-fighting purposes.	46	Special floors in operating-theatres and similar places.
21. Fire-alarms.	47	Ventilation installations and rooms having hazardous dusts and vapors.
EXIT-WAYS 22.	48	Notices in occupancy-units having a high fire load.
		FIRE-EXTINGUISHING EQUIPMENT
22. Administrative requirements for exit-ways	49	Administrative requirements for fire extinguishing equipment.
23. Individual exit-ways.	50	Type and disposition of fire-extinguishing equipment.
	51	Hand fire-extinguishers.
	52	Fitted hose-reels.
	53	Landing: valves
	54	Sprinklers.
		PART VI WATER-SUPPLY FORCES FIRE-FIGHTING SERVICES.
	55	Special conditions
	56	Connection from communication-pipes.
	57	Valves in communication-pipes.
	58	Installation of reflux-valve.
	59	Extension of system to other premises.
	60	Details of connection.
	61.	Local authorities which are currently without fire-fighting services.

FIRST SCHEDULE: Fire-resistance (tests’) of structures. SECOND SCHEDULE: Presumed fire-resistance ( ratings of building-components. THIRD SCHEDULE: Surface spread of flame (test.; FOURTH SCHEDULE: Combustibility test ‘for building materials.

1.INTEPRETATION OF TERMS.

Note.—Before any building proposal is checked against the provisions of this Chapter, it is suggested that clarity is obtained on the to which the various portions of the building will or may be put, for this will determine both its classifications in terms of section 4 it’s into 1 or more of classes (1-11) and grades A to D and its designated fire load low moderate or high in terms of subsection (1) of this section.

(1) In this Chapter—

“arcade” means a pedestrian passage at street-level, of not less than 6 meters in width, which passes through a building or between buildings from one street to another, and which is permanently open at both ends;

“automatic“, as applied to fire-doors, fire-shutters, fire-alarms and fire-extinguishing equipment, means that these are fitted with a device which, without any manual operation, causes the performance of the required function;

“automatic fire-alarm system” means a system which—(a) automatically detects the outbreak of fire in the occupancy-unit it serves; and (b) actuates a fire-alarm signal or device;

“business, commercial or industrial occupancy” means the occupancy for the transaction of business, the rendering of professional services or the display, sale, packing, manufacturing or processing of goods, materials, food or drink, or for the purpose of manual, clerical or other work, and, without derogation from the (ii) by the insertion of the following definitions—”

“fire shutter” means a shutter which—(a) gives a specific, fire-resistant; and (b) closes automatically in the event of Pre;

“roof assembly‘ means the roof structure and any ceiling attached to such structure, but does not include the roof cover,

“suspended or false ceilings” means a ceiling suspended from a floor construction by means of a suspension system, the com-ponents of which shall be deemed to form part of such suspended. Or false ceiling, but shall not include a ceiling forming part of a roof assembly.

portion of a building separated from the remainder of the building by—

(a) one or more division-walls; or

(b) one or more division-floors; or

(c) a combination of such walls and floors;

“division-floor” means a floor which— •

(a) serves to divide a division of a building horizontally from the remainder of the building; and
“division- wall/means a wall which—

(a) serves to divido u division of a building vertically from The remainder of a building, or which is to be erected on a lateral boundary other than—. oy a wall on a lateral boundary separating a dwelling unit; or

(ii) a boundary wall not forming part of a building; or

(iii) the wall of a domestic garage or workers quarters situated on a lateral boundary of a residential
staid; and •

(b) has a required fire-resistance rating;

“exit-way” means a series of components designed to form a route to egress or escape from any storey of a building and is so constructed to resist the entry of smoke or flame for a specified period;
“fire-door” means a door and its assembly which—ta) in the ease of a fire-door installed to contain a fire within a division of a building’ shall— ‘

(i) not be a- component of an exit-way; and

(ii) be specially constructed in accordance with CAS 176 Parts 1 and 2 BCD class doors to give a specific fire-resistance.

(iii) close automatically in the event of fire.

Section 1
generality of the foregoing, includes occu-pancies for—bakeries; laboratories; power-plants; banks; laundries; radio stations; electric substations; markets; shops; factories; offices; telephone exchanges; hairdressing saloons; workshops; but shall not include a place of assembly;

“chimney” means a masonry or concrete shaft enclosing one or more flues;

“combustible”, as applied to material, means material which is classified as combustible when tested, as described in the combustibility • test set out in the Fourth Schedule; •

“division”, as applied to a building, means a portion of a building separated from the remainder of the building by—

(a) one or more division-walls; or

(b) one or more division-floors; or

(c) a combination of such walls and floors;

“division-floor” means a floor which—

(a) serves to divide a division of a building horizontally from the remainder of the building; and

(b) has a required fire-resistance rating; 2 ).”division-wall” means a wall which—•

(a) serves to divide a division of a building vertically from the remainder of the building; and

(b) has a required fire-resistance rating;

“dwelling-house” means a dwelling designed for occupation by a single family or household, and includes a semi-detached dwelling or a dwelling in a terrace of houses and any building appurtenant thereto, but does not include a dwelling-unit;

“dwelling-unit” means a flat or maisonette or other similar portion of a building designed for occupation by a single family or household for living purposes;

“exit” means the point of egress from an exit-way to a public street or arcade or to a public place, whether this be an exit doorway or the mouth of an exit-court;

“exit-court” means an open space, unoccupied from the ground upwards, on the same stand as that on which the building such court serves is erected, and which is bounded by walls or boundaries, or by both walls and stand boundaries, which is a component of an exit-way;

“exit-wall ” means a series of components forming roue of egress or escape from any room in a building, as described in section 23; ,

“fire-door” or

“fire-shutter” means a door or suer and its assembly especially constructed and assembled in place so as to give a specific fire-resistance rating;

“fire-load,” means the degree of fire hazard produced by the contents of an occupancy-unit, characterized as “low”, “moderate” or “high”‘;

“low fire-load” means the fire-load for all occupancy-units, the combustible content of which, together with normal furniture and fixtures, does not at any time exceed 5 per centum by volume of the occupancy-unit concerned:
Provided that factories or shops process- ing, utilizing or storing at least 90 per centum of non-combustible materials, such as hard- ware-shops, bicycle-shops and concrete-block factories, shall be deemed to be occupancy- units having a low fire-load;
“moderate fire-load” means the fire-load for occupancy-units other than high fire-load-or low fire-load;
“high fire-load” means the fire-load for occu- pancy-units, the occupation and use of which involves-
(a) the storage, keeping, manufacture, pack- aging, processing, use or sale of goods or materials-
(i) which are liable to burn with extreme. rapidity; or
(ii) from which poisonous fumes or explosions may be expected, in the event of the outbreak of fire;
ог
(b) uses or processes which result in small particles of combustible material being suspended in the air, so as to be liable to result in an explosion; or
(c) the storage of combustible materials or materials in combustible containers in such a way that conditions for the rapid spread of fire are created, such as the stacking of such containers to a height exceeding 4,5 meters, or in stacks with small gaps between them;
“fire-resistance rating” means the minimum length of time for which a structural element. or a separating structure will resist fire, based. on the stapdard fire test set out in the First Schedule;

“fire-stopping” means a method of preventing the spread of fire within walls and partitions and between floors and ceilings, and in other concealed spaces in a building, by the insertion of a non-combustible filling in voids and concealed spaces so as to restrict the passage of air;

“fire-valve” means a valve fitted to fuel lines which operates automatically in the event of the outbreak of fire shutting off the supply of fuel to the appliance;

“fire-window” means a window and its assembly specially constructed and assembled in place so
as to give protection against the passage of fire;

“flammable“, as applied to solid substances, means those which are likely to cause fire through friction, absorption of moisture or exposure to air or to heat at temperatures below 65 degrees Celsius; as applied to liquids, means those which give off vapors which are explosive when mixed with air or which burn

with estrone rapidity, and those which have a closed-cap (Abd-Perky) flashpoint below 65 degrees Celsius:
“Blue” means a passageway for the purpose of removing products of combustion from solid, liquid or ps fuel:
“Tel-feed incinerator” means an incinerator which is supplied with fuel to maintain com- bustion of the contents, is distinct from an incinerator in which the material being in- cinerated themselves constitute the only fuel promoting combustion;
“garage” means a building or portion of a building used to stove, keep, house or repair one or more motor vehicles powered by internal combustion engines;
“Industrial high-heat appliances me those appliances developing temperatures in the heated materials or ovens exceeding 800 degree Celsius, including, among others, espolas, beas-furnaces, porcelain-baking kilma and Bessemer retorts:
“industrial low-heat appliances” mess these appliances developing temperatures in the hated materials or ovens not ending 300 degrees Celsius, including, among others, cooking-ranges, small hot-water boilers, wood- drying furnaces, bake-ovans in bakeries, coffee rosting ovens and bolling-vats for wood-fibre;

“industrial medium-heat appliances” means those appliances developing temperatures in the heated materials or ovens esling 300 degrees Celsius, but not exceeding 300 degrees Celsius, including, among others, high-preisse stewm-bailers, charcoal-Carnaces, lime-kilos and ferlize-driers heated by direct fire;

“Institutional occupancy” means the occupancy in which persons receive medical, charitable or other care or treatment, or in which persons are involuntarily detained, and, without derogation from the penalty of the foregoing. includes occupancies for

creches	maternity homes	nursing homes
homes for the aged	mental hospitals	orphanages
hospitals	nursaries	sanatoria
infirmaries

bat shall not include a place of assembly;
“lateral boundary“, in relation to a building, means a boundary of the stand on which such building is erected, other than a boundary between sech stand and a public street or public place, where such public sector public place is more than 4,5 metres in width;
“scary” means an assembly of non-com- balle structural-units of reisral stone, cast stone, brick or concrete, or similar building- units bonded together;
“aca-combustible“, as applied to material, masa material which is not combustible;

“occupancy“” means the use or purpose to which a building or portion of a building is normally put or is intended to be pat, according to whether the use or purpose is
(a) business, commercial or industrial; or

(b) institutional; or

(c) public and assembly; or

bars,
(d) residential; or (e) storage:
“occupancy-separation structure” means a wall, Beor or other structure which separates ons occupancy-unit from another;
“occupancy-unit” means a building or portion of a building used for a particular occupancy: “partition-wall” means a non-bearing lateral wall which is employed solely for the purpose of subdividing any storey of a building into
sections:
“petrol-filing station” means a building or any part thereof, where a fammable Buid for direct supply to motor vehicles is kept, stored or sold; “place of assembly” means a room or space in a building accommodating 100 or more persons, and includes any other room or space, whether on the same storey or another storey of the building, which is connected to, or has a common entrance with, the room or space socommodating 100 or more persons; “population”, in relation to an occupancy-unit, means the population determined in accordance with the provisions of section 25;
“public occupancy” and “assembly occupancy” mean the occupancy in which persons regalarly gather together for civic, political, educational, religious, cultural, social or recreational purposes, whether such gathering be of a public, restricted or private nature and, without derogation from the generality of the foregoing. includes occupancy for-

arenas	colleges	museums
armouries	concert-halls	opera house
bars	dance halls	passenger stations
bath house	dinning rooms	places of assembly
bowling alleys	exhibition buildings	places of worship
cafes	galleries	restaurants
canteens	grandstands	schools (non-residential)
cinemas	gymnasia	skating rinks
circuses	lecture rooms.	stadia
classrooms.	libraries	theatres
clinics	lounges
club rooms.	mess rooms.

“required” means required by the provisions of this Chapter:

“residential occupancy means the occupancy. other than an institutional occupancy of place of assembly, in which people sleep, and, without derogation from the generality of the foregoing, includes occupancies for

boarding house	dwellings	marionettes
colleges (residential)	hostels	monasteries
convents	hotels	motels
dormitories	lodging houses	residential club’s schools (residential)

“self-closing”, as applied to fire-doors, fire- shutters and fire-windows, means a free-door, fire-shutter or fire-window which is normally held in a closed position by some mechanical device and automatically returns to a closed position whenever it is released after being opened;

“shaft” means a vertical opening or passage completely or partly enclosed by wall, which passes through two or more floors of a building or through doors and roof;

“smoke-pipe” moss a pipe connecting a heating appliance and a fue;
“smoke-stack” means a shaft of material other than masonry or concrete enclosing one or more fus
“sprinkler” means an automation sprinkler;

“stairway” mean one or more flights of stairs and the landings appurtenant thereto forming a continous and uninterrupted passage from one storey to another in a building
“storage occupancy” means the occupancy for the storage or keeping of goods, wares or merchandise, the sheltering of livestock, or the housing of aero planes and other means of transport, tad, without derogation from the generality of the foregoing, includes occupancies for

barns	goods depots	petrol filling stations
cold stores	grain elevators	stables
garages	hangars	storage warehouses
infirmaries

Provided that any store-rooms or space wh () in the opinios of the local authority is ancillary to an occupancy other than a storage occupancy; and
(b) does not exceed 60 cubic meters in capacity; and
(c) not used for the storage or keeping of flammable substances
may be deemed to be used for the occupancy to which, in terms of paragraph (a),
ancillary
ancy-separation structure” means a wall, floor or other structure which separates one portion of an occupancy-unit from another portion of the same occupancy-unit used by a different lesant or owner
“tip-up seat” means a sest which tips up automatically by a mechanism actuated by weights, springs or other approved mas
“well-lining” means a material exceeding 1 millimeter in thickness applied to a wall subsequently to the constriction of the wall.
(2) In estimating the degree of fire hazard for the purpose of assessing the fire-hood of an occupancy unit, the estimate shall be based on the assumption that the contents of the unit are uniformly distributed over the total floor area of the unit.
(3) Goods or materials, such as varnishes, cotton, feathers, flour, fireworks, straw, laceme, kapok, oil based paints, rubber, certain plastics and similar goods or materials which are not classed as dam mable, shall be deemed to fall within the scope of the materials referred to in paragraph (a) of the definition of

“high fee-load”.

2. FIRE RESISTANCE RATING.

(1) Where a particular fire-resistance rating is required by the provision of this Chapter for a component or an assembly of components of a building, such requirement shall be deemed to have been fulfilled, if the component or assembly of components—

a) Has been proved b a test conducted in accordance with the First Schedule to have the required fire-resistance rating; or

b) Is constructed in accordance with the appropriate requirements for the fire-resistance ratings set out in the Second Schedule; or

c) Has been assessed by an approved independent organization to have the required fire-resistance rating.

(2) The provisions of paragraph (b) of sub-section (1) shall not apply to a fire-door, as described in Table IX of the Second Schedule, unless there is fixed to such door a metal plate, bearing—

a) The name of the manufacturer of such door; and

b) The date of manufacture of such door; and

c) A certificate in the following form—

“this door is constructed to comply with the requirements prescribed by the building By-laws for a door having a fire-resistance of…………………………..………………. hours.”

(3) Fire-doors which otherwise comply with the requirements of Table IX of the Second Schedule for doors having a presumed fire-resistance rating of half an hour, shall retain such rating although one or more openings are provided therein, if such openings are glazed with fire-resisting glazing, in accordance with the specifications set out in the Second Schedule.

3. ASSESSMENT OF HEIGHT OF BUILDINGS OR OCCUPANCY -UNITS.

(1) Where the height of a building or occupancy-unit is given in storeys, as set out in this Chapter, the number of storeys shall be regarded as those contained between the floor nearest the finished ground-level, at the point considered, and the roof of such building or the top of such occupancy-unit.

(2) A mezzanine floor having an aggregate floor area exceeding 20 per centum of the floor area of the storey in which it is located shall be regarded as a separate storey.

(3) Where the height of a building or an occupancy-unit is given in metres, as set out in this Chapter, the height shall be regarded as the vertical distance between the unfinished ground-level, at the point considered of such building or occupancy-unit, and the underside of a flat-roof construction or a point half-way up the roof-pitch in a sloping-roof construction.

(4) Where structures which are erected on the roof of a building or an occupancy-unit contain habitable rooms, used as part of the occupancy of such building or occupancy-unit, the height shall be the vertical distance between the ground-level, at the point considered adjoining such building or occupancy-unit, and the underside of the ceilings of such rooms.

4. CLASSIFICATION OF OCCUPANCY -UNITS INTO CLASSES AND GRADES.

(1) Every occupancy-unit shall—

a) Be classified into one of the classes and grades of construction specified in this section; and

b) Be erected in accordance with the section of these by-laws in which the structural requirements appropriate to the relevant grade are specified.

(2) Grade A construction. – Every occupancy-unit which falls into one or other of the following five classes shall be erected in accordance with the requirements specified in this Chapter for grade A construction—

Class 1. —Institutional occupancy-units in which persons are involuntarily detained or in which persons, who by reason of infirmity are unable to help themselves, are housed, of one or more storeys height;

Class 2. —Theatres, cinemas and opera-houses of one or more storeys in height, and occupancy-units containing a place of assembly above the ground storey;

Class 3.—Institutional and public and assembly occupancy-units, other than those in classes 1 and 2, of three or more storeys or over 10,5 metres in height, places of worship over 13,5 metres in height, and schools and colleges, whether residential or otherwise, exceeding two storeys in height;

Class 4.—Business, commercial or industrial occupancy and residential occupancy-units of five or more storeys or over 15 metres in height;

Class 5.—Storage occupancy-units of two or more storeys or over 10,5 metres in height, but excluding units for the storage of flammable liquids and substances, as provided for in section 44.

(3) Grade B construction. —Every occupancy-unit which falls into one or other of the following three classes shall be erected in accordance with the requirements specified in this Chapter for grade B construction—

Class 6. —Institutional and public and assembly occupancy-units, other than those in classes 1 and 2, not exceeding two storeys or 10,5 metres in height, and places of worship 13,5 metres

Class 7. —Business, commercial or industrial occupancy-units and residential occupancy-units not exceeding four storeys or 15 metres in height, but exceeding, in the case of dwelling-houses, two storeys in height, and, in the case of all other residential occupancy-units and all business, commercial or industrial occupancies, exceeding one storey in height;

Class 8. –Storage occupancy-units not exceeding one storey or 10,5 metres in height, but exceeding 6 metres in height, but excluding units for the storage of flammable liquids and substances, as provided for in section 44.

(4) Grade C construction. – Every occupancy-unit which falls into one or other of the following two classes shall be erected in accordance with the requirements specified in this Chapter for grade C construction–

Class 9. –Business, commercial or industrial occupancy-units not exceeding one storey in height;

Class 10. –Storage occupancy-units not exceeding one storey or 6 metres in height or 7 000 cubic metres in capacity, but excluding units for the storage of flammable liquids and substances, as provided for in section 44.

(5) Grade D construction. – Every occupancy-unit which falls into the following class shall be erected in accordance with the requirements specified in this chapter for grade D construction—

Class 11. – Dwelling-houses not exceeding two storeys in height.

(6) Nothing contained in this section shall be constructed as prohibiting the erection of a particular occupancy-unit which complies with the requirements of a higher grade of construction than that under which such occupancy-unit falls in terms of this section, and, if a unit is so constructed, the cubic capacity of such occupancy-unit may be increased to that applicable to such higher grade of construction, as set out in section 6.

(7) Where there is any doubt or dispute as to the grade of construction or the fire-load category into which an occupancy-unit falls, the decision of the local authority shall be final.

5.SEPARATION OF OCCUPANCY-UNITS AND TENANCY-UNITS.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (3), every occupancy-unit and every portion of an occupancy-unit occupied by a separate tenant shall be separated by means of an occupancy-separation structure or a tenancy-separation structure, as the case may be, complying with section 13, from any adjoining occupancy-unit or portion thereof, as the case may be.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (3), where there are several occupancy-units in a building, all of which do not have the same occupancy, each such occupancy-unit shall comply with the requirements of this Chapter applicable to it.

(3) The provision of occupancy-separation structures between different occupancy-units comprised in one building, as set out in subsection (1), may be omitted between such occupancy-units as are in one tenancy, if all such occupancy-units comply with the requirements of this Chapter which are applicable to that occupancy-unit included in them which requires the most stringent precautions.

6. MAXIMUM CUBIC CAPACITY OF DIVISIONS.

(1) All buildings with a capacity greater than is permitted for a division under Table I shall be subdivided into divisions, and no such division shall have a greater cubic capacity than is permitted in that Table.

(2) Such cubic capacity may be measured exclusive of the thickness of the containing walls or floor-slabs, and exclusive also of the whole roof construction, including the ceiling, where this construction is constructed if non-combustible material.

(3) Where of the roof construction, including the ceiling, is constructed of combustible material, the volume, of the whole roof construction shall be included in assessing the volume of the division.

(4) The cubic capacities specified in column 3 of Table I for single-storey buildings without basements, or divisions without basements, may be doubled in the case of buildings or divisions provided with an approved sprinkler system throughout the building or division, or with the approval of the local authority an alternative automatic extinguishing system, and, in the case of buildings or divisions of grade A construction, having low or moderate fire-load, which are so provided, such capacity may be unlimited.

(5) The cubic capacities specified in column 4 of Table I for multi-storey buildings may be increased at the discretion of the local authority, under such conditions as the local authority may prescribe, in the case of buildings or divisions provided with an approved sprinkler system throughout the building or division, or with the approval of the local authority an alternative automatic extinguishing system.

(6) Notwithstanding the particular requirements of section 8 and 9, it shall be permissible to use unprotected steel columns and beams in any single-storey building or division of a building referred to in subsection (1) which is wholly used for any of the following occupancies—

a) Business, commercial or industrial occupancy of low or moderate fire-load;

b) Storage occupancy, having a low or moderate fire-load;

c) Public and assembly occupancy in which—

i) Category A, mentioned in column 5 of Table I, shall include occupancies for theatres, cinema, cafes and exhibition-buildings; and

ii) Category B, mentioned in column 5 of Table I, shall include class-rooms, club-rooms, clinics and places of worship;

Both categories having a population not exceeding 300.

(7) In Table I, construction referred to in sub-section (6) is termed “unprotected steelwork construction”, and all other construction is termed “fire-protected construction”.

TABLE I
MAXIMUM CUBIC CAPACITIES OF BUILDINGS OR DIVSIONS

1	2	3	4	5
		Max cubic capacity of building or division in cubic meters for
Occupancy and fire load of building		fire protected construction.		unprotected steelwork construction
	Construction grade	Single storey without basement	Multi storey	Single storey without basement
Residential institutional public and assembly, business commercial or industrial all of low fire-load	A	42000	14 000	Business, commercial and industrial: 14 000 Public and assembly: 1400 for category A; 4200 for category B
	B	21000	7000
	C	14000	Not permitted
Industrial or commercial of moderate fire-load	A	35000	10500	7000
	B	14000	5250
	C	10500	Not permitted
Industrial or commercial of high fire-load	A	28000	7 000
	B	10000	2 800	not permitted
	C	7000	Not permitted
Storage with low or moderate fire load	A	28000	7000	7000
	B	14000	3500	7000
	C	7000	Not permitted	7000
Storage with high fire load (Other than as provided for section 44)	A	14000	4200
	B	7000	2100
	C	3500	Not permitted	Not permitted

*Unlimited, if approved sprinkler system or approved alternative automatic extinguishing system is installed.

7. PARTICULAR REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADE A CONSTRUCTION.

(I) Grade A construction means construction complying with the particular requirements of this section. (2) Structural members. —Except as otherwise provided in subsection (5), all structural members in buildings shall be of non-combustible materials, and all such members shall have fire-resistance ratings of not less than the ratings specified in Table II.

Fire Resistance Ratings of structural members for grade A construction.

1	2	3	4
	Fire Resistance Rating In hours.
Structural Member	Class 1 occupancy units	Low or moderate fire load	High fire load
Bearing walls, columns and beams	2	1.5	2
Division walls and suspended division walls complying with section 12. Other suspended floors	4 2	4 1.5	2 2

(3) External nonbearing-walls. –All external non-bearing-walls of a building, which are within the distances from the nearest lateral boundary of the stand on which such building is erected or from another building on such stand, specified in column I of Table III, shall have fire-resistance ratings of not less than the corresponding rating specified in column 2 of that Table.

Fire Resistance Ratings of structural members for grade A construction.

1	2
Distance of wall from the nearest lateral boundary or another building of the same stand in meters	Minimum fire resistance in hours
Less than 1.5 ……………….. 1.5-3……………………………….. over 3 …………………………….	1.5 1 0.5

(4) Covering to the surface of external walls. — Any, covering to, the exterior surface of external wall shall be of non-combustible ‘Materials: ” ‘ • • • Provided that timber or other combustible material, to an extent not exceeding 20 per centum of the superficial area of openings formed for show-

windows, tray’ be used for such opening, up to the ceiling. Level of the ground Storey or to • height of 6 meters above finished ground-level, whichever is the lower. 15) Suspended flows and flow finMet of (WM &whir metnials.—Su.pciakd floors or floor finishes of timber or other combustible material shall not be permitted, except for—(a) the floor of any stage or platform, if the space beneath such floor vs not used for storage purposes: (b) sprung floors if—(I) such toots are supported out at haw having the appropriate resistance rating for suspended floors, as specified in columns 2, 3 and 4 of Tahoe and (ii) oo portion of such floors s more than 450 millimeters above such base; (c) the finishes or wearing-surfaces of (loon /satanic non-cornbustibte bum, but not in rooms in which flaminabb substances are stored. > (6) Roof asionblies.—Curry fool y in any oceuponepunit whoa f Tails I shall have a fite-renuance ra – not less than one hour, and every oth assembly shall have a fire.resistnnve ipsdavirnot less than half an hour. (7) Combustible material shall not be used as roof-covering, except that, whets the roof conutuo-lion is of concrete or other non-combustible construction, bituminous felt or other approved corn. buttiblc material may be used to cover such construction.
LO ) (I) Roo t 5.— rimy roof-space tuween_. 1 mill a a s opmg roof which woutd_citherivite in pita area. measured at crilum-Itt.cl, the area set out in column 2 of TableiVnliall be suspended by walls acting as dtauglirstops into sechons, each having a plan iv.ft-Sot CI(OtOdIllit the area aforesaid and sue -subdividing.wells shall not be fatting apart distance set out in column 3 of that Table.

Required Subdivision of ceiling roof space for grade A construction.

1	2	3
Occupancy	Maximum plan Area contained. Between subdividing walls acting as draught stops in square meters.	Maximum plan Area contained. Between subdividing walls acting as draught stops in meters.
Residential	180	15
Other than Residential	270	30

(9Subdividing-walls acting as draught-stops shall be of brick with a crushing strength of at least 10 megapascals and class C mortar, as specified in Chapter 5, and of not less than 100 millimetres in thickness: Provided that, if their length exceeds 10,5 metres or their height above ceiling-level exceeds 1.4 metres, they shall be not less than 215 millimetres in thickness, and be laid in English bond or Flemish bond. (10) Every subdividing-wall shall be taken up to the underside of the roof-covering for the full thick-ness of the wall, and shall comply with the relevant requirements for an occupancy-separation structure, as set out in section 13.

(11) Every roof-space formed by a sloping, pitched or saw-tooth roof which—(a) is not separated from the space immediately below by a ceiling; and (b) would otherwise cover a plan area exceeding 500 square meters; shall be subdivided, by means of approved suspended roof-space partitions of incombustible material having a fire-resistance rating of not less than half an hour, into sections, each of which covers a plan area not exceeding 500 square meters.

(12) The roof-space partitions shall be taken close to the underside of the roof-covering, so as to allow no air passage between partition and roof and shall extend down to the level of the top of the walls or to the bottom of the tie-beams, girders or other roof construction, whichever is the lower.

(13) Approved automatic ventilation-openings shall be provided in every such subdivision of a roof-space, and in every such subdivision formed by the roof construction.

.11-.• (14) Partition-walls. —Every partition-wall shall be of non-combustible material in the following cases—(a) in all basements; (b) in alt Storeys of occupancy-units of class 1; and (c) in all occupancy-units of high fire-load. (15) Every partition-wall in locations other than those specified in subsection (14) shall be of non-combustible material or shall be of timber or other framing covered on both sides with material graded as class 1 in the Third Schedule. (16) Every doorway in partition-walls in basements shall be fitted with a fire-door having a fire-resistance rating of not less than half an hour. (17) Interior trim and finishes. —The use of combustible material for trim to door- and window-frames, and for skirtings and chair- and picture-rails shall be permitted, if such trim and finishes are backed solidly with non-combustible material. (18) Interior wall-linings. —Any interior wall-linings in a class I occupancy-unit shall be of non-combustible materials. 1’4’4(19) Any interior wall-linings in rooms used for sleeping purposes in classes 2, 3 and 4 occupancy-units shall be of material graded as class 1 in the Third Schedule.

windows, may be used for such openings up to the ceiling-level of the ground storey or to a height of 6 metres above finished ground-level, whichever is the lower. (5) Suspended floors and floor finishes of com-bustible materials.—Suspended floors or floor finishes of timber or other combustible material shall not be permitted, except for—(a) the floor of any stage or platform, if the space beneath such floor is not used for storage purposes; (b) sprung floors if—(i) such floors are supported on a base having the appropriate • fire-resistance rating for suspended floors, as specified in columns 2, 3 and 4 of Table II; and (ii) no portion of such floors is more than 450 millimetres above such base; (c) the finishes or wearing-surfaces of floors having non-combustible bases, but not in rooms in which flammable substances are stored.

in “(:), Roof Assemblies.—Every tool asscm- ave Hy in occupancy-unit which falls into occu- Ind piwcy in ;:occupancy classes, I to 3, and residential nee occupancy in occupancy class 4 shall have a fire- -“–1 resistance rating of not less than one hour.”; // 1/44/1111./MLIVIC – – as roof-covering, except that, where the roof construction is of concrete or other non-combustible construction, bituminous felt or other approved combustible material may be used to cover such construction.

44(g) Roof spaces.-Every .roof-space between a ceiling and a sloping roof which would e a f. t T V shall be subdivided into sections by ! the area set out in column 2 o. Table otherwise exceed in plan arca; measured at ‘id walls or approved roof space partitions acting rh, as draught stops, each having a plan area not exceeding the area afore said, and such sub- ) dividing-walls, or • approved partition as the case may be, shall not be further apart than RI the distance set out in column 3 of that Table.

8. Particular Requirements for Grade B Construction.

(1) Grade B construction means construction complying with the particular requirements for this section.

(2) Structural members. – Except as otherwise provided in subsections (3) and (5), all structural members shall have fire-resistance ratings of not less than the ratings specified in Table V.

TABLE V
FIRE_RESISTANCE RATINGS OF STRUCTURAL MEMBERS FOR GRADE B CONSTRUCTION

1	2
Distance of wall from the nearest lateral boundary or another building of the same stand in meters	Minimum fire resistance in hours
Less than 1.5 ……………….. 1.5-3……………………………….. over 3 …………………………….	1.5 1 0.5

(3) External walls and external members. – External bearing-walls and non-bearing-walls and external members of structural frames of a building, which are within the distances from the nearest lateral boundary of the stand on which such building is erected or from another building on such stand, specified in column 1 of Table VI, shall have fire-resistance ratings of not less than the corresponding rating specified in column 2 of that Table.

TABLE VI
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATINGS OF EXTERNAL WALLS AND EXTERNAL MEMBERS OF STRUCTURAL FRAMES FOR GRADE B CONSTRUCTION

1	2
Distance of wall from the nearest lateral boundary or another building of the same stand in meters	Minimum fire resistance in hours
Less than 1.5 ……………….. 1.5-3……………………………….. over 3 …………………………….	1.5 1 0.5

(4) Covering to the surface of external walls. –

Any covering to the exterior surface of external walls shall be of non-combustible materials:

Provided that timber or other combustible material, to an extent not exceeding 30 per centum of the superficial area of openings formed for show-windows may be used for such openings up to ceiling-level of the ground storey, or to a height of 6 metres above finished ground-level, whichever is the lesser.

(5) Suspended floors. – Suspended floors of timber or other combustible material shall not be permitted except for—

a) The floor of any stage or platform, if the space beneath such floor is not used for storage purposes;

b) Floors on the ground storey of any building, if no part of the space under such floors is used for other than floor-inspection purposes; and

c) Sprung floors if—

i) Such floors are supported on a base having the appropriated fire-resistance rating for suspended floors, as specified in columns 2 and 3 of Table V; and

ii) No portion of such floors is more than 450 millimetres above such base.

(6) Roof assemblies. —Every roof assembly shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than half an hour.

(7) Combustible material shall not be used as exterior covering to such roof assembly;

Provided that, where the roof construction is of concrete or other non-combustible construction, bituminous felt or other approved combustible material may be used to cover such roof construction.

(8) Every roof-space in a sloping roof having a ceiling shall comply with the relevant requirements of subsections (8) and (9) of section 7.

(9) Partition-walls. –Every partition-wall in a basement shall be of non-combustible material.

(10) Every partition-wall in a storey above the ground storey in auditoria, bowling-alleys, dancehalls, colleges and schools, both residential and non-residential shall be 0f—

a) Non-combustible materials; or

b) Timber or other framing covered on both sides with a material graded as class 1 in the Third Schedule.

(11) All partition-walls, other than those described in subsections (9) and (10), shall be of—

a) Non-combustible materials; or

b) Timber or other framing covered on both sides with a material graded as class 3 in the Third Schedule.

(12) Every doorway in partitions in basements shall be fitted with a fire-door having a fire-resistance rating of not less than half an hour.

(13) Interior trim and finishes. –The use of combustible material shall be permitted for trim to door and window-frames, and for skirtings and chair- and picture-rails, if such trim and finishes are backed solidly with non-combustible material.

(14) Interior wall-linings. – Any interior wall-linings in rooms used for sleeping purposes shall be of material graded as class 1 in the Third Schedule.

(15) Any interior wall-linings, other than linings applied to walls of required exit-ways and of rooms used for sleeping purpose, may be of combustible material, if such walls are of masonry or concrete.

9.PARTICULAR REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADE C CONSTRUCTION.

(1) Grade C construction means construction complying with the particular requirements of this section.

(2) Structural members. – Except as otherwise provided in subsections (3) and (4), all structural members shall have fire-resistance ratings of not less than the following—

a) occupancy-units with high fire-load, one hour;

b) occupancy-units with moderate fire-load, half an hour; and

c) occupancy-units with low fire-load, no requirement.

(3) External walls and external members of structural frames. – External walls and external members of structural frames of a building which are within the distances from the nearest lateral boundary of the stand on which such building is erected or from another building on such stand, specified in column 1 of Table VII, shall have fire-resistance ratings or fire protection, as the case may be, not less than the appropriate rating or protection specified in column of that Table.

Table VII
Fire-Resistance Ratings And Fire Protection For External Walls And External Members Of Structural Frames For Grade C Construction

1	2
Distance of wall from lateral boundary or another building on the same stand in metres.	Fire protection requirements
Less than 1,5	1.5-hour fire resistance rating and to be non -combustible. materials
1,5-3	1.-hour fire resistance rating and to be non -combustible. materials
More than 3 but less than relevant distance set out in column 2 of table IX	0.5-hour fire resistance rating and to be non -combustible. materials
Not less than the relevant distance set out in column of table IX but less than that set in column 3 of the Table	to be protected externally with approved non-combustible material.

(4) Where, in consequence of additions, any external wall of an existing building will be at a leaser distance from the nearest lateral boundary or from another building on the same stand than is required for the increased floor area of the ground storey set forth in Table IX resulting from such additions, such wall shall be permitted to remain in its existing position, if every external wall or external structural frame which is a part of such additions is erected in accordance with the requirements set out in Table VIII below.

Table VIII
Requirements Following On Erection Of Certain Additions

Conditions	Minimum distance of external wall or external structural frame which is a part of the additions from the nearest lateral boundary or another building on the same stand.
Where additions to a building increase the floor area of the ground Storey of such building by not more than 100 per centum or increase by not more than 50 per centum the length of any existing external wall or external structural frame of such building, which said wall or frame faces the nearest lateral boundary or faces another building on the same stand.	As required in terms of Table IX for a building of the increased floor area of the ground Storey
Where additions to a building increase the floor area of the ground Storey of such building by more than 100 per centum or increase by more than 50 per centum the length of any existing ex-ternal wall or external structural frame of such building, which said wall or frame faces the nearest lateral boundary or faces another building on the same stand.	600 millimeters more than re-quired, in terms of Table IX, for a building of the increased floor area of the ground Storey

(5) Subject to the requirements of subsection (7), the distance between any external wall or external structural frame of a building which is of combustible construction and the nearest lateral boundary of the stand on which such building is erected, or between such wall or member and another building on the same stand, shall be not less than that specified in Table IX, in which such walls or frames are placed in the following classes—

Class A- External walls or external structural frames of combustible construction protected externally with approved non-combustible material; and

Class B-External walls or external structural frames of combustible construction not falling into class A.

TABLE IX
BOUNDARY OR SEPARATION DISTANCES FOR EXTERNAL WALLS OR EXTERNAL MEMBERS OF STRUCTURAL FRAMES OF A BUILDING WHICH ARE COMBUSTIBLE—GRADE C CONSTRUCTION

1	2	3
Distance of wall from the nearest lateral boundary or another building of the same stand in meters	Distance to nearest lateral boundary. or another building on the same stand in meters.
	Class A	Class b
Up to 1000……………….. 1001- 2000……………………………….. Over 2000 …………………………….	3.6 4.2 4.8	6.0 7.5 9.0

(6) Floors. – All floors shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than half an hour, and all floors constructed directly over basements shall be of non-combustible materials as a floor finish.

(7) Roof assemblies. – No roof of a building shall be covered with thatch or wooden shingles:

Provided that a building not exceeding 1 400 cubic metres in capacity and having walls of non-combustible materials and a low fire-load may have a roof covered with thatch or wooden shingles if –

a) Such building is not less than 10 metres from any boundary whatsoever of the stand on which such building is to be erected; and

b) Such building complies with the relevant requirements of subsection (8) to (11) of section 10.

(8) The covering of all roofs of buildings having high or moderate fire-load occupancy-units shall be of non-combustible materials:

Provided that, where a roof construction is of concrete or other non-combustible construction, bituminous felt or other approved material may be used to cover such roof construction.

(9) All roof-members in buildings having a high fire-load shall be separated from the room or rooms below such members by a ceiling construction or other protection having a fire-resistance rating of not less than half an hour.

(10) Partition-walls. – Every partition-wall in a basement shall be of non-combustible material, and every doorway in such partition-wall shall be fitted with a fire-door having a fire-resistance rating of not less than half an hour.

10. PARTICULAR REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADE D CONSTRUCTION.

(1) Grade D construction means construction complying with the particular requirements of this section.

(2) Walls and structural frames. – All external walls which have roofs covered with thatch or wooden shingles shall be of non-combustible materials, and except where otherwise provide in subsection (3), all bearing-walls or structural frames shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than half an hour.

(3) External walls and external members of structural frames. – Non-combustible external bearing-walls and non-bearing-walls and external members of structural frames of a building shall comply with the requirements of subsection (3) of section 9.

(4) Subject to the requirements of subsection (9), the distance between any external wall or structural frame of combustible construction of an occupancy-unit falling under class 11 and another building on the same stand, or between such wall or frame and the nearest lateral boundary of such stand, shall be not less than the distance specified in Table X, in which such walls or frames are placed in the following classes of construction—

Class A. – External walls or external structural frames of combustible construction protected externally with approved non-combustible material; and

Class B. –External walls or external structural frames of combustible construction not falling into class A.

TABLE X
BOUNDARY OR SEPARATION DISTANCES FOR EXTERNAL WALLS OR EXTERNAL MEMBERS OF STRUCTURAL FRAMES OF A BUILDING WHICH ARE COMBUSTIBLE—GRADE D CONSTRUCTION

1	2	3
Distance of wall from the nearest lateral boundary or another building of the same stand in meters	Distance to nearest lateral boundary. or another building on the same stand in meters.
	Class A	Class b
Up to 60……………….. 61-150 ……………….. 151-215……………………………….. Over 215 …………………………….	2.7 3.6 4.2 4.5	5.1 6.7 7.9 8.7

(5) Floors. – All floors of rooms constructed in the roof-space of any building having a roof covered with thatch or wooden shingles shall be of non-combustible materials having a fire-resistance rating of not less than half an hour.

(6) All floors constructed directly over basements shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than one hour.

(7) All floors, other than those referred to in subsections (5) and (6), shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than half an hour:

Provided that no fire-resistance rating shall be required for such floors in the ground storey, if the space beneath such floors is not used for storage purposes.

(8) Roof assemblies. – The roof of every building having external walls of combustible construction shall be covered with non-combustible materials.

(9) Every building having a roof covered with thatch or wooden shingles shall be not less than 10 metres from any boundary whatsoever of the stand upon which such building is to be erected.

(10) All metal used in the attachment of thatch to the roof-members shall be bonded to earth.

(11) All telephone and electricity supply-lines shall be brought by means of underground conduits or cables into every building which has a thatched roof.

(12) Partition-walls. –Every partition-wall in a basement shall be of non-combustible materials. Every doorway in such partition-wall shall be fitted with a fire-door having a fire-resistance rating of not less than half an hour.

(13) Garages. –Every floor separating the remainder of the building from a garage shall be regarded as forming part of an occupancy-separation structure, which shall comply with the requirements of section 43 and shall have no openings whatever therein.

(14) Every wall separating the remainder of the building from garage shall comply with the requirements for an occupancy-separation structure set out in setion43, except that any doorway in such wall shall be fitted with a self-closing door constructed to have a fire-resistance rating of not less than half an hour, and every such doorway shall have a solid stone or concrete threshold raised at least 100 millimetres above the floor of the garage.

11.FIRE_RESISTANCE RATING OF SUPPORTING STRUCTURAL MEMBER.

All supporting structural members in buildings shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than the required rating of the construction supported by such members.

12. DIVISION WALLS AND DIVISION FLOORS.

(1) Where a building is divided into divisions, as required by section 6, all division-walls and division-floors shall comply with the requirements of this section.

(2) Fire-resistance rating. – Every division-wall and every suspended floor which is a division-floor shall be of non-combustible material, and shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than four hours.

(3) Every division-wall shall be constructed as a continuous wall, or as a number of storey-to-storey walls, not necessarily in one vertical plane:

Provided that, where such walls are not in one vertical plane, the floor construction connecting such walls shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than four hours.

(4) Every division-wall, whether continuous or not, shall –

a) Rest on a construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than four hours; and

b) Extend to not less than 300 millimetres above the roof-covering:

Provided that, in the following cases, such wall need only be carried up against the underside of the roof-covering, for the full thickness of the wall –

a) Where the roof construction is non-combustible, and collapse thereof on one side of the wall would not endanger the stability of such wall;

b) Where the difference in the height of the roofs of divisions of a building exceeds 1 metre at division-wall, and the roof construction is non-combustible.

(5) Division-floors shall be continuous over the area of the division, except for openings enclosed, as set out in subsection (9).

(6) Openings in division-walls. – Openings in any division-wall shall not exceed 12 square metres in area, and shall have no dimension greater than 3,6 metres.

(7) The aggregate width of all such openings at any storey-level shall not exceed 25 per centum of the length of the wall in which such openings are formed.

(8) Every opening in a division-wall shall be protected by an approved automatic or self-closing fire-door or fire-shutter, and the aggregate fire-resistance rating of the door or shutter shall be not less than four hours:

Provided that, where such opening occurs in the walls between two buildings, a door or fire-shutter shall be required on each side of the walls.

(9) Openings in division-floors. – Every opening in a division-floor shall be protected by an enclosed shaft, and any opening in such shaft shall be fitted with an approved automatic or self-closing fire-door or fire-shutter, and the enclosing-walls and such door or shutter shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than one and a half hours

(10) Protection of openings in eternal walls at division-floors. – Where a division-floor abuts external walls, the risk of the passage of fire past such floor shall be reduced by protecting the openings here-in after referred to in such walls by non-opening or self-closing fire-windows or shutters, or self-closing fire-doors, having a fire-resistance rating of not less than half an hour, so disposed that every opening within a horizontal band of the external walls of not less than 7,5 metres in height is so protected, and such brand shall overlap the division-floor and be situated above, below or partly above and partly below the division-floor:

Provided that the openings in such external walls need not be protected, as prescribed above, if a canopy or hood of non-combustible material having a fire-resistance rating of not less than one hour is constructed as an extension of the division-floor to project not less than 1,5 metres beyond the exterior face of the external wall abutting the division-floor.

(11) If a canopy or hood is constructed, as in the provision to subsection (10), such canopy or hood shall be provided under every opening in such wall, within a height of 7,5 metres above the division-floor, and shall extend not less than 1,5 metres beyond the vertical lines drawn through the sides of every such opening.

13.OCCUPANCY-SEPARATION STRUCTURES AND TENANCY-SEPARATION STRUCTURES.

(1) Occupancy-separation structures and tenancy-separation structures shall comply with the requirements of this section.

(2) Fire-resistance ratings. – All occupancy-separation structures shall be constructed of non-combustible material, and such occupancy-separation structures and all tenancy-separation structures shall have fire-resistance ratings of not less than the ratings specified in Table XI.

TABLE XI
FIRE_RESISTANCE RATINGS OF OCCUPANCY-SEPARATION STRUCTURES AND TENANCY-SEPARATION STRUCTURES.

1	2
Description of structure	Fire resistance rating in hours
Occupancy-separation structure separating an occupancy unit high of high fire load from one of high and moderate or low fire load
Occupancy-separation structure separating an occupancy unit high of moderatefire load from one of high and moderate or low fire load

(3) Construction of occupancy-separation structures. – Every wall of an occupancy-separation structure shall extend from a foundation or floor of non-combustible construction to a ceiling or floor of non-combustible construction:

Provided that, where a ceiling is of combustible material, such wall shall extend through such ceiling to a non-combustible floor or roof construction and, where the roof is of combustible construction, such wall shall be carried through such roof to not less than 300 millimetres above the covering of such roof.

(4) Suspended floors in an occupancy-separation structure shall be continuous over the area of the occupancy-unit concerned, except for openings protected, as set out in subsection (6).

(5) Openings in occupancy-separation structure. – Every wall of an occupancy-separation structure shall have no openings other than doorways, and every such doorway shall be fitted with an approved self-closing fire-door having the appropriate fire-resistance rating set forth in Table XI

(6) Every opening in the floor of an occupancy-separation structure shall be protected by an enclosed shaft, and any opening in such shaft shall be fitted with an approved self-closing fire-door or shutter, and such shaft shall have a fire-resistance rating of on and a half hour, and such door or shutter shall have a fire-resistance rating of one hour.

(7) Penetration of occupancy-separation structure walls by combustible materials. – No combustible material shall pass through an occupancy-separation structure wall:

Provided that –

i) Rafters, joists, bearers and beams of combustible materials may be built into such wall, if the remaining thickness of the wall has the appropriate fire-rating set out in Table XI; and

ii) Light, combustible roof-members, such as battens and purlins, may be built into such wall, is such members are separated from one another by non-combustible material of not less than 75 millimetres in width and of depth of not less than the depth of such members.

14. OPENINGS IN EXTERNAL WALLS.

(1) Places of worship not exceeding three storeys in height, dwelling-houses and open-air parking-garages shall be excluded from the provisions of this section.

(2) In this section, “opening” shall mean any portion of an external wall which has a lower fire-resistance rating than that prescribed in this Chapter for such wall, but shall not include any window, less than 0,5 square metre in an area which serves a water-closet, bath-room or cloak-room:

Provided that, if any two or more windows are not separated from one another by a horizontal distance of at least 215 millimetres or a vertical distance of at least 1,2 metre, they shall be regarded as one opening.

(3) The fire protection of openings in external wall of a building shall be as set forth in Table XII, when the distance from such an opening to the nearest lateral boundary of the stand on which such building is erected, or to another building on the same stand is the relevant distance set out in that Table:

Provided that such protection need not be provided to openings facing a lateral boundary, if there is erected on such boundary a baffle-wall having a fire-resistance rating of not less than one and a half hours, and of such a height and length as will, in the opinion of the local authority, render the protection of such openings unnecessary.

(4) Where an external wall of one building is built against an external wall of another building, and an opening is formed in both such walls so as to provide means of access between such buildings, the opening so formed shall be deemed to be an opening in a division-wall, and such opening shall be protected on each side of such composite wall by approved fire-doors or fire-shutters having an aggregate fir-resistance rating for both doors or both shutters of not less than four hours.

(5) Any opening formed in an external wall of a building, which opening is within the range of distances from the nearest lateral boundary of the stand on which such building is erected or from another building on the same stand set out in column 2 of Table XII, shall be fitted with an approved automatic or self-closing fire-door or fire-shutter having a fire-resistance rating of not less than one and a half hours.

(6) Any opening formed in an external wall of a building, which opening is within the range of distances from the nearest lateral boundary of the stand on which such building is erected or from another building on the same stand set out in columns 3 and 4 of Table XII, shall be fitted with an automatic or a self-closing fire-door or fire-shutter having a fire-resistance rating of not less than one hour.

(7) Any opening formed in an external wall of a building, which opening is within the range of distances from the nearest lateral boundary of the stand on which such building is erected or from another building on the same stand set out in columns 5 and 6 of Table XII, shall be fitted with an approved non-openable or self-closing fire-window or with an approved automatic or self-closing fire-door or fire-shutter, and every such window, door or shutter shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than half an hour.

(8) Any external wall of building, in which the total area of openings or the total use of combustible exterior wall-lining exceeds 55 per centum of the area of such wall, shall be not less than 9 metres from any lateral boundary of the stand on which such building is erected or from another building on the same stand and facing such wall, and not less than 6 metres from the centre-line of any street exceeding 4,5 metres in width.

(9) The distances referred to in the foregoing subsections shall be taken as the least distance between the opening or the wall, as the case may be, and the nearest lateral boundary or building concerned.

TABLE XII
FIRE PROTECTION OF OPENINGS IN EXTERNAL WALLS REQUIRED IN RELATION TO DISTANCE

(10) Subject to the provisions of subsection (10) of section 12, any opening which is located vertically above or below another opening on an external wall and which is not protected by a fire-shutter or fire-door or a fire-wind shall be –

a) Separated by a vertical distance of not less than 1,2 metres from such other opening; or

b) Protected by a hood or canopy under the opening, projecting not less than 1 metre from the wall-face, and projecting not less than 1 metre beyond the vertical lines drawn through the sides of every such opening.

(11) If a hood or canopy is constructed in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (b) of subsection (10), such hood or canopy shall be of non-combustible material and shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than one hour.

15. SERVICE-SHAFTS.

(1) The provisions of this section shall not apply to shafts in dwelling-houses or to shafts enclosing stairways, air-ducts, incinerator-chutes, flues and ramps connecting storeys in buildings.

(2) All lift-shafts and hoist-shafts in a building shall be enclosed by walls having a fire-resistance rating of not less than on and a half hours. In such shafts, there shall be at least one opening in every 9 metres of the height of the shaft, fitted with an approved self-closing fire-door having a fire-resistance-rating of not less than one hour.

(3) Any enclosed shaft extending through the roof, and which is enclosed at the top, shall be provided with a lantern-light having unglazed or glaze openings equivalent in are to not less than 20 per centum of the cross-sectional area of such shaft, and, where such openings bare glazed, they shall be glazed

TABLE XII FIRE PROTECTION OF OPENINGS IN EXTERNAL WALLS REQUIRED IN RELATION TO DISTANCE

1	2	3	4	5	6
Class or grade of construction of building		Where the distance to lateral boundary or another building on the same stand is as shown, requirements for openings in walls shall be as shown in the headings to columns 2-7 set out below
	Only doorway openings: all such openings to be fitted with fire-doors or fire-shutters complying with subsection (5)	Area of each opening not to exceed 5 square meters All openings to be fitted with fire-doors or fire-shutters complying with subsection (6)	All openings to be fitted with fire-windows, fire-doors or fire-shutters complying with subsection 7)	No requirement	No requirement
		Least distance, in meters
	less than	not less than,	but less than	not less than,	not less than
Class 1, and the storage contemplated by section 44	4.5	4.5	6.0	6.0	7.5	7.5
Other buildings (all grades of construction of high fire loads	3.0	3.0	3.75	3.75	4.5	4.5
Other buildings (all grades of construction of low fire loads	1.5	1.5	2.25	2.25	3.0	3.0

with plain glass of not more than 3 millimeters in thickness:

Provided that instead of such lantern-light, a window glazed with similar glass and of equal area placed in the side of such shaft may be provided if—

a) The sill of such window is not less than 600 millimetres above the roof-covering at any point of the sill; and

b) Such window is not within 3 metres of a lateral boundary.

(4) Any shaft enclosure which does not extend through the roof shall have the top of such enclosure enclosed by a construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than that of the walls of the shaft, and shall be provided with a ventilating-duct leading to the outside air.

(5) The ventilating-duct referred to in subsection (4) shall have a cross-sectional area equal to not less than 10 per centum of the cross-sectional area of the shaft, and the discharge-end of such duct may be glazed with plain glass not exceeding 3 millimetres in thickness.

(6) Any shaft which does not extend to the bottom of a building shall be enclosed at its lowest point by a floor construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than that of the walls of the shaft

(7) Any room containing machinery for operating lifts shall be separated from the lift-shaft concerned by construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than two hours.

(8) Every doorway in a room containing machinery for operating lifts shall be fitted with an approved self-closing fire-door having a fire-resistance rating of not less than one hour.

16. ROOF-LIGHTS AND FLOORS-LIGHTS.

(1) All frames and sashes of skylights, lantern and other similar lights shall be of metal:

Provide that, where such roof-lights are constructed –

a) In dwelling-houses; or

b) In localities where the roof-lights would be exposed to agencies deleterious to metal;

The local authority may permit the frames and sashes to be made of some other suitable material.

(2) All lights referred to in subsection (1) which are –

a) Less than 3 metres from a lateral boundary or an exit-way, and such lights which are inclined at an angle of less than 60 degrees to the horizontal shall be glazed with wired glass of not less than 6 millimetres in thickness; and

b) In positions other than those described in paragraph (a), may be glazed with plain glass.

(3) Every skylight which is glazed with plain glass shall be protected by a substantial wire screen, with wire not lighter than 2,5 millimetres and having a mesh not greater than 15 millimetres, placed not less than 100 millimetres or more than 250 millimetres above the glazed portion of the skylight at all points.

(4) Such screen shall extend beyond the glazing on all sides for a distance of not less than the height of the screen above the glazing.

(5) Where a skylight or lantern-light is located over a stairway, exit-way or an indoor public and assembly occupancy, a similar screen shall also be placed below such skylight or lantern-light.

(6) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, but subject to the approval of the local authority, roofs may be covered with materials made of incombustible or self-extinguishing plastics or other similar materials up to 10 per centum of the total roof area

(7) Floor-lights of glass or other translucent and brittle material shall not be allowed in floors between the storeys of a building, unless they have a fire-resistance rating equal to that of the floor in which they are contained and comply with any other requirements of these by-laws relating, amongst others, to artificial lighting.

17. ACCESS TO ROOF-SPACES.

(1) Any opening which gives access to a roof-space in a sloping-roof assembly through a ceiling, or through a subdividing-wall in such roof-space, shall be fitted with a non-secured cover or door having a fire-resistance rating of not less than that of the ceiling in the roof assembly concerned.

(2) Such cover or door shall be so constructed that it will remain closed when not in use.

(3) The size of such opening shall be not greater than 1 × 1 metre and not less than 600× 750 millimetres.

18. SERVICE-PIPES AND EQUIPMENT SET IN STRUCTURAL MEMBERS.

(1) Fixing. – Service-pipes, cables and other service equipment may be embedded in the fire-resistant protection to, and construction of, columns and other structural members if –

a) After such equipment is fixed, such members still maintain the required fire-resistance rating and the thickness of fire-resistant protective covering, as laid down in Tables IV and V of the Second Schedule; and

b) The service equipment is so fixed that the required fire-resistance rating of the member concerned is not impaired by any subsequent maintenance or replacement of such equipment.

(2) Protection of fire-resistant protective covering. – Where the fire-resistant protective covering to columns and other structural members is exspoed to the risk of damage, as, for example, from vehicular traffic, or the handling of merchandise, such covering shall be protected by vertical guards or by wheel-guards or other approved means of protection

19.FIRE-STOPPING.

(1) Fire-stopping to the extent specified in this section shall be carried out with non-combustible material:

Provided that, in the case of walls and partitions of timber-frame construction, timber of not less than 38 millimetres in thickness may be used in fire-stops.

(2) Spaces in fire-resistant protective coverings. –

Any spaces between the fire-resistant protective covering and columns or other structural members shall be fire-stopped at each storey level, and the fire-stops shall extend for the thickness of the floor of such storey.

(3) Spaces in wood-floor construction. – Where joists or bearers are parallel to, and are 75 millimetres or less from a wall or chimney, the space between the joists or bearer and the wall or chimney shall be fire-stopped to the depth of the joists or bearer.

(4) Spaces between walls and wall-linings. – In buildings of grade A construction, spaces between walls and wall-linings or panelling shall be completely fire-stopped.

(5) In buildings, other than buildings of grade A construction, such spaces shall be fire-stopped at each floor and ceiling-level.

(6) Spaces in chases and recesses. – Where chases or recesses pass from one storey to another, such chases or recesses shall be fire-stopped at each storey-level, and the fire-stops shall extend for the thickness of the floor of such storey.

(7) Spaces around pipes and ducts. – All spaces around pipes or ducts in every storey shall be fire-stopped at each floor, ceiling or wall of such storey.

(8) Walls and partitions of stud-framing. – All walls and partitions of stud-framing shall be fire -stopped at the floors and ceilings of every storey.

20. ACCESS FOR RESCURE AND FIRE_FIGHTING PURPOSE.

(1) Every building, other than a single-storey building not exceeding 55 square metres in floor area, which does not have a frontage on to a street r public place, shall have access from such street or public place by means of an unobstructed passage way of not less than 3 metres in width, having a clearance of not less than 4,2 metres in height.

(2) Similar access shall be provided from a street or public place to buildings exceeding three storeys in height which have no frontage on a street or public place, and such access shall lead to an open space adjoining the building of at least 4,5 metres in width and 12 metres in length.

(3) In any storey of any building above the ground in which all openings in any length exceeding 45 metres of a wall facing a street or public place or passageway referred to in subsection (1) are fitted with automatic fire-shutters or any other shutters which may bar entry from the outside, at least one shutter in every 45-metre length of such wall shall be readily openable from the outside, and shall bear an approved notice or mark clearly legible from such street, place or passageway.

(4) Where there is erected in front of any building facing a street or public place or passageway referred to in subsection (1) a screen or screen-wall which would otherwise bar entry to windows from the outside, there shall be provided, in such screen or screen-wall, openings of not less than 750 millimetres in width and of not less than 1,2 metres in height.

(5) At least one such opening shall be provided in every 45-metre length of such screen or screen-wall in every storey above finished ground-level, including the ground storey, up to and including the sixth storey.

(6) In any building or portion thereof in which there are no windows in the external walls, access openings shall be provided in such walls for fire-fighting purposes in each storey above finished ground-level, including the ground storey, up to and including the sixth storey.

(7) Such openings shall be not less than 750 millimetres in width and not less than 1,5 metres in height and have a sill not more than 1 metre above the inner floor-level of each storey, and shall be not more than 45 metres apart horizontally.

(8) Every such opening shall be fitted with a shutter readily openable from the outside, and shall bear an approved notice or mark clearly legible from the ground below.

(9) There shall be provided in every building, any storey of which is at a height of more than 20 metres above ground level, at least one lift serving every such storey, and the following provisions shall apply—

a) The electricity-supply to the lift shall be provided by an independent circuit; and

b) The area of the platform of the lift shall be not less than 1,5 square metres, and the lift shall be capable of carrying a load of not less than 545 kilograms’; and

c) The lift shall be fitted with a fire-switch control system incorporating—

i) A device which will enable firemen to take control of the lift without interference from landing call-points; and

ii) A fire-switch positioned at the landing call-station at ground-fronted lock-fast recessed box clearly marked in 50-millimetre lettering “FIRE-SWITCH”;

And

a) The entrance to the lift on each storey served by7 the lift shall be in –

i) An open-access balcony or other permanently ventilated area; or

ii) An approved smoke-lobby:

Provided that the provisions of sub-paragraph (ii) shall not apply to –

a) A storey in a block of flats on which there is no entrance to any flat; or

b) The topmost storey of a building—

i) On which there is a fire-mains outlet provided; and

ii) To which there is access by a stair serving also the storey below that storey; and

iii) Where the lift serving the storey next below that storey is distant from a door in the stairway enclosure of that stair by a horizontal distance of not more than 5 metres

21. FIRE-ALARMS.

Where, in the opinion of the local authority, there is need for public warning, in the event of the outbreak of fire, an automatic or manually operated approved fire-alarm system shall be installed, to the satisfaction of the local authority, for the purpose of arousing occupants in the event of the outbreak of fire.

22. ADMINISTARTIVE REQUIRMENTS FOR EXIT-WAYS.

(1) Except as hereinafter provided in this Chapter, the provisions of sections 22 to 32 are general requirements which shall apply to every building in the local authority’s area of jurisdiction.

(2) Where, in the opinion of the local authority, the means of escape, in the event of fire, from any building erected before the promulgation of this Chapter are inadequate, the local authority may serve a written order upon the owner of such building, calling upon him to carry out within a reasonable time, to be specified in such order, such measures, also to be specified in such order, as it may consider necessary to bring such building into conformity with the provisions of this chapter relating to such means of escape.

(3) In any building to which the provisions of this Chapter apply, whether such building was erected before or after the adoption of this Chapter, the means of escape therefrom, including all exit-ways, panic-bolts, automatic devices, lights and other appliances in connexion with such means of escape, shall be maintained in a proper and safe condition and in proper working order, to the satisfaction of the local authority.

(4) No building shall be altered in such manner as to reduce the number or aggregate width of exit-ways from such building to less than is required by sections 23 to 26

23. INDIVIDUAL EXIT-WAYS.

(1) Every exit-way required by this Chapter shall consist of one or more of the components special-field in subsection (5), arranged in a series, so that—

a) Each component in a series discharges directly into the next component without the necessity for passing through any room or through any division-wall, except a wall forming part of a stair-enclosure; and

b) The last component in the series discharges directly through an exit into a street or public place or arcade of the width required by section 26.

(2) The width of any street or public place or arcade referred to in paragraph (b) of subsection (1) shall be not less than the required width of the exit from such exit-way, and in any case where two or more exit-ways from the same building discharge into the same street, public place or arcade, the width of such street, public place or arcade shall be not less than the combined required widths of the exits from such exit-ways:

Provided that, where a building is divided into two or more sections, each of which is completely cut off from the remainder by imperforate walls, floors and ceiling-floor assemblies having a fire-resistance rating of not less than two hours, each such section may, for the purposes of this subsection, be deemed to be a separate building.

(3) No exit-way shall decrease in width in the direction of travel towards the exit, except as set out in subsection (1) of section 26.

(4) Every change in level of the floor of an exit-way shall be effected by means of a ramp or a stairway.

(5) For the purposes of subsection (1), exit-way components shall comprise—

a) Passageways and ramps;

b) Stairways;

c) Foyers, vestibules and lobbies;

d) Doorways;

e) Exit-courts.

24. DISPOSITION AND MINIMUM NUMBER OF EXIT-WAYS.

(1) Subject to any other provisions in this Chapter requiring a greater number of exit-ways, every building shall have at least one exit-way, and every room in any building or in a division of a building shall have access by means of at least one doorway (hereinafter referred to as an access doorway) to at least one exit-way.

(2) Except as herein after provided in this Chapter, every room or group of rooms, forming a dwelling-unit in a building shall be served by not less than two separate exit-ways, so arranged that should any one such exit-way become unusable or inaccessible, at least one other such exit-way may reasonably be expected to remain usable and accessible:

Provided that there need be only one exit-way to serve dwelling-units with a floor area not exceeding 250 square metres on any storey if the floor level of the top storey of the building is not greater than 6 metres above ground-level.

(3) For the purpose of subsection (2) the floor area means the plan area including verandas and balconies, but excludes the thickness of containing walls, lift shafts, light wells, ramps, stairways and the like.

(4) A room or group of rooms forming a dwelling-unit shall be considered to be served by two separate exit-ways if –

a) It is possible to proceed from a doorway in such room or group of rooms or from a point in an exit passageway to two alternative routes of escape from the storey on which the room or group of rooms is situated, and thence to the street; and

b) The two alternative routes of escape are situated in opposite directions, in relation to the doorway or point in the exit passageway.

(5) if only one exit doorway is provided from any dwelling-house or dwelling-unit there shall be an alternative means of egress from the dwelling-house or dwelling-unit acceptable to the local authority.

(6) Except within a dwelling-house or dwelling-unit, the length of a passageway which is not served by two separate exit-ways (in this subsection referred to as a dead-end passageway) measured from a point which is served by two separate exit-ways to the access doorway most distant from such point, shall not exceed—

For a passage open to the air on at least one side, 15,0 metres:

Provided that –

i) Not more than twenty-five persons shall be served by any one such dead-end passageway; and

ii) No dead-end passageway shall discharge into an enclosed stairway without first reaching a point in a passageway which is served by two separate exit-ways.

(7) The clear distance between any two stairways which are components of required exit-ways shall be not less than 7,5 metres, unless—

a) Such stairways are separated by a wall having a fire-resistance rating of not less than two hours; and

b) There is an access doorway through such wall protected as required for doorway in an occupancy-separation structure.

(8) The top storey of any—

a) Business, commercial or industrial occupancy-unit; or

b) Residential or storage occupancy-unit, other than one having a high fire-load;

Not exceeding two storeys in height need have only one stairway forming a component of any exit-way leading from such storey to the ground storey:

Provided that—

i) The floor area of such top storey does not exceed 300 square metres; and

ii) The top storey is a residential occupancy-unit above a business, commercial or industrial occupancy-unit or above a storage occupancy-unit, and such stairway is independent of any exit-way from the ground store; and

iii) Such stairway is constructed of non-combustible materials.

(9) Basements having a low fire-load and used only for storage purposes need have only one stairway forming a component of an exit-way, if the floor area of such basement does not exceed 100 square metres.

(10) Every building of two or more storeys in height in which the floor area of any storey above the ground storey exceeds—

a) 1 000 square metres in an occupancy-unit having a low fire-load;

b) 600 square metres in an occupancy-unit having a moderate fire-load; and

c) 400 square metres in an occupancy-unit having a high fire-load;

Shall have not less than three exit-ways serving every such storey, including the ground storey.

(11) The exit-way from an occupancy-unit used for –

A high fire-load occupancy; or

a) A public and assembly occupancy, where the population of the occupancy-unit concerned exceeds 300;

b) Shall be entirely separate from, and independent of, the exit-ways serving any occupancy-unit in the building which is used for any other purpose:

Provided that an exit-way from an occupancy-unit referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) may discharge into an enclosed stairway forming a component of an exit-way serving other occupancy-units which do not have a high fire-load.

(12) No exit-way or portion thereof which serves an occupancy-unit in one tenancy shall pass through an occupancy-unit which is, or may reasonably be expected to be, in a different tenancy.

(13) Except as provided in section 34, no access doorway shall serve a greater population of the room it serves than the following—

a) For a low fire-load occupancy, 40;

b) For a moderate or high fire-load occupancy, 20.

(14) No point on the floor of any room shall be farther from an access doorway, measured along the shortest route of travel, than the following—

a) For a low fire-load occupancy, 30 metres;

b) For a moderate fire-load occupancy, 20 metres;

c) For a high fire-load occupancy, 10 metres:

Provided that, in the case of a dwelling-unit having a single access doorway to an exit-way, no point in the dwelling-unit shall be farther from the access doorway, measured along the shortest route of travel, than 30 metres.

(15) Every space on a roof of a building in which persons are allowed to work or congregate shall be served by exit-ways as though it were a room of a building.

(16) Notwithstanding the requirements of subsection (2), but subject to the requirements of subsection (13) and (14), it shall be permissible to erect partition-walls within a space contained in an occupancy-unit in one tenancy to form separate rooms, so that access to an exit-way from one or more such rooms is contained by passing through one or more other such rooms:

Provided that—

i) Every door in every such room through which access to an exit-way is gained from any other such room shall not ne capable of being locked; and

ii) The partition-walls shall be not higher than 2,1 metres, and the space above them shall be open; and

iii) Every passage formed between such rooms within such a space shall comply with the requirements for a dead-end passage, as set out in subsection (6), except for such portions of such first-mentioned passage as are served by at least two access doorways to an exit-way without the necessity for passing through any such room.

(17) Any exit-way which serves a basement shall be entirely separated from any other exit-way, if the population of the building in which such basement is situated exceeds 40 persons:

Provided that such exit-way may discharge into an exit-court which is a component of another exit-way.

(18) Where the population of a building in which a basement is situated does not exceed 40 persons, and an exit-way which serves the basement is not separated from any other exit-way, such first-mentioned exit-way shall be marked at ground-floor level with a “NO EXIT” sign in block letters of not less than 150 millimetres in height.

25. POPULATION SERVED BY AN EXIT-WAY OR EXIT-WAYS.

(1) The maximum population of any building or any portion thereof, for which an exit-way is required to serve shall be the maximum number of persons actually occupying such building or portion thereof at any time:

Provided that such maximum population shall, in any event, be deemed to be less than the sum of the population figures obtained by diving the gross floor area of each occupancy-unit or portion thereof, in such building or portion thereof, by the appropriate figure in Table XIII.

(2) Where an occupancy-unit is used at different times for different occupancies, the population of such unit shall be calculated for that occupancy which gives the greatest population.

(3) The population served by a stairway or stairways forming a component or components of an exit-way, and serving not more than five storeys of a building above finished ground-level, shall be deemed to be the population of any two adjoining storeys having the greatest aggregate population.

(4) The population served by such stairway or stairways serving not less than six and not more than eight storeys of a building above finished ground-level shall be 25 per centum greater than the population calculated in accordance with the provisions of subsection (3).

TABLE XIII
POPULATION DEEMED TO BE SERVED BY AN EXIT-WAY

(5) The population served by such stairway or stairways serving more than eight storeys above finished ground-level shall be 50 per centum greater than the population calculated in accordance with the provisions of subsection (3).

26. REQUIRED WIDTH OF EXIT-WAYS.

(1) The width of an exit-way or the aggregate width of exit-ways serving any building or portion of a building shall be not less than a width calculated in accordance with the following formula—

W(width) = N × 275 millimetres (width-unit)
Where N = the width-number (number of width -units) found from the equation
N=P/E
Where P = the population served by the exit-way or exit-ways concerned at the point or points at which the widths are being considered
E= the maximum number of persons per width-unit of exit-way set out in Table XIV
N shall be calculated to the nearest whole number, fractions less than one-half being disregarded:

Provided that, in any event, the width of any exit-way shall be not less than 1,1 metres, except that—

a) In any building having a population not exceeding 25; and

b) In any building not exceeding two storeys in height having a low fire-load and a population not exceeding 40;

The minimum width shall be 900 millimetres for a stairway and 800 millimetres for other components of the exit-way.

TABLE XIV
NUMBER OF PERSONS PER WIDTH-UNIT OF EXIT-WAY

(2) The width of an exit-way shall be measured as the clear unobstructed width.

27. PASSAGEWAYS AND RAMPS.

(1) The walls, floor and ceiling of every passageway, or ramp forming a component of an exit-way in any occupancy-unit graded in section 4, as falling within grade A or grade B construction, shall be constructed of non-combustible materials.

(2) The headroom at every point in such passage-ways and ramps shall be not less than 2,3 metres, and the width shall be not less than the width prescribed for exit-ways in section 26.

(3) No door or window shall open so as to obstruct any such passageway or ramp.

(4) There shall be no step or ramp within a distance of 750 millimetres on either side of any doorway in any such passage-way.

(5) No such ramp shall have a slope exceeding 1 in 12.

(6) The floor of every such passageway and ramp shall have a non-slip surface free from any projections which might cause stumbling.

(7) Every such passageway and ramp which is not bounded by walls shall be provided with parapets, railings or other means of protection against falling, and such means of protection shall be not less than 1,05 metres in height.

(8) It shall be permitted to connect two buildings or separate divisions or portions of a building by means of a bridge, gallery, balcony or passage, constructed of non-combustible materials and of a width of not less than the width prescribed for exit-ways in section 26.

28. STAIRWAYS.

(1) In this section—

“curved stairway” means a stairway, circular in plan, surrounding an open well;

“spiral stairway” means a stairway, circular in plan, which has the treads radiating from, and attacked to, a central column.

(2) Every stairway forming an exit-way or a component of an exit-way, except stairways extending from the ground storey to the first storey of dwelling-houses not exceeding two storeys in height, shall be supported by non-combustible materials:

Provided that combustible material may be used for the finish to risers and treads, to such stairways, other than stairways in basements, if such finish is fixed direct to bases of non-combustible material.

(3) The headroom at every point of any stairway forming an exit-way or part thereof, shall be not less than 2,3 metres, and the width of such stairway shall be not less than the width of exit-ways prescribed by section 26.

(4) No door or window shall open so as to obstruct any stairway forming an exit-way or part thereof.

(5) All treads and risers of interior stairs shall be so dimensioned that the product of the width of tread, exclusive of nosing, and the height of riser, in millimetres, shall be not less than 42 000 and not more than 55 000.

(6) The rise of any step in any interior stairway shall be not more than 200 millimetres, and the width of any tread, measured horizontally between risers, shall be not less than 230 millimetres.

(7) The rise of steps and the width of treads shall not vary by more than 5 millimetres in any one flight of stairs.

(8) Nosings to treads shall project not more than 40 millimetres beyond the face of the riser.

(9) Subject to the provisions of this section, every interior stairway shall be in straight or uniformly curved flights between landings:

Provided stairway, measured from the centre-point of such circle or oral to the nearest point of the tread, shall be not less than 1,8 metres.

(10) No flights of stairs shall have a vertical rise greater than—

a) 2, 135 metres for public and assembly occupancy; or

b) 3,5 metres for all other occupancies;

Without intervening landings.

(11) The length and width of a landing shall be not less than width of the stairway:

Provided that landings on straight flights need not exceed—

Where the stairway is in a building for public and assembly occupancy, 1 metre; or

Where the stairway is in a building designed for single domestic occupancy, 750 millimetres.

(12) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the use of a spiral stairway in any dwelling but such a stairway may only be provided in a building used for a business, commercial or industrial occupancy if –

a) It is additional to the stairway required by sections 23 and 24; and

b) It is not less than 650 millimetres clear in width, no riser exceeds 200 millimetres and the number of treads in a full circle does not exceed 12, or such further number as may be approved by the local authority.

(13) A spiral stairway may be used to give access to a mezzanine floor, where no other means of escape is available:

Provided that –

i) The height of such mezzanine floor does not exceed 2,8 metres above the general floor-level; and

ii) The area of such mezzanine floor does not exceed 100 square metres.

(14) Every interior stairway, except a stairway which is open to the air at every storey-level, in any occupancy-unit falling into any one of classes 1 to 8 in section 4, shall be protected by enclosing-walls constructed of non-combustible materials having a fire-resistance rating of not less than one hour, with doorways fitted with fire-doors having a fire-resistance rating of not less than one hour.

(15) Such doors shall be self-closing, and shall not be fastened in the open position, and such enclosing-walls shall be continuous from the floor of the ground storey to the underside of the roof construction.

(16) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in subsection (14), the following stairways need not be enclosed as therein provided—

a) Any stairway serving a mezzanine storey which has a floor area not exceeding 25 per centum of the floor area of the storey immediately below such mezzanine storey; or

b) Any stairway serving a balcony which has a floor area not exceeding 25 per centum of the floor area of the room served by such balcony; or

c) Any stairway from the ground storey to the first storey, when such stairway is not part of an exit-way.

(17) Every interior stairway shall be provided throughout its length with hand-rails, banisters or railings, in accordance with the following requirements—

a) Every stairway not exceeding 1,1 metres in width shall have at least one hand-rail;

b) Every stairway exceeding 1,1 metres in width shall have hand-rails on both sides of such stairway;

c) Every stairway exceeding 1,65 metres in width in schools and colleges, and all other stairways exceeding 2,2 metres in width, shall have, in addition, intermediate hand-rails dividing such stairways into equal parts not exceeding 1,65 metres wide;

d) Such intermediate hand-rails shall be continuous, be securely supported and fixed without sharp corners;

e) Where any side of such stairway is not bounded by a wall, such side shall be provided with a hand-rail and banisters, or approved railings;

f) All hand-rails shall be fixed at a height of not less than 950 millimetres measured perpendicularly off the intersection of the riser and front of trend, and the height of hand-rails on the landing portions shall be not less than 990 millimetres measured perpendicularly off the landing.

(18) Every exterior stairway forming an exit-way or a component of an exit-way shall be of non-combustible material and be provided with hand-rails, as required by subsection (17).

(19) Each side such stairway which is not protected by a wall shall be provided with a parapet, balustrade, banister or other approved means of protection against falling, having a height of not less than 850 millimetres measured perpendicularly off the intersection of the riser and front tread, or 990 millimetres from the floor of a landing, and such protection shall be constructed of non-combustible materials.

(20) Every such exterior stairway which is not required, in terms of section 26, to exceed 900 millimetres in width, may be constructed of unprotected steel without risers and with treads of not less than 200 millimetres in width:

Provided that –

i) The angle each flight of stairs in such stairway makes with the horizontal shall not exceed 45 degrees; and

ii) The total vertical height of such stairway shall not exceed 18 metres

29. LOBBIES, FOYERS AND VESTIBULES FORMING PART OF AN EXIT-WAY.

(1) The walls, floor and ceiling of every lobby, foyer and vestibule forming a component of an exit-way in any occupancy-unit which falls into grade A or grade B construction, as set out in section 4, shall be constructed of non-combustible materials.

(2) The headroom at every point in such lobby, foyer or vestibule shall be not less than 2,3 metres and the unobstructed width shall be not less than one-third greater than the sum of the widths of the exit-way components immediately discharging into it.

(3) The sum of widths of the exit-way components providing egress from any such lobby, foyer or vestibule shall be not less than the width of such lobby, foyer or vestibule.

(4) The floor of such lobby, foyer or vestibule may be in the form of a ramp, complying with the requirements of section 27.

(5) Such lobbies, foyers and vestibule shall not be used for trading or other activities, except such as are provided and conducted primarily for the convenience of the occupants of the occupancy-unit served thereby.

(6) Any structure or furniture used for any such activity shall be so located as not to reduce the required width of the lobby, foyer or vestibule, or form an obstruction within such required width.

(7) The total floor area occupied or covered by such structures or furniture shall not exceed 10 square metres or 20 per centum of total floor area of the lobby, foyer or vestibule, whichever is the lesser.

30. DOORWAYS AND DOORS FORMING PART OF AN EXIT-WAY.

(1) No doorway forming a component of an exit-way shall be less than 2 metres in height, and the clear width of such doorway shall be not less than the width required by section 26.

(2) Every door fitted to any such doorway, and every door providing means of egress from a place of assembly into an exit-way, shall be a door so hung as to swing in the direction of travel to the exit-way, shall be a door so hung as to swing in the direction of travel to the exit.

(3) No single door shall be more than 1,1 metres in width.

(4) No door referred to in subsection (2) shall be hung so as to obstruct, when open, the exit-way.

(5) The fastenings on any door providing a means of egress from a place of assembly shall be panic-bolts, or other approved fastenings, rapidly openable from the inside without the use of keys or any special knowledge, and by the application of a force of not more than 90 newtons.

(6) Revolving doors shall not be permitted in places of assembly or as components of an exit-way in other occupancies.

31. EXIT-COURTS.

(1) Every exit-court shall have a hard, regular floor with a non-slip surface free from any projections which may cause stumbling, and any change in level in such floor shall be effected by means of a ramp or stair complying with the provisions of this Chapter.

(2) Every exit-court shall be at least 1,1 metres in width or not less than the width required by section 26, whichever is the greater, and its walls shall be free from columns, pipes or projections other than hand-rails:

Provided that the pipes of plumbing systems and similar projections may be—

a) Located in recesses formed in the walls of exit-courts and enclosed by smooth boarding or sheeting to a height of not less than 1,65 metres, so as to leave no projecting corners; or

b) Placed against the walls of such exit-courts and enclosed as described above, so as to leave a clear width of not less than that required.

(3) No door or window shall open into an exit-court so as to obstruct its width below a height of 2,1 metres above its floor.

(4) Every exit-court which is not bounded by walls shall, if the local authority so requires, be provided with parapets, balustrades, banisters or other approved protection against falling, constructed of non-combustible materials, and having a height of not less than 1,05 metres from the floor of such exit-court.

32. EXITS-SIGNS AND LIGHTING OF EXIT-WAYS.

(1) Where a local authority deems it necessary, in any place of assembly, every point of access to an exit-way shall be clearly and prominently marked by an exit-sign.

(2) Except where written exemption has been obtained from the local authority the following illuminated signs in accordance with B.S. 2560 shall be exhibited in all places of assembly—

a) At or over each doorway normally used for public exit, an “EXIT” sign;

b) At or over each doorway not normally used for public exit which is available as a means of exit in cases of alarm, an “EMERGENCY EXIT” sign in accordance with B.S. 2560 except that the over-all dimensions of the lettered panel referred to in clause 2 of that standard shall be 400 millimetres by 300 millimetres and the word “EMERGENCY” may be in letters 75 millimetres in height and situated above the word “EXIT”;

c) At or over each doorway which does not lead to an exit a “NO EXIT” sign in accordance with B.S. 2560 except that the over-all dimensions of the length of panel referred to in clause 2 of that standard shall be 700 millimetres by 200 millimetres and the word “NO EXIT” shall be on one line.

(3) The colour filters for all illuminated signs exhibited in terms of subsection (2) and referred to in clause 5 of B.S. 2560 shall be—

a) Primary red No. 6 in the case of “EXIT” and “EMERGENCY EXIT” signs; and

a) Peacock blue No.15 in the case of “NO EXIT” signs

(4) All illuminated signs exhibited in terms of subsection (2) shall be illuminated from within the housing by two systems of electrical supply, one of which shall be the general lighting system and the second shall be the safety lighting system as defined in C.A.S. No. CCI and have a level of luminance as referred to in clause 9 of B.S. 2560 of between 15 and 35 candelas per square metre.

(5) All illuminated signs in terms of subsection (2) shall be in view of the public and shall be not less than 2 metres no more than 2,5 metres from the floor unless otherwise approved by the local authority.

(6) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (2) of this section the local authority may permit signs in accordance with B.S. 4218 or any other types of signs where appropriate, providing that the signs in the opinion of the local authority are legible and the level of luminance is acceptable.

(7) Directions to be followed in the case of fire printed “EMERGENCY EXIT” in red block-type letters of a minimum height of 75 millimetres, on a white background, shall be affixed in each building as the local authority may require and in such conspicuous places therein as the local authority may direct.

33. PROTECTION OF EXIT-WAYS AGAIN FIRE.

(1) Subject to the requirements of sections 7, 8, 11, 12 and 23, every wall, floor, ceiling and stairway forming a component of an interior exit-way in any occupancy-unit falling within the categories set forth in Table XV shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than one hour, unless otherwise approved by the local authority:

Provided that doors in access doorways to such exit-ways shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than half an hour.

TABLE XV
OCCUPANCY-UNITS IN WHICH INTERIOR EXIT-WAYS MUST HAVE FIRE PROTECTION

(2) Every wall-lining, to the walls of an exit-way referred to in subsection (1), shall be of non-combustible material.

(3) Every doorway forming a component of exit-way referred to in subsection (1), and windows opening on to such exit-way, shall comply with the following requirements—

a) Every such doorway, other than a doorway forming an exit, shall be protected by an approved self-closing or automatic fire-door having a fire-resistance rating of at least one hour;

b) Every window-opening formed in an internal wall abutting a component of such exit-way shall be protected by a non-openable or self-closing fire-window having a fire-resistance rating of not less than one hour, situated with the sill at a height of at least 1,8 metres above floor-level;

c) In an internal wall abutting such an exit-way, other than an interior dead-end passageway which is not served by two separate exit-ways, there shall be not more than one openable window or fan-light shall not exceed 1 400 square centimetres;

d) In an internal wall abutting an interior dead-end passageway which is not served by two separate exit-ways, there shall be no ventilation-openings, other than door-openings, apart from air-bricks or louvres, situated within a height of 600 millimetres from the floor-level, and the ventilation area of such openings shall not exceed 200 square centimetres per 4,5-metre length of passageway, which-ever is the greater;

e) Every doorway formed in any external wall which abuts any component of such exit-way, and which is within a distance of 4,5 metres in any direction, from a stairway forming a component of such exit-way, shall be protected by an approved self-closing or automatic fire-door having a fire-resistance rating of at least half an hour;

f) Every window-opening, except an opening having a window not exceeding 0,5 square metre in area serving a water-closet or bath-room, formed in any external wall which abuts any component of an exterior exit-way, and which is within a distance of 4,5 metres, in any direction, from a stairway forming a component of such exit-way, shall be protected by –

i) An approved self-closing fire-window; or

ii) A window provided with an approved self-closing or automatic metal shutter;

In each case having a fire-resistance rating of not less than half an hour;

g) Every window-opening formed in any external wall abutting a dead-end exterior passageway which is not served by two separate exit-ways shall have its sill not less than 1,8 metres above the floor-level of such passageway.

(4) One stairwell or, where required by the local authority, more than one stairwell in each building shall be provided with—

a) An entrance-lobby on each floor, with entrance and exit doorways complying with paragraph (a) of subsection (3), such lobby measuring not less than 2 metres by 1,5 metres, with a ceiling at least 300 millimetres higher than the top of the doorway openings; and

b) A mechanical supply system, introducing outside air to the stairwell and lobbies at a rate which will maintain a pressure, with all doors closed, of 2,50 millimetres water gauge minimum above ambient.

(5) Supply systems mentioned in subsection (4) shall be—

a) Arranged to come into operation automatically when fire is detected, by means approved by the local authority;

b) Powered both from mains-supply and from an emergency alternator driven by compression-ignition engine to come into operation automatically in case of failure of mains-supply.

(6) Wherever the floor of any room in a building of a business, commercial or industrial occupancy is subdivided or obstructed by partitions, counters, benches, seats, tables, shelving, cupboards, goods and other obstructions which are of such a nature or weight as to be not readily removable in case of fire, such obstructions shall be so arranged as to leave aisles or openings between them, to enable the occupants of such room to reach a point of access to an exit-way.

(7) The aisle or openings referred to in subsection (6) shall be not less than 750 millimetres in width, but, where the public have access to them, such aisles shall be of such greater width, as would be required in terms of section 26.

34. PLACES OF INDOOR ASSEMBLY.

(1) Every place of assembly of an indoor nature shall comply with the requirements of this section.

(2) Submission of plans. – In respect of every building to be used as a place of assembly, plans in duplicate shall be submitted to the local authority for approval, showing—

a) The arrangements of movable and permanently fixed seating for the accommodation of an audience; and

b) The position and area where it is proposed that standing audience be accommodated; and

c) The number of standing persons which it is proposed to accommodate; and

d) The position or positions where it is proposed that wheel chairs shall be accommodated.

(3) Such plans shall be on approved material to a scale of 1:50, provided that in special circumstances the local authority may permit plans to a smaller scale, and a copy of the approved plan shall be exhibited in the building where it can be seen by the public.

(4) Seating. – All seats in any theatre or cinema shall be tip-up seats unless written exemption is obtained from the local authority. The seats shall be provided with both arms and backs, and shall be fixed in an approved manner to the floor in rows, excepting those in a theatre box.

(5) In places of assembly involving closely seated audiences other than a theatre or cinema, where the seats are not fixed to the floor, they shall be rigidly fastened together when in use in an approved manner in groups of not less than 20 seats, with not less than three rows of seats one behind the other and not less than three seats side by side:

Provided that in such places are used primarily for serving food or drinks on tables and containing not more than 150 seat, individual unfixed seats may be used.

(6) All seating for an audience arranged in rows shall comply with the following requirements –

a) The width of the seats shall be –

i) Not less than 510 millimetres centre to centre where arms are provided to the seats;

ii) Not less than 460 millimetres centre to centre where no arms are provided to the seats;

b) A clear walkway of not less than 305 millimetres shall be retained between perpendiculars between the back edge of one seat and the front edge of the nearest part of the seat immediately behind when the seats are in the down position;

c) The spacing of rows of seat measured between perpendiculars between the back edge of one seat and the back edge of the seat immediately behind shall be as follows—

i) Where restaurant service is provided in a place of assembly during a performance at times other than during an interval, not less than 1,065 metres;

ii) In other cases, not less than 815 millimetres where backs are provided to seats and not less than 710 millimetres where no backs are provided to seats;

d) There shall be not more than seven seats intervening between any seat and a longitudinal aisle running at right angles to the rows of seats:

Provided that—

i) Where a clear walkway between rows measured in the manner set out in paragraph (b) is not less than 555 millimetres; and

ii) Where there is a longitudinal aisle of not less than 1,37 metres in width at both ends of such rows;

Not more than thirty-five seats may be fixed in any row;

e) Provision shall be made within the seating area for not less than two wheel-chairs unless written exemption is obtained from the local authority.

(7) Aisles. —The width of every longitudinal aisle shall be not less than 915 millimetres plus 40 millimetres for every 1,5 metres or remaining portion thereof of its length and such aisle shall maintain a constant width throughout its length from the beginning of such aisle to its intersection with a cross-aisle or to a point of access to an exit-way.

(8) Cross-aisles, that is aisle running parallel to the rows of seats, shall be provided so that no longitudinal aisle serves more than 25 rows of seats, in the case of cross-aisles on the ground storey, or more than 15 rows of seats, in the case of any other storey.

(9) Every cross-aisle shall discharge at both ends directly to a point of access to an exit-way.

(10) The width of every cross-aisle shall be not less than the greater of the following widths –

a) The maximum width of any longitudinal aisle which intersects such cross-aisle; or

b) Such width as would be required in terms of section 26, if such cross-aisle were a component of a required exit-way.

(11) Every cross-aisle shall be provided with railings of not less than 760 millimetres in height, fixed between adjacent rows of seats, except where the backs of seats adjoin the aisle and project at least backs of seats adjoin the aisle and project at least 760 millimetres above the floor of the aisle.

(12) No aisle shall have a slope greater than 1 in 12, and all aisles shall have sufficient friction under all conditions to allow the public to negotiate the surface in complete safety.

(13) Anny steps in an aisle shall extend across the full width of the aisle and shall be uniform in height of rise and width of tread with the nosing of every tread –

a) Illuminated at all times when the public I in occupation of the building; and

b) Conspicuously marked.

(14) No steps up or down from aisles to seating platforms shall be permitted.

(15) Aisles shall be widened to the full unobstructed width of exit doors to a distance of at least 2 metres from such doors.

(16) No part of the main area assigned for the seating or standing of any person shall be measured as part of any aisle.

(17) Exit-ways. – Exit-ways shall comply with the following requirements—

a) Every gallery, balcony or other similar portion of an auditorium, and the main floor of such auditorium, shall each be provided with its own separate and distinct exit-ways:

Provided that no more than 50 per centum of the capacity of each such separate and distinct exit-way may discharge into a common main lobby, foyer or vestibule, were such lobby, foyer or vestibule itself discharges directly to street or public place;

b) No curtains or other hangings shall be hung across, or in front of, any doorway forming a component of an exit-way or a point of access to such exit-way;

c) Every salient angle formed by the walls of an exit-way shall be rounded off to a radius of not less than 250 millimetres, and, except in the case of lobbies, foyers and vestibule, every re-entrant angle formed by the walls of such exit-way shall be covered to a radius of not less than 600 millimetres;

d) Every stairway forming a component of an exit-way or steps in any aisle, shall have riser not exceeding 180 millimetres or less than 75 millimetres in height and treads of not less than 230 millimetres in width of which nosings shall not exceed 25 millimetres;

e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in section 31 –

i) Where an exit-court serves any public and assembly occupancy-unit of an indoor nature having a population not exceeding 600 persons, such exit-court shall be not less than 1,8 metres in unobstructed width; and

ii) The minimum width prescribed in sub-paragraph (i) shall be increased by 150 millimetres for every additional 100 persons or remaining part thereof of population over 600;

f) Provision shall be made for ramped or other approved access to the area referred to in paragraph (e) of subsection (6) for wheel-chairs unless written exemption is obtained from the local authority.

(18) Access doorways to exit-ways. – Every auditorium, including every gallery and balcony or other portion of an auditorium, shall be provided with a number of access doorways opening direct into required exit-ways, according to the population to be accommodated in such auditorium.

(19) Such doorways shall be not less than 1,12 metres wide and of such aggregate width, as is required in terms of section 26, and shall comply with the requirements of section 30.

(20) Such doorways shall be opposite aisles, and any additional doorways shall be so arranged as to achieve an even flow of the population into the exit-ways, and at least one such doorway shall be placed near the stage.

(21) The number of access doorways shall be not less than the appropriate number calculated from Table XVI:

Provided that a box or gallery capable of accommodating a maximum of 35 people may have only one exit.

TABLE XVI
ACCESS DOORWAYS IN AUDITORIA

(22) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (21), any auditorium referred to in subsection (13) of section 36 shall have not less than one access doorway leading to an exit-way for very 150 persons or remaining portion thereof of the population of such auditorium.

(23) Railings. – Railings, constructed to withstand a horizontal load of 3 kilonewtons per metre assumed to act at the top of the rails, shall be provided in the following cases—every audit

a) The front of every balcony, gallery or box shall be provided with substantial metal railings, or other approved protection against falling, of not less than 760 millimetres in height, measured from the floor-level of such balcony, gallery or box;

b) In every balcony, gallery or other similar structure, where seats in rows are arranged in successive tiers and the height of the rise from one tier to another exceeds 280 millimetres, a substantial metal railing or other approved protection of not less than 760 millimetres in height, measured from the floor of such tier, shall be fixed as near as practicable to the edge of such tier along the entire row of seats.

(24) Lighting. – Lighting shall comply with the following requirements –

a) Every auditorium, including exit-ways and exit signs pertaining thereto, shall be lighted by natural or electric light to an intensity of not less than 10,76 lux;

b) Every place of assembly used during the hours of darkness shall be provided with lighting, including an emergency lighting system, in accordance with C.A.S. No. CCI;

c) The control of such system shall be accessible only to a responsible member of the auditorium staff or fire department of the local authority;

d) Where the local authority considers it necessary, an additional and separate room shall be erected for the accommodation of any emergency source of electric power;

e) In every theatre, cinema or concert-hall, portable emergency light, such as electric flash-lights, shall be kept available in sufficient number in case of complete failure of all electrical installations.

(25) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (24) –

a) The local authority may exempt any place of assembly intended for use by less than 250 people from the provision of an emergency lighting system on receipt of a written application, and under such conditions as it deems fit;

b) Every place of assembly used or intended for use exclusively for public worship shall be exempt from the provision of an emergency lighting system.

(26) Communication with fire department. – Every place of assembly used or intended for use by more than 500 persons shall be fitted with department of the local authority.

35. PROVISION OF SEATING IN GRANDSTANDS AND SIMILAR STRUCTURES.

(1) Every place of assembly of an outdoor nature, such as grandstands and stadia, shall comply with the requirements of this section.

(2) Seating. – All seating shall be firmly fixed in rows and may be with or without back-rests.

(3) In the case of all seating accommodation, including grandstands –

a) The width of seating accommodation provided or intended to be provided for each person shall be not less than 460 millimetres; and

b) Each tier of seating shall be not less than 685 millimetres in horizontal depth and not more than 380 millimetres in height; and

c) If timber planks are used to construct the seating, such planks shall –

i) Be not less than 40 millimetres thick; and

ii) Not cantilever more than 150 millimetres beyond any support; and

iii) Not terminate on any support unless they have a bearing of at least 75 millimetres; and

d) The supports for any planks referred to in paragraph (c) shall be not more than 1,5 metres apart; and

e) The situation on the site of all seating accommodation shall require the approval of the local authority.

(4) In the case of grandstands—

a) No grandstand, other than earth-tier grand-stands, shall exceed a height of 3,6 metres unless structural calculations relating to the grandstand have been submitted to, and approved by, the local authority, or a certificate has been submitted to the local authority by a structural engineer in terms of paragraph (e) of subsection (1) of section 6 of Chapter 2; and

b) No grandstand shall be erected on the roof, balcony or veranda of any building or structure unless the local authority considers that the building or structure is capable of supporting –

i) The load of the grandstand; and

ii) The number of persons which the grandstand is intended to accommodate; and

c) Every grandstand, including earth-tier grandstands, shall be provided with barriers approved by the local authority—

i) If it exceeds 2 metres in height, at the back and ends of every unit; and

ii) If it is of or more than eight tiers in height, dividing the same into units of not more than eight tiers in height; and

iii) If it is of or more than eight tiers in height and is more than 15 metres in length, dividing the same into units of not more than 15 metres in length; and

d) The space under every grandstand shall be kept free from extraneous flammable materials.

(5) Each of the barriers referred to in paragraph (c) of subsection (4) shall be capable of withstanding a horizontal force of 3 kilonewtons per metre applied at the top of such barrier.

(6) The local authority may, upon written application by the owner, in special cases, and where it is deemed necessary or desirable owing to the circumstances, and having due regard to the public safety, waive or relax any of the requirements of paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (d) of subsection (3) and paragraph (c) of subsection (4).

(7) Longitudinal aisles. – Longitudinal aisles, that is aisles running at right-angles to the rows of seating, shall be provided so that no person seated in a row shall be more than 9,2 metres or 20 seats from a longitudinal aisle.

(8) The width of every longitudinal aisle shall be not less than 915 millimetres plus 40 millimetres for every 1,5 metres or remaining portion thereof its length and such aisle shall maintain a constant width throughout its length from the beginning of such aisle to its intersection with a cross-aisle or to a point of access to an exit-way.

(9) Cross-aisles. –The width of any cross-aisle provided shall be not less than the width of the widest longitudinal aisle which the cross-aisle intersects, or the width required, in terms of section 26, if such cross-aisle were a component of a required exit-way, whichever is the greater.

(10) Exits. – The number of exits from grandstands and stadia shall be not less than the number specified in Table XVII, and the width of each such exit shall be as required for exit-ways by section 26, but in no case less than 1,8 metres.

TABLE XVII
MINIMUM NUMBER OF EXITS FROM GRANDSTANDS AND STADIA

(11) Such exits shall be spaced not more than 23 metres apart for exits from grandstands constructed of combustible materials and not more than 60 metres apart for grandstands constructed of non-combustible materials.

36. STAGES AND BACK-STAGE AREAS.

(1) Except as provided in subsections (13) and (14), the provisions of this section shall apply to stages and ack-stage areas in all theatres and other occupancy-units in which plays, operas or other productions necessitating the use of scenery take place.

(2) In all such occupancy-units, the stage and back-stage area shall be completely separated from the auditorium by a proscenium-wall having a resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Each permitted opening shall not exceed 2 square metres in area.

(3) Subject to the provisions of subsection (4), only three openings may be permitted in such proscenium wall other than the proscenium opening, and they shall be below the top of the proscenium opening protected by self-closing fire doors having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Each permitted opening shall not exceed 2 square metres in area.

(4) In addition, openings in a proscenium-wall above the proscenium-opening may be permitted with the written permission of the local authority.

(5) Every proscenium-opening shall be provided with a fire-curtain, which shall be –

a) Capable of withstanding a lateral pressure of 480 pascals; and

b) Constructed of a rigid steel framework; and

c) Covered on the stage side with steel sheet not thinner than 1,6 millimetres; and

d) Covered on the auditorium side with steel sheet not less than 1,6 millimetres in thickness or by asbestos-cloth reinforced with interwoven wire; and

i) The edges of such cloth sheets shall butt together; and

ii) The joints shall be protected by cover sheets of steel secured to the framework by screws or other approved means; and

e) Constructed so as to slide freely in vertical steel guides fixed to the stage-side on both sides of the proscenium-wall; and

f) So, arranged as to overlap the proscenium-opening by at least 450 millimetres on each side and by at least 600 millimetres at the top, when it is closed; and

g) So, arranged that, in the event of fire on or near the stage, it will descend automatically and completely, and effectively close the proscenium-opening, so as to prevent the passage of flame or smoke through such opening; and

h) So, arranged that, whenever it descends, whether actuated manually or automatically, it descends completely in not more than 30 seconds, but requires at least five seconds to descend the last 2 metres, and moves smoothly and without jerks throughout; and

i) Capable of being closed manually at any time; and

j) Provided with the following notice to be displayed on the auditorium side of the curtain in red block letters not less than 75 millimetres in height—

“THIS SAFETY CURTAIN MUST BE RAISED IN THE PRESENCE OF THE AUDIENCE BEFORE EACH PERFOMANCE”

(6) Every stage shall comply with the following requirements—

a) The rigging-loft, fly-galleries and pin-rails shall be of non-combustible materials throughout;

b) The fly-galleries shall be of meshed or slatted construction having clear openings aggregating not less than half the area covered by such galleries;

c) One or more ventilators, equipped with openable shutters or sashes, shall be provided over the stage;

d) Such ventilators shall be of non-combustible material, and their aggregate openable area shall be at least one-tenth of the floor area of the stage;

e) The ventilators shall be so constructed that they will open automatically in the event of a fire on the stage;

f) The ventilators shall be capable of being opened manually at any time;

g) The roof and ceiling over such stage shall be of non-combustible materials throughout;

h) The troughs and frames for footlights and other lights, and all other fixtures and fittings on the stage which it is practicable to make of non-combustible material, shall be made of such material;

i) All other fixtures and fittings, and all scenery and other things on the stage which it is not practicable to make of non-combustible material, shall be treated with approved fire-retardant paint or solution;

j) Every stage shall be provided with –

i) An approved automatic sprinkler system; and

ii) An approved drencher system, operating both manually an automatically, installed behind the fire-curtain referred to in subsection (5), so as to permit the discharge of water along the whole of the curtain on the stage-side; and

iii) At least two hand fire-extinguishers;

k) On the prompt-side of the stage, in a readily accessible position, there shall be provided a telephone or an approved fire-alarm system in direct communication with the fire department of the local authority.

(7) The apparatus for the operation of the fire-curtain, the stage ventilators and the stage ventilators and the stage drencher system shall likewise be located on the prompt-side of the stage, in a readily accessible position from at least two positions, one not more than 3 metres from a stage-door.

(8) The words “NO SMOKING” shall be conspicuously painted on the stage-side of the proscenium-wall on both sides of the proscenium-opening, in block letters of not less than 150 millimetres in height.

(9) All dressing-rooms, work-rooms, scenery-storey, property-stores and other rooms appurtenant to the stage shall be located in the back-stage area, occupancy-unit here under consideration by walls, floors and ceilings having a fire-resistance rating of not less than four hours.

(10) The following two categories of back-stage rooms, namely—

a) Dressing-rooms, lavatories and rooms appurtenant thereto; and

b) Scenery-stores and property-stores;

Shall be separated from each other by walls, floors and ceilings having a fire-resistance rating of not less than one hour.

(11) Doorways in the rooms referred to in subsection (10), which open on to the stage, shall be fitted with doors having a fire-resistance rating of not less than an hour.

(12) The person having control of any stage shall ensure that –

a) The fire-curtain of such stage is tested at the beginning of every performance, and lowered at the end of every performance; and

b) The telephone or fire-alarm system on such stage is tested at the beginning of every performance; and

c) No naked lights of any description are used on such stage:

Provided that such lights, if required in connexion with any performance, may be used with the permission of the local authority.

(13) any stage forming part of an auditorium seating not more than 500 people, used solely for the presentation of theatrical and similar performances, shall, if the relevant requirements of the preceding subsections of this section are not complied with, be constructed in compliance with the following minimum requirements—

a) Every such stage and back-stage area shall be separated from the auditorium by a proscenium-wall having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours;

b) Any openings in such proscenium-wall, other than the proscenium-opening, shall be protected by self-closing doors having a fire-resistance rating of not less than half an hour;

c) There shall be no openings in the proscenium-wall above the proscenium-opening;

d) Every proscenium-opening shall be provided with an approved heavy-woollen or asbestos-cloth curtain;

e) All dressing-rooms and other rooms appurtenant to such stage shall be located in the back-stage are, and shall be separated from the stage by walls of non-combustible construction;

f) Any doorways in such walls which open on to the stage shall be fitted with self-closing fire-doors having a fire-resistance rating of not less than half an hour;

g) Every such stage shall be provided with at least two hand fir-extinguishers;

h) The access doorways from such auditorium to exit-ways shall comply with the requirements of subsection (22) of section 34.

(14) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (13) and subject to compliance with paragraph (g) thereof, a proscenium curtain may be omitted for theatres seating not more than 250 people with the written permission of the local authority.

(15) All stages, dressing-rooms and other back-stage rooms shall be provided with exit-ways, which shall be entirely separate and distinct from, and independent of, the exit-ways serving the auditorium.

(16) Every back-stage area shall have at least two doorways leading direct to an exit-way or to a street or public place

(17) Such doors shall be self-closing fire-doors having a fire-resistance rating of not less than half an hour, opening outwards, and shall be located as far as practicable from one another.

37. PROJECTION AND REWINDING ENCLOSURE.

(1) In this section –

“projection-room enclosure” means an enclosure in which a projection unit is operated or in which a projection unit is operated or in which the rewinding of film is undertaken or in which both such activities are conducted;

“projection unit” means a projector with or without a slides-machine.

(2) No flammable film shall be used in a projection unit in a place of assembly unless written permission is obtained from the local authority.

(3) In any building or part of a building used for cinematographically or theatrical performances the operation of a projection unit and the rewinding of film shall only be undertaken from within a projection-room enclosure, except where the provisions of subsection (15) or (20) apply.

(4) The projection-room enclosure shall comply with the following requirements—

a) it shall be not less than 4,5 metres in length and 3,5 metres in width and 2,4 metres in height for one projector with an additional unit;

b) not more than a total mass of 150 kilograms of film in their respective cases may be kept in the projection-room enclosure at any one time, and such film must be kept in their containers when not in use;

c) the projection-room enclosure shall have two means of egress through doorways, one of which shall lead direct to the open air.

(5) Every opening in the wall separating the auditorium from the projection-room enclosure shall be completely covered with armoured plate glass of at least 6 millimetres in thickness glazed into an incombustible frame.

(6) The size of such openings shall be not more than –

a) for each projector, effects-machine or slides-machine, an opening 400 × 400 millimetres;

b) one observation-opening, 400 millimetres by 300 millimetres, corresponding to each projector opening, as in paragraph (a);

c) one opening, of not more than 800 × 750 millimetres, for combined uses of operator and spotlight or the like, when the stage is used for live performances.

(7) The doors of the projection-room enclosure shall be self-closing fire-doors, each of not less than 750 millimetres in width and 2 metres in height, opening outwards, having a fire-resistance rating of not less than half an hour, and shall not communicate directly with the auditorium.

(8) The wall, floors and ceilings of the enclosure referred to in subsections (3) and (4) shall be of non-combustible materials, and shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than one hour.

(9) All shelves, furniture and fixtures within the enclosure shall be constructed of non-combustible material or of hardwood.

(10) Carbon and Xenon, or similar type arc-lamp housings shall be ventilated by means of a ventilating-cowl fixed over each machine, and leading to the outside air or by any other approved means.

(11) The projection-room enclosure shall, in addition, be supplied with at least 6 cubic metres of air per minute from a mechanical ventilation system.

(12) All inlet and outlet ventilation-openings shall be protected by wire netting or screens of not more than 13-millimetre mesh.

(13) Provision shall be made for switching on the auditorium lights from inside the projection-room enclosure and from at least one other convenient point in the building.

(14) In the projection-room enclosure the electric lighting shall be supplied from a power-circuit separate from all other circuits, and shall also be connected, through a separate circuit, to the emergency supply referred to in paragraph (b) of subsection (24) of section 34.

(15) Where a projection unit is operated or the rewinding of film is undertaken for performances, including the illustrating of lectures, in cases where the aggregate number of days on which performances are to be given does not exceed 30 in any one year or the audience does not exceed 35 people at any one time, such usage shall comply with the following requirements—

a) the apparatus used must be of the portable type requiring a single-phase supply of not more than 13 amp at a voltage of 220-250;

b) not more than two projectors or one projector and one slides-machine may be used at any one time;

c) the apparatus must be operated from an approved non-combustible pedestal or stand;

d) the amount of film shall not exceed 50 kilograms mass in the auditorium at any time and such film shall be in containers when in not in use:

Provided that the provisions of this subsection need not be complied with if a projection-room enclosure is installed.

(16) All film not in actual us shall be kept in containers constructed of galvanized steel or other approved material and shall be constructed in an approved manner.

(17) Each container as described in subsection (16) shall contain reels of film not in excess of 50 kilograms total mass and shall have a tight self-closing door or lid of similar material.

(18) “NO SMOKING” signs, in clearly legible block letters, of at least 100 millimetres in height, shall be placed in prominent positions in the projection-room enclosure.

(19) Every Projection-room enclosure shall be provided with at least one approved hand fire-extinguisher, a face shield and pair of leather gloves, and an approved asbestos blanket measuring not least than 2 × 2 metres.

(20) The provision of this section shall not apply to the use of a projection unit in a dwelling.

38. ROOMS FOR STORAGE OR KEEPING OF FILM.

(1) Film in excess of 150 kilograms shall only be stored or kept in rooms and positions complying with the requirements of this section.

(2) Nothing other than film and film-cement shall be kept in a film-storage room referred to in subsection (1).

(3) The walls, floors and roofs or ceiling of such rooms shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than four hours.

(4) The cubic capacity of a room shall not exceed 21 cubic metres.

(5) The mass of film-stores in any one room shall not exceed 1 000 kilograms.

(6) An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be provided, and there shall be a sufficient number of sprinkler-heads to release 50 litres per minute per cubic metre of room-space, and the sprinkler-heads shall be arranged to give uniform distribution within the partitioned sections referred to in subsection (9).

(7) There shall be a water-supply sufficient to keep the system operating for not less than 20 minutes.

(8) Hand fire-extinguishers shall also be provided.

(9) Film-reel racks within the room shall be of non-combustible material, and shall be divided by partitions of non-combustible material equivalent to 10-millimetre asbestos-cement sheet, extending from the floor to the top of the rack.

(10) Any sections formed by the partitions referred to in subsection (9) shall be not more than 1 metre in width

(11) Doors of the rooms shall be approved self-closing, swinging fire-doors having a fire-resistance rating of not less than one hour, which open outwards into a corridor or lobby provided with similar approved self-closing, swinging fire-doors, and the doors shall open easily from the inside.

(12) The words “FILM-STORE: NO SMOKING” shall be painted in block letters of not less than 100 millimetres in height on both sides of such doors, and a warning notice shall be affixed to, or painted on, the door, indicating the weight of film which may be kept therein.

(13) The corridors referred to in subsection (11) shall have the same construction as the rooms opening into them, and no door opening into such corridor shall be opposite any other such door.

(14) The corridor shall be served by at least two exit-ways, and shall be at least 1,12 metres in width.

(15) The ventilation of film-storage rooms shall comply with the following requirements—

a) each room shall have an independent ventilation-opening to the open air, and corridors shall also be ventilated independently;

b) the ventilation-opening from every room shall have a cross-sectional area of at least 0,1 square metre per each 500 kilograms or remaining part thereof of film for which the room is intended;

c) terminal outlets to ventilation-openings shall be located above the roof of the room or shall face an open space, and be not less than 7,5 metres from any window opening or fire-escape.

(16) The electrical apparatus for a film-storage room shall comply with the following requirements—

a) no electrical apparatus, other than that essential for lighting, shall be permitted within the film-storage room in which film is kept;

b) lights shall be fixed at the ceiling with vapourproof fittings, and all wiring thereto shall be through seamless, screwed metal conduit;

c) al switches, including those controlling thermostats for air-conditioning, shall be located outside such room, together with pilot-lights showing when the lights in such room are on.

(17) No heating of such rooms shall be allowed, nor shall heating-pipe be allowed to pass through such rooms.

39. DRY-CLEANING ROOMS.

(1) General. – Every room used, or intended to be used, for gain or reward for the cleaning or treatment of garments, textiles or other such materials, with the aid of flammable liquids or substances (here-inafter referred to as a dry-cleaning room), shall comply with the requirements of this section.

(2) No dry-cleaning room shall be located in a basement or in any other place where the floor surface of such room is below the mean finished ground-level immediately surrounding such room, and no such room shall be used for any purpose other than that described in this section or purposes incidental thereto.

(3) Every wall, floor and ceiling of a dry-cleaning room shall be constructed of non-combustible materials having a fire-resistance rating of not less than two hours.

(4) Doors and windows. – Every door leading from a dry-cleaning room shall be a self-closing fire-door, and have a fire-resistance rating of not less than one hour.

(5) There shall be at least two such doors, opening outwards direct to the open air, hung to frames having a raised sill of concrete or other approved non-combustible material of not less than 150 millimetres in height.

(6) The fenestrations of such room shall provide openable windows having an aggregate area of not less than 10 per centum of the floor area of such room.

(7) All windows shall be glazed with wire-woven glass of not less than 6 millimetres in thickness.

(8) All doors and windows of such room shall be at least 4,5 metres from the nearest lateral boundary of the stand on which is erected the building in which such room is situate or from another building on the same stand.

(9) Lighting and electrical equipment. – All lighting and electrical equipment in a dry-cleaning room shall comply with the following requirements—

a) no artificial lighting other than electric lighting shall be used;

b) all electrical fittings and equipment shall be flameproof and vapourproof, and all wiring thereto shall be through seamless, screwed, metal conduit which shall be effectively bonded to earth;

c) fuses and circuit breakers shall be located outside such room;

d) one push button switch, so constructed and connected as to provide means of stopping all machinery in case of an emergency, shall be provided in such room in an easily accessible position.

(10) Motive power. – Where any equipment is driven by means of shafting from motive power outside the dry-cleaning room, the driving-shaft shall pass through a gas-proof wall-box, which shall be installed at the point in the wall where such shafting enters such room.

(11) Steam-supply system. – Every dry-cleaning room shall be provided with a steam-supply system complying with the following requirements—

a) steam shall be reticulated through steam-piping of not less than 25 millimetres in nominal bore provided with perforations or jets of not less than 6 millimetres in diameter;

b) the piping shall be so disposed, and the perforations or jets so spaced, as to give, as far as practicable, a dispersion of steam sufficient to flood such room with steam within one minute, in the event of an outbreak of fire;

c) a steam-trap, or other means of preventing the accumulation of water in such piping, shall be provided;

d) an adequate steam-supply shall be maintained continuously while any flammable liquid is contained in any dry-cleaning equipment in such room;

e) the boiler, or other equipment used for generating steam for a steam-supply system, shall be placed outside such room;

f) the service-line of such system shall be provided with a stop-valve, situated outside such room, in an easily accessible position.

(12) Ventilation. – Every dry-cleaning room shall be ventilated by means of a mechanical system of exhaust and inlet ventilation of such design, construction and capacity as will adequately remove flammable liquid vapour from such room, and discharge such vapour into the air in such manner that it does not create a public nuisance, and shall comply with the following further requirements—

a) such system shall cause the air in the room to be changed at least 30 times in every hour;

b) the blades of all ventilating-fans shall be made of non-ferrous metal;

c) all exhaust ventilation-ducts shall be installed with the lower edges not less than 150 millimetres and not more than 300 millimetres above the level of the floor and shall be as near as practicable to the points of origin of flammable liquid vapour emanating from the dry-cleaning equipment;

d) fresh-air intakes shall be located not less than 2,1 metres above the level of the floor.

(13) Signs. – The words “DANGER: NO SMOKING”, in block letters of not less than 150 millimetres in height, shall be conspicuously displayed outside and inside every entrance to every dry-cleaning room, and shall at all times be maintained in a legible condition.

40. SPRAY-ROOMS.

(1) General. – Every room used or intended to be used for spraying, or otherwise applying cellulose or other flammable paints or lacquers or other volatile flammable liquids (hereinafter referred to as a spray-room) shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements of this section.

(2) No such room shall be used for any purpose other than for such spraying.

(3) The walls, floor and ceiling-roof assembly of every spray-room shall be constructed of non-combustible materials, and have a fire-resistance rating of not less than two hours.

(4) Such walls, floor and ceiling-roof assembly shall be vapour-tight.

(5) The windows in a spray-room shall be non-opening fire-windows having a fire-resistance rating of not less than half an hour.

(6) The doorways and doors, whether internal or external, to a spray-room shall comply with the following requirements—

a) there shall be not less than two doorways, which shall be separated by as great a distance as is practicable, and in any case by not less than half the length of the room;

b) every doorway which is 1,1 metres or less in width shall be fitted with a swinging door opening outwards;

c) every doorway which is more than 1,1 metres but not more than 2,4 metres in width shall be fitted with a sliding door;

d) every doorway which is more than 2,4 metres in width shall be fitted with a roller-shutter:

Provided that any doorway which is more than 3 metres in height shall be fitted with an approved automatic roller-shutter, irrespective of its width;

e) every such swinging or sliding door shall be an approved self-closing fire-door having a fire-resistance rating of not less than one hour, and shall have an observation panel of not less than 300 millimetres square and of not more than 600 millimetres square, of clear wire-woven glazing having a fire-resistance rating of at least half an hour;

f) every such door and shutter shall be kept closed at all times, except at such times as the door concerned is being used for the ingress or egress of goods or persons.

(7) No artificial illumination, other than electric lights, shall be used in a spray-room.

(8) All electrical fittings and apparatus in such room, or forming part of a ventilation system thereof, shall be flameproof and vapourproof, and all wiring thereto shall be through seamless, screwed, metal conduit, and shall be effectively bonded to earth.

(9) Fuses for electrical lighting and apparatus shall be located outside such room.

(10) Any artificial heating for a spray-room shall be by means of steam or hot water.

(11) Any boiler used to generate heat for this purpose shall be located outside such room.

(12) Ventilation. – Every spray-room shall have an effectual mechanical ventilation system which will extract the fumes from such room and discharge them in such manner that they do not create a public nuisance.

(13) Wherever practicable, such system shall take the form of an extraction-fan situated in an external wall of such room and discharging direct to the open air without the intermediary of a duct.

(14) Where this is impracticable, any extraction duct provided shall be of metal, shall be as short as possible, shall have no sharp bends and shall be taken through an external wall without passing through any other part of the building in which the spray-room is located.

(15) All fans shall be readily accessible, and ducts, if any, shall be fitted with doors for cleaning.

(16) Inlets for fresh air shall be provided, and shall be located not less than 2,1 metres above floor-level.

(17) The ventilating system for a spray-room shall be capable of providing a complete change of air in such room at least 30 times per hour.

(18) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section (17), where separate booths or similar enclosures exist within such room, it shall be permissible to provide not less than 30 complete air changes per hour only to each such booth or enclosure, if the spray-room, as a whole, is provided with extract ventilation at the rate of not less than 0,6 cubic metre of air per minute per square metre of floor area of such room.

(19) Not more than two such booths or enclosures shall be connected to a common fan or common exhaust-duct.

(20) If more than one fan is connected to a particular duct, the controls to such fans shall be so interconnected that one fan cannot be operated without simultaneously operating all fans connected to such duct.

(21) Except in the case of booths or similar enclosures, the inlets to extraction-fans or extraction-ducts shall be located not more than 450 millimetres above the floor-level of the spray-room.

(22) Signs. – Every door and roller0-shutter in a spray-room shall be marked on both sides of such door or shutter in block letters of not less than 50 millimetres in height, stating: “THIS DOORE”, or “THIS SHUTTER”, as the case may be, “TO BE KEPT CLOSED WHEN SPRAYING IS IN PROGRESS” and shall at all ties be maintained in a legible condition.

(23) At least one notice in block letters of not less than 150 millimetres in height, stating: “NO SMOKING”, shall be painted on a wall of every spray-room and shall at all times be maintained in a legible condition.

(24) Hand fire-extinguishers. – Every spray-room shall be provided with an approved number of hand fire-extinguishers.

41. ROOMS CONTAINING HEATING APPLIANCES AND AIR-CONDITIONING APPLIANCES.

(1) Subject to the provision of subsection (9), every room in a building which—

(a) contains an air-conditioning plant or a boiler, furnace-incinerator or similar appliance in which heat is generated; and

b) serves the whole or greater part of an occupancy-unit;

shall be separated from the remainder of the building by walls, floor and ceiling of non-combustible construction having a fire resistance rating of not less than one and a half hours:

Provided that, if such room contains a steam-boiler which operates at a pressure of more than 70 kilopascals with a rating of more than 7,5 kilowatts, such fire-resistance rating shall be not less than two hours.

(2) There shall be no openings in any such separating-walls, floors or ceilings, except through a lobby separating such room from the remainder of the building.

(3) Such lobby shall have walls, floor and ceiling with a fire-resistance rating equal to that of the walls, floor and ceiling of the room it serves.

(4) The doorways to such lobby and such room shall be protected by self-closing fire-doors having a fire-resistance rating of not less than one hour, and the doorway between such lobby and the remainder of such building shall be further protected by a fire-shutter having a fire-resistance rating of not less than one hour.

(5) Where the fuel used in the appliances mentioned in subsection (1) is a liquid fuel, every doorway in such room shall be provided with a raised sill high enough to form a well, which will contain, without leakage, the maximum amount of fuel kept in such room, plus 25 per centum of such amount.

(6) A heat-sensitive device shall be fitted close to the appliance and arranged to shut a fire-valve, installed in the fuel line(s) near the point of entry to the room, when the temperature in the vicinity of the appliance is within the range 68 degrees Celsius to 74 degrees Celsius. Where ambient temperatures may exceed 49 degrees Celsius the device may be set to operate at a maximum temperature of 93 degrees Celsius. The five-valve(s) and associated parts shall comply with the requirements of B.S. 799.

(7) Every such room shall have not less than two alternative means of egress, as widely separated as possible, to an exit-way or street or public place.

(8) Every such room and lobby shall be provided with permanent means of ventilation, adequate to remove such products of combustion as may be emitted into such room, and so designed that the temperature of any combustible material adjacent to any appliance mentioned in subsection (1) will not exceed 80 degrees Celsius.

(9) The provisions of this section shall not apply to domestic cooking-stoves, fire-places, heaters or other such domestic appliances, or to electrode boilers.

(10) The installation of oil-fired equipment shall comply with B.S. C.P. 3002.

(11) The installation of domestic butane-gas or propane-gas burning-appliances shall comply with B.S. C.P. 339 or S,A.B.S. 087.

42. FLUES, CHIMNEYS AND SMOKESTAKES.

(1) Flues. – Every heat-generating appliance producing smoke or other noxious gases shall be provided with a flue complying with the following requirements—

a) no flue shall have smoke-pipe connexions in more than one storey of a building, unless provision is made for effectively closing smoke-pipe openings with devices made of non-combustible materials whenever their use is discontinued temporarily;

b) where a smoke-pipe is permanently in disuse, it shall be completely closed off with concrete, masonry or similar construction;

c) two or more smoke-pipes shall not be joined for a single flue connexion, unless the smoke-pipes and flues are of sufficient size to serve all the appliances thus connected;

d) the cross-sectional area of flues for appliances mentioned in this subsection which burn gas shall be not less than 10 square centimetres per hourly input of 12 megajoules, and in no case shall this cross-section be less than 75 millimetres in diameter;

e) flues shall have cross-sectional areas at least equal to the aggregate areas of the smoke-pipes of the appliances connected to them.

(2) Chimneys; general. – All chimneys erected within or attached to, a building or structure shall be constructed in accordance with the following requirements—

a) chimneys shall be of, and be supported by, non-combustible construction;

b) if chimneys are capped, such capping shall be of brick, terracotta, stone, cast iron, concrete, or other approved non-combustible material;

c) spaces between the chimney and joists, beams or girders, and between the chimney and any combustible materials, shall be fir-stopped by filling with non-combustible material;

d) no change in the size or shape of a flue shall be made within a distance of 150 millimetres of any combustible ceiling or roof-member.

(3) Chimneys for dwelling-houses and industrial low-heat appliances—particular requirements. – Chimneys for dwelling-houses and industrial low-heat appliances shall comply with the following requirements in addition to those specified in subsection (2) –

a) every chimney shall extend at least 600 millimetres above the height point of the roof which is within a radius of 2,25 metres, measured horizontally from the nearest vertical surface of the chimney;

b) chimneys for dwelling-houses shall be constructed of solid masonry-units, reinforced concrete or other approved non-combustible material;

d) n dwelling-houses not exceeding one storey in height, the thickness of the chimney-walls shall be not less than 100 millimetres, if lined as-described in paragraphs (g) to (i), and 215 millimetres if not so lined;

e) in other buildings and in dwelling-houses exceeding one storey in height, the thickness of such walls shall be not less than 215 millimetres;

f) except in the case of chimneys having walls of at least 215 millimetres in thickness, serving dwelling-houses and other buildings appurtenant thereto, every chimney hereafter erected or rebuilt shall be lined with a flue-lining complying with paragraphs (g) to (i);

g) flue-linings shall be made of fire-clay, refractory clay or any other approved refractory material which will withstand the action of material which will withstand the action of flue-gases and resist, without softening or cracking, the temperatures to which they will be subjected, or of cast iron of approved quality, form and construction;

h) flue-linings shall be not less than 12 millimetres in thickness;

i) flue-linings shall start from a point not less than 230 millimetres below the intake, or in the case of fire-places, from the throat of the fire-place and shall extend for the entire height of the chimney;

j) soot-doors and frames for flues or fire-places shall be of cast iron arranged to remain tightly closed when not in use;

k) when two or more flues are contained in the same chimney, each flue shall be separated from the others by masonry or concrete of at least 100 millimetres in thickness bonded into the wall of the chimney;

l) any joimts in the flue-linings of adjacent flues shall be staggered at least 180 millimetres.

(4) Incinerator-chimneys. – Chimneys for incinerators shall comply with the following additional requirements, and shall extend to a height above the roof equal to that required by paragraph (a) of subsection (3) excluding toilet incinerators—

a) Incinerator-chimneys other than fuel-fired incinerators. – Chimneys for incinerators, other than fuel-fired incinerators, erected in buildings of residential, institutional, place of worship, school or college, both residential or non-residential, or restaurant occupancy shall be constructed as follows—

i) when the gate area of the combustion-chamber does not exceed 0,85 square metre and the height of the building does not exceed three storeys, the thickness of the chimney-walls shall be not less than 100 millimetres and the flue shall be lined in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs (g) to (i) of subsection (3);

ii) when the grate area of the combustion-chamber exceeds 0,85 square metre or the building exceeds three storeys in height, the chimney shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (b);

b) fuel-fired incinerator-chimneys. – Chimneys for fuel-fired incinerators shall be lined with refractory-brick lining of at least 114 millimetres in thickness laid in fire-clay mortar and extending to the top of the chimney or to a point not less than 12 metre above the roof of the combustion-chamber, whichever is the lower. The walls of the chimney, including the fire-lining shall be not less than 215 millimetres in thickness.

(5) Chimneys for industrial medium-heat appliances. – Chimneys for industrial medium-heat appliances, other than incinerators, shall comply with the following requirements—

a) every chimney shall extend to a height of not less than 3 metres above the highest point of any roof which is within a radius of 7,5 metres, measured horizontally from the nearest vertical surface of the chimney;

b) if such chimneys are constructed of concrete, the concrete shall be reinforced, and the walls shall be not less than 230 millimetres in thickness and shall, in addition, be lined with not less than 114 millimetres of fire-brick laid in fire-clay mortar, and such lining shall start not less than 600 millimetres below the smoke-pipe entrance, and extend for a height of at least 7,5 metres above the smoke-pipe entrance.

(6) Chimneys for industrial high-heat appliances. – Chimneys for industrial high-heat appliances shall be built to comply with the following requirements—

a) such chimneys shall be built with double walls, each single wall being of not less than 215 millimetres in thickness, with an adequately ventilated air-space of not less than 50 millimetres between them;

b) such space shall be ventilated near the top and the bottom;

c) the inside 114 millimetres thickness of the interior walls shall be of fire-brick laid in fire-clay mortar;

d) such chimneys shall extend at least 6 metres above the highest point of any roof which is within a radius of 15 metres measured horizontally from the nearest vertical surface of the chimney, and shall be covered on the top with heavy wire netting or other approved spark-arrester;

e) no woodwork or other combustible material or construction shall be erected or placed within 1 metre of any part of such chimney.

(7) Fire-place hearths. – Fire-place hearths shall be built in compliance with the following requirements –

a) every fire-place shall have a hearth of brick, stone, tile or other approved non-combustible material supported on a fire-resistant slab or on masonry trimmer-arches;

b) such hearth shall extend at least 450 millimetres outside of the chimney-breast and not less than 30 millimetres beyond each side of the fire-place opening along the chimney-breast;

c) the combined thicknesses of hearth and supporting non-combustible construction shall be not less than 150 millimetres at any one point.

(8) Smoke-stacks. – Every smoke-stack shall comply with the following requirements—

a) every smoke-stack shall be of adequate thickness to withstand all forces, including wind forces, to which it may be subjected, at stresses permitted by these by-laws, and if of metal, shall be properly riveted or welded and, unless structurally self-supporting, shall be securely guyed or firmly anchored to, or otherwise supported by, the building or structure served by such stack;

b) all metal-work shall be painted or galvanized or be of corrosion-resistant alloy;

c) soot-doors shall be provided at the base of every such stack;

d) all metal smoke-stacks used for industrial high-heat appliances shall be lined with 114-millimetre-thick fire-brick laid flat in fire-clay mortar, and such lining shall extend not less than 7,5 metre above the smoke-pipe entrance;

e) smoke-stacks shall extend to a height of not less than the following—

i) for dwelling-houses, industrial low-heat appliances and incinerators, the height set out in paragraph (a) of subsection (3);

ii) for industrial medium-heat appliances, the height set out in subsection (6);

(f) exterior smoke-stacks, or parts of smoke-stacks, erected on the exterior of a building, shall have a clearance from the wall of not less than 115 millimetres. No such stack shall be nearer than 600 millimetres in any direction from a wall-opening, exit-way or fire-escape;

g) interior smoke-stacks, or parts of smoke-stacks, erected within a building other than a one-storey building, shall be enclosed above the storey in which the appliance served by the stack is located, in walls of non-combustible construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than one hour, with a space on all sides between the stack and the enclosing-walls sufficient to render the entire stack accessible for examination and repair;

h) the enclosing-walls of interior stacks shall be without openings, except doorways equipped with approved self-closing fire-doors provided for inspection purposes;

i) where such stack passes through a roof constructed of combustible material, it shall be protected by a sleeve of non-combustible material extending at least 230 millimetres above and below the roof construction, and providing a clearance all round between stack and sleeve of at least 40 millimetres or one-quarter of the external diameter of the stack, whichever is the greater;

j) such sleeve shall ventilate to the open air above the roof.

(9) Raising adjoining chimneys, smoke-stacks, et cetera. – No person shall, without the consent of the local authority, erect, enlarge or raise a building so that a wall thereof extends above the top of a chimney or smoke-stack attached to an existing building, if such erection, enlargement or raising causes a contravention of the provisions of paragraph (a) of subsection (3) or of subsection (5), or of paragraph (d) of subsection (6), or of paragraph (e) of subsection (8), and such consent may be given on such terms and conditions as the local authority may consider reasonable.

(10) Spark-arresters. – Heavy wire netting or other approved spark-arresting appliances shall be fitted to every chimney, smoke-stack or flue where—

a) the roofing material of the building concerned is of thatch, shingles or other combustible material; or

b) the chimney, smoke-stack or flue serves an incinerator constructed for the burning of any product which may give rise to sparks; or

c) the local authority is of the opinion, on reasonable grounds, that such chimney, smoke-stack or flue is likely to cause the outbreak of fire by the emission of sparks.

43. PARKING-GARAGES.

Every parking-garage shall comply with the following requirements—

a) every such garage forming part of a building used for an occupancy different from that of the garage shall be separated from the remainder of such building by one or more occupancy-separation structures having a fire-resistance rating of not less than that specified in Table XVIII;

TABLE XVIII
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATINGS FOR OCCUPANCY-SEPARATION STRUCTURES FOR PARKING-GARAGES

b) no door leading from a garage shall open direct into a room used for sleeping purposes;

c) garages having a floor area exceeding 250 square metres shall comply with the following requirements –

i) the floor shall be graded and drained to the satisfaction of the local authority;

ii) no artificial illumination, other than electric light, shall be used in such garage;

iii) at least one notice reading “NO SMOKING”, in block letters of not less than 150 millimetres in height, shall be conspicuously exhibited in every such garage;

iv) every such garage located in a basement of a building containing another occupancy-unit above such garage shall be provided with an approved sprinkler installation;

d) ramps connecting floors of garages, and which do not form components of required exit-ways, need not be enclosed.

44. STORAGE OR KEEPING OF FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS OR SUBSTANCES

(1) Except as provided in this section, every room used for the storage or keeping of flammable liquids and substances shall be constructed as a separate building, which shall be distinct from any other building.
(2) If, in the opinion of the local authority, it is impracticable to construct a room for the storage or keeping of flammable liquids and substances as a separate building, such room may be constructed as part of a building, subject to the following conditions-
(a) such room shall be completely separated from the remainder of such building by walls having a fire-resistance rating of not less than four hours and by a ceiling constructed in the form of two parallel slabs of solid reinforced concrete of at least 100 millimeters in thickness, having a layer of asbestos of not less than 25 millimeters in thickness between such slabs;

(b) there shall be no openings whatsoever in such walls and ceiling:
(c) every such room shall have at least one external wall;
(d) every such room shall be on the ground storey, and shall have a solid floor of incombustible material laid directly on the ground;
(e) notwithstanding the provisions of para- graph (a) with regard to the construction of the ceiling, the roof of any such room not having another storey above it shall be of solid reinforced concrete of not less than 125 millimeters in thickness;
(f) not more than 900 liters of flammable liquids or more than 1,5 cubic meters, in the case of other flammable substances not being flammable liquids, shall be stored in such room; (g) such room shall have no windows, but shall be ventilated by an approved mechanical ventilation system, if required by the local authority, or by air-brick openings, set in the exterior and interior faces of the external walls, in the ratio of 1 500 square centimeters for every 5 square meters or remaining part thereof of the floor area of such room;
(h) fifty per centum of such air-bricks shall be located in such walls immediately above the level of the door-sill or sills, and the remainder located as near to the ceiling-level as is practicable;
(i) the backs of all such air-bricks shall be covered with woven wire gauze of copper, brass or bronze, with an aperture size of not more than 0,71 millimeter, securely fixed to the air-bricks;
(i) every door to any such room shall comply with the following requirements–
(i) the door and the frame thereto shall be constructed of iron or steel of not less. than 5 millimeters in thickness, so as to have a fire-resistance rating of not less than two hours;

(ii) the door shall overlap the frame by 50 millimeters on all sides, shall be close- fitted into the frame and shall be hung to open outwards;
(iii) if, in the opinion of the local authority, a steel door or frame is considered to be a contributory cause of ignition, a hardwood door and frame having a fire- resistance rating of not less than two hours may be fitted with an approved blast-wall erected in front of such door; (iv) the doorway shall have a raised sill of sufficient height to form a well of sufficient capacity to enable it to contain the maximum amounts of liquids or sub- stances to be stored or kept, plus 25 per centum of such amounts;

(v) in no case shall the sill mentioned in subparagraph (iv) be less than 150 millimetres in height;
(vi) both sides of the door shall bear the words “STORE FOR
FLAMMABLES”, in block letters of not less than 150 millimeters in height;
(k) any artificial lighting to such room shall be by electric light having vapour-proof light- fittings wired through screwed, seamless, steel conduit. Switches operating such lights shall be located outside such room. No other electrical apparatus shall be installed in such room;
(1) such room shall be used for no other purpose than for the storage or keeping of flammable liquids and substances.

45. Windowless Buildings.

(1) In any occupancy-unit in which there are no windows in external walls, the provisions of this section shall be observed except by written permission of the local authority under special circumstances.

(2) A mechanical system of ventilation shall be provided, complying with the requirements of Chapter 10.

(3) Where any ventilation-duct passes through a wall forming an occupancy-separation structure, such duct shall be fitted, at the point where it passes through such wall, with a damper or other shut-off device actuated by an automatic device, which will close the duct in the event of a rise in temperature above that at which device is set.

(4) Every habitable room shall have at least one external wall, and in such wall there shall be provided at least one opening, closed by a panel which can be readily and rapidly opened from the inside.

(5) Such panels shall be in addition to the access openings required by subsection (6) of section 20, and shall have an equal minimum size and maximum height above floor-level to that required for such access openings, and every such panel shall be clearly marked, on its inner face, ÖPENABLE”, in block letters of not less than 150 millimetres in height.

(6) Where the external wall or walls of any habitable room have a length exceeding 12 metres, there shall be one such panel for each 12 metres, or remaining part thereof, of such length, and the distance between such panels shall not exceed 12 metres.

(7) All interior wall-linings shall be of non-combustible material or other material as may be approved by the local authority in certain circumstances.

(8) Every habitable room shall have at least one doorway giving access to an exit-way, and every such doorway shall be served by not less than two separate exit-ways.

(9) Every room shall be regarded as having a fire-load of not less than moderate fire-load for the purposes of subsections (13) and (14) of section 24.

(10) All connexions for fire-hoses, hose-reels and all similar equipment shall be sited in readily accessible positions.

(11) There shall be provided an automatic fire-extinguishing system.

46. Special Floors In Operating-Theatres And Similar Places.

Any rooms in hospitals, nursing-homes and similar places, such as operating-theatres or delivery-rooms, in which explosive gas is used or stored, shall have non-sparking conductive floors complying with the particulars of S.A.B.S. 051, Prevention of explosive and electrical hazards in hospitals.

47.Ventilation Installations And Rooms Having Hazardous Dust And Vapours.

(1) Every mechanical ventilation installation and air-conditioning installation in a building shall be so designed and constructed as to eliminate the possibility of fire or smoke being conveyed from one side of an occupancy-separation structure to the other side thereof.

(2) No duct shall pass through a division-wall or a division-floor.

(3) The ducting and any internal linings thereof, or external covering thereto, in any such installation shall be of non-combustible materials, and shall be so designed and constructed that no dust, fluff or other finely divided solid material or liquid can accumulate or be retained therein.

(4) Every room in a building in which there is an accumulation of dust, fumes, vapours or other noxious impurities, to such an extent as to create a fire-hazard, shall be provided with an approved system of ventilation.

(5) Such system shall be independent of any other ventilation system in the same building.

48. Notices In Occupancy-Units Having A High Fire-Load.

In every occupancy-unit of a business, commercial or industrial occupancy or a storage occupancy, having a high fire-load, a permanent notice shall be displayed to this effect.

49. Administrative Requirements For Fire-Extinguishing Equipment.

(1) Plans and details showing the type and location of all fire-extinguishing equipment and associated fittings in any building shall be submitted to the local authority before installation, and no installation of such equipment shall be commenced until the approval of the local authority has been obtained.

(2) Where, in the opinion of the local authority, the provision of fire-extinguishing equipment in any building erected before the promulgation of this Chapter is inadequate, the local authority may serve a written order upon the owner of such building, call upon him to install within a reasonable time, to be specified in such order, such fire-extinguishing equipment, which shall likewise be specified in such order, as it may consider necessary to bring such building into conformity with the provisions of this Chapter relating to such equipment.

(3) The owner or occupier of any building to which the provisions of this Chapter apply, whether such building was erected before or after the promulgation of this Chapter, shall maintain all fire-extinguishing equipment in goo and proper working order at all times, and shall cause all such equipment to be inspected at least once every 12 months by persons qualified by training and experience to do so.

(4) The local authority may require evidence of acceptable training or experience to be provided by an inspector referred to in subsection (3) before accepting that he is qualified for such work.

(5) The local authority shall be entitled to inspect all fire-extinguishing equipment installed in any building, and may order such equipment to be tested.

(6) Any such equipment found after test to be defective and beyond repair shall be immediately replaced,

50. Type And Disposition Of Fire-extinguishing Equipment.

(1) Fire-extinguishing equipment required by this Chapter shall include the types of equipment specified in the following list, and any one type of equipment shall be deemed to be less effective than any type which appears lower down in the list—

a) Hand extinguishers;

b) fitted hose-reels;

c) landing-valves;

d) sprinklers:

Provided that approval may be given by the local authority to any other automatic extinguishing system.

(2) All fire-extinguishing equipment and associated fittings required by this Part shall be of approved pattern, manufacture and installation.

(3) Booster-pump connexions and hydrant connexions provided for use by the local authority shall be of a type and size specified by the local authority.

(4) A pressure-gauge, no less than 100 millimetres in diameter indicating the pressure, shall be fixed on all fire-extinguishing systems inside the premises of the consumer.

(5) Subject to the provisions of subsection (9), every storey of a building shall be provided with a type of fire-extinguishing equipment not less effective than the type specified in column 4 of Table XIX against the relevant occupancy, height of floor of storey above ground-floor level and gross floor area of such storey.

(6) Where hose-reels or landing-valves are prescribed in this section for certain storeys, and, where the water-supply required to meet the requirements of such equipment cannot be provided, the local authority shall stipulate the extent to which alternative equipment shall be provided, and the details of such alternative equipment.

(7) Wherever subsection (5) prescribes that any storey of a building shall be provided with fire-extinguishing equipment of a more effective type than that prescribed for any other storey of such building, the whole of such building shall be provided with fire-extinguishing equipment of such more effective type:

Provided that—

i) where a building is divided into divisions, each such division shall be deemed to be a separate building; and

ii) where a portion of a storey is used for a purpose ancillary to its main purpose, such ancillary purpose may, if in the opinion of the local authority it is not calculated to jeopardize life or property, be disregarded.

(8) Where subsection (5) requires the provision of any fire-extinguishing equipment on any storey of a building, it shall be permissible to provide equipment of a more effective type.

(9) The following buildings or occupancy-units4 shall be provided with approved sprinkler installations and hard extinguishers or an alternative drencher system approved by the local authority—

a) every basement which is a high or moderate fire-load occupancy-unit and having a floor area exceeding 250 square metres;

b) every garage, other than an open-air garage, in a building which does not contain another occupancy-unit, and which has an aggregate floor area exceeding 1 000 square metres;

c) every occupancy-unit having a high fire-load and a height of more than two storeys, and in which the aggregate floor area exceeds—

i) 1 000 square metres, if the construction is grade A construction; or

ii) 750 square metres, if the construction is grade B construction;

d) notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (a) to (c), every occupancy-unit having a high fire-load, where the local authority considers on reasonable grounds that the risk of an outbreak of fire or its spread is exceptionally high or that such spread would otherwise be exceptionally difficult to control.

4As to stages and film-stores, see paragraph (j) of subsection (6) of section 36 and subsections (6) to (8) of section 38. As to garages in basements, see subparagraphs (iv) of paragraph (c) of section 43.

TABLE XIV
REQUIRED FIRE-EXTINGUISHING EQUIPMENT

1	2	3	4
Occupancy of storey	height of floor of storey above ground level in meters	Gross floor area of storey in square metres	Type of fire extinguishing equipment required
dwelling houses	Any	Any	Nil
		0-250	nil
Residential other than dwelling houses institutional offices	0-5,4	251-500 501 or more	hand extinguishers! fitted hose reels.
	5,5-10,9	Any	fitted hose reels.
	11-29	Any	Landing valves, fitted hose reels and hand extinguishers
	30 or more	Any	Sprinklers or other approved automatic system throughout
shops	0-5,4	0-125 126-250 251-1000 1001-3700 3701 or more	-Nil -Hand extinguishers -Fitted Hose reels -Landing valves, fitted hose reels and hand extinguishers -Sprinklers or other approved automatic system throughout -Sprinklers throughout
	5,5-29	0-100 1001-3700 3701 or more	-Fitted Hose reels -Landing valves, fitted hose reels and hand extinguishers -Sprinklers or other approved automatic system throughout
	30 or More	Any	-Sprinklers or other approved automatic system throughout
Public and assembly business industrial or commercial (other than offices or shops ) storage	Any	Any	Such fire extinguishing as the local authority having regard to the nature of the activity conducted on the premises deems necessary for a) enabling a fire to be dealt with by the occupants of the building immediately upon its outbreak and b) Facilitating the work of the fire brigade upon its arrival at the premises.

Note. – Landing-valves may be supplied by dry or wet rising mains, as provided by subsection (9) of sections 53.

(10) Within the grounds of every permanent amusement-park or exhibition-ground there shall be provided hydrants, so placed that the jets from the fire-hose appurtenant thereto are able to reach every part of each building in such park or ground.

(11) In addition, hand fire-extinguishers shall, where required by the local authority, be placed in each such building.

51. HANDFIRE-EXTUINGUISHERS.

(1) Hand fire-extinguishers having not less than the following capacities shall be regarded as hand fire-extinguisher units for the purposes of subsection (2) –

a) 9 litres for water and foam types; and

b) 3,2 Kilograms for carbon-dioxide type; and

c) 4,5 kilograms for chemical dry-powder type; and

d) 2,5 kilograms for liquid-vaporising type.

(2) Where hand fire-extinguishers are required to be provided at the rate of not less than one unit for every 250 square metres or remaining portion thereof of the floor area of the storey concerned, but no part of such floor area shall be further than 23 metres of direct-travel distance from a hand fire-extinguisher.

(3) Where the capacity of extinguishers provided is less than the capacity prescribed in subsection (1) for a hand fire-extinguisher unit, the number of such extinguishers shall be increased, so as to provide the required aggregate capacity.

(4) Every hand fire-extinguisher required in terms of these by-laws shall be hung on a bracket and placed in a conspicuous position with the handle a maximum of one metre from the floor.

52. FITTED HOSE-REELS.

(1) Every hose-reel shall –

a) be to the approval of the local authority and fitted with hose complying with the requirements of C.A.S 183, Fire hose reels; and

b) be fitted with a nozzle having an internal diameter of 4,8 millimetres, which nozzle shall have a shut-off valve:

Provided that where, in the opinion of the local authority, the delivery of water through a hose of an internal diameter of not less than 19 millimetres would be inadequate to deal effectively with an outbreak of fire in the immediate vicinity of a hose-reel, the local authority may require the hose and the nozzle out to have internal diameters of not less than 25 millimetres and 6,4 millimetres, respectively.

(2) Hose-reels shall be provided at the rate of not less than one reel for every 420 square metres, or remaining portion thereof, of the floor area of the storey concerned, but every such reel shall be so located that all parts of such floor area can be reached by a jet of water from the hose with which it is fitted.

(3) The water-supply to all hose-reels may be fed from the domestic water-supply to the occupancy-unit served by them, or may be fled from a tank having a capacity of not less than 450 litres, or may be connected to a hydrant supply-pipe.

(4) At the hose-reel which is farthest away from the street-main, there shall be a minimum pressure of 70 kilopascals at all time when the nozzle shut-off vale is fully open.

(5) Where the water-supply to any of the house-reels is not connected to a hydrant supply-pipe, and the pressure in such water-supply pipe is less than 140 kilopascals static pressure, a single-inlet fire-pump boosting-connexion, fitted with a reflux-valve and a pressure-gauge not less than 100 millimetres in diameter, reading up to 1 400 kilopascals, shall be provided in approved position.

53. LANDING -VALVES.

(1) Every landing-valve required by section 50 shall be an approved gun-metal, wheel-valve pattern landing-valve having an inlet for a supply-pipe of not less than 75 millimetres in internal diameter, and a female outlet of not less than 65 millimetres in diameter.

(2) Such wheel-valve shall have embossed or engraved thereon the word “OPEN”, and an arrow indicating the direction of rotation of the wheel to open the valve.

(3) Where such landing-valves are required to be provided in any storey, they shall be provided at the rate of not less than one landing-valve for every 600 square metres, or remaining portion thereof, of floor area of the storey concerned, but every such landing-valve shall be so located that all parts of such floor area can be reached by a jet from the hose with which it is provided

(4) Where landing-valves are required to be provided in a building and to serve any storey at a greater height above ground-floor level than 11 metres, a twin-inlet fire-pump boosting-connexion, fitted with a reflux-valve and a pressure-gauge not less than 100 millimetres in diameter, reading up to 1 400 kilopascals, shall be provided within 1 metre of the finished ground-level in an approved position on an external wall of such building.

(5) The water-supply pipe to every such landing-valve shall have a nominal bore of not less than 80 millimetres, and be independent of the domestic water-supply to the occupancy-unit served by it, and shall be connected directly to a water-main of the local authority.

(6) Every building exceeding 18 metres, but less than 30 metres in height, in which such landing-valves are provided, shall have a water-storage tank or interconnected tanks of an aggregate capacity of not less than 6 cubic metres, in addition to any domestic reserve, if there are one or two landing-valves in each storey, or not less than 9 cubic metres, if there are more than two landing-valves in each storey.

(7) The bottom of any water-storage tank referred to in subsection (6) shall be—

a) not less than 4,5 metres above the level of the highest landing-valve in the topmost storey of such building, and shall be connected to the landing-valve supply-pipe through a pipe having a minimum nominal bore of 80 millimetres and fitted with a stop-valve and a reflux-valve; or

b) above the ceiling of the topmost storey or above the eaves-level of such building, and shall be directly connected through a pipe, having a minimum nominal bore of 80 millimetres, to the fire-pump boosting-connexion mentioned in subsection (4).

(8) Such tank or tanks shall be fitted through a pipe, having a minimal bore of 20 millimetres, connected to the landing-valve supply-pipe and fitted with a stop-valve and a high-pressure ball-valve.

(9) As an alternative to wet rising mains, the local authority may require dry rising mains fitted with fire-brigade inlets and approved outlets, which shall comply with subsection (1) and be provided at the same rate as required in subsection (3).

54. SPRINKLERS.

(1) A sprinkler installation required in terms of this Chapter shall be designed and installed in accordance with the Rules for Automatic Sprinkle Installations, published by the Fire Officers’ Committee (Foreign).

(2) Unless a duplicate supply from a separate water-main is provided for a sprinkler installation, the consumer shall install a tank at such an elevation as will compensate for any cessation or variation of pressure in the local authority’s water-mains and where necessary install a pump to provide and maintain required pressure to the sprinkler installation.

(3) The main pipe leading from tank to sprinkler installation may be in direct communication with the water-mains:

Provided that in such case the main pipe shall be fitted with a reflux-valve, which will close against the pressure of the water-main and open to the pressure of the tank, should the pressure in the water-main not be available from any cause.

(4) An overflow pipe shall be fitted to such tank, which pipe shall discharge in such a position as to be readily observable, and shall not be led away to any down-pipe to any drain.

(5) Where a duplicate supply from a separate water-main is provided, each supply-pipe shall be fitted with a reflux-valve fixed inside the premises.

(6) When ready for service, such sprinkler installation shall be inspected and tested by the local authority at the expense of the owner concerned, and any defects revealed by such inspection and test shall be remedied before approval for its use is given.

55. SPECIAL CONDITIONS.

The provisions of chapter 7 shall, mutatis mutandis, apply to the supply of water for fire-fighting services.

56. CONNECTION FROM COMMUNICATION -PIPES.

No branch connexion of any kind from a communication-pipe intended for preventive or automatic use in case of fire, where unmetered, shall be made, other than a branch connexion in connexion with an automatic sprinkler, drenchers, landing-valve connexion or a connexion to the pressure-tank upon the to of the building, and the discharge from the last-mentioned connexion shall be controlled by a suitable ball-valve.

57. VALVES IN COMMUNICATION-PIPES.

Every communication-pipe for fire-fighting equipment shall be fitted with an approved sluice-valve, and shall be –

a) supplied by the local authority at the expense of the consumer;

b) of the same nominal diameter as the communication-pipe;

c) placed in such position as may be determined by the local authority.

58. INSTALLATION OF REFLUX -VALVE.

In all private installations where a fire-pump connexion is installed, a reflux-valve shall be installed between the boundary of the premises and the fire-pump connexion is being used.

59. EXTENTION OF SYSTEM TO OTEHR PREMISES.

No extension or connexion from any fire-fighting equipment to premises, other than those for which it was approved, shall be made, and in the event of any such extension or connexion being made, the local authority shall be entitled to enter upon any premises and take all steps necessary to disconnect such connexions at the cost of the person responsible for such extension or connexion.

60. DETAILS OF CONNECTION.

The consumer shall be responsible for ensuring that the water supply provided in respect of any fitted hose-reel or landing-valve, or sprinkler installation, in any building shall comply with the relevant provisions of part V.

61.LOCAL AUTHORITIES WHICH ARE CURRENTLY WITHOUT FIRE-FIGHTING SERVICES.

Where the local authority does not have fire-fighting services, any requirements laid down in this Chapter relating to such services shall not apply to any building within the local authority area until these services are provided and the local authority has given adequate notice to the owner of the building to take such steps as are necessary to comply with the relevant provisions.

FIRE-RESISTANCE TESTS OF STRUCTURES.

(based on I.S.O. recommendation R 834)
This test provides for the determination of fire resistance of elements of structure on the basis of the length of time for which the test specimens, of specified dimensions, satisfy the criteria laid down under the prescribed test conditions.

FIELD OF APPLICATION

1. (1) This test is intended to determine the fire resistance of the following elements of structure- (a) load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls, partitions;
   (b) columns;
   (c) beams; (d) floors;
   (e) flat roofs (where appropriate).
   (2) Elements which fall into none of these. categories may be tested by analogy with a similar
   element.
2. APPARATUS
3. (1) Furnace.-The furnace should be capable of subjecting a specimen element to the standard heating conditions specified below.
   (2) Standard heating conditions. -The temperature within the furnace should be controlled so as to vary with time within the limits specified in sub- paragraph (9), according to the following relationship-
   where T-T. 345 log10(8t + 1)
   t= the time, expressed in minutes;
   T= the furnace temperature at time, expressed in degrees Celsius;
   T= the initial furnace temperature, expressed in degrees Celsius.
4. 
   (3) The curve representing the function described in subparagraph (2) is named the “standard time- temperature curve”, as shown in the Figure.
   (4) The relationship expressed in subparagraph
   (2) gives the values shown in the Table.

TABLE TEMPERATURES RISE AS A FUNCTION OF TIME.

1	2
Time t in minutes	Elevation of furnace temperatures T-To
	Degrees Celsius
5 10 15	556 659 718
30 60 90	821 925 986
120 180 240	1029 1090 1133
360	1193

Temperatures recorded by thermocouples, symmetrically arranged within the furnace to give an approximation of its average temperature.
(6) These thermocouples should not be fewer
an-
(a) one to each 1,5 square meters of surface for walls and floors;
(b) one to each 1 meter of length for beams; (c) two to each 1 meter of height for columns.
(7) Bare-wire thermocouples of not less than 75 millimeter in diameter should be arranged so that e hot junction is 100 millimeters from the nearest pint of the test specimen. This distance should be kept as constant as possible during the test.
(8) The wires of the thermocouples should be aced in open tubes of heat-resisting material, for ample, porcelain, within 25 millimeters of the hot-func nction.
(9) Tolerances for furnace temperatures. -The curacy of the temperature control should be such as satisfy the following two sets of tolerances for rnace temperatures-
(a) Tolerances for mean deviation. -The mean deviation of the furnace temperature as a percentage is given by the following expression-
A-B/B x 100
here
A the integral value of the average furnace temperature as a function of time;
Bthe integral value of the function specified in sub- paragraph (2).
The tolerances on the mean deviations are as follows- (1)15 per centum during the first 10 minutes of test; (i)10 per centum during the first half an hour of test; (iii)5 per centum after the first half an hour of test.
(b) Tolerances for single average values-At any time after the first 10 minutes of test, the average furnace temperature should not differ from the corresponding temperature of the standard times temperature curve by more than 100 degrees Celsius, even for combustible materials.

PREPARATION OF TEST SPECIMENS

3. (1) Dimensions of test specimens.-The test specimens should be full size wherever possible.
   (2) Where this is not possible, the following minimum dimensions of the parts of a test specimen exposed in the furnace are recommended-
   (a) walls and partitions: height, 2,5 meters; width, 2 meters;
   (b) floors: span, 4 meters; width, 2 metres; (c) beams: span, 4 meters;
   (d) columns: height, 3 meters.
   (3) Construction of test specimens.-The test should be made on a test specimen representative of a omplete element of structure. For example, a artition should include at least one of each representative type of joint, as mentioned in subparagraphs (15) to (18) of paragraph 4. The methods of fixing and supporting the components and the finishes used should be as in service.
4. (4) The materials and standard of workmanship. of the test specimen should be representative of those applying in good practice, as defined by existing codes. and standards.
5. (5) Conditioning of test specimens.-The test specimen should be conditioned in such a way that it corresponds as closely as possible, in moisture content and mechanical strength, to the expected state of a similar element in service.
6. (6) Moisture content.-The test specimen should not be tested until its moisture content is in equili- brium with an ambient atmosphere approximating to that expected in service. This equilibrium may be checked either on the test specimen itself or on a representative sample.
7. (7) The drying of the test specimen may be by natural or artificial means, but a temperature should not be reached which could impair the fire-resisting. properties of the element. It is recommended that a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius should not be exceeded.
8. (8) Mechanical strength.-For load-bearing ele- ments, the constituent materials of the specimen should have attained a mechanical strength close to that expected for a similar element in service.

PROCEDURE, CONDITIONS OF TEST, AND RESTRAINT AND LOADING.

4. (1) The role of the element in service should be analysed so that the methods adopted for support- ing or restraining the ends or sides of a test specimen during a test are, as far as possible, similar in nature to those which would be applied to a similar element in service.
   (2) For floors and beams with uncertain or variable boundary service conditions, the test speci- men should be simply supported all round the edges.
   or at the ends.
   (3) Before heating, a load-bearing test specimen should be subjected to a loading which produces stresses of the same magnitude as would be produced normally in the full-size element when subjected to the design load.
   (4) The loading should be maintained constant during the test period.
   (5) Test specimens of non-load-bearing elements should not be loaded during test.
   (6) Exposure in furnace.-Free-standing columns should be tested by applying heat on all sides over their whole height.”
   (7) Separating-elements represented by test speci- mens of elements which have the function of separat- ing-spaces should be heated over the whole of one face only.
   (8) Those which may be required to resist fire in one direction only should be tested in that direction.

(9) Those which may be required to resist fire from either direction should be tested in the direction considered to give the lower resistance by the testing authority.
(10) In cases of doubt, each face should be tested on separate test specimens.
(11) Observations during test.–During a test, the deformation of the test specimen should be measured, and note should be made of the moment when collapse takes place.
(12) Stability. For a load-bearing test specimen, the time at which it can no longer support the test load should be noted.
(13) Integrity.-Observations should be made of cracks, holes or other openings through which flames or gases could pass in a test specimen of a separating- element.
(14) When there is doubt about the ability of flames or hot gases to pass through such openings, a pressure difference should be created, so that the furnace pressure exceeds the pressure on the unexposed face by 155 pascals or 1,5 0,5 millimeter H,O and observations made of the ignition of a pad of cotton wool held 20 to 30 millimeters from the opening on the unexposed side, indicating the emission of hot gases.
(15) Insulation: average temperature of unexposed face. In the case of elements with an unheated sur- face, the temperature of the unexposed face should be measured by means of not less than five thermo- couples, one placed approximately at the center of the face and the others approximately at the centers of the straight lines joining the center and the corners.
(16) Any points of measurement additional to these five thermocouples should be disposed as uniformly as possible over the unexposed face of the specimen.
(17) In the case of structures comprising composite elements, the arrangement of the test specimen should ensure that the joints do not coincide with the points of measurement specified above.
(18) The average of the temperatures measured at the points specified above, omitting temperatures measured at joints, is deemed to be the temperature of the unexposed face.
(19) Insulation: maximum temperature of unexposed face. In addition, the temperature should be measured at the point which appears to be the hottest at any time during the test.
(20) This temperature should not be used in the calculation of average temperature but should be taken into account in determining whether the maxi- mum temperature criterion has been complied with.

(21) Temperature measurement.-Surface temperatures are measured by means of thermocouples with a wire-diameter of 0,3 millimeter.
(22) Each thermocouple junction should be attached to the center of the face of a copper disc 12 millimeters in diameter and 0,2 millimeter in thick- ness, which is secured to the surface of the specimen at the required position.

(23) The discs should be covered with oven-dry, square asbestos pads 30 millimetres square and 2 millimetres in thickness.
(24) The disc and the pad may be fixed to the surface of the specimen by pins, tape or a suitable adhesive, depending on the nature of the material forming the side of the specimen..
(25) Additional observations.-Throughout the test, observations should be made of all changes and occurrences which are not criteria of performance, but which could create hazards in a building, for example, the emission of appreciable volumes of smoke or noxious vapours from the unexposed side of a separating-element.
(26) Duration of test.-The test specimen should be heated in the prescribed manner, normally until failure occurs under any one of the relevant test requirements, namely
(a) stability, as prescribed in subparagraph (1) of paragraph 6;
(b) integrity, as prescribed in subparagraph (2) of paragraph 6;
(c) insulation, as prescribed in subparagraph (4) of paragraph 6.
(27) In tests other than those on test specimens. judged only by the criterion of stability, as prescribed. in subparagraph (1) of paragraph 6, the testing may be continued after failure under either of the other two conditions, as prescribed in subparagraphs (2), (3) and (4) of paragraph 6, by prior agreement between the sponsor of the test and the testing authority, until failure occurs under the other condition, provided collapse of the specimen has not already occurred.
(28) Alternatively, the test may be concluded. after a period determined by prior agreement between the sponsor and the testing authority, even if no failure under any of the conditions has occurred at the end of that time.
(29) The length of time from the commencement of heating for which the test specimen complies with the relevant requirement(s) should be expressed in hours and minutes.

EXPRESSION OF RESULTS

5. (1) Fire resistance.-The fire resistance of test specimens is the time, expressed in hours and minutes, from commencement of the test until failure occurs, under the conditions of stability, integrity and insula- tion, which are appropriate to the test.
   (2) If more than one test specimen of the same element is tested, the result which should be taken is that which gives the shortest time of compliance with the test requirements.

CRITERIA OF FIRE RESISTANCE

(1) Stability-For all elements of structure, it is. required that the test specimen should not collapse in such a way that it no longer continues to perform the function for which it was constructed. The test specimen shall be deemed to have failed when the maximum deflection exceeds L/30, where L= clear span.

(2) Integrity. For elements of structure such as walls and floors which have the function of separating two parts of a building, the formation in the test specimen of cracks, holes or other openings through which flames or hot gases can pass should not occur.
(3) Failure of integrity should be deemed to have occurred when the pad of cotton wool specified in subparagraph (14) of paragraph 4 is ignited.
(4) Insulation. For elements of structure such as walls and floors which have the function of separating two parts of a building, it is required-
(a) that the average temperature of the unexposed face of the specimen does not increase above the initial temperature by more than 140 degrees Celsius;
(b) that the maximum temperature at any point of this face should not-
(i) exceed the initial temperature by more than 180 degrees Celsius; and
(ii) exceed 220 degrees Celsius, irrespective of the initial temperature.

SECOND SCHEDULE (Sections 2 and 18)

PRESUMED FIRE-RESISTANCE RATINGS OF BUILDING-COMPONENTS

Every component or assembly of components of a building described in the tables contained in this. Schedule shall be presumed to have the fire-resistance

rating given in the tables for the component or assembly of components indicated, unless the con- trary is proved by the test described in the First Schedule.

2. In this Schedule, the following classification of aggregates and interpretation of abbreviations shall apply-
   “Class 1 aggregate” means coarse aggregate of foamed slag, pumice, blast-furnace slag, well- burned clinker, crushed limestone and crushed. brick and crushed burnt-clay products, including expanded clay used as coarse aggregate; “Class 2 aggregate” means coarse aggregate of flint, gravel, granite and all crushed natural. stones other than limestone, used as coarse aggregate;
   “CS” means cement-sand plaster of a thickness, subject to any express provision to the contrary, of not less than 12 millimeters;
   “GS” means gypsum-sand plaster of a thickness, subject to any express provision to the contrary, of not less than 12 millimeters; and “VG” means vermiculite-gypsum plaster of a mix having proportions of vermiculite to gypsum within the range 13:1 and 2:1 by volume, and of a thickness, subject to any express provision to the contrary, of not less than 12 millimeters.
   These Tables are not exhaustive. Refer to section 2 for materials not included in the following Tables on fire-resistance ratings.

BEARING-WALLS: FIRE-RESISTANCE RATINGS

Note-In this Table, any reference to plaster means plaster applied to that side of the wall in relation to which the wall is required to have a specified Bre-resistance rating.

1	2	3	4	5	6
Construction and materials			Minimum thickness in millimeters excluding plaster for fire resistance rating of
	4 hours	2 hours	1,5	1 hour	0.5 hours
Solid Construction Bricks of Clay concrete or sand
Un plastered	215	100	100	100	100
Plastered with VG	100	100	100	100	100
Solid Concrete blocks. Class 1 aggregate
Un-plastered Plastered with VG
Class 2 aggregate Unplastered	150	100	100	100	100
Plastered with VG	100	100	100	100	100
Reinforcement concrete with minimum cover to reinforcement of 25 millimeters
Un-plastered	180	100	100	75	75
Plastered with CS	180	100	75	75	75
Plastered with GS	180	100	75	75	75
Plastered with VG	125	75	75	75	75

TABLE II
NON-BEARING-WALLS AND PARTITIONS: FIRE-RESISTANCE RATINGS

Note. In this Table, any reference to plaster means, unless the contrary is expressed, plaster applied on that side of the wall or partition in relation to which the wall or partition is required to have a specified fire-resistance rating, and any entry “Nil” in a column means that no plaster is necessary.

1	2	3	4	5	6
Construction and materials			Minimum thickness in millimeters excluding plaster for fire resistance rating of
	4 hours	2 hours	1,5	1 hour	0.5 hours
Solid Construction Bricks of Clay concrete or sand
Un plastered	170	100	100	100	100
Plastered with VG	100	100	100	75	75
Solid Concrete blocks. Class 1 aggregate
Un-plastered Plastered with CS Plastered with GS Plastered with VG
Class 2 aggregate Un-plastered	150	100	100	100	100
Plastered with CS or GS Plastered with VG	100	100	100	100	100
Hollow concrete blocks one cell in wall thickness to reinforcement of 25 millimeters
Solid Concrete blocks. Class 1 aggregate
Un-Plastered	150	110	110	110	75
Plastered with CS or GS	150	110	110	75	75
Plastered with VG	110	75	75	65	65
Solid Concrete blocks. Class 2 aggregate
Un-Plastered	150	150	125	125	125
Plastered with CS or GS	150	150	125	100	100
Plastered with VG	125	100	100	100	75
No fines concrete class 2 aggregate plastered with CS or GS	150	150	150	150	150
Wood wool slabs plastered on both sides with CS or GS	–	75	75	50	50
Compressed- straw slabs with wood cover-strips of not less than 75 millimeters in width and 12 millimeters in thickness over joints	–	–	–	–	50
Cavity construction Cavity-wall consisting of inner and outer leaves of bricks or blocks of clay, concrete or sand-lime, the outer leaf being not less than 100 millimeters in thickness and the inner leaf of thickness of .	100	75	75	75	75
Hollow stud construction of steel or timber studs, and on each side- Expanded metal with CS or GS to a thickness of Expanded metal with VG to a thickness of Plaster-board of not less than 10 millimeters in thickness with GS to a thickness of Plaster-board of not less than 12 millimeters in thickness with GS to a thick- ness of Plaster-board of not less than 20 millimeters in thickness, in one or two layers, with VG to a thickness of Perforated plasterboard of not less than 10 millimeters in thickness with CS or GS to a thickness of Perforated plasterboard of not less than 10 millimeters in thickness with VG to a thickness of	– – – – – – –	– 25 – – 16 – 25	– 20 – – 16 – 25	20 12 12 10 Nil 12 10	12 12 5 Nil Nil 12 20

SUSPENDED CONCRETE FLOORS: FIRE-RESISTANCE RATINGS

Note. In this Table, the entry “A” means sprayed asbestos having a density of not less than 145 kilograms per cubic meter, and
any entry “Nil” in any column means that no ceiling finish is necessary.

1	2	3	4	5	6	7
			Type of ceiling finish and minimum thickness in millimeters for fire resistance rating of-
Construction	Minimum thickness including screed in millimetres	4 hours	2 hours	1.5 hours	1 hour	0.5 hours
Solid flat slab or filler-joist floor- units of channel or T section	90 100 125 150	– 20vgor20 a 10vgor 12 a nil	– 6vg nil nil	– 6vg nil nil	6VG nil nil nil	nil nil nil nil
Units of inverted U-section	65 75 100 150	– – – nil	– – nil nil	– – nil nil	– nil nil nil	nil nil nil nil
Hollow block construction or units of box or I-section	65 75 90 125	– – – nil	– – nil nil	– – nil nil	– nil nil nil	nil nil nil nil

SUSPENDED CEILINGS: FIRE RESISTANCE RATINGS.

1	2	3	4
Construction and materials		Minimum thickness in millimeters for fire resistance rating of.
	2 hours	1 hour	0.5 hour
Thickness of plaster (cement/lime/sand or sanded gypsum mix) on expanded metal	–	22	16
Thickness of vermiculite/gypsum plaster on expanded metal ( 1.5: 1 mix )	–	12	12
Precast vermiculite slabs	40	25	25

TIMBER FLOORS: REQUIRED CONSTRUCTION FOR FIRE RESISTANCE RATING OF HALF AN HOUR Note.

In this Table, any entry “Nil” means that no ceiling finish is necessary.

1	2	3	4
Minimum width joist in millimeters	Minimum thickness of tounged and grooved boarding in millimeters	Type of ceiling	Minimum thickness in millimeters of ceiling finish consisting of cs or gs
38	18	Asbestos insulation board of not less than 10 millimeters in thickness Plaster-board of not less than 10 millimeters in thickness Plaster-board of not less than 12 millimeters in thickness Plaster-board of not less than 20 millimeters in thickness (in one or two layers) Wood-wool slab of not less than 25 millimeters in thickness Metal lath	Nil 12 5 Nil 5 16
50	20	Asbestos insulation board of not less than 6 millimeters in thick- ness Fiber insulation board of not less than 12 millimeters in thickness	nil 12

TABLE VII (continued)
B. REINFORCED-CONCRETE COLUMNS: MINIMUM COVER TO REINFORCEMENT

1	2	3	4	5	6
Type of aggregate		Minimum cover to reinforcement in millimeters including plaster for fire resistance rating
	4hours	2 hour	1.5 hour	1 hour	0.5 hours
Class 2 aggregate	65	50	40	40	40
	*50	*40
Class 1 aggregate	40	40	40	40	40

REINFORCED-CONCRETE BEAMS: FIRE RESISTANCE RATING

1	2	3	4	5	6
Construction and materials		Minimum cover to reinforcement in millimeters excluding plaster for fire resistance rating
	4hours	2 hour	1.5 hour	1 hour	0.5 hours
Unplastered	65	50	40	40	40
Plastered with CS or GS on metal lath fixed around beam	*50	*40
Plastered with VG on metal lath fixed around beam	5	12	40	40	40

TABLE IX
FIRE-DOORS AND FIRE-SHUTTERS: FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING

Description of the fire or fire shutter	Presumed fire resistance
(a) Iron or steel door or shutter or metal-covered door or dreadnought door constructed and fixed in accord- ance with specification numbers 1, 2 or 5 of the rules published by the Fire Officers’ Committee for the Construction and Fixing of Fireproof Doors, Compartments and Shutters, section 1	2 hours
(b) “C.A.S. 176: Part 1 and Part 2, fitted in the tish Standard Number 459: Part 3: 1951, frame complying with the said standard”; finished thickness of door 44 millimeters.	1 hour 1,5 hours
(c) Hardwood doors in which the stiles and rails are timber members of not less than 44 millimetres in thickness and not less than 76 millimetres in width, and in which the panels are made up of timber boards of not less than 22 millimeters in thickness and not less than 76 millimetres in width, to a total thickness of not less than 44 millimeters, and in which the stiles, rails and boards forming the panels are solidly fixed together by means of proper joints, and, where necessary, by screws, but being in no way dependent on glue for its structural integrity, and which is fitted in a solid-hardwood timber frame, the frame being constructed in accordance with the provisions of and the substitution of “C.A.S. 176:	0.5 hours

3rd
THIRD SCHEDULE (Sections 7 and 8)
SURFACE SPREAD OF FLAME TEST
This test is for determining the tendency of materials to spread flame across their surfaces. It is intended to be applied to materials used as internal linings on walls and ceilings, and enables their classification to be determined according to the rate and distance of flame spread over their surfaces.
The performance in the test applies to the thickness of the specimen subjected to the test, and may not be valid for other thicknesses unless verified by a test.
SIZE AND NUMBER OF SPECIMENS

1. A test sample of a material shall comprise six re- presentative specimens, each 230 x 900 millimetres, and
2. of their normal thickness where this does not exceed 50 millimetres. Materials of thicknesses exccoding 50 millimetres shall be reduced to 50 millimetres, and the original surface shall be tested..
3. PREPARATION AND CONDITIONING OF SPECIMENS
4. Before test, the edges, together with a strip. 40 millimeters wide from the edges on the unexposed face, shall be painted with a sodium-silicate com- position, the ingredients of which are specified in paragraph 6, after which the specimens shall be conditioned to a moisture content in equilibrium with air at 10-21 degrees Celsius and 55-65 per centum relative humidity.
   METHOD OF TEST
5. (1) The specimen shall be securely fixed to a wooden framework faced with asbestos millboard, being secured in such a way that the face of the speci- men may burn without obstruction from the supports. It shall be mounted with its long axis horizontal and its face vertical, and shall be brought, in not longer than five seconds, from a position at room temperature to its test position virtually at right-angles to the furnace. An adjustment of a few degrees is allowable, in order to achieve the specified pattern of incident radiation, since this is the primary requirement.
   (2) The intensity of the radiated heat incident on the specimen shall vary with distance from the hotter end, so that when the calibrating panel specified in paragraph 7 is mounted in the place to be occupied by the specimen the electromotive-force output of the radiometers shall be as given in the Table below, within 1 mV, with reference to a cold-junction temperature for the radiometers of 0 degrees Celsius. Note. The instruments used to measure electromotive
   force should be of laboratory standard, and calibrated and capable of making the measurements with the necessary accuracy.
   (3) Immediately the specimen is exposed to the radiated heat, a vertical luminous gas flame shall be applied to its hotter end for one minute. This flame shall be 75 to 100 millimeters in length and shall issue. from a 9-millimetres-diameter orifice placed not more. than 6 millimeters in front of the surface of the specimen and at 6 millimeters above its lower edge.
   (4) The room in which the test is made shall be substantially free from draughts.

“FIRE RESISTING GLAZING

3. (1) The following is based on information contained in British Standard Code of Practice CP 153: Part 4: 1972, which deals with the fire-hazards associated with glazed areas in buildings.
   (2) Annealed, laminated and toughened glass will not attain any standard of fire-resistance when tested in accordance with British Standard 476: Part 8: 1972.
   (3) Where glazing is required to be fire resisting it shall be fixed shut and conform with the provisions of this section. (4) Where a Half Hour Standard is required
   (a) glazing associated with half hour standard shall bo- (i) wired glass (diamond, georgian or hexagonal) mesh in panes 6 mm thick and not exceeding 1,2m in area; or
   (ii) copper-light glazing with unwired glass 6 mm thick with individual panes not exceeding 0,015m
   in area and the panels of copper-lights should not exceed 0,4m2 in area, but composite panels may be assembled by the use of metal dividing bar; or
   (iii) unwired glass 6 mm thick may be used in a door as a vision panel providing it does not exceed 0.065m in area;
   (b) frames associated with half hour glazing to comply with the following-
   (i) on metal frames; all frame members, including dividing bars, to have a melting point of not less than 980°C;
   (ii) on timber frames; all frame members, including dividing bars, to be not less than 56 mm deep and 44 mm wide with the rebate worked from the solid material and of a minimum depth of 13 mm, and glazing to be secured as in paragraph (c) of this subsection;
   (c) secure fitting of the edges of the glass is essential and the following methods are satisfactory-
   (i) timber support ie. frame and beading not less than 13 mm wide, and this timber support to be protected with intumescent flame retardant paint or capped with metal;
   (ii) non-combustible beading which neither melts nor disintegrates in any way up to 980°C.
   (5) Where a One Hour Standard is required
   (a) glazing associated with one hour standard shall be
   wired alone (diamond Georgian or hexagonal)

(5) Where a One Hour Standard is required-
(a) glazing associated with one hour standard shall be- (i) wired glass (diamond, Georgian or hexagonal mesh) in panes 6 mm thick and not exceeding 1.2m in aros glazed in frames of total or rein- forced concrete; or
(ii) wired glass, as in (i) above, but not exceeding 0,5m in area glazed in timber frames complying with 2,2 (3) and glazing secured as in para- graph (c) of this subsection; or
(iii) copper-light glazing with unwired glass 6 mm thick with individual panes not exceeding 0,015 in aha, and these panels of copper- light should not exceed 0.4m in area, but composite panels may be assembled by the use of Studio have and the elazine shall be in

(iii) copper-light glazing with unwired glass 6 mm thick with individual panes not exceeding 0.015min area, and these panels of copper- light should not exceed 0.4m in area, but composite panels may be assembled by the use of metal dividing bars, and the glazing shall be in frames of metal or reinforced concrete; or
(iv) copper-light glazing, as in (iii) above but not exceeding 0.4m in area gheed in timber frames;
(b) frames associated with one hour glazing; to comply with the following–
(i) in metal frames all frame members, including dividing bars, to have a melting point of not less than 980°C;
(ii) in reinforced concrete frames all glazing to be In channels or held in position by suitable non- combustible beads;
(iii) in timber frames all frame members, including dividing bars, to be not less than 90 mm deep and 105 mm wide with the rebate worked from the solid material and of a minimum depth of 20 mm; and glazing to be secured as in paragraph (c) of this subsection;
(c) secure fitting of the edges of the glass in essential and following methods are satisfactory-
(i) in metal frames securely fixed metal beads having a melting point of not less than 980°C, or (ii) in reinforced concrete frames all glazing channels or securely fixed suitable non-combustible beads,
or
(iii) in timber frames non-combustible glazing inserts (not metal) fixed to the wood frames, and these inserts to be of a material which will not melt nor disintegrate in any way up to 980°C.
(6) Special consideration is required to be given to areas of glazing on escape routes due to the heat radiation hazard and the permissible area and height of the glazing in such locations
depends on the individual circumstances and, therefore, no specific guidance can be included.
(7) Information given in this Appendix is not exhaustive and other forms of construction may be proved by test to give an equivalent standard of fire-resistance.”.

OBSERVATIONS DURING TESTING

4. As soon as the igniting flame is in contact with the specimen, observations shall be made of the time. of spread of the flame front for measured distances. along a line drawn parallel to the long axis, 75 millimeters from the bottom edge of the specimen. Measurements shall be continued until the flames have died out or for 10 minutes, whichever is the longer time.

CLASSIFICATION OF SURFACE SPREAD OF FLAME

5. Surfaces shall be classified under one of the following headings, according to their observed be- haviour under test. For a full evaluation of a material having faces which differ, each face shall be classified separately.
   Four classes are specified 1, 2, 3 and 4 (see Figure 1). All specimens in a sample shall have flame-

DETAIL OF PANEL FOR CALIBRATION OF RADIATION FURNACE.

spread distances not exceeding the lower limit assigned. below, with the proviso that, for one specimen only in the sample, the flame spread may exceed this limit, as long as it does not pass the upper limit of the class
Class 1-A surface on which the lower limit for final distance of spread of flame is 165 millimetres and the upper limit is 190 millimeters.
Class 2.-A surface on which the lower limit for spread of flame after one and a half minutes is 215 millimeters and the upper limit is 240 millimetres. The corresponding limits for final distance are 455 millimeters and 500 millimeters, respectively.
Class 3-A surface on which the lower limit. for spread of flame after one and a half minutes is 265 millimetres and the upper limit is 290 milli- metres. The corresponding limits for final distance are 710 millimetres and 785 millimetres, respectively.
Class 4-Exceeding class 3 limits.

INGREDIENTS OF SODIUM SILICATE COMPOSITION

6. (1) The silicate composition shall conform to the following proportions by mass-
   kaolin, 1,50;
   sodium silicate, 1,12; water, 1,00.
   (2) The sodium silicate shall be of a “neutral” grade in the form of an aqueous syrup, in which the ratio of soda to silics is between Na,O: 3,2 Sio, and Na,O: 34 50, and that has a density of between 1,41 and 1,43.
   (3) This flame-retardant composition is not suitable for use as a permanent paint for fire-protec tion purposes.
   

CALIBRATION OF APPARATUS AND SPECIFICATION FOR PANEL AND RADIOMETERS

The panel to support the radiometers for measuring the intensity of radiant heat falling on a specimen, is shown in Figure 2. It consists of a base- board of 9 millimetres in thickness of asbestos wood having a density of 1 320 to 1 450 kilograms per cubic metre. Recesses at 75-millimetres intervals and drawn parallel to a longer edge of the board, and 75 mil metres from it, as shown in Figure 2, and 0.3 milli metre in depth, are made for 25-millimetres-diameter copper discs. The discs have a thickness of 0,002 millimetre, and are fitted with a thermocouple of 0,71-millimetre-diameter chormel/constantan wire silver-soldered, to the exposed face. Anasbestos-paper disc of 25 millimetres in diameter and 0,25 millimetre in thickness is fixed to the copper disc over the thermocouple with sodium silicate. The copper discs are secured in the recesses in the base-board with sodium silicate.

FOURTH SCHEDULE (Section 1)
COMBUSTIBILITY TEST FOR BUILDING MATERIALS

This test is to determine whether a building material is non-combustible or combustible within the meaning of the definition, as given in paragraph 6.

FIELD OF APPLICATION

The test is intended for building materials whether coated or not, but it is not intended to apply to the coating alone.

SAMPLING

The sample should be sufficiently large to be representative of the material, particularly in the case of non-homogeneous materials.

APPARATUS

(1) Furnace-The furnace consists principally of a tube of refractory material having a density

between 1 500 and 2000 kilograms per cubic meter with an inner diameter of 75 millimeters, a height of 150 millimeters, and an over-all wall thickness of 10 to 13 millimetres. The tube is provided with one or more electrical heating coils and is located within an lower end of the furnace is attached a cone-shaped insulated surround, as shown in Figure 1. To the air-flow stabilizer, 500 millimetres in in length and
reducing from a 75-millimetres internal diameter at the top to to a 9-millimetres
lower end. The stabilizers internal diameter at the can be made of steel sheet of approximately 1 millimetre in t thickness, and should
be
smooth on the inside, particular attention being given to the smoothness and the tightness of the joint with the furnace. At the open top of the furnace, a draught-shield, which may be made of the same. material as the stabilizer cone, should be provided, having an internal diameter of 75 millimetres and a height of 50 millimetres.
(2) Furnace stand-The furnace is mounted on a stand with a clearance of approximately 250 milli- metres between the floor and the lower end of the air- flow stabilizer. This clearance must be protected against disturbance by air currents. An adequate pro- tection can be provided by using shields around the stand to a height of approximately 550 millimetres
from the floor.
(3) Furnace control-The electric winding of the furnace should be so arranged that a vertical zone of at least 60 millimetres in length exists at mid-height of the empty furnace with uniform temperature con ditions, within a tolerance of +5 degrees Celsius, as measured by a thermocouple Jocated 10
having
from the wall. This be achieved closer windings at the two ends of the tube or by means of separate windings at the ends con- trolled independently of the central section. To minimize temperature fluctuations in the furnace, it is necessary to use a voltage stabilizer in the circuit, able to maintain voltage within ±0,5 per centum of the
nominal value.
an
(4) Temperature measurements.-Temperatures should be measured by means of sheathed thermo- couple wires having a combined outside diameter of I millimetre with thermo-electric wires of approximately 0,2 millimeter in diameter. The sheath protection provided on the hot junction should have outside diameter of 1,5 of 1,5 millimeters and a length of 10 millimeters, as in Figure 2. The temperature should be measured with a a recorder having measuring-range which corresponds with the temperature changes which occur during the tests. Measurement should be made at intervals of not greater than 10 seconds. The temperature-measuring equipment should have an accuracy of at least 0,5 per centum.
(5) Location of thermocouples-Two thermo- couples should be used, the furnace thermocouple to measure the furnace temperature and the specimen thermocouple to measure the temperature in the center of the specimen. The furnace thermocouple should be located with its hot junction 10 millimetres from the wall of the furnace and at mid-height of the constant temperature zone, by means of small steel spacers, with 2,5-millimetres-diameter holes, attached to the top and bottom edges of the draught-shield.

The specimen thermocouple should be located with its hot junction in the center of the specimen, and should be inserted from the top through a hole of 2 milli- meters in diameter. As the hole remains open, it is necessary to ensure that the thermocouple maintains contact with the material at its bottom.
(6) Specimen holder and insertion device.-The specimen is placed in a holder made of nichrome or heat-resisting steel. At the bottom of the holder, a fine metal gauze of heat-resisting steel should be p as shown in Figure 3. The mass of the hold provided, assembly should not exceed 20 grams. The holder is sus from the lower end wer end of an adjustable tube of steel having an outside diameter of
ung steel metres and a bore of 2 milli-
fixed
essen-
metres. The specimen insertion device consist ally of a metallic sliding rod moving freely in a vertical tube fitted to the side of the furnace. The with heat-resisting steel tube the spec specimen holder is by a space bar to the sliding rod. The design of the insertion device should be such that the specimen introduced into the furnace rapidly and without any shock. The inserted specimen should occupy a specified position in the furnace in the middle of the constant-temperature zone, and equidistant from the walls.
isi

TEST SPECIMENS

4. (1) Preparation of specimens.-The specimens should be as representative as possible of the average properties of the sample, and should be prepared to the size defined in subparagraph (5).
   (2) If the thickness of the material is less than 50 millimetres, the specimen must be made of sufficient layers, to achieve the thickness required in subpara- graph (5). The layers should occupy a horizontal position, and should be held together firmly by means of fine wire to prevent air gaps between layers. The density of the specimen should be representative of the density of the material.
   (3) For composite materials of a thickness, such that a number of layers cannot be put together to give a specimen of the specified size as described above, the specimen should be prepared to the required thickness by adjusting the thickness of the different components.
   (4) If it is not possible to follow this procedure to prepare the specimen, tests should be performed on the individual components and reported accordingly.
   (5) Number and size. For test purposes, three specimens should be prepared, as described in sub- paragraph (1). The nominal dimensions and toler ances for the specimen sizes are as given below- width and breadth, 40 mm +0-2 mm; height (thickness), 50 mm 3 mm;
   volume, 80 cm+5 cm.
   (6) Conditioning-The specimens should be con- ditioned in a ventilated oven maintained at 60 degrees

Celsius 5 degrees Celsius for at least 20 hours, and cooled to ambient temperature in a dessicator prior to the tests.

PROCEDURE

5. (1) Apparatus. Before starting the test, it is necessary to ascertain that the whole equipment is in good working order, for example, the stabilizer is clean, the insertion device is working smoothly and the specimen holder occupies the exact position in the furnace. The equipment should be protected against draughts and not be exposed to direct sunlight or artificial illumination.
   (2) The furnace should be heated and the furnace temperature stabilized at 750 degrees Celsius 10 degrees Celsius for a minimum period of 10 minutes before the insertion of a specimen.
   (3) Insertion of specimen.-The specimen should be placed in the holder described in subparagraph (6) paragraph 3 and inserted in the furnace, not more than five seconds being taken for this operation.
   of
   (4) Duration of heating-The heating period commences with the insertion of the specimen in the furnace, and should be continued for a period of
   20 minutes.
   (5) Test observations-A record should be made of the temperature readings from the two thermo- couples during the heating period, and note taken of the occurrence and duration of any flaming.
   (6) Number of specimens tested-The test is carried out on three specimens, prepared as specified in subparagraphs (1) and (5) of paragraph 4. The tests should be limited to less than three, if the material has already shown itself to be combustible, as defined in subparagraph (2) of paragraph 6.
   

EXPRESSION OF RESULTS

5. (1) Non-combustibility-A material shall be deemed non-combustible if, during the test, not one of the three specimens
   (a) causes the temperature readings of the furnace thermocouple to rise by 50 degrees Celsius or more above the initial furnace temperature;
   (b) causes the temperature readings of the speci men thermocouple to rise 50 degrees Celsius or more above the initial furnace tempera- ture;
   (c) flames for 10 seconds or more. Flamings for durations of less than 10 seconds shall be ignored.
   (2) Combustibility-If one of the three criteria is not satisfied for any of the three specimens, the material shall be deemed combustible.

Figure 1 GENERAL ARRANGEMENT: NON COMBUSTABILITY APPARATUS.

FURNACE THERMOCOUPLE AND SPECIMEN THERMOCOUPLE