DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

FACULTY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

BAA2422 BUILDING SERVICES AND MAINTENANC

SESSION 2022/2023 SEMESTER 2

DESIGN OF FIRE AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF

PRIVATE UNIVERSITY SUNWAY

AA19078

AIZA SHAZLIN BINTI MOHAMED IBRAHIM

Case study

Private Sunway University is located in Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Selangor. The
school and the residence buildings together occupy 24 acres. It was first established in the year
1987 as Sunway College but was later divided into a university college in 2004. It was
successfully promoted to a full university status as Sunway University in the year 2011.

It has two basements and twelve levels. Inside the structure are offices, lecture halls,
classrooms, a cafeteria, and a library. There is ample space with good circulation for pupils to
easily utilise.
1.0 ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION

1.0 Introduction

One of the most crucial components to plan for in a modern building structure is active fire
protection. To identify, warn about, and attempt to eliminate the fire hazard, active fire
protection, a part of fire detection and prevention that responds to action or motion, is used.
The majority of the more easily recognised methods for fighting and extinguishing fires fit
into the active part of fire protection since they actively look for and respond to fires.

Active fire protection uses a variety of systems. Active firefighting systems must be
dependable, and their design must adhere to predetermined criteria. Items like foam and
water sources should be placed safely apart from any potentially dangerous installations. On
the protected installation, critical valving and instrument cabling should be able to survive
heat and fire.

1.1 Fire Detection System

A fire detection system picks up on one or more fire-related byproducts, such as smoke, heat,
infrared or ultraviolet light, or gas. They are essential components of all high-rise and multi-
winged building designs, such as those for hotels and hospitals.
1.1.1 Smoke detectors

In the case of a fire, a smoke detector functions as a sensor that detects smoke. It generates a
signal for a large building's fire alarm system or sends a local visual or auditory signal to a
room or home. Smoke detectors are typically kept in a small, rounded piece of plastic and
installed on the roof of a building where there is a risk of fire or other risks. When a specific
sort of fire is expected and equipment protection necessitates a quicker response time than
heat detectors, smoke detectors are utilized.

Before temperature increases are sufficient to trigger heat detectors, a smoke detector will
detect the production of the visible and invisible combustion products. The ascent, spread,
rate of burn, coagulation, and air movement of the smoke itself determine a smoke detector's
ability to detect a fire. Additionally, a smoke detector's lifespan is roughly 10 years.
1.1.2 Heat detectors

A heat sensitive element in a heat detector heats up in response to the thermal energy of a fire.
The element's thermal mass and conductivity control how quickly heat flows into it. This
thermal lag is present in every heat detector. The two main categories of operation for heat
detectors are "rate-of-rise" and "fixed temperature."

Heat detectors are typically installed in locations where there is a risk of intense heat and
strong flames; in most cases, these locations are the storage rooms where chemicals or fuels
are kept. It is typically mounted on high ceilings as well. The sensors detect temperature
increases beyond a predetermined limit and the spread of fire in order to distinguish between
normal temperature variations and fire conditions. This triggers an alert or an automatic fire
suppression system.
1.1.3 Flame detectors

Typically, electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet or infrared spectrums causes flame

detectors to respond. These detectors are frequently used in situations where there is a chance
for a fire to spread quickly, such as with flammable liquids. These detectors combine an
electromagnetic radiation receiver with an electrical circuit. When flame detectors detect
electromagnetic radiation from one or more defined wavelengths in the ultraviolet or infrared
spectrum, they will turn on.
1.2 FIRE NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE

The active fire protection component is the fire notification appliances, which are a part of
the fire alarm system. When a fire breaks out or there is another emergency, it uses auditory,
visible, tactile, and olfactory stimuli—or odorize—to alert the user that they need to escape
right away. The devices that broadcast both audible and visible textual information, such as
illuminated message displays and live or recorded instructions, are included in evacuation
signals.

• Fire alarm bells

• Siren

• Speaker

• Break glass

• Emergency light

• Fireman intercom system

• Manual call points

1.2.1 Fire Alarm Bells

Together with the detection system, fire alarm systems can detect an event and then transmit
an input to the alarm system for a response. Fire alarm system examples include wall-
mounted megaphones, manual call points, fireman communication systems, and fire alarm
bells. When an electric current is supplied, a fire alarm bell, which is an electric bell that
operates using electromagnetic waves, will emit a repeating buzzing or change in tone. To
notify the residents of a fire or other emergency situations needing action, it uses audible
stimuli.

1.2.2 Siren

A siren is a signal that an emergency or fire has begun. It is typically employed for outdoor
settings, although occasionally it is used in those noisy, loud indoor spaces. Electric motors
with a rotor attached to the shaft trigger fire sirens, which are typically single tone devices.
Some of the more modern sirens have speakers that are powered by electronics.
1.2.3 Speaker

In the event of a fire, speakers are frequently utilized to broadcast signals. They can generate
unusual noises that are impractical for mechanical appliances and are used to mimic the
sound of any other mechanical device. Speakers can also be utilized to create live or recorded
voice commands. Cone, compression, and horn speakers are a few of the several types of
speakers. A microphone, an electronic tone generator, a speech synthesizer, and an electronic
amplifier control the speakers.

1.2.4 Break glass

In buildings with fire break glass alarms, people can quickly phone the fire department and
operate the fire alarm electrically. Pressing the tiny button on the red panel on the wall will
alert the fire brigade. The Fire Brigade will then arrive at the building right away. With a fist,
elbow, or a pen, you can easily break the Perspex or glass material. Sometimes the button will
automatically press when the glass is broken.

• The call point should be installed around 1.4m above the ground.
• Placed somewhere that no person needs to travel more than 45m to reach it.
• 30m is the maximum travel distance to activate the alarm.
1.2.5 Emergency Light

The internal batteries that serve as the emergency lighting's backup power source are
continuously charged by the emergency lighting, which is wired to the building's power supply.
This ensures that lights are still available in the event of a blackout and makes it simple for
residents to locate exits in case a safe evacuation is required. Because of the abrupt darkness
and potential risk that blackouts pose to users who are unable to see anything. Emergency exit
lights are intended to direct those inside to a safe exit in case of an emergency. Since it is a
stand-alone safety, it will remain lit in the event of an electricity failure.

1.3 Water Based Systems

1.31 Standard Sprinklers

A fire sprinkler system is made up of a water supply network that supplies enough pressure to
a water distribution system, which in turn feeds several sprinklers that only activate in the event
of a fire. When a mechanism in the sprinkler head sensed a fire, the sprinklers would
automatically discharge the water in a specific way to slow the fire's spread. The sprinklers in
the structure are of the pendent spray variety, in which the deflectors are angled downward
towards the covered floor area. The sprinkler system being used is a Wet Pipe System, one of
the more popular versions in which the sprinklers contain a heat-responsive glass bulb or a
fusible element that prevents water from discharging from the orifice. The water is kept in
check until the fire's heat activates the element, forcing it to release and let the water flow to
the heat source.
1.3.2 Wet Riser

A wet riser is a water distribution system that uses vertical pipes to deliver a continuously
charged flow of water from town mains to landing valves at higher levels. For taller buildings
that are under a lot of pressure for fire safety, a wet riser is frequently required. They are useful
for giving firefighters a steady stream of water to areas of the building without fire service
equipment and are built to blend in with the structure's 'compartmentation' to eliminate the need
to run hose reels between rooms.

UBBL - Section 231:

(1) Wet rising systems shall be provided in every building in which the topmost occupied floor
is more than 30 meters above fire appliance access level.

(2) Wet riser systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with M.S.1489 such that all
parts of the floor are within 45 meters from a landing valve.

Wet riser pumps and tanks can only be placed in the first or second basement; the lowest
basement may not be allowed due to the risk of risers being offloaded. Instead, risers should
be placed inside fire-fighting shafts and, if necessary, close to the protected escape stairs.
Following the proximity standards, wet riser outlets, also known as "landing valves," may be
located inside of covered lobbies and enclosures. To make sure the machinery is in good
working order and ready for use, Wet Risers should be examined and tested on a regular basis.

1.3.3 Hose Reels

To put out a fire, a fire hose applies a high-pressure retardant (such foam). It can be attached
to a fire hydrant or a fire engine outside. It can stably join a building's standpipe or plumbing
system indoors. In Malaysia, a fire hose reel system is a piece of hardware put next to a fire
department to ensure an ongoing water supply in the event of a fire.
Fire hose reels' availability and ease of use enable people to reduce the harm brought on by
unintentional flames and explosions in buildings. If a fire hose installed in a structure is filled
with pressurized water or a suitable fire-extinguishing agent, fire fighters and volunteers can
quickly and effectively respond to a fire outbreak.

Fixed and swinging hose reels are offered in both automatic and manual configurations. They
are frequently mounted on walls or cabinets, and their fully extended 19mm and 25mm
diameter hoses can reach distances of up to 30 meters. Additionally, they have an adjustable
nozzle that enables the user to spray or jet a regulated amount of water on the flames.

1.3.4 Fire Extinguisher

An active tiny fire can be put out with a fire extinguisher, frequently in an emergency. An agent
that can be released to put out a fire is contained in a hand-held cylindrical pressure vessel
known as a fire extinguisher. Mobile extinguishers, also known as portable and cart-mounted
fire extinguishers, are separated into two categories.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers have been shown to be the most common type of
extinguisher at Sunway University. They are made to handle Class B flammable liquid and
Class Electrical fire threats and are incredibly adaptable. They are best used indoors where
sensitive machinery or procedures call for a hygienic extinguishing agent. An efficient gaseous
extinguishing agent that leaves no residue for cleanup is carbon dioxide.
1.3.5 Fire Hydrant

An above-ground connection called a fire hydrant gives people access to a water supply for
fighting fires. When hydrants are connected to underground water mains, the water supply may
be pressurised; however, when they are connected to local ponds or cisterns, the water supply
may be unpressurized. Every hydrant has one or more outlets that can accommodate a fire hose.

A fire hydrant's valve covers must often be removed with a specialised pentagonal wrench.
Firefighters can connect hoses to the valves after removing the covers. They then turn on a
valve, allowing water to pour into the hoses from the hydrant. It matters how much pressure is
supplied to fire hydrants. In order for the fire hose nozzles to cause the water to shatter into
tiny droplets, which is the most effective against fires, there must be enough pressure.
Additionally, the pressure needs to be high enough to prevent any systemic disadvantage from
occurring when many hydrants are operating simultaneously.
1.4 Non-Water Based System

1.4.1 Gas Extinguishing System in LV Room and Control Rooms only

With the aid of a gaseous extinguishing agent, a gas extinguishing system puts out fires through
either physical effects (heat extraction) or oxygen displacement (decrease of oxygen
concentration). A gas extinguishing system, as opposed to a sprinkler system, is intended to
extinguish fire rather than just suppress it. When water, foam, or powder extinguishing systems
are ineffective or if using the extinguishing agents could result in serious damage, gas
extinguishing systems are utilized. All forms of electrical switch rooms, IT, and server rooms
are typical applications.

Nitrogen is reportedly employed in a sort of gas extinguishing system at Sunway University. A

colorless, flavorless, and odorless gas called nitrogen makes up 78.1% of the earth's
atmosphere. It has a 0.967:1 density to air ratio. Nitrogen is kept in high-pressure steel cylinders
as a compressed gas and used as an extinguishing agent for stationary fire extinguishing
systems. Currently, the highest operational pressure is 300bar at +15°C in the atmosphere. It is
safe to consume nitrogen. However, hazards from the combustion gases and a lack of oxygen
may also occur here when creating the requisite extinguishing concentration, particularly in the
event of a fire.

1.5 Conclusion
The fire protection system used and put in place at Sunway University complies with the
minimum standards, is thoroughly tested, and is taken good care of. As a result, Sunway
University's active fire protection systems are implemented in line with all of the equipment
and design requirements of the 1984 Uniform Building By-Laws.