FIRE safety is a critical aspect that needs to be taken into consideration when it comes to building design and operation, whether it is for residential or commercial usage.
A comprehensive approach is necessary to ensure the safety of occupants and protect the property.
There are five critical components, namely, the authority, designers, builders, inspectors, and occupiers who shoulder significant responsibilities in carrying out their roles.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (SFRD) through its Fire Safety Division, is the authority figure when it comes to ensure buildings complying with relevant acts, ordinances, and standards.
The department refers to reputable standard organisations such as the National Standard Committee on Fire Safety and standards such as MS (Malaysia Standard), BS (British Standard), AS (Australia Standard), EN (European Norms), UL (Underwriters Laboratories), and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association).
These documents, references and tools which the department refers to ensure that buildings are constructed in accordance with the required fire safety standards at both the national and international levels.
During the inspection process, the department emphasises adherence to a range of acts, ordinances, standards, codes of practice, regulations, and guidelines related to fire safety.
In the context of Sarawak, the Building Ordinance 1994 (Chapter 8) serves as a significant point of reference, providing comprehensive regulations for building planning, development control, and safety.
Through this, the department enforces Parts VI and VII of the Fourth Schedule Building Bylaws, ensuring that fire safety requirements are incorporated into the building designs.
It is critical for buildings to be equipped with necessary fire safety and emergency measures such as smoke detectors, fire sprinkler systems, fire exits and fire extinguishers, among others.
These fire safety and emergency measures will be a saving grace for early detection and intervention, significantly contributing not only to lifesaving but also to minimising the extent of damage to the property.
Secondly, the building designers must incorporate fire safety principles into the building design.
Design professionals such as architects, mechanical engineers and fire safety design philosophy consultants are vital in ensuring fire safety is incorporated into the planning stage.
They must align their designs with the relevant laws, standards, and codes of practice. This is not only to ensure the safety of future occupants and the property, but it also goes a long way in the process of obtaining relevant permits such as the Occupation Permit (OP).
Moreover, factors such as space, size, compartmentation, fire escape routes, ventilation and the designation of purpose groups must be considered by the designers to ensure that the building is safe.
In view of this, the department puts great emphasis on the use of standard criteria for creating building designs that prioritise safe occupation and comply with fire safety requirements.
At the same time, the builders also play a crucial role in implementing fire safety measures during the construction phase.
Not many may know this, but the department maintains lists of approved building materials that meet fire safety standards.
As such, the builders are not only required to follow approved drawings but they must also use the appropriate materials and construction methods as these contributeto the overall safety of the building.
When it comes to the process of ensuring compliance with approved drawings and standards, various authorities are involved, including local councils and technical departments.
Of course, the department is involved in this process as each authority has its own respective roles and responsibilities in certifying and enforcing compliance with approved drawings and standards.
The relevant authorities are the inspectors who will conduct thorough inspections, testing and verification of passive and active fire requirements as outlined in the approved drawings.
Their professionalism and expertise in ensuring that all guidelines and checklists are ticked will affect the result and issuance of Completion (CPC), Occupation Permits (OP), and Certificates of Completion and Compliance (CCC). These certifications and permits will only be issued once all requirements are met.
Above all, the occupiers are the most pivotal component in this matter. They are not only responsible for maintaining fire safety standards, but they must adhere to the approved building’s intended usage as well as follow constructional and fire safety requirements.
The degree of risks greatly depends on the actions of occupants because it is essential for them to avoid unsafe attitudes, behaviours and conditions (ABC).
Unfortunately, there is still an urgent need to raise awareness on ABC among occupants, especially when it comes to the importance of proper maintenance and good housekeeping practices that contribute to the prevention of incidents.
As such, it is important for stakeholders to realise and understand that a comprehensive fire safety approach requires the collaboration and commitment of all.
It is a shared responsibility that will go a long way towards ensuring a safe environment for all, especially the occupants.
