B.services case-study

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN
BUILDING SERVICE BLD 60903 /ARC 2423
CASE STUDY & DOCUMENTATION OF BUILDING SERVICES SYSTEMS
AR SATEERAH
CLEMENT CHEN KIT SEONG 0319574
AFIQAH ZAHRA BT ZAINOL RASHID 0315857
ALAN KOO KA LOK 0318757
KHOO MING SEN 0319659
DANNY TONG 0323484
IZZAT ABDUL MUHAYMIN BIN JAFRI 0319437
LIEW YU XIAN 0319173

Table of Contents
1. ABTRACT
2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
3. INTRODUCTION
4. AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Literature Review
4.3 Case Study
4.4 Split Unit Air Conditioning System
4.4.1 Outdoor Unit
4.4.2 Indoor Unit
4.5 Conclusion
5. MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEM
5.1 Introduction
5.3 Case Study
5.4 Exhaust Vents
5.5 Conclusion
6. MECHANICAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
6.1 Introduction
6.3 Case Study
6.3.1 Types Of Elevators
6.3.2 Drawings

6.4 Elevator components
6.4.1 Geared Machine
6.4.2 Wrapping for Traction Sheave
6.4.3 Governor
6.4.4 Door System
6.4.5 Counterweight
6.4.6 Safety Break
6.4.7 Elevator Control Panel
6.5 Conclusion
7. FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM
7.1 Introduction
7.3 Active Fire Protection System
7.3.1 Smoke Detector
7.3.2 Manual Call Point
7.3.3 Alarm Bell
7.3.4 Fire Panel
7.3.5 Portable Fire Extinguisher
7.4 Passive Fire Protection System
7.4.1 Fire Wall
7.4.2 Fire Rated Door
7.4.3 Separation of Fire Risk Area
7.4.4 Emergency Light
7.4.5 Escape Routes/Emergency Floor Plan
7.4.6 Emergency Exit Signage
7.5 Conclusion
8.0 References
1. ABTRACT

This research paper is intended to look in-depth into the details in building services system of
Freedom elderly center, Old Klang Road. The building services system discussed in this research
paper is divided into 4 part. Air conditioning system, Mechanical ventilation system, Mechanical
Transportation system and Fire protection system. Components of each system will be further
broken down and analysed to ensure building system installation meets UBBL (Uniform Building
By Law) and MS1525 (Malaysian Building Standards Requirements) building requirements.
2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Our team would like to express our deepest gratitude and thanks to everyone that has helped out
in this research paper. Their continued support from all sort of way guided us the right way. We
would also like to extend our appreciation to our tutor, Ar Sateerah for her helpful advice
throughout the research. Our sincere appreciation is extended to all our Studio lecturers that guided
us to building and designing the elderly home.
3. INTRODUCTION
In the future, a greater proportion of houses, apartments and institutional accommodations will
be built for the elderly persons than at any previous time in our history. This is because the life-
span of mankind has increased through advances in medical and science; thus making the
proportion of older people in the population increased. Therefore, accommodations are needed to
provide necessary facilities and services for the elderly to live as normally as possible.

4.1 INTRODUCTION
Air conditioning can refer to any form of cooling, heating, ventilation or disinfection that
modifies the condition of air, typically for thermal comfort. The main function of air
conditioning system is to alter the temperature, purity and humidity of air to more comfortable
conditions in an occupied space, as of an office, theatre, laboratory, or house. Malaysia
categories as a country under tropical climate with high temperature and humidity, therefore
heating systems are not appropriate or applicable.
This research paper aims to create a deeper understanding or air conditioning system in Freedom
Elderly Centre through intense analysis. Throughout the research, rules and standards will be
investigated to ensure that proper thermal comfort and indoor air quality is being achieved via
the air conditioning system. Malaysian Standard (MS 1525) and Uniform Building B-Laws
(UBBL) standards will be used during the examination.

4.2 LITERATURE REVIEW
Air-conditioning system is a system which includes total control of room temperature, related
humidity, heat gain and also the air movement in an enclosed space. It is also the process of
altering the properties of air in order to achieve thermal comfort and good indoor air quality.
Malaysia is considered as a tropical rainforest climate with high temperature range and humidity.
Thus, in order to determine the usage of air-conditioning, the design for a building should
considers the orientation, material usage, site context and also the activity present within the
space.
In common use, air conditioner is a device that helps to lower the air temperature by removing
the air inside room and also releasing heat to outdoor. The capacity of air conditioner, cooling
system, air distribution will influence the cooling effect of space. Besides, the cooling process is
typically achieved through a refrigeration cycle. However, the air cycle is sometimes used as
treated air distribution into the indoor room. The refrigerant cycle is used to transfer the heat
from one area, to another, cooling the space efficiently. While they expel the heat by using
compressor. During the air cycle, the latent heat inside the room is removed when returned air
was absorbed by the evaporator. The medium used to absorb heat are air and water. Therefore,
air distributed through duct surround by insulator or chilled water pipes. Heat inside the room is
removed and slowly the internal air will eventually become cooler.

4.3 CASE STUDY
The type of air-conditioning system used in Freedom Elderly Centre is ‘’Split Unit air-
conditioning system’’.
The component of split unit air-conditioning system includes:
1. Outdoor unit
2. Indoor unit

4.4 SPLIT UNIT AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM
Due to limited space in Freedom Elderly Centre, split unit air-conditioning system is utilized.The
system is a more appropriate choice as other systems are unable to be installed due to the
structure of building.The system basically separate into outdoor and indoor unit. The outdoor
unit acts as condenser and indoor unit will acts as evaporator and AHU.

OUTDOOR UNIT
The outdoor unit is like a smaller type of chiller, it basically contains important part in air
conditioning system such as compressor, condenser, expansion valve etc. Freedom Elderly
Centre’s split unit are using 1 HP and 2 HP (horse power), which depends on the space required.
It actually operates with minimum noise to minimize the sound pollution to the area. The
refrigerant cycle is similar to the chiller. However, it is not connected by duct work but connect
to indoor unit by copper tubing with insulation. It consist of 2 tube : one for supply refrigerant to
cool coil, and another one for returning of refrigerant to compressor, which are used in minimum
distance to ensure cooling effect and reduce the possibility of leakage. Other than that, the
distance between outdoor and indoor unit will also influence the installation cost of air
conditioning.
According to MS1525,8.10 ACMV system equipment
ACMV system equipment provides, in one (single package) or more (split unit) factory
assembled packages, means for air-circulation, air cleaning, air cooling with controlled
temperature and dehumidification. The cooling function may be either electrically or heat
operated, and the refrigerant condenser may be air, water or evaporatively-cooled.

INDOOR UNIT
Wall mounted type Ceiling mounted type
There are two types of indoor unit air conditioner being installed in the Freedom Elderly
Centre : wall mounted type unit and ceiling mounted type unit. The indoor units are as similar as
AHU(air handling unit).However, the cool air doesn’t need to be distributed. The air is blown to
throughout the room where cooling effect is produced. Besides, the indoor units contain
evaporator such as cooling coil, blower fan and filter etc. The blower will draws warm air pass
through filter and evaporator will leads the cooling air. The direction of air flow is restricted by
horizontal and vertical louvers.
Analysis:
Split unit air-conditioning system is a better and wiser choice for Freedom Elderly Centre. It is
because the spatial arrangements of the building, which are mostly separated in smaller rooms.
Thus, by using split unit air-conditioning system, the cooling system will function more
efficiently and also helps reduce the installation cost of the air conditioning system.

4.5 CONCLUSION
In a nutshell, Freedom Elderly Centre has used the appropriate air-conditioning system for whole
building. By using split unit air-conditioning system, the cooling mechanism within space in the
building will be better utilized. Other than that, the components of air conditioning system are
also appropriately placed. For example, the outdoor units were placed at the side of buildings
where it is less reachable by users in order to reduce noise production and also ensure the system
function smoothly. Moreover, different types of split unit air conditioning system such as wall
mounted and ceiling mounted air conditioner were placed specifically at different space
according to their size. The larger the space, the air conditioner used will be ceiling mounted as
they help cool the room more efficiently. The smaller the space, the air conditioner used will be
wall mounted by the size of conditioner is smaller, and it is sufficient to utilize and produce
cooling effect to the smaller room.
Last but not least, Freedom Elderly Centre were complies with Malaysian Standard 1525 with
well management of energy consumption. The air-conditioning system had maintained thermal
comfort throughout the building while achieving other consideration

5.0 MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEM

5.1 INTRODUCTION
Mechanical Ventilation is a vital element in a building to facilitate air exchange to replace stale
air with fresh air in an enclosed space throughout the building. The process of the cycle works by
withdrawing the indoor air with external fresh air with the assistance of external ventilation
devices and source. Mechanical ventilation also helps to reduce the accumulation of moisture,
odors, bacteria, dust, carbon dioxide, smoke and other contaminants that can build up during
occupied periods. It creates air movement in the room which improves the comfort of occupants
where it includes the use of heating, cooling and humidity control which is also referred to as
Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC).
This research paper aims to create a picture of the objectives, function and circulation of
mechanical ventilation system in Freedom Elderly Center analysis. Throughout the research, rules
and standards will be investigated to check if building opening dimensions, mechanical vent
dimension and installations meet the building space requirements and regulations. Uniform
Building B-Laws (UBBL) will be used for the examination.

Mechanical ventilation is a system which removes stale air inside the building with fresh air,
applied where natural ventilation is not suitable and effective enough. The basic function of
mechanical ventilation system is to remove smoke and odours, which is normally found in
bathrooms and kitchen in the domestic industry. While in larger internal spaces like auditoriums
and offices, mechanical air extraction system will be located at the ceiling of buildings either
exposed or concealed above the ceiling.
There are two types of mechanical ventilation system, mainly spot ventilation, which includes
supply system, extract system or a balanced system; and also energy-recovery ventilation system.
In a supply system, fresh air is supplied by a central supply fan and stale air goes outside
naturally. This system is usually used in boiler plants and factories. On the other hand, an extract
system creates a negative pressure inside the building, causing air to move in naturally, though
stale air is channeled out using exhaust fans. This system usually functions in basements, indoor
toilets or bathrooms. For a combination system, it consists of both supply and extract system,
therefore the building's goes through slight air pressurization by using an extract fan smaller than
an inlet fan. Fresh air is supplied and stale air is picked up from multiple points. This system
usually works in cinemas, theatres, sports centers and so on. For an energy recovery ventilation
system (ERV), it includes a controlled heat exchanger, with one or more fans pushing air through
the machine. However, it is less cost-effective and not commonly used in Malaysia as it is
mainly made for countries with extreme summer and winter climates.

5.3 CASE STUDY
The mechanical ventilation used in Freedom Elderly Home is kept to it’s minimal as to provide
natural ventilation. However, in enclosed areas such as the reception, library, office, and
bathrooms, ventilation is used and is listed as follows:
Exhaust Vents
Fan

5.4 EXHAUST VENTS
Exhaust vents are responsible in extracting stale air form the building while the diffusers supply
clean air into the building space. Exhaust fans as shown in Figure 5.10 are located above the
ceiling of the building floors. These exhaust fans are connected to a ductwork that will be
attached to louvered openings installed on the wall.
ANALYSIS
The openings of the mechanical vents abide to the UBBL for being installed 1.5m above the ground
levels. Exhaust vents installed are able to withdraw stale air from the building interior efficiently
while fresh air is distributed by the air diffuser.
UBBL Section 41 - Mechanical Ventilation & Air-Conditioning
5. Where mechanical ventilation or air-conditioning is provided
(b) The underside of openings for the entry of air into any mechanical ventilation or air-
conditioning plant shall be no less than 1 metre from any external pavement, road , ground level
or similar external surface

Figure 5.4.1
The figure above shows the diagram of exhaust vents installed in the bathroom and changing
rooms. They function to suck out unpleasant odour and also draw out gases during a fire.
ANALYSIS
The presence of exhaust system draws stale air, replacing it with fresh air complementing the
passive ventilation of the toilet
UBBL 1984 Section 4.1
10. Water closets, toilets, lavatories, bathrooms, latrines, urinals or similar rooms or enclosure
used for ablutions which are situated in the internal portions of the buildings and in respect of
which no external walls are present, shall be provided with mechanical ventilation or air-
conditioning having a standard amount of fresh air change rate

5.5 CONCLUSION
Freedom elderly home is a well naturally ventilated space requiring less mechanical ventilation
and uses less energy consumption. However, in the Malaysian Climate, it is crucial to have some
sort of mechanical ventilation in a building so that comfort is not affected by the climate. Thus,
the components are installed at appropriate location to allow maximum performance and to
prevent inconvenience to the users while it abides to the UBBL and MS1525 requirements.

6.0 MECHANICAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

6.1 INTRODUCTION
Vertical transportation is a phrase used to describe the various means of travelling between floors
in a building. All buildings with more than one storey of course have at least one set of stairs and
the provision of stairs is a very important consideration when designing buildings in order to
ensure all the occupants of the building can escape safely in the event of a fire.
In buildings with more than four storey, a lift is desirable as there is a limit to how far people are
willing to walk up stairs.
This research paper aims to create an understanding of mechanical transportation system in this
building, Elderly Center that been build for subject design studio 4through intense analysis.
Throughout the research, rules and standards will be investigated to check if building
transportation system is installed meeting building planning requirement. Uniform Building
ByLaws (UBBL) will be used during the examination.
Mechanical transportation are advance automatic vertical and horizontal transportation tools for
human to travel between floors to get to designated levels with ease.
In a building with more than four stories, mechanical transportation system should be
implemented with the introduction of elevator. An elevator is a type of vertical transport. These
transportation system benefit as they save time, save energy consumption of building while it
organizes circulation of human and goods, ensuring smooth transition between transportation.
The idea of mechanical transportation is also to aid the disabled, transferring mobility impaired
people inside the building.
For high-rise buildings, there is elevator zoning for the purpose of efficiency in reducing wait
time by zone. For mid-rise building, zoning is usually not required as the wait time is lesser than
high-rise building. Efficiency of the transportation system also depends on the speed and
capacity of the elevator, and different type of elevator has different function and must be chosen
carefully before installing to maximize the usage and increase efficiency. Besides, factors such
as the smoothness of ride, degree of noise and accuracy of floor levelling also can affects the
quality of ride.
Elderly Center, there is only one type of mechanical vertical transportation which is elevator.
There are a few types of elevators that can be found, like Passenger Elevator, Service Elevator
and Loading Bay Elevator.
The research focus on the mechanical transportation system in Elderly Center and compiled with
the details referencing conformance to UBBL Mechanical Transportation System Requirements.
The literature review as our beginning of the research, explains the mechanical transportation
and elaborates on the types of mechanical transportation in such building. The research also
conduct with an analysis and recommendations for improvements to mechanical transportation
system at Elderly Center in term of safety and control of circulation.

6.3 CASE STUDY
The types of elevator that is commonly used which consists of hydraulic elevators, Machine-
Room-Less (MRL) Elevators, Geared and Gearless Traction Elevators with Machine Room. The
type of elevator system used in Elderly Center is Hydraulic Elevators.

Hydraulic Elevators (Push Elevators)
Hydraulic elevators are supported by a
piston at the bottom of the elevator that
pushes the elevator up as electric motor
forces oil or another hydraulic fluid into
the piston. The elevator descends as a
valve releases the fluid from the piston.
They are used for low-rise applications of
2-8 stories and travel at a maximum speed
of 200 feet per minute. The machine room
for hydraulic elevators is located at the
lowest level adjacent to the elevator shaft.

6.3.2 DRAWING
From the ground floor plan of the building, we can clearly see that all the stairs are located
closely to the elevators, for emergency purposes. Beside, the location of the elevators has
fulfilled the minimum standard of service, in terms of maximum walking distance of 45m to the
elevator lobby.

6.4 ELEVATOR COMPONENT
How Hydraulic Elevator Works:
In Elderly Center, The concept of an elevator is incredibly simple -- it's just a compartment
attached to a lifting system. Tie a piece of rope to a box, and you've got a basic elevator.
Of course, modern passenger and freight elevators are a lot more elaborate than this. They need
advanced mechanical systems to handle the substantial weight of the elevator car and its cargo.
Additionally, they need control mechanisms so passengers can operate the elevator, and they
need safety devices to keep everything running smoothly.
There are two major elevator designs in common use today: hydraulic elevators and roped
elevators.
Hydraulic elevator systems lift a car using a hydraulic ram, a fluid-driven piston mounted inside
a cylinder. You can see how this system works in the diagram below.
The cylinder is connected to a fluid-pumping system (typically, hydraulic systems like this use
oil, but other incompressible fluids would also work). The hydraulic system has three parts:

 A tank (the fluid reservoir)
 A pump, powered by an electric motor
 A valve between the cylinder and the reservoir
The pump forces fluid from the tank into a pipe leading to the cylinder. When the valve is
opened, the pressurized fluid will take the path of least resistance and return to the fluid
reservoir. But when the valve is closed, the pressurized fluid has nowhere to go except into the
cylinder. As the fluid collects in the cylinder, it pushes the piston up, lifting the elevator car.
When the car approaches the correct floor, the control system sends a signal to the electric motor
to gradually shut off the pump. With the pump off, there is no more fluid flowing into the
cylinder, but the fluid that is already in the cylinder cannot escape (it can't flow backward
through the pump, and the valve is still closed). The piston rests on the fluid, and the car stays
where it is.
To lower the car, the elevator control system sends a signal to the valve. The valve is operated
electrically by a basic solenoid switch. When the solenoid opens the valve, the fluid that has
collected in the cylinder can flow out into the fluid reservoir. The weight of the car and the cargo
pushes down on the piston, which drives the fluid into the reservoir. The car gradually descends.
To stop the car at a lower floor, the control system closes the valve again.
This system is incredibly simple and highly effective, but it does have some drawbacks. In the
next section, we'll look at the main disadvantages of using hydraulics.
Analysis:
The reason why Hydraulic Elevator is used in Elderly Center is because Hydraulic elevators are
elevators which are powered by a piston that travels inside a cylinder. An electric motor pumps
hydraulic oil into the cylinder to move the piston. The piston smoothly lifts the elevator cab.
Electrical valves control the release of the oil for a gentle descent.
Hydraulic elevators are used extensively in buildings up to five or six stories high. Sometimes,
but rarely, up to 8 stories high. These elevators, which can operate at speeds up to 61 meters (200
ft) per minute, do not use the large overhead hoisting machinery the way geared and gearless
traction systems do.

6.4.1 WRAPPING FOR HYDRAULIC ELEVATOR
With the hydraulic type driving system, the hydraulic power unit forces oil into the hydraulic
jack (a combined plunger and cylinder) and the plunger pushes the car upwards using energy
stored in the oil under pressure. The car descends automatically as the oil returns to the cylinder
along the same route. Car-and-jack combinations are described in the table below.
Following the introduction of the machine-room-less traction method elevator, production
figures for hydraulic-type elevators have been falling each year.
A.) Direct Acting (direct plunger driving)
Plunger pushes up car directly at a 1:1 ratio of plunger-to-car movement.
B.) Indirect Acting (suspended type or roped hydraulic drive)
Plunger is connected to car by roping using a deflector and suspension sheave, moves car up and
down at a 1:2 ratio of plunger-to-car movement.

6.4.2 DOOR SYSTEM
Elevators use two different sets of doors: doors on the cars and doors opening into the elevator
shaft. The doors on the cars are operated by an electric motor, which is hooked up to the elevator
computer.
The electric motor turns a wheel, which is attached to a long metal arm. The metal arm is linked
to another arm, which is attached to the door. The door can slide back and forth on a metal rail.
When the motor turns the wheel, it rotates the first metal arm, which pulls the second metal arm
and the attached door to the left. The door is made of two panels that close in on each other when
the door opens and extend out when the door closes. The computer turns the motor to open the
doors when the car arrives at a floor and close the doors before the car starts moving again.
Many elevators have a motion sensor system that keeps the doors from closing if somebody is
between them.

6.4.5 ELEVATOR CONTROL PANEL
Elevator control panel (system) can be found at
the machine room together with Geared Machine which usually located at the top of the lift. The
main function of the panel system is to act as the control brain to the entire elevator system that
generate or receive signals from users or operator. It also sends out signal to respectively
components in the elevator.
Elevator control panel is the system that is able to coordinates all aspects of elevator service such
as, levelling, travelling, speed, door opening and delay, and hall lantern signals. In emergency
case, when the elevator breaks down, only authorize person has the qualification to repair from
the control system.
There are two main safety indicator which works together with control system which is overload
and fire service indicator.
Overload Indicator will illuminate and a buzzer will sound, when the load in the elevator is
exceeding the contract load. Under overload operation, control system will send out the signal
and elevator will be removed from normal service and door remain open until the load is less
than the contact load.
Fire service indicator will illuminate and a buzzer will sound during building fire emergency
operation. Under fire service operation, fire service indicator will send signal to control panel
and control panel will send signal to the elevator. Elevator received signal and will home to the

main/ground floor, door will remain open until trained firefighter activate the Fire Service Key
switch in the elevator and gain back the control of the car.
With the use of elevator control panel and fire service indicator, Freedom Elderly Center has met
the requirement of UBBL to make sure the car moves to ground floor with doors open during
emergency case.
According to UBBL 1984
154 (1) - On failure of main powers all elevators shall return in sequence directly to the
designated floor, commencing with the fire elevators, without answering any car or landing calls
and park with doors open.
With the use of smoke detector at every lift lobbies in Freedom Elderly Center and locates fire
staircase with firewall beside every elevator, the building has met the requirement of UBBL.
According to UBBL 1984
152 (1) - Every opening in an elevator shaft or elevator entrance shall open into a protected
lobby unless other suitable means of protection to the opening to the satisfaction of the local
authority is provided. These requirements shall not apply to open type industrial and other
special building as may be approved by D.G.F.S.
153 (1) - All elevator lobbies shall be provided with smoke detectors
During the event of fire, no one should use the elevator. People are recommended to use Fire
stairways with firewall is always located beside the elevator, including in Freedom Elderly
Center.

6.5 CONCLUSION
The selection of Hydraulic Elevator system fits perfectly for the small or medium rise building
like Freedom Elderly Center due to its volume of traffic, lower installation cost, number of floors
and lower maintenance cost. Beside that, Hydraulic elevators are elevators which are powered by
a piston that travels inside a cylinder. So it will be more saver for the elderly in this building
because it does move that fast compare to other types of elevators. The location of elevator
system helps to bring convenience and efficiency to the building user while complying the
UBBL accordingly.

7.1 INTRODUCTION
Fire protection systems are being categorized into two categories which is active fire protection
system and passive fire protection system. The main analysis for this chapter is mainly about these
two categories of fire protection system in Freedom Elderly Center. Both systems are being applied
in this big building because it was important as it was mainly to ensure the user’s safety and
security and it was also for emergency purpose to decrease the damage of the building to the
minimum when fire occurred in the building.
Through this chapter, active and passive fire protection system is being studied and explained here
in detail to show how these systems work to ensure the users in the building’s safety and security.
They are being discussed and compared to the rules and regulation that was set by UBBL. This
research paper had been concluded and finalizes the analysis. Recommendation and improvement
that was discussed are also suggested in the research paper.

Outbreaks of fire within a building can be extremely dangerous in which lives are in stakes. Which
is why the understanding and overcoming unwanted fire outbreaks are very crucial in building
design to provide the best safety fire protection for the users. Fire protection system can be
categorized into two major types: active fire protection system and passive fire protection system.
Active fire protection system is the usage of both mechanically activated and manually engaged
by the users. Mechanical active systems are only activated when fire is already present within the
building as the smoke and heat triggers the mechanism. Some of the key mechanical active fire
protection systems are fire alarms, sprinklers, carbon dioxide fire suppression system and many
more. When the mechanical active fire protection system is not triggered during a fire incident,
manual active fire protection system is the next option for the user to manually put out the
unwanted fire. Examples such as the commercial fire extinguisher and fire alarm trigger can be
used to delay and notify the fire command center to activate the mechanical fire protection system.
Passive fire system protection plays the role of preventing and delaying the spread of fire and
smoke during a fire incident for users to escape the building with speed and ease through
implanting fire resistance elements in the building design. This can be categorized into two major
parts as well, one is to design the means of fire escape while the other is to prevent the fire
spreading. Escape routes that consists of high efficiency flow is crucially necessary during an
emergency to avoid congestion and speed up circulation out of the building. Such consideration
can be placed at fire escape staircases, efficient travel distance and exit signage at emergency exits.
Retarding the speed of fire spreading is also considered a major element in passive fire protection
system. It provides more time for users to escape and decrease property damages from space to
spaces. Examples such as firewall, fire rated door and ceiling are crucially considered during the
safety design phase.

Active fire protection system
Smoke detector
A smoke detector is a device that senses smoke. In another word as an fire indicator. The device issue a
signal to a fire alarm control panel as a part of a fire alarm system, where as household smoke detectors,
generally issues a local audible or visual alarm from the detector itself.
Smoke detectors are used in almost every building both for commercial and residential. It is very
important device incase of a fire. There are two types of smoke detector, Ionization Detector &
Photoelectric Detector:
Ionization Detector
An ionization smoke detector uses a radioisotope, characteristically americium-241, to ionize air due to
smoke is detected and an alarm is generated the battery will then send voltage to the plates. When smoke
enters in between the plates, it disrupts the ionization process between the 2 plates, cutting of the 2 plates ,
triggering the alarm.

Photoelectric Detector
A photoelectric smoke detector contains the source of infrared and a photoelectric receiver. The infrared
will impulse a beam of light into the sensor chamber for every 10 seconds to check for smoke particles.
When smoke enters,the smoke disrupts and scatters the light onto the photoelectric light receptor,signal
will then sent to the integrated circuit that is connected to the alarm , triggering it and causing the alarm to
go off.
According to UBBL 1984 Section 153:Smoke detectors for lift lobbies. (1) All lift lobbies shall be
provided with smoke detectors. (2) Lift not opening into a smoke lobby shall not use door reopening
devices controlled by light beam or photo-detectors unless combined with a force close feature which
after thirty seconds of any interruption of the beam causes the door to close within a preset time
figure : Break Glass Alarm

Alarm bell
The alarm bell is a device that creates loud alert when it is triggered. It functions by means of an
electromagnet, consisting of coils of insulated wire wound round iron rods. Once electric is applied, the
current will flow through the coils. The rods will then become magnetic and attracted to the piece of iron
attached to a clapper. Once the clapper hits the bell, it will create a repetitive loud ringing.
According to UBBL 1984 Section 237: Fire alarms.
(1) Fire alarms shall be provided in accordance with the Tenth Schedule to these By-laws.
(2) All premises and buildings with gross floor area excluding car park and storage areas
exceeding 9290 square metres or exceeding 30.5 metres in height shall be provided with a twostage
alarm system through evacuation (continuous signal) to be given immediately in the affected
section of the premises while an alert (intermittent signal) be given in adjoining section.
(3) Provision shall be made for the general evacuation of the premises by act of a master
control.

Fire Panel
the fire panel easy for firemen or guards to identify the location of fire. The panel operates zonally, thus
making it easy for fireman to identify the location of a fire. The specific zone indicator light will light-up
on both the main fire alarm panel and the repeater indication panel.
This alarm system must be installed based on UBBL (1984), Clause 225 (1) [9]. MATEC Web of
Conferences06002-p.4

Portable Fire Extinguisher
Portable fire extinguishers apply an destroying agent that will cool burning fuel, displace or remove
oxygen, or stop chemical reactions, so that a fire cannot continue to burn. The portable fire distinguishers
must be installed at every block. Carbon dioxide and dry powder fire extinguishers were installed on the
ground floor, but on the first and second floors, only powder fire extinguishers were installed. They were
situated near getaway routes, thus making it easier for occupants to fight. Dry powder fire extinguishers
were installed in this building and both family houses. Even though in UBBL,Jadual Kesepuluh
does not need portable fire extinguishers to be installed in dorms, for safety,this system was installed

7.4 PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM
Passive Fire Protection
System
COMPARTMENT MEANS OF ESCAPE
FIRE WALL ESCAPE ROUTES
FIRE RATED DOOR EMERGENCY EXIT
SIGNAGE
SEPARATION OF FIRE
RISK AREA
FIRE EMERGENCY
STAIRCASE

7.4.1 FIRE WALL
A fire resistance barrier used to preclude the spread of fire for a rated period of time is called a
firewall. It is a part of passive fire protection system in building design. The function of firewalls
is to subdivide a building into separate fire areas. These walls are constructed in accordance with
the locally applicable building codes and usually are made of drywall/gypsum board partitions
with wood or metal framed studs. The purpose of these fire barrier walls is to have a fire resistance
rating equal to or greater than the required rating for the application by build the wall continuous
from a floor below to a floor or roof above and/or from one firewall to another firewall.
7.4.2 FIRE RATED DOOR
According to UBBL 1984 Section162: Fire doors in compartment wallsand separatingwalls
(1) Fire doorsof an appropriate FRPshall be provided.
(2) Openings in compartment walls and separating walls shall be protected by a fire door having a
FRP in accordance withthe requirementsforthat wall specifiedinthe NinthSchedule tothese By-
laws.
(3) Openingsinprotectingstructuresshall be protectedbyfiredoorshavingFRPof notlessthanhalf
the requirementforthe surroundingwall specifiedinthe NinthScheduletothese By-lawsbutinno
case lessthanhalf hour.
(4) Openings in partitions enclosing a protected corridor or lobby shall be protected by fire doors
havingFRPof half-hour.
(5) Fire doors includingframesshall be constructedto a specificationwhichcanbe shownto meet
the requirementsforthe relevantFRPwhentestedinaccordance withsection3dof BS 476:1951.

Fire doors are a passive fire protection system that provides fire resistance rating. The fire rated
doors is an ideal fireproofing device as it can delay the fire from spreading. In order to ensure
safety while the occupants are escaping the fire, the architects usually build the fire doors along
the escape routes and fire escape stair's corridors. Some fire doors are designed to stay open under
normal circumstances and will close automatically in the event of a fire, but most of it are intended
to be shut at all times.
7.4.3 SEPARATION OF FIRE RISK AREA (FIRE ESCAPE)
In order to prevent occupants from escaping without sufficient human space, the width of all
escaping routes should be the same based on the law stated in UBBL. In addition, fire spread can
be prevented quickly from one point to the other point if the separations of fire risk area get
involved in the spatial planning of the building. The risk of fire will be reduced greatly and the
amount of injuries and accidents will decrease drastically by planning it wisely.
According to UBBL 1984 Section169: Exit route.
No exitroute mayreduce inwidthalongits pathof travel fromstoreyto final exit.

7.4.4 EMERGENCY LIGHT
The purpose of the emergency lighting is to give illumination of a necessarily high level to enable
users to evacuate the building safely during a fire emergency. This light is normally required to
automatically fully function and most of new buildings nowadays have emergency light installed
during construction. When the power supply to the normal lighting provision fails, a backup
lighting will automatically come on as it is a part of the fire safety facility of a building. A possible
danger to the users inside the building, either through physical danger or panic if the emergency
lights failed to operate as it may lead to a sudden darkness during fire emergency.
7.4.5 ESCAPE ROUTES/EMERGENCY FLOOR PLAN
According to UBBL 1984 Section178: Exitsfor institutional andother places of assembly.
In building classifiedas institutional or places of assembly, exits to a street or large open space,
togetherwithstaircases.Corridorsandpassagesleadingtosuchexitsshall be located.Separatedor
protected as to avoid any undue danger to the occupants of the place of assembly from fire
originatinginthe otheroccupancyor smoke there from.

Emergency floor plans should be located in every single floor and are all drawn according to the
plan of that floor. Normally, this emergency floor plan is located outside of the elevator, fire doors
or anywhere where the users can easily see it. In the plan, fire exit and emergency staircase must
be stated very clearly and every possible shortest escape routes must be stated in the plan, so that
during a fire emergency, users inside the building can get to the safety by follow the plan.
7.4.6 EMERGENCY EXIT SIGNAGE
According to UBBL 1984 Section172: Emergencyexitsigns.
(1) Storey exits and access to such exits shall be marked by readily visible signs and shall not be
obscuredbyany decorations,furnishingsorotherequipment.
(2) A sign reading "KELUAR" with an arrow indicating the direction shall be placed in every location
where the directionof travel toreachthe nearestexitisnotimmediatelyapparent.
(3) Everyexitsignshall have the word "KELUAR" inplainlylegible lettersnotlessthan150 millimetres
highwiththe principal strokesof the lettersnotlessthan18millimetreswide.The letteringshall be in
redagainsta blackbackground.
(4) All exitssignsshall be illuminatedcontinuouslyduringperiodsof occupancy.
(5) Illuminatedsignsshall be providedwithtwoelectriclampsof notlessthan15 wattseach.

Fire Escape Signage is located on top of the all the doors that directs to a safety area outside the
building, normally to the outdoor or the assembly area and this Fire Escape Signage usually can
be seen with the word "KELUAR" (meaning Exit). In case the electricity source was cut off during
a fire, emergency lights will be installed within the sign to provide light. Furthermore, to give a
clear signage to the occupants, the bright neon green colour and big block letters written is
provided.
7.4.7 FIRE DOOR OPEN/CLOSE SYSTEM (MAGNETIC SWITCH)
According to UBBL 1984 Section164: Door closers for fire doors.
(1) All fire doorsshall be fittedwithautomaticdoorclosersof the hydraulicallyspringoperatedtype in
the case of swingdoor andof wire rope andweighttype inthe case of slidingdoors.
(2) Double doors with rabbeted meeting stiles shall be provided with co-ordinating device to ensure
that leafsclose inthe propersequence.
(3) Fire doorsmaybe heldopenprovidedthe holdopendeviceincorporatesaheatactuateddevice to
release the door. Heat actuated devices shall not be permitted on fire doors protecting openings to
protectedcorridorsor protectedstaircases.

A device that is wired to a fire alarm system and is attached to the fire door is called the Magnetic
Switch. During fire emergency, the coil will de-energized and will repulse the other magnet
attached to the door if the electric power fails or the fire alarm is activated, where it will pushing
the door to close on its own. Wireless, battery operated fire door retainers legally hold fire doors
open and can also be used to safety.
7.4.8 FIRE EMERGENCY STAIRCASE
During a fire emergency, the Fire Emergency Staircase is really important as it will leads the users
of the building to escape to safety or an assembly area. All the building should not have at least
According to UBBL 1984 Section168: Staircases.
(1) Except as provided for in by-laws 194 every upper floor shall have means of egressvia at least two
separate staircases.
(2) Staircasesshall be of such widththatin the eventof anyone staircase not beingavailableforescape
purpose the remaining staircases shall accommodate the highest occupancy load of any one floor
dischargingintoitcalculatedinaccordance withprovisionsinthe SeventhScheduletothese Bylaws.
(3) The requiredwidthof staircaseshallbe the clearwidthbetweenwallsbuthandrailsmaybe permitted
to encroachon thiswidthto a maximumof 75 millimetres.
(4) The requiredwidthof astaircase shall be maintainedthroughoutitslengthincludingatlandings.
(5) Doors givingaccessto staircasesshall be so positionedthattheirswingshall atno pointencroachon
the requiredwidthof the staircase orlanding.

two means of different exits base on the law. These exits consist of separate exits or doors that
lead to a passage or other space giving access to separate exits in different directions. The thread
of the stairs should not be more than 255mm and the riser should be lesser than 180mm according
to the standards.

7.5 CONCLUSION
Through thorough investigation, it is safe to say that the Freedom Elderly Center has an effective
and efficient fire protection system, no more no less. The building obeys the Universal Building
By-Laws with strict detail for maximum protection, and it is built and installed with minimum
occupant disturbances. In conclusion, Freedom Elderly Center is using simple but effective fire
safety systems to ensure the safety of the users.

8.0 References
Cooling Technology – Water Cooled Chillers & Air Cooled Chillers. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.coolingtechnology.com/about_process_cooling/water-cooled-chiller/default.html
How Air Conditioners Work: Chilled-water and Cooling-tower AC Units –
HowStuffWorks. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://home.howstuffworks.com/ac4.htm
Heating,R.(1992). ASHRAE handbook (Inch-Pound ed.). Atlanta, Ga.: American Society of
Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers
Halland, Fred. Building Services Handbook. 7th ed. Routledge, 2013. 736. Print.
Building Service Handbook / Fred Hall and Roger Greeno. Hall, F. (Fred) , 2011
5K.Wang, S. (2001) Handbook of airconditioning and refrigeration. McGraw-Hill.
Fire Extinguisher, A B C Type Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher, CO2 Fire Extinguisher.(n.d.).
Retrieved from http://www.supremexfireextinguisher.com/fireextinguisher.html
Fire Sprinkler Systems – Fire Spinkler System – Automatic Sprinkler Systems – Wormald.
(n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.wormald.com.au/systems/fire-sprinkler-systems

Osafe Fire Inspection | Fire Extinguisher. (n.d.).
Retrieved from http://osafefi.com/?ws=pages&pages_id=4228
Fire Control Centres | Firewize. (n.d.).
Retrieved from http://firewize.com/book/technical-data/fire-control-centres
How elevator work, (n.d.). Retrieved from http://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-
equipment/elevator3.htm
Elevator control system, (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://elevation.wikia.com/wiki/Elevator_control_system
Elevator installation and service technology, (n.d.) Retrieved from
http://elevatordirectory.com/classified

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