The document outlines regulations for fire administration and application in Sri Lanka. It discusses several key points: 1. The fire regulations apply to new construction and existing buildings, and additions must comply. 2. The Construction Industry Development Authority (CIDA) oversees regulating fire standards and local authorities implement and approve compliance. 3. Authorities can delegate powers to qualified professionals recognized by relevant institutes to carry out duties. 4. Building owners must maintain fire systems and submit periodic risk assessment reports for high-rises.

1. DESIGN REGULATION
ADMINISTRATION AND
APPLICATION
By Chandimal Jayakody
BSc.(Eng), CEng., MIE(SL)., MLABSE.

2. • Application
• The provisions of the new Fire regulation shall apply to the construction,
alteration, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, maintenance, relocation of
every building or structure within the area of jurisdiction.
• Additions, alterations, repairs and changes of use or occupancy in all buildings
and structures shall comply with the provisions for new buildings.
• Organization
• There shall be a unit under the Technology Development subdivision of CIDA
for formulating regulations, standards, specifications and codes of practice.
• Implementing monitoring and approval shall be under the control of the
respective fire authorities under the local bodies.
• Delegation of authority
• The AHJ shall have the authority to delegate powers and assignments to
Qualified persons to carry out and implement relevant provisions of this
regulation. Such qualified persons shall have the powers to execute the duties
as delegated by the AHJ.

3. • Qualified person
• Sri Lankan national who has obtained his professional qualification in the
specified field as listed below as recognized by the relevant professional
institute.
• Chartered or Registered Architect registered with Architectural Registration Board
• Competent Engineer Shall be an active Corporate Member of Institution Fire Engineers
(UK)
• Corporate Member of Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka, listed in the Directory of
Building Services Engineers under the discipline of Fire protection and detection
• Corporate Member of any other recognized institution as accepted by CIDA
• System Designer
• The system designer shall be identified on the system design documents.
Acceptable minimum evidence of qualifications or certification shall be
provided when requested by the authority having jurisdiction. Qualified
personnel shall include, but not be limited to the following:
• Personnel who are certified by a nationally recognized fire protection certification
organization acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
• Personnel who are registered, licensed, or certified by CIDA.

4. • Technical and Compliance Committee on Fire Regulations (TCCFR)
• A Technical and Compliance Committee on Fire Regulations (TCCFR) shall be
appointed by CIDA. The committee shall consist of minimum of five members
suitably qualified and having adequate training and experience.
• The committee shall,
• Advise the AHJ on any technical matters where such advice is required for taking a final
decision.
• Investigate and recommend corrective actions for violations of and non-compliances
with the regulations brought to the notice of CIDA.
• Investigate and recommend the courses of action to be taken with respect to any dispute
referred to CIDA.

5. • Responsibility of the Technical and Compliance Committee on Fire
Regulations (TCCFR)
• Technical and Compliance Committee on Fire Regulations (TCCFR) shall
perform the functions of the appeal board for any appeals made by the
relevant parties.
• Whenever the AHJ reject or refuse to approve proposed construction, the
owner or his/her duly authorized agent can make an appeal to the AHJ. The
AHJ shall refer such appeals to the above committee for advice.
• System Installer
• The installation of the system shall be carried out by a Contractor/ Agency
registered with CIDA, under the Fire Detection, Protection & Suppression
(FDPS) System speciality of Electro Mechanical (EM) field.

6. • Reports and records
• The AHJ shall keep permanent records, including but not limited to,
recommended fire requirements, design drawings, approved drawings, test
certificates and approvals giving complete details of premises
• Maintenance of buildings
• All Active and Passive fire systems in buildings and structures and all parts
thereof shall be maintained in a safe condition, and all devices and safeguards
required by new regulation shall be maintained in good and proper operating
condition
• Owners/occupiers of the designated buildings falling under the categories of
super high rise and high rise buildings which require Fire Risk Assessment as
per this regulation shall be required to produce a report issued by a qualified
person or body once in every three years, to demonstrate the efficiency of
the Fire Protection systems, means of escape and conditions of refuge floors
etc.

7. • Stop Work orders
• Whenever any building work is being done contrary to provisions of this
regulation or is being done in an unsafe or dangerous manner, the AHJ shall
order such work stopped forthwith.
• Such violations shall be noticed in writing served on the person(s) engaged in
doing or causing such work to be done and such persons shall immediately
stop work until authorized by the AHJ to proceed.
• On receipt of such a notice of stoppage of work the concerned parties shall
take action to correct/ rectify all defects listed and inform the AHJ in writing.
• AHJ on receipt of such notification shall carry out further inspections and
withdraw the notice of stoppage of work if the necessary rectification works
has been carried out satisfactorily.

8. • Certificate of compliance
• Certificate of compliance with the regulation shall be issued by AHJ or by a
qualified person registered with CIDA.
• Certificate of conformity with the fire regulation shall not be issued by any
party other than AHJ or qualified person registered with CIDA
• Equivalency
• The use of equivalent or superior Standards systems, equipment and devices
complying with this regulation as a basic minimum, is permitted under new
fire regulations.
• The AHJ has the authority in taking the final decision regarding the use of
such alternatives.