Bservice

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN
Building Services BLD 60903
PROJECT 1 : Case Study of Building Services in Multi-Storey Buildings
Involving Public Use
BUILDING SERVICES SYSTEMS FOR PJ TRADE CENTRE
Group members
Raemi Safri 0328685
Nicholas Wong Yew Khung 0328559
Yew Jey Yee 0327708
Ong Huey Chyi 0326649
Chong Xian Jun 0332605
Sim Li Mei 0328623
Tutor
Ar. Zafar Rozaly
Gemilang, 2012

Acknowledgement
First of all, we would like to express our gratitude for the opportunity
provided to us to be able to conduct this research. We are grateful to Pn.
Nur Asmaliza Abdullah and the team at Emkay group who have made this
possible by providing us with the information and access to Block A,
Menara Mustapha Kamal at PJ Trade Centre.
Furthermore, we would like to express our appreciation to our tutor, Ar.
Zafar Rozaly for overseeing and guiding us throughout the course of the
project, sharing his vast knowledge and experience of the subject which
contributed greatly to our report.
Last but not least, to everyone who contributed their effort, dedication and
time in conducting this survey and the production of this report, without our
help, the successful production of this case study report would not be
possible.

Abstract
This project serves as a study to identify and analyze basic building services
of a completed building. Investigation of the various building systems are to
be conducted as a group, as we learn about the importance of various
building services and how they function to ensure the comfort and safety for
the occupants of the building.
Menara Mustapha Kamal, Block A of PJ Trade Centre was selected as the
focus of our case study. Obtaining permission from the building management,
we were able to visit and conduct a study of the building service systems
which make up the building, namely the Mechanical Ventilation System,
Air-conditioning System, Passive and Active Fire Protection System and the
Mechanical Transportation System. With guidance of the technician at site,
we were able to collect all of the necessary information for our report.
Analysis of our findings, with reference to the Uniform Building By-Law 1984
and MS 1184, provided us with understanding on how the services are
implemented complying to the laws laid out by the government, and the
intention of various building codes and regulations.
With the conclusion of the report, we achieved a greater understanding on the
functions, components and implementation of such building services and
systems, The knowledge gained from conducting this study would serve us
well for future projects, as the understanding of the various building services
and laws is crucial to all future architectural projects

Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction 1
2.0 Mechanical Ventilation 3
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Supply Ventilation
2.3 System Pressurisation system
2.4 Extract Ventilation System
2.5 Conclusion
3.0 Air-Conditioning System 11
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Centralized Air-Conditioning System
3.3 Split Unit Air-Conditioning System
3.4 Conclusion
4.0 Passive Fire Safety 26
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Purpose group of Mustapha Kamal Tower
4.3 Evacuation
4.4 Passive Containment
4.5 Fire Fighting Access
4.6 Conclusion
5.0 Active Fire Protection 49
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Fire Alarm and Detection System
5.3 Water Based System
5.4 Non Water Based System
5.5 Conclusion

6.0 Mechanical Transportation System 71
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Lifts in Block A, PJ Trade Centre
6.3 Gearless traction lift system
6.4 Fire lift
6.5 Conclusion
Figure List 91
Image References 96
References 99

1.0 Introduction to PJ Trade Centre
1

1.0 Introduction
Standing tall in Damansara Perdana, PJ Trade Centre is an office development designed by
architect Kevin Mark Low, with considerations to an economically and environmentally
sustainable construction. With focus on environmentally-friendliness and energy efficiency, the
PJ Trade Centre is an award winning building which makes use of locally sourced raw materials
and natural lighting and ventilation to craft a low maintenance, energy efficient masterpiece
which is appreciated by all.
There are four tower towers which makes up the PJ Trade Centre. The scope of our study is
centred on Block A of the building, Menara Mustapha Kamal, a 22 storey tower operated by
Emkay Group, connected to the other blocks by a 2.5 acre plaza.
Figure 1.2 PJ Trade Centre elevation (Havel, 2011)
Figure 1.1 PJ Trade Centre (Krishnan, 2016)
2

2.0 Mechanical Ventilation
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Supply Ventilation
2.3 System Pressurisation system
2.5 Conclusion
3

2.2 Supply Ventilation System
Supply ventilation is a system used to deliver fresh air from
the exterior environment to enclosed spaces.
-
2.1 Introduction
In PJ Trade Centre, passive ventilation and air conditioning system are mostly used and the use
of mechanical ventilation is very limited. Nevertheless, it continues to be one of the essential
services for the building that serves to replace the stale air with fresh air in enclosed spaces.
Two mechanical ventilation systems, i.e. supply mechanical ventilation and extract ventilation
system are used for different purposes. In a building as tall as Mustapha Kamal Tower,
pressurisation system is also required as part of fire requirement.
Fresh air is drawn in with fan and distributed to intended spaces by the use of ductwork.
Components of Supply ventilation System
Air is drawn into the supply ventilation system through centrifugal fan located at the top of the
building, and then passes through ductworks to be sent to intended spaces. The fresh air is then
distributed by grill or diffusers to different rooms.
Figure 2.1 the conceptual process supply ventilation system function. (Hometips, 2015)
Figure 2.2 Distribution of supply ventilation system (Wong, 2019)
Air duct
Fan room
4

Centrifugal fans in fan rooms located in basements function to move large quantity of air over
the supply ventilation system.
Fresh air from exterior is transported by ductwork. Axial fan is installed to help maintain the air
pressure throughout the ventilation system.
Figure 2.5 Grille inlet in fire
stairs. It helps to preserve
oxygen content of the fire
staircase, allowing people
to use. (Chong, 2019)
Figure 2.6 Grille inlet in
AHU room. It helps to
provide fresh air and
prevent heat concentration.
(Chong, 2019)
Figure 2.7 Grille inlet in fire pump room. Fire
pump room is required to be properly ventilated.
Thus, supply ventilation is installed to provide
fresh air to the room. (Chong, 2019)
Figure 2.3 Conceptual diagram of centrifugal fan ( google image, n.d.)
Figure 2.4 Supply ductwork in the basement.(Chong, 2019)
5

2.3 Pressurisation system
During fire, air is supplied to the shaft of fire stairs, forming a positive pressure against other
spaces, preventing smoke from entering the shaft. A pressure relief is required to prevent
excessive pressure from building up that results to difficulty in opening fire door.
More than to provide exterior air into enclosed spaces, supply ventilation system in PJ Trade
Centre is also used as a mean to form pressurisation system to keep smoke out of the fire stairs
in case of fire. It is an essential mechanism that protects the occupants’ escape routes and
firemen access.
Figure 2.9 The outlet grille allows pressurised air into the fire stairs. (Chong, 2019)
Uniform Building By-Laws 1984
Part VII: Fire requirements
Clause 202: Pressurised System for Staircases
All staircases serving building of more than 45.75 metres in height where there is no adequate
ventilation as required shall be provided with a basic system of pressurisation.
Figure 2.8 Conceptual diagram of pressurisation system. (Stlfamilylife, n.d. )
6

Figure 2.10 Supply ventilation to AHU rooms at typical floor. (Yew, 2019)
Distribution of Supply Ventilation
Figure 2.11 Pressurisation system in fire staircases at typical floor. (Yew, 2019)
Figure 2.12 Supply ventilation in fire pump room at basement 7. (Yew, 2019)
AHU room
Fire staircase
Fire pump room
7

PJ trade Centre employs extract ventilation system as to remove the stale air in a space out to
an exterior environment. There are two types of extract ventilation being used: centralised
extract system connected to ductwork and only with the use of fan.
Extract fan creates a negative pressure, sucking in the stale air from grills and remove to the
exterior through ductworks. In PJ Trade Centre, it is mainly used in the basement parkings to
remove the stale, contaminated air. Due to the fact that the basement car park is open to the
surroundings, supply ventilation is not needed.
Extract ventilation system with Ductwork
The centralised extract system is used in the basement parking areas. Grilles are installed both
over the parking area and next to the columns as to maximise the efficiency of removing
contaminants that settle at different levels due to their difference in densities.
Figure 2.13 Conceptual diagram of extract ventilation
(hometips, 2015)
Figure 2.14 & Figure 2.15 Grille inlets at basement carpark to extract stale air.
8

The use of propeller fan
Other than the basement parking, the extract ventilation of PJ Trade Centre is using the simple
installation of propeller fans on exterior wall as there are many open spaces integrated in the
building, allowing stale air to be removed to the immediate surroundings without the use of
ductwork.
Although it has lower efficiency than the extract system with ductwork, it has the advantage of
convenience and cost, while also using less space than to use a ductwork system.
Figure 2.17 Propeller fan installed in the lift room.
It functioned as to remove built-up heat in the
room and prevent overheating of the control
board. However, it is not effective enough and
split air-conditioning was installed a few years ago
to cool down the machineries. (Chong, 2019)
Figure 2.18 Extract ventilation in genset
room. At level B7, genset rooms are
equipped with the propeller fan to prevent
heat concentration of the machinery and
condensation. (Chong, 2019)
Figure 2.16 Distribution of extract ventilation on basement 1 plan.
9

Figure 2.19 The use of extract ventilation system in genset rooms. (Yew, 2019)
Figure 2.19 The use of extract ventilation system in lift motor room at roof plan. (Yew, 2019)
Lift motor room
Genset rooms
2.5 Conclusion
Both supply and extract ventilation systems are used in the building as a complement to the
natural ventilation throughout the building. For instance, supply ventilation is used in various
service rooms to provide fresh air and extract ventilation is used to remove heat and
contaminant in basement car parks and genset rooms.
Pressurisation system is installed in fire staircases as part of fire requirements.
10

3.0 Air Conditioning System
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Centralized Air-Conditioning System
3.3 Split Unit Air-Conditioning System
3.4 Conclusion
11

3.1 Introduction
Air-conditioning is generally defined as the simultaneous control of humidity, cleanliness,
temperature and air motion in a building (Prasad, 2006) to produce and maintain a
predetermined internal environment. To achieve this, various strategies to heat, cool, humidify,
dehumidify, clean and propel are employed. However, in our hot and humid tropical climate,
cooling and dehumidifying is the main concern of air-conditioning system.
Air-conditioning is designed for two different purposes, i.e. industrial cooling and human
comfort. Our case study, PJ Trade Centre is a commercial building comprising of offices and
shops. Thus, its air conditioning system is designed mainly to cater for human comfort by
cooling down spaces within the building to a comfortable range.
Refrigerant Cycle
Although there are many different air-conditioning systems designed to cool, they are built on a
common foundation of the refrigerant cycle (McDowall, 2007). Normally housed in a chiller, the
refrigerant cycle comprises of four main components, i.e. compressor, condenser, expansion
valve and evaporator. Cooling is achieved by a process of heat transfer from interior spaces to
exterior when a fluid called refrigerant undergoes various phase transitions when passing
through these components.
The compressor is the key of refrigeration cycle. It compresses the refrigerant, providing
pressure for the refrigerant to move between the evaporator and the condenser through the
circuit of tubing the fins in the coils. Refrigerant enters the compressor as low-pressure gas
and is released as high pressure gas after being compressed. When the gas reaches
condenser, it is condensed into liquid and release heat to the exterior. The cooled refrigerant
then passes through the expansion valve, resulting in a drop in pressure and temperature.
Heat from interior space is absorbed to vaporise the low-pressure liquid at the evaporator
before it move to the compressor again. The cycle repeats and transfer heat from the interior
space to the exterior (Hoffman, n.d.).
Figure 3.1 Refrigeration cycle diagram (Warmair, n.d.)
12

Air-conditioning system
Centralized
air-conditioning system
Split unit
air-conditioning system
Chilled water central
air conditioning system
Chiller
AHU
Cooling Tower
Pipe System
Indoor Unit
Outdoor Unit
Evaporator
Condenser
Compressor
Figure 3.2 Components of refrigeration system used in Tower A (Sim, 2019)
3.1.1 Components of Air Conditioning Systems
The air-conditioning system can be divided into a few types which are room air-conditioner, split
unit air-conditioning system, packaged unit air-conditioning system and centralized or plant
air-conditioning system. In PJ Trade Centre, the air-conditioning system used are mainly
centralized air-conditioning system, complemented by split unit air-conditioning system in some
spaces.
13

3.2 Centralised Air Conditioning System
Centralized air conditioning plant can be divided into two categories, Direct Expansion (DX)
type of central air conditioning plants and Chilled Water type of the central air conditioning
plants. For DX system, the air from the space to be air conditioned is directly passed over the
cooling coil of the refrigeration plant. In the chilled water system, chilled water from the
refrigeration system is used to circulate the cooling coil in air handling unit air which then
function to cool air of the rooms or spaces (Ananthanarayanan, 2013).
Tower A uses chilled water system. Compared with DX system, chilled water system is more
suitable for large scale commercial building such as Mustapha Kamal Tower in PJ Trade
Centre as it is more cost effective and there is a reduced hazard by not having refrigerant
piped all over the building (Dave, 2014).
Figure 3.3 Chilled water HVAC system schematic diagram(Stanford III, 2016).
Chilled water central air conditioning system used in PJ Trade Centre functions with the
combination of three separate system: air system that distributes cool air, chilled water system
that absorbs heat of warm air, and condenser water system to remove the heat absorbed by
refrigerant and release to the atmosphere (Stanford III, 2016)
Air system: AHU units make use of the chill water to cool down the warm air and distribute the
cooled air to the intended spaces.
Chilled water system: The warmed chilled water returns to the evaporator of chiller. The
refrigerant in the chiller’s evaporator then absorbs the heat from the chilled water. The chilled
water is then circulated to air system again (Evans,2019).
Condenser water system: Heat absorbed by refrigerant is transferred to condenser water
system at condenser. The condenser water is pumped up to the cooling towers on rooftop to
be cooled. Heat is released to the atmosphere successfully and the cooled condenser water is
then recirculated to the condenser (Evans, 2019).
Chilled Water Central Air Conditioning System
14

3.2.1 Air Handling Units
Air handling units (AHU) is a box type of unit which is used to circulate and condition the room
air.
Figure 3.6 Vertical air handling units
found in the AHU room (Wong, 2019)
Figure 3.7 Vertical air
handling units with vertical air
outlet (Sim, 2019)
Figure 3.5 Section of vertical
air handling units with vertical
air outlet (Lytte, n.d.)
The air handling units mainly comprise of cooling coil, air filter, fan, supply and return air ducts.
The components in the air handling units used in Tower A’s AHU room is assembled as a draw
through arrangement. Centrifugal fan draws the warm return air through return air ducts. It
passes through filters to be filtered and cooling coil to be chilled by the chilled water system
before supplied to the rooms to be air-conditioned (Khemani, 2018). Dampers are used to
control the flow of air.
The air handling units in Tower A are vertical air handling units. Vertical air handling unit
contain a fan in its cabinet that can produce high profile static pressures. This type of air
handling unit occupies small area in the space, and is cost effective with high performance.
The vertical air handling unit used in Tower A is installed with vertical air outlet.
Figure 3.4 Draw through fan arrangement in AHU (Saleh, 2015).
15

Figure 3.8 AHU control panel in AHU room (Yew,
2019).
AHU control panel functions as the soft starter system to switch on and off the AHU for
maintenance and safety purpose.
Figure 3.12 The exposed duct connect with
diffuser found on typical office floor (Sim,
2019).
Figure 3.13 Aluminium square air
diffuser (Sim, 2019).
Figure 3.9 Return air grille in
office rooms to extract
recirculated air (Sim, 2019).
3.2.2 Inlet and Outlet of Air
Air supply to the AHU is a mixture of both recirculated air from the air-conditioned rooms and
fresh air. Recirculated and fresh air should be mixed in the ratio of no more than 3:1 (Greeno,
2015). The air mixture is filtered before cooled by AHU.
Figure 3.11 Sidewall vent
inlet in AHU room to provide
fresh air (Yew, 2019).
Figure 3.10 Return air duct found in the
AHU room to provide recirculated air
(Sim, 2019).
After treated in AHU, the cooled and filtered air is distributed to the air-conditioned rooms by
supply ducts and air diffusers.
16

3.2.4 Locations of Air Handling Unit
The air handling units are installed in the air handling units room. Two air handling units (AHU)
rooms are found on each office floor of Tower A so that the cooling and ventilation could be
controlled separately on each office to cater the needs of each floor (Ho, Kitching, Siu, & Yang,
2018). The air handling unit rooms located in Tower A are all located vertically above one
another for the ease of running the chilled water piping.
AHU room
Figure 3.14 Typical office floor plan with AHU room highlighted (Sim, 2019).
Part VII Fire Requirements
Clause 160: Fire Precaution in Air-Conditioning System
(1) All air-conditioning ducts, including framing, except ducts in detached and semi-detached
residential buildings shall be constructed entirely of non-combustible materials and shall
be adequately supported throughout their lengths.
(2) No air-conditioning ducts shall pass through fire walls unless as provided for by-laws 148
and 156.
(3) The air intake of any air-conditioning apparatus shall be situated such that air shall be
recirculated for any space in which objectionable quantities of inflammable vapors or
dust are given off shall be so situated as to minimise the drawing in of any combustible
material.
The air conditioning ducts which is made of galvanised steel in Tower A are comply to the
Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 where the air conditioning ducts, including framing, shall be
constructed entirely of non-combustible materials and shall be supported adequately throughout
the lengths. Galvanised steel is non combustible material and it is capable to withstand high
pressure. For air-conditioning pipes found in Tower A, they are all layered with spray foam to
prevent condensation and provide cold insulation.
3.2.3 Ducts
17

3.2.4 Chiller
A chiller is a refrigeration system which functions to remove heat from chilled water which is
used to remove heat from air-conditioned spaces via vapor compression or absorption
refrigeration cycle. Heat absorbed by chilled water is transferred to chiller, which makes use of
phase changes of refrigerant to remove heat via condenser (ref to refrigeration cycle).
Chillers are divided into two categories: air cooled chiller and water cooled chiller. For air cooled
chillers, fans are used to blow cool ambient air over their condenser to remove heat (Evans,
2019). Thus, it must be placed outdoor to allow heat to be dissipated easily.
Water cooled chiller is used in Mustapha Kamal Tower due to its higher efficiency which can
handle larger cooling loads. Besides, this type of chiller is less energy intensive due to the
higher heat capacity of water which ease the heat removal (Evans, 2019). Moreover, water
cooled chillers last longer generally as they are located indoor as they rely on condenser water
system to remove heat.
Figure 3.16 Water cooled chiller with components labelled (Evans, 2019).
Compressor
Expansion Valve
Condenser
Evaporator
Figure 3.15 The refrigerant cycle in chiller (Evans, 2019).
18

3.2.5 Cooling Tower
The condenser water is pumped up to the cooling tower at the top of the building. The warm
water to be cooled passes through the distribution basin which distributes warm water to the
fill. Air is blown through the fill that provides a large contact area between the water flow and
the airflow to promote evaporation and heat transfer. The hot moist air would be expelled out to
atmosphere with an axial fan, connected to a motor via a mechanical assembly provide the
motive power for airflow.
There is a water collection basin located at the bottom of the tower, collecting the cooled
condenser water that is recirculated to the condenser to transfer absorbed heat in the
refrigerant to the cooling tower.
There are two types of cooling tower: counterflow cooling tower and crossflow cooling tower.
Fan
Warm water in
Cold water out
Air
Hot moist air
Distribution
basin
Fill
Water Collection Basin
Fan
Warm water in
Fill
Cooled water out
Air
Hot moist air
Distribution
basin
Water Collection Basin
Figure 3.18 Crossflow cooling tower working
principle (Jin-Hui Plastics Industrial Co., Ltd. ,n.d.).
Figure 3.17 Counterflow cooling tower working
principle (Jin-Hui Plastics Industrial Co., Ltd. ,n.d.).
Type Counterflow Cooling Tower Crossflow Cooling Tower
Air
movement
Vertically upward through the fill,
counter to the downward fall of
water
Horizontally through the fill configuration,
across the downward falling water
Water to be
cooled
distribution
method
Delivered to hot inlet distribution
system. Distributed evenly to the
fill by spray nozzles.
Delivered to hot inlet basins located above
the fill areas. Distributed to the fill by
gravity orifices in the floor of the basins.
Cool water Cool water is delivered to cold water basin located at the bottom of cooling
tower.
Pump
horsepower/
energy
More energy used for increased
pump operating energy with
nozzles and taller height of tower.
Less energy used
19

Location of Cooling Tower
The location of cooling towers is crucial in allowing sufficient maintenance accessibility,
maximizing fresh air flow and minimizing air recirculation, a situation in which hot moist
discharged air from cooling tower flows back to the fresh air inlet.
Cooling tower should be placed in an open space. The cooling towers of Mustapha Kamal
Tower are placed on the open rooftop to maximize the efficiency of cooling process and reduce
the possibility of bacterial and other microbial formation. Besides, it can prevent the noise
pollution of the cooling tower from reaching to the building occupants.
To allow the hot moist air to be discharged effectively, the top of the cooling tower unit need to
be higher than any walls, buildings or other structures located around the tower (Truwater
Cooling Towers Sdn. Bhd, 2016). Besides, there must be a certain distance the units to provide
sufficient airflow as well as room for piping to the unit and access for maintenance.
Figure 3.19 Installation is elevated so the top of
unit is higher than top of wall (Truwater Cooling
Towers Sdn. Bhd, 2016).
Figure 3.20 The cooling tower units on the rooftop are
elevated from the ground to raise the top of cooling
tower higher than adjacent building. .(Yew, 2019).
Figure 3.21 The cooling tower need to be at the
adequate distance from the wall (highlighted part)
to allow efficient airflow (Truwater Cooling Towers
Sdn. Bhd, 2016).
Figure 3.22 Roof plan with cooling tower location
highlighted (Sim, 2019).
20

3.2.6 Condenser Water Pipe System
The condenser water supply pipe (CDWS) functions to channel cold condensed water from
cooling tower to the chiller. The refrigerant in the condenser is cooled down. The condenser
water return pipe (CDWR) functions to channel back the warm condensed water which has
absorbed heat and pumped by condenser water pump to the cooling tower for cooling (Evans,
2019).
Figure 3.23 The CDWR pipe connecting to the
top of cooling tower to channel the condensed
water for cooling(Wong, 2019).
Figure 3.25 The CDWS pipe channel out
from the pump room (Sim, 2019).
Figure 3.26 The CDWR and CDWS pipe
found in AHU room (Sim, 2019).
Figure 3.24 The CDWS pipe runs horizontal
that channel condensed water from bottom
of cooling tower (Sim, 2019).
21

Figure 3.28 The water tank and cooling
tower are placed next to each other on
rooftop (Wong, 2019).
Figure 3.27 Roof plan with cooling tower and water
tank location highlighted (Sim, 2019).
Figure 3.31 Interior of the pump room (Adila, 2014).
3.2.7 Cooling Tower Makeup Water Tank
The cooling tower makeup water tank is a container that contains and holds water to provide
water for operation of Tower A in case of incoming water supply failure (Yao, 2016). It is located
beside the cooling tower on the rooftop and require regular maintenance to keep the
cleanliness of water.
Water Tank
Cooling Tower
3.2.8 Pump room
The pump room located beside the cooling tower equipped with condenser water pump
functions to provide enough pressure to the water from cooling tower to the chiller. The chiller
will then send the water to the AHU. The chiller pump room located at basement one is
equipped with chilled water pump that send the chilled water from chiller to AHU.
Figure 3.30 Basement 1 plan with chiller pump room
location highlighted (Sim, 2019).
Figure 3.29 Roof plan with cooling tower pump room
location highlighted (Sim, 2019).
22

3.3 Split unit air conditioning system
Different from centralised air conditioning, split air conditioning system transfers heat from
interior space to its immediate exterior environment. The refrigeration cycle in split air
conditioning system is separated into two units: indoor unit and outdoor unit. The indoor unit
consists of the evaporator while the outdoor unit consists of the compressor and condenser.
r
Figure 3.32 Installation of outdoor and indoor unit of split unit system (Wiring Diagram, n.d.).
To reduce the loss of the cooling effect, the distance between the indoor and outdoor unit should
be kept as minimum. There would be some loss of refrigerant which at very low temperature to
the atmosphere from the tubing between indoor and outdoor unit. The maximum distance of
indoor and outdoor unit is up to 15m (Khemani, 2018).
The refrigerant lines connecting the indoor and outdoor units need to be installed. The
connections divided into two which the first connection carries refrigerant at low temperature
from outdoor unit to indoor unit while the other carrying refrigerant at medium temperature from
indoor to outdoor unit (Khemani, 2018). To prevent the loss of cooling effect and leads to
increase in efficiency, the refrigerant tubing is to be covered with insulation material.
Figure 3.33 Indoor ceiling-suspended
unit (Wong, 2019)
Figure 3.34 Indoor wall-mounted
unit (Sim, 2019)
Figure 3.35 Outdoor unit found
installed outside the lift motor room
(Yew, 2019)
The outdoor unit for lift motor room of Tower A is located on the external wall of the room with
some angle supports as there is no blockage to the flow of air and the heat can be dissipated by
hot air easily. The outdoor unit of air conditioning for lift motor room on the rooftop is installed on
the external wall of the room which is easily accessible and convenient via the rooftop space.
3.3.1 Application of split unit air conditioning system
23

Figure 3.36 Roof plan with lift motor room highlighted (Sim, 2019).
Figure 3.37 Basement 1 plan with management office room highlighted (Sim, 2019).
Split unit air conditioning system is installed in lift motor room as water leakage from chilled
water centralised air conditioning could be disastrous to the lift system (Rabiah, 2007). Air
conditioning is needed for the machine room to prevent overheating of the machineries.
The management office room located at Basement 1 uses split unit air conditioning system too.
In this case, it is because there is only a small room of the basement to be cooled for user
comfort and centralised air-conditioning system is not needed. Hence using the split unit air
conditioning as the supplementary cooling system is more advantageous as it has higher
flexibility.
24

3.4 Conclusion
In conclusion, the main type of air conditioning system used by Menara Mustapha Kamal of PJ
Trade Centre is centralised air conditioning system. The centralised air conditioning system is
suitable for this multi storey office building. Chilled water system use to run the centralised air
conditioning system is maintained well with regular maintenance carried out by the building
management on the cooling tower, pump, air handling unit and more. Only certain part of the
building that require special care to the machine or with special condition such as lift motor room
is using split air conditioning system.
The air conditioning system in Menara Mustapha Kamal of PJ Trade Centre comply to the UBBL
1984 requirements. The management team also carries out scheduled maintenance which
maintains the cleanliness and good condition of the air conditioning system.
Part 1: Preliminary
Clause 41: Mechanical Ventilation and Air Conditioning
(1) Where permanent mechanical ventilation or air-conditioning is intended, the relevant
building by-laws relating to natural ventilation, natural lighting and heights of rooms may
be waived at the discretion of the local authority.
(2) Any application for the waiver of the relevant bylaws shall only be considered if in
addition to the permanent air-conditioning system there is provided alternative approved
means of ventilating the air-conditioned enclosure, such that within half an hour of the
air-conditioning system failing, not less than the stipulated volume of fresh air specified
hereinafter shall be introduced into the enclosure during the period when the
air-conditioning system is not functioning.
(3) The provisions of the Third Schedule to these Bylaws shall apply to buildings which are
mechanically ventilated or air-conditioned.
25

4.0 Passive Fire Safety
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Purpose group of Mustapha Kamal Tower
4.3 Evacuation Route
4.6 Conclusion
26

Introduction to Passive Fire Protection Systems
Passive fire protection systems are an integral component of the components of structural fire
protection and fire safety in a building. It works by limiting and containing the fire and smoke in a
single compartment in its area of origin while protecting escape routes and providing sufficient
escape time for occupants. Passive fire protection begins at the conceptual and designing stage
of a building construction.
Objective of Passive Fire Safety
(i) To protect the occupants in case of fire by providing safe evacuation routes.
(ii) To protect the building structural components and allowing safe fire fighting access.
(iii) to allow sufficient time of escape for the occupants
(iv) to prevent or slow down the spread of fire to the adjacent buildings.
4.1 Introduction
Fires are one of the most dangerous hazards that can occur for any building. Fires are able to
damage buildings and take precious lives. Therefore, the issue of fire is taken very seriously.
Each building is obligated by UBBL to have systems in place that will protect the building and
the users of the building. Systems are put in place to put out fires, as emergency communication
devices during a fire, and control the fire, to prevent it from spreading. Therefore, it is important
to a designer to be aware of the services in place to protect the users and the building itself from
the hazards of a fire.
27

4.2 Purpose Group of PJ Trade Centre
Clause 134 Designation of Purpose Groups
For the purpose of this Part, every building or compartment shall be regarded according to its
use or intended use as falling within one of the purpose groups set put in the Fifth Schedule to
these By-laws and, where a building is divided into compartments used or intended to be used
for different purposes, the purpose group of each compartment shall be determined separately:
Provided where the whole or part of a building or compartment, as the case may be, is used or
intended to be used for more than one purpose, only the main purpose of use of that building or
compartment shall be taken into account in determining into which group it falls
____________________________________________________________________________
According to the Uniform Building By-Laws 1987, Fifth Schedule;
Block A, Mustapha Kamal tower of PJ Trade Centre comprise of purpose group IV (offices), and
group V (shops). However, only the ground floor is used as retail shops while starting from level
3 and above are the administrative offices. Thus, Mustapha Kamal tower falls under the purpose
group IV (office) as stated in clause 134 that only the main purpose of use of the building has to
be taken into account.
Number of
Purpose Group
Descriptive Title Purpose for which compartment i
intended to be used
IV Office Office, or premises used for office
purposes, meaning thereby the purposes
of administration, clerical work (including
writing, book-keeping, sorting papers,
filing, typing, duplicating,
machine-calculating, drawing and the
editorial preparation of matter for
publication), handling money and
telephone and telegraph operating
28

4.3 Evacuation Route
Evacuation route is the obstruction free way to get occupants from any area from the structure
to the exterior within any period of time. This includes sufficient escape routes, travel distance,
protection of escape routes, the exit and exit discharge. This is important to be incorporated in
the building at the early stage of planning. Besides, it is also vital to have exit signages to be
displayed to guide the way of occupants in case of fire breakout.
The principles in planning evacuation routes are discussed from the aspects of horizontal exit,
vertical exit and assembly places.
4.3.1 Horizontal Exit
In Tower A of PJ Trade Centre, various exits are provided to allow for accessible escape routes
to occupants in different spaces within the floor to direct them safely to the assembly point in
case of fire.
Clause 165: Measurement of Travel Distance to Exit
(1) The travel distance to an exit shall be measured on the floor or other walking surface
along the centre line of the natural path of travel, starting 0.300 metre from the most
remote point of occupancy, curving around any corners or obstructions with 0.300 metre
clearance therefrom and ending at the storey exit. Where measurement includes stairs, it
shall be taken in the plane of the tread noising.
Clause 166: Measurement of Travel Distance to Exit
(1) Except as permitted by by-law 176 not less than two separate exits shall be provided from
each storey together with such additional exists may be necessary.
(2) The exits shall be sited and the exit access shall be so arranged that the exits are within
the limits of travel distance as specified in the Seventh Schedule to these By-laws and are
readily accessible at all times.
Fifth Schedule:
Purpose group Limit when alternative exits are available
(1)
*Dead-End limit (metre)
(2)
Un-sprinkled
(3)
Sprinkled
IV. Office 15 45 60
29

Distribution of Horizontal Exits at Different Levels
Fire staircase
Escape route
Travel distance
Fire staircase
Assembly point
Escape route
Figure 4.1 Typical floor plan from level 3 to level 17 indicating the escape
routes and travel distances from a compartment.(Ong, 2019)
Figure 4.2 A floor plan of lobby mezzanine floor indicating the
escape routes and travel distances from a compartment.(Ong,
2019)
Figure 4.3 A ground floor plan indicating the escape routes
from the fire staircase to the open space or assembly points.
(Ong, 2019)
d = 16m
d = 12.3m
d = 12.3m
d = 15.5m
d = 10.5m
d = 7.3m
d = 22m
Fire staircase
Escape route
Travel distance
Protected lobby
30

Protected lobby
Escape route
Figure 4.4 Basement 1-6 plan indicating the fire staircase of tower A that connects to the
Ground floor and the escape routes to other fire staircase of other tower. (Ong, 2019)
Fire Staircase
Escape route
Tower A
Figure 4.5 Basement 7 plan indicating the escape routes accessing the
protected lobby and fire staircase of Tower C. (Ong, 2019)
Conclusion
The analysis of floor plans of PJ Trade Centre shows that the basement level 1 and 7, Ground
floor, lobby mezzanine floor and level 3 to level 17, compiles with the maximum travel distance
required based on the seventh schedule, and clause 165 (1), 166 (1) and (2).
31

4.3.2 Vertical Exit
Vertical exit enables a safe vertical evacuation such as the for the occupants via the fire escape
that is compartmented by fire resistance rated construction so that it protects the enclosure of
stairwell in case of fire. It directs the occupants from the building floors to the final exit and (or)
the assembly point.
Basement 1-7
Ground Floor
Sub-Mezzanine Floor
Lobby/Mezzanine Floor
3rd - 17th Floor
18th-19th floor
20th-21st Floor
Lift Motor Room
Block A
Block B
Mustapha Kamal Tower of PJ Trade Centre is a tall commercial building consists of 21 levels
above ground and 7 levels of basements down below the ground floor. Thus, vertical exits that
connect people from various levels to the assembly place at ground level are essential.
Figure 4.6 shows how fire staircases connect to the ground level. (Ong, 2019)
Assembly point
Fire staircase
32

Fire Staircases Details
Part VI Constructional Requirements
Clause 106: Dimensions of Staircase
(1) In any staircase, the rise of any staircase shall be not more than 180 millimetres and the
tread shall be not less than 255 millimetres. And the dimensions of the rise and the tread
of the staircase shall be uniform and consistent throughout
(3) The depths of landings shall be not less than the width of staircases.
Clause 107: Handrails
(1) Except for staircases of less than 4 risers, all staircases shall be provided with at least
one handrail.
(4) All handrails shall project not more than 100 millimeters from the face of the finished wall
Clause 168: Staircases
(5) Doors giving access to staircases shall be so positioned that their swing shall at no point
encroach on the required width of the staircase or landing.
The width of the staircase is 1050 millimeters with the tread measured up to 250 millimeters and
risers of 150 millimeters. The handrail is measured at 950 millimeters high from the level of
landing. As such, it is concluded that the fire staircases of PJ Trade Centre complies to the
UBBL requirements of staircase specifications. All fire doors are also compliant to the rules of
being swung in the direction of escape to allow ease of traveling along sharp turns of the
staircase and
surface and shall be located not less than 825 millimetres and not more than 900
millimetres measured from the noising of the threads provided that handrails to landings
shall be not less than 900 millimetres from the level of landing.
Figure 4.7 A fire staircase detail in PJ Trade Centre.
(Ong, 2019)
Figure 4.8 A plan of fire staircase with estimated
escape routing.(Ong, 2019)
33

There are 2 types of fire staircases in PJ Trade Centre, enclosed and natural ventilated fire
staircase.
Enclosed Staircase
Most of the fire staircase provided by PJ Trade Centre are enclosed within a compartment,
separated by fire walls and doors from the other spaces of the building. It is typically pressurized
and mechanically ventilated.
Figure 4.13 Basement 1 plan indicating the location of the fire staircase.(Ong, 2019)
Enclosed Staircase
Open Staircase
Figure 4.10 The ventilation shaft in
enclosed fire staircase (Ong, 2019)
Figure 4.9 Enclosed fire
staircase (Ong, 2019)
Figure 4.12 Enclosed fire staircase from basement to open area (Ong, 2019).
34

Naturally ventilated staircase
There are two fully open and natural ventilated staircase in Tower A of PJ Trade center. One
connects to the offices at higher levels, another connects to the basement parking at lower
levels.
The open fire staircase (stair A2) that connects to the offices is located at the exterior of the
building that leads directly to the main road. On the other end of the corridor, is the staircase
that connects the basement to the ground floor (stair CP 1). It is fully open and protected by
firewall and door of the horizontal exit on each underground storey.
Figure 4.14 Ground floor plan indicating the location of the natural
ventilated staircases (Ong, 2019)
Stairs Staircase to basement
Staircase to upper floor
Figure 4.15 The staircase connected to the basement
(Ong, 2019)
Figure 4.16 The staircase connected
to the upper floors (Ong, 2019)
35

4.3.3 Places of Assembly
Clause 178: Exits for Institutional and Places of Assembly
In buildings classified as institutional or places of assembly, exits to a street or large open
space, together with staircases, corridors, and passages leading to such exits shall be
located, seperated or protected as to avoid any undue danger to the occupants of the
place of assembly from fire originating in the othe occupancy or smoke therefrom.
Clause 179: Classifications of Places of Assembly
Each place of assembly shall be classified to its capacity as follows:
Class A - Capacity … 1,000 persons or more
Class B - Capacity … 300 to 1,000 persons
Class C - Capacity … 100 to 300 persons
The assembly point of PJ Trade center is classified under Class B as it has an open space
that can accommodate up to 1000 people including working staffs and visitors. During fire
break outs, the evacuation routes and fire staircases leads the occupants from both the
upper floors and basement to the open assembly point located on the ground floor.
Figure 4.17 Assembly point with the fire escape from basement (Ong, 2019)
36

4.3.4 Signages
Clause 172: Emergency Exit Signs
(1) Storey exits and access to such exits shall be marked by readily visible signs and shall
not be obscured by any decorations, furnishings or other equipment.
(2) A sign reading “KELUAR” with an arrow indicating the direction shall be placed in every
location where the direction of travel to reach the nearest exit is not immediately apparent
(3) Every exit sign shall have the word “KELUAR” in plainly legible letters not less than 150
millimetres high with the principal strokes of the letters not less than 18 millimetres wide.
The lettering shall be in red against a black background.
(4) All exit signs shall be illuminated continuously during periods of occupancy
(5) Illuminated signs shall be provided with two electric lamps of not less than fifteen watts
each.
“KELUAR” sign
The exit signage ac as a guide to direct the occupants to the evacuation exits in case of fire. It
shall always be illuminated even during fire breakouts. The signages are equipped with backup
electricity power system or reflective material in case of electricity shortage. Hence, the
emergency signages of PJ Trade center complies to clause 172 of UBBL by-law.
Emergency Lighting
The emergency lighting illuminates the corridor or area around it to guide the occupants to the
exit in case of fire. It also illuminates the location of the fire fighting equipments in that area.
Figure 4.18 Fire doors with illuminated emergency exit signages (Yew, 2019).
Figure 4.19 Emergency lighting (Ong, 2019).
37

Passive containment is the ability to contain the fire in a building. It is very important to reduce
the risk of loss of lives of building occupants and increase escape duration for them.
4.4.1 Principle of Compartmentation
Compartmentation of building functions to limit the spread of fire by confining the fire by space
segregation. The use of compartment wall, compartment floor, fire door, horizontal and vertical
barrier of external wall and protected shaft can help to hinder spread of the fire.The definition of
compartment, compartment wall and compartment floor can refer to UBBL by-law 133.
PART VII Fire Requirements
Clause 133: Interpretation
"compartment" means any part of a building which is separated from all other parts by one or
more compartment walls or compartment floors or by both such walls and floors; and for the
purposes of the Part, if any part of the top storey of a building is within a compartment, the
compartment shall also include any room space above such part of the top storey;
"compartment wall" and "compartment floor" mean respectively a wall and a floor which comply·
with by-law 148, and which are provided as such for the purpose of by-law 136 to divide a
building into compartments for any purpose in connection with by-law 213 or 147;
The Objective of Compartmentation
The building spaces are divided into smaller compartment for:
(a) Contain the spread of fire
(b) Limit the smoke movement
(c) Maximize excavation routes during fire
(d) Different activities (purpose group) which require different fire protection system
38

Purpose
group
(1)
Maximum dimension Minimum period of fire resistance (in
hours)
Height
(in m)
(2)
Floor area
(in m²)
(3)
Cubic
capacity
(in m ²)
(4)
Ground storey or
upper storey
(5)
Basement
store
(6)
IV (Office) ... No limit No limit No limit 1½ 2
Ninth Schedule
Limits of Compartments and Minimum Periods of Fire Resistance for Elements of Structure
[By-law 142 (3), 147, 158 (1), 162, 213, 216 (2)]
(Minimum periods of fire resistance)
In this Table- “cubic capacity” means the cubic capacity of the building or if the building is
divided into compartments, the compartment of which the element of structure forms part;
“floor area” means the floor area of each of each storey in the building or, if the building is
divided into compartments, of each storey in the compartment of which the element of structure
forms part;
‘height” has the meaning assigned to the expression by paragraph (2) of by-law 215
PART I-BUILDINGS OTHER THAN SINGLE STOREY BUILDINGS
for elements of structure (*) forming part of -
39

The basement car park is categorised as storage and general purpose group under UBBL Fifth
Schedule by-law 136 and the maximum size for compartment protected with sprinkler is
doubled which is 42000m³. The 6 level of basement of PJ Trade Centre used as car parking
basement excluding the basement 7 which functions as the service area. As the basement
storey is protected with sprinkler, hence the cubic capacity of basement car park compartment
of PJ Trade Centre which is 31200m³ which is in accordance to UBBL compliance. The roller
shutter used to divide the basement level into compartment is not needed in PJ Trade Centre.
Dimensions of Building and Compartments
(By-law 136)
Purpose group
(1)
Height of building
(2)
Limits of dimensions
Floor area of storey
in building or
compartment
(in m²)
(3)
Cubic capacity of
building or
compartment (in
m³)
(4)
Part I - Buildings other than single storey buildings
VIII (Storage and
general)
Not exceeding
28m
No limit 21 000
Number of
Purpose Group
Descriptive Title Purpose for which compartment
intended to be used
VIII Storage and general Place for storage, deposit or parking of
goods and materials (including vehicles),
and other premises not comprised in
groups I to VII.
Fifth Schedule
Designation of Purpose Groups
(By-law 134, 138)
40

Figure 4.20 Basement 1 plan with fire resistance compartment highlighted (Sim,2019)
Clause 136: Provisions of Compartment walls & compartment floors
Any building (other than single storey) of a purpose group specified in the Fifth Schedule shall
be provided by compartment walls & floors.
(a) any storey the floor area of which exceeds that specified as relevant to a building of that
purpose group and height; or
(b) a cubic capacity which exceeds that specified as so relevant shall be so divided into
compartments, by means of compartment walls or compartment floors or both, that
(i) no such compartment has any storey the floor area of which exceeds the area
specified as relevant to that building; and ·
(ii) no such compartment has a cubic capacity which exceeds that specified as so
relevant to that building:
Provided that if any building is. provided with an automatic sprinkler installation which complies
with the relevant recommendations of the F.O.C;. Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installation, 29th
edition, this by-law has effect in relation to that building as if the limits of dimensions specified
are doubled.
Fire resistance compartment
Compartment
Compartment
Compartment
Figure 4.21 Ground floor plan (left) and typical upper level plan (right) with fire resistance compartment
highlighted (Sim, 2019). 41

To comply with UBBL by-law 138, the floor over basement storey of PJ Trade Centre exceeding
100m² need to be compartment floors. Hence, the ground floor of PJ Trade Centre which
exceeds 100m² is compartment floor.
Clause 137: Floor in Building exceeding 30 metres in height to be constructed as compartment
floor
In any building which exceeds 30 metres in height, all floors which are more than 9 metre above
ground level shall be constructed with Compartment Floor, except mezzanine floor
Clause 138: Other walls and floors to be constructed as compartment walls or compartment
floors
The following walls & floors shall be constructed as compartment walls & floors:
(d) any floor immediately over a basement storey if such basement storey has an area
exceeding 100 square metres.
Mezzanine
floor
The floor over basement
storey is constructed as
compartment floor as it is
over 100 meter square.
63 m
Building height
exceeds 30 m
Compartment floor
Non-compartment floor
Figure 4.22 Section with compartment floor and non-compartment floor highlighted. (Sim, 2019). 42

Clause 139: Separation of Fire Risk Areas
The following areas or uses shall be separated from the other areas of the occupancy in which
they are located by fire resisting construction of elements of structure of a FRP to be determined
by the local authority based on the degree of fire hazard:
(a) boiler rooms and associated fuel storage areas;
(b) laundries;
(c) repair shops involving hazardous processes and materials;
(d) storage areas of materials in quantities deemed hazardous;
(e) liquefied petroleum gas storage areas;
(f) linen rooms;
(g) transformer rooms and substations;
(h) flammable liquids stores.
4.4.2 Separation of Fire Risk Areas
Figure 4.23 Basement 7 plan with compartment area highlighted (Sim, 2019).
Compartment area
In accordance to UBBL by-law 139, fire risk areas of PJ Trade Centre such as genset rooms,
pump room and data centre store are mainly located at basement 7 which is separated from the
other areas of occupancy in the building.
43

Clause 162: Fire Door in Compartment Wall and Separating Wall
(1) Fire doors of the appropriate FRP shall be provided.
(2) Openings in compartment walls and separating walls shall be provided by a fire for
having a FRP in accordance with the requirements for that wall specified in the ninth
schedule to these By-laws.
(3) Openings in protecting structures shall be protected by fire doors having FRP of not less
than half the requirement for the surrounding wall specified in the ninth schedule to these
By-laws but in no case less than half hour.
(4) Openings in partitions enclosing a protected corridor or lobby shall be protected by fire
doors of having FRP of half-hour.
(5) Fire doors including frames shall be constructed to a specification which can be shown to
meet the requirements for relevant FRP when tested in accordance with section 3 of BS
476:1951
Clause 173: Exit Door
(1) All exit doors shall be openable from the inside without the use of a key or any special
knowledge or effort.
(2) Exit doors shall close automatically when released and al door devices including
magnetic for holders, shall release the doors upon power failure or actuation of the fire
alarm.
4.4.3 Fire Doors
Openings in protecting structures, areas or enclosures which are fire resistant need to be
installed with fire rated door. The protected structures include fire escape staircases, protected
lobbies, mechanical and electrical room, room of high degree of fire hazard.
Fire doors plays an important role in passive containment which completes the
compartmentation of a fire resistant area or protected area and concurrently helps to separate
an area from the spread of fire. The fire doors in ground storey and upper storey are Menara
Mustapha Kamal are of 1½ hours according to the Ninth Schedule while for the basement storey
are of 2 hours.
Openings in compartment and separating walls such as AHU room and more, openings in
protecting structures is refer to protected staircase and lobbies, openings in partitions enclosing
a protected lobby or corridor are location where fire doors shall be provided according to UBBL
by-law 162.
The fire doors in Mustapha Kamal Tower comply with UBBL by-law 173 that it can be open
easily from inside without use of key. It is for the ease of fire escape for the building occupants.
44

Figure 4.26 Hydraulic spring of fire door
(Yew, 2019)
Figure 4.24 Fire door in basement level
(Yew, 2019)
Figure 4.25 Fire door in ground storey and
upper storey(Yew, 2019)
The fire rated door is fitted with hydraulic spring to ensure the fire doors are closed all
the time and prevent the escape of fire smoke into the areas and it helps in slowing
down fire spread.
Clause 164: Door Closers for Fire Door
(1) All fire doors shall be fitted with automatic door closers of the hydraulically sprint operated
type in the case of swing doors and of wire rope and weight type in the case of sliding
doors.
(3) Fire doors may be held open provided the hold open device incorporates a heat actuated
device to release the door. Heat actuated devices shall not be permitted on fire doors
protecting openings to protected corridors or protected staircases..
45

4.5.1 Fire Truck Access
Clause 140: Fire Appliance Access
All building in excess of 7000 cubic metres shall abut upon a street or road or open space of not
less than 12 metres width and accessible to fire brigade appliances. The proportion of the
building abutting the street, road or open space shall be in accordance with the following scale:
Volume of building in cubic meter Minimum proportions of perimeter of
building
7000 to 28000 one-sixth
28000 to 56000 one-fourth
56000 to 84000 one-half
84000 to 112000 three-fourths
112000 and above Island site
The volume of PJ Trade Center approximately 51660 cubic meters. Thus, it is required to
provide one-half of its own perimeter for fire fighting access. Additionally, the fire fighting access
road should over 12 meters to comply with Clause 140 UBBL. The road is approximately 15
meters wide, allowing for fire truck to make U-turn and ambulance to pass through at the same
time. On the road located is the breeching inlet, allowing the fire brigade to pump water. The
breeching inlet is required to be no less than 18 meters to the fire access road.
A
B
Figure 4.27 Plan view
indicating the fire fighting
access from the streets
(Raemi, 2019)
Figure 4.28 Basement 7 plan indicating the circulation of fire fighting truck and firemen
(Yew, 2019)
Firemen
circulation
Firefighting truck
circulation
Figure 4.29 Highlighted area
shows breeching inlet at
Basement 7. (Raemi, 2019)
Figure 4.30 Access for fire
truck. (Ong 2019)
46

4.5.2 Fire Fighting Shaft
Clause 157: Protected Shafts Consisting of Staircase
A protected staircase or protected shaft containing a staircase shall not contain any pipe
conveying gas or oil or any ventilating duct other than a duct serving only that staircase or shaft
Part VIII Fire Alarms, Fire Detection, Fire Extinguishment and Fire Fighting Access
Clause 242: Fire Fighting Access Lobbies
Fire fighting access lobbies shall conform to the following requirements:
(a) Each lobby shall have a floor area of not less than 5.57 square metres; and
(b) The openable area of windows or area of permanent ventilation shall be not less than
25% of the floor area of the lobby and, if ventilation is by means of openable windows,
additional permanent ventilation having a free opening of 464 square centimetres shall be
provided except that mechanical pressurisation may be provided as an alternative.
The shaft gives the fireman access to conduct fire and and rescue services. Thus a firefighting
shaft should link all necessary floors of a building. Upon the arrival of the fire trucks in case of
fire in PJ Trade Center, the firemen will have access to the protected staircase and firefighting
lifts in the firefighting shafts in of Tower B and Tower C.
Figure 4.31 Basement 7 plan indicating the firefighting shaft (Ong, 2019)
Figure 4.32 Fire staircase from basement
(Yew, 2019).
Figure 4.33 Fire lift (Yew, 2019).
47

4.6 Conclusion
Passive fire protection system in PJ Trade Centre are abide to the Uniform Building By-Law
1984 and Guide to Fire Protection in Malaysia. As passive fire protection need to be considered
at the planning design stage at building design. The design of Menara Mustapha Kamal in PJ
Trade Centre is design with adequate fire safety measures by the architect.
The horizontal and vertical escape routes are safe and comply with the minimum distance
required by UBBL 1984 which allow the building occupant to escaped safely from fire.
Meanwhile, the studied building has minimal setback and clearance of 6 metres for fire-fighting
access and the passive containment found in the building is also comply with the UBBL law
which enabling the escape time for occupants increase by limit the spread of fire while providing
protected shafts.
In conclusion, passive fire protection system of PJ Trade Centre is planned carefully through the
design of the building and the system is well-maintained from our site visit observation.
48

5.0 Active Fire Protection
5.1 Introduction
5.5 Conclusion
49

5.1 Introduction
One of the two ways to protect against a fire is Active Fire Protection. It is defined as to
protect a building from fire with the component of fire detection and prevention which reacts
to action or motion. It is one of most important elements to consider when building modern
structure. The main function of an active fire protection system is to detect, alert and seek to
eliminate any potential fire hazards, ensuring a safe and hazard free environment for the
safety of the building and the users.
Generally, active fire protection can be divided into subcategories, namely water-based,
non-water based as well as alarm and detection services.
During an event of an fire, it is important to ensure that, everyone in the building is well aware
of the fire. Thus, it is important for any fire to be detected in the building early, to alert
everyone early and potentially save lives. Therefore it is important to have systems that
detect, warn as well as allow for communication during times of an emergency. PJ Trade
Center is well equipped with alarm and detection systems such as smoke detectors, fire
alarm bells, call points, fire control room, fire alarm panel, fire intercom system and fireman
switch.
Figure 5.1 Smoke Detector
(Raemi, 2019)
Figure 5.2 Fire Alarm Bell (Raemi,
2019)
Figure 5.3 Fire Alarm Panel
(Raemi, 2019)
50

5.2.1 Smoke Detector
Clause 153: Smoke detectors for lift lobbies
(1) All life lobbies shall be provided with smoke detectors.
Clause 225: Detecting and extinguishing fire.
(1) Every building shall be provided with means of detecting and extinguishing fire and fire
alarms together with illuminated exit signs in accordance with the requirements as
specified in the Tenth Schedule to the By-laws.
Tha smoke detector is an automatically initiated device. It can be seen frequently at PJ Trade
Center and is automatically activated in the presence of smoke as well as high temperature
readings. The device is located on the ceiling and kept in a disk shaped plastic enclosure.
When the device is activated, it sends a signal and alerts the fire control room. It is also used to
activate the alarms to alert of a fire as well as turn on the sprinklers to either stop or prevent the
spread of the fire
Figure 5.4 Smoke Detector in PJ
Trade Center (Basement) (Raemi,
2019)
Figure 5.5 Smoke Detector in PJ Trade Center (18th
Floor Lobby) (Yew, 2019)
In PJ Trade Center, the smoke detectors are located at the lift lobby, in accordance to UBBL
requirements, as well as the AHU rooms.
51

Location of Smoke Detectors in PJ Trade Center
Basement 7
Basement 1 to 6
Mezzanine Floor 3rd Floor to 17th Floor
Figure 5.6 Location of Smoke Detectors in PJ Trade Center (Raemi, 2019)
Smoke Detector (Lift Lobby)
Smoke Detector
52

Clause 155: Fire mode of operation.
(1) The fire mode of operation shall be initiated by a signal from the fire alarm panel which
may be activated automatically by one of the alarm devices in the building or
manually.
(1) Fire alarms shall be provided in accordance with the Tenth Schedule to the By-laws.
(2) All premises and building with gross floor area excluding car park and storage area
exceeding 9290 square metres or exceeding 30.5 metres in height shall be provided
with a two-stage alarm system with 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 action of a
master control.
5.2.2 Fire Alarm Bell
When a fire detector is tripped, the fire alarm will be triggered, sending audible warnings
throughout the building, alerting the occupants about the presence of a fire. Call-points are
also able to trigger the fire alarm by manually setting it off. It is important to warn the
occupants of a fire so evacuation can begin swift and early, preventing any further unwanted
situations.
Fire Alarm Bells in PJ Trade Center are located close to manual call points at lift lobbies, as
well as fire staircases.
3rd Floor to 17th Floor (Typical)
Fire Alarm Bell
Figure 5.7 Fire Alarm Bell in
PJ Trade Center (Lift Motor
Room) (Raemi, 2019)
Figure 5.9 Fire Alarm Bell
connected to CO2
suppression system (B7)
(Raemi, 2019)
Figure 5.10 Fire Alarm Bell in
PJ Trade Center (Lift Lobby)
(Raemi, 2019)
Figure 5.8 Location of Fire Alarm Bell (Raemi, 2019)
53

may be activated automatically by one of the alarm devices in the building or
manually.
5.2.3 Call Points
Call points are manually initiating devices used in the PJ Trade Center to manually trigger the
fire alarm and notify the occupants as well as the fire control room regarding the presence of
a fire. The user breaks the glass and activates the fire alarm, this will notify the security at the
fire control room as well as contact the fire brigade, in which they will immediately come to
the building to respond to the fire. The glass panel on the device is extremely easy to break if
there is force applied so that users of the building can easily notify and warn others.
The call points are located at the lift lobbies and specific rooms with high potential of fire.
Figure 5.11 Manual Call Point located close
to the Fire Alarm Bell (Lift Lobby) (Raemi,
2019)
Figure 5.12 Manual Call Point located in fire
hazardous room (Lift Motor Room) (Raemi,
2019)
54

Clause 238: Command and control centre.
Every large premises or building exceeding 30.5 metres in height shall be provided with a
command and control centre located on the designated floor and shall contain a panel to
monitor the public address, fire brigade communication, sprinkler, waterflow detectors, fire
detection and alarm systems and with a direct telephone connection to the appropriate fire
station by-passing the switchboard.
5.2.4 Fire Control Room
As PJ Trade Center is over 30.5 metres tall, it is required to have a command and control
center, in which, is able to do certain tasks stated above, such as fire brigade communication.
The Fire Control Room is located by the side of the lift lobby on the ground floor. It contains
the building’s fire protection system, lift operation system, surveillance system along with an
emergency communication system with the buildings occupants and the fire brigade.
Figure 5.13 Fire Control Room
(Raemi, 2019)
Figure 5.14 Location of Fire Control Room
at ground floor plan (Raemi, 2019)
Fire Control Room
Figure 5.15 Lift Control Panel in Fire Control
Room (Yew, 2019)
Figure 5.16 CCTV Surveillance in Fire Control
Room (Yew, 2019) 55

may be activated automatically by one of the alarm devices in the building or manually.
5.2.5 Fire Alarm Panel
Fire Alarm Panel is one of the fire protection systems that is located in the fire control room, it is
an alarm panel that manages all fire protection services in the building. This includes, the smoke
detectors, manual call points, sprinklers, as well as fire alarm bells. When a smoke detector or a
manual call points are triggered, or if a sprinkler is automatically activated, a signal is sent to the
fire alarm panel, alerting the personel in the room to be aware of the detection or warning. From
this, a proper action can be taken, whether it be, alerting the fire brigade, or manually activating
the sprinklers and alarm bells.
Next to the Fire Alarm Panel is a mimic diagram that shows the floor plan of the building and the
indicators for the fire detection and fire control systems, including, call points, detectors, CO2 fire
extinguishing system, and sprinklers allowing for ease of the personnel and fire brigade to locate
the source of the fire, and plan accordingly.
The Fire Alarm Panel is located in the Fire Control Room seen in Figure 3.14 (page ).
Figure 5.17 Mimic Diagram (Yew, 2019) Figure 5.18 Mimic Diagram (Raemi, 2019)
Figure 5.21 Computer connected
to Fire Alarm Panel (Raemi,
2019)
Figure 5.19 Fire Alarm Panel
(Raemi, 2019)
Figure 5.20 Instructions for Fire
Alarm Panel (Raemi, 2019)
56

Clause 239: Voice communication system.
There shall be two seperate approved continuously electrically supervised voice
communications systems, one a fire brigade communications system and the other a public
address system between the central control station and the following areas:
(a) Lifts, lift lobbies, corridors and staircases;
(b) In every office area exceeding 92.9 square metres in area;
(c) In each dwelling unit and hotel guest room where the fire brigade system may be
combined with the public address system.
5.2.6 Fire Intercom System
The fire intercom system is used to allow for constant two way communication between the
control room and the occupants of the building via the remote telephone handsets located
throughout the building. This allows for the occupants to stay calm and follow the proper
instructions by the fire brigade, in the case of a fire.
The remote telephone handsets are located at the lift lobbies as well as fire staircases,
allowing people to communicate with the personnel of the office or the fire brigade during
evacuation. The master telephone however is located at the fire control room ( page ) located
on the ground floor ( figure ).
Figure 5.22 Fire Intercom System
(Yew, 2019)
Figure 5.23 Remote
Telephone Handset located
at the fire staircase (Yew,
2019)
Figure 5.24 Remote Telephone
Handset located at the Lift Motor
Room (Yew, 2019)
57

Clause 240: Electrical isolating switch.
(1) Every floor or zone of any floor with a net area exceeding 920 square metres shall be
provided with an electrical isolation switch located within a staircase enclosure to
permit disconnection of electrical power supply to the relevant floor or zone served.
(2) The switch shall be of a type similar to the fireman’s switch specified in the Institution
of Electrical Engineers Regulation then in force.
5.2.7 Fireman’s Switch
Fireman’s switch is a unique switch used by the fire brigade during the event of a fire. This
specialized switch allows for the firemen to cut off electricity going into high voltage devices
that may become a threat during an emergency.
Based on the Institution of Electrical Engineers Regulation, 1,000 Volts AC or 1,500 volts DC,
must be equipped with the switch. The switches are all located at the fire escape staircases,
making it easier for the firemen to turn the switches off.
5.3.1 Automatic Sprinkler System
An automatic sprinkler system is used to detect, control and extinguish a fire, as well as a
warning to the users of the building in the case of a fire. Fire pumps, water storage tanks,
control valve sets, sprinkler heads, flow switches, pressure switches, pipework and valves are
all components used in PJ Trade Center’s sprinkler system. This system is able to be operated
without any human intervention.
Water based systems are suppression systems that uses the medium of water as a means to
extinguish fires. They do this via pressurised piping network, and are common in both
commercial and industrial buildings as a means to suppress fires. PJ Trade Center utilizes
Water Based Suppression systems such as sprinkler systems, hose reel system, wet riser
system and external hydrants.
Figure 5.26 Sprinkler Head (Raemi, 2019)Figure 5.25 Fireman’s Switch (Raemi, 2019)
58

The type of sprinkler system used in PJ Trade Center is the wet pipe installation (figure 3.29),
this is where the pipes are filled with water and is ready to be discharge once the glass bulb
breaks.
The type of sprinkler heads that are located at PJ Trade Center are the pendent and upright
sprinkler heads. The pendent sprinklers are located at the office areas, whereas the upright
sprinklers are located at the basement. The difference between the two sprinkler heads is
that pendent sprinklers are used where there are no obstructions, thus the water is sprinkled
straight down. However, upright sprinklers are positions and designed that way to maximize
water dispersion, in a location where there are many obstacles that are blocking what needs
to be sprinkled.
Figure 5.27 Pendant Sprinkler Head in PJ
Trade Center office and lobby (Raemi, 2019)
Figure 5.28 Upright Sprinkler Head in PJ
Trade Center basements ( Raemi, 2019)
Figure 5.29 Typical arrangement drawing of wet pipe installation Sprinkler System (Guide to Fire Protection
in Malaysia, 2006)
The operation of the automatic sprinkler system is as follows, the rising temperature due to the
the presence of a fire, causes the glass bulb, located in the head of the sprinkler to break. The
glass bulb breaking then causes water in the sprinkler to be released over the fire. Once water
starts to be released by the sprinkler, the water from the water storage tank is then pumped to
the pipes and to the sprinklers.
59

Figure 5.30 Sprinkler Water
Tank (Raemi,2019)
Figure 5.31 Sprinkler Alarm Valve outside
Fire Pump Room (Raemi,2019)
Most of the components in the system, including the fire pumps, water storage tank, control
valve sets are located in the water pump room in B7 of the PJ Trade Center. Water tanks for the
sprinklers, hose reel system and wet riser system are located here. The breeching inlet is
located at outside on B7, allowing firemen to refill the sprinkler water tank that has been used
up.
Figure 5.32 Sprinkler Pump Starter
Panel (Raemi, 2019)
Figure 5.33 Sprinkler Pressure Switches and Water Pumps (Raemi, 2019)
Jockey Pump
Standby Pump
Duty PumpPressure
Switches
Figure 5.35 Location of Fire Pump Room, Water Tanks and Breeching Inlet at
basement 7 (Raemi,2019)
Figure 5.34 Sprinkler Breeching Inlet
(Google Maps)
Fire Pump Room
Sprinkler Tank
Wet Riser Tank
Breeching Inlet
60

5.3.2 Hose Reel System
Clause 247: Water storage,
(1) Water storage capacity and water flow rate for fire fighting systems and installations shall
be provided in accordance with the scale as set out in Tenth Schedule to these By-laws.
(2) Main water storage tanks within the building, other than for hose reel systems, shall be
located at ground, first or second basement levels, with fire brigade pumping inlet
connections accessible to fire appliances.
(3) Storage tanks for automatic sprinkler installations where full capacity is provided without
need for replenishment shall be exempted from restrictions in their location.
Clause 248: Marking on wet riser, etc.
(1) Wet riser, dry riser, sprinkler and other fire installation pipes and fittings shall be painted
red.
(2) All cabinets and areas recessed in walls for location of fire installations and extinguishers
shall be clearly identified to the satisfaction of the Fire Authority or otherwise clearly
identified.
Hose reels are used by the occupants of the building during the early stages of a fire.
M.S.1447 requires the building to have one hose reel for every 800 square meter of usable
space. Thus, the hose reels are located at every floor, near the exit doors and lifts in a fire
cabinet along with the wet riser and a fire extinguisher.
It is operated by turning on the valve located close to the pipe connection. Hose is then
extended and the spray nozzle is aimed at the fire before it is turned on. The spray of the hose
is able to reach up to 6 metres far and its throw can be adjusted by regulating the nozzle
opening.
Figure 5.36 Hose Reel in Fire Cabinet
(17th Floor) (Yew, 2019)
Figure 5.37 Hose Reel in Fire Cabinet
(Basement) (Raemi,2019)
61

Basement 7
Basement 1 to 6
Mezzanine Floor 3rd Floor to 17th Floor
Location of Fire Cabinet (Hose Reel and Wet Riser) in PJ Trade Center
Figure 5.38 Location of Fire Cabinet (Hose Reel and Wet Riser) in PJ Trade Center (Raemi, 2019)
Fire Cabinet
62

Figure 5.39 Typical arrangement drawing of Hose Reel System (Guide to Fire Protection in Malaysia, 2006)
Figure 5.40 Hose Reel Pump
Starter Panel (Raemi, 2019)
Figure 5.41 Hose Reel
Pressure Switches (Raemi,
2019)
Figure 5.42 Hose Reel Pumps
(Jockey, Standby and Duty)
(Raemi, 2019)
Hose reel system comprises of hose reel pumps, fire water storage tank, hose reels,
pipework and valves (Guide to Fire Protection in Malaysia, 2006). The water tank is located
at B7 and can be seen in Figure 5.35.
63

5.3.3 Wet Riser
As the building is over the 30.5 meter limit, it uses a wet riser system to allow the firemen to
have readily available means to deliver water to extinguish the fire. Wet risers are a form of
internal hydrants for firemen to use and are always charged with water (Hamzah Abu Bakar.,
2006). As opposed to dry risers, wet risers have readily available water coming from a water
tank in the building. Due to the tall height of the building, it is important for the water to be
readily available, especially at the higher floors.
The wet riser system in PJ Trade Center consists of duty fire pump, along with a standby
pump, discharging into a 150mm diameter riser pipe, with landing valves at each floor.
Canvas hoses, located nearby can be connected and can be used by firemen to direct the
water jet to the fire. Jockey pump is used to maintain system pressure, ensuring a constant
and fast flow of water.
The location of the wet riser is inside a fire cabinet (along with a hose reel, canvas hose and
a fire extinguisher), which can be seen in Figure 5.38 . On the roof, there 3 sets of wet riser
pipes.
Clause 231: Installation and testing of wet rising system.
(1) Wet rising systems shall be provided in every building in which the topmost floor is
more than 30.5 metres above fire appliance access level.
(2) A hose connection shall be provided in each fire fighting access lobby.
Figure 5.43 Wet Riser pipe and
Canvas Hose in the fire cabinet on
Basement 1 (Raemi, 2019)
Figure 5.44 Wet Riser pipes on the roof
(Raemi, 2019)
Wet Riser Pipe
Canvas Hose
64

Figure 3.45 Typical arrangement drawing of Wet Riser System (Guide to Fire Protection in Malaysia, 2006)
Figure 5.46 Wet Riser Pump Starter
Panel (Raemi, 2019)
Figure 5.47 Wet Riser Pressure
Switches (Raemi, 2019)
Figure 5.49 Wet Riser Pumps
(Jockey, Standby and Duty)
(Raemi, 2019)
Figure 5.48 Wet Riser Breeching
Inlet (Google Maps, 2019)
Similar to the hose reel system and sprinkler system, the wet riser system components are
mostly located in the Fire Pump Room in B7, as well as having the breeching inlet on the
exterior wall of B7, as seen in Figure 5.35 (page )
65

(2) Every building shall be served by at least one fire hydrant located not more than 91.5
metres from the nearest point of fire brigade access.
(3) Depending on the size and location of the building and the provision of access for life
appliances, additional fire hydrant shall be provided as may be required by the Fire
Authority.
The fire hydrants consists of a pipework system that is directly connected to the water supply
mains, in order to provide water to each and every hydrant outlet and is intended to provide
water for the firemen to fight fire. The water from the hydrant is pumped into the fire engine
and then pumped and sprayed over the fire (Hamzah Abu Bakar., 2006).
Complying with M.S. 1395, pillar hydrants should not be located more than 30 metres away
from the breeching inlet for the building. Hydrant is required to be not less than 6 metres away
from the building, as it is a high rise building, allowing firemen to operate the hydrant safely.
The closest fire hydrant is to block A is located roughly 7 metres away from the building. The
fire hydrant used in PJ Trade Center is a two way fire hydrant, providing a readily available
water supply which is connected to a municipal water line to the firefighters. The system
extends into the building which includes a water tank, fire pump, suction pipes and a
distribution piping system (figure ).
Block B Block C Block D
5.3.4 External Hydrants
Fire Hydrant
Figure 5.50 Location of External Fire Hydrants at PJ Trade Center (Raemi, 2019)
Figure 5.51 External Fire Hydrants of PJ Trade Center (Raemi, 2019)
66

Figure 5.52 Typical arrangement drawing of pressurized hydrant system (Guide to Fire Protection in
Malaysia, 2006)
5.4.1 Fire Extinguisher
Clause 227: Portable extinguishers.
Portable extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with the relevant codes of practice and
shall be sited in prominent positions on exit routes to be visible from all directions and similar
extinguishers in a building shall be of the same method of operation.
The function of fire extinguishers located in PJ Trade Center is to combat fire at the initial
stages of a fire outbreak by occupants to prevent the fire to escalate into a larger scale fire. It is
intended for one occupant of the building to use, thus it is light, and easy to carry. They are
mainly located close to fire escape staircases, close to the lift lobby as well as close to systems
which are prone to fire.
For most cases, water is the most effective component in extinguishing a fire and controlling
its spread. However, that is not always the case, as water is also corrosive and conducts
electricity, it is not suited as an extinguishing system for rooms or systems that are based on
electricity. During such cases, non-water based systems that utilizes carbon dioxide is used
to control and extinguish the fire safely and efficiently. The non water based system that is
used in PJ Trade Center are fire extinguishers and automatic carbon dioxide suppression
system.
67

There are two types of fire extinguishers being used at PJ Trade Center, namely ABC Dry
Powder Fire Extinguisher 6 kg 27A rating, as well as Carbon Dioxide Portable Fire Extinguisher
2.0kg capacity. Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers are able to put off fires involving liquid and
electrical equipment thus it is located and used at locations close to electrical systems in PJ
Trade Center such as the AHU room and lift motor room, whereas ABC powder can be used
for almost all types of fires except ones involving metals, thus it is more well rounded and
placed close to lift lobbies to combat most types of fire.
Figure 5.56 Selection Chart for Fire Extinguishers (agamalaysia, n.d.s)
Figure 5.54 Fire
Extinguisher (ABC Dry
Powder) (Raemi,2019)
Figure 5.53 Fire Cabinet
(Raemi, 2019)
Figure 5.55 Fire Extinguisher
(Carbon Dioxide) (Raemi, 2019)
68

Figure 5.59 Typical arrangement drawing of Automatic CO2 Extinguishing System (Guide to Fire Protection
in Malaysia, 2006)
5.4.2 Automatic Carbon Dioxide Suppression System
Clause 235: Fixed installations.
Fixed installations shall be either be total flooding system or unit protection system
depending upon the nature of hazard process and occupancy as may be required by the Fire
Authority.
PJ Trade Center uses a Fixed Carbon Dioxide System in specific rooms with a higher risk of a
fire outbreak, and not rooms that are usually occupied. The rooms in PJ Trade Center with this
system, includes the TNB HT Switch Room, Battery Room and the AHU room. During an event
of a fire, the heat detector sends a signal to the Carbon Dioxide system control panel and after
a timely delay to allow any occupants to evacuate, releases carbon dioxide gas to flood the
room. There is also a manual pull box for the fire brigade to activate to manually activate the
CO2 Suppression System.
Figure 5.58 Carbon Dioxide
Cylinders (Raemi, 2019)
Figure 5.57 Manual Pull Box
(Raemi, 2019)
69

5.5 Conclusion
The Carbon DIoxide system is used by flooding the protected space with carbon dioxide, thus
displacing air. Thus, removing one leg of the fire triangle (air, heat, fuel) (CO2 Flooding
System, 2019). The reason as to why CO2 is used as compared to sprinklers or other
systems, is that CO2 is non-corrosive and does not conduct electricity, making is a safer
extinguisher for these rooms.
Figure 5.60 Location of the Automatic CO2 Extinguishing System (Raemi, 2019)
There are many occurances, where due to poor integration of necessary systems, or a
disregard for mandatory building regulations, lives have been lost and buildings have been
destroyed. Therefore, fire safety is of an utmost importance, and it is necessary for all
buildings, no matter size or height, to adopt and integrate the necessary fire protection systems
according to the needs, requirements and regulations, such as UBBL 1984.
PJ Trade Center puts fire safety at a high priority, especially because it is usually consisting of
a high occupancy. The active fire protection systems in place at PJ Trade Center includes a fire
detection and alarm system, an an automatic sprinkler system, a wet riser system, hose reel
system as well as portable fire extinguishers and an automatic carbon dioxide suppression
system. The building has all the necessary systems in place in the event of a fire.
It can be concluded that all the systems mentioned before are in working order and PJ Trade
Center has complied to the regulations set by the UBBL 1984.
70

6.0 Mechanical Transportation System
6.1 Introduction
6.4 Fire lift
6.5 Conclusion
71

6.1.1 Introduction
Mechanical Transportation systems are defined as the vertical transportation system, functioning
as a transport to bring people and goods through multiple floors of the PJ Trade Centre. Lifts are
the main form of transport between floors, driven by electrical motors, with help of traction
cables or counterweights.
6.1.2 Objective of Mechanical Transportation Systems
An important feature in buildings, mechanical transportation systems fulfils a few key objectives:
(i) To transport a group of users or goods to connect different floors, traversing multiple floors in
a short amount of time.
(ii) To cater to the comfort of users travelling around the building
(iii) To provide for the elderly, young and disabled to safely move around the building
In tall buildings exceeding four storeys, it is required by the law to provide an lift every four
storeys in the building
Part VI: Constructional Requirements
Clause 124: Lifts
For all non-residential buildings exceeding 4 storeys above or below the main access level at
least one lift must be provided.
72

6.2.1 Overview
Two main types of Lifts are normally found in buildings, which are traction and hydraulic lifts.
Traction lifts can be further divided into geared and gearless lifts.
Gearless traction lifts are used in Block A, with there being five passengers lifts and a fire lift.
they need these lifts to carry users of the building to different levels. In order to maximize floor
space the lifts are located at the corner of the building in order to maximize floor space and
circulation flow.
Type of lift Gearless Traction Lift (with Motor Room)
Manufacturer Otis
Registration number PMA 17955
Rated capacity 955kg
Max passengers 13 passengers
Rated speed 2.5 m/s
Table 6.1 Lift specifications
Figure 6.1 Location of the lift lobby in Block A, PJ
Trade Centre
73

Prior to the operation of lifts, the lift carriages are required to be tested by the supplier or
contractor of the building with load, inspected and evaluated by an inspector before receiving an
operational permit. Regular maintenance is required, with monthly services and examinations
every three months to ensure smooth operation and safety of users.
FACTORIES AND MACHINERY ACT 1967 FACTORIES AND MACHINERY (ELECTRIC
PASSENGER AND GOODS LIFT) REGULATIONS, 1970
Part II: Design, Construction, Installation and Tests, Regulation 30
(1) Every new lift or substantially altered new lift shall be tested by the suppliers or erectors of
such lift before it is put into service, with the contract load in the car. During such test the
Inspector shall require that any brake, terminal stopping device, buffer, safety gear, overspeed
governor or other apparatus be caused to function.
Part III: Maintenance, Regulation 31
(1) The owner of every lift shall ensure that such lift is maintained.
(2) For the purpose of complying with paragraph (1) of this regulation such owner shall enter
into an agreement with an approved firm for the periodic examination and maintenance of such
lift. For the purposes of this regulation, an approved firm means a firm which has satisfied the
Chief Inspector that it employs persons suitably qualified and trained (hereinafter referred to as
the competent person) and controls equipment and facilities to ensure a proper standard of lift
examination, service and maintenance: Provided that such agreement shall not relieve the
owner from the responsibility of maintaining the lift well enclosure where such enclosure forms
an integral part of the building in which the lift is installed.
(5) Such person shall thoroughly examine the lift at least once in every three months and cause
the lift to be serviced and adjusted once in every month.
Figure 6.2 Lift specification panel:
Manufacturer, Maximum capacity and load
Figure 6.3 Lift specification panel: Registration
number
74

6.2.2 Lift lobby
Part VII: Fire Requirements
Clause 153: Smoke Detectors for the Lobbies
(1) All lift lobbies shall be provided with smoke detectors.
Existing on each floor lift lobbies are nodes where users would gather to wait for the arrival of
the lifts, allowing users to exit and enter the lift cabin. As with lifts grouped facing each other in
block A, sufficient space is crucial for for users to be able to wait and move in a two-directional
flow, with a width of at least 3.5 to 4 metres or an equivalent of the depth of two lift cabins.
Sufficient lighting and ventilation is necessary for the comfort of users. Moreover, placement of
smoke detectors and fire-sprinklers provide active fire control to the lobby.
Important features of lift lobbies include
- Floor designators to indicate the current floor level and direction the lift is moving
- Lifts call buttons, inscribed with Braille, to call for an lift cabin
- Fire escape plan to show fire evacuation routes in an event of a fire.
Figure 6.5 Lift lobby
Cooling fan
Lighting Smoke detectors
and fire sprinkler
Figure 6.6 Fire escape plan
lift call
buttons
Floor
designator
Figure 6.4 Lift lobby of Block A
75

Gearless traction lift systems are the lift systems used in the PJ Trade Centre block A,
consisting of either a AC or DC motor, directly connected to a break wheel and driving sheave.
A counterweight, which offsets the weight of the cabin and passengers of the lift, thus reducing
the strain on the lift motors, making it more efficient.
Connected directly to the driving sheave, this system does not consist of any gears, as the
name suggests. This leads to a faster travel speed and more powerful motor. Another
advantage of gearless systems over geared systems is its superior efficiency, quietness and
durability, as well as requiring less maintenance. This is only slightly offset by the higher initial
costs.
Figure 6.7 Gearless Traction lifts (AboutElevator, 2015)
76

Basement 1-7
Ground Floor
Sub-Mezzanine Floor
Lobby/Mezzanine Floor
3rd - 17th Floor
18th-19th floor
20th-21st Floor
Lift Motor Room
Block B
6.3.1 Lift motor room
Located at the top of the lift shaft, the lift motor room houses the lift motor and controls. To
accommodate the increased weight and stress of the motor and lift cabins, the floor slab of the
motor room has increased reinforcement and thickness.
Ventilation and temperature are also factors to consider. The motor room must be kept cool and
well-ventilated to prevent overheating of the control panels. Rubbish and other objects should be
kept clear of the motor room to prevent interference with the motors.
The motor room should also be secure and locked from unauthorized access, with warning
labels displayed on the door. A duplicate key should be stored by the motor room in an event of
accidents or emergencies.
Figure 6.8 Motor room
door, with fire safety within
reach
Figure 6.9 Safety
precaution sign
Figure 6.10 Gearless traction lift motors
Figure 6.12 Air conditioning to regulate the temperature,
and adequate lighting
Lift
Motor Room location
Figure 6.11 Location of the motor room in Block A, PJ
Trade Centre
77

Driving sheaves
The component which provides support and grips the cable rope, the driving sheave acts as
the fulcrum of the lift pulley system. The lift cabin ascends and descends when the driving
sheave is rotated.
Control Panel Cabinet and control board
Housing the electrical components, the large sized control panel cabinets are located beside
the gearless traction motors, for ease of maintenance. These electrical components generate
high amounts of heat, thus sufficient cooling is necessary to prevent overheating. As the ‘brain’
of the lift system, commands from the control buttons and control room are exchanged here.
Hoisting motor
The main component in moving the lift cabin, the hoisting motor is an electrical motor directly
connected to the driving sheave and brake. Passenger lifts in Malaysia are required to use cable
ropes, as neigher flat belt or chain-driven machines are allowed. The motor driving sheaves and
governors are secured in a steel cage to prevent accidents.
Figure 6.13 Gearless lift motor machine Figure 6.14 Close up of gearless motor
Figure 6.16 Cable ropeFigure 6.15 Driving sheave of the gearless
motor
Figure 6.18 Close up of control panelFigure 6.17 Control panel cabinet
78

Emergency Power Operation (EPR)
An emergency backup power generator provides electricity in an event of power disruption.
The lifts are guided by the emergency landing device back to the ground floor for users to exit
safely
Lift Main Control Board
Contained within the control panel cabinet, the inspection board consists of the main controller
board and lift group control system. The main controller board processes the commands from
the lift cabin and handles the weight compensation and control of the traction motor. The
comfort, accuracy, steadiness and smooth run of the lift cabin relies on the controller board.
Located in the fire control room of Block A, the electronic control boards requires strong
anti-static and anti-interference capabilities. Acting as a collective coordinator for the lifts, it
relays and communicate data from the lift lobby to the main controller board.
Figure 6.19 lift control board in fire control
room
Figure 6.21 Emergency landing device
Figure 6.20 Intercom controls
79

FACTORIES AND MACHINERY ACT 1967 FACTORIES AND MACHINERY (ELECTRIC
PASSENGER AND GOODS LIFT) REGULATIONS, 1970
PART II: Design, Construction, Installation and Tests, Regulation 8
(2) A flat belt or chain-driven machine shall not be used to drive any passenger lift.
(6) Every drum, sheave or pulley shall be of cast iron or steel and shall have machined rope
grooves; and in the case of every overhung pulley or sheave suitable flanges of rope guards
shall be provided.
(12) (a) Every lift machine and associated equipment shall be effectively supported
PART II: Design, Construction, Installation and Tests, Regulation 9
(1) A machine room shall be provided for, and restricted to, the housing of the lift machine and
associated equipment.
(2) (e) be provided with permanent electric lighting and the illumination shall not be less than ten
foot candles at floor level. At least one socket and plug for a hand-lamp shall be provided. The
light switch shall be fixed adjacent to the machine room entrance; (f) be kept clear of refuse and
shall not be used for the storage of articles or materials other than those required for the
maintenance or operation of the lift; (g) be locked against unauthorised access. A duplicate key
shall be provided and retained under a glass-fronted cabinet adjacent to the entrance:
(3) The following notice shall be exhibited in a permanent place adjacent to the entrance of
every machine room:
- BAHAYA
- BILIK JENTERA
- DI-LARANG MASOK
- DENGAN TIADA KEBENARAN
UBBL 1984
Part VII: Fire Requirements, By-law 154
(1) On failure of mains power of lifts shall return in sequence directly to the designated floor,
commencing with the fire lifts, without answering any car or landing calls and park with doors
open.
(2) After all lifts are parked the lifts on emergency power shall resume normal operation:
Provided that sufficient emergency power is available for operation of all lifts, this mode of
operation need not apply.
80

6.3.2 Lift shaft
A vertical void containing the lift cabin, the lift shaft is where the lift cabin travels between
different floors. It also houses other components crucial to lift operation, and is must be
fireproofed.
6.3.2.1 Guide Rails & Roller Guides
The guide rail ensures steady movement of the lift cabin, in a vertical direction. It also
stabilizes the lift and acts as a safety feature in case of emergency situations. Roller guides in
contact with the guide rail maintains a smooth uniform connection between the cabin and guide
rails.
Figure 6.23 Guard rail in the lift shaft
(Gerbis, 2011)
Figure 6.24 Roller guides
(ESR Elevator, n.d.)
Figure 6.22 lift shaft components (AboutElevator, 2015)
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