Chapter 3
Structural Fire Precautions
Chapter 3 sets out requirements to prevent fire spreading between adjoining buildings, ensure structural stability during fire, and limit fire spread within a building through compartmentation. It specifies fire resistance ratings for structural elements by purpose group and building dimensions, governs the design of compartment walls and floors, protected shafts, external walls, and fire-stopping. It also regulates surface spread of flame for internal finishes and roof coverings, and prescribes material standards for construction elements.
Scope: All buildings covered by the SCDF Fire Code unless otherwise exempted; specific provisions vary by Purpose Group (PG I–VIII), building height, floor area, cubical extent, sprinkler protection status, and location relative to lot boundaries.
Source: SCDF Code of Practice for Fire Precautions in Buildings 2023. This is a guidance summary — always verify against the full Fire Code clause text.
Critical points
A protected shaft containing an exit staircase must not contain any services other than those specifically permitted (cut-off sprinkler pipe, UPVC/cast iron rainwater downpipes, rising mains, metal water supply pipe ≤50 mm). No washrooms are allowed inside an exit staircase.
CriticalCl.3.8.7a, Cl.3.8.1Lift shafts serving basement storeys must be enclosed by a protected lobby with 1-hr fire-rated walls and ½-hr fire doors, unless specific exceptions apply.
CriticalCl.3.8.8gFire doors must have the appropriate fire resistance, be fitted with automatic self-closing devices, and comply with SS 332. Fire doors on means of escape must open manually from inside without a key and must open in the direction of exit travel.
CriticalCl.3.9.2Doors in protecting structures (protected shafts) must have fire resistance for at least half the period required for the protecting structure.
CriticalCl.3.8.6aPipes passing through compartment walls or floors must not exceed the nominal diameters in Table 3.9A (150 mm non-combustible; 100 mm lead/aluminium/UPVC; 40 mm other). Fuel/vent pipes for diesel generators outside their served room must be enclosed in 2-hr construction.
CriticalCl.3.9.3, Table 3.9AVentilation ducts passing through compartment walls or floors must be fitted with fire dampers at the penetration point (or at duct inlets/outlets if the duct forms a protected shaft).
ImportantCl.3.9.4Air ducts, sanitary pipes, gas pipes, electrical conduits and similar services must not pass through FCC, fire pump rooms, emergency generator rooms, or smoke control fan rooms unless required for operation of equipment in those spaces.
ImportantCl.3.9.6
Compliance thresholds
| Parameter | Value | Condition | Clause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protected lobby fire resistance — walls (lift shaft to basement) | 1 hr | Protected lobby walls enclosing lift shaft serving basement storey | Cl.3.8.8g |
| Protected lobby fire door (lift to basement) | ½ hr | Fire door to protected lobby for lift shaft serving basement | Cl.3.8.8g |
| Fire door in protecting structure — minimum rating | Half the period required for the protecting structure | Any door in a protecting structure (protected shaft) | Cl.3.8.6a |
| Exit staircase door fire resistance | ½ hr | Doors opening into exit staircase | Cl.3.10.3 |
| Vertical fire shutter closure time (height ≤6 m) | Max 30 seconds, descending speed ≤0.2 m/s | Vertical fire shutter with height not exceeding 6 m | Cl.3.7.7c.(3)(a) |
| Vertical fire shutter closure time (height >6 m and ≤12 m) | Max 60 seconds, descending speed ≤0.2 m/s | Vertical fire shutter with height exceeding 6 m and not more than 12 m | Cl.3.7.7c.(3)(b) |
| Max nominal pipe diameter (non-combustible material) through compartment wall | 150 mm | Non-combustible pipe (cast iron/steel) passing through compartment wall/floor | Table 3.9A |
| Max nominal pipe diameter (UPVC stack pipe) through compartment wall | 100 mm | UPVC stack pipe passing through compartment wall/floor (any other situation) | Table 3.9A |
| Max nominal pipe diameter (other materials) through compartment wall | 40 mm | Pipe of any other material passing through compartment wall/floor | Table 3.9A |
| Cavity barriers — electrical power shaft interruption | ½-hr fire resistance cavity barriers at every floor level | Protected shaft for electrical power services | Cl.3.8.9b |
| Cavity barriers — telecommunications shaft interruption | ½-hr fire resistance cavity barriers at intervals not exceeding 15 m | Protected shaft for telecommunications services | Cl.3.8.9b |
| Services running through fire lift/smoke-free lobby — protection required | 1-hr fire resistance rating enclosure or 1-hr fire resistance ceiling separation | Air ducts, sanitary pipes, gas pipes, conduits, etc. inside or passing through fire lift or smoke-free lobby | Cl.3.9.7a |
Interactive decision tree
Protected Opening / Shaft Compliance Check