Chapter 9
Additional Requirements for Each Purpose Group
Chapter 9 sets out purpose-group-specific fire safety requirements that supplement the general provisions in Chapters 1–8. Each clause addresses the unique risks, occupancy patterns, and structural characteristics of one of the nine Purpose Groups (I–VIII plus Others). Requirements range from simplified exit provisions for small houses (PG I) to detailed compartmentation, smoke-control, and sprinkler thresholds for hospitals, factories, warehouses, and assembly buildings. Clause 9.9 covers special building types including conservation shophouses, buildings under construction, engineered timber structures, mega underground developments, and flammable refrigerant restrictions.
Scope: All buildings in Singapore classified under Purpose Groups I through VIII and special building types covered by Clause 9.9. Requirements supplement and, where they conflict with, take precedence over Chapters 1–8.
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
Sprinklers are mandatory for healthcare occupancy with patient accommodation where: more than one storey, located on upper storey, or largest non-compartmented AFA exceeds 750 m².
CriticalCl.9.3.2aPatient accommodation areas containing beds shall NOT be located in basement storeys.
CriticalCl.9.3.2b.(1)Every upper storey with patient accommodation must have at least one area of refuge sized at 2.8 m²/person (or by bed dimension 2.55 m × 1.1 m for hospital/nursing home).
CriticalCl.9.3.2b.(4)At least two fire escape bed lifts are required for premises with more than one storey; minimum platform size 2.8 m (depth) × 1.8 m (width); protected lobby ≥5 m × 4 m.
CriticalCl.9.3.2b.(6)Each patient accommodation ward: max floor area 750 m² and max occupant load 75 persons (based on 10 m²/person AFA); sprinkler-protected compartment may be up to 2100 m².
CriticalCl.9.3.2b.(5)Workers' dormitory: each bedroom must not exceed 120 m² and occupant load 20 persons; occupant load basis 4.2 m²/person; at least two independent exit staircases per storey.
CriticalCl.9.3.3Temporary workers' quarters must not be located higher than 10 m above fire engine access road level or lower than first basement level; hot work is prohibited in occupied basements.
ImportantCl.9.3.4aExit door min clear width for hospitals is 1.2 m; wards with occupant load >50 persons require at least two remotely located exits.
ImportantCl.9.3.2b.(2)–(3)
Compliance thresholds
| Parameter | Value | Condition | Clause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max non-compartmented AFA triggering sprinkler requirement | 750 m² | Healthcare occupancy with patient accommodation | Cl.9.3.2a.(3) |
| Min exit door clear width (hospital) | 1.2 m | Hospitals | Cl.9.3.2b.(2) |
| Ward size requiring two exits (occupant load trigger) | >50 persons | Patient accommodation ward | Cl.9.3.2b.(3) |
| Max patient ward floor area (non-sprinkler) | 750 m² | Per patient accommodation ward | Cl.9.3.2b.(5)(a) |
| Max patient ward occupant load | 75 persons (10 m²/person AFA) | Per patient accommodation ward | Cl.9.3.2b.(5)(a) |
| Max patient ward fire compartment (sprinkler-protected) | 2100 m² | Sprinkler-protected premises | Cl.9.3.2b.(5)(c) |
| Smoke-free lobby min clear space (patient evacuation) | 6 m² | Smoke-free lobby serving patient accommodation floor | Cl.9.3.2b.(9)(b) |
| Fire escape bed lift platform size | 2.8 m (depth) × 1.8 m (width) | Fire escape bed lift clear platform | Cl.9.3.2b.(6)(c) |
| Protected lobby for fire escape bed lift | 5 m (length) × 4 m (width) | Lobby serving fire escape bed lift and protected exit staircase | Cl.9.3.2b.(6)(c) |
| Max dormitory bedroom floor area | 120 m² | Workers' dormitory bedroom | Cl.9.3.3a |
| Max dormitory bedroom occupant load | 20 persons | Workers' dormitory bedroom | Cl.9.3.3a |
| Dormitory occupant load basis | 4.2 m²/person | Workers' dormitory | Cl.9.3.3b |
| Max height of temporary workers' quarters above fire engine access road | 10 m | Temporary workers' quarters in uncompleted buildings | Cl.9.3.4a.(1) |
| Emergency power supply duration (temporary workers' quarters) | 2 hours | All firefighting systems serving temporary workers' quarters | Cl.9.3.4e.(1) |
Interactive decision tree
What type of PG III occupancy is being assessed?