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
One exit staircase may serve an aboveground office floor only if all three conditions are met: habitable height ≤15 m, floor not above 4th storey, and AFA ≤200 m².
CriticalCl.9.4.1a.(1)One exit staircase may serve a basement office floor only if: non-combustible construction, basement depth ≤9 m below average ground, single storey below ground, and AFA (including all shafts and services) ≤200 m².
CriticalCl.9.4.1a.(2)
Compliance thresholds
| Parameter | Value | Condition | Clause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max habitable height for single-staircase aboveground office floor | 15 m | Single exit staircase permitted | Cl.9.4.1a.(1)(a) |
| Max storey for single-staircase aboveground office floor | 4th storey | Single exit staircase permitted | Cl.9.4.1a.(1)(b) |
| Max AFA for single-staircase office floor (above or below ground) | 200 m² | Single exit staircase permitted | Cl.9.4.1a.(1)(c), Cl.9.4.1a.(2)(d) |
| Max basement depth for single-staircase basement office | 9 m below average ground level | Single exit staircase to serve basement | Cl.9.4.1a.(2)(b) |
Interactive decision tree
Is this an aboveground or underground (basement) office floor?