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
Each guestroom/accommodation unit accessed via internal corridor must be compartmented by ≥1-hr FRR construction; corridor doors ≥½-hr FRR with self-closing device.
CriticalCl.9.7.2a.(1)–(2)Non-naturally-ventilated internal corridors in hotel/hostel buildings must be subdivided by smoke barriers: ≤45 m (sprinkler-protected) or ≤30 m (non-sprinkler).
CriticalCl.9.7.2d.(1)Theatre/cinema/concert hall seating >500 persons with fly tower: stage must be separated from auditorium by ≥1-hr proscenium wall; proscenium opening protected by ≥1-hr fire curtain (or smoke curtain with sprinklers and smoke control on stage).
CriticalCl.9.7.3b.(4)Multi-tier/level seating auditorium requires both automatic sprinkler system and engineered smoke control system.
CriticalCl.9.7.3b.(5)(a)Capsule hotels: entire building must be sprinkler-protected; at least one sprinkler inside each capsule at ≥50 kPa and ≥56 L/min; smoke/heat detector in each capsule; occupancy/motion sensor in each capsule linked to main alarm panel.
CriticalCl.9.7.2f.(4)At least 10% of guestrooms/accommodation units must have visual alarm systems (staff quarters exempted).
ImportantCl.9.7.2eORA total occupant load per F&B outlet must not exceed 200 persons; if exceeded, alternate rear exit to back lane or safe external space is required.
ImportantCl.9.7.4a.(2)
Compliance thresholds
| Parameter | Value | Condition | Clause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoke barrier interval — non-naturally-ventilated corridor (sprinkler) | 45 m | Sprinkler-protected hotel/hostel building | Cl.9.7.2d.(1)(a) |
| Smoke barrier interval — non-naturally-ventilated corridor (non-sprinkler) | 30 m | Non-sprinkler hotel/hostel building | Cl.9.7.2d.(1)(b) |
| Natural ventilation openings for internal corridor (hotel) | ≥15% of floor area, ≤9 m from any part of corridor | Naturally ventilated internal corridor in hotel/hostel | Cl.9.7.2a.(3) |
| Seats per row trigger — proscenium wall requirement | >500 persons, with fly tower | Theatres/concert halls | Cl.9.7.3b.(4)(a) |
| Min proscenium wall FRR | 1 hour | Theatres/concert halls >500 persons with fly tower | Cl.9.7.3b.(4)(a) |
| Smoke vent area — single-tier auditorium | ≥2.5% of floor area | Single-tier auditorium smoke vents in lieu of engineered smoke control | Cl.9.7.3b.(5)(a)(i) |
| Max distance from smoke vent in auditorium | 12 m | No part of auditorium to be more than this distance from a ventilation opening | Cl.9.7.3b.(5)(a)(iii) |
| Min smoke vent size | 600 mm × 600 mm | Auditorium smoke vents | Cl.9.7.3b.(5)(a)(ii) |
| Max F&B outlet ORA occupant load (no alternate exit) | 200 persons | F&B outlet ORA total occupant load | Cl.9.7.4a.(2) |
| Min clear five-foot way width (ORA along covered walkway) | 1.2 m | ORA along covered walkway of F&B outlet | Cl.9.7.4b.(1)(a) |
| Capsule hotel room max AFA | 60 m² | Per capsule hotel guestroom | Cl.9.7.2f.(2)(b) |
| Capsule hotel room max occupant load | 20 persons | Per capsule hotel guestroom | Cl.9.7.2f.(2)(c) |
| Min capsule sprinkler operating pressure | 50 kPa | In-capsule sprinkler head | Cl.9.7.2f.(4)(a) |
| Min capsule sprinkler flow rate | 56 L/min | In-capsule sprinkler head | Cl.9.7.2f.(4)(a) |
Interactive decision tree
What is the primary PG VII use?