Fire Safety in High-Rise Residential Building Lee Jun Hou Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

FIRE SAFETY IN HIGH-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

LEE JUN HOU

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA

i i

SUPERVISOR’S DECLARATION

“I/We* hereby declare that I/We* have read this thesis and in my/our* opinion this thesis is sufficient in terms of scope and quality for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Science (Construction)

Signature : Name of Supervisor I : PM. DR. YAHYA BIN MOHAMAD YATIM Date : 10th JUNE 2018

Signature : Name of Supervisor II : Sr. DR. NORAZAM OTHMAN Date : 10th JUNE 2018

* Delete as necessary i

FIRE SAFETY IN HIGH-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

LEE JUN HOU

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the awards of the degree of Bachelor of Science (Construction)

Faculty of Built Environment Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

JUNE 2018

DECLARATION

I declare that this thesis entitled “Fire Safety in High-Rise Residential Building” is the results of my own research except as cited in the references. The thesis has not been accepted for any degree and is not concurrently submitted in the candidature of any other degree.

Signature : Name : LEE JUN HOU Date : 10th JUNE 2018

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DEDICATION

Special thanks to my beloved parents, family members and friends for their support, help, and understanding

Thanks for everything iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First of all, I would like to express my deep and sincere gratitude goes to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yahya Bin Mohamad Yatim who is my research supervisor for providing the valuable advice, guidance, and comments on this research. His contributions are highly appreciated.

Besides that, I also appreciate to building management committee or manager because allow me to enter the building to carry out the observation survey and willing to answer my question. Apart from that, the appreciation also extends to the occupants who willing to spend their precious time to answer my questionnaire.

Last but not least, a special thanks to my beloved family and friends who always give me the support and encouragement along the period to process this research. v

ABSTRACT

Unforeseen fire incident may happen anytime and anywhere. There is the possibility of fire happening to high-rise residential building. The faulty condition of fire equipment became the main reason of fire potential. Furthermore, low quality and not strict management system was current fire safety status. Therefore, this research objective aims to identify the condition of fire safety aspect and propose the measures to enhance the fire safety aspect in the high-rise residential buildings. Mixed methodologies with quantitative and qualitative methods adopted in this research. Therefore, observation and questionnaire selected as the data collection method. The raw data was collected from five high-rise residential buildings located in Johor Bahru by using developed active and passive fire safety checklist and taken photos of the fire safety aspects for the analysis purpose. Apart from that, the questionnaire was distributed randomly among the occupants to find out the best measures to enhance fire safety aspect based on their knowledge and perceive. Once finish data collection, it analysed by using Microsoft Excel 2013. It was found that, 71.05% of portable fire extinguishers, 100% of fire alarm, 86.47% of break glass alarm system, 41.98% of fire detection system, 100% of wet riser system, 37.70% of hose reel system, 100% of fire lifts and 60.77% of emergency lighting was in good condition. For passive, most of the problem came from obstruction in the staircase, broken of components of fire doors, do not install with fire doors and lack of illuminated with electric lamps in exit signage. Moreover, conduct with fire safety training programs and implement regular housekeeping was the most measures that selected by the occupants to enhance active and passive fire protection respectively. Last but not least, the developer should concern about the fire safety aspect, construction designer must make sure a comprehensive fire safety plan while building management and occupants cooperate to maintain a safer accommodation. vi

ABSTRAK

Kejadian kebakaran yang tidak dapat dijangka boleh berlaku pada bila-bila masa dan di mana-mana tempatnya. Jadi, kebakaran juga mungkin berlaku di bangunan kediaman aras-tinggi. Kerosakan peralatan pencegahan api boleh mengakibatkan potensi kebakaran. Selain itu, kualiti sistem pengurusan yang rendah dan longgar merupakan status keselamatan kebakaran semasa. Oleh itu, penyelidikan ini bertujuan untuk mengenalpasti keadaan aspek-aspek keselamatan kebakaran serta mencadangkan langkah-langkah untuk meningkatkan aspek keselamatan kebakaran di bangunan kediaman aras-tinggi. Dalam kajian ini, metodologi campuran dengan kaedah kuantitatif dan kualitatif telah digunakan. Oleh itu, pemerhatian dan soal selidik dipilih sebagai kaedah pengumpulan data. Data dikumpulkan dari lima bangunan kediaman aras-tinggi yang berada di sekitar Johor Bahru dengan senarai semak keselamatan kebakaran aktif and pasif serta mengambil gambar terhadap aspek- aspek keselamatan kebakaran untuk tujuan analisis. Selain itu, soal selidik diagihkan secara rawak kepada para penghuni untuk mengetahui langkah-langkah terbaik untuk meningkatkan aspek-aspek keselamatan kebakaran berdasarkan pengetahuan dan pandangan mereka. Selepas selesai pengumpulan data, ia dianalisis dengan menggunakan Microsoft Excel 2013. Ia mendapati bahawa, 71.05% pemadam kebakaran mudah alih, 100% penggera kebakaran, 86.47% daripada sistem penggera kaca pecah, 41.98% sistem pengesanan kebakaran, 100% basah sistem riser, 37.70% sistem reel hos, 100% lif api dan 60.77% lampu kecemasan berada dalam keadaan baik. Untuk pasif, kebanyakan masalahnya disebabkan oleh halangan di tangga, komponen pintu api rosak, tiada pintu api dan papan tanda keluar yang tiada lampu elektrik. Tambahan pula, mengadakan program latihan keselamatan kebakaran serta melaksanakan pengemasan secara tetap merupakan langkah-langkah yang dipilih oleh penghuni untuk meningkatkan perlindungan kebakaran aktif dan pasif masing-masing. Akhir sekali, pemaju perlu mengambil kira aspek keselamatan kebakaran ketika waktu perancangan, pereka bentuk pembinaan harus memastikan pelan keselamatan kebakaran dengan sempurna manakala pengurusan bangunan serta penghuni haruslah bekerjasama untuk mengekalkan penginapan yang selamat dalam bangunan kediaman aras-tinggi.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE

TITLE PAGE i DECLARATION ii DEDICATION iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv ABSTRACT v ABSTRAK vi TABLE OF CONTENT vii LIST OF TABLES xiii LIST OF FIGURES xv LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS xvii LIST OF APPENDICES xviii

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1

1.1 Background of Research ...... 1

1.2 Problem Statement ...... 3

1.3 Research Questions ...... 7

1.4 Research Objectives ...... 8

1.5 Scope of Research ...... 8

1.6 Significant of Research ...... 9

1.7 Research Methodology ...... 10 viii

1.8 Organization Structure of the Research ...... 13

2 LITERATURE REVIEW ...... 15 2.1 Introduction ...... 15

2.2 High-Rise Residential Building ...... 15

2.3 The Demand for High-Rise Residential Buildings ...... 16

2.4 Types of High-Rise Residential Building ...... 18

2.4.1 Flat ...... 18

2.4.2 Apartment Building ...... 18

2.4.3 Condominium ...... 19

2.4.4 Fire Statistics of High-Rise Residential Building ...... 19

2.5 Theory of Fire...... 20

2.5.1 Fire Triangle ...... 20

2.5.2 The Stages of Fire ...... 21

2.5.3 Fire Spreading in Building ...... 23

2.6 Fire Hazard in High-Rise Residential Building ...... 24

2.6.1 Caused of Fire in Buildings ...... 25

2.7 Fire Safety ...... 26

2.8 Fire Safety Regulation ...... 27

2.8.1 Fire Services Act 1988 ...... 27

2.8.2 Uniform Building By-Law (UBBL) 1984 ...... 28

2.9 Active Fire Protection ...... 29

2.9.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers ...... 29

2.9.2 Fire Alarm and Detection System ...... 31

2.9.3 Automatic Sprinkler System ...... 33

2.9.4 Dry Riser System ...... 34

2.9.5 Wet Riser System ...... 35

2.9.6 Hose Reel System...... 36 ix

2.9.7 Fire Hydrant ...... 36

2.9.8 Foam Inlets ...... 36

2.9.9 Electrical Isolation Switch ...... 37

2.9.10 Voice Communication System ...... 37

2.9.11 Fire Fighting Access Lobbies ...... 38

2.9.12 Fire Lift ...... 38

2.9.13 Smoke and Heat Venting...... 39

2.9.14 Emergency Power System ...... 39

2.10 Passive Fire Protection ...... 40

2.10.1 Staircase ...... 40

2.10.2 Fire Door ...... 42

2.10.3 Compartment Walls and Floors ...... 42

2.10.4 Party Wall ...... 43

2.10.5 External Wall...... 44

2.10.6 Exit Route and Corridor ...... 44

2.10.7 Emergency Exit Signs ...... 45

2.10.8 Ventilation of Staircase Enclosures...... 45

2.10.9 Protected Service Shafts ...... 46

2.11 Human Behaviour during Fire...... 47

2.12 Fire Safety Awareness ...... 48

2.13 Fire Safety Education and Fire Drill ...... 48

2.14 Inspection and Maintenance 49 2.15 Housekeeping and Pest Control Programme 50

3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ...... 51 3.1 Introduction ...... 51

3.2 Data Collection ...... 52

3.3 Data Collection Technique ...... 53 x

3.3.1 Observation ...... 55

3.3.2 Questionnaire ...... 56

3.4 Population and Sampling ...... 57

3.5 Data Analysis ...... 57

3.5.1 Frequency Distribution ...... 57

3.5.2 Mean ...... 59

3.6 Summary ...... 60

4 DATA ANALYSIS ...... 61 4.1 Introduction 61 4.2 High-rise Residential Buildings in Johor Bahru 62

4.2.1 Building A 63

4.2.2 Building B 64

4.2.3 Building C 65

4.2.4 Building D 66

4.2.5 Building E 67

4.3 Analysis of Active Fire Protection in the Buildings 68

4.3.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers 68

4.3.2 Fire Alarm and Detection System 72

4.3.3 Automatic Sprinkler System 74

4.3.4 Riser and Hose Reel System 75

4.3.5 Fire Lifts 77

4.3.6 Emergency Power System 77

4.4 Analysis of Passive Fire Protection in the Buildings 79

4.4.1 Escape Stairs 79

4.4.2 Fire Doors 82

4.4.3 Exit Signage 86

4.4.4 Storey Exits and Corridor 88 xi

4.4.5 Ventilation and Lighting 89

4.5 Respondent Information 90

4.5.1 Gender 91

4.5.2 Race 92

4.5.3 Age Range 93

4.5.4 Academic Qualification 94

4.5.5 Occupation 95

4.5.6 Staying Period 96

4.5.7 Attend Safety Course 98

4.5.8 Fire Drill Experience 99

4.5.9 Fire Incident Experience 100

4.6 Understanding of Fire Safety in High-Rise Building 101

4.6.1 Fire Concept 101

4.6.2 Fire Alarm 104

4.6.3 Fire Fighting Equipment 106

4.6.4 Escape 108

4.7 Measures to Enhance Active Fire Protection 110

4.8 Measures to Enhance Passive Fire Protection 113

5 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION...... 116 5.1 Introduction 116

5.2 Research Conclusion 116

5.2.1 Condition of Active Fire Protection 117

5.2.2 Condition of Passive Fire Protection 118

5.2.3 Measures to Enhance the Fire Safety Aspect 120

5.3 Limitation and Problems Encounter 121

5.4 Recommendation for Future Research 122

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REFERENCE...... 123

APPENDIX A ...... 130

APPENDIX B ...... 131

APPENDIX C ...... 138

APPENDIX D ...... 142

APPENDIX E ...... 146

APPENDIX F ...... 152

APPENDIX G ...... 158

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LIST OF TABLES

TABLE TITLE PAGE NO. 2.1 Types of Portable Fire Extinguishers 30 4.1 Analysis results for portable fire extinguishers 68 4.2 Analysis results for fire alarm system 72 4.3 Analysis results for fire detection system 73 4.4 Analysis results for automatic sprinkler system 74 4.5 Analysis results for riser and hose reel system 75 4.6 Analysis results for fire lifts 77 4.7 Analysis results for emergency power system 77 4.8 Analysis results for escape stairs 79 4.9 Analysis results for fire doors 82 4.10 Analysis results for exit signage 86 4.11 Analysis results for storey exits and corridor 88 4.12 Analysis results for ventilation and lighting 89 4.13 Percentage of Respond from Respondent in each 90 Building 4.14 Gender 91 4.15 Race 92 4.16 Age Range 93 4.17 Academic Qualification 94 4.18 Occupation 95 4.19 Staying Period 96 4.20 Attend Safety Course 98 xiv

4.21 Fire Drill Experience 99 4.22 Fire Incident Experience 100 4.23 Percentage distribution of fire concept 101 4.24 Percentage distribution of fire alarm 104 4.25 Percentage distribution of fire-fighting equipment 106 4.26 Percentage distribution of escape 108 4.27 Measures to enhance active fire protection 110 4.28 Measures to enhance passive fire protection 113

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE TITLE PAGE NO. 1.1 Fire breakouts in building structure, 2011-2016 3 1.2 Number of victims in fire breakouts Malaysia, 4 2011-2016 1.3 Estimated Losses in fire cases Malaysia, 2011-2016 5 1.4 Flow of Research Method 12 2.1 Number of fire of high rise residential building in 19 Malaysia, 2013-2015 2.2 The Fire Triangle 21 2.3 The Stages of Fire 22 2.4 Fire Growth in a Confined Space 23 4.1 View of Building A 63 4.2 View of Building B 64 4.3 View of Building C 65 4.4 Front View of Building D 66 4.5 View of Building E 67 4.6 Fire extinguisher not placed at a proper visible location 69 4.7 Fire extinguisher with bad condition 70 4.8 Fire extinguisher with missing or put at the improper 71 location 4.9 Malfunction smoke detector 73 4.10 Bad condition of hose reel system 76 4.11 Emergency lighting in good condition 78 xvi

4.12 Damaged emergency lighting 78 4.13 Obstruction in staircases of Building C 80 4.14 Obstruction in staircases of Building E 80 4.15 Riser with height not more than 180 mm (Building B) 81 4.16 Tread with length not less than 255mm (Building B) 81 4.17 Fire door with swung obstructed 83 4.18 Fire door posted with signage 83 4.19 Fire door without complete automatic door closer 84 4.20 Fire door held open by inappropriate equipment 84 4.21 Fire door with broken or missing doorknob 85 4.22 Exit signage without illuminated with electric lamps 87 4.23 No fire doors in Building A and B 88 4.24 Natural ventilation provided 89 4.25 Gender 91 4.26 Race 92 4.27 Age Range 93 4.28 Academic Qualification 94 4.29 Occupation 96 4.30 Staying Period 97 4.31 Attend Safety Course 98 4.32 Fire Drill Experience 99 4.33 Fire Incident Experience 100 4.34 Percentage distribution of fire concept 103 4.35 Percentage distribution of fire alarm 105 4.36 Percentage distribution of fire-fighting equipment 107 4.37 Percentage distribution of escape 109 4.38 Measures to enhance active fire protection 112 4.39 Measures to enhance passive fire protection 115

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

ABBREVIATION FULL NAME

FRDM - Fire and Rescue Department Malaysia MAMPU - Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit NFPA - National Fire Protection Association UBBL - Uniform Building By-Law FRP - Fire Resistance Period

xviii

LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX TITLE

A - LETTER OF PERMISSION B - FRDM STATISTICS C - ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION CHECKLIST D - PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION CHEKCLIST E - QUESTIONNAIRE F - SOURCES OF CHECKLIST G - LIST OF TARGET HIGH-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

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CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of Research

In the evolution of human history, fire initially functions as a weapon to protect the man from a wild animal in the jungle or caves (Rahim, 2015). The fire was an important, essential and useful resources to the human being to carry out daily activities such as food preparation. However, it could be bringing casualties to a human when they neglected.

The Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (FRDM, 2015) had received 40,865 fire calls from all states in Malaysia from January until December 2015. Johor was reported as the second highest number of 6,807 cases or 16.66% of total fire cases after Selangor with 6,827 cases. In 2015, fire incidents had killed 153 people, 467 injuries with an estimation of 4.4 billion Ringgit Malaysia in the loss.

Nowadays, the occurrence of fire cases around the world has been becoming a public concern. Fire incidents, tend, due to human error and negligence (Yatim, 2009). Currently, Associated Press (2017) reported that there was a fire breakout at a religious 2 school in Kuala Lumpur, resulted in killing 24 people, 22 of them were boys between 13 and 17 years old, and two teachers. The victims could not manage to escape because they trapped behind the barred windows and the exit blocked in the building. According to Malaymail Online (2016), there were six people died in the fire of the Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor. Initial investigation on the fire was due to wiring problem within the building, as said by Southern Johor Bahru district police Chief Assitant Commissioner Sulaiman Salleh. As reported by Farrer and Barney (2017), fire breakouts in a high-rise apartment in the absence of sprinklers system in Honolulu, Hawaii, had killed at least three people and 12 were injured.

Last but not least, there were uncountable fire cases happened around the world. Thence, fire safety management is very crucial to reduce the unexpected incidents (Ling, 2011). State government and private sectors should take their responsibilities to ensure that the fire safety in the buildings was adequately installed (Yatim, 2011). The fire safety system such as portable fire extinguishers, fire alarm, fire detector, and sprinkler must be able to function properly. According to Mauch (2017), the fire safety knowledge was essential to all people from all walks of life. 3

1.2 Problem Statement

Unforeseen fire incident may occur anytime and anywhere. It brings damages to property, injuries, and even led to death. The Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit (MAMPU, 2016) showed that there were 237,535 fire incidents happened in Malaysia from the year 2011 to 2016 (see Appendix 1 & 2). There were 33,555 in total or 14.13% fire breakout cases involved building structure from the year 2011 to 2016 such as residential units, shops, factories, offices and so forth (see Appendix 3 & 4).

Total fire breakout cases in building structure

5900 5800 5817

5700 5689 5677 5600 5609

5500 5485

5400 TotalCases 5300 5278 5200 5100 5000 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Year

Figure 1.1: Fire breakouts in building structure, 2011-2016 (Source: http://www.data.gov.my)

Figure 1.1 indicates that the fire cases occurred in building structure of the year 2011 to 2016. In 2011, there were 5689 fire breakout cases involved in building structure. Then, it increased slightly from 5278 cases of the year 2012 to 5817 cases in 2013. After that, the number of fire breakout decreased to 5677 cases in 2014, 5609 cases in 2015 and 5485 cases in 2016. The frequency of the occurrence of fire cases was extremely high with average more than 5,000 fire incidents annually. 4

Number of Fire Victims (Dead & Injured) 2011-2016 600

500 467 477 389 400

300

Death Number 200 165 Injury 152 139 153 107 80 81 98 100 72

0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Year

Figure 1.2: Number of victims in fire breakouts Malaysia, 2011-2016 (Source: http://www.data.gov.my)

Figure 1.2 shows that the numbers of victims died or injured in the fire cases. Death numbers had a fluctuation trend in the past six years. The death numbers recorded an increase from 80 people in 2011 to 98 people in 2012, then it dropped to 72 people in 2013 and raised up to 139 people in 2014. After that, it raised again in 2015 with a total of 153 people. In 2016, there were 107 people died in the unexpected fire incidents. The number of victims deceased in the fire cases exceeded 100 people in the past three years.

On the other hand, injuries trend shows an increasing manner from the year 2011 to 2016. In 2011, the injuries were the least with 81 people. Then, it increased to 152 people in 2012. After that, the number increased dramatically from 165 people in the year 2013 to 389 people in the year 2014 and raised again to 467 people in 2015. The numbers of injured victims of 2016 were the highest with 477 people (see Appendix 1 & 5). 5

Estimated Losses 2011-2016 RM 4.4 Billion 4,500,000 4,000,000 RM 2.8 RM 2.9 3,500,000 Billion Billion 3,000,000 RM 1.9 RM) Billion （ 2,500,000 RM 1.1 2,000,000 RM 927 Billion

1,500,000 Million Amount 1,000,000 500,000 0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Year Estimated Losses

Figure 1.3: Estimated Losses in fire cases Malaysia, 2011-2016 (Source: http://www.data.gov.my)

From the figure above, billions of Ringgit Malaysia were burned out due to fire breakouts in the past six years. The estimated loss was RM 927 million in 2011, then reached the peak in the year 2015 with RM 4.4 billion. In 2016, fire incidents brought RM 2.9 billion of loss to the country (see Appendix 6 & 7).

Apart from Malaysia, similar issues also arise in another country like United States of America (U.S.A.). According to U.S. fire department (NFPA, 2017), there were 1,342,000 fire incidents caused 3,390 people died, 14,650 people suffer fire injuries and an estimated $10.6 billion of property loss in 2016. Haynes (2017) stated that structure fires caused 2,950 or 87 percent of the civilian deaths and 12,775 civilian injured. According to Haynes (2017), U.S. fire department had to respond to a fire in every 24 seconds nationwide which lead to a civilian fire death in every 155 minutes and a civilian fire injury every 34 minutes.

Recently, a fire occurred at Grenfell Tower, London killed at least 80 people. According to BBC News (2017), new cladding and insulation that fitted on the 6 building after renovation failed in the new fire safety test. The cladding contains the combustible and flammable material helped to spread the fire. Apart from that, the fire also ripped through the world’s tallest residential towers in Dubai (Henderson & Graham, 2017).

According to Du et al. (2012), active and passive fire protection system should be complete, available and functional-able at all of the time, monitored to avoid theft and damage. The faulty condition of the fire equipment has become the main reason for the fire breakout. Based on Pershakov et al. (2016), a fire in 2004 in the 56-storey high-rise building in Caracas lasted more than 17 hours due to the fire-fighting system was not working well. Even though the building wholly equipped with a sprinkler system, but it was defective and unable to function properly during the fire. Apart from that, if the doors not blocked, six occupants in the 37-storey height high-rise building in Chicago would not die in a fire in 2003.

In 2015, the fire spread quickly in a high-rise building in Odessa because of the failure of the water pump in the building. Hence, the sprinkler system was not in function to extinguish the fire from the beginning (Pershakov et al., 2016). According to Liu et al. (2012), defects of alarm, defects from extinguishers, defects from structure control and defects to evacuate countermeasure were the factors that may cause fire accident loss such as property loss and casualties. In Malaysia, there are at least hundreds of high-rise residential building having the same issue due to inadequate fire extinguishers, broken water sprinklers, blocked off the fire exits and faulty alarm systems (Jolene, 2017). Besides, high-rise residential buildings in Malaysia possessed for higher fire risk and also recorded most of the number of fire incidents compared to other types of buildings (Akashah et al., 2017). Therefore, the functionality and physical condition of the fire safety aspect was very critical and essential. Hence, this research attempts to identify the condition of fire safety aspect in high-rise residential buildings in Malaysia.

Besides, the level of awareness of Malaysian toward fire was still low, so the fire safety situation in the buildings is not optimistic (The Malaysian Times, 2013). Tiun (2016) stated that standard of building management service provided by most of the developers and property managers were questionable because they lack in managing the building. Moreover, management system in building not strict, low quality and not intelligent fire safety design was the current fire safety status of the high-rise building (Yu-ting & Zhou, 2016). Therefore, this research also attempts to propose the measures to enhance the fire safety aspect in high-rise residential buildings.

1.3 Research Questions

The research questions are: i. What is the condition of fire safety aspect in high-rise residential buildings? ii. How to enhance the fire safety aspect in high-rise residential buildings?

1.4 Research Objectives

This research embarked on the following objectives: i. To identify the condition of fire safety aspect in high-rise residential buildings. ii. To propose the measures to enhance the fire safety aspect in high-rise residential buildings.

1.5 Scope of Research

The scope of this research were limited to: i. Only focus on high-rise residential building in Johor Bahru area. (Minimum height with 75 feet / 23 meters)

1.6 Significant of Research

There were 2 objectives that had been selected in this research. First, this research attempted to identify the condition of fire safety aspect in the high-rise residential buildings. Second, it targeted to propose the measures to enhance the fire safety aspect in the buildings. With this research, it will raise the awareness amongst the developers in fire safety aspects when it comes to planning process of high-rise residential building development. The supply of empty land is expected to decrease in the future due to increasing of population, thus high-rise residential building will be the solution in future development. Therefore, developers play an important role in providing a safer and quality accommodation to the society.

At the same time, it may also assist the construction design team in designing standard and comprehensive fire safety plan in high-rise residential building. Construction design team required designing by following the standard, rule, and requirement that stated in the fire safety regulations such as Fire Services Act 1988 and Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) 1984. Besides that, the local authority or Fire and Rescue Department Malaysia should take the responsibility to ensure the design are completely complied with the fire safety regulations before any building plan approval is being made. Furthermore, inspection and testing must be taken in place, strictly, before issuance of Fire Certificate to any development.

Last but not least, the research will increase the awareness amongst the occupants of the high-rise residential buildings because of most of the fire incidents were caused by occupants’ careless and neglected attitude. Besides that, this research also enables building management committee to draw up a safe and more systematic fire emergency evacuate procedure of the high-rise residential building.

1.7 Research Methodology

A brief of the research methodology that involved in the study will discuss during this section. The research methodology was a practical action plan that guides the researcher through the study process towards a conclusion of the research questions. The primary purpose of this research was to identify the condition of fire safety aspect in the high-rise residential buildings and propose the measures to enhance the fire safety aspect of the buildings. Apart from that, the scope of the research was set out due to the limited time frame of the study.

A literature review would be the next step after confirming the research questions, objectives and scope of the research. Literature review helped to gain a deeper understanding and explore more knowledge about fire safety in the high rise residential building. The primary and secondary literature sources help to improve and enhance the knowledge level towards the research topic.

After that, the qualitative and quantitative research methodology adopted in the data collection process. In this research, observation method and questionnaire utilised to collect data in finding out the results of the research questions. This method required to develop the fire safety checklist and questionnaire forms before collected the relevant data through observation and got the response from the occupants of the high- rise residential building in Johor Bahru.

Data analysis process starts once data collection completed through observation method and questionnaire survey. The data analysed and processed into information by using Microsoft Excel 2013. This information deemed to become the final result of the research.

Last but not least, final chapter of the research stated the conclusion, limitation, and recommendation for further studies. A summary of the result obtained concluded from this chapter.

Research Topic: Fire Safety in High-Rise Residential Building

Identify Current Issues and Problems: Occurrence of Fire Cases around the World

Chapter 1 Develop Research Question, Objective, Scope and Significant Introduction Objective 1: Objective 2: To identify the condition To propose the measures of fire safety aspect in to enhance the fire safety high-rise residential aspect in high-rise buildings. residential buildings.

Literature Review Chapter 2 -News, articles, journal, internet resource, reference books, Literature annual report Review  Theory of Fire, Fire Protection System, Fire Safety and Measures to Enhance Fire Safety Aspect

Data Collection Method Chapter 3 Research Technique 1: Research Technique 2: Research Methodology Observation through Fire Develop Questionnaire Form Safety Checklist

Chapter 4 Data Analysis Data  Frequency Distribution Analysis  Mean and Standard Deviation

Chapter 5 Conclusion, Limitation and Recommendation Conclusion

Figure 1.4: Flow of Research Method 13

1.8 Organization Structure of the Research

This research divided into five chapters with bibliography, reference, and appendix.

i. Chapter 1

Chapter one was an introduction which consists of general research background, problems statement, research question, objectives, the scope of the research, significance of research, brief research methodology and the summary of this chapter.

ii. Chapter 2

Chapter two was the detailed study on a literature review of the high-rise residential building. It provides a more in-depth and better understanding of the research topic. Besides that, the theory of fire, fire safety protection system, and measures to enhance the fire safety aspect also discussed in this chapter.

iii. Chapter 3

This chapter presented the methodology adopted in this research. Qualitative and quantitative techniques that utilised in this research were observations and questionnaires.

iv. Chapter 4

Chapter four was data analysis. The data that obtained and collected through compliance checklist and questionnaire analysed and tabulated.

v. Chapter 5

Chapter five consists of conclusion, limitation, and recommendations for further research in the future. 15

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW 15

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

The literature review of this research started with an introduction to the high- rise residential building. This chapter also discussed further the theory of fire, fire safety in building and fire safety regulation. Besides that, fire safety awareness and human behaviour during a fire in high-rise building also briefly discuss in this chapter.

2.2 High-Rise Residential Building

According to Yatim (2011), most of the building code to define a high-rise building based on its height and storeys. New York City Building Code (2015) defines high-rise building as a building with an occupied floor more than 75 feet or 23-meter height above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. High-rise building was a tall multi-storey building that exceeds the use of vertical mechanical transportation like elevators (Britannica online). Seattle Fire Code (2015) defines a high-rise building with floors more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire 16 department vehicle access. A building with height more than 36m or exceed 12 storeys can be considered a high-rise building (Attia et al., 2012).

High-rise building was a structure having an overall height by exceeding 23m from ground floor level to the highest floor (NFPA, 2016). Oxford Dictionary of English (2010), defines high-rise as a building that having many storeys while residential means that designed for people to live. Corbett and Brannigan (2013) stated that during International Conference on Fire Safety in High-Rise convened on 1971 by the U.S. General Service Administration, the definition of high-rise generally accepted as building that beyond the reach of aerial ladder equipment. According to Craighead (2009), any building structure of height in between 75 feet and 100 feet, five or above seven to ten stories was a high-rise building.

2.3 The Demand for High-Rise Residential Buildings

Department of Statistics Malaysia stated that Census 2010 was the fifth decennial census since the formation of Malaysia in 1963. The previous four censuses were in the year 1970, 1980, 1990 and 2000. Hence, next expected census will be in the year of 2020. In 2010 census, the population of Malaysia increased from average annual population growth rate of 2.0%, which from 23.3 million people in 2000 to 28.3 million in the year 2010. The rate was lower if compared with the previous census such as 2.6% during 1980-1991 and 2.6% for the period of 1991-2000. In the year 2010 census, the total population was 28.3 million with 91.8% was Malaysian citizens and another non-citizens 8.2%. Malaysian citizens consist of 67.4% Bumiputera, 24.6% of Chinese, Indians 7.3% and others ethnic with 0.7%.

The estimated population of Malaysia will reach 32.0 million, increase by 1.3% in the year 2017 if compared with the year 2016 with 31.6 million. Apart from that, 17 the statistics from Ministry of Human Resource showed that there were 1.76 million of foreign workers in Malaysia as of July 31, 2017. According to the statistics, there were 714,709 Indonesian, followed by 400,327 Nepalis, 220,022 Bangladeshis, 125,860 Myanmar, 113,952 from India and 59,458 Pakistanis. The remaining are Filipinos (55,962), Vietnamese (28,244), Chinese (16,260), Thai nationals (13,199), Cambodians (4,953), Sri Lankans (5,920) and Laos nationals (38). Most of the foreign workers contributed to the construction industry, manufacturing, services, estates and agriculture sector in Malaysia. Therefore, these populations also required buildings to accommodate them.

According to Noor et al. (2011), the demand for the high-rise residential building increases because of the increase in population and decreasing to the land area usage. The rising demand for housing induces the continuous development of high- rise residential schemes for the high-density area of Malaysia such as Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor and Penang (Tiun, 2006). Yatim (2011) also expected many high-rise residential building such as flats, condominium, apartments would construct in the future because of high demand from the purchaser and high land price in the town area. Based on Property Market Report (2015), the existing supply of high-rise residences in Johor was increased 2.15% to 31,322 units if compared with 2014. There have 37,632 units which are under construction and expected completion in the future three years.

2.4 Types of High-Rise Residential Building

There are three types of high-rise residential building in Malaysia which is flats, apartment, and condominium. The definition of three types of the building will explain in this section.

2.4.1 Flat

Stephenson (2013) says the definition of flat is meant by the separate and self- contained premises that constructed or adapted for residential use and forming the part of a building which divided horizontally from another region. McGuinness (2008) defines a flat as a separate and self-contained premise which are divided horizontally and adapted for the residential purpose. In Malaysia, flat defined as a housing block with the lesser quality of the lower-income groups. Usually, it is the cheapest and generally without security guards, perimeter wall and inadequate fire safety protection system.

2.4.2 Apartment Building

According to Mikelic (2005), Article 4 of Serbian Law on Housing defines an apartment as a unit of shared space for habitation which constitutes in one building unit and has a separate entrance. In Malaysia, the apartment has the same meaning as condominiums which has the facilities and security services. 19

2.4.3 Condominium

Kimmons (2016) stated that a condominium was one group of housing units where each of the owners owns their individual unit space and share the ownership area for common use. Oxford Dictionary of English (2010), defines condominiums as a building or complex about structures that containing some individually owned the apartments or houses.

2.4.4 Fire Statistics of High-Rise Residential Building

Fire of High-Rise Residential Building in Malaysia 500 469 450 426 400 364 350 300 250 218 232 232 200

NumberCase of 150 100 50 0 2013 2014 2015 Year

Flats Apartment/Condominium

Figure 2.1: Number of fire of high-rise residential building in Malaysia, 2013-2015 (Source: Adopted Fire and Rescue Department Malaysia (FRDM), 2013-2015)

Figure 2.1 indicated the statistics of fire breakouts of the high-rise residential building in Malaysia. The statistics were adopted from the annual report FRDM from 20 the year 2013 to 2015. Although the figure showed the decreasing trend of flats, which from 469 cases in 2013 reduced to 364 cases in 2015. However, it was always higher than apartment or condominium with 218 cases in 2013, 232 cases in 2014 and 2015.

2.5 Theory of Fire

According to Perry (2003), the fire was a process of combustion characterised by the emission of heat and accompanied by flame or smoke. Oxford Dictionary of English (2010), defines “fire” was a process of substances that combine chemically with the oxygen from the air and finally come out with heat, light, bright and smoke. Atlee (2006) stated that fire was a persistent, rapid exothermic oxidation of combustible substance that releases light and heat energy which usually accompanied by flame. A fire was a material that in the state of burning that will produce flames with heat, light and might produce smoke (Cambridge, 2017). Corbett and Brannigan (2013) further stated that the word “fire” was rapid oxidation (chemical) reaction that will produce heat and visible light. The fire was a chemical reaction that involves the evolution of light and energy as described by Quintiere (2016).

2.5.1 Fire Triangle

Fire triangle was an interrelationship chemical reaction against heat, fuel, and oxygen (Perry, 2003). It cannot occur when any key components were missing. According to Hamzah (2006), it can also be known as “Fire Tetrahedron” because fuel, oxygen, heat and the chemical reaction were the four main factors that start a fire. Chiefs (2008) also stated that fuel, oxygen, and heat were the three essential ingredients to create a fire. The fourth factor was required a chemical chain reactions to maintain a self-sustaining fire to keep the fire burning. Anderson (2015) mentioned 21 that the fire triangle is the natural and straightforward way to understand the factors of fire and demonstrated the interdependence of the primary ingredients to create the fire.

Figure 2.2: The Fire Triangle (Source: Anderson, 2015)

2.5.2 The Stages of Fire

According to Fire Protection Association (2014), a fire can be categories into five stages which are ignition, growth, flashover, development, and decay as shown in Figure 2.3. Ignition was a process when fuel reacts with the oxygen and produce heat and light (Hamzah, 2006). The source of heat of electrical sparks, direct application of a flame, exothermic chemical reactions, heating by convection or radiation will cause ignition with the presence of fuel and oxygen (Fire Protection Association, 2014). Furness and Muckett (2007) further explained ignition could be very rapid when fuel was in the gaseous form while slow combustion when fuel was of solid material. 22

Figure 2.3: The Stages of Fire (Source: Fire Protection Association, 2014)

The temperature of the fire will rise exponentially during growth stage because increasing the chemical reaction rate. Due to fires are self-sustaining. Hence, the burning materials will automatically become a new source of ignition during this stage. The growing of fire will become hotter because it spreads to more and more combustible materials (Fire Protection Association, 2014).

When the temperature reaches about 600°C and keeps given in plentiful supply of air will induce to ignite explosively in an event which called flashover. The temperature during flashover stage will increase very rapidly (Fire Protection Association, 2014). Yatim (2009) stated that the time taken in the growth of fire might determine the quantity of combustible material available and amount of air supplied.

After that, fire temperature increased slowly from the development stage. However, it still can grow and spread to another area. In decay stage, fire burns itself out due to lack of oxygen. Once all of the fuel has consumed, the fire will begin to cool, and the heat can no longer be produced (Fire Protection Association, 2014). According to Yatim (2009), the fire from decay stage was still dangerous and can cause fatal when extremely exposed to the smoky air in the space. 23

2.5.3 Fire Spreading in Building

Figure 2.4: Fire Growth in a Confined Space (Source: Mehaffey, 2012)

According to Mehaffey (2012), the fire starts to burn in a room will like in the open space after ignition. The smoke produced after a short period, and it begins to form a hot layer below the ceiling, heating the ceiling and upper walls of the room. After that, thermal radiation from the hot layer, upper walls, and ceiling start to heat all of the objects which located in the lower part of the room. At the same time, it might speed up the rate of burning of the original object and the rate of flame spread over the surface.

The heat energy transfers through the convention, radiation, and conduction (Perry, 2003). It caused the spread of the fire, move to another place and continue the combustion. Therefore, the vertical or horizontal fire compartments can function to control and limit the spread of fire from the building. However, it only satisfactory 24 when there is no any other possible route for the smoke or flame through the compartment boundary as described by Purkiss and Li (2013).

Based on Yatim (2009), the fire can spread by three methods which are conduction, radiation, and convection. First, the heat absorbs by metal through conduction and transmit to another room where it can set fire to the combustible materials when contact with the heated metal. Second, heat transfer by radiation in the air just like the concept as electric bar heater heats the room. Third, heat and smoke spreads by convection were the most dangerous and causes the majority of injuries and fatalities. When the fire begins in an enclosed space, heat and smoke will rise from the burning material and trapped by the ceiling and walls. At the same time, it will increase the temperature of other combustible materials until reaching their ignition point and simultaneously induced flashover.

2.6 Fire Hazard in High-Rise Residential Building

According to Oxford Dictionary (2010), the definition of fire hazard was a substance, material or an action that increases the likelihood of happening an accidental fire. Any potential material or substance which can induce ignition also known as fire hazards (Safeopedia, 2017). For example, the cause of sparks, live flames, hot objects, and chemicals. Besides that, it also includes all types of potential threats to fire safety protection systems in the building, firefight and restricts the escape chance of people from the building in a fire (Safeopedia, 2017).

Based on Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (2012), there were several types of fire hazards such as an overloaded electrical outlet, obstruct the escape route, wedge the fire door, using frayed electrical cable, use electrical or riser compartments as a storage area, smoking and so forth. 25

Furthermore, Fire Services Act (1988) gives some definition of the fire hazard. First, any unlawful alteration to the building which increases the difficulty of escape by people during a fire. Second, overcrowding of public entertainment or public gathering place that makes people hard to escape from any part of the building when the fire is happening. Third, lack of fire-fighting equipment or fire safety installation provided for a building. Forth, inefficient or non-functional firefighting equipment or fire safety facility that presents within the structure. Fifth, inadequate means of exit from any part of a building to any other place. Lastly, any matter increases the likelihood of a fire which can danger to human life or property that results from the fire outbreak incident was known as a fire hazard.

2.6.1 Caused of Fire in Buildings

Based on statistics from FDRM (2016), there were several types of the source that caused fire happening in Malaysia such as electricity, cigarette butts, sparks, fireworks, candle, kerosene stove, fire of matches, and other sources. In 2016, electricity, cigarette butts and gas/kerosene stove were the three primary sources that caused the fire breakouts. Statistic source of fire breakout in building by FDRM (2016) showed that 2,005 cases caused by electricity, 753 cases caused by cigarette butts while 528 cases caused by gas/kerosene stove.

2.7 Fire Safety

Fire safety was the precautions that taken to prevent or reduce the likelihood of a fire that may harm the occupants and damage to the property (Fang, 2011). Oxford Dictionary of English (2010), defines fire safety was the adoption to minimise the risk of harm in the accidental fires. Besides that, it ensures the safety from danger or injury of the occupants in the event of a fire. Abdullah (2001) says that fire safety provides the maximum protection to the occupants, the building, and the neighbouring building.

According to Backhouse and Ferrett (2016), fire safety aims to reduce the risk of fire to the building and the risk of the spread of fire from the building. It assesses the means of escape, fire detection and warning, firefighting, maintenance programmes and the management systems such as education, training, fire frills and reviews the fire risk assessment. Therefore, safety will increase if the risk can eliminate. Buchanan and Abu (2017) further stated that the primary goal of fire safety was to limit the probability of death, injury, property loss and environmental damage in an unwanted fire event.

Besides that, fire safety in the building design was aimed to provide a safe environment to the occupants that accommodated inside the building (Furness & Muckett, 2007). Meanwhile, Jain (2007) says that fire safety of a building should cover the aspects of fire prevention, fire protection, fire salvage operations, firefighting and extinguishing method. Fire safety can divide into passive fire protection and active fire protection.

2.8 Fire Safety Regulation

In Malaysia, Fire and Rescue Department (FRDM) take the responsibility to save the lives and properties of the citizen. According to FRDM (2014b), they aim to provide efficient and effective fire prevention and firefighting services, humanitarian services and also enforces on the legislation towards fire safety in the building design and construction. Therefore, FRDM will make sure the buildings were designed and constructed for fire safety. To improve the quality, FRDM was determined to excel in innovation and M.S ISO 9001-2000 quality certification.

Fire Services Act 1988 and Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) 1984 were common fire safety regulations that implemented and applied in Malaysia. Therefore, FRDM required making sure all of the building that constructed had been fulfilling the requirement, rule, and standard that stated in both of the fire safety regulations to ensure a certain fire safety standard for the high-rise residential building in Malaysia.

2.8.1 Fire Services Act 1988

The Fire Services Act 1988 was enacted to make a necessary provision for the Fire and Rescue Department Malaysia functions efficiently and effectively. Besides that, Fire Service Act also aims to protect life and property from the unforeseen fire risks (FRDM, 2014b). According to Hamzah (2006), this Act came into force on 1st of January 1989 as published in the Gazette PU. (B) 701. It contains 63 sections which covered administration, abatement of fire hazard, water and fire hydrants, fire certificate, enforcement, inquiries into fires, welfare fund and miscellaneous (Zainol, 2015). There were two times of amendments to this Act on 12th April 1991 and 4th March 1994. Generally, Fire Services Act 1988 explained the responsibilities for Fire 28 and Rescue Department in the implementation of fire safety inspection, fire prevention, fire investigation, fire hazard abatement and prosecution (Fang, 2011).

2.8.2 Uniform Building By-Law (UBBL) 1984

The government emphasised UBBL in 1984 for implementation. It focused on the safety standard for all types of buildings in Malaysia. In the early 1950s, the construction designs team difficult to submit standard designs building plans for the local authorities or district councils in Malaysia (Hamzah, 2006). Therefore, the present of UBBL aims to regulate the design and construction of buildings, establish uniformity of standards and provide a comprehensive section relating to fire safety. The Part 7 (Fire Requirement) and Part 8 (Fire Alarm, Fire Detection, Fire Extinguishment and Fire Fighting Access) present about the fire safety in the building. According to MIMG (2015), FRDM strives to discharge its responsibilities for its prevention and safety programs and increase its enforcement about inspections of buildings and business licensing activities in accordance to the UBBL.

2.9 Active Fire Protection

Active fire protection was installed within a building or premises to provide fire prevention and fire control services (Ramli, 2011). These fire protection systems require some amount of actions such as the power supply and manually operated to function efficiently and effectively in a fire (Ramli, 2011). When fire and smoke detected by a fire or smoke alarm, it will start to operate and function to alert the occupants of the building. The fire extinguishers and a sprinkler system helped to slow down the growth of the fire until fire authorities have the chance to get there (Ramli, 2011). Therefore, portable fire extinguishers, automatic sprinkler system, fire alarm and detection system, hose reel were a typical example of active fire protection for a building.

2.9.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers

According to Fennelly and Perry (2016), portable fire extinguishers are necessary firefighting equipment for first-aid firefighting during an early stage in a fire before it grows into a full-scale fire which is beyond the capacity of the extinguisher. Besides that, selection of suitable portable fire extinguishers also important (Rporteous, 2012). Proper usage of the portable fire extinguishers often effectively control and extinguisher a fire (Giustina & Daniel, 2014). Therefore, it should be serviced and maintained annually for their effectiveness. It placed on the exits routes visible from all directions as described under By-Law 227. There are several types of portable fire extinguishers such as water, foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, wet chemical and halon.

Under the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984, the requirement of the portable fire extinguisher described under Section 227. It must design, tested, selected, installed and maintained according to the Part 1, 3 and 4 of M.S. 1539 – Specification for portable fire extinguishers. Part 1 regarding the construction and test methodology of portable fire extinguishers, Part 3 about the code of practice selection and application while Part 4 was a code of practice in maintenance of portable fire extinguishers. Besides that, it shall be manufactured to follow the requirement in SIRIM quality certification scheme (Hamzah, 2006).

According to Ferguson and Janicak (2015), portable fire extinguishers should provide for dealing with the potential classes of fire. There are six categories of the fire including Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E and Class F. Class A fires were combustible materials which caused by flammable solids, such as paper, wood, cloth and carbon-based compounds. Class B fires were flammable liquids such as petrol, kerosene, diesel or paint. Class C fires involving flammable gases like oxygen, hydrogen, butane or methane. Class D fires were combustible metals such as sodium, magnesium, and aluminium. Class E fires were electrical fires from any electrical equipment. Lastly, Class F fires involving fats and cooking oils. There were typical types of medium for portable fire extinguishers and identified by colour code as shown in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1: Types of Portable Fire Extinguishers (Source: Adapted from http://surreyfire.co.uk/types-of-fire-extinguisher/) Type of Colour Coding Type of Portable Fire Extinguishers Fire Class Water Red A Foam Cream A, B Dry Powder Blue A, B, C, D, E Carbon Dioxide Black B, E Wet Chemical Yellow A, F

Portable fire extinguisher type of water generally used for fire Class A which is paper, wood, cloth and solid material. It could be dangerous if used on liquid or electric fires. Foam type portable fire extinguisher suitable for use on fire Class A and B but not suitable for metal or electrical fires. After that, dry powder fire extinguisher suitable for all types of fire except Class F. For portable fire extinguisher type of carbon dioxide, it suitable for fire Class B and E. Lastly, wet chemical extinguishers suitable for fire Class A and F.

Based on Rporteous (2012), there were four simple steps to use a portable fire extinguisher by following the acronym P.A.S.S. stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep. First, pull the pin at the top of the portable fire extinguisher. Second, aim at the base of the fire. Third, squeeze the handle to spray the content. Last, sweep it back and forth as a spray to the base of the fire.

2.9.2 Fire Alarm and Detection System

Fire alarm and detection system are designed to detect the unwanted presence of fire and provide a warning to the occupants of the building when fire breakout (Hughes & Ferrett, 2013). Therefore, each of the fire alarm and detection system must specially design by the designer and followed the fire safety requirement by the Tenth Schedule-UBBL 1984. Based on UBBL 1984, all of the buildings and premises with a gross floor area exceeding 9290 square meters or 30.5 meters height by excluding car park and storage area must provide a two-stage fire alarm system with the intermittent signal in the adjoining section and continuous signal in the affected part of the premises.

In general, fire alarm system categories into two types operated manually or automatically (Azmi et al., 2009). Manual fire alarm system provides a simple manual alarm system that requires people to make it function when the fire is happening. Meanwhile, automatic alarm system operation via the detectors able to detect flame, heat, and smoke. According to Hamzah (2006), fire detector is designed to detect the characteristics of a fire which is smoke, heat, and flame. The fire detection system required to function effectively when an outbreak of fire. Nowadays, three common types of detection devices connected to the fire alarm system which is a smoke detector, heat detector, and flame detector.

The smoke detector was a type of fire detector that senses the visible and invisible particles of combustion (Jones, 2013). Smoke detectors operate more quickly than heat detectors in the fire situation but are more prone to false alarms. The two main types were ionisation smoke detector and photoelectric smoke detector. According to Schottke (2012), ionisation smoke detector function when smoke particles enter the sensor and react with the ions, it neutralises the charged particles and interrupts the current flow. Hence, it will transmit the signal and activates the alarm. Furthermore, photoelectric smoke detectors use a photocell and a light beam to detect the larger visible particles of smoke. When visible particles of smoke pass through the light beam and reflect the beam or prevent it from striking the photocell, thereby activating the alarm (Schottke, 2012). Usually, the smoke detector located at the highest point in space.

According to Ramli (2011), fixed temperature heat detector and rate of rising temperature heat detector were common types of heat detector in the market. Fixed temperature detectors used to detect the changing of temperature in the surrounding. It will alarm when the temperature of the operating elements reaches a specific point. Meanwhile, the rate of rising heat detector will operate and activate the alarm when the abnormal rise in the air temperature.

The flame detector such as ultra-violet flame detector and the infra-red flame detector was used to detect the flame from fire and send the signal to activate the alarm (Hanif, 2014). The flame detector can detect the infrared, visible and ultraviolet light emitted by flames during combustion.

2.9.3 Automatic Sprinkler System

An automatic sprinkler system can detect, control, extinguish a fire and warn the occupants of the building during fire happen. The installation of automatic sprinkler system comprises fire pumps, water storage tanks, control valve sets, sprinkler heads, flow switches, pressure switches, pipework and valves (Hamzah, 2006). Based on UBBL 1984, the sprinkler valves required to locate and install in a safe and enclosed position on the exterior wall. All of the sprinkler systems must electricity connected to the nearest fire bridge to provide an immediate and automatic relay of fire alarm when activated.

According to Hall and Greeno (2009), sprinkler system with temperature- sensitive sprinkler heat can detect the temperature immediately and operate automatically releases the water and spray over the fire. The rapid response from the automatic sprinkler system can reduce and isolate the fire damage. Also, sprinklers use less water to control a fire than the firefighting service. Therefore, it can avoid further damage from excess water (Hall & Greeno, 2009).

2.9.4 Dry Riser System

A dry riser was the piping network that installed inside the building which is usually empty. It functions when fire engine pump water into the system (Jain, 2007). According to Hamzah (2006), ordinarily dry riser system fitted with a riser pipe with landing valves at each floor of the building located in convenient positions such as staircase enclosures. Besides that, it also comprises the canvas hose with nozzles which connected to direct the water jet at the fire. Apart from that, the breeching inlets into which the firemen pump water are provided with ground level and attached to the bottom of the dry risers (Hamzah, 2006).

According to the UBBL 1984, any building higher than 18.3 meters but less than 30.5 meters required to install the dry rising system. The hose connection should provide with every firefighting access lobby. Besides that, all horizontal runs of the dry rising system must pitch at the rate of 6.35 millimetres in 3.05 meters. A minimum of “Class C” pipes with fittings and connections which enable to withstand 21 bars water pressure must provide to dry risers. It is at least able to withstand 14 bars of water pressure in two hours. A two-way pumping inlet should equip with 102 millimetres diameter of dry risers where the height is 22.875 meters or less. On the other hand, a four-way pumping inlet must fit with 152.4 millimetres dry risers which the height is more than 22.875 meters. The dry riser installation pipe and fittings should mark and painted red.

2.9.5 Wet Riser System

The function of wet riser similar to the dry riser. However, it different to dry riser because charged with water under pressure, fed by pumping sets from a break tank (Hall, 2015). When fire breakout, firefighter open the inlet valve on the supply pipe, hose reel was ready to use. According to Hamzah (2006), wet riser comprises duty fire pump with standby pump discharge into a 150mm diameter riser pipe with landing valves at each floor and to which canvas hose with nozzles can be connected to direct the water jet at the fire. A jockey pump is usually provided to maintain system pressure.

Based on UBBL 1984, wet rises only required for the building higher than 30.5 meters above the fire appliance access level. The hose must provide and connected to each of the firefighting access lobbies. Besides that, wet riser should have a minimum of 152.4 millimetres diameter and tested for hydrostatic at a pressure on 50% above the working pressure and minimum of 14 bars water pressure in at least twenty-four hours. Furthermore, every wet riser outlet must comprise of 63.5 millimetres instantaneous coupling and fitted with a minimum 38.1 millimetres diameter of the hose. A wet riser equipped with a three-way 63.5 millimetres outlet above the roof line should provide for every staircase which starts from ground floor level until roof level. Each of the wet risers should not exceed 70.15 meters in a high-rise building. Lastly, wet riser and the fittings should paint red.

2.9.6 Hose Reel System

According to Ramli (2011), hose reel system provides for the occupant during the early stage of a fire. It was an effective fire prevention system and serve as an initial firefighting aid. This system comprises hose reels, piping, valve, hose reel pump and water tank. There were three types of hose reel which are fixed type, cabinet type, and swing type. Normally, hose reel located in a prominent location at each floor level nearby staircase, exit doors, and corridor. The requirement for hose reel systems stated under the tenth schedule of UBBL 1984 (Hamzah, 2006).

2.9.7 Fire Hydrant

Fire Hydrant installation consists of a system of pipework connected directly to the water supply mains to provide water to every hydrant outlet and is intended to provide water for the firemen to fight a fire. Based on UBBL 1984, every building should be served by at least one fire hydrant which located not more than 91.5 meters from the nearest point of fire brigade access.

2.9.8 Foam Inlets

Based on Clause 233 and Clause 234 of UBBL 1984, the building should equip with foaming inlets at the boiler rooms and storage area which located at below ground level. Besides that, all of the underground structures and windowless buildings must provide with foam inlets. 37

2.9.9 Electrical Isolation Switch

The electrical isolation switch should provide for every floor or any floor with a net area more than 929m2. Generally, electrical isolation switches located within a staircase enclosure to permit the disconnection of electrical power supplies to the relevant floor or zone served as described in Clause 240 (1) in UBBL 1984.

2.9.10 Voice Communication System

According to Clause 238 in UBBL, the command and control centres must provide for every high-rise building with height more than 30.5m. It located on the designated floor and contain a panel to monitor the public address, fire brigade communication, sprinkler, water-flow detectors, fire detection and alarm systems and with a direct telephone connection to the fire station by-passing the switchboard.

Apart from that, the voice communication system must be provided for each building as stated in Clause 239. Generally, one for fire brigade communication system while another one for public address system between the central control station with lift, lift lobbies, corridors, and staircases.

2.9.11 Fire Fighting Access Lobbies

Based on Clause 229 in UBBL, any buildings with height more than 18.3m should provide with firefighting access lobbies. The lobbies should be supplied with every floor level and located that the level distance does not exceed 45.75m height. Besides that, all of the firefighting access lobbies should provide with firefighting staircase which can directly access from outside.

Clause 242 in UBBL 1984 stated that each of the lobbies should have a minimum floor area of 5.57m2. Moreover, all of the lobby should provide with openable windows or openings for ventilation or mechanically ventilated.

2.9.12 Fire Lift

Fire lifts mean lifts capable of being commandeered for exclusive use by firefighters during an emergency. Therefore, fire lifts should provide for a building where the topmost occupied floor is over 18.5m above fire appliance access level. Besides that, fire lifts should locate at not more than 61m from the furthermost point of the storey. A fire lift should be situated within a separately protected shaft if it opens by a separate lobby. Based on Clause 229 (5) and (6), fire lift should provide to give access to each of the firefighting access lobbies and connected by a protected corridor.

2.9.13 Smoke and Heat Venting

The smoke venting facilities should provide with windowless buildings and underground structures for the safe use of exit. It functions to prevent the dangerous accumulation of smoke during the evacuation. Besides that, all of the manual smoke vents must be openable from outside. Moreover, natural draught smoke venting should install at roof vents or vents in walls or near the ceiling level.

2.9.14 Emergency Power System

According to Hamzah (2006), emergency power system should be provided to supply electrical power automatically in the event of failure of the normal supply of the equipment essential for safety to life and property. The supply system for the emergency should comprise of generator set driven by the prime mover and sufficient capacity to supply circuits carrying emergency loads with suitable automatic starting of the prime mover on the failure of the normal service. The emergency lighting and power should be available within 10 seconds of the interruption to the normal supply.

2.10 Passive Fire Protection

Passive fire protection not required any specific operation to control the fire. It related to the structure or fabric of a building such as fire resistant wall, compartment floor, and fire rated door. (Buchanan & Abu, 2017). According to McDonald (2016), passive fire protection system was designed to control the spread of fire and withstand the effects of fire from the building. Besides that, passive fire protection functions to provide additional time until active fire protection system become effective. It provides movement routes for the occupants and emergency force (Fitzgerald & Meacham, 2017).

2.10.1 Staircase

The staircase is an essential element which often serves as the primary escape route element in the building that containing more than one level (Yatim, 2016). Therefore, it is crucial to planning and designing staircases that consideration to usability, practicality, and predictability. Based on Clause 168(1) of UBBL 1984, every upper floor must have at least two separate staircases except the building with height lesser than 12 meters as complying with Clause 194. Clause 168(2) of UBBL stated that stairs should be of such width that in the event of anyone staircase not being available for escape purposes the remaining stairs shall accommodate the highest occupancy load of any floor discharging into it calculated by provisions of the Seventh Schedule to these By-Laws. Besides that, clause 168(3) stated that the required width of a staircase should clear width of walls, but handrails may be permitted to encroach on this width to a maximum of 75 millimetres. According to By-law 168(4), the required width of a staircase should maintain throughout its length including at landings. Lastly, clause 168(5) stated that the door swings should not encroach the required width of the staircase or landing. For buildings that over 30 meters height 41 must have all stairs intended to use as a mean of egress to roof level as access (Clause 195).

According to Clause 106(1) of UBBL 1984, the maximum height for risers were 180 millimetres while minimum width of treads was 255 millimetres. The dimension of the risers and treads must be constructed consistency throughout the whole staircase. Besides that, the number of risers should not be more than 16 between each landing except residential buildings. Based on Clause 106(3), the depth of landings should not be less than the width of staircases. The landing of residential building’s staircase should not less than 1.80 meters depth of every 4.25 meters height as described in clause 108(1) of UBBL 1984. Based on Clause 70 of UBBL 1984, balustrades shall design for the minimum loads of horizontal forces that are acting to the handrail.

Clause 107 in UBBL 1984 stated the rules of handrails. All of the staircases should install with minimum one handrail except staircase of fewer than four risers. Besides that, intermediate handrails should provide for each width of staircase more than 2225 millimetres. Moreover, the handrail should be installed on both sides when the width of the staircase equals to 1100 millimetres or more but excluding residential building. All of the handrails should project with maximum 100 millimetres from the wall and locate between 825 millimetres and 900 millimetres height measured from the nosing of the step. Lastly, handrails should not less not 900 millimetres from the level of landing. 42

2.10.2 Fire Door

Fire door used as a passive protection system to reduce the spread of fire and smoke. Therefore, it must be kept closed all the time. It usually thicker and more substantial than the standard door and have a brush or fuzzy strip around the edge. According to Clause 162, appropriate fire-resistance rating (FRP) fire doors should be provided for compartment walls and separate walls by referring to Ninth Schedule to these By-laws. Typically, fire door can provide fire protection for 30 minutes up to 4 hours depending on its fire-resistance rating (Perry, 2003). Besides that, fire doors with minimum FRP of half-hour must provide to protect the openings in protecting structure as specified in the Ninth Schedule. Moreover, the openings in partitions enclosing a protected lobby or corridor must protect by fire doors having FRP of 30 minutes.

2.10.3 Compartment Walls and Floors

Compartment functions to prevent the rapid spread of the fire, heat, and smoke which could trap the occupants of a building (Billington et al., 2017). It can control the size of fires from beyond a restricted area of the building (Binggeli, 2010). Besides that, it can delay the fire spread from the area first affected to other parts of the building and provide sufficient periods to occupant from escape from the area (Das, 2014). Therefore, the compartment is a crucial and essential part of a building. According to Billington et al. (2017), a building can separate from one another by compartment walls and compartment floors. Based on the interpretation of UBBL 1984, compartment defines as any part of a building that separated from all other parts by compartment walls or floors.

According to Clause 137 of UBBL 1984, any building with height more than 30 meters and all floor above 9 meters should construct as compartment floors. Besides that, compartment floor should build to the level above a basement storey of the area exceeding 100 square meters (Clause 138 of UBBL 1984). Based on Fifth Schedule on UBBL 1984, the limitation of the size of the compartment in a building with exceeding 28 meters height was 5500 m3. Therefore, compartment floor should construct when the volume of space exceeding 5500 cubic capacities.

The separating and compartment walls must construct with non-combustible material that complies with the required fire resistance period as stated in By-laws Clause 147(1). Similarly, the structural elements carrying the separating or compartment walls should comply with the same requirement of fire resistance period. All of the openings in compartment walls and floors required to get the protection for the fire-resisting door to ensure proper fire-tight separation. Besides that, flue pipes do not allow to pass through the separating wall. Only combustible pipe with less than 25mm diameter and non-combustible pipe with not more than 150mm diameter are allow to pass through the separating wall as stated in By-laws Clause 141.

2.10.4 Party Wall

Generally, party wall of the fire safety context refers to walls that separate units of different ownership as in wall separating houses and flats. Based on By-law 86, party wall serves to prevent the spread of fire from one unit to the next. Therefore, party wall of solid masonry or in-situ concrete should be at least 200mm thick. If it constructed at different times, made up of two skins, each of the surfaces not less than 100mm thick. Besides that, the thickness of the non-bearing party wall of multi- storeyed flats should be not less than 100mm. The party wall must be raised up to 230mm above the upper roof surface measured at right angle to the top surface. 44

2.10.5 External Wall

The external wall functions to prevent flame spread via the external facade to the floors above. Therefore, the fire barrier extending to 750mm beyond the exterior wall must provide for the plane of the storey. At the same time, vertical fire barriers with minimum 900mm height must construct at the exterior wall. Based on Clause 142 (1), the external wall and the end of separating wall should bond together with the junction by fire-stopped. Besides that, Class O cladding must comply with the external wall of the building if less than 1.2m from the boundary as stated in Clause 144 (1). Meanwhile, any external wall over 18m and situated more than 1.2m from the boundary must also comply with Class O cladding which is non-combustible core to prevent the scenario where the occurrence of fire could result in the core of a composite panel catching fire, melting and spreading the fire by dripping molten and flaming core material to other areas below the source of the fire.

2.10.6 Exit Route and Corridor

Based on Seventh Schedule in UBBL 1984, the minimum length of the corridor was 0.70 meters while minimum width of the corridor was 0.55 meters. According to Clause 165(2), an open plan travel distance should not more than two-thirds of permitted travel distance. In the case of room with 6 or fewer persons, a maximum of 15 meters for the travel distance between the room should provide which measured from the door as stated at Clause 165(3). Apart from that, maximum travels distances from exits and dead-end limits must follow as specified in Seventh Schedule. Clause 169 of UBBL 1984 stated that width of exit route should not reduce along the path of travel from each of the storey exit to the final exit. 45

2.10.7 Emergency Exit Signs

Emergency exit signs allow the occupant to find the exit route more easily especially in the emergency situation. The “KELUAR” exit signs of the storey exit and access must mark with readily visible letters. A sign reading “KELUAR” with an arrow shows the right escape route to the occupants. Generally, the sign was green lettering with white background. All of the exit signs should be illuminated continuously during the period of occupancy which provided by two minima of 15 watts electric lamps.

2.10.8 Ventilation of Staircase Enclosures

According to Yatim and Harris (2005), insufficient to install the ventilation system in the buildings will danger the occupants because the smoke will enter to escape route. It might blur of the sight of occupants during the escape by using the staircase. Therefore, the ventilation of staircase enclosures was important. Based on Clause 198(1) of UBBL 1984, ventilation for stairs on each floor or landing must have a minimum 1 square meter opening per floor. For a building, more than 18 meters height, mechanically ventilated or naturally ventilated should be provided with every level or landing to prevent the infiltration of smoke into the staircase enclosure as stated in Clause 200.

2.10.9 Protected Service Shafts

Protect shafts penetrate across compartments or floors in a building. They can be shafts carrying utilities such as piping, electrical and telecommunication service or service shafts carrying lifts and including escape staircases. Based on Clause 150 (6), all of the pipe openings in the shaft should protect against effectively fire-stopped.

Besides that, enclose protected staircases or lift lobbies should have to be ventilated or pressurised to allow venting smoke or prevent infiltration of smoke from providing safe passage. Therefore, the lift shafts should provide with a minimum of 0.09m2 at the top of the shafts for ventilation purpose. Moreover, the opening of lift shaft or lift entrance shall open with a protected lobby as stated in Clause 152.

2.11 Human Behaviour during Fire

According to Kobes et al. (2010), human behaviour can define as the action that took by people based on their perception of the situation, the intention to act and the consideration before taking action. The possibility of a safe escape during the fire was the most crucial part of the building’s fire safety features. Fire characteristics, building characteristics, and human characteristics were three-factor to determine the degree of fire response performance (Kobes et al., 2010).

Typically, people will react and take action depends on their familiarity (Yatim, 2009). Gerges et al. (2017) have cited Kobes et al. (2010) has discussed several characteristics of human behaviour during an evacuation in a fire. For example, people usually ignore the fire alarm and considered it as a false alarm, tend to wait until the smell of something burning or see the smoke, wait for the cue from others, escape from their familiar exit routes rather than using emergency exit and do not aware of the escape route signage.

Furthermore, Kuligowski (2009) defines that human behaviour as the action that performed in a situation was the result of a behavioural or decision-making process, rather than based on random chance or even actions resulting directly from a change in the environment. There were several phases of the behavioural process of the occupant response from a building fire which is before people acted, perceive specific cues, interpret the situation and risk based on the cues, decision making based on the interpretations and respond in a fire event (Kuligowski & Erica, 2013).

2.12 Fire Safety Awareness

Oxford Dictionary of English (2010), defines awareness as knowledge or perception of a situation or fact. Fire safety awareness helps people to recognise the danger and threaten of fire, understand towards fire precaution, know the fire prevention method and the action taken once fire happening (Agyekum et al., 2016). According to Yatim (2011), every occupant has to aware of the fire risk and always have an escape plan once the fire started in any building. The immediate warning of fire, awareness of the risk of fire and awareness towards escape route was essential to the occupants. Therefore, fire safety awareness was the knowledge or understanding of an occupant toward the precaution in prevention and reduction of the likelihood of a fire in a building.

2.13 Fire Safety Education and Fire Drill

According to Giesler (2016), fire safety education aims to change the human behaviour. Hence, the adoption of fire safety education in the school can produce the right safety attitude and practice to the young generation, who will grow up to be safer adults in the future. Besides that, the education can also increase the public’s level of consciousness about safety (Carter & Rausch, 2015).

Cote (2011) stated the elderly, disabled, and the young were at the highest risk of a fire event. Therefore, the education programme can design to teach the elderly what to look for and how to be more fire safe. Besides that, fire safety education in school can instill the fire safety concept and awareness to the new generation. Hence, the fire safety education program was an effective method of getting the fire safety message to the public. 49

According to the Sun daily (2016), fire safety awareness among the public in Malaysia was still low. Therefore, the related authority had to educate the public on the dangers in a fire and the method to face a real-life fire situation especially the primary step to control a fire and the method to use a fire extinguisher. A fire extinguisher was the easiest and most effective way to control a fire from spreading into a bigger one.

In Malaysia, FRDM takes the responsibility to increase the knowledge of public towards fire safety through education and training. Fire safety education can provide the knowledge from the aspect of fire prevention, fire precaution and fire safety to the public. Fire safety training such as fire drill help to instill the skill and knowledge to the public to encounter the fire hazard. Besides that, fire drill also aims to practice the occupants to evacuate from a building to let them familiar with the steps to be taken in the real fire event.

2.14 Inspection and Maintenance

Maintenance of the fire safety equipment is essential and needed to check on it has to be regularly conducted. Lack of the maintenance of firefighting equipment such as fire alarm system, fire detection system, portable fire extinguishers, sprinkler system, hose reel system, emergency power system was one of the factors on fire prevention problem. Hence, all of the firefighting equipment inspected and regularly maintained to ensure all is working in good condition. Besides that, electrical equipment must be installed safely and inspected periodically to make sure it was proper to avoid malfunctioning which can induce fire hazard to the building.

2.15 Housekeeping and Pest Control Programme

Housekeeping refers to the general order and cleanliness of the operation. Therefore, housekeeping has to be taken seriously otherwise it might lead to a big problem such as fire crisis. The flammable and combustible things should be stored and accumulate appropriately in safer and appropriate storage. The failure to control those combustible materials has the big chance to lead the fire to occur. Hence, implementing a good housekeeping practice was essential to minimise the risk of fire occurrence.

CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 51

CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

Chapter 3 discussed the research methodology. Generally, the research methodology was the steps or the sequence of work involved at the beginning of the study until the completion of the final report (Tharmarajan, 2007). Hence, it is necessarily a guide to achieve the objectives of the research. Moreover, a clear outline of the research methodology able to make sure the research carry on smoothly and do not lead to any difficulties in the whole process of the study.

In this chapter, the methodology used in data collection and data analysis described in detail. Data collecting method states out clearly about the technique and procedure used to collect and gather the data. Meanwhile, data analysis was carried out to transform the raw data that obtain in data collection process to become useful information.

3.2 Data Collection

According to Naoum (2012), data collection is a crucial stage in collecting all of the relevant information to achieve the objective of the research. Therefore, it was the key factors of analysis, without it, there will be no research data (Yatim, 2011). Mixed methodologies with qualitative and quantitative methods adopted in this research.

Qualitative research was subjective. It emphasises meanings, experiences, and description (Naoum, 2012). Meanwhile, quantitative research defined as an inquiry into a social or human problem, based on testing a hypothesis or a theory composed of variables, measured with the number and analysed the data with statistical procedures, to identify whether the hypothesis or the theory is true or false (Naoum, 2012).

Desk study approach was adopted in Chapter 2 to collect the data in the literature review. It is also known as secondary data. The data obtained from articles, journal, books, government documents, internet, conference papers and so forth. This data was important to help the researcher to develop the questions on compliance checklist and questionnaire for collecting the primary data.

On the other hand, fieldwork approaches adopted in Chapter 3. Fieldwork research was the method used by the researcher going out to collect and gather the primary data. The primary data was first-hand data which can obtain from the observation and respondents through the survey study.

3.3 Data Collection Technique

The observation was a purposeful, systematic and selective way to collect primary data (Ranjit, 2011). Kironji (2015) used observation survey by a pre-designed fire safety checklist to evaluate the fire protection system of commercial high-rise buildings in Nairobi City, Kenya. Each of the fire protection systems was inspected and checked against the requirement of standards and laws to determine its sufficiency and suitability. Outcome of his study founds 78.57% of the buildings sufficiently with portable fire extinguishers, 0% of sprinkler system, 14.29% of fire alarm and detection system, 50.00% of escape route, 64.29% of emergency lighting, 64.29% of compartmentation, 7.14% of emergency signage and 64.29% of riser mains, hose reels and hydrants.

Besides that, Ismail et al. (2014) used observation method to identify whether fire protection systems in student’s accommodation were installed according to UBBL 1984 or otherwise. Based on the research, they found that all of the buildings equipped with necessary fire protection equipment that complied with the requirement of UBBL 1984. However, fire protection system installed was different from new and old buildings primarily in the active fire protection systems used. The sprinkler system only installed in new buildings after UBBL 1984 established.

On the other hand, a questionnaire was one of the most famous research tools to collect data. It was a useful technique to gather information on the fieldwork. Besides, it was the fastest technique to gather the data onto a large number of respondents in the shortest time, and it is cost-effectiveness. The questions about the questionnaire are necessary to designed merely and straightforwardly to give convenience and better understanding to the respondents to complete it in the shortest time possible (Ranjit, 2011).

Agyekum et al. (2016) used a questionnaire to assess the perceptions of students on fire safety awareness in 11 multi-storey hostels around Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology campus. Mean score rankings, and percentages analysed the study. The findings of the study showed that majority of the respondents do not attach seriousness to the issue of fire safety. The fire safety awareness was low in most of the hostel occupants. There were only 12% of the respondents could identify the fire-fighting equipment available in their hostels. Besides that, only 23% of the respondents could operate the fire-fighting equipment, 60% aware the location of emergency exits and 88% of the respondents had not any experience in any fire training sessions.

Last but not least, Rahim et al. (2014) used a questionnaire to study the fire safety awareness among the visitors from the mall. The questionnaire designed in user-friendly multiple choice format. The data analysed with Likert Scale formula. The findings of average index show that score of 3.54 was given based on the visitors know the emergency contact number during fire events. After that, an average of 3.25 score was given based on the visitors know the procedures to be taken when a fire occurs. The lowest average rate of 2.69 provided by the survey of the frequency of attending the fire safety activities. Therefore, the result showed that level of knowledge of the respondents was a moderate pace.

3.3.1 Observation

In this research, observation and questionnaire selected as the data collection method. Both of the techniques were adopted to collect primary data to achieve the research objectives. For this research, five high-rise residential buildings selected randomly throughout Johor Bahru.

First, design and develop the fire safety checklist to determine whether the fire safety in high-rise residential building function and operate in good condition or otherwise. The building observations were conducted to observe the active and passive fire protection system in the high-rise residential building. Two sets of fire safety checklist had been developed and separated from active fire protection and passive fire protection in the building.

Generally, both of the fire safety checklists consist of two parts. Part one regarding the building information such as the dimension of the building, number of floors, number of units per floor, construction end of the building, lift provided, staircases provided and fire door provided in the building. Part two designed with a closed-ended question with only two choices that is “Yes” or “No”. The inspection criteria of the physical condition of portable fire extinguishers, fire alarm and detection system, riser and hose reel system, automatic sprinkler system, fire lifts and emergency power system have developed in the active fire safety checklist. Meanwhile, the condition of escape stairs, fire doors, exit signage, storey exits and corridor and ventilation and lighting system designed in the passive fire safety checklist. The checklist was used to figure out whether the fire safety protection system in the building function and operate in good condition or not.

3.3.2 Questionnaire

A set of the questionnaire had created an attempt to propose the measures to enhance the fire safety aspect in high-rise residential buildings. The questionnaire divided into four sections which are Section A, B, C and D. In section A, questions are asked about the respondents’ gender, race, age, education level, occupation, the period of stay in the building, experience in attending fire safety course and experience in any building fire or fire drill. Section B focuses on the understanding of occupants toward fire concept, fire alarm, fire-fighting equipment and escape route in high-rise residential buildings with a closed-ended question which is “Yes” or “No”. Section C asked about the measures to enhance active fire protection system while Section D asked about the measures to improve passive fire protection system. Both sections designed in Likert Scale.

A pilot study conducted before carrying out the main survey. A pilot study to provide a trial run for the questionnaire and testing for the wording of the questions to evaluate the question asked in the questionnaire. It functions to minimise the errors to assess the validity of the research instrument and correct any flaws in the questionnaire. A total of 10 people chosen in the pilot study. Their comments and feedback were used to improve the quality of the questionnaire. After that, questionnaires distributed randomly among the occupants for data collection. After collecting back all of the questionnaires, it comes to the process of data analysis.

3.4 Population & Sampling

The population selected for this study based on the number of high-rise residential building in Johor Bahru area. According to UTM Thesis Manual, at least five high-rise residential building chosen to carry on this study. Therefore, the sample of high rise buildings at least or more than 5. For objective 2, the sampling size of respondents selected randomly based on the five high rise buildings selected.

3.5 Data Analysis

Once complete the data collection process, the next step was to analyse the data obtained from the fieldwork. In this research, Microsoft Excel 2013 used to interpret the data collected. The fire safety checklist created with closed-ended questions while questionnaire designed with closed-ended and Likert Scale questions.

3.5.1 Frequency Distribution

Frequency distribution used to analyse the closed-ended questions in the fire safety checklist. The percentages of the condition of fire safety aspect in high-rise residential building can be determined. Besides that, the result from fire safety checklist also presented in the form of table and bar chart.

A bar chart can be presented either in vertically or horizontally. It is a common method of analysing the data. The bars indicate the proportion of the frequency. 58

Hence, it can convert into a percentage. The formula converting frequency of percentages as shown below:

The frequency of selected answer Percentage (%) = × 100% Total number of respondent

After generating the percentage of each of the categories, the percentage converted into a bar chart. The areas of the bar chart represent the proportion of the respondents.

3.5.2 Mean

Generally, mean used to analyse the Likert-scale questions in the questionnaire. The Likert-scale includes the ranging from 1-5 with an indication from strongly disagree to agree strongly. Score 1 means the occupants strongly disagree with the statement. They have limited knowledge and not aware of specific criteria. Score 2 shows that they disagree with the statement. Score 3 represents they neither disagree nor agree with the statement. While score 4 indicates, they agree with the statement. Last but not least, score 5 means the occupants aware, understand the specific criteria and strongly agree with the statement.

The purpose of using the mean score method of the research was to propose the measures to enhance the fire safety aspect in the high-rise residential building. The formula as shown below.

∑ x Mean, x̅ = n

Where, ∑ 푥 = frequency × scale n = total number of respondents

3.6 Summary

In conclusion, a research method that applies and used to conduct this research from the beginning until completion discussed in this chapter. Once receiving the answered questionnaire from the respondents and carry on observation by fire safety checklist, all of the data will be analysed to determine the main trend of the research. The objective of this research whether can achieve strongly depended on the research methodology.

CHAPTER 4

DATA ANALYSIS 61

CHAPTER 4

DATA ANALYSIS

4.1 Introduction

Chapter 4 discusses the analysis of the result that gathered from fire safety checklist through observation survey and respondents through a questionnaire. The analysis is to identify the condition of fire safety aspect and propose the measures to enhance the fire safety aspect in the high-rise residential buildings. Therefore, data collected from fire safety checklist and questionnaires were organised and presented to achieving the objective of this research.

First of all, five high-rise residential buildings located in Johor Bahru area were selected to carry out by visiting the buildings and take pictures for this research. The building selection of observation based on the criteria that mention in the scope of research. The observation checklist was designed based on the active and passive fire safety protection system to determine the current condition of the fire safety aspect in each of the building.

After that, the raw data collected from 117 occupants of high-rise residential buildings through questionnaire also analysed in this chapter. The questionnaire divided into four sections. Section A was the respondent information; Section B focuses on the understanding of occupants toward fire safety, Section C based on the measures to enhance active fire protection system while Section D asked about the measures to enhance passive fire protection system. Section B was designed with a closed-ended question while Section C and D were Likert Scale question. All of the raw data was analysed and presented by using Microsoft Excel 2013.

4.2 High-rise Residential Buildings in Johor Bahru

For this research, there is five high-rise residential buildings were chosen to carry out observation as case studies in this research. Hence, the information about the buildings that selected analysed in this section. Due to the purpose of confidentiality, five of the buildings are referred as Building A, B, C, D, and E respectively. 63

4.2.1 Building A

Figure 4.1: View of Building A

Figure 4.1 showed the view of building A. It was a high-rise residential building with a total of four blocks. Each block of the building consists of 16 storeys, around 54 meters height, and there are ten residential units on each storey. Therefore, there are total 640 residential units in this building. The service and occupancy period for building A was around 12 years and finish the renovation in the year 2012. Each block of the building provided with two passenger lifts which are one normal lift and one fire lift. Both of the lifts function as the primary access to the occupants. Apart from that, there are two escape stairs provided for each block of the building which acts as the alternative escape route for the occupants in case of emergency. There have no fire doors installed at the exit routes of the building. 64

4.2.2 Building B

Figure 4.2: View of Building B

Figure 4.2 represented the view of Building B. It located in residential area and surrounded by other low-rise residential buildings. There was a secondary school located at the front of Building B. It consists of 3 blocks which are Block A, B, and C. Block A and Block B were 19 storeys building with 20 residential units respectively, while Block C was a 20 storeys height of 15 residential units building. Hence, it estimated at 65 meters height. The total unit of Building B was approximate with 1080 residential units. Each block of Building B provided with three lifts which are two passenger lifts and a fire lift. Besides that, three separate escape stairs provided for each block of the building. On the other hand, do not have any fire door provided for the building. The occupancy period for building B was around 15 years. 65

4.2.3 Building C

Figure 4.3: View of Building C

Figure 4.3 indicated the view of Building C. Building C was a 20 storeys high- rise residential buildings included a four-storey height car park. It consists of 4 blocks of building namely Block A, B, C, and D. Each block of the building was 16 storey height of 12 residential units on each floor. The total unit of Building C was almost 768 units. The construction end of this building was the year 2008. Hence, its occupancy period was around ten years. The height of the building was approximately 70 meters. There are two passenger lifts, one fire lift and three separate escape stairs provided in every block of the building. On the other hand, every floor of the building consists of 3 fire doors. 66

4.2.4 Building D

Figure 4.4: Front View of Building D

Figure 4.4 showed the front view of Building D. The occupancy period of this building was around 14 years and finish the renovation in the year 2015. It has two blocks of 16 storeys, but only 15 storeys occupied, and there are 11 residential units on each of the storeys. Floor 16 was functioning utility floors. There is a total of 330 residential units in Building D. The building selected as high-rise residential building due to its building height was around 60 meters. Each block of Building D also provided with two normal passenger lifts and a fire lift. Besides that, three separate stairs provided for each block of the building. On the other hand, there are five fire doors on each floor of the building as an emergency escape route. 67

4.2.5 Building E

Figure 4.5: View of Building E

Figure 4.5 showed the view of Building E which consist of 4 blocks of 17 storeys height high-rise residential building. The height of the building was approximately 60 meters. Each storey of the building has eight residential units. Hence, a total unit of Building E with four blocks was 544 units. The occupancy period for this building was around 20 years. One passenger lift and a fire lift provided for each block of the building. Apart from that, there were two separate escape stairs in Building D. On the other hand, every floor of the building consists of 2 fire doors. 68

4.3 Analysis of Active Fire Protection in the Buildings Observed

The raw data that observed from the fieldwork studies analysed in this section. Those active fire protection for the buildings analysed was portable fire extinguishers, fire alarm and detection system, automatic sprinkler system, riser and hose reel system, fire lifts, and emergency power system.

4.3.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers

Table 4.1: Analysis results for portable fire extinguishers No. Criteria The condition of the component in building Overall A B C D E Total Number of 58 72 34 42 60 266 Portable Fire Extinguishers Analysed (No.) 1 Provided with a √ √ √ √ √ √ portable fire extinguisher 2 Carry SIRIM √ √ √ √ √ √ product certification logo 3 Same operation √ √ √ √ √ √ method 4 Inspected and 100% 76.39% 100% 100% 100% 93.61% serviced within past 12 months 5 Placed visible 93.10% 65.28% 76.47% 95.24% 76.67% 80.08% along exit routes 6 Fire extinguisher 86.21% 52.78% 70.59% 88.10% 66.67% 71.05% in good condition

Table 4.1 showed the portable fire extinguishers analysis in observed high-rise residential buildings. There was a total of 266 numbers of portable fire extinguishers selected randomly from 5 high-rise residential buildings to carry on the analysis. From the table above, it found that five buildings provided with portable fire extinguishers as mention in the rule of local authority. Besides that, all of the fire extinguishers also provided quality assurance by carrying the SIRIM product certification logo and certify by Bomba. Due to the type of fire extinguishers were same. Hence, all of them operated by using the same method.

In term of inspection and maintenance, it found that all building has inspected and serviced the portable fire extinguishers within 12 months except Building B. 17 out of 72 number of fire extinguishers in Building B were expired. Therefore, only 76.39% of the fire extinguisher was inspected and serviced within 12 months in Building B. In overall, there were 93.61% of portable fire extinguishers observed were maintained and checked in the past 12 months.

(Building A) (Building E) Figure 4.6: Fire extinguisher not placed at a proper visible location

As mention in UBBL Clause 227, portable fire extinguishers should be placed visibly along the exit route inside the building which meant that all of the fire extinguishers should not be missing, blocked, placed unobvious or put it at another place for another purpose. After the observation survey, it found that Building D fulfils the most requirement with 95.24% whereas Building B was the least with only 65.28%. Building A, C, and E score with 93.10%, 76.47%, and 76.67% respectively. The portable fire extinguisher should put at a visible place along the exit route because occupant can quickly take and use it during the emergency case. Figure 4.6 above showed the example of portable fire extinguishers that are not placed visibly at proper location along the exit routes.

(Building B) (Building C) Figure 4.7: Fire extinguisher with bad condition

The condition of portable fire extinguishers analysed by observing the component of fire extinguishers such as a nozzle, discharge hose, aluminium body and so forth. Besides that, it also included whether the fire extinguisher placed at the proper location or not. Through the table 4.1, it found that Building D achieved to maintain 88.10% of fire extinguishers in good condition, followed by Building A (86.21%), Building C (70.59%), Building E (66.67%). The condition of fire extinguishers in Building B was the weakest performance with only 52.78%. On the 71 whole, 71.05% of the entire observed portable fire extinguisher was in good condition. The rest was missing or moved to another location (refer figure 4.8), expired and broken by vandalism activities. Figure 4.7 shows the example of the bad condition of the portable fire extinguisher from observation surveys while Figure 4.8 showing the example of fire extinguishers with missing or put at the improper location.

(Building C) (Building D)

(Building E) Figure 4.8: Fire extinguisher with missing or put at the improper location 72

4.3.2 Fire Alarm and Detection System

Table 4.2: Analysis results for fire alarm system No. Criteria The condition of the component in building Overall A B C D E Total Number of Fire 58 72 34 42 60 266 Alarm System Analysed (No.) 1 Install complete √ √ √ √ √ √ fire alarm system 2 Install with √ √ √ √ √ √ break glass alarm system 3 Install with x x x x x x special visible fire alarm 4 Fire alarm in 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% good condition 5 Break glass 91.38% 86.11% 91.18% 97.62% 71.67% 86.47% alarm system in good condition

Based on table 4.2, it showed the analysed result of fire alarm system in the building which consists of fire alarm and break glass alarm system. A total of 266 numbers of the fire alarm system were observed from 5 high-rise residential buildings. It found that five buildings have installed a complete fire alarm system and break glass alarm system respectively. However, there have no building install with a special visible fire alarm system especially for those deaf persons as mention in Clause 241 UBBL.

All of the fire alarm was in good condition as shown in table 4.2. Normally, fire alarm installs at a higher position if compared to break glass system. It reduces the possibility of being vandalism than break glass system. The highest break glass alarm system with the good condition was Building D with 97.62% while the lowest was Building E (71.67%). Building D just finished upgrading and undergoes 73 renovation recently, but Building E was lack of maintenance from building management. The condition of Building A was 91.38%, Building B was 86.11% while Building C was 91.18%. Therefore, the overall condition of fire alarm system was 100% and 86.47% for a break glass alarm system.

Table 4.3: Analysis results for fire detection system No. Criteria The condition of the component in building Overall A B C D E Total Number of Fire 29 24 34 14 30 131 Detection System Analysed (No.) 1 Install fire √ √ √ √ √ √ detector system 2 Smoke detector x x x x x x on or near ceiling on each corridor 3 Lift lobbies √ √ √ √ √ √ provided with a smoke detector 4 Smoke detector 34.48% 33.33% 44.12% 71.43% 40.00% 41.98% in good condition

(Building A) (Building B) Figure 4.9: Malfunction smoke detector 74

Furthermore, a total of 131 numbers of fire detector were observed randomly and analysed in table 4.3. It shows that five buildings installed with complete fire detector system. However, only a smoke detector installed at each storey’s lift lobbies. There was no more smoke detector installed on the ceiling on each corridor inside the building. Many of the smoke detectors found that malfunction, no battery or broken (refer figure 4.9) by vandalism activities. Hence, Building D achieved 71.43% of smoke detector in good condition, followed by Building C (44.12%), Building E (40.00%), Building A (34.48%) and Building B with 33.33%. In overall, 41.98% of the total number of smoke detector observed were in good condition.

4.3.3 Automatic Sprinkler System

Table 4.4: Analysis results for automatic sprinkler system No. Criteria The condition of the component in the building (%) A B C D E 1 Install a complete sprinkler system 2 Pipes and fitting painted red N/A 3 A sprinkler head in good condition 4 Below sprinklers free from obstruction

Table 4.4 shows the analysis results of the automatic sprinkler system. Even though UBBL 1984 had mentioned about sprinkler system, but it did not force every building should provide with automatic sprinkler system. Therefore, none of the building that selected installed the sprinkler system because of the lack of enforcement of the local authority in the past ten years. 75

4.3.4 Riser and Hose Reel System

Table 4.5: Analysis results for riser and hose reel system No. Criteria The condition of the component in building Overall A B C D E Total Number of Hose 58 72 34 28 60 252 Reel System Analysed (No.) 1 Install wet riser √ √ √ √ √ √ system 2 Wet riser provided √ √ √ √ √ √ with hose reel system 3 Wet riser in good 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% working condition 4 Hose reel system 77.59% 13.89% 0% 71.43% 33.33% 37.70% in good condition 5 Water pumps in √ √ √ √ √ √ good working condition 6 Pipes and fittings √ √ √ √ √ √ painted red

All of the five high-rise residential buildings were approximate with height 60 meters and above. Therefore, five observed buildings were installed with wet riser system as shown in table 4.5. Besides that, all also connected and provided with complete hose reel system. Normally, the water pumps were locked in a space or room. Hence, the researcher only able to gain the information from building management officer or technician of a particular building. After a short interview and asking, the researcher found that all of the wet riser and water pumps were ready to function in good working condition. Besides that, all of the pipes and fitting also painted red as stated in Clause 248. 76

According to table 4.5, hose reel system with the good condition of Building A achieved the highest with 77.59%. After that, hose reel system in Building D achieved 71.43%. Only 33.33% of hose reel system in Building E in good condition because of lack of maintenance. 0% of hose reel system in Building C working in good condition because the hose reel was locked in the room (refer figure 4.10). When an emergency case is happening to the building, occupants cannot to open the room and used the hose reel. Building C provided with hose reel, but people cannot access easily to operate it also consider as no function at all. However, building management planned to lock the hose reel system was to prevent the vandalism activities. Building B has the same situation as Building C, some of the doors were unlocked or broken. Therefore, 13.89% of hose reel system in Building B performed in good working condition. Other materials blocked many of the hose reel systems.

(Building C) (Building B) Figure 4.10: Bad condition of hose reel system 77

4.3.5 Fire Lifts

Table 4.6: Analysis results for fire lifts No. Criteria The condition of component in building A B C D E Total Number of Fire Lifts 4 3 4 2 4 Analysed (No.) 1 Provided with fire lifts √ √ √ √ √ 2 Operate in good condition 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 3 Connected by protected corridor x x √ √ √ 4 Located within protected shaft √ √ √ √ √

Table 4.6 indicated the analysis results of fire lift. Each block of the building provided with a fire lift. Therefore, there are four fire lifts in Building A, three fire lifts in Building B, four fire lifts in Building C, two fire lifts in Building D and Building E have four fire lifts. All of the fire lifts were operating in good condition and located within a protected shaft. Besides that, the fire lift was connected by a protected corridor in Building C, D, and E. However, protected corridor did not connect fire lift in Building A and B due to no fire doors provided in that particular building.

4.3.6 Emergency Power System

Table 4.7: Analysis results for emergency power system No. Criteria The condition of the component in building A B C D E Overall 1 Provided with the √ √ √ √ √ √ complete emergency power system 2 Available within 10 √ √ √ √ √ √ seconds of interruption of normal supply Total Number of 72 84 85 46 75 362 Emergency Lighting Analysed (No.) 3 Undamaged 73.61% 57.14% 62.35% 82.61% 37.33% 60.77% emergency lighting 78

As per requirement in Clause 253, 5 observed high-rise residential buildings provided with the complete emergency power system. All can be function and available within 10 seconds of the interruption of normal electrical supply in case of emergency. Furthermore, table 4.7 also showed the analysis resulted from emergency lighting in the high-rise residential building. There were 362 numbers of emergency lighting observed randomly from 5 high-rise residential buildings that selected. 82.61% of emergency lighting observed was undamaged in Building D. Building E with the lowest performance with only 37.33% was undamaged. The rest broke, no battery or malfunction. Moreover, 73.61% in Building A, 57.14% in Building B and 62.35% of emergency lighting in Building C was in good condition. In overall, there were record 60.77% of undamaged emergency lighting that observed in 5 high-rise residential buildings.

Figure 4.11: Emergency lighting in good condition

(Building C) (Building E) Figure 4.12: Damaged emergency lighting 79

4.4 Analysis of Passive Fire Protection in the Buildings Observed

The raw data that observed from the fieldwork studies analysed in this section. Those passive fire protection for the buildings analysed was escape stairs, fire doors, exit signage, storey exits, corridor, ventilation, and lighting.

4.4.1 Escape Stairs

Table 4.8: Analysis results for escape stairs No. Criteria The condition of component in building

A B C D E Total Number of Escape Stairs 2 3 3 3 2 Analysed (No.) 1 Each storey at least have two √ √ √ √ √ separate escape-stairs 2 Provided handrail √ √ √ √ √ 3 Unobstructed by any obstruction √ √ x √ x 4 Widths maintained throughout √ √ √ √ √ the length 5 Widths of escape-stairs not less x √ √ √ √ than 1100mm 6 Riser not more than 180mm √ √ √ √ √ 7 Tread not less than 255mm √ √ √ √ √

Table 4.8 indicated that analysis results of escape stairs. Every upper floor of the building should have means of egress via at least two separate staircases for the safety purpose as stated in Clause 168 in UBBL. When one of the staircases is blocked or crowded, there still have another alternative staircase for occupants from escape safely from the high-rise residential buildings. Hence, all of the buildings observed to fulfil the requirement. Each block of Building A and E have two separate escape-stairs while there are three separate staircases in each block of the Building B, C, and D respectively. After observation, it can find that all of the staircases provided with a handrail as shown in Table 4.8. 80

Apart from that, Clause 110 in UBBL required that the entire staircases should be unobstructed because it blocked the occupants from escape from the building in case of emergency. From the observation, it found that Building C and E had put some unused and excessive equipment and items at the stairs caused hindering of escape in Figure 4.13 and Figure 4.14. However, the staircase in Building A, B, and D maintained in clean and clear condition.

Figure 4.13: Obstruction in staircases of Building C

Figure 4.14: Obstruction in staircases of Building E 81

From table 4.8, it found that all of the staircases in 5 observed buildings constructed with widths maintained throughout the length. Besides that, all of the sizes of riser and tread also fulfil the requirement which stated in UBBL 1984. The risers were not more than 180 mm while treads were not less than 255 mm as shown in Figure 4.15 and Figure 4.16 respectively. Meanwhile, it only found that the width of escape-stairs in Building A did not fulfil the requirement because it was less than 1100mm. The widths of escape-stairs in Building B, C, D, and E was more than 1100mm which followed the requirement as stated in Clause 106.

178 mm

Figure 4.15: Riser with height not more than 180 mm (Building B)

260 mm

Figure 4.16: Tread with length not less than 255mm (Building B) 82

4.4.2 Fire Doors

Table 4.9: Analysis results for fire doors No. Criteria The condition of component in building A B C D E Overall Total Number of Fire 48 55 72 38 60 273 Doors Analysed (No.) 1 Swing in the direction N/A N/A √ √ √ of escape 2 Swung unobstructed in N/A N/A 76.39% 100% 58.33% 46.89% escape stairs 3 Posted with signage x x √ √ √ 4 Minimum F.P.R. of 30 N/A N/A √ √ √ minutes 5 Can self-closed when N/A N/A 51.39% 78.95% 41.67% 33.70% released 6 Have fastened with N/A N/A 51.39% 78.95% 41.67% 33.70% devices to ensure close properly 7 Openable from inside x x √ √ √ without a key 8 Able to open door N/A N/A 62.50% 84.21% 48.33% 38.83% without special force 9 Handle and doorknob N/A N/A 62.50% 84.21% 48.33% 38.83% in good condition 10 Fire doors in good N/A N/A 44.44% 71.05% 31.67% 28.57% condition

From table 4.9, Building A and B do not provide any fire doors at each storey exits. Hence, both of the building was dangerous when fire incident happened. The fire doors function to block the fire and smoke within a period, to ensure occupants can achieve success to escape from the building immediately. Without fire door, the fire and smoke can spread quickly within the structure in a short period and threaten the occupants inside the building.

All of the fire doors in Building C, D, and E able to swing in the direction of escape expect Building A and B which have no install the fire doors. Building D’s fire door was 100% swung unobstructed in the escape stairs because there has no 83 obstruction in staircase as mention before (refer table 4.8). Only 35 out of 60 (58.33%) number of fire door that observed in Building E swung unobstructed in the escape stairs due to many blocked fire doors inside the building. Meanwhile, 76.39% of fire door in Building C can swing unobstructed at escape stairs. Figure 4.17 below showed the example of fire door that swung obstructed in the direction of escape stairs. Apart from that, 100% of fire doors in Building C, D, and E posted with signage (refer figure 4.18) and had minimum F.P.R. of 30 minutes.

(Building E) (Building C) Figure 4.17: Fire door with swung obstructed

(Building D) (Building C) Figure 4.18: Fire door posted with signage 84

Furthermore, 78.95% of fire door observed in Building D has completely fastened devices to ensure it can close properly and self-closed when released. Many of the fastened with devices was broken or removed from Building C and E. Hence, only 37 out of 72 (51.39%) number of fire door in Building C and 41.67% fire doors in Building E fitted with a complete automatic door closer. It found that two factors caused the fire door observed could not be automatically closed, which is those doors without fastened with devices (refer figure 4.19) and held open by inappropriate devices or equipment (refer figure 4.20). On the whole, only 33.70% of the fire doors observed in 5 of the high-rise residential buildings have completely fastened with devices and self-closed when released.

(Building E) (Building C) Figure 4.19: Fire door without complete automatic door closer

(Building E) Figure 4.20: Fire door held open by inappropriate equipment 85

From the observation, it found that all observed fire door in Building C, D, and E were openable from inside without using the key. From table 4.9, there were 84.21% of the fire doors in Building D were able to open without using special forces because of the doorknob and handle in good condition. For Building C, 45 fire doors out of 72 or 62.50% have a complete doorknob and handleable to open without special force. On the other hand, the condition of handle and doorknob of fire doors in Building E was the worst with only 48.33% in good condition. The overall was only 38.83% of the fire doors in the observed high-rise residential buildings with handle and doorknob in good condition and able to open it without special force as mention in Clause 173.

(Building C) (Building E) Figure 4.21: Fire door with broken or missing doorknob

Last but not least, 71.05% of fire doors in good condition of Building D, followed by Building C (44.44%), Building E with 31.67% and 0% for Building A and B because both of the buildings do not install any fire doors. On the whole, there was only 28.57% of fire doors in the observed high-rise residential buildings in good condition. Many of the fire doors broken by vandalism activities, obstructed, blocked, missing of the doorknob or handle, without a complete fastened with devices and so forth. 86

4.4.3 Exit Signage

Table 4.10: Analysis results for exit signage No. Criteria The condition of the component in building Overall A B C D E Total Number of Exit 48 55 72 38 60 273 Signage Analysed (No.) 1 Provided visible √ √ √ √ √ √ exit signage 2 Exit signs post at √ √ √ √ √ √ storey exit 3 Exit signs posted 100% 90.91% 100% 100% 100% 98.17% on wall in corridors 4 Unobstructed by √ √ √ √ √ √ any obstruction 5 Posted to show √ √ √ √ √ √ the direction of storey exit 6 Written word √ √ √ √ √ √ “KELUAR” with arrow and graphic symbol 7 Written with √ √ √ √ √ √ white lettering against a green background 8 Illuminated with 66.67% 41.82% 30.56% 73.68% 31.67% 45.42% 2 electric lamps 9 Exit signs in 66.67% 41.82% 30.56% 73.68% 31.67% 45.42% good condition

Table 4.10 shows the analysis result of exit signage that observed in 5 high- rise residential buildings. It found that 100% of 5 buildings selected provided with visible exit signage. Apart from that, all of the exit signs of the buildings also post at storey exit as stated in Clause 172. Besides that, 100% of exit signs in Building A, C, D, and E was posted on the wall in corridors except for Building B. 5 out of 55 numbers of observed exit signage in Building B was found missing which not displayed on the 87 wall. In overall, there was a total of 98.17% of the observed exit signage posted on the wall of every exit.

Furthermore, it also found that overall 100% of the exit signage in 5 selected high-rise residential buildings were unobstructed by any obstruction. Moreover, all of the exit signs posted to show the direction of storey exit in every building. Besides that, 100% of the exit signage written with word “KELUAR” with graphic symbol and white lettering on a green background as shown in Figure 4.22.

It found that 73.68% exit signs with good condition in Building D while 66.67%, 41.82%, 31.67% and 30.56% respectively in Building A, B, E and C as shown in Table 4.10. Many of the exit signages not illuminated with electric lamps or no battery. Hence, the occupant might hard to find the exit route, especially in the emergency situation. In overall, there were only 45.42% of the total observed exit signage illuminated with two electric lamps and in good condition.

(Building D) (Building B) Figure 4.22: Exit signage without illuminated with electric lamps 88

4.4.4 Storey Exits and Corridor

Table 4.11: Analysis results for storey exits and corridor No. Criteria The condition of the component in building A B C D E 1 Giving direct access to escape stairs √ √ √ √ √ 2 Installed with fire doors x x √ √ √ 3 Leading to the final exit √ √ √ √ √ 4 Posted with exit signage √ √ √ √ √ 5 Corridor’s length not less than 700mm √ √ √ √ √ 6 Corridor’s width not less than 550mm √ √ √ √ √

Table 4.11 showed the analysis results from storey exits and corridor in 5 selected high-rise residential buildings. It found that all of the corridors giving direct access to the escape stairs to make sure the occupants able to escape from a shorter period. Hence, all of the storey exits in each of the buildings also leading to the final exit of the building. All entire high-rise residential buildings provided with exit signage at every exit route. Apart from that, there has no fire door installed in Building A and B as shown in table 4.9. The rest installed with fire door in every storey’ corridor. All of the observed buildings fulfil the requirement stated in UBBL Clause 181 by a corridor length not less than 700mm and width not less than 550mm.

Building A Building B

Figure 4.23: No fire doors in Building A and B 89

4.4.5 Ventilation and Lighting

Table 4.12: Analysis results for ventilation and lighting No. Criteria The condition of the component in building A B C D E 1 Provided natural ventilation on every √ √ √ √ √ floor 2 At least 1m2 opening for ventilation √ √ √ √ √ 3 Install mechanical ventilation x x x x x 4 Sufficient lighting in staircases √ √ √ √ √ 5 Sufficient lighting in corridors √ √ √ √ √

Every high-rise residential building that selected provided with sufficient ventilation at every floor and staircase affixed with a window or having at least 1m2 opening for the ventilation purpose as shown in Figure 4.26. None of the mechanical ventilation installed in the staircase of each building. After observation, it found that five selected high-rise residential buildings provided with sufficient lighting in staircase and corridors. Hence, staircase and corridor bright enough for evacuation during the emergency case.

(Building C) (Building E) Figure 4.24: Natural ventilation provided 90

4.5 Respondent Information

The respondent’s background and personal information analysed in this section. There were total 117 respondents were chosen randomly to answer the questionnaire in this survey. All of the questionnaires that distributed among the respondents were fully received back.

Table 4.13: Percentage of Respond from Respondent in each Building Building Total Respondent Percentage (%) A 27 23.08 B 35 29.91 C 20 17.09 D 13 11.11 E 22 18.80 Total 117 100.00

Table 4.1 showed the total number of respondent and percentage of respond from respondent in each of the building. The respondents were chosen randomly from five high-rise residential building namely Building A, B, C, D, and E. The table showed that Building B contributed the highest number of respondents in this research, 35 occupants (29.91%) answer the questionnaire. On the other hand, the lowest number of occupants took part in this research was Building D with only 13 people which are 11.11% of the total respondents. It has the least of residential units if compared with other building.

Furthermore, 27 occupants (23.08%) from Building A took part in this research by answering the questionnaire that distributed. Apart from that, 22 respondents who are 18.80% of the total respondents from Building E also involved. Meanwhile, the rest was contributed by occupants in Building C with 20 respondents. Therefore, there is a total of 117 respondents that involved in this research. 91

4.5.1 Gender

Table 4.14: Gender Gender Frequency Percentage (%) Male 53 45.30 Female 64 54.70 Total 117 100.00

Table 4.14 illustrated the gender of occupants that selected randomly in this research. A total number of 117 respondents took part in the questionnaire survey from 5 selected high-rise residential building. Female respondent was slightly more than male respondents. 64 of the respondents (54.70%) are female while another 53 respondents (45.30%) are male. The percentage distribution of gender for respondents shown in Figure 4.26.

Gender

60.00 54.70

50.00 45.30

40.00

30.00

20.00 Percentage Percentage (%)

10.00

- Male Female

Figure 4.25: Gender 92

4.5.2 Race

Table 4.15: Race Race Frequency Percentage (%) Malay 30 25.64 Chinese 47 40.17 Indian 36 30.77 Other 4 3.42 Total 117 100.00

Table 4.15 depicted the race for the respondents. There are 47 out of 117 (40.17%) respondents are Malay, followed by Indian with 36 respondents (30.77%), Malay with 30 respondents (25.64%) and four respondent (3.42%) were other race. After that, percentage distribution of race for respondents shown in Figure 4.27.

Race 45.00 40.17 40.00 35.00 30.77 30.00 25.64 25.00 20.00

Percentage Percentage (%) 15.00 10.00 5.00 3.42 - Malay Chinese Indian Other

Figure 4.26: Race 93

4.5.3 Age Range

Table 4.16: Age Range Age Range Frequency Percentage (%) < 21 19 16.24 21 - 39 51 43.59 40 - 59 36 30.77 >60 11 9.40 Total 117 100.00

The age distributed among four categories which are <21, 21-39, 40-59 and >60 as shown in Table 4.16. Most of the respondents are in the age range of 21- 39 years old, which consist of 51 respondents or 43.59% of a total number of the respondent. Meanwhile, the range of more than 60 years old contributed the least with only 11 persons or 9.40%. For the age range of fewer than 21 years old, the number of respondents is 19 (16.24%). Besides that, it also showed 30.77% of the total of respondents were between 40 and 59 years old.

Age Range 50.00 43.59 45.00 40.00

35.00 30.77 30.00 25.00 20.00 16.24

Percentage Percentage (%) 15.00 9.40 10.00 5.00 - <21 21 -39 40 -59 > 60

Figure 4.27: Age Range 94

4.5.4 Academic Qualification

Table 4.17: Academic Qualification Academic Frequency Percentage (%) Qualification Ph.D. 3 2.56 Master 9 7.69 Degree 29 24.79 Diploma 14 11.97 Certificate 57 48.72 Other 5 4.27 Total 117 100.00

The academic qualification of the respondents analysed in Table 4.17. The level of qualification divided into six categories which are Ph.D., Master, Degree, Diploma, Certificate (STPM, SPM, and PMR), and other. The highest numbers of academic qualification of the occupants were Certificate with 57 respondents out of 117 or 48.72%. On the other hand, the respondent with Ph.D. holders was the least, with only three people or 2.56% from the total respondent that selected. Others than that, there was 24.79% or 29 respondents with Degree, 11.97% or 14 respondents with Diploma, 7.69% or 9 respondents with Master level and five respondents (4.27%) with other academic qualification. Table 4.17 converted into Figure 4.29.

Academic Qualification 60.00 48.72 50.00

40.00

30.00 24.79

20.00

Percentage Percentage (%) 11.97 7.69 10.00 2.56 4.27 - PhD. Master Degree Diploma Certificate Other

Figure 4.28: Academic Qualification 95

4.5.5 Occupation

Table 4.18: Occupation Academic Frequency Percentage (%) Qualification Professional 4 3.42 Engineer 12 10.26 Manager 22 18.80 Executive 20 17.09 Labour 11 9.40 Lecturer 1 0.85 Student 13 11.11 Unemployment 14 11.97 Self- Employment 18 15.38 Other 2 1.71 Total 117 100.00

Occupation of the respondents analysed during this section in Table 4.18. The types of an occupation divided into ten categories which consist of professional, engineer, manager, executive, labour, lecturer, student, unemployment, self- employment, and others. From Table 4.18, most of the respondents’ occupation was in the category of the manager. It covered up with 18.80% or 22 respondents, followed by 20 respondents of executive (17.09%), self-employment with 18 respondents (15.38%), unemployment (11.97%), student (11.11%), engineer (10.26%), 9.40% for category of labour, 3.42% or 4 respondents in professional category, 2 respondents were in the category of others and 0.85% or 1 person in the category of lecturer. Besides that, Table 4.18 also converted into Figure 4.30.

Occupation 20.00 18.80 18.00 17.09 15.38 16.00 14.00 11.97 11.11 12.00 10.26 9.40 10.00 8.00 6.00

Percentage Percentage (%) 3.42 4.00 1.71 2.00 0.85 -

Figure 4.29: Occupation

4.5.6 Staying Period

Table 4.19: Staying Period Staying Period Frequency Percentage (%) (Year) < 1 15 12.82 1 - 5 46 39.32 5 - 10 33 28.21 >10 23 19.66 Total 117 100.00

Table 4.19 showed the staying period of the respondents from 5 selected high- rise residential building in Johor Bahru. The minimum occupancy period for each of the building was almost ten years. Hence, the respondent staying period divided into four categories which are less than 1 year, 1-5 years, 5-10 years and more than 10 years of occupancy. It found that most of the respondents are in the staying period between 1 until 5 years, which is 46 respondents out of 117 or 39.32% of a total number of the respondent. Otherwise, the staying period with less than 1 year contributed the least with only 12.82% or 15 respondents. Furthermore, there were 33 respondents, or 28.21% were staying in the building between 5 until 10 years. The rest 23 respondents or 19.66% staying in the high-rise residential building with more than 10 years.

Staying Period (Year) 45.00 39.32 40.00 35.00 30.00 28.21 25.00 19.66 20.00 12.82

Percentage Percentage (%) 15.00 10.00 5.00 - <1 1--5 5--10 > 10

Figure 4.30: Staying Period 98

4.5.7 Attend Safety Course

Table 4.20: Attend Safety Course Attend Safety Frequency Percentage (%) Course Yes 58 49.57 No 59 50.43 Total 117 100.00

Table 4.20 presented about the analysis resulted from respondents that attend to the safety course. The number of the respondent that attend and never attend safety course was almost the same. There were 59 out of 117 or 50.43% of the respondents did not attend any fire safety course before. On the other hand, 49.57% or 58 respondents have attended the safety course.

Attend Safety Course 60.00 49.57 50.43 50.00

40.00

30.00

Percentage Percentage (%) 20.00

10.00

- Yes No

Figure 4.31: Attend Safety Course 99

4.5.8 Fire Drill Experience

Table 4.21: Fire Drill Experience Fire Drill Frequency Percentage (%) Experience Yes 62 52.99 No 55 47.01 Total 117 100.00

From Table 4.21, it found that more than half of the respondents from high- rise residential buildings had the fire drill experience. There were 52.99% or 62 respondents from a total number of respondents had the experience in a fire drill. Meanwhile, another 47.01% or 55 respondents did not have any fire drill experience in their life. After that, the analysis result from Table 4.21 converted into Figure 4.33.

Fire Drill Experience 60.00 52.99 50.00 47.01

40.00

30.00

Percentage Percentage (%) 20.00

10.00

- Yes No

Figure 4.32: Fire Drill Experience 100

4.5.9 Fire Incident Experience

Table 4.22: Fire Incident Experience Fire Incident Frequency Percentage (%) Experience Yes 27 23.08 No 90 76.92 Total 117 100.00

Table 4.22 showed the result of respondents with fire incident experiences who is involved in the research. It found that most of the occupants do not have the experience on fire cases of any premise before. 90 out of 117 respondents do not have the fire incident experience. Only 23.08% or 27 respondents have the fire incident experience. The Figure 4.34 converted from Table 4.22.

Fire Drill Experience 80.00 76.92

70.00

60.00

50.00

40.00

30.00 23.08 Percentage Percentage (%) 20.00

10.00

- Yes No

Figure 4.33: Fire Incident Experience 101

4.6 Understanding of Fire Safety in High-Rise Residential Building

This section discussed the understanding of fire safety of occupants in the high- rise residential building. Hence, respondents required to answer the question based on their experiences, perceive and knowledge on fire safety such as fire concept, fire alarm, firefighting equipment, and escape from the buildings.

4.6.1 Fire Concept

Table 4.23: Percentage distribution of fire concept No Statement Know Do not (%) Know (%) 1 I know fire will occur in the presence of fuel, 75.21 24.79 heat, and oxygen. 2 I know fire can categorise into Class A, B, C, 56.41 43.59 D, E, and F. 3 I know fire can be spread to another place and 69.23 30.77 start burning 4 I know Fire Service Act 1988 29.06 70.94 5 I know UBBL 1984 35.90 64.10

Table 4.23 summaries the percentage distribution of occupants from 5 selected high-rise residential buildings towards the fire concept. Hence, this can test their understanding of the basic fire concept. Therefore, this section designed with five closed-ended questions which are “Yes” or “No”. Respondents selected “Yes” if they know and understand the statement. Meanwhile, respondents choose “No” when do not know and disagree with the statement.

102

First question asking respondents whether to know the fire can occur in the presence of fuel, heat, and oxygen or not. The fire was an interrelationship chemical reaction against the three key components. Hence, fire cannot occur when missing any of the sources. From table 4.23, it found that 75.21% or 88 occupants of the total respondent answer that they know about the fire will occur in the presence of fuel, heat, and oxygen. Meanwhile, another 29 respondents or 24.79% did not know fuel, oxygen, and heat were the three basic ingredients to induce a fire.

The second question tested the understanding of occupants toward the fire classes. It is quite important because fire can be categories into six different classes, there have several different causes which can induce a fire. There might induce by flammable solids, liquids, gases, combustible metals, electrical fire and cooking oils. Hence, occupants must understand the types of fire class before extinguishing it by using the right portable fire extinguishers in the early stage of fire. There were 66 or 56.41% of respondents from 5 selected high-rise residential buildings know the fire can categorise into different class while 43.59% or 51 respondents answered did not know the fire can categorise into Class A, B, C, D, E, and F. This might due to almost half of them do not attend any fire safety course.

Apart from that, third question asking respondents whether they know the fire can spread to another place and start burning or not. There were 81 numbers out of 117 (69.23%) respondents know about fire able to spread, move to another place and continue the combustion. However, 36 respondents or 30.77% did not know fire can be spread and start burning at another place.

The fourth and the fifth question asking the understanding of the respondents towards the fire safety regulation that applied and implemented in Malaysia such as Fire Service Act 1988 and Uniform Building By-Law (UBBL) 1984. It found that less respondent knows about the fire safety regulation in Malaysia. There were only 34 respondents, or 29.06% know the Fire Service Act 1984 whereas 70.94% or 83 out of 117 respondents do not know the Fire Service Act 1988 as shown in Table 4.23. On 103 the other hand, there have 42 respondents know the UBBL 1984 was one of the fire safety regulation. However, 75 respondents or 64.10% do not know about the UBBL 1984. Table 4.23 was converted to bar chart as shown in Figure 4.35.

Fire Concept 80.00 75.21 69.23 70.94 70.00 64.10 60.00 56.41

50.00 43.59 40.00 35.90 30.77 29.06 Know 30.00 24.79

Don’t Know Percentage Percentage (%) 20.00

10.00

- 1 2 3 4 5 Statement

Figure 4.34: Percentage distribution of fire concept 104

4.6.2 Fire Alarm

This section discussed the analysis result based on the understanding of occupants towards the fire alarm such as the location of fire alarm boxes, method to activate break glass fire alarm during emergency case, always beware and sensitive to the fire alarm and know to gather at a safe assembly area in case of emergency such as fire incident happened in the high-rise residential building.

Table 4.24: Percentage distribution of fire alarm No Statement Know Do not (%) Know (%) 1 I know the location of fire alarm boxes. 79.49 20.51 2 I know the method to activate break glass fire 72.65 27.35 alarm. 3 I sensitive to fire alarm. 64.10 35.90 4 I know gather at the safe assembly area. 63.25 36.75

Table 4.24 illustrated the understanding of the respondents toward the fire alarm in the high-rise residential buildings. It found that 79.49% or 93 respondents know the location of the fire alarm boxes while 20.51% do not know the fire alarm boxes. There were 24 respondents do not know the location of fire alarm boxes because of less concern to the surrounding of the building. Moreover, most of the occupants know the method to activate the break glass fire alarm system in the building. Hence, there was 72.65%, or 75 respondents know the correct method to activate the break glass fire alarm during fire happened or in case of emergency. The fire alarm system can warn the occupants that might something happen to the building. However, 42 of them or 27.35% do not know activate the break glass fire alarm system due to lack of experience by attending any fire safety course of practice.

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Furthermore, there was 64.10%, or 75 respondents would always be sensitive to the fire alarm even it is a false alarm or emergency alarm. On the other hand, 35.90% or 42 out of 117 numbers of respondent answered that they are not aware of the fire alarm when the alarm sounded. The occupants should be always alert and sensitive to the fire alarm and try to justify whether it is a false alarm or not. Moreover, 63.25% or 74 respondents would leave the buildings immediately upon hearing a fire alarm and then gather at a nearer assembly area. However, there was 36.75% or 43 respondents do not know leaving and gather at safe assembly area upon hearing a fire alarm because they might not be sensitive to the alarm and consider it was a false alarm, and nothing happened. Besides that, Table 4.24 was converted to bar chart as shown in Figure 4.36.

Fire Alarm 90.00 79.49 80.00 72.65 70.00 64.10 63.25 60.00 50.00 36.75 40.00 35.90 Know 27.35 30.00 Don’t Know Percentage Percentage (%) 20.51 20.00 10.00 - 1 2 3 4 Statement

Figure 4.35: Percentage distribution of fire alarm 106

4.6.3 Fire Fighting Equipment

This section discussed on the understanding of occupants towards the firefighting equipment such as the location of fire extinguishers, a method to use a fire extinguisher, differentiate the type of fire extinguishers, know the location of the hose reel and the method to use a hose reel in case of emergency.

Table 4.25: Percentage distribution of firefighting equipment No Statement Know Do not (%) Know (%) 1 I know the location of the fire extinguisher 88.03 11.97 2 I know PASS method to use fire extinguisher 51.28 48.72 3 I know differentiate type of fire extinguisher 41.03 58.97 4 I know the location of the hose reel 74.36 25.64 5 I know the correct method to use hose reel 46.15 53.85

From Table 4.25, it found that most of the respondent know the actual location of the fire extinguishers. Typically, it placed at obvious and visible along the corridor. Normally, each storey of the building has at least one portable fire extinguisher with a red colour aluminium body. Therefore, 88.03% or 103 of the respondents know the location of a fire extinguisher. 11.97% or 14 people do not know the location of the fire extinguisher. It might be due to the missing or removed of the fire extinguisher to another place.

Besides that, only almost half of the respondents know the correct PASS method to use the fire extinguisher. There were four simple steps to use a portable fire extinguisher by following the correct method which is pulled, aim, squeeze and sweep. Hence, 51.28% or 60 of them know the PASS method to use the fire extinguisher while the rest 57 occupants or 48.72% do not know the correct method. A fire extinguisher was one of the basic and simple active fire protection equipment that generally well 107 use in the early stage of the fire to prevent it from the spread and start to burn at another place.

There have several types of fire extinguishers on the market. Different type of fire extinguishers can use to extinguish different classes of the fire as mention before. Hence, know how to differentiate the type of portable fire extinguishers by colour code also important. Only 41.03% or 48 respondents know to differentiate the type of fire extinguisher while 58.97% or 69 of them do not know how to differentiate it.

Apart from that, there were 87 respondents, or 74.36% know the location of the hose reel, but 25.64% or 30 respondents do not know as shown in Table 4.25. Meanwhile, 46.15% of the total respondents know the correct method to use a hose reel. However, 63 of them do not know the actual method due to lack of attending to a fire safety seminar, fire safety course and participate in the fire drill to gain some knowledge and experience in the event.

Fire Fighting Equipment 100.00 88.03 90.00 80.00 74.36 70.00 58.97 60.00 53.85 51.28 48.72 50.00 46.15 41.03 Know 40.00

Frequency(%) Don’t Know 30.00 25.64

20.00 11.97 10.00 - 1 2 3 4 5 Statement

Figure 4.36: Percentage distribution of firefighting equipment 108

4.6.4 Escape

This section discussed the basic escape knowledge or understanding of the occupants. Due to the height of the high-rise residential building, occupants might hard to escape safely from the building during a fire if lack of some basic knowledge about the escape. Therefore, this section aimed to know occupants can stay calm during a fire or not, the actual evacuation procedure, escape plan, proper layout of the building, know the location of fire doors and exit staircase, understand the meaning of emergency signage and the emergency contact numbers.

Table 4.26: Percentage distribution of escape No Statement Know Do not (%) Know (%) 1 I stay calm when a fire occurs. 82.05 17.95 2 I know the evacuation procedure and escape 73.50 26.50 plan. 3 I know the proper layout of the building. 71.79 28.21 4 I know the location of fire doors. 73.50 26.50 5 I know the location of exit staircase. 79.49 20.51 6 I know the meaning of emergency signage 71.79 28.21 7 I know the emergency contact numbers 70.09 29.91

Table 4.26 presented the understanding of occupants toward the escape in the high-rise residential building. 82.05% or 96 respondents know to stay calm when a fire occurs in the building while 17.95% feel that they will panic and lose control when something happens suddenly. Besides that, there were 86 respondents or 73.50% know the evacuation procedure and escape plan in the building when a fire occurs. However, 26.50% or another 31 respondents do not know the actual escape plan and evacuation procedure because of the lack of fire drill practice that held in the building.

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Apart from that, 84 respondents or 71.79% know the proper layout of the building because escape route plan showed in each storey of the building. However, 33 of them or 28.21% might not be concerned about it and choose do not know the proper layout of the building. There were 86 of the respondents know the location of fire doors while 31 respondents do not know. Normally, the fire doors installed at the storey exits. It must be close properly all the time to reduce the hazard of fire or smoke in the fire event. Moreover, 79.49% of the respondents know the location of exit staircase in the building. Normally, each building has at least two separate escape stairs to provide an alternative escape path. However, there were 24 of them, or 20.51% do not know the location of exit staircase because they only know use the lifts as usual. Besides that, 84 respondents of the total respondent knew the meaning of emergency signage which located at every storey exit, but 33 out of 117 numbers of respondent do not understand the emergency signage. Lastly, 70.09% of the respondents know the emergency contact numbers such as police, fire department, and management office. There were 35 of them, or 29.91% do not know any emergency contact numbers.

Escape 90.00 82.05 79.49 80.00 73.50 73.50 71.79 71.79 70.09 70.00 60.00 50.00 40.00 Know 29.91 26.50 28.21 26.50 28.21 30.00 Don’t Know Percentage Percentage (%) 17.95 20.51 20.00 10.00 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Statement

Figure 4.37: Percentage distribution of escape 110

4.7 Measures to Enhance Active Fire Protection

This section discussed the measures to enhance the active fire protection system in the high-rise residential buildings. For example, portable fire extinguishers, fire alarm and detection system, automatic sprinkler system, riser and hose reel system, fire lifts and emergency power system. Therefore, the occupants have to choose the answer based on their experiences, perceive, and knowledge on the fire safety.

Table 4.27: Measures to enhance active fire protection No Statement Mean Score Rank 1 Conduct a fire safety training programs. 4.39 1 2 Conduct fire safety education. 4.10 2 3 Report to building management when found 4.02 3 any broken. 4 Organize fire drill. 3.95 4 5 Pay monthly management fee. 3.91 5 6 Improve law enforcement, provision, and 3.89 6 standard guideline. 7 Implement regular pest control program. 3.88 7 8 Implement regular housekeeping. 3.83 8 9 Avoid take part in vandalism 3.66 9

Table 4.27 indicated the analysis result of the measures to improve and enhance the active fire protection for the high-rise residential building. Based on the mean score, the most relevant measures to enhance the active fire protection is to conduct the fire safety training programs with 4.39 mean scores. The programs can increase the fire safety knowledge of the occupants to help prepare all those occupants to face the fire incident. The occupants can also learn the method to use a portable fire extinguisher, hose reel, break glass alarm system and others. Hence, occupants can operate all those simple active fire protection systems when a fire occurs. Fire safety 111 training programs can increase the knowledge and experience of the occupants towards the fire safety in the building.

Next, conduct a more fire safety education program for the occupants with 4.10 mean scores was the second most relevant measures selected and agreed by the respondents. Fire safety education helped to improve the fire safety awareness and ability to take action in an emergency case. Apart from that, fire safety education also aims to change the human behaviour to prove the right fire safety attitude to the occupants. It was an effective method to instill the fire safety message to the public.

Moreover, report to the building management when found any broken of the active fire protection system was the third most relevant measures agreed by the occupants with 4.02 mean score. Occupants make a report to the building management team when finding any broken of the active fire protection system in the building. They have the responsibility to repair and change the malfunction and broken active fire protection to a new one.

The fourth most relevant measure was organising the fire drill in the building with 3.95 mean scores. Fire drill can also let occupants learn and know the method to use the firefighting equipment and let them familiar with the steps taken in the real fire event. It helps to improve the skill and knowledge to the active fire protection. Furthermore, pay monthly management fee with a mean score of 3.91 at rank 5. The occupants have to give the full cooperation with the building management team to provide the fund of repair and renew any broken active fire protection system in the building.

. Apart from that, the sixth most relevant measure selected by the occupants is improved the law enforcement, provision and standard guideline by the local authority with a 3.89 mean score as shown in Table 4.27. The local authority should inspect the high-rise residential building at least once every year. They have to check and inspect 112 all those active fire protection systems to make sure all are in good condition. The rank 7 with 3.88 mean scores of the measure to enhance the active fire protection was implemented the regular pest control program to minimise the damaging to the electrical wires. The damaging to the wires can make the active fire protection system such as fire alarm, and detection system cannot function. Implement regular housekeeping with 3.83 mean scores located at rank 8.

Last but not least, most of the occupants think that avoid taking part in the vandalism activities are not a practical measure to enhance the active fire protection for the building. Hence, it only gets 3.66 mean scores and located at the last ranking. Everyone has a different attitude and human behaviour. Therefore, it is quite hard to make sure all of the occupants that stay inside the building have good behaviour. The vandalism activities might involve a small part of the occupants, but it is quite difficult to control the attitude and behaviour of someone.

Measure to Enhance Active Fire Protection

Avoid take part in vandalism 3.66

Implement regular housekeeping 3.83

Implement regular pest control program 3.88

Improve law enforcement, provision and standard… 3.89

Pay monthly management fee 3.91

Organize fire drill 3.95

Report to building management when found any broken 4.02

Conduct fire safety education 4.10

Conduct fire safety training programs 4.39

0 1 2 3 4 5 Mean Score

Figure 4.38: Measures to enhance active fire protection 113

4.8 Measures to Enhance Passive Fire Protection

This section discussed the measures to enhance the passive fire protection system in the high-rise residential buildings. For example, escape stairs, fire doors, exit signage, storey exits, corridor, ventilation, and lighting. Therefore, the occupants have to choose the answer based on their experiences, perceive, and knowledge on the fire safety.

Table 4.28: Measures to enhance passive fire protection No Statement Mean Score Rank 1 Implement regular housekeeping. 4.28 1 2 Participant in a fire drill to know escape 4.02 2 route of the building. 3 Store combustible material in safer area. 3.99 3 4 Clear signage to show exit routes and 3.91 4 location of fire safety equipment. 5 Pay monthly management fee. 3.84 5 6 Improve the effective means of an 3.80 6 emergency escape plan. 7 Conduct the fire safety education programs 3.77 7 8 Report to building management when found 3.74 8 any broken.

From Table 4.28, it found that implement regular housekeeping was the most measures with 4.28 mean scores selected by the respondent to enhance the passive fire protection for high-rise residential building. After observation survey on the building, it found that there have many non-useable materials, equipment, or rubbish put along the corridor and staircase such as sofa, cupboard, washing machine and so forth. Sometimes, it also blocks the opening of the fire doors. The obstruction by that non- useable rubbish can block the escape route inside the building. Hence, they should 114 throw those rubbishes to a proper and suitable place rather than just put along the corridor or staircase. Hence, implementing a good housekeeping practice was important.

The second most measure to enhance passive fire protection agreed by occupants participated in the fire drill with 4.02 mean scores. Occupants believe that take part in the fire drill organise by building management or local authority can let them know the real escape route of the building. Normally, passive fire protection aims to provide an escape route to the occupants in case of emergency. Therefore, fire drill can let all of the occupants that participate to know the location of escape stairs, fire doors, exit signage and storey exits. Fire drills aim to let the occupants familiar with the steps taken and evacuate from the real fire incident.

After that, store combustible and flammable material in a safer area were the third measures that selected by occupants with 3.99 mean score. As we know, all those flammable things must store and accumulate in proper safer storage. It has the big chance to lead a fire. The fourth measure selected by occupants were clear signage with 3.91 mean scores. The clear signage can show the exit routes and location of fire safety equipment clearly to the occupants. Hence, they can know the escape path and the location of all fire fighting equipment that provided for the high-rise residential building.

Besides that, the fifth measure that agreed by occupants was to pay the monthly management free with 3.84 mean scores. All of the occupants of the high-rise residential building should give the full cooperation with the building management team and pay the monthly management fee on-time. Moreover, improve the effective means of emergency escape plan located at rank 6 with 3.80 mean scores. The building management must improve the emergency escape plan by pasting the plan clearly at every storey and also make sure the staircase and corridor are free from the obstruction. Meanwhile, the seventh measure to enhance passive fire protection was conducted the fire safety education programs with 3.77 means score as shown in Table 4.28. 115

Lastly, report to building management when found any broken of the fire doors, signage, staircase, and lighting were the least mean score with 3.74 because of the lack of maintenance and concerned by the building management. Even making a report, but building management takes action lately hence always received a complaint from the occupants. Therefore, it might be the reason why occupants do not trust the building management team to enhance the passive fire protection for the building.

Measure to Enhance Passive Fire Protection

Report to building management when found broken 3.74

Conduct fire safety education programs 3.77 Improve the effective means of emergency escape 3.80 plan Pay monthly management fee 3.84 Clear signage to show exit routes and location of fire 3.91 safety equipment Store combustible and flammable material in safer 3.99 area Particiapte in fire drill to know escape ruote of 4.02 building Implement regular housekeeping 4.28

0 1 2 3 4 5 Mean Score

Figure 4.39: Measures to enhance passive fire protection 116

CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 116

CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Introduction

This chapter shows the summarisation of findings and conclusion of the research of the high-rise residential buildings. Moreover, it also encompasses the limitations and problem encountered when conducting the research. Apart from that, the recommendation for future researchers is suggested and explained in this chapter.

5.2 Research Conclusion

The research objectives of this research were to identify the condition of fire safety aspect and propose the measures to enhance the fire safety aspect in the high- rise residential buildings. Therefore, the conclusion divided into three sections which made the highlighted objectives. 117

5.2.1 Condition of Active Fire Protection in High-Rise Residential Buildings

The active fire protection that being analysed was portable fire extinguishers, fire alarm and detection system, automatic sprinkler system, riser and hose reel system, fire lifts and emergency power system in 5 selected high-rise residential building around Johor Bahru area. In general, all of the buildings provided with a portable fire extinguisher. All of the fire extinguishers were carrying SIRIM product certification logo and same operation method. There were 93.61% of the total observed portable fire extinguishers inspected and serviced within the past 12 months. Besides that, 80.08% of the portable fire extinguisher placed visibly along the exit routes. In overall, there were 71.05% of the total observed fire extinguishers of the five selected buildings in good condition.

After that, all of the buildings had installed a complete set of fire alarm system and break glass alarm system. However, there was no any building installed with the special visible fire alarm, especially for deaf occupants. It found that 100% of the observed fire alarm in good condition while 86.47% of the total observed break glass alarm system in good condition. Besides that, the complete fire detection system installed at five selected high-rise residential building. After observing, it found that the smoke detector only provides for lift lobbies, but seen no appearance on or near the ceiling on each of the corridor. It found that many of the smoke detectors were not functioning properly because of broken down and without sufficient electrical supply. Therefore, only 41.98% of the total observed smoke detector in good condition.

For an automatic sprinkler system, none of the building selected installed with the sprinkler system because of lack of enforcement of the local authority in the past ten years. After that, all of the five high-rise residential buildings provided with wet riser system and entirely connected with hose reel system. All of the water pumps and wet riser were in a good working condition. Besides that, all of the Most of the hose reel of Building B and C found that locked in a room. Hence, it also considers as unable to function at all in case of emergency because occupants not able open the 118 room without a key. Hose reel system in Building E was lack of maintenance. In overall, only 37.70% of the hose reel system in good condition.

Furthermore, all building also provided with fire lifts. All of the observed fire lifts were operating in good condition and located within a protected shaft. Due to Building A and B do not have any fire door at every storey. Hence, both of the building’ fire lifts not connected by a protected corridor. A protected corridor connected the rest with fire doors. Lastly, all observed building also provided with the complete emergency power system and available within 10 seconds of the interruption of normal supply. In overall, there were 60.77% of the total was undamaged emergency lighting.

5.2.2 Condition of Passive Fire Protection in High-Rise Residential Buildings

The passive fire protection analysed escaped stairs, fire doors, exit signage, storey exits, corridor, ventilation, and lighting in the five high-rise residential buildings. It found that all buildings have at least two separate escape stairs on each storey. All of the escape stairs provided with handrail and its width maintained throughout the length. After observation, Building C and E’ escape stairs obstructed by many broken and useless material while Building A, B, and D was clear from obstruction. Besides that, 4 out of 5 buildings fulfil the requirement of the widths of escape-stairs not less than 1100mm except Building A. All of the building also to fulfil the requirement stated in UBBL 1984 with riser not more than 180mm and tread not less than 255mm.

There was a total of 273 fire doors observed in 5 selected high-rise residential building. In this case, Building A and B do not have any fire doors at each storey. Hence, it is quite dangerous when a fire happens because do not have a fire doors block and delay the spread of fire and the smoke. Building C, D, and E provided with fire doors and able to swing in the direction of escape. There were 46.89% of the observed 119 fire doors able to swing unobstructed at the escape stairs. Even though, all of the fire doors in Building C, D, and E posted with signage and had a minimum F.P.R of 30 minutes. However, the overall result was affected by Building A and B without fire doors. Therefore, only 62.27% of the fire doors posted with signage and have minimum F.P.R. of 30 minutes. After observation, it found that many of the fire doors are broken. Only 33.70% of the fire doors able to self-close when release and have a fastened with the device to ensure close properly. All of the fire doors open-able from the inside without key except Building A and B. At the same time, only 38.83% of the fire doors able to open without special force. 38.83% of the handle and doorknob of total observed fire doors in good condition. In overall, only 28.57% of the fire doors in good condition. Therefore, it might be a serious problem that must take care of building management and occupants.

On the other hand, all of the building provide with visible exit signage. All of the observed exit signage was posted at storey exit, unobstructed by any obstruction, posted to show the direction of storey exit, written with word “KELUAR” with a graphic symbol, and written with white lettering against a green background. There were 98.17% of the exit signs post at storey exit. There were 5 out of 55 of the observed exit signage in Building B were missing. After that, 45.42% of the exit signage illuminated with two electric lamps. In overall, only 45.42% of the exit signs in good condition.

For the storey exits and corridor, the analysis result showed that all of the corridors giving direct access to the escape stairs and leading to a final exit. Besides that, all of the storey exits also posted with exit signage. Only Building A and B do not install any fire doors at the storey exits and corridors, the rest were installed with fire doors. Besides that, all of the corridors also meets the local authority requirement with corridor’s length not less than 700mm and width not less than 550mm. Lastly, all of the building provided with natural ventilation with an at least 1m2 opening on every floor. None of the building installs with mechanical ventilation. Last but not least, all buildings with sufficient lighting in both staircases and corridors. 120

5.2.3 The measures to enhance the Fire Safety Aspect

Based on the results obtained from the questionnaire survey to the occupants of the high-rise residential building. The most suitable and relevant measures to enhance the active fire protection system in the building such as portable fire extinguishers, fire alarm and detection system, automatic sprinkler system, riser and hose reel system, fire lifts and emergency power system are ranked from 1 to 9 as follows:

1. Conduct the fire safety training programs. 2. Conduct the fire safety education programs. 3. Report to building management when found any broken. 4. Organize the fire drill. 5. Pay the monthly management fee. 6. Improve the law enforcement, provision, and standard guideline. 7. Implement regular pest control program. 8. Implement regular housekeeping. 9. Avoid taking part in vandalism.

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Besides that, the most suitable and relevant measures to enhance the passive fire protection system in the building such as escape stairs, fire doors, exit signage, storey exits, corridor, ventilation, and lighting are ranked from 1 to 8 as follows:

1. Implement regular housekeeping. 2. Participant in a fire drill to know escape route of building 3. Store combustible material in a safer area. 4. Clear signage to show exit routes and location of fire safety equipment. 5. Pay monthly management fee. 6. Improve the effective means of an emergency escape plan. 7. Conduct fire safety education programs. 8. Report to building management when found any broken.

5.3 Limitation and Problems Encounter

There are a few problems encountered throughout the process of conducting this research. The following are some of the problem encountered when conducting this research:

i. There were only 7 out of 15 with at least ten years occupancy period high-rise residential building in Johor Bahru area approved and obtained the permission from building management to enter the building to carry out the observation survey and distribute the questionnaire.

ii. The data collection was time-consuming as there is active and passive fire protection aspects have to observe in the building.

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iii. Questionnaire survey also very time-consuming because it is quite challenging to find the occupants who willing to take their time to answer the questionnaire.

iv. Some of the occupants answer the question without understanding and thinking.

5.4 Recommendation for Future Research

Based on the findings and conclusion of the research, the following are recommendations for the future research:

i. Study the condition of fire safety aspect on other types of building such as a hospital, factory, and office building.

ii. Compare the fire safety aspect in high-rise residential buildings with another country such as Singapore.

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REFERENCE 123

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APPENDIX A LETTER OR PERMISSION 130 66

APPENDIX B FRDM STATISTICS 131

Appendix 1: Statistics of Fire, Rescue and Special Services, 2016 (Source: http://www.data.gov.my) 132

Appendix 2: Statistics of Fire Case by States, 2011-2015 (Source: http://www.data.gov.my) 133

Appendix 3: Statistics of Fire Cases involve Building Structure, 2011-2015 (Source: http://www.data.gov.my) 134

5485

Appendix 4: Statistics of Fire Cases involve Building Structure, 2016 (Source: http://www.data.gov.my) 135

Appendix 5: Statistics of Fire Victims (Dead & Injured), 2011-2015 (Source: http://www.data.gov.my)

136

Appendix 6: Statistics of Estimated Losses in Fire Cases, 2016 (Source: http://www.data.gov.my)

137

Appendix 7: Statistics of Estimated Losses in Fire Cases, 2011-2015 (Source: http://www.data.gov.my) 138

APPENDIX C ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION CHECKLIST 138

FIRE SAFETY CHECKLIST

This checklist formed by refers to the Fire Safety Building Audit Form – UBBL (Malaysia) which designed by PM. Dr. Yahya M. Yatim (2009). The checklist was designed base on specification given in the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 (Malaysia) to study the condition of active fire protection provided in high-rise residential buildings. The aim is to study whether the active fire protection of high-rise residential building operate and function in good condition or not. Research Topic

Fire Safety in High-Rise Residential Building Objective : To identify the condition of fire safety aspect in high-rise residential buildings Researcher : Mr. Lee Jun Hou, email: [email protected]

Supervisor : PM. Dr. Yahya M. Yatim, email: [email protected]

Building Name : ______

Address : ______

______

Contact Person : ______

Contact Number : ______

Visited Date : ______/ ______/ ______.

PART 1: BUILDING INFORMATION

1. Building a. Height : ______m b. Width : ______m c. Length : ______m d. Floor Area : ______m2

2. Number of floors : ______floors

3. Number of units / floor : ______unit / floor

4. Number of lift provided : ______nos.

5. Number of staircase provided : ______nos.

6. Number of fire door provided at every floor : ______nos. 139

PART 2: ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION COMPONENTS

PART A: PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Questions Condition

Yes No

1. Is this building provided with portable fire extinguishers? ( ) ( )

2. Are all portable fire extinguishers in good condition? ( ) ( )

3. Are all portable fire extinguishers carry SIRIM product certification ( ) ( )

logo?

4. Are all portable fire extinguishers sited prominently and visible along ( ) ( )

exit routes?

5. Are all portable fire extinguishers be inspected and serviced by ( ) ( )

licensed vendor or trained technician within the past 12 months?

6. Are all portable fire extinguishers have the same method of operation? ( ) ( )

Part B: FIRE ALARM AND DETECTION SYSTEM

Questions Condition

Yes No

1. Is this building installed with complete fire alarm systems? ( ) ( )

2. Is this building installed with a break glass alarm system? ( ) ( )

3. Is this building installed with special visible fire alarm system in addition ( ) ( )

to normal alarm for deaf occupants?

4. Are all fire alarm system in good condition? ( ) ( )

5. Are all break glass alarm system in good condition? ( ) ( )

6. Is this building installed with fire detector systems? ( ) ( )

7. Are smoke detectors installed on or near the ceiling on each corridor? ( ) ( )

8. Are all lift lobbies provided with smoke detectors? ( ) ( )

9. Are all smoke detectors in good condition? ( ) ( ) 140

Part C: AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM

Questions Condition

Yes No

1. Is this building installed with a complete sprinkler system? ( ) ( )

2. Are all pipes and fittings of sprinkler system painted red? ( ) ( )

3. Are all sprinkler head in good condition? ( ) ( )

4. Are all below the sprinklers free from obstruction, i.e. beam? ( ) ( )

Part D: RISER AND HOSE REEL SYSTEM

Questions Condition

Yes No

1. Is this building installed with dry riser or wet risers systems? ( ) ( )

2. Are risers or wet risers provided with hose reel systems? ( ) ( )

3. Are all dry risers or wet risers in a good working condition? ( ) ( )

4. Are all hose reels systems in a good working condition? ( ) ( )

5. If this building provided with wet riser system, are water pumps ( ) ( )

in a good working condition?

6. Are all pipes and fittings of the wet riser and dry riser painted red? ( ) ( )

Part E: FIRE LIFTS

Questions Compliance

Yes No

1. Is this building provided with fire lifts? ( ) ( )

2. Are all fire lifts operate in good condition? ( ) ( )

3. Are all fire lifts connected by a protected corridor? ( ) ( )

4. Are all fire lifts located within a protected shaft? ( ) ( ) 141

Part F: EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEM

Questions Condition

Yes No

1. Is this building provided with complete emergency power system ( ) ( )

for power and illumination for safety to life and property via storage

batteries or generator set?

2. Are the emergency power system available within 10s of interruption ( ) ( )

of normal supply?

3. Are all emergency lighting is undamaged? ( ) ( )

142

APPENDIX D PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION CHECKLIST 142

FIRE SAFETY CHECKLIST

This checklist formed by refers to the Fire Safety Building Audit Form – UBBL (Malaysia) which designed by PM. Dr. Yahya M. Yatim (2009). The checklist was designed base on specification given in the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 (Malaysia) to study the condition of passive fire protection provided in high-rise residential buildings. The aim is to study whether the passive fire protection of high-rise residential building operate and function in good condition or not. Research Topic

Fire Safety in High-Rise Residential Building Objective : To identify the condition of fire safety aspect in high-rise residential buildings Researcher : Mr. Lee Jun Hou, email: [email protected]

Supervisor : PM. Dr. Yahya M. Yatim, email: [email protected]

Building Name : ______

Address : ______

______

Contact Person : ______

Contact Number : ______

Visited Date : ______/ ______/ ______.

PART 1: BUILDING INFORMATION

2. Building e. Height : ______m f. Width : ______m g. Length : ______m h. Floor Area : ______m2

2. Number of floors : ______floors

3. Number of units / floor : ______unit / floor

4. Number of lift provided : ______nos.

5. Number of staircase provided : ______nos.

6. Number of fire door provided at every floor : ______nos. 143

PART 2: PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION COMPONENTS

PART A: ESCAPE STAIRS

Questions Condition

Yes No

1. Are there at least two separate escape-stairs provided from each storey? ( ) ( )

2. Are all escape-stairs provided with handrails? ( ) ( )

3. Are escape-stairs unobstructed by any obstruction? ( ) ( )

4. Are escape-stairs widths maintained throughout its length? ( ) ( )

5. Are escape-stairs widths not less than 1100mm? ( ) ( )

6. Are all escape-stairs’ riser not more than 180mm? ( ) ( )

7. Are all escape-stairs’ tread not less than 255mm? ( ) ( )

Part B: FIRE DOORS

Questions Condition

Yes No

1. Are all fire doors swing in the direction of escape? ( ) ( )

2. Are all fire doors swung unobstructed the travel in escape stairs? ( ) ( )

3. Are all fire doors posted with signage to keep it shut always? ( ) ( )

4. Are all fire doors had minimum F.P.R. of 30 minutes? ( ) ( )

5. Are all fire doors self-closed when released? ( ) ( )

6. Are all fire doors fastened with devices to ensure close properly? ( ) ( )

7. Are all fire doors openable from the inside without using any keys? ( ) ( )

8. Are all fire doors easily to open i.e. no special force required? ( ) ( )

9. Are all fire doors’ handle or doorknob in place and good condition? ( ) ( )

10. Are all fire doors in a good condition? ( ) ( ) 144

Part C: EXIT SIGNAGE

Questions Condition

Yes No

1. Are escape routes provided with readily visible exit signs? ( ) ( )

2. Is there any exit signs posted at the storey exit? ( ) ( )

3. Is there any exit signs posted on the enclosed wall in corridors? ( ) ( )

4. No any exit signs are obstructed by any obstructions? ( ) ( )

5. Are exit signs written word ‘KELUAR’ with arrow and graphics ( ) ( )

symbol of running man towards the open door?

6. Is there any exit signs posted to show the direction to the storey exit ( ) ( )

if the storey exit is not immediately visible?

7. Are exit signs written with white lettering against a green background? ( ) ( )

8. Are exit signs in good condition? ( ) ( )

9. Are exit signs continuously illuminated with two electric lamps? ( ) ( )

Part D: STOREY EXITS AND CORRIDOR

Questions Condition

Yes No

1. Are all storey exits giving direct access to the escape stairs? ( ) ( )

2. Are all storey exits installed with fire doors? ( ) ( )

3. Are all storey exits leading to the final exit? ( ) ( )

4. Are all storey exits posted with exit signage? ( ) ( )

5. Are all corridor’s length not less than 700mm? ( ) ( )

6. Are all corridor’s width not less than 550mm? ( ) ( ) 145

Part E: VENTILATION AND LIGHTING

Questions Condition

Yes No

1. Is there any natural ventilation provided at every floor or landing level? ( ) ( )

2. If permanent opening or openable window provided for ventilation, ( ) ( )

are they at least 1m2 per floor level?

3. If not natural ventilation, is there any mechanical ventilation? ( ) ( )

4. Is there sufficient lighting in staircases? ( ) ( )

5. Is there sufficient lighting in corridors? ( ) ( ) 1 2

APPENDIX E QUESTIONNAIRE 146

DEPARTMENT OF QUANTITY SURVEYING FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA

RESEARCH TITLE:

FIRE SAFETY IN HIGH-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES:

i. To identify the condition of fire safety aspect in high-rise residential buildings. ii. To propose the measures to enhance the fire safety aspect in high-rise residential buildings.

SUPERVISOR : PM. DR. YAHYA BIN MOHAMAD YATIM RESEARCHER : LEE JUN HOU COURSE : BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (CONSTRUCTION) I.C. NO. : 940710-05-5023 H/P NO. : 010-9016395

E-MAIL : [email protected]

Note: This survey is governed by the limiting condition which is only for academic purpose. The researcher wishes to get your promptly cooperation to fill up this questionnaire. All information disclosed will be kept entirely CONFIDENTIAL. Your cooperation is highly appreciated. Thank you.

147

Section A: Respondent Background

Please fill in and tick () the answer where appropriate.

1. Gender: ( ) Male ( ) Female 2. Race:

( ) Malay ( ) Chinese ( ) Indian ( ) Other: ______

3. Age Range: ( ) <21 ( ) 21-39 ( ) 40-59 ( ) >60 4. Academic Qualification:

( ) Phd. ( ) Master ( ) Degree ( ) Diploma STPM

( ) STPM ( ) SPM ( ) PMR ( ) Other: ______

5. Occupation:

( ) Professional ( ) Engineer ( ) Manager ( ) Executive

( ) Labour ( ) Lecturer ( ) Student ( ) Unemployment

( ) Self-Employment ( ) Other: ______

6. How long have you stay in this building?

( ) <1 year ( ) 1-5 years ( ) 5-10 years ( ) >10 years

7. Have you attended any fire safety course?

( ) Yes ( ) No

8. Do you have any experience of fire drill? ( ) Yes ( ) No 9. Do you have experience with fire incidents in any premise?

( ) Yes ( ) No 148

Section B: Understanding of Fire Safety in High-Rise Residential Building

Based on your experience, perceive and knowledge on fire safety, please tick (√) the answer that best suit you.

Classification Yes No Definition I know I do not know

Fire Concept Yes No a. Do you know fire will occur in the presence of fuel, heat, and oxygen? b. Do you know fire can categorise into Class A, B, C, D, E, and F? c. Do you know fire can be spread to another place and start burning? d. Do you know Fire Service Act 1988 which was one of the common fire safety regulation in Malaysia? e. Do you know Uniform Building by Law (UBBL) 1984?

Fire Alarm Yes No a. Do you know the location of fire alarm boxes? b. Do you know the method to activate break glass fire alarm? c. Do you sensitive to fire alarm even it is a false alarm or emergency alarm? d. Do you know leaving and gather at safe assembly area upon hearing a fire alarm? 149

Fire Fighting Equipment Yes No a. Do you know the location of fire extinguisher? b. Do you know the PASS method to use a portable fire extinguisher? c. Do you know to differentiate the type of portable fire extinguisher by colour coding? d. Do you know the location of the hose reel? e. Do you know the correct method to use hose reel?

Escape Yes No a. Do you stay calm when a fire occurs? b. Do you know the evacuation procedure and escape plan? c. Do you know the proper layout of the building? d. Do you know the location of fire doors? e. Do you know the location of the exit staircase? f. Do you know the meaning of emergency signage? g. Do you know the emergency contact numbers? 150

Section C: Measures to Enhance Active Fire Protection

The objective of this section aims to propose the measures to enhance active fire protection system in high-rise residential buildings such as Portable Fire Extinguishers, Fire Alarm and Detection System, Automatic Sprinkler System, Riser and Hose Reel System, Fire Lifts and Emergency Power System. Based on your experience, perceive and knowledge on fire safety, please circle only ONE answer for each of the following statement.

Scale 1 2 3 4 5

Strongly Disagree Neither Disagree Agree Strongly Disagree nor Agree Agree

Active Fire Protection System

a. Do you agree conduct fire safety education programs can 1 2 3 4 5 enhance active fire protection system?

b. Do you agree conduct fire safety training programs can 1 2 3 4 5 improve the fire safety aspect?

c. Do you agree to organise fire drill can gain fire safety 1 2 3 4 5 knowledge and experience?

d. Do you agree with the report to building management 1 2 3 4 5 when found any broken of firefighting equipment?

e. Do you agree avoid take part in vandalism activities? 1 2 3 4 5

f. Do you agree to implement regular housekeeping 1 2 3 4 5 procedures can enhance active fire protection system?

g. Do you agree to implement regular pest control program 1 2 3 4 5 can minimise damaging of electrical wires?

h. Do you agree to improve law enforcement, provision, and 1 2 3 4 5 standard guideline can enhance fire safety aspect?

i. Do you agree to give the full cooperation to pay the 1 2 3 4 5 monthly management fee?

151

Section D: Measures to Enhance Passive Fire Protection

The objective of this section aims to determine and propose the measures to enhance passive fire protection system in high-rise residential buildings such as Escape Stairs, Fire Doors, Exit Signage, Storey Exits, Corridor, Ventilation, and Lightning. Based on your experience, perceive and knowledge on fire safety, please circle only ONE answer for each of the following statement.

Scale 1 2 3 4 5

Strongly Disagree Neither Disagree Agree Strongly Disagree nor Agree Agree

Passive Fire Protection System

a. Do you agree conduct fire safety education programs can 1 2 3 4 5 enhance passive fire protection system?

b. Do you agree participant in fire drill can know the escape 1 2 3 4 5 route of the building?

c. Do you agree with the report to building management 1 2 3 4 5 when found any broken of fire doors, signage, staircase, lighting, etc.?

d. Do you agree clear signage important to show the exit 1 2 3 4 5 routes and location of fire safety equipment?

e. Do you agree with the store the combustible and 1 2 3 4 5 flammable material in a safer area?

f. Do you agree to implement regular housekeeping 1 2 3 4 5 procedures can enhance fire protection system?

g. Do you agree to improve the effective means of an 1 2 3 4 5 emergency escape plan in the building?

h. Do you agree to give the full cooperation to pay the 1 2 3 4 5 monthly management fee? .

151

APPENDIX F SOURCES OF CHECKLIST 152

ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION COMPONENTS

PART A: PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Questions Source

1. Is this building provided with portable fire extinguishers? Clause 227

2. Are all portable fire extinguishers in good condition? Clause 227

3. Are all portable fire extinguishers carry SIRIM product certification

logo? Source: Hamzah, A.B. (2006). Guide to Fire Protection in Malaysia (2nd ed.)

4. Are all portable fire extinguishers placed visibly along exit routes? Clause 227

5. Are all portable fire extinguishers be inspected and serviced by

licensed vendor or trained technician within the past 12 months?

Source: Hamzah, A.B. (2006). Guide to Fire Protection in Malaysia (2nd ed.)

6. Are all portable fire extinguishers have the same method of operation? Clause 227

Part B: FIRE ALARM AND DETECTION SYSTEM

Questions Source

1. Is this building installed with complete fire alarm systems? Clause 237(1)

2. Is this building installed with a break glass alarm system? Clause 237(1)

3. Is this building installed with special visible fire alarm system in addition Clause 241

to normal alarm for deaf occupants?

4. Are all fire alarm system in good condition? Clause 237(1)

5. Are all break glass alarm system in good condition? Clause 237(1)

6. Is this building installed with fire detector systems? Clause 225(1)

7. Are smoke detectors installed on or near the ceiling on the corridor? 10th Schedule

8. Are all lift lobbies provided with smoke detectors? Clause 153(1)

9. Are all smoke detectors in good condition? Clause 153(1) 153

Part C: AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM

Questions Source

1. Is this building installed with a complete sprinkler system? Clause 228 (1)

2. Are all pipes and fittings of sprinkler system painted red? Clause 248 (1)

3. Are all sprinkler head in good condition? Clause 228 (1)

4. Are all below the sprinklers free from obstruction, i.e. beam? Clause 228 (1)

Part D: RISER AND HOSE REEL SYSTEM

Questions Source

1. Is this building installed with dry riser or wet risers systems? Clause230/231

2. Are risers or wet risers provided with hose reel systems? 10th Schedule

3. Are all dry risers or wet risers in a good working condition? Clause230/231

4. Are all hose reels systems in a good working condition? 10th Schedule

5. If this building provided with wet riser system, are water pumps 10th Schedule

in a good working condition?

6. Are all pipes and fittings of the wet riser and dry riser painted red? Clause 248 (1)

Part E: FIRE LIFTS

Questions Source

1. Is this building provided with fire lifts? Clause 243 (1)

2. Are all fire lifts operate in good condition? Clause 243 (1)

3. Are all fire lifts connected by a protected corridor? Clause 243 (4)

4. Are all fire lifts located within a protected shaft? Clause 243 (3) 154

Part F: EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEM

Questions Source

1. Is this building provided with complete emergency power system Clause 253 (1)

for power and illumination for safety to life and property via storage

batteries or generator set?

2. Are the emergency power system available within 10s of interruption Clause 253 (5)

of normal supply?

3. Are all emergency lighting is undamaged? Clause 253 (5) 155

PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION COMPONENTS

PART A: ESCAPE STAIRS

Questions Source

1. Are there at least two separate escape-stairs provided from each storey? Clause 168 (1)

2. Are all escape-stairs provided with handrails? Clause 107 (1)

3. Are escape-stairs unobstructed by any obstruction? Clause 110 (1)

4. Are escape-stairs widths maintained throughout its length? Clause 168 (4)

5. Are escape-stairs widths not less than 1100mm? 7th Schedule

6. Are all escape-stairs’ riser not more than 180mm? Clause 106 (1)

7. Are all escape-stairs’ tread not less than 255mm? Clause 106 (1)

Part B: FIRE DOORS

Questions Source

1. Are all fire doors swing in the direction of escape? Clause 186 (1) Clause 196 (1)

2. Are all fire doors swung unobstructed the travel in escape stairs?

Source: Yatim, Y.M. (2009). Fire safety models for high-rise residential buildings in Malaysia. (Doctoral Dissertation). Heriot-Watt University.

3. Are all fire doors posted with signage to keep it shut always?

Source: Yatim, Y.M. (2009). Fire safety models for high-rise residential buildings in Malaysia. (Doctoral Dissertation). Heriot-Watt University.

4. Are all fire doors had minimum F.P.R. of 30 minutes? Clause 162 (3)

5. Are all fire doors self-closed when released? Clause 173 (2)

Clause 189 (2)

6. Are all fire doors fastened with devices to ensure close properly? Clause 164 (1)

7. Are all fire doors openable from the inside without using any keys? Clause 173 (1)

8. Are all fire doors easier to open, i.e. no special force required? Clause 173 (1)

9. Are all fire doors’ handle or doorknob in place and good condition? Clause 173 (2)

10. Are all fire doors in good condition? Clause 173 (1) 156

Part C: EXIT SIGNAGE

Questions Source

1. Are escape routes provided with readily visible exit signs? Clause 172 (1)

2. Is there any exit signs posted at the storey exit? Clause 172 (1)

3. Is there any exit signs posted on the enclosed wall in corridors? Clause 172 (1)

4. No any exit signs are obstructed by any obstructions? Clause 172 (1)

5. Are exit signs written word ‘KELUAR’ with an arrow and graphic Clause 172 (3)

symbol of running man towards the open door?

6. Is there any exit signs posted to show the direction to the storey exit Clause 172 (2)

if the storey exit is not immediately visible?

7. Are exit signs written with white lettering against a green background? Clause 172 (3)

8. Are exit signs in good condition? Clause 172 (4)

9. Are exit signs continuously illuminated with two electric lamps? Clause 172 (5)

Part D: STOREY EXITS AND CORRIDOR

Questions Source

1. Are all storey exits giving direct access to the escape stairs? Clause 174

2. Are all storey exits installed with fire doors? Clause 162

3. Are all storey exits leading to the final exit? Clause 174

4. Are all storey exits posted with exit signage? Clause 172 (1)

5. Are all corridor’s length not less than 700mm? Clause 181

6. Are all corridor’s width not less than 550mm? Clause 181 157

Part E: VENTILATION AND LIGHTING

Questions Source

1. Is there any natural ventilation provided on every floor or landing level? Clause 198 (1)

2. If the permanent opening or openable window provided for ventilation, Clause 198 (1)

are they at least 1m2 per floor level?

3. If not natural ventilation, is there any mechanical ventilation? Clause 200

4. Is there sufficient lighting in staircases? Clause 111

5. Is there sufficient lighting in corridors? Clause 111

160

APPENDIX G LIST OF TARGET HIGH-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

158

List of Target High-Rise Residential Building

No. Building Name Address Contact Remarks Number 1 Nusa Perdana Jalan Persiaran Nusa 07-5302163 Approved Service Apartment Perdana, 81550 Gelang Patah, Johor. 2 Villa Krystal C-G-10, Jalan Silat 07-5113954 Approved Apartment Lincah, Bandar Selesa Jaya, 81300 Skudai, Johor. 3 Kipark Apartment #04-03 BLK A, Jalan 07-2360205 Approved Titiwangsa 1, Kip Villah Indah, Taman Tampoi Indah, 81200 Johor Bahru. 4 Dwi Mahkota Dwi Mahkota 07-2382791 Approved Condominium Kondominium, Susur 1/11, Jalan Persiaran Tanjung, Taman Bukit Alif, 81200 Tampoi, Johor Bahru. 5 Persiaran Tanjung PTD 64142, Jalan 07-2364055 Approved Apartment Persiaran Tanjung, Taman Bukit Aliff, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor. 6 Sri Kenari Jalan Persisiran 07-2411506 Approved Apartment Titiwangsa Utama, Taman Tampoi Indah, 81200, Johor Bahru, Johor. 7 Desa Skudai Block 2, Desa Skudai 07-5563210 Approved Apartment Apartment, Jalan Sejahtera 15, Taman Desa Skudai, 81300, Skudai, Johor Bahru. 8 Sri Akasia Sri Akasia Apartment, 07-2418445 Rejected Apartment Jalan Titiwangsa Utama, Taman Tampoi Indah, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor. 9 Pulai View Jalan Bertingkat Skudai, Rejected Apartment Taman Kobena, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor. 10 Riverria Jalan Sri Perkasa 2, Taman Rejected Condovilla Tampoi Utama, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor. 159

11 Sri Wangi Sri Wangi Apartment, Rejected Apartment Jalan Titiwangsa Utama, Taman Tampoi Indah, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor. 12 Skudai Parade SK Batu 10 Muhibbah, Rejected Apartment Jalan Bertingkat Skudai, 81300 Johor Bahru, Johor. 13 Indah Court 23/2, Jalan Indah 29/4, Rejected Apartment Taman Bukit Indah 2, 79100 Nusajaya, Johor. 14 Villa Bestari Jalan Nb2 10/2, Skudai, Rejected Apartment 81300 Johor Bahru, Johor. 15 Perling Apartment Jalan Undan 8, Taman Rejected Perling, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor.