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Objective:
To mitigate fire risks in the growing number of mechanical/automated parking systems in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings.
Major Provisions:
Detection and Alarm
- Smoke and heat detectors must be installed at each parking level, including ramps.
- These detectors must be part of an addressable fire alarm system.
Fire Suppression
- Sprinkler systems must cover:
- Parking floors
- Vehicle lifts and stackers
- Pit areas of automated systems
- Minimum sprinkler density: 10.2 mm/min over 9 m² (per NBC).
Fire Resistance and Structure
- Mechanical components and shafts must have:
- 120-minute fire resistance.
- Fire dampers in HVAC ducts.
- Fire-rated access doors to vertical shafts.
Emergency Access
- Dedicated fire exit stairs independent of mechanical shafts.
- Emergency stairwell to be pressurized and separated by fire-rated walls.
- Signage and photoluminescent exit paths mandatory.
Ventilation
- Minimum air change:
- 6 ACH (Air Changes per Hour) for normal use.
- Emergency exhaust fans (with fire-rated wiring) to be linked with detectors.
Power Backup
- 100% DG backup for:
- Fire pump
- Fire alarm system
- Emergency lights
- Mechanical parking motors (for evacuation of vehicles)
