In Malaysia, the increasing prevalence of high-rise buildings necessitates stringent fire safety measures to protect occupants and property. Among these measures, fire-rated doors play a pivotal role in preventing the rapid spread of fire and smoke, thereby providing crucial time for evacuation and firefighting efforts.

Understanding Fire-Rated Doors

Fire-rated doors are specially designed to withstand the passage of fire and smoke for a specified period, typically ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours. These doors are constructed using materials such as steel, timber, or a combination of both, and are equipped with intumescent seals that expand when exposed to heat, sealing gaps and preventing the spread of fire and smoke.

Regulatory Framework in Malaysia

The Fire Services Act 1988 and the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) 1984 serve as the cornerstone of fire safety regulations in Malaysia. According to these regulations, all fire-rated doors must obtain approval from the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (BOMBA) in the form of a ‘Sijil Perakuan Bahan BOMBA’ to be legally sold and used in the country .

Furthermore, the Malaysian Standard MS 1073: Part 3: 1996 (AMD 1:2003) outlines the requirements for fire-resistant doors, ensuring that these doors meet the necessary performance criteria .

Importance in High-Rise Buildings

High-rise buildings, due to their height and complexity, present unique challenges in the event of a fire. Fire-rated doors are essential in these structures for several reasons:

1. Compartmentalisation: Fire-rated doors help compartmentalise different sections of a building, limiting the spread of fire and smoke to other areas. This containment allows for safer evacuation and more effective firefighting operations.
2. Protection of Escape Routes: Stairwells and corridors serve as primary escape routes during a fire. Installing fire-rated doors in these areas ensures that these routes remain passable and safe for occupants to evacuate.
3. Compliance with Regulations: Adhering to BOMBA’s requirements for fire-rated doors is not just a legal obligation but also a critical component of a building’s fire safety strategy. Non-compliance can lead to penalties and, more importantly, jeopardise the safety of the building’s occupants .

Selecting the Right Fire-Rated Doors

When choosing fire-rated doors for high-rise buildings, several factors must be considered:

• Fire Resistance Rating: Depending on the building’s design and usage, fire-rated doors with appropriate resistance ratings should be selected. For instance, 1-hour or 2-hour fire-rated doors are commonly used in high-rise buildings to provide adequate protection.
• Materials and Construction: The materials used in the construction of fire-rated doors should comply with BOMBA’s standards and be tested for fire resistance. Certified manufacturers, such as OTM Group, offer a range of fire-rated doors that meet these stringent requirements .
• Installation and Maintenance: Proper installation and regular maintenance of fire-rated doors are crucial to ensure their effectiveness during a fire. This includes checking the functionality of door closers, seals, and ensuring that doors are not obstructed or modified in a way that compromises their fire resistance.

Case Study: The Importance of Fire-Rated Doors

The tragic fire at the Campbell Shopping Complex in Kuala Lumpur in 1976, which resulted in the destruction of the building and significant loss of property, underscores the critical importance of fire safety measures in high-rise buildings . While the specifics of the fire-rated doors’ performance in this incident are not detailed, the event highlights the need for comprehensive fire safety strategies, including the installation of certified fire-rated doors, to protect lives and property.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fire-rated doors are an indispensable component of fire safety in high-rise buildings in Malaysia. Compliance with BOMBA’s regulations and adherence to Malaysian Standards ensure that these doors provide the necessary protection in the event of a fire. Building owners and developers must prioritise the selection, installation, and maintenance of certified fire-rated doors to safeguard the lives of occupants and the integrity of the building structure. By doing so, they contribute to a safer built environment for all.