International Journal on Engineering Performance-Based Fire Codes, Volume 3, Number 1, p.16-24, 2001 16 ON EVALUATING BUILDING FIRE SAFETY FOR BUSINESS OCCUPANCIES W.K. Chow and Gigi C.H. Lui Department of Building Services Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China (Received 30 March 2001; Accepted 2 April 2001) ABSTRACT Fire safety evaluation for business occupancies in Hong Kong is studied in this paper. Local fire safety codes were briefly outlined and compared with the safety parameters of the Fire Safety Evaluation System, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA-FSES). Main differences in the rating of flame spread for interior finishes, different views on calculating the travel distances for means of escape, and classification of dead-ends are identified. Based on the study, a fire safety ranking system is proposed by assigning possible scores to different attributes. 1. INTRODUCTION Consequent to several big building fires in the past years [e.g. 1], people are now starting to concern about fire safety. New fire codes [2-6] are implemented. Though there is not yet engineering performance-based fire codes [e.g. 7], the engineering approach would also be considered [8]. The Authorities are now starting to review the fire safety aspects and the fire protection systems installed in existing buildings [9]. However, it is impossible to implement codes which are not supported by advanced research and development works. Out of all types of building uses, ‘business occupancies’ [10] including prescribed and specified buildings for offices, business trades, supermarkets, banks or any entertainment [6], should be studied urgently. Occupants are supposed to be awake and alert in these buildings. However, they might not be so familiar with the building environment as in their homes, depending on the business nature [11]. There might be crowds of people staying in there and visitors might even have difficulties in locating the toilet. How about finding the escape routes in case of fire? In this paper, how fire safety provision for business occupancies should be upgraded is investigated. The local fire codes [2-5] were reviewed to give a clearer picture. The fire safety evaluation system proposed by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), labeled as NFPA-FSES [12-15] in this paper, was studied. Differences between the NFPA-FSES and the local fire codes were pointed out. Based on the study, points to note in working out a ranking system [16-19] for assessing fire safety for local buildings used for business occupancies were illustrated. 2. REVIEW OF LOCAL FIRE SAFETY CODES Building fire safety is ensured by the implementation of various statutory regulations on passive building protection and on the provision of active fire services installations. The safety aspects on building structures and evacuation routes are taken care of by the Buildings Department (BD); and the active fire protection systems (or fire services installations) by the Fire Services Department (FSD). y Passive building protection is based on: - Buildings Ordinance, Chapter 123 [20]. - Building (Planning) Regulations, Chapter 123 subsidiary legislation [21]. - Code of Practice for Means of Access for Firefighting and Rescue (MoA code) [2]. - Code of Practice for Fire Resisting Construction (FRC code) [3]. - Code of Practice for the Provision of Means of Escape In Case of Fire (MoE code) [4]. Under the Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123), design layouts of the premises would not be approved by the Building Authority if they do not meet the minimum requirements as stated in the codes. For example, requirements described in the FRC code are: