Circular No. 01/2020/TT-BXD Technical Regulation on Fire Safety of Buildings and Constructions

CIRCULAR

On promulgating the National Technical Regulation on Fire Safety of Buildings and Constructions

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Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 81/2017/ND-CP dated July 17, 2020, on defining the functions, tasks, powers and organizational structure of the Ministry of Construction;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 127/2007/ND-CP dated August 01, 2007, on detailing a number of articles of the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 78/2018/ND-CP dated May 16, 2018 on amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Government’s Decree No. 127/2007/ND-CP dated August 01, 2007, on detailing a number of articles of the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations;

At the proposal of the Director of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment,

The Minister of Construction hereby issues the Circular on promulgating the National Technical Regulation on Fire Safety of Buildings and Constructions - QCVN 06:2020/BXD.

Article 1.To promulgate together with this Circular the National Technical Regulation on Fire Safety of Buildings and Constructions - QCVN 06:2020/BXD.

Article 2.This Circular takes effects on July 01, 2020 and replaces the Ministry of Construction’s Circular No. 07/2010/TT-BXD dated July 28, 2010 on promulgating the National Technical Regulation on Fire Safety of Buildings and Constructions - QCVN 06:2010/BXD.

Article 3.Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, heads of government-attached agencies, Chairpersons of People’s Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities, and related organizations and individuals shall be responsible for the implementation of this Circular./.

THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM

QCVN 06:2020/BXD

NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATION ON FIRE SAFETY OF BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTIONS

HANOI - 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

2. TECHNICAL CLASSIFICATION ON FIRE

3. SAFETY ASSURANCE FOR PEOPLE

4. PREVENTION OF FIRE SPREAD

5. WATER SUPPLY FOR FIREFIGHTING

6. FIREFIGHTING AND RESCUE

7. MANAGEMENT PROVISIONS

8. RESPONSIBILITIES OF ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS

9. IMPLEMENTATION ORGANIZATION

Appendix A: Additional regulations on fire-safety for some specific buildings

Appendix B: Classification of building materials in term of fire characteristics

Appendix C: Classification of buildings and rooms in term of fire and explosion hazard

Appendix D: Regulations on smoke protection for buildings and constructions

Appendix E: Requirements for fire-safety distance among buildings and constructions

Appendix F: Nominal fire resistance limit of some structural components

Appendix G: Regulations on travel distance to exits and exit width

Appendix H: Some regulations on the limitation on the number of stories (allowable height) and the area of fire chamber of the building

Appendix I (reference): Some illustrations

Preface

QCVN 06:2020/BXD is prepared by the Institute of Science and Technology, submitted by the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, appraised by the Ministry of Science and Technology and promulgated together with the Minister of Construction’s Circular No. 01/2020/TT-BXD dated April 06, 2020 by the Ministry of Construction.

QCVN 06:2020/BXD replaces QCVN 06:2010/BXD attached to the Minister of Construction’s Circular No. 01/2020/TT-BXD dated April 06, 2020.

NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATION ON FIRE SAFETY OF BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTIONS

1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

1.1. Scope of application

1.1.1. This Regulation specifies general requirements for fire safety of rooms, buildings and constructions (hereinafter collectively referred to as “buildings”) which must be applied in all stages of construction, innovation, repair or change of purposes and provide fire-related technical classification for buildings, components and sections of buildings, rooms, construction components and construction materials.

1.1.2. Parts 3, 4, 5 and 6 of this Regulation do not apply to buildings constructed for special purposes (buildings for manufacturing or preserving explosive substances and/or materials; buildings for storing oil, oil products, natural gas, flammable gas and/or substances liable to spontaneous combustion; buildings for manufacturing or storing toxic chemicals; buildings for national defense purposes; underground parts of subway structures; mining buildings; etc.).

1.1.3. Apart from regulations in 1.1.2, regulations in Part 5 of this Regulation do not apply to the following subjects, includingcereal preservation and processing facilitiesand buildings; gas stations; power stations (buildings and constructions for generating thermal power, hydropower, steam generating facilities for producing heat, power plants for heat, wind, diesel energy and power grids).

1.1.4. Apart from regulations in 1.1.2, regulations in Part 5 of this Regulation do not apply tofire extinguishing systemsfor suppressing fire caused by metal or strong chemically-active substances and materials which when contacts with water will cause explosions, createflammable gas and extreme heat, e.g. compounds of aluminum-organic matters, alkali metals, compounds of lithium-organic matters, azure lead, hydrides of aluminum, zinc, magnesium, sulfuric acid, titanium chloride and thermite.

1.1.5. Standards and requirements for fire safety of standard documents in construction sectors must be developed based on this Regulation.

In addition to this Regulation, other requirements for fire safety that are specified in other standard documents applied to specific buildings and constructions must be complied with. In cases where standard documents developed based on this Regulation are not available, specific regulations in applicable standards shall be permitted for use until such standards are reexamined, foreign applicable standards that fulfill this Regulation and Vietnam’s law provisions on fire prevention and fighting, and application of foreign standards in construction in Vietnam shall be permitted for use.

In cases where applicable standard documents related to fire prevention and fighting for buildings and constructions have specific technical requirements other than those of this Regulation, the provisions of this Regulation shall prevail.

1.1.6. Design documents and technical documents of buildings, parts, construction components and construction materials must specify all fire-related technical properties in accordance with this Regulation.

1.1.7.In cases of designing and constructing buildings and constructions, in addition to this Regulation, other regulations and compulsory technical requirements must be complied with according to applicable law, namely: planning, architecture, structure, water supply and drainage system, electrical system, electric equipment, lightning arresters, fuel supply system, energy saving, ventilation systems, air conditioning, mechanical affairs, glass safety, falling and collision prevention.

1.1.8. With regard to buildings or constructions used for manufacturing products and goods of groups F5.1 and F5.2 as prescribed in 2.6.4 that have no more than 01 basement (also known as “industrial buildings”), in addition to provisions under this Regulation, regulations on fire safety in A.1 under Appendix A must be complied with.

1.1.9.With regard to buildings belonging to functional fire hazard categories F1.2 and F4.3 and multi-purpose buildings whose height ranges from 50 m to 150 m (with no more than 03 basements^[1]), in addition to provisions under this Regulation,  regulations on fire safety in A.2 under Appendix A must be complied with. With regard to buildings belonging to functional fire hazard category F1.3 whose height ranges from 75 m to 150 m, in addition to provisions under this Regulation, the Regulation QCVN 04:2019/BXD must be complied with.

1.1.10. With regard to buildings that do not have fire safety standards and buildings under functional fire hazard categories F1.2, F1.3 and F4.3, multi-purpose buildings whose height exceeds 150 m or having 04 basements or more and particularly complicated and unusual buildings, in addition to provisions of this Regulation, technical requirements and solutions regarding organization and technical structure conforming to specific fire safety characteristics of such buildings based on applicable standard documents must be developed. Such requirements and solutions must be approved byPolice Department of Fire and Rescue.

1.1.11. In specific cases, Ministry of Construction may only allow specific constructions to replace certain provisions of this Regulation if written presentation submitted to Ministry of Construction specifies additional and substitutional solutions or points out sufficient basis of calculations for ensuring fire safety for such specific construction. Such requirements and solutions must be appraised by the Vietnam Fire and Rescue Police Department before submitted to the Ministry of Construction.

1.1.12. In cases of changing purposes or methods of planning distribution – spaces and structure of existing buildings or rooms of such buildings, this Regulation and standard documents for such changes shall be applied.

1.1.13. Individual residential buildings for households whose height reaches 06 stories or lower or having no more than 01 basement are not required to comply with this Regulation but follow separate guidelines suitable for each building and residential area.

In cases where buildings that require appraisal of fire safety design are converted for other purposes, it must comply with this Regulation and be approved bythe competent Police Department of Fire and Rescue.

1.2. Subjects of application

This Regulation applies to organizations and individuals related to investment in construction, management and use of residential buildings and industrial buildings in Vietnam territory.

1.3 Reference documents

The following reference documents are vital for application of this Regulation. In cases where the following reference documents are amended or replaced, the new version shall prevail.

TCVN 3890:2009 Fire prevention and suppression equipment for buildings and constructions. Equipment, placement and maintenance.

TCVN 9310-4:2012 Fire prevention and suppression - Terminology - Part 4: Fire extinction equipment.

TCVN 9310-8:2012 Fire prevention and suppression - Terminology - Part 8: Terminology for fire suppression, rescue and handling of dangerous materials.

TCVN 9311-1:2012 Fire resistance test - Structural components of buildings - Part 1: General requirements.

TCVN 9311-3:2012 Fire resistance test of structural components of buildings - Part 3: Guidelines on testing methods and application of test figures.

TCVN 9311-4:2012 Fire resistance test of structural components of buildings - Part 4: Separate requirements of separate bearings to take vertical load.

TCVN 9311-5:2012 Fire resistance test of structural components of buildings - Part 5: Separate requirements of separate bearings to take horizontal load.

TCVN 9311-6:2012 Fire resistance test of structural components of buildings - Part 6: Separate requirements for beams.

TCVN 9311-7:2012 Fire resistance test of structural components of buildings - Part 7: Separate requirements for pillars.

TCVN 9311-8:2012 Fire resistance test of structural components of buildings - Part 8: Separate requirements for vertical separate non-bearing structures.

TCVN 9383:2012 Fire resistance test - Doors and fire stop doors.

1.4. Interpretation of terms

In this regulation, the terms below are construed as follows:

1.4.1. Fire safetyof buildings and constructions(work items)

Referring to the satisfaction of requirements onmaterial properties and construction structures, architecture and planning solutions, and technical and technological solutions, which are suitable to usage of the constructions to prevent fire (fire prevention), limit the spread,extinguish the fire(fire suppression), prevent dangerous factors harmful to humans, and minimize property damage in case of fire.

1.4.2. Parking lots for fire engines

Referring to roads with finished surface capable of withstanding a heavy load, which are constructed along the circumference or part of the circumference of the buildings, allowing firefighting vehicles to carry out firefighting activities.

NOTE: Compared with roads for fire engines, parking lots for fire engines are designed to withstand a greater load and have a larger dimension for the deployment of firefighting vehicles.

1.4.3. Fire protection

Referring to a combination of organization measures and technical solutions to prevent dangerous factors of fire from affecting humans as well as to curb property damage due to fire.

1.4.4. Fire resistance levels

Referring to fire resistance ability of buildings that isclassified into levels from I to V and is determined by fire resistance limits ofmain construction structures (Articles 1.5.1 and 2.6.2).

1.4.5.Smoke control devices

Referring to devices used to divert, contain and/or prevent the spread of smoke (gaseous product of fire).

NOTE: Smoke control devicesmay also be referred to as smoke curtains, smoke blinds and smoke screens.

1.4.6. Fire hazard levels of construction components

Referring to a characteristic to classify construction components based on different levels of parameters of fire test results for constituent materials of construction components in accordance with specified standards.

NOTE: (consult 2.3 and Appendix B)

1.4.7. Structural fire hazard levels of buildings

Structural fire hazard levels of buildings are determined according to fire hazard levels of main construction components of the buildings.

1.4.8. Height

In this Regulation,height means height forfire prevention, fighting and rescueand is defined as follows:Except for special cases,height of a building shall be determined by the height of the topmost story,excluding the topmost mechanical story.The height where a story is situated shall bedetermined by the distance from the lowest road surface for fire engines to the lowest edge of an opening window on the outer wall of such story.. In case of no windows, the height where a story is situated shall equal half of total altitude of the floor and ceiling of such story.

1.4.9. Solid stream height

Equaling 0.8 timesthe height of a vertical stream.

1.4.10. Accessible floor area

Referring to the floor area of ​​all covered spacesin a building or part of a building,including area of service ducts, elevator shafts, toilets, staircases, and areas occupied by fixed or movable furniture, equipment, facilities and anyopen-air living spacesabove or below the first floor of the building.

1.4.11. Roads for fire engines

Referring to roads that are designed to enable firefighting vehicles to arrive and move within a facility to perform fire prevention, fighting and rescue activities.

1.4.12. Fire resistance limits

Referring toperiod (in hours or minutes) from the beginning of fire resistance tests according to standard heat level  untilany of the limit states of structure and components appear (Article 2.3.2).

1.4.13. Fire emergency holding areas

Referring to areas located in refuge floors for temporary evacuation in case of fire.

1.4.14. Technical rooms

Referring to rooms for storing technical equipment and devices of the buildings or stories. Technical rooms can be situated on the whole or part of technical floors.

1.4.15. Open corridors

Referring to corridors with ventilation holes receiving uninterrupted ventilation from the outside along the length of the corridors, with clearance height from the top of the retaining wallat the edge of the corridor upwardsnot less than 1.2 m.

1.4.16. Fire protection systems

Fire protection systems include: Smoke protection systems, indoor fire hydrant systems, outdoor hydrant booster systems, automatic fire suppression systems, fire alarm and public audio systems, emergency lighting and instruction systems, firefighting lifts, evacuation and rescue equipment, structure solutions, evacuation exit solutions, smoke control measures and fire spread prevention measures.

1.4.17. Fire hydrants

Referring to a combination of specialized equipment including pre-installed valves and nozzles to deliver water to extinguish fire.

1.4.18. Fire chambers

Referring to a part of a building that is separated from other parts by fire stop walls of class 1.

1.4.19. Antechamber

Referring to a transitional space between two doors to prevent smoke and other gases from entering the buildings, staircases or other rooms of the buildings.

1.4.20. Fire stop antechambers

Referring to antechambers that are constructed from materials having fire resistance limits in accordance with prescribed regulations (consult 2.4.3).

1.4.21. Smoke

Referring to gas generated by partially burnt materials which are in liquid form and/or solid form.

1.4.22. Protective concrete layers and thickness of protective concrete layers

- Referring to the concrete coatings from the edge of the structure to the nearest surface of reinforce bars.

- Thickness of the protective concrete layers refers to the thickness calculated from the edge of the structure to the nearest surface of the reinforce bars.

1.4.23. Flame

Referring to burning zone in gas phase within visible spectrum.

1.4.24. Buildings

Referring to a construction whose main functions is to protect and shelter human or interior contents; usually covered partially or totally and constructed fixed in place. Buildings include civil buildings (houses, condominiums, public buildings and multi-purposes buildings) and industrial buildings.

1.4.25. Condominiums

Referring to a building with 02 stories or higher, with multiple apartments, shared corridors and stairs, private sections, shared sections and infrastructure systems mutually shared by all households, individuals and organizations, including condominiums constructed for residential purposes, mixed purposes and business purposes.

1.4.26. Multi-purposes buildings

Referring to a building for multiple purposes (e.g. a building designed for office, commercial service, residential and public activity purposes).

NOTE: A building under function fire hazard category depending on its defined purpose, with total area for another purpose (other than residential purpose) which is to assist the primary purpose is no larger than 10% of total floor area for the assisted purpose shall not be considered as a multi-purpose building.

1.4.27. Functional fire hazard category

Referring to a characteristic to classify buildings (or their components) based on use purposes and factors potentially threatening human safety in case of fire, taking into accounting of age, physiques and chances of persons sleeping, etc. of group of individuals using the primary purposes.

1.4.28. Fire hazards of construction materials

Referring to a characteristic of construction materials, based on different levels of experiment results of combusting materials in accordance with prescribed standards.

1.4.29. Fire prevention

Referring to a combination of organizational and technical measures to ensure safety for human, prevent fire incidents, limit the spread of fire, and facilitate effective fire suppression.

1.4.30. Compartment volume

Referring to volume of space within a building or a fire compartment. This volume does not include walls of protected elevators, escape staircases and other spaces (e.g. toilet areas and storage rooms) covered by walls with fire resistance limits less than 01 hour and corridors passing through walls protected by fire stop doors of class 2 installed with automatic door closing mechanisms. Compartment volume shall be calculated based on the following dimensions:

a) Clearance area is calculated based on distance between finished inner surfaces of surrounding walls, or in case of all surfaces without surrounding walls, calculated from a vertical surface to the topmost outer edge of the floor.

b) Height is calculated based on distance fromthe upper surface of the lower floor to the lower surface of the upper floor; and

c) In case of a building or fire compartment that extends to the ceiling, calculating up to the lower surface of the roof or the lower surface of the ceiling ofthe top floor inin a fire compartment, including spaces occupied by unprotected walls, vertical shafts, service ducts, or structure within the calculated space.

1.4.31. Smoke control lobby

Referring to a lobby situated outside of entrance to an emergency staircases. Design of the lobby must be able to prevent or minimize the ingress of smoke into staircases.

1.4.32. Elevator lobby

Referring to empty space in front of elevator entrance.

1.4.33. Stories

Stories of a building include all stories above ground (including technical floors and roof deck), basements and semi-basements, excluding attic.

NOTE: A roof deck shall not be taken into account for total number of story of a building if its primary function is to cover staircases/elevator shafts and technical equipment of the building (if any) with ceiling not exceeding 30% of rooftop area.

1.4.34. Fire incident

Referring to uncontrolled fire that leads to losses in terms of human and/or assets.

1.4.35. Burning

Referring to anexothermic oxidation reaction of a substanceaccompanied by any of the 03 factors: flame, light and smoke.

1.4.36. Standard documents

Referring to documents prescribing principles, guidelines or properties for certain activities or their results.

NOTE 1: The term “Standard documents” is a general terminology including documents namely technical standards and regulations, practice regulations and technical regulations.

NOTE 2: “Documents” shall be interpreted as containers of information.

NOTE 3: Terms for different form of standard documents shall be identified by considering the documents and contents thereof as a whole entity.

1.4.37. Fire loading

Referring to total heat that is generated by burning of combustible materials within a building space.

1.4.38. Attic

Referring to the floor within the space of pitched roof whose entire or part of vertical surface is created by pitched roof or gable roof; in which surrounding walls (if any) must not be more than 1.5 m from the floor.

1.4.39. Basement

Referring to a floor with more than half of its height situated below ground according to approved construction planning.

NOTE: When considering the fire safety requirements for buildings surrounded with different ground stories, stories below ground story according to approved plan shall not be considered as basements if evacuation exits from that story are not constructed upwards.

1.4.40. Refuge floor

Referring to a floor for temporary evacuation situated in buildings higher than 100 m. A refuge floor may have one or many rooms of refuge.

1.4.41. Semi-basement

Referring to a story with half of its height at ground story or above ground story on which the building is constructed according to approved planning.

1.4.42. Technical floor

Referring to a story or part of a story where technical rooms and technical equipment of the building are stored. Technical floors can be basements, semi-basements, attics, topmost story or any story in-between the building.

1.4.43. Ground floor

Referring to a story whose flooris higher than or equal to the groundstory on which the building is constructed according to approved planning.

1.4.44. Firefighting lifts

Referring to a lift primarily installed to carry passengers, equipped with protection control and communication systems and marked with signs dictating that the elevator shall be used under direct operation of fire brigade to provide access to stories of a building in case of fire.

1.4.45. Smoked zone

Referring to a zone in a building that is limited or surrounded with smoke control devices or structural components to prevent the spread of smoke in case of fire.

NOTE: Consult Appendix D, Section D.7.

1.4.46. Fire protection for structure

Using the measures of impregnation, coating or covering of protective coatings on structural components to enhance fire resistance and/or reduce fire risks of such structural components.

1.5. General provisions

1.5.1.When designing a building, structure, clearance - space distribution and technical solutions must be developed in order to fulfill following requirements in case of fire:

- The building must be able to maintain overall structural integrity and endurance in a specific period determined by such building’s fire resistance levels.

- Every individual in the building (regardless of age and health conditions) may evacuate to outside safe areas (hereinafter referred to as “outside”) before emergence of dangerous situations threatening to their life and health in cases of fire.

- Being able to rescue people.

- Fire brigade and vehicles can access the fire and adopt measures to extinguish the fire, rescue people as well as properties.

- Preventing the fire from spreading to neighboring buildings, including the cases in which the burning building collapses.

- Minimizing direct and indirect losses of assets, including the building and interior properties, taking into account financial relationship between the damage and expenditure on fire safety measures and equipment.

1.5.2. In the process of construction, the following requirements must be satisfied:

- Taking fire safety measures conforming to applicable regulations and standards, and approved as prescribed.

- Fulfilling the requirements on fire prevention and fighting for buildings under construction and auxiliary constructions and regulations on fire prevention in construction according to applicable regulations and law on fire prevention.

- Ensuring availability and readiness of firefighting equipment as prescribed.

- Ensuring safe evacuation, human rescue and asset protection in case of fire on construction sites and buildings under construction.

1.5.3.In the process of utilization and operation, the following requirements must be satisfied:

- Retaining structure and interior of the building and working capacity of firefighting equipment according to design documents and technical documents thereof.

- Complying with applicable law provisions on fire prevention and fighting.

- Restricting from changing structure or clearance - space distribution and structure technical solutions without having approved design as prescribed.

- Upon repair, restricting from using components and materials unsatisfactory to applicable regulations and standards.

In case of buildings licensed with limited fire loading or number of people in buildings, place notice on such limitations in visible spots, managers of the buildings must develop separate solutions for fire prevention and evacuation in case of fire.

1.5.4.Analyzing fire hazards of buildings may take into account situations calculated based on correlation between: development and spread of dangerous factors in a fire, human evacuation and firefighting organization.

2. TECHNICAL CLASSIFICATION ON FIRE

2.1. General provisions

2.1.1. Buildings, building components and parts, rooms, construction materials and components shall be classified technically on fire based on the following properties:

- Fire hazard: ability to start and develop elements of fire hazard.

- Fire resistance: ability to resist effect of the fire and prevent the spread of dangerous elements of the fire.

2.1.2.Technical classification on fire is carried out for the purpose of establishing necessary requirements for fire protection for structure, rooms, buildings, components and parts of buildings based on their fire resistance and/or fire hazard.

2.2. Construction materials

2.2.1. With regard to fire safety, construction materials shall be characterized with only their fire hazard.

Fire hazard of construction materials shall be determined based on the following fire-related technical properties:  flammability, combustibility, ability to spread the fire on surfaces, and ability to produce smoke and toxic substances.

2.2.2. With regard to flammability, construction materials shall be classified as non-flammable construction materials and flammable construction materials. Flammable materials shall be divided into 04 categories:

- Ch1 (mildly flammable).

- Ch2 (moderately flammable).

- Ch3 (flammable).

- Ch4 (highly flammable).

Flammability and groups of construction materials classified according to flammability are determined in accordance with Appendix B, Section B.2.

With regard to non-flammable construction materials, fire hazard and other properties are not required to be determined.

2.2.3. With regard to combustibility, flammable construction materials shall be divided into 03 categories:

- BC1 (hardly combustible).

- BC2 (moderately combustible).

- BC3 (combustible).

Groups of construction materials classified according to combustibility are determined in accordance with Appendix B, Section B.3.

2.2.4. With regard to surface fire spread, flammable construction materials shall be divided into 04 categories:

- LT1 (no spread).

- LT2 (weak spread).

- LT3 (moderate spread).

- LT4 (fast spread).

Groups of construction materials classified according to ability to spread fire on surfaces are specified for surface materials of roofs, floors and flooring materials in accordance with Appendix B, Section B.4.

With regard to other construction materials, classification regarding ability to spread fire on surfaces is not required to be determined.

2.2.5. With regard to ability to produce smoke, flammable construction materials shall be divided into 03 categories:

- SK1 (low smoke production).

- SK2 (moderate smoke production).

- SK3 (high smoke production).

Groups of construction materials classified according to ability to produce smoke are determined in accordance with Appendix B, Section B.5.

2.2.6. With regard to toxicity of combustion products, flammable construction materials shall be divided into 04 categories:

- DT1 (low toxicity).

- DT2 (moderate toxicity).

- DT3 (high toxicity).

- DT4 (particularly high toxicity).

Groups of construction materials classified according to toxicity of combustion products are determined in accordance with Appendix B, Section B.6.

2.3. Construction components

2.3.1. Construction components shall be characterized by fire resistance and fire hazard.

Fire resistance of a component is represented by such component’s fire resistance limit. Fire hazard of a component is represented by such component’s fire hazard level.

2.3.2. Fire resistance limits of construction components are determined by a period of time (in minutes) from the beginning of fire resistance tests according to standard heat level until one or several consecutive signs of limit states specified for the components appear:

- Loss of bearing capacity (bearing capacity is denoted by the letter “R”).

- Loss of integrity (integrity is denoted by the letter “E”).

- Loss of thermal insulation capacity (thermal insulation capacity is denoted by the letter “I”).

NOTE 1: Fire resistance limits of construction materials shall be determined by fire resistance test in accordance with standards from TCVN 9311-1:2012 to TCVN 9311-8:2012 or equivalent standards. Fire resistance limits of construction materials can be determined by calculation according to applicable fire resistance design standards.

Fire resistance limits of air ducts shall be determined in accordance with ISO 6944 or equivalent standards.

Fire resistance limits of fire suppression valves of ventilation systems shall be determined in accordance with ISO 10294.

Fire resistance limits of doors, windows and door bars shall be determined in accordance with TCVN 9383:2012.

NOTE 2: Required fire resistance limits of specific construction components are specified in this Regulation and technical regulations for each type of construction. Fire resistance limits of construction components are denoted by REI, EI, RE or R accompanied bycorresponding indexes ofduration of fire impact in minutes. E.g. A component with fire-resistance limit of REI 120 means the component must retain all 03 capacities simultaneously, namely bearing capacity, integrity and thermal insulation capacity under impact of fire for 120 minutes; a component with fire resistance limit of R 60 means the component must retain bearing capacity for 60 minutes regardless of integrity and thermal insulation capacity.

NOTE 3: One construction component shall be considered to satisfy the requirements for fire resistance (fire resistance limits) if any of following conditions is satisfied:

a) The components have the same technical properties as samples of fire resistance test and such samples have fire resistance limits not less than the required fire resistance limits of those components.

b) The components have the same technical properties as components specified in Appendix F and corresponding fire resistance limits specified in Appendix F must be not less than required fire resistance limits of such components.

c) Fire resistance limits of components determined by calculation according to applicable fire resistance design standards must be not less than required fire resistance limits of such components.

2.3.3. With regard to fire hazard, construction components shall be divided into 04 categories:

- K0 (no fire hazard).

- K1 (mild fire hazard).

- K2 (moderate fire hazard).

- K3 (fire hazard).

NOTE 1: Fire hazard of components are developed based on testing in accordance with applicable Vietnamese standards or equivalent standards.

NOTE 2: Fire hazard levels of components may be determined without testing as follows:

- In cases where the components are made solely from non-flammable materials, they shall be classified as K0.

- In cases where outer surfaces of the components are made from materials with fire-related technical requirements no higher than Ch1, BC1 and SK1, they shall be classified as K1.

- In cases where outer surfaces of the components are made from materials with fire-related technical requirements no higher than Ch2, BC2 and SK2, they shall be classified as K2.

- In cases where outer surfaces of the components are made from materials with any of the fire-related technical requirements being Ch3, BC3 and SK3, they shall be classified as K3.

2.4. Firestopping components

2.4.1. Firestopping components are used to preventing fire and other combustion products from spreading from a fire chamber or a room with fire to other rooms.

Firestopping components include fire stop walls, fire stop partitionsfire stop partitions and fire stop floors.

2.4.2 Firestopping components shall be characterized by fire resistance and fire hazard.

Fire resistance of a fire prevention device shall be determined by fire resistance of its components, including:

 Separating sections (partitions, walls, floors, etc.).

 Components for stabilizing separating sections (frames, rebar, etc.).

 Components for supporting separating sections (supporting beams, supporting sides, supporting walls, etc.).

 Connecting details of such components.

Fire resistance limits based on bearing capacity (R) of components for stabilizing separating sections, components for supporting separating sections and connecting details of such components must not be lower than required fire resistance limits of the separating sections.

Fire hazard of firestopping components shall be determined by fire hazard of separating sections, components for stabilizing separating sections and connecting details.

2.4.3. Firestopping components shall be classified based on fire resistance limits of separating sections as shown in Table 1. In cases where separating sections are installed with doors, gates, trapdoors, air valves, windows and blinds (hereinafter collectively referred to as “fire stop doors and valves”) or antechambers (fire stop antechambers), fire stop doors, fire stop valves and fire stop antechambers must have the ability to prevent fire spread in accordance with type of firestopping components prescribed in Table 1.

Table 1 – Classification of firestopping components

Fire resistance limits of fire stop doors and valves in firestopping components are specified in Table 2.

Fire resistance limits of components of fire stop antechambers (fire stop partitions, floors, doors and valves) in fire stop doors and valve of firestopping components must comply with provisions specified in Table 3.

Type 1 firestopping components must have K0 fire hazard level. In special cases, K1 fire hazard level in type 2 to type 4 firestopping components may be utilized.

Table 2 – Fire resistance limits of fire stop doors and valves in firestopping components

Table 3 – Fire resistance limits of components of antechambers of fire stop doors and valves in firestopping components

2.5. Stairs and staircases

2.5.1 Stairs and staircases used for emergency exit shall be classified into the following categories:

NOTE: Appendix I shows a number of illustrations of stairs and staircases.

a) Types of stairs:

 Type 1 - indoor stairs, located inside staircases.

 Type 2 - indoor stairs, exposed.

 Type 3 - outdoor stairs, exposed.

NOTE: “Exposed” means not being located inside a staircase.

b) Common types of staircases:

 L1 - a staircase with door holes in the outside wall on each story (exposed or glazed).

 L2 – a staircase receiving natural lighting via skylight (exposed or glazed).

c) Types of un-smoked staircases:

- N1 - a staircase granting access to each story through a smoke proof antechamber implemented by appropriate natural ventilation solutions. Cases of appropriate N1 staircase designs are specified in 3.4.10.

N1 staircases may be replaced with staircases granting access to each story through an antechamber. Both antechambers and staircases must receive positive pressure ventilation in case of fire. Air supply for antechambers and staircases must be separate from each other.

- N2 - a staircase receiving positive pressure ventilation (air pressure inside the staircase must be higher than air pressure outside the staircase) in case of fire.

- N3 - a staircase granting access to each story through an antechamber receiving positive pressure ventilation (the positive pressure ventilation received by the antechamber shall be on a regular basis or in case of fire).

2.5.2. Fire ladders for firefighting and rescue shall be classified into the two following types:

- P1 - fire service ladders.

- P2 - stairs with steepness not higher than 6:1 (not more than 80^o).

2.6. Buildings, fire chambers and rooms

2.6.1. Buildings or building components separated by class 1 fire stop walls (called fire chambers) shall be classified based on fire resistance levels, structural fire hazard levels and functional fire hazard categories. Fire chambers in buildings with fire resistance categories of level IV and level V may be separated by class 2 fire stop walls.

- Fire resistance levels of buildings and fire chambers shall be determined by fire resistance limits of their construction components.

- Structural fire hazard levels of buildings and fire chambers shall be determined by participation of construction components inthe development of fire and the formation of fire hazards.

- Functional fire hazard categories of buildings and building components shall be determined based on use purposes and characteristics of technologicalprocessessituated within.

2.6.2. Buildings and fire chambers shall be classified based on fire resistance level as shown in Table 4.

Load-bearing components of buildings include walls and load-bearing pillars, beams, connectors, hard partitions and sections of floors participating in ensuring overall integrity and ability to resist deformation of the buildings in case of fire.

Load-bearing components thatare not involved inensuring overall integrity of the buildings must be specified by design units in technical documents of the buildings.

There are no regulations on fire resistance limits for devices sealing openings (doors, gates, windows, trapdoors, skylights and including openings on top and sections allowing light to pass through the roofing), except fire stopping doors and valves in firestopping components and special cases.

In cases where minimum required fire resistance limits of components are R 15 (RE 15, REI 15), steel structure without using protective coatings may be used without relying on actual fire resistance limit, except for cases in which fire resistance limits of load-bearing structures of the buildings are lower than R 8 according to experiment results.

In type N1 un-smoked staircases, treads and landings with R 15 fire resistance limit and K0 fire hazard level may be used.

2.6.3. According to structural fire hazards, buildings and fire chambers shall be classified into 4 levels of S0, S1, S2 and S3 as shown in Table 5 - structural fire hazard levels.

There are no regulations on fire hazards for doors, gates, windows and trapdoors in sheltering structures of buildings, except for special cases.

Table 4 – Fire resistance levels of buildings

Table 5 – Structural fire hazard levels of buildings

2.6.4. When constructing structures or system of structures without being able to identify fire resistance limits or fire hazard levels based on standard fire resistance tests or calculation, it is required to conduct fire resistance tests for samples similar to actual components of such structures according to applicable regulations on fire resistance tests.

2.6.5 Buildings and building components (rooms with functions related to one another) shall be classified into functional fire hazard categories depending on their use purpose and threat to human safety in case of fire taking into account: age, physical attributes, possibility of sleeping people, groups of people utilizing primary functions and number of such groups. Functional fire hazard categories are specified in Table 6.

Buildings and rooms for manufacturing or storing shall be classified (A, B, C (C1, C2, C3, C4), D, E) based on fire and explosion hazard according to quantity and explosion hazard of substances and materials within, taking into account properties of manufacturing technology. Classification is specified in Appendix C.

Rooms for manufacturing and storing, including laboratories and warehouses with more than 50 m² in area, rooms for preparing food with more than 10 KW with cooking equipment in buildings under categories F1, F2, F3 and F4 shall be placed under category F5.

2.6.6. With regard to buildings with defined functional fire hazard categories, in general cases where rooms having other functional fire hazard categories may be allocated, in addition to this Regulation, regulations under design standards for specific buildings and technical equipment shall be complied with.

Table 6 - Classification of buildings depending on functional fire hazard

3. ENSURING SAFETY FOR HUMAN

3.1. General provisions

3.1.1.Requirements specified in this Section are to ensure:

- Timely escape for people without any obstruction.

- Rescuing people under impacts of fire hazard factors.

- Protecting people on the way of escape from impacts of fire hazard factors.

3.1.2.Escape is the process of people self-moving organizationally toward outside area from rooms where fire hazard factors can impact on them.  Escape is also involuntary movement of inactive people groups due to operation of service staffs. Escape is carried out via escape routes.

3.1.3.Rescuing is the forced movement of people toward outside area when they are influenced by fire hazard factors or when there is direct risk of those influences. Rescuing is taken actively by help and support of fire fighting force or trained professional staffs, including usage of rescuing appliances and performed via escape and emergency exits.

3.1.4.Human protection on the escape route should be ensured by complex of space planning, conveniences, structures, constructional engineering and organization.

Escape route within area of the room should ensure safe escape via escape exits from such room without taking account of equipment for smoke protection and fire fighting in such room.

Outside the area of the room, it is required to take account of protecting the escape route, provided that it ensures safe escape for human with consideration of fire hazard by functions of the rooms on the escape exits, number of escaping people, fire resistance levels and fire hazard levels of the building, quantity of escape exits from one stories and from the whole building.

In the rooms and on the escape routes outside area of the room, it is required to restrict fire hazard of the building material of the surface layers (finishing layer and surfaced layer), depending on functional fire hazard of the room and the building with consideration of other solutions about protection of the escape routes.

3.1.5.When arranging escape routes from rooms and the building, it should not take account of measures and appliances for rescuing, as well as exits which do not meet requirements for escape exits as prescribed in 3.2.1.

3.1.6.It is not allowed to arrange rooms of F5 class A or class B under the rooms used for more than 50 people presenting at the same time; it is not allowed to arrange such F5 rooms inside basements or semi-basements.

It is not allowed to arrange rooms of group F1.1, F1.2 and F1.3 inside basements and semi-basements.

3.1.7.For the buildings which have 02 or 03 basements, it is allowed to arrange smoking rooms, supermarkets and shopping centers, foods and beverage restaurants and other public rooms deep inside the first basement, provided that additional fire prevention measures are appraised by the competent Police Department of Fire and Rescue.

In all basements, there is at least 01 entryway to the escape staircase through the smoke control lobby and such entryway shall be separated from surrounding areas by fire stop partitions type 2. The doors should have automatic closing mechanism.

3.1.8.In order to ensure safe escape, fire detection and fire alarming should be timely.  Building and its components should be equipped with fire alarming system as prescribed in current regulations.

NOTE: Basic requirements on arrangement of fire alarming system are provided in the standard TCVN 3890.

3.1.9.To protect people, it is required to prevent smoke from penetrating into the escape route of the building and its components.

NOTE: Basic requirements on the smoke prevention of a building are provided in Appendix D.

3.1.10.Effectiveness of methods to ensure human safety in the case of fire can be evaluated by calculations.

3.2. Escape exit and emergency exit

3.2.1.Exit shall be called escape exit (or escape) if:

a) It leads from the room in the first floor outwardly by one of following ways:

- Directly outward.

- Via the corridor.

- Via the entrance hall (or anteroom).

- Via the staircase.

- Via the corridor and entrance hall (or anteroom).

- Via the corridor and staircase.

b) It leads from room of any floor, except for the first floor, toward one of following places:

- Directly into the staircase or toward the stair of type 3.

- Toward the corridor which is direct to the staircase or toward the stair of type 3.

- Toward the shared room (or anteroom) with direct exit into the staircase or toward the stair of type 3.

- Toward the side corridor of the building with the height of less than 28 m, which is direct to the stair of type 3.

c) It leads to adjacent room (except for room group F5 class A or B) on the same floor from which it leads to exits as mentioned at Point a and b).  The exit toward the room of class A or B is considered to be escape exit if it leads from the technical room with no space for frequent operator but only for serving the above-mentioned room of class A or B.

3.2.2.Exits from the basements and semi-basements are the escape exits when they run directly outward and separate from the shared staircase of the building (see Table I.1 provided in Appendix I).

It is allowed to arrange:

- Escape exits from the basements via the shared staircases which have private pathways toward the outside area, separated from the rest of the staircases by solid fire stop component partition type 1 (see Table I.2, Appendix I).

- Escape exits from the basements and semi-basements which have rooms of class C, D and E, toward rooms of class C4, D and E and toward the entrance hall on the first floor of the F5 building, in case requirements specified in 4.25 are fully satisfied.

- Escape exits from the anteroom, luggage room, smoking room and water closet at the basements or semi-basements of the buildings of group F2, F3 and F4 toward the entrance hall of the first floor by private stair type 2.

- The antechamber, including dual antechamber on the direct exit from the building, basement and the semi-basement.

3.2.3.Exits shall not be considered to be escapes if they have door or gate with sliding sash, folding door, rolling door or rotating door.

Doors with hinged wings opened outwardly among above doors and gates is considered to be escape exits if they are designed as required.

3.2.4.Quantity and width of escape exits from rooms, floors and buildings are determined basing on the maximum number of people escaping via them and the allowable limited distance from the longest area where people can be present (living, working) to the nearest escape exit.

NOTE 1: The maximum number of people escaping from different spaces of the building or the building components is determined according to Appendix G, Section G.3.

NOTE 2: In addition to general requirements stated in this Regulation, specific requirements on quantity and width of escape exits shall be stipulated in technical regulation for each type of work. The Appendix G in this Code stipulates some specific requirements for groups of popular buildings.

If the room or groups of rooms is used by more than 50 people at the same time, and its fire hazard by different functions is different from the building, such rooms should have private escape exit (directly outward or toward the escape staircase).

3.2.5.Following rooms should have no less than two escape exits:

- Rooms of group F1.1 with presences of more than 15 people at the same time.

Rooms in basements and semi-basements with presences of more than 15 people at the same time; for rooms in basements and semi-basements with 06 to 15 people present at the same time, it is allowed that they have one of two exits in accordance with requirements of 3.2.13 d).

- Rooms with presences of more than 50 people at the same time.

- Rooms of group F5 class A or B of which the maximum number of working people is 05, class C – with more than 25 people in a working shift or with an area greater than 1,000 m².

- Open working platform or platform for operators and maintainers of equipment in the rooms of group F5 with an area greater than 100m²- for rooms of class A and B or greater than 400m²for rooms of other types.

- Rooms of group F1.3 (apartment) which are arranged at both stories (02 elevations – usually called duplex apartment) when the layout height of upper floor is greater than 18 m, should have escape at each floor.

3.2.6.Building’s stories of following groups should have no less than 02 escape exits:

- F1.1; F1.2; F2.1; F2.2; F3; F4.

- F1.3 when the total area of apartments on a floor is not greater than 500 m²(for sectional building, the area is the area of one floor of the section). In case when the total area is less than 500 m²and when there is only one escape exit on each floor, from each apartment at a height greater than 15 m, in addition to the escape exit, there should be one emergency exit as prescribed in 3.2.13;

- F5, class A or B when the amount of working people in the most crowded shift is greater than 05 people; class C when the amount of working people in the most crowded shift is greater than 25 people.

The basements and semi-basements should have at least two escapes when having an area greater than 300 m²or having more than 15 people at the same time.

It is allowed to have one escape from each floor (or one part of the floor separated from other parts by fire stop component) of fire hazard group in term of function of F1.2, F1.4, F2, F3, F4.2, F4.3 and F4.4, if the amount of people, as determined according to Table G.9 (Appendix G), is not greater than 20 people and when the escape leads to the un-smoked staircase with fire stop door of type 2 (according to Table 2), and at the same time, the following conditions are satisfied:

- For the buildings with height not greater than 15 m, the area of each floor shall not be greater than 300 m².

- For the building with height from above 15 m to 21 m, the area of each floor shall not be greater than 200 m², and the whole building shall be protected by an automatic fire protection system.

3.2.7.The number of escape exits from each floor should not be less than two, if the floor has room which requires more than two escape exits.

The number of escape exits from a building should not be less than the number of escape exits from any floor of that building.

3.2.8.When there are two escape exits or more, they should be located scatteredly, and when calculating the escape capacity of such escape exits, it is necessary to assume that the fire prevents the users from escaping through one of such escape exits. The remaining exits must ensure the safe escape capacity for all people represent in the room, on the floor or such building (see Table I.3).

If a room, one part of the building or one floor of a building requires 02 escape exits or more, at least two of such escape exits must be located scatteredly; the distance between such escape exits must be equal to or greater than a half of the length of the largest diagonal of that room, part of the building or floor. The distance between two escape exits shall be measured according to the straight line connecting their nearest two sides (see Table I.4 a), b) c)).

If the whole building is protected by Sprinker automatic fire protection system, then such distance may be reduced to 1/3 of the maximum diagonal length of the above spaces (see Table I.4 d)).

If there are two escape staircases connected by one corridor, then the distance between two escape exits (doors to the escape staircases) shall be measured along to such corridor (Table I.5). Such corridor shall be protected according to regulations specified in 3.3.5.

3.2.9.Clearance height of the escape exit should not be less than 1.9 m and its clearance width should not be less than:

+ 1.2 m - For rooms of group F1.1, if the number of escaping people is more than 15; for rooms and buildings of other functional fire hazard categories if the number of escaping people is more than 50, except for group of F1.3.

+ 0.8 m - For the remaining cases.

Width of outside doors of the staircase as well as doors from the staircase toward the hall should not be less than the estimated value or width of the step plate as prescribed in 3.4.1.

In all cases, when determining width of one escape exit, it is required to take account of geometrical shape of the escape exit via the door hole or door to ensure there is no obstacle for transportation of casualties’ stretchers.

3.2.10.Door of escapes and other doors on the escape route should be opened outwardly.

Opening direction of the door is not stated for:

- Rooms of groups F1.3 and F1.4.

- Rooms with no more than 15 people presenting at the same time, except for rooms of class A or B.

- Storing spaces with an area of no more than 200 m²and not having people’s frequent attendance.

- Water-closets.

- Exits toward stair landing of staircase type 3.

3.2.11.Doors of escape exits from stories’ corridor, shared space, anteroom, halls and staircase should not have lock so that they can be open freely from inside without keys. In buildings with the height of more than 15 m, the above-mentioned doors should be of solid type or having reinforced glass (except for doors of apartments).

Doors of escape exits from such rooms or corridors which are protected from smoke should be of solid type with automatic closing mechanism, and door gaps should be sealed. If such doors are opened for use, they should be equipped with automatic closing mechanism in case of fire.

For staircases, the doors should have automatic closing mechanism, and door gaps should be sealed.  Doors of staircases which open directly outward are allowed not to have automatic closing mechanism and not to be sealed the gap. Except for specific cases, doors of staircases must be fire stop door of type 1 for the buildings with fire resistance levels of I and II; type 2 for the building with fire resistance levels of III and IV; and type 3, for the buildings with fire resistance levels of V.

In addition to specific regulations, doors of escape exits from stories’ corridors toward staircases for 04 floors or more (except in the detention or rehabilitation buildings) must ensure:

- All electric keys on the doors should automatically open when the automatic fire protection system is activate. Even when the power is cut, such electric keys still automatically open.

- A person using staircases may return to the building through the door that he/she just passed or through arranged doors to go back to the building.

- To arrange points to go back to the building according to the principle that the doors are only allowed to prevent people from returning the building if the following requirements are satisfied:

+ There are at least 02 floors, from which people can go out of the staircase to another escape exit.

+ There are at least 04 floors between each story, from which people can go out of the staircase to another escape exit.

+ The returning to the building may be carried out on the top floor or the lower floor adjacent to the top floor served by the escape staircase, if there is a way to another escape exit on this floor.

+ Doors allowing to return to the inside of the building must be marked on the inside door surface of the staircase with the words "Doors for entering the building" with a height of at least 50 mm, the height of the arrangement is not less than 1.2 m and not higher than 1.8 m.

+ Doors not allowing to return to the inside of the building must have a notice on the inside door surface of the staircase so that others can determine the location of the nearest doors allowing to return to the inside of the building or the nearest escape exit according to each direction.

NOTE: For doors not allowing to return to the inside of the building, there should be a warning for users that they cannot return the building by such doors on the door surface of the corridor (outside the staircase).

3.2.12.Exits not meeting requirements for escape exits can be considered as emergency exits to increase safety level for people in case of fire. The emergency exits shall not be considered when estimating escape ability in case of fire.

3.2.13.In addition to cases prescribed in 3.2.12, emergency exits can be:

a) Exit to balcony or loggia, at which there is solid wall with a width of at least 1.2 m from edge of the balcony (or loggia) toward the window (or glassed door), or at least 1.6 m among glassed apertures opened toward the balcony (or loggia);

b) Exit which leads to an open transition route (overpass) to an adjacent sectional building of the building of group F1.3 or to an adjacent burning chamber. This transition route should have width of at least 0.6 m.

c) Exit to balcony or loggia where there is outside ladders to connect balcony or loggia in each floor.

d) Direct exits from rooms which have completed elevation of the floor not smaller than 4.5 m underground and not higher than 5.0 m, via windows or doors with the dimension no less than 0.75 m x 1.5 m, as well as via manhole with the dimension no less than 0.6 m x 0.8m; then, at these exits, there should be ladder of which the inclination is not specified.

e) Exit to the roof of the building with fire resistance levels of I, II and III of class S0 and S1 via the window, doorway or manhole with dimension and hung ladder as prescribed in d).

3.2.14. On technical floor, it is allowed to arrange escapes with the height of at least 1.8 m.

For technical floors which are only used for locating constructional engineering network (pipeline, line, etc.), it is allowed to arrange emergency exits via the doors with the dimension no less than 0.75 m x 1.5 m or via manhole with the dimension no less than 0.6 m x 0.8 m, without requiring to have escape.

When the technical floor has an area up to 300 m², it is allowed to arrange one escape exit and for each next area which is smaller than or equal to 2,000 m², one or more additional exit should be required.

In hidden technical floor, these exits should be separated from other exits of the building and should lead directly to open air.

3.3. Escape route

3.3.1.The escape route is one continuous route which is not blocked from any point of the building or the work on the way leading to outside exit.The escape route should be illuminated and guided in accordance with requirements of the standard TCVN 3890.

3.3.2.Allowable limit distance from the furthest position of the room or from the furthest working location to the nearest escape, measured along the route and should be limited depending on:

- Functional fire hazard category and explosion hazard class (see Appendix C) of the room and the building.

- Number of escaping people.

- Geometrical parameters of the room and the escape route.

- Fire hazard level of the structure and fire resistance level of the building.

Length of the escape route by staircase type 2 is equal to triple times of the height of that stair.

NOTE: Specific requirements for allowable limited distance from the furthest position to the nearest escape exit are prescribed in technical regulations for each type of constructional work. The Appendix G stipulates some specific requirements for groups of popular buildings.

3.3.3.When arranging and designing the escape route, it is required to base on requirements specified in 3.2.1. The escape route does not contain elevator, escalator and pathways prescribed as follows:

- Pathway via corridor with exit from the elevator’s shaft, via elevator hall and antechamber in front of the elevator, if the structure covering the elevator shaft, including gate of the elevator shaft, does not meet requirements for firestopping components.

- Pathway via the staircases when there is thoroughfare via the staircases which is a part off the corridor, as well as the pathway via the room where sitting the stair of type 2 which is not an escape stair.

- Pathway via the roof, except for the roof being in used or roof’s part which is specifically used for escape aim.

- Pathway via stair type 2, connecting up to and above 3 stories (floors) as well as pathway leading from the basement and semi-basement, except for cases prescribed in 3.2.2.

3.3.4.On the escape route in buildings of all fire resistance levels and structural fire hazard levels, except for building with fire resistance level of V and building of class S3, it is not allowed to use material which has fire hazard greater than following groups:

- Ch1, BC1, SK2, DT2 – for finishing coat of wall, ceiling and ceiling sheet hanging in the halls, in staircase and in the elevator hall.

- Ch2, BC2, SK3, DT3 or Ch2, BC3, SK2, DT2 – for the finishing coat of wall, ceiling and ceiling sheet hanging in the shared corridor, shared spaces and anteroom.

- Ch2, LT2, SK2, DT2 – for floor covering layer in the hall, staircase and elevator hall.

- BC2, LT2, SK3 and DT2 – for floor covering layer in the shared hall, shared space and anteroom.

In rooms of group F5 class A, B and C1 where there is the production, usage or storage of inflammable fluids, the floors should be made of noncombustible material or material with flammability Ch1.

Frames of ceiling hung on rooms and above escape route should be made of noncombustible material.

3.3.5.In the corridor along the escape route stated in 3.2.1, except for specific cases in the regulation, it is not allowed to arrange equipment protruded from the wall surface at a height less than 02 m; pipeline of gas and flammable fluids, wall cupboard (except for communication board and cabinet of fire hydrants) should also not be allowed.

Corridors stated in 3.2.1 should be covered by firestopping components in accordance with regulations for each type of constructional work. Firestopping components covering the middle corridor of the building should have fire resistance level of I, be made of noncombustible material with the fire resistance limit of at least EI 30 and the firestopping components of the building with fire resistance levels of II, III and IV should be made of noncombustible material or low combustibility material (Ch1) with the fire resistance limit of at least EI 15. For building with fire resistance level of II of production class D or E (see Appendix C), the hall could be barried by glass wall. Doors opening to corridors should be fire stop doors with the fire resistance limit no less than the fire resistance limit of the firestopping components.

Corridors longer than 60 m should be separated by fire stop wall of type 2 into sections with length determined in accordance with requirement for smoke prevention which is stated in Appendix D, but the sectional length shall not exceed 60 m. Doors in such fire stop wall should meet requirements prescribed in 3.2.11.

When wings of the room’s door open toward the corridor, width of the escape route along the corridor shall be equal to clearance width of the corridor subtracting:

- Half of protruded width of the door wing (for the most protruded door) when the door is arranged at one side of the corridor.

- The whole protruded width of the door wing (for the most protruded door) when the door is arrange at both sides of the corridor.

- This requirement is not applied for story corridor (shared hall) between the door of the apartment and the door to a staircase in the sectional building of group F1.3.

3.3.6.Clearance height of horizontal sections of the escape route should not be less than 02 m while clearance width of horizontal section and slope should not be less than:

a) 1.2 m for the shared corridor used for escaping of more than 15 people from rooms of group F1, more than 50 people from rooms of other functional fire hazard category.

b) 0.7 m for pathways to individual working place.

c) 1.0 m – for all remaining cases.

In any circumstance, the escape route should be wide enough, and its geometrical shape should be considered so that there will not be any obstacle for transportation of casualties’ stretchers.

3.3.7.Floor of the escape route should not be stepped with height difference less than 45 cm or should not be edged, except for the door thresholds. At the stepped section, there should arrange steps with an amount no less than 03 or should build a slope with inclination not greater than 1 : 6 (elevation not exceeding 10 cm on a whole length of 60 cm or the angle formed by the inclined line with plane not greater than 9.5^o).

When building steps at areas with height difference greater than 45 cm, it is required to have hand railed balcony.

Except for cases specified in 3.4.4, on the escape route, there should not be spiral stair, totally curved stair or partially curved stair by the plane; within one tread and one staircase, it is not allowed to have steps with different height and different treads’ width. On the escape route, there should not be mirror to prevent misunderstanding of the escape route.

3.4. Stair and staircase on the escape route

3.4.1.Tread’s width of the stair for people rescuing, including tread inside the staircase, should not be smaller than the estimated width or width of any escape exit (door) on the staircase, and at the same time, not be smaller than:

a) 1.35 m - for buildings of group F1.1.

b) 1.2 m - for buildings with number of people on a certain floor (except the first floor) greater than 200.

c) 0.7 m - for staircases leading to individual working place.

d) 0.9 m - for the rest of cases.

3.4.2.Slope (inclined angle) of the stairs on escape routes should not be greater than 1 : 1 (45^o), while the tread’s width should not be less than 25 cm and tread’s height should not be greater than 22 cm.

Slope (inclined angle) of the open stair toward individual working place is allowed to be up to 2 : 1 (63.6^o).

It is allowed to reduce the tread’s width of the receiving curved stair (usually at the hall of first floor) at its narrowed part to 22 cm; Allow to reduce the tread’s width to 12 cm for stairs which are only used for rooms with total working people not over 15 (except for rooms of group F5 class A or B).

Stairs type 3 should be made of noncombustible material and should be placed adjacent to solid portions (not having window or light orifice) of the wall which has fire hazard category not lower than K1 and fire resistance limit no less than REI 30.  These stairs should have landing plate on the same elevation with the escape exit, and should have rail height of 1.2 m, far from the window no less than 1.0 m.

Stairs type 2 should meet requirements specified for tread and landing plate in the staircase.

3.4.3.Width of the stair’s landing plate should not be less than width of the tread.Width of the landing plate at the elevator’s entrance (the landing plate also playing part of elevator hall) for the elevator which has hinged wing, should not be less than the total width of the tread added with half of the wing of the elevator, but not less than 1.6 m.

Intermediate landing plate in the flat stair tread should have a length of no less than 1.0 m.

For doorway opening toward the staircase, when the door opens, its wing should not reduce the estimated width of the landing plate and the tread.

3.4.4.In buildings of functional fire hazard category of F4, it is allowed to arrange curved stair on the escape route after fully meeting the following conditions:

- The stair height must not exceed 9.0 m.

- The flight width must in conformity with this regulation.

- The smallest curve radius must be at least 02 times the width of the flight.

- The riser height must range from 150 mm to 190 mm.

- The inner width of the treads (measured from the smallest end of the step 270 mm) must be at least 220 mm.

- The width measured at the middle of the treads’ length must be at least 250 mm.

- The outside width of the treads (measured from the smallest end of the step 270 mm) must be at least 450 mm.

- The total of 02 times of the risers’ height and the inner width of the treads must be at least 480 mm; the total of 02 times of the risers’ height and the outside width of the treads must be 800 mm maximum.

3.4.5.In the staircases and antechambers (if any), it is not allowed to arrange:

- Pipelines of flammable gas and fluid.

- Cupboards, except for communication boards and cabinets of fire hydrants.

- Open cables and electric wires (except for electric wires of low voltage equipment), including those to illuminate the corridor and the staircase.

- Exits from lifts and good lifts.

- Exits from warehouse or technical rooms.

- Equipment protruded from the wall at a height under 2.2 m from step’s surface and the landing plate.

In the space of staircase, it is not allowed to have any functional room.

3.4.6.In the space of staircase, except for un-smoked staircase, it is allowed to arrange no more than two elevators for lowering people to the first floor; structure for covering the elevator shaft should be made of noncombustible material.

If it is required to cover the elevator’s shafts which are outside the building, the material of this covering structure should be noncombustible.

3.4.7.Staircases on the first floor should have direct exit to adjacent land lot of the building or toward the hall separated from adjacent corridors by fire stop wall of type 1 which has door.  When arranging escape exits from two staircases via the shared hall, one of the two escape exits (except for the escape exits toward the hall) should have a direct exit to the open air.

It is allowed to arrange escape exits from two staircases via the shared hall, for the building with the height of under 28 m and the area of each floor is not exceed 300 m², and the number of people presenting on each floor, calculated according to Table G.9 (appendix G), is not more than 50, and the whole building is protected by the automatic fire protection system which is in conformity with current regulations.

Staircases type N1 should have a direct exit to the open air.

3.4.8.Light must be provided inside the staircases. Except for the staircases type L2, the lighting guarantee can be done by light orifices with an area not less than 1.2 m²on the outer walls of each floor.

It is allowed to arrange no more than 50% of the staircases which do not have light orifice to escape in the following cases:

- Buildings of groups F2, F3 and F4: for staircase type N2 or N3 with positive atmospheric pressure in fire.

- Building of group F5 class C with height up to 28 m, for class D and E, not depending on the building’s height: for staircase type N3 with positive atmospheric pressure in fire.

Staircases type L2 should have light orifice on the roof with an area no less than 4 m²in comparison with gap between flights of which the width is not less than 0.7 m or the light orifice along the height of staircase with the cross-section area no less than 2 m².

3.4.9.The protection against smoke for staircases type N2 and N3 should be in compliance with Appendix D.  When necessary, staircases type N2 should be divided into chambers in aspect of height by solid fire stop wall type 1 from pathways between chambers outside the staircase’s space.

Windows in staircases type N2 should be un-openable.

The antechambers of staircases type N3 should have an area no less than 3.0 m², and no less than 6.0 m²if such antechambers concurrently are the lobbies of the firefighting lifts.

3.4.10.The ability of not being smoked of the un-smoked antechambers toward the un-smoked staircases type N1 should be guaranteed by natural air ventilation with appropriate structural and layout-space planning measures. Some following cases are considered to be appropriate:

NOTE: Appendix I (I.3.2) illustrates some plans of arranging un-smoked antechambers toward the staircases type N1.

a) Un-smoked antechambers must be let open, connecting to the outside, and usually not at corners inside the building. They should also meet the following requirements (see Table I.7):

- When one part of exterior wall of the building connects with other wall to form an angle less than 135^o, then horizontal distance from the nearest door at such antechambers toward the top of adjacent angle should not be less than 04 m; this distance can be reduced to be equal to protruded portion of the wall. This requirement is not applied for the pathway at contiguous angle greater or equal to 135^o, as well as for the case when the protruded portion is not greater than 1.2 m.

- Width of the wall portion between door of the un-smoked antechambers and the nearest window of the room should not be less than 02 m.

- Pathways should have width no less than 1.2 m with the balcony’s height of 1.2 m, the width of wall portion between doors at the un-smoked antechambers should not be less than 1.2 m.

NOTE: Some similar cases also shown in Appendix I and Tables I.8 a), b) and c).

b) An un-smoked antechamber along to the side corridor (see Tables I.8 h), i) and k)) is naturally illuminated and ventilated by vents that open to the side and in contact with one of the following spaces:

- The outside space.

- A street or public street or other public space that is completely ventilated from the above.

- A vertical relief air shaft with a width of at least 06 m and the free surface area of at least 93 m².

c) An Un-smoked antechamber via a smoke control lobby which has an area of no less than 06 m²with the smallest size in each direction is not less than 02 m and separated from adjacent areas of the building by fire stop partitions type 2. The doors should have automatic closing mechanism, and door gaps should be sealed. The design of the smoke control lobby must ensure not to prevent the movement of users on the escape route. The ability of not being smoked of the smoke control lobby should be guaranteed by one of the following solutions:

- Having ventilation holes with an area of no less than 15% of the floor area of the smoke control lobby, and located no more than 09 m from any part of the lobby. Such ventilation holes must be connected to a vertical shaft or vented cavity throughout the building height. The size of a vertical shaft or vented cavity must ensure its width is not less than 06 m and the free surface area is at least 93 m². The wall cover such vertical shaft must have its fire resistance ability of at least 01 hour and there is no more ventilation hole other than those of the smoke control lobby, escape staircases and toilet rooms in such shaft (see Tables I.8 d), e) and f)); or

- Being corridors with horizontal ventilation, and fixed ventilations holes on two exterior walls. Ventilation holes on each exterior wall must not less than 50% of the free surface area of the opposite exterior wall. The distance from every point of the corridor to any ventilation hole must not exceed 13 m (see Table I.8 g)).

3.4.11.Staircases type L1 and stairs type 3 are allowed in buildings of all functional fire hazard categories which have height up to 28 m; then, in the building F5 class A or B, exit to stories’ hall from rooms class A or B should be through an antechamber where atmospheric pressure is positive.

3.4.12.Staircases type L2 are allowed in buildings with fire resistance levels I, II and III of the structural fire hazard S0, S1 and functional fire hazard of group F1, F2, F3 and F4 whose heights do not exceed 09 m.  It is allowed to increase the building’s height up to 12 m when the upper light orifice automatically opens in case of fire and when the building of group F1.3 has the fire automatic alarming system or independent fire detector.

When arranging staircases type L2, it is also required to meet following requirements:

- For buildings group F2, F3 and F4, the amount of staircases type L2 should not account more than 50%, the remaining staircases should have light orifices on exterior wall at each floor (type L1).

- For buildings group F1.3 of sectional unit, in each apartment at elevation over 04 m, there should be an emergency exit as prescribed in 3.2.13.

3.4.13.In the building higher than 28 m as well as in buildings of group F5 class A or B, it is required to have an un-smoked staircase, it should be a staircase type N1.

NOTE: A staircase type N1 may be replaced as mentioned in 2.5.1 c), provided that the air provision system from outside to the antechambers and staircases must be supplied with power from 03 preferential resources (01 electric grid and 02 preventive electricity generators or 02 electric grids and 01 preventive electricity generator), ensuring the consecutive supply for the stable operation of the system in case of fire.

It is allowed to:

- Arrange no more than 50% staircases type N2 in the buildings of group F1.3 in form of corridor.

- Arrange no more than 50% staircases type N2 or N3 with positive atmospheric pressure in fire in the buildings of group F1.1, F1.2, F2, F3 and F4.

- Arrange staircases type N2 and N3 which are naturally illuminated and always have positive atmospheric pressure in the buildings of group F5 class A or B.

- Arrange staircases type N2 or N3 which have positive atmospheric pressure in fire in the buildings of group F5 class B.

- Arrange staircases type N2 or N3 which have positive atmospheric pressure in the buildings group F5 class C or D. When arranging the staircase type L1, it should be divided by solid fire stop wall for each 20 m of height, and pathway from this chamber to another chamber of the staircase should be located outside the space of the staircase.

- For condominiums (F1.3) which have a height of above 28 m, but not exceed 75 m, and the total area of apartments on each floor is not exceed 500 m2, it is allowed to arrange 01 escape staircases if the escape exit of such floor is in compliance with regulations specified in 3.2.6, each apartment should be equipped with addressable fire alarm and automatic fire fighting on every floor. The following requirements must also be satisfied:

+ Using staircases type N1 in the building in the form of corridor;

+ Using staircases type N2 or N3, associated with a firefighting lift, in the sectional building.

3.4.14.In buildings with un-smoked staircases, it is required to have solution for smoke prevention for shared halls, shared corridors and shared space as well as anterooms.

3.4.15.In buildings with fire resistance level I and II of the structural fire hazard S0, it is allowed to arrange stairs type 2 from the main hall to the second floor, taking account of requirements prescribed in 4.26.

3.4.16.In buildings not higher than 28 m of functional fire hazard of category F1.2, F2, F3 and F4, which have fire resistance level of I, II and structural fire hazard S0, it is allowed to use stairs type 2 connected two and more floors when the escape staircases meet requirements in standard documents and in 4.27.

3.4.16.Escalators should be arranged in accordance with regulations for stairs type 2.

4.PREVENTION OF FIRE SPREAD

4.1.The spreadof fireshall be prevented by implementingmeasures to restrict fire area, fire intensity and fire prevention. To be specific:

- Adopting structural andlayout-space planningmeasuresto prevent the further spread of dangerous elements of the fire in a room, among rooms, among groups of rooms under different functional fire hazard categories, among stories, among blocks, among fire chambers, and among buildings.

- Limiting fire risks and technology-related fire risks among rooms and buildings.

- Limiting fire risks of construction materials used on the surface level of building structures, including: the roofing layer, the finishing layers of exterior walls, of rooms and of exits.

- Having initial fire extinguishing devices, including both automatic and portable ones.

- Having fire detection and alarm devices.

NOTE: Regulations on the fire separation distance between houses, public buildings and manufacturing facilities shall be prescribed in Appendix E. The distance betweenwarehousesof flammable liquid,exposed warehouses located above ground containing flammable liquid, tanks containing LPG^[2],and the distance fromflammable gas to other facilities must comply with specialized regulations.

4.2.Condominiums, dorms, public buildings, manufacturing facilities and warehouses must satisfy firefighting requirements prescribed in this Regulation and provisions in the design standard of this type of construction. The number of stories (the permissible height of buildings), the area of fire chambers and the maximum height for placement of conference rooms, lecture halls, meeting rooms, sports training facilities, etc. must conform to the regulations prescribed in Appendix H.

4.3.Building components (including rooms, areas of refuge, technical floors, basements, semi-basements, and other building components), where the firefighting is difficult to be implemented, must be equipped with supplementary equipment to limit the fire area, intensity and duration.

4.4.The effectiveness of measures to prevent the spread of fire shall be evaluated by economic-technical calculations based on the requirements specified in 1.5.1 regarding the limitation of direct and indirect damages caused by fire.

4.5.Building components and rooms under different functional fire hazard categories must be separated from each other by partitioning structures with appropriate fire resistance limits and structural fire hazard levels or separated by firestopping components.

In such case, the requirements for partitioning structures andfirestopping componentsshall be considered taking into account the functional fire hazard categories of rooms, fire loading value, fire resistance levels and the structural fire hazard levels of buildings.

4.6.For a building whose components under different functional fire hazard categories have been separated by firestopping components, each component must conform to the firefighting requirements for buildings of such respective functional fire hazard category.

The selection of fire protection systems must be based on the following principles: when components of a building are under different functional fire hazard categories, the functional fire hazard level of the whole building might be greater than the functional fire hazard level of any component thereof.

4.7.For rooms under class A and class B, they shall be situated near the outer walls inbuildings under F5 categorywhen the technology allows. If in multi-stories buildings, they shall be situated at upper stories.

4.8.In basements and semi-basements, rooms that use or store flammable gas or liquid as well as flammable materials shall not be allowed, except for cases specifically considered.

4.9.Structural components must not facilitate the spread of hidden fire.

4.10.The fire resistance of connecting details of structural components must not be lower than the required fire resistance of such components.

4.11. Structures creating slopes in auditorium must satisfytherequirementsonfire resistance and fire hazard level inaccordance with the Tables 4 and 5 similar to floors in-between stories.

4.12. When situating service ducts and cables across walls, floors and partitions, the adjoining section must be sealed or properly processed in order notto reduce requiredfire-related technical standards for these components.

4.13. Fireproof coating and impregnation layers applied on exposed surfaces of components must meet therequirements prescribed for the completion of such components.

Technical documents for fireproof coatings and impregnation layers must specify the frequency of replacement or restoration depending on the condition of use.

In order to increase the fire resistance limit or reduce fire hazard level of components, the fireproof coatings and impregnation layers shall not be allowed in places that cannot be restored or replaced on a regular basis.

4.14. The effectiveness of fireproof substances (materials) for reducing fire hazard of materials must be evaluated by tests for fire hazard category of construction materials prescribed in Section 2 (Fire-related technical classification).

The effectiveness of fireproof substances (materials) for increasing fire resistance limits of materials must be evaluated by tests for fire resistance of structural components in Section 2 (Fire-related technical classification).

The effectiveness of fireproof substances (materials) shall not be taken into account when determining the load-bearing capacity of metal components (pillars or beams) and shall be allowed to be evaluated by tests comparing minimized model of pillars whose exposed fire is no less than 1.7 m in height or beam models whose exposed fire is no less than 2.8 m in height without continuous load.

4.15. Hanging ceilings, apart from satisfying the requirements on fire hazard (as specified in 3.3.4), must ensure the setup of fire stop partitions in a way that can separate the space above these hanging ceilings.

Channels and ducts must not be situated in the space above the hanging ceilings to carry flammable substances in gas, dust - gas or liquid form and flammable materials. Hanging ceilings shall not be allowed in rooms under class A and class B.

4.16.At junctions between firestopping components with sheltering structures of buildings, including positions where the building shape are changed, measures must be taken to prevent fire from spreading through the firestopping components thereof.

4.17. Fire stop walls, used for separating a building into fire chambers, must be situated along the height of the buildings and must prevent fire from spreading into the nearby fire chambers when the building structures on fire collapse.

4.18.Vents of firestopping components must closed in case of fire.

Windows in firestopping components must be windows that cannot be opened; doors, gates, trapdoors and valves must be equipped with automatic-closing mechanism and jambs must be tightly wedged. Doors, gates, trapdoors and valves which need to be left open for operation must be equipped with automatic-closing devices in case of fire.

4.19. Total area of door holes in firestopping components, excluding the sheltering structures of elevator shafts, must not exceed 25% of the area of such firestopping components. The fire stop doors and valves in firestopping components must satisfy requirements specified in 2.4.3 and requirements specified this section.

Antechambers receiving positive air pressure ventilation which are specified in Appendix D must be installed in doorways of firestopping components in order to separate rooms under class A or class B from other spaces, including: rooms of classes other than A or B, corridors, stairs and elevator lobbies. Installing joint antechambers for 2 or more rooms under the same class A or B shall not be allowed.

4.20. In cases where it is impossible to situate fire stop antechambers in firestopping components in order to separate rooms under class A or class B from other rooms or it is impossible to situate doorways, gates, trapdoors and valves in firestopping components in order to separate rooms under class C from other rooms, measures must be adopted to prevent the spread of fire and the  infiltration of combustible gas, air, fume of liquid, dust and ashes which are capable of forming potentially explosive concentrations. The effectiveness of such measures must be proved.

In door holes of firestopping components between class C, D and E rooms, in cases where they cannot be closed using fire stop doors or gates, exposed antechambers equipped with automatic fire suppression devices might be installed. The sheltering structures of such antechambers must be the appropriate fire prevention structures.

4.21. Fire stop doors and valves in firestopping components must be made of non-flammable materials.

Materials whose flammability is no less than Ch3 and which are protected by non-flammable materials no thinner than 04 mm might be used to produce fire stop doors, gates, trapdoors and valves.

Doors of fire stop antechambers, doors, gates and trapdoors in all firestopping components of rooms which do not store or use flammable gas, air and materials and do not include technological processes that involve burning dusts – might be made from materials under Ch3 flammability which are no less than 40 mm in thickness and which do not have cavities.

4.22. Channels, shafts and ducts carrying flammable gas, mixture of flammable dust, flammable liquid, flammable substances and materials must not be situated across class 1 fire stop walls and floors.

For channels, shafts and ducts for carrying substances and materials other than the types mentioned above, at junctions with the firestopping components, devices that automatically prevent the spread of burning products along the channels, shafts and ducts must be installed.

NOTE 1: Ventilation ducts and chimneys might be installed in fire stop walls of buildings, public constructions and auxiliary buildings if the minimum thickness of fire stop walls (excluding the ducts) is no less than 25 cm and the thickness of separation layers between chimneys and ventilation ducts is at least 12 cm.

NOTE 2:Holes for placing water pipes in firestopping components must be treated in accordance with regulations provided in 4.12.

4.23. The sheltering structures of elevator shafts (except for shafts specified in 3.4.6) and elevator mechanical rooms (except for rooms situated on the roofs), channels, shafts and mechanical panels must satisfy requirements for fire stop partitions under class 1 and fire stop floors under class 3. There shall be no regulations on fire resistance levels of sheltering structures between elevator shafts and mechanical rooms.

If it is impossible to install fire stop doors in sheltering structures of such elevator shafts, antechambers or lobbies with class 1 fire stop partitions and class 3 fire stop floors or curtains that automatically close doorways leading to elevator shafts in case of fire must be installed. The curtains must be made from non-flammable materials and have fire resistance levels no less than E 30.

In buildings with smoke proof enclosures, elevator shafts whose exits are not installed with Fire stop antechambers with positive air pressure ventilation in case of fire must be equipped with automatic smoke protection.

4.24. Garbage rooms, garbage chutes and doors to garbage chute systems must be designed and installed in accordance with technical standards and requirements prescribed specifically for such components and must comply with the following specific requirements:

- Garbage chutes and garbage rooms must be separated from other sections of the buildings by firestopping components; doors to garbage chute systems must be equipped with auto-closing fire stop doors.

- Garbage chutes must be made from non-flammable materials.

- Do not place garbage chutes and garbage rooms in staircases, waiting lounges or antechambers coated with fireproof layers for evacuation purposes.

- Rooms containing garbage chutes or containing must have a direct entrance from an airy area outside of the buildings or via a fire stop antechamber which is regularly ventilated.

- Doors to garbage rooms must not be situated adjacent to evacuation exits or doors leading outside the buildings or near windows of residential buildings.

4.25. If the technology allows, stairs might be situated separately to allow access between basements/semi-basements with the first floor.

The stairs must be covered by class 1 fire stop partitions and fire stop antechambers receiving positive air pressure ventilation in case of fire.

Fire stop antechambers as mentioned above for stairs in F5 buildings might not necessarily be installed if the stairs lead from basements/semi-basements where there are rooms under class C4, D and E to rooms of the same class on the first floor.

The stairs must not be taken into account when calculating evacuation, except for cases specified in 3.2.1.

4.26. When situating type-2 stairs leading from lobbies on the first floor to the second floor, the lobbies must be separated from adjacent corridors and rooms by class 1 fire stop partitions.

4.27. Rooms, where type 2 stairs as specified in 3.4.16 are situated, must be separated from adjoining corridors and other rooms by class 1 fire stop partitions. Rooms, where type-2 stairs are situated, might not necessarily be separated by fire stop partitions when:

- The whole buildings are equipped with automatic fire suppression devices; or

- The buildings are no taller than 09 m with the area of each floor does not exceed 300 m².

4.28. In basements or semi-basements, class 1 fire stop antechambers receiving positive air pressure ventilation in case of fire must be installed in front of the entrance to elevators.

4.29. The selection of dimensions of buildings, fire chambers as well as the distance between buildings must rely on fire resistance levels, structural fire hazard levels and fire loading values, taking into account the effectiveness of fire protection devices in use, the availability, location and equipment level of firefighting units, the potential economic and ecological repercussions caused by the fire.

4.30. During the operation process, the functionality of all technical equipment for fire protection must be guaranteed in accordance with the predetermined requirements.

4.31. The installation of automatic fire alarm and suppression shall conform to TCVN 3890.

5. WATER SUPPLY FOR FIREFIGHTING

5.1. Outdoor hydrant boosters

5.1.1. Fire safety requirements for outdoors hydrant boosters

5.1.1.1. Theinstallationof outdoors hydrant boosters must conform to TCVN 3890 and other alternative standard documents.

5.1.1.2. The quality of water in supply for firefighting must suit the operational conditions of firefighting equipment and methods.

5.1.1.3. Water pipe systems for firefighting shall be maintained at low pressure and shall only be at high pressure when consistent with the evidence. For high pressure pipelines, firefighting pumps must be equipped with devices which can operate no later than 05 minutes after fire alarms go off.

5.1.1.4. The minimum discharge rate in low-pressure water pipes for firefighting (located above ground) during firefighting operation must not be less than 10 m. The minimum discharge rate in high-pressure water pipe systems for firefighting must ensure the height of solid stream being no less than 20 m when the firefighting load reaches maximum and fire nozzles reach the highest point of the buildings. The discharge rate in mixed pipelines must not be lower than 10 m and not higher than 60 m.

5.1.2. Fire safety requirements for water flow rate for outdoor firefighting.

5.1.2.1. The water flow rate for outdoor firefighting (for 01 fire) and the number of simultaneous fire in a residential area calculated for primary pipe network shall conform to Table 7.

5.1.2.2. The water flow rate for outdoor firefighting (for 01 fire) for buildings under the functional fire hazard categories of F1, F2, F3 and F4 calculated for mixed pipelines, distribution pipelines of pipe networks and small scale pipe networks in a small residential group (01 hamlet, 01 block, etc.) shall use the highest value in Table 8.

5.1.2.3. The water flow rate for outdoor firefighting for buildings under the functional fire hazard level F5, for 01 fire, shall conform to the type of building requiring the highest value in Table 9 and Table 10.

NOTE 1: When calculating the water flow rate for extinguishing 02 fires, use the value of 02 buildings which require the highest water flow rate.

NOTE 2: The water flow rate for outdoor firefighting in independently situated auxiliary buildings shall conform to Table 8, similar to buildings under the functional fire hazard level of F2, F3 and F4. If such auxiliary buildings are in manufacturing facilities, the water flow rate shall be calculated according to general volume of such manufacturing facilities and in accordance with Table 9.

NOTE 3: The water flow rate for outdoor firefighting of buildings of agricultural facilities under the fire resistance levels of I and II, whose volume does not exceed 5,000 m³, and under the fire and explosion hazard class of D and E shall be 5 l/s.

NOTE 4: The water flow rate for outdoor firefighting in radio stations and television stations shall not depend on the volume of the stations and number of people living in the vicinity of the stations and shall be no less than 15 l/s even when Table 9 and Table 10 specify a lower value.

NOTE 5: The water flow rate for outdoor firefighting for buildings whose volume exceeds the values specified in Table 9 and Table 10 must comply with special requirements.

NOTE 6: In case of buildings under the fire-resistance category II and made from wooden structures, the water flow rate for outdoor firefighting shall be 05 l/s greater than the values specified in Table 9 and Table 10

NOTE 7: The water flow rate for outdoor firefighting for buildings and areas of refrigerated food warehouses shall be equal to the value for buildings under fire hazard level C.

Table 7 –The water flow rate for outdoor firefighting in residential areas

Table 8 –The water flow rate for outdoor firefighting in buildings under the functional fire hazard categories of F1,F2, F3, F4

5.1.2.4. The water flow rate for outdoor firefighting for buildings separated with fire stop walls shall depend on the building’s section that require the highest water flow rate.

5.1.2.5. The water flow rate for outdoor firefighting for buildings separated by fire stop walls shall be determined by the overall volume of such buildings and the highest rank of the fire and explosion hazard level.

5.1.2.6. The water flow rate for firefighting must be guaranteed even when the water flow rates for water demands are at their peak, specifically the following water demands need to be taken into account:

- Domestic water.

- Individual business households.

- Industrial and agricultural manufacturing facilities where it is inappropriate to install separate pipelines, regarding the drinking water quality and the economic purposes.

- Water treatment stations, pipe and duct networks, etc.

- If technological advances allow, a share of water for manufacturing might be used for firefighting, in such case, it is necessary to connect hydrants of manufacturing pipe networks with hydrants of firefighting pipe networks to guarantee adequate amount of water for firefighting.

Table9 –The water flow rate for outdoor firefighting in buildings under category F5

5.1.2.7. The water supply systems for firefighting (water pipes, pumping stations, tanks and tubs containing water for firefighting) must not stop supplying water for more than 10 minutes and must not reduce the flow rate by more than 30 % of the calculated value within 03 days.

5.1.2.8. In case where buildings are situated in an area which do not have adequate outdoor water supply infrastructure for firefighting under regulations specified in Tables 8, 9 and 10, such buildings must comply with the guidelines provided by the competent Police Department of Fire and Rescue.

5.1.3. The calculated number of simultaneous fires

5.1.3.1. The number of simultaneous fires of an agricultural facility must be calculated based on the area of such facility, to be specific:

- Consider as 01 fire if the facility is as large as 150 ha.

- Consider as 02 fires if the facility is larger than 150 ha.

NOTE: The number of simultaneous fires calculated for an exposed warehouse area containing wooden materials shall be as follows: consider as 01 fire if the facility is as large as 50 ha; consider as 02 fires if the facility is larger than 50 ha.

Table10 –The water flow rate for outdoor firefighting in buildings under category F5

5.1.3.2. When merging pipelines of a residential area and an industrial facility situated outside of the residential area, the number of simultaneous fires shall be calculated as follows:

- When the area of such industrial facility is as large as 150 ha and the population of such residential area is up to 10 thousand people, consider as 01 fire (apply the higher value of water flow rate); if the population ranges from 10 to 25 thousand people, consider as 02 fires (01 fire for the industrial facility and 01 fire for the residential area).

- When the area of such industrial facility is larger than 150 ha and the population is up to 25 thousand people, consider as 02 fires (02 fires for the industrial area or 02 fires for the residential area, whichever side requires higher water flow rate).

- When the population exceeds 25 thousand people, the water flow rate shall be the total flow rate of whichever side has the higher demand (of industrial facility or residential area) and 50% of the side which has the lower demand (of industrial facility or residential area).

5.1.3.3. The time duration for firefighting must be 03 hours, except for special cases which shall be specified below:

- For buildings under the fire resistance levels of I and II with structures and thermal insulation layers made from non-flammable materials and having areas under the fire hazard level D and E, the firefighting duration shall be 02 hours.

- For exposed warehouses containing wooden materials, the firefighting duration must not be less than 5 hours.

5.1.3.4. The maximum amount of time to restore the used amount of water for firefighting must not be more than:

- 24 hours for residential areas and industrial areas with areas under the fire hazard levels of A, B and C.

- 36 hours for industrial facilities with areas under the fire hazard levels of D and E.

- 72 hours for residential areas and agricultural facilities.

NOTE 1: For industrial facilities that require the water flow rate of up to 20 l/s for outdoor firefighting, the maximum amount of time to restore water for firefighting might be allowed to increase as follows:

- Up to 48 hours for areas under the fire hazard levels of D and E.

- Up to 36 hours for areas under the fire hazard level C.

NOTE2:In cases where it is impossible toensure the restoration of water for firefighting within the prescribed amount of time, it is necessary to provide additional n^th time of water for firefighting. The value of n (n = 1.5; 2.0; 2.5; 3.0, etc.) shall depend on the actual amount of time needed for restoration,t_tt,and shall becalculated using the following formula:

𝑛=𝑡_𝑡𝑡⁄𝑡_𝑞đ

In which:t_tt-the actual amount of time needed for restorationof water for firefighting

t_qđ-the prescribed amount of time for restorationof water for firefighting(as specified in5.1.3.4).

5.1.4. Fire safety requirements for pipe networks and constructions performed thereon

5.1.4.1. When installing 02 supply pipes or more, valves to switch between the pipes must be installed in case 01 supply pipe is entirely or partially closed, the firefighting is still 100% guaranteed.

5.1.4.2. Pipeline network carrying water for firefighting must be a circular network. It is allowed to install dead end pipes in case of: supplying water for firefighting or for daily routine - firefighting provided that the length of the pipelines does not exceed 200 m regardless of the required water flow rate for firefighting.

It is not allowed to connect acircular network of outdoor pipe networks with indoor pipe networks.

NOTE: In residential areas whose population is up to 5,000 people, requiring the water flow rate of up to 10 l/s for firefighting or having up to 12 indoor hydrants, it is allowed to use dead end networks which are more than 200 m in length if there are tanks, tubs, pressure towers or circulating baths constructed for such dead end networks which contain the whole amount of water for firefighting.

5.1.4.3. Valves on pipelines of all diameters that are remotely or automatically controlled must be electrically controlled.

It is allowed to use compressed air, hydraulics or electromagnetic valves.

In case of not being remotely or automatically controlled, valves of up to 400 mm in diameter can be manually locked, valves of more than 400 mm in diameter can be locked electrically or by hydraulics; in special cases, it is allowed to install manual valves of more than 400 mm in diameter.

In all cases, manual operation must be allowed.

5.1.4.4. The diameter of supply pipelines and the network after the supply pipelines must be calculated based on:

- Technical and economic factors.

- Working conditions when different sections are deactivated due to incidents.

The diameter of outdoor firefighting pipelines for residential areas and manufacturing facilities must not be smaller than 100 mm, and must not be smaller than 75 mm for rural areas.

5.1.5. The requirements for tubs and tanks storing water for outdoor firefighting

5.1.5.1. Functions of tubs and tanks providing water must include circulating, firefighting, occurring of incidents and containing of feed water.

5.1.5.2. If collection of water for firefighting directly from water sources does not conform to economic and technical conditions, water storage tanks and tubs must ensure sufficient amount of water for firefighting as calculated.

5.1.5.3. The volume of water in tanks and tubs must be calculated to ensure:

- The provision of water for firefighting from outdoor hydrant boosters and other fire suppression systems.

- The provision of water for specialized fire suppression devices (sprinklers, drenchers, etc.) which do not have separate tanks.

- The maximum water amount for daily routines and manufacturing during firefighting process.

5.1.5.4. Reservoirs providing water for fire engines must have access entry, a parking lot with dimensions of no smaller than 12 m x 12 m and the surface capable of withstanding the fire engine’s load.

NOTE: When determining the volume of water for firefighting in tubs and tanks, it is allowed to take into account refilling the tubs and tanks during firefighting process provided that the water supply systems satisfy provisions specified in 5.1.2.7.

5.1.5.5. When supplying water via 01 pipeline, there must be back-up water for firefighting, the amount of such water must be specified in accordance with provisions in 5.1.5.3.

NOTE: For a residential area with less than 5,000 people, or subjects requiring no more than 40 l/s of water for outdoor firefighting, the back-up amount of water might not be taken into account provided that the length of a supply is not greater than 500 m.

5.1.5.6. The total number of tanks and tubs for firefighting in a pipe network must not be fewer than 02.

The minimum and maximum level of water for firefighting among all tubs and tanks in the same network must be the same.

When deactivating a tank or tub, the amount of water for firefighting stored in other tubs and tanks must no less than 50 % of the amount of water required for firefighting.

5.1.5.7. Storing water in tubs and tanks or exposed tanks shall be allowed for:

- A residential area with up to 5,000 people.

- Buildings, regardless of their functions, situated separately outside of residential areas, having no pipe networks for supplying water for daily routines or manufacturing and for supplying necessary water amount for outdoor hydrant boosters.

- Multi-purpose buildings requiring no more than 10 l/s of water for outdoor firefighting.

- Buildings with 01 to 02 stories, regardless of their functions, having construction area no larger than area of fire chambers prescribed for such building type.

5.1.5.8. The amount of water for firefighting of tubs, tanks and man-made reservoirs shall be determined based on calculation of the amount of consumed water and duration of firefighting in accordance with provisions from 5.1.2.2 to 5.1.2.6 and 5.1.3.3.

NOTE 1: The calculation of volume of water for firefighting of man-made reservoirs must take into account the possibility of evaporation and freezing of water. The minimum water level must not be less than 0.5 m.

NOTE 2: Access to such tubs, and reservoirs, etc, for fire engines must be ensured.

5.1.5.9. Tanks, tubs, outdoor hydrant boosters, natural and man-made reservoirs for firefighting must be situated within following radius:

- 200 m for pump trucks.

- 100 m to 150 m within technical operation range of mobile pumps – for mobile pumps.

- To increase the operational radius, dead end pipes no longer than 200 m from the tanks, tubs and man-made reservoirs might be installed in accordance with provisions in 5.1.5.8.

- The distance from points of collecting water in tanks, tubs or man-made reservoirs to buildings under the fire resistance levels of III, IV and V or to exposed warehouses containing flammable materials must be no less than 30 m, to buildings under the fire resistance levels of I and II must be no less than 10 m.

5.1.5.10. In cases where it is impossible to fetch water for firefighting directly from tanks, tubs or reservoirs by pump trucks or mobile pumps, basins with volume ranging from 03 m³ to 05 m³must be provided. The diameter of pipes connecting tubs, tanks or reservoirs with the basins shall be calculated based on factors of calculating water flow rate for outdoor firefighting, but must be no less than 200 mm. Valve boxes must be installed on pipelines to lock water circulation, the closing and opening of valves must be performed from the outside of the boxes. The pipe ends in the man-made reservoirs must be installed with sieves.

5.1.5.11. Pressure tanks and tubs for firefighting must be equipped with water level meters, devices reporting water level to pump stations or water distribution stations.

Pressure tanks and tubs of high-pressure pipelines for firefighting must be equipped with devices that automatically stop water from being carried to tubs, tanks and water towers when firefighting pumps are in operation.

5.1.5.12. Pressure tanks and tubs that use pressurized compressed air must have back up pressurizing machines in addition to active pressuring machines.

5.2. Indoor fire hydrant systems

5.2.1. Buildings, public buildings and administrative – auxiliary buildings of industrial constructions must be equipped with indoor fire hydrant systems, and their minimum water flow rate for firefighting shall be determined in accordance with Table 11, for manufacturing facilities and warehouses, the value shall be determined in accordance with Table 12.

The necessary water flow rate shall be determined based on the height of solid stream and diameter of nozzles as specified in Table 13. In such case, the simultaneous operation of the nozzles and other fire suppression systems must be calculated.

NOTE: In case fire hydrants use equipment with specification not specified in Table 13, the minimum water flow rate for firefighting of a stream and height of solid stream must be guaranteed in accordance with law provisions.

5.2.2. To calculate the pump capacity and reserved amount of water for firefighting, the number of streams and water flow rate for firefighting in sections of public buildings that are situated at a height above 50 m must be 04 streams and 2.5 l/s per stream. For F5 buildings under the fire hazard categories of A, B or C with volume exceeding 50,000 m³, the corresponding number shall be 04 streams and 05 l/s per stream.

Table 11 – The minimum number of streams andthe minimum water flow rate for indoor hydrant systems

5.2.3. For manufacturing facilities and warehouses constructed from materials that are prone to damage of fire, the minimum water flow rate for determining pump capacity and amount of water reserved for firefighting specified in Table 12 must be increased in following cases:

- When steel structure that do not receive fire protections is used in buildings under the fire resistance levels of III, IV (level S2, S3), as well structures made from natural wood or pressed wood (wood that have been processed for fire protection), the minimum water flow rate must increase by 05 l/s.

- When the flammable substances are used surrounding structures of buildings under the fire-resistance category IV (level S2, S3), the minimum water flow rate must increase by 05 l/s for buildings with up to 10,000 m³ in volume. In case of buildings of more than 10,000 m³ in volume, the minimum water flow rate must increase by 05 l/s for every extra 100,000 m³ or for extra volume beyond the increased 100,000 m³.

Table12 –The minimum number of streams and the minimum water flow rate for indoor firefighting in manufacturing facilities and warehouses

5.2.4. The number of firefighting streams for each fire shall be 02 streams for buildings that require more than 02 streams.

5.2.5. For building sections with different functions, the water flow rate for firefighting must be separately calculated for each section in accordance with provisions in 5.2.1 and 5.2.2. In such case, the water flow rate for indoor firefighting shall be calculated as follows:

- For buildings that are not separated by fire stop walls, the calculation shall be based on the general volume.

- For buildings separated by class 1 or class 2 fire stop walls, the calculation shall be based on the volume of building sections that require the highest water flow rate.

When connecting buildings under the fire resistance levels of I and II by passages made from non-flammable materials and equipped with fire stop doors, the volume of buildings for the determination of water flow rate for firefighting shall be the volume of individual buildings; in case of having no fire stop doors, the calculation shall be based on the overall volume and the higher fire hazard levels.

5.2.6. The hydrostatic pressure in domestic – firefighting water systems measured in sanitation – technical equipment situated at the lowest elevation must not exceed 0.45 MPa.

The hydrostatic pressure of separate fire suppression systems measured in fire hydrants situated at the lowest elevation must not exceed 0.90 MPa.

During calculation, if the pressure in fire suppression systems exceeds 0.45 MPa, separate fire suppression systems must be installed.

NOTE: When the pressure between valves and connecting ends of fire hydrants exceeds 0.4 MPa, separation layers and devices that adjust pressure to lower excess pressure must be installed.

Table13 –The water flow rate for firefightingdepending on the height of solid streams and the diameter of nozzles

NOTE: (*) DN -Stands for Diameter Nominal, in mm

5.2.7. The discharge rate of fire hydrants must guarantee the height of solid streams necessary for firefighting at any given time of the day even in the tallest and furthest areas.

The minimum height and operation radius of solid streams for firefighting must be equal to the height of the area calculated from floor to the highest point of beams (ceiling) and must be no less than following values:

- For residential buildings, public buildings, manufacturing facilities and auxiliary buildings of industrial structures which are up to 50 m in height - no less than 06 m.

- For residential buildings which are more than 50m in height – no less than 08 m.

- For public buildings, manufacturing facilities and auxiliary buildings of industrial structures which are more than 50 m in height - no less than 16 m.

NOTE 1: The pressure of fire hydrants must take into account losses due to fire hose rollers with 10 m, 15 m and 20 m in length.

NOTE 2: To receive solid streams with up to 04 l/s of flow rate, DN 50 fire hydrants shall be used and DN 65 hydrants shall be used for higher flow rate. If economic – technical documents permit, DN 50 hydrants might be used for flow rate exceeding 04 l/s.

5.2.8. Pressure tanks in buildings must be designed to ensure the generation of solid stream which is higher than 04 m at the highest story or at the story situated immediately below the story where the tanks are placed and must not be less than 06 m for remaining stories; in that case, the guaranteed number of streams shall be: 02 streams with flow rate of 2.5 l/s in 10 minutes if number of calculated streams is 02 or more and 01 stream in remaining cases.

When installing fire hydrants as sensors for automatic operation of firefighting pumps, it is not necessary to consider a pressure tank.

5.2.9. In case of installing fire hydrant systems separately from automatic fire suppression systems, the volume of reservoir tanks containing water must provide enough water to be used in 01 hour for firefighting and other purposes.

When installing fire hydrant systems on automatic fire suppression systems, the working duration of the hydrant must be equal to the working duration of the fire suppression systems.

5.2.10. When domestic water systems and firefighting water systems in buildings of 06 or more stories are connected, upper vertical pipes must be connected in circular model. In that case, in order to guarantee household water change, vertical pipes must be connected to one or several vertical exhaust pipes with valves in circular model.

Dry pipes of fire suppression systems installed in buildings that are not heated, valves must be installed in places where the valves cannot be frozen.

5.2.11. The determination of location and number of indoor vertical pipes and fire hydrants must satisfy following requirements:

- Double hydrants on vertical pipes in manufacturing facilities and public buildings must be installed when the number of calculated streams is not less than 03 and in residential buildings when number of calculated streams is not less than 02.

- In residential buildings with corridors of up to 10 m in length and 02 streams per fire, 02 streams from the same vertical pipes might be generated.

- In residential buildings with corridors of up to 10 m as well as manufacturing facilities and public buildings with 02 calculated streams or more per fire, 02 streams from 02 adjacent cabinets (02 different fire hydrants) must be allocated.

NOTE 1: Fire hydrants in mechanical floor, garrets and technical floors located in basements must be installed if objects and structures made from flammable materials are stored in such places.

NOTE 2: The number of streams generated from each cabinet must not exceed 02.

5.2.12. Fire hydrants must be installed in a way that hydrant openings are situated at an elevation of 1.20 m ± 0.15 m compared to the floor and in cabinets with ventilation outlets and applied with seal. For double hydrants, the hydrants might be installed vertically, in that case, the lower hydrant must be at least 1.0 m high from the floors.

5.2.13. For buildings of 17 or more stories, landing valves must be installed in indoor fire hydrant systems of each section with proper dimension of outlets to connect with mobile fire-fighting facilities. The landing valves must be installed with check valves and open seal.

5.2.14. The indoor hydrants must be placed at inner corridors (where water cannot be frozen) of staircases (except smoke proof enclosures), in lobbies, corridors, passages and other easily accessible locations. Installation of indoor hydrants mentioned above must not obstruct evacuation operations.

5.2.15. In areas protected by automatic fire suppression systems, indoor fire hydrants on DN 65 pipes or larger might be installed, behind the control valve clusters of water sprinkler systems.

5.2.16. In closed areas where water can be frozen, pipes of indoor hydrant systems behind the pump stations may be dry pipes.

5.2.17. Valves to cut water from dead end branching pipes and major cut valves from enclosed steel pipelines must be situated in the way that each section shall only cut water from a maximum of 05 hydrants located on the same story.

5.2.18. If more than 12 hydrants or automatic fire suppression systems are installed in buildings, independently or integrated designed indoor water supply systems for firefighting must have at least 02 water supply pipes and must be connected in a circular model.

6. FIREFIGHTING AND RESCUE

6.1.Buildings and constructions must ensure the firefighting and rescue by using solutions of: structure, premises - space layout, engineering - construction and organization solutions.

These solutions include:

- Arranging roads for fire engines, parking lots for fire engines and that are access for firefighting force and equipment, in combination with functional roads and paths of the building or in individual.

- Arranging outdoor firefighting ladders and ensuring other necessary equipment to take the firefighting force and equipment to floors and roof of the building, including arrangement of lift which has function of carrying firefighting force (hereinafter referred to as firefighting lift).

- Arranging water supply system for firefighting activity, combining or not combining with water domestic supply. When necessary, arranging water hydrants and water-supplying pipe into the building for the firefighting force as well as arranging water tower, water tank or other water supply for the firefighting.

- Protecting against smoke for passageway of the firefighting force inside the building.

- Equipping the building with rescuing equipment for individual and collective in necessary situations.

- Arranging or establishing constructions, firefighting stations with sufficient firefighters and equipment in accordance with firefighting conditions for constructions or areas within scope of the stations according to current regulations.

Selection of the above solutions depends on fire resistance level, structural fire hazard level and functional fire hazard category of the building.

6.2.Roads for fire engines and parking lots for fire engines must meet following requirements:

6.2.1. General requirements

a) Clearance width of road surface must not be less than 3.5 m.

b) Clearance width of a parking lot for fire engines must ensure accessibility to use firefighting apparatus suitable with height and functional fire hazard category of the building according to Table 14.

c) Overhead structures of a road for fire engines or a parking lot for fire engines are allowed if all of the following requirements are met:

- Clearance height of a space serving the pass of fire engines must not be less than 4.5 m;

- Dimension of an overhead structure (measured along the length of a road for fire engines or a parking lot for fire engines) must not be greater than 10 m;

- If there are two or more overhead structures across a road for fire engines or a parking lot for fire engines, the space among these structures must not be less than 20 m;

- Length of the end of a road for fire engines or a parking lot for fire engines that is not blocked by overhead structures must not be less than 20 m; and

- Length of a parking lot for fire engines must not include length of parts having overhead structures.

d) Along the exterior wall of the building, at positions opposite to the parking lot for fire engines, it is required to arrange pathways through the exterior wall to the inside of the building from the above (overhead entrance) in accordance with regulations in 6.3 to implementing firefighting and rescue activities.

6.2.2. Arrangement of roads for fire engines and parking lots for fire engines must meet following requirements:

6.2.2.1.If a building of group F1, F2, F3 or F4 is no more than 15 m in height, a parking lot for fire engines is not required but the building must have a road for fire engines to ensure accessibility to any point on plan view of the building with a distance of no more than 60 m.

6.2.2.2.A building of group F1.3 being more than 15 m in height must meet all of the following requirements:

- Having a road for fire engines within the travel distance of not more than 18 m from entrances to all antechambers of the firefighting lift or of the escape staircase with breeching inlets D65 for the professional firefighting force (of dry riser system).

- Having a parking lot for fire engines, ensuring the accessibility to at least one entire exterior face of each block. Distance between the parking lot for fire engines and the exterior wall of the building must be from 02 m to 10 m;

- Design of a parking lot for fire engines or a road for fire engines shall comply with regulations in Table 14.

Table 14 - Regulations on size of a parking lot for fire engines

6.2.2.3.A building or its components of groups F1.1, F1.2, F2, F3 or F4 whose height is greater than 15 m, a parking lot for fire engines is required at each position having an overhead entrance, ensuring direct accessibility to door panels of overhead entrances. Length of a parking lot for fire engines shall comply with Table 15, based on accessible floor area of the floor having the largest accessible floor area. For buildings with floor voids, such value shall be as follows:

a) For a building with floor voids, including floor void between the basement and the ground floor, the accessible floor area shall be the accumulated accessible floor areas of all floors having voids.

b) For a building with two groups of floor voids or more, the accessible floor area shall be accumulated value of the group of floor void with maximum area.

6.2.2.4.A building of group F5 must have a parking lot for fire engines. Length of a parking lot for fire engines shall be in accordance with Table 16, based on the compartment volume of the building (excluding the basement).

If production conditions does not require access road, the road for fire engines can be arranged at a width of 3.5 m for engines, of which the bed will be reinforced by materials bearing load of fire engines and ensuring surface drainage.

Distance from the edge of a road for fire engines toward the building’s wall must not be greater than 5 m for a building less than 12 m in height; not be greater than 8 m for a building greater than 12 m to 28 m in height and not be greater than 10 m for a building greater than 28 m in height.

In necessary cases, distance from the edge of road that is nearer to the building to exterior wall of the building and constructional work can be increased to 60 m provided that the building and constructional work have dead-end access road together with a turnaround space for fire engines and fire hydrants. In that case, distance from the building and constructional work to the turnaround space for fire engines must not be less than 5 m and not be greater than 15 m and distance between dead-end roads does not exceed 100 m.

NOTE 1: Width of building and constructional work is equal to the distance between positioning axles.

NOTE 2: For lakes used for the firefighting, it is required to have entrance to a yard of which each size shall be not less than 12 m.

Table 15 - Regulations on length of a parking lot for fire engines for a building or its components of group F1.1, F1.2, F2, F3 or F4

Table 16 - Regulations on length of a parking lot for fire engines for a building of group F5

6.2.2.5For multi-purposes buildings, arrangement of roads for fire engines and parking lots for fire engines must meet following requirements:

a) In case a building s components not for accommodation (not in group F1.3) is only located in the lower part of the building, the height of the building using to determine the requirements for the road for fire engines or the parking lot for fire engines must be based on building s components not for accommodation.

b) For a multi-purpose building without any component of group F1.3, required length of a road for fire engines or a parking lot for fire engines shall be equal to the greater value in two values based on:

- Total compartment volume of building s components of group F5; or

- Being determined in accordance with Table 15.

c) For a multi-purposes building having a component of group F1.3, length of parking lot for fire engines shall be calculated according to regulations in 6.2.2.3 and comply with regulations in 6.2.2.

6.2.2.6For basements, a road for fire engines within 18 m measuring from entrances on the ground of all antechambers of the firefighting lift or of the escape staircase with breeching inlets D65 for the professional firefighting force (of dry riser system) is required.

6.2.3.Parking lot for fire engines must be arranged to ensure that the horizontal distance from the edge of parking lot that is nearer to the building to the midpoint of an overhead entrance is from 2 m to 10 m.

6.2.4.A parking lot for fire engines must have level surface. If it has sloping surface, the slope must not exceed 1:15. The slope of a road for fire engines must not exceed 1:8.3.

6.2.5.If length of a dead-end road or parking lot for fire engines greater than 46 m, the end of dead-end section must have a turnaround space designed in accordance with regulations in 6.4.

6.2.6.A public road can be used as a parking lot for fire engines, if its location is in accordance with the distance from it to overhead entrances in 6.2.3.

6.2.7.Roads for fire engines and parking lots for fire engines must ensure the ventilation at all times. Space between a parking lot for fire engines and an overhead entrance must not be obstructed by trees or other fixed objects.

6.2.8.All corners of a parking lot for fire engines or a road for fire engines must be marked, except for public roads used as a parking lot for fire engines or a road for fire engines. Reflective paint markings are required, ensuring visibility at night and must be located on both sides of the road for fire engines or parking lots for fire engines with a distance not exceeding 5 m.

At the starting and ending points of a road for fire engines or a parking lot for fire engines, there must be signs with white background, red letters and the height of these letters is not less than 50 mm. The height of from the ground to lowest point of a sign must be between 1.0 m and 1.5 m. Signs must be visible at night and must not be located more than 3 m from the road for fire engines or the parking lot for fire engines. Distances from all of components of a road for fire engines or a parking lot for fire engines to the nearest sign don t exceed 15 m.

6.2.9.The surface of a road for fire engines or a parking lot for fire engines should be able to bear load of fire engines in accordance with design requirement and in accordance with vehicle type of the Police Department of Fire and Rescue at the area where there is the constructional work.

6.3.Overhead entrances for firefighting and rescue must meet the following regulations:

6.3.1.An overhead entrance must be airy and unobstructed at all times during the duration of using house. An overhead entrance can be openings on outside walls, windows, balcony doors, glass wall panels and door panels that can be opened from the inside and outside. Not arranging furniture or any object that causes obstruction within 1 m from an overhead entrance in the interior floor.

6.3.2.An overhead entrance must be opposite to a utilization area. Not arranging an overhead entrance in storage rooms or machine rooms, escape staircases, un-smoked lobbies, firefighting lift lobbies or in a space only leading to a dead end.

6.3.3.The outside of the door panels of an overhead entrance shall be marked with a red or yellow equilateral triangle with sides not less than 150 mm that is upside down or not. The inside of the door panels of an overhead entrance shall have the words “OVERHEAD ENTRANCE - DO NOT OBSTRUCT” of at least 25 mm in height.

6.3.4.An overhead entrance must have a width of at least 850 mm, a height of at least 1,000 mm. The distance from its bottom margin to the floor must not be more than 1,100 mm and the one from its top margin to the floor must be at least 1,800 mm.

6.3.5.Quantity and locations of overhead entrances for each fire chamber of a building or of its components not being in group F1.3 shall comply with the following regulations:

6.3.5.1.For a building of group F1.1, F1.2, F2, F3, F4 or F5, quantity of overhead entrances must be calculated based on length of a parking lot for fire engines. For each section of maximum 20 m of length of the parking lot for fire engines, there must be an overhead entrance.

6.3.5.2.Overhead entrances must be arranged must be arranged far apart, along the sides of the building. The farthest distance, measured along the outside wall, between the midpoints of two consecutive overhead entrances served by the same parking lot for fire engine must not exceed 20 m. Overhead entrances must be distributed so that at least one overhead entrance is arranged on each section of 20 m length of the parking lot for fire engines, except for building’s components having one floor that is not in group F5.

6.3.5.3.For a building of group F1.1, F1.2, F2, F3 or F4 with the height from over 10 m to 50 m, there must be overhead entrances on all floors except for 1^stfloor and must be opposite to the parking lot for fire engines.

6.3.5.4.For a building of group F5, overhead entrances must be arranged above a parking lot for fire engines, to the height of 50 m.

6.3.5.5.Requirements for overhead entrances shall not apply for buildings of group F1.3, including auxiliary areas (for example: gymnasiums, club rooms, etc. only serving for the residents of the building) in buildings of group F1.3.

6.4.Design of a turnaround space for fire engines must comply with one of the following regulations:

- Being an equilateral triangle with sides not less than 07 m, one vertex being on the dead-end road, two vertices being well-proportioned toward two sides of the road.

- Being a square with sides no less than 12 m.

- Being a circle shape with diameter no less than 10 m.

- Being a rectangle perpendicular to the dead-end road, well-proportioned toward two sides of the road, with the minimum size of 05 m x 20 m.

NOTE: The above regulations prescribe the minimum threshold, fire and rescue management agencies can make specific regulations based on the technical requirements of firefighting equipment in each locality.

6.5.For narrow road which is only for one vehicle lane, at each section of minimum 100 m there must be one expanded area 07 m in width and 8 m in length to easily avoid crashes among fire engines and other vehicles.

6.6.For buildings of 10 m or more in height to the fascia board or upper edge of the outside wall (barrier wall), there must be direct exits to the roof from staircase or via attic or via the stair of type 3, or fire escape.

Quantity of exits to the roof and their arrangement should base on functional fire hazard and dimension of the building, but not less than one exit:

- For each distance less than or equal to 100 m length of the building with attic.

- For each area smaller or equal to 1,000 m²of roof of a building without attic of group F1, F2, F3 or F4.

- For each 200 m of perimeter of a building of group F5 along the fire escape. It is allowed not to arrange:

- Fire escapes at front face of a building if the building’s width is not over 150 m and there is a water supply system in front of the building.

- An exit to the roof of one-story building of which the roof has area not greater than 100 m².

6.7.In the attic of the building, except for buildings of group F1.4, there must be exit to the roof via fixed ladder and doorways, manholes or windows with dimension no less than 0.6 m x 0.8 m.

Exits to the roof or to the attic from staircase must be arranged by step plates with landing plate in front of the exit, via fire stop door of type 2 with dimension no less than 0.75 m x 1.5 m. Step plate and landing plate can be made of steel but should have slope (inclination) not greater than 2 :1 (63.5^o) and a width no less than 0.7 m.

In a building of group F1, F2, F3 or F4 with a height of up to 15 m, it is allowed to arrange exits to the attic or to the roof from staircases via fire stop manhole of type 2 with dimension of 0.6 m x 0.8 m by fixed steel ladder.

6.8.In the technical floor, including technical basement and technical attic, the clearance height of a passage should not be less than 1.8 m; in the attic along the whole building, this value should not be less than 1.6 m. Width of this passage should not be less than1.2 m. In individual sections with length not greater than 02 m, it is allowed to reduce height of the passage to 1.2 m and its minimum width is 0.9 m.

6.9.In a building having attic, there should be manholes in structure covering orifices of the attic.

6.10. At position where height difference of the roof is greater than 1.0 m (including positions where there is elevation for lifting light and ventilation holes), fire ladders shall be required.

At the position where height difference of the roof is greater than 10 m, if each of the roof’s portion greater than 100 m²has its own exit to the roof meeting requirements in 6.6 or elevation of the lower portion of the roof that is determined in accordance with 6.6 does not exceed 10 m, fire ladders shall not be required.

6.11. It is required to use fire ladder of type P1 to access to a height of 20 m and at position of height difference of the roof from 1.0 m to 20 m. Fire ladder of type P2 should be used to access to a height greater than 20 m and at height difference over 20 m.

Fire ladders should be made of noncombustible material, placed at visible area and far from the window no less than 1.0 m. Width of the ladder is 0.7 m. For a ladder of type P1, at a height of 10m and above, it is required to have a circular segment of protection of which the diameter is 0.35 m and its center is 0.45 m from the ladder.  Circular segments should be spaced 0.7 m and at the exit to the roof, it should be at a position at which its projection to the rail is minimum 0.6 m. For a ladder of type P2, it is required to have handrail and landing plates not over 08 m from each other.

6.12. There should be gap between step plates and between handrails of the ladder with clearance width projected onto the plane no less than 100 mm.

6.13. At least 01 firefighting lift is required for a building with each fire chamber greater than 28 m in height (greater than 50 m in height for a building of group F1.3), or for a building with the lowest basement floor greater than 09 m in depth (based on the height of the escape exit) must have at least one firefighting lift.

NOTE: Other technique requirements such as power supply, control system, signal transmission, communication, fire protection equipment, etc. must comply with specific technical standards selected for firefighting lifts.

Arrangement and installation of firefighting lifts must comply the following basic regulations:

- Not to use lifts serving transport of goods as firefighting lifts.

- In normal conditions, firefighting lifts are still used for transport of people. Firefighting lifts can be arranged with separate elevator lobby or an elevator lobby shared with passenger lifts and jointed by an automated group control system.

- Quantity of firefighting lifts is sufficient so that the distance from the location of those lifts to any point on the floor plan that it serves does not exceed 60 m.

- In cases of only one firefighting lift, such firefighting lift must reach all floors surrounding the burning floors of the building.

- In case many firefighting lifts are arranged in a lift shaft, these lifts can serve different areas of the building provided that served area must be clearly shown on each lift.

- In any case, the service form of firefighting lifts must be the same and common, for example there are lifts only serving odd-numbered floors or even-numbered floors or serving all floors.

- If a building has refuge floors, each floor must have at least 01 firefighting lift.

- In the normal operation mode, firefighters lift doors must not open at the refuge floors; lift shafts at these refuge floors must be regularly locked. They shall be only unlocked in cases of the mode of serving firefighting force.

- If a fire occurs, firefighting lifts must meet the requirement that the firefighter:

+ Is the sole person being able to control and operate the firefighting lifts with his/her equipment to access the fire easily, familiarly, safely and quickly.

+ Is safe from fire and smoke impact during the use of them and particularly when exiting them.

+ Can access clear and safe passageways to reach those lifts and the floors served by those lifts.

+ Must not move more than two floors to reach any potentially burned floor of the building.

+ Is protected in private lift shafts (not shared with other lifts) and maximum 03 firefighting lifts can be arranged in each lift shaft. The covering structure of a lift shaft must have fire resistance limit not less than REI 120.

- Lobby of a firefighting lift must be an antechamber meeting all of the following regulations:

+ Having area not less than 04 m².

+ When combined with un-smoked lobbies of the staircase, the area is not less than 06 m².

+ Being covered by fire stop partition of type 1.

+ Being installed breeching inlets D65 for professional firefighting force.

- The layout of a firefighting lifts must foresee the movement of a professional firefighting team and ensure that the firefighting team can access to all rooms on all floors of the building.

- The carrying capacity of a firefighting lift must not be less than 630 kg for a condominium of group F1.3 and not less than 1,000 kg for a production house and one of other public buildings.

- Firefighters lift speed must not be less than H/60 (m/s). In which H is the lifting height (m).

- The coverage structure of the firefighters lift cabin must be made of noncombustible material or material of low combustibility.

6.14.In buildings which have roof slope of up to 12%, height measuring to fascia board or to upper edge of outside wall (barrier wall) greater than 10 m as well as in buildings which have roof slope greater than 12% and height measuring to fascia board greater than 07 m, it is required to have banisters and handrails on the roof in accordance with current standard.  This type of banisters and handrails should also be arranged on flat roof, balcony, loggia, outside hall, open stair, stair tread and landing plate without depending on the height of the building.

6.15.Water supply system for firefighting for the building must ensure its accessibility and usability all the time to the fire fighting force and apparatus.

6.16.Supply of water and other specialized apparatus and equipment for firefighting for the building and constructional work shall comply with basic regulations in Part 5 of this Regulation and in relevant technical standards.

6.17.Attendant room for firefighting control.

a) For a housing or a public constructional work with more than 10 floors, a building with from 2 to 3 basements; a crowded public constructional work (such as a theater, a cinema, a bar or a house for the similar purpose, with more than 50 people on each floor that is calculated in accordance with Table G.9 of Appendix G); a garage (for cars, motorbikes, bicycles), a production house, a warehouse with area over 18,000 m², there must be attendant room for firefighting control and there must be frequent appearance of skilled staff at this room.

b) The attendant room for firefighting control must:

- Have sufficient area for arranging equipment in accordance with requirement for fire prevention and protection of the building, but not less than 6 m²;

- Have two exits: one exit connects with outside open space and another connects with the main corridor for escape;

- Be separated from other parts of the building by fire stop components of type 1.

- Be equipped with communication device and terminal of fire alarming system to connect all parts of the building.

- Have monitor and control board of firefighting equipment, smoke control device and have layout of firefighting equipment of the building.

6.18.All basements of the building having from 2 to 3 basements must be equipped two-way emergency communication system between the attendant rooms for firefighting control to the following areas:

- All rooms that having equipment related to the firefighting system; in particular, including the fire pump room of the sprinkler system, the pump room supplying water to the vertical pipe system, the switching room, the power generator room and the machine room of elevator.

- All rooms that are equipped with monitoring device of the smoke control system.