Fire safety is not just a regulatory requirement—it's a critical shield for your business, assets, and the people within your commercial or high-rise buildings.

In the blink of an eye, a fire can cause extensive property damage, obliterate inventory, and ruin power supply, communication, and computer systems, leading to costly downtime. But the stakes are higher than financial loss; the real peril lies in the threat to human life, with smoke, flames, and chaos turning a routine day into a nightmare.

The key to safeguarding your business is preparation. Owners, employees, and visitors alike need to know how to act swiftly and safely in the event of a fire. By adopting robust fire prevention strategies and ensuring everyone is trained to tackle potential emergencies, you can minimise risk and protect what matters most.

This article cuts through the complexity and equips you with straightforward, actionable guidance to fortify your workplace against fire.

  

Fire Risks and Hazards in Businesses and Commercial Buildings

Commercial buildings, including shopping centres, hotels, and factories, are generally classified as high-risk "designated premises" under the Fire Services Act, according to the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM).

These are common fire hazards associated with these buildings:

1. Electrical faults and short circuits: Faulty wiring, overburdened circuits, and worn-out equipment can cause sparks and ignite combustible materials. Regular inspections can prevent most electrical fires.
2. Flammable Substances: Businesses often use and store flammable materials like chemicals, gas, oil and solvents. Improper storage can lead to leaks and spills, creating a significant fire risk. Always use safe containers and handle these substances with care.
3. Kitchen Hazards: Commercial kitchens are hotspots for fires due to unattended cooking and grease accumulation. Ensure all cooking appliances are well-maintained and used correctly to avoid mishaps.
4. Smoking: Fires can start from careless smoking or improper disposal of cigarettes. Enforce strict no-smoking policies in unauthorised areas and provide safe disposal bins.
5. Combustible Storage: Keep paper, wood, and plastic from heat sources and flammable materials. Proper storage reduces the chance of these items catching fire.

  

Fire Risks in High-Rise Buildings: Key Considerations

High-rise buildings face unique fire risks due to their vertical nature and many occupants. Their towering structure allows fires to spread vertically fast, posing a significant threat. Additionally, the height challenges firefighters in reaching and extinguishing blazes swiftly. These buildings must have robust fire-resistant designs to protect both structure and occupants.

  

Building Design

Effective building design is vital in minimising fire risks. Key design elements include:

Compartmentalisation

This design strategy involves creating distinct compartments within a building that act as fire barriers. With insulated and fire-resistant doors, fires can be confined to limited areas, helping to prevent the spread and allowing for more effective management.

Emergency Exits

For high-rise buildings, it's essential to have well-marked, unobstructed emergency exits. Proper signage and accessibility from all parts of the building are crucial to ensure a swift and safe evacuation during a fire.

Building Materials

The choice of materials can significantly influence fire behaviour. Opting for fire-resistant materials and applying fireproofing treatments can slow fire spread and smoke production. Installing sprinklers and smoke detectors can substantially improve a building's fire defence system.

Ventilation system

A building's ventilation system plays a dual role in fire safety. In high-rises, expansive ventilation networks can, unfortunately, act as conduits for smoke and fire, allowing them to move quickly from floor to floor. To counteract this risk, it's essential to have compartmentalised systems that help contain fires and minimise smoke infiltration, protecting property and lives.

Combustible Contents

The contents of a building can dramatically affect fire behaviour. High-rises often contain combustible items—from office furniture to paper goods—that can fuel a fire. It's not just what you have but how you store it. Cluttered spaces can not only feed a fire but also block escape routes. Adhering to fire safety codes regarding material selection and storage is non-negotiable for business owners.

Fire Protection Systems

Effective fire prevention in high-rise buildings hinges on robust fire detection and suppression systems. Strategically placed fire alarms and sprinkler systems are the first defence against a blaze. However, more than their presence is needed. Regular, rigorous testing and maintenance ensure they can perform when seconds count.

  

Fire Safety Measures for Businesses and Workplaces

Businesses and commercial properties must adopt robust fire prevention and protection strategies. While some measures may already be in place, ensuring everyone within the premises knows these protocols is imperative. This readiness is vital in mitigating the impact should a fire occur.

Here are actionable steps to enhance fire safety:

  

Emergency Access and Evacuation Routes

In the intricate dance of high-rise construction, architects and builders must prioritise escape routes. These lifelines require routine checks to remove barriers and ensure they remain passable. Fire alarms, too, must undergo regular testing to guarantee their reliability in an emergency.

Marked, unhindered emergency exits are non-negotiable. They serve a dual purpose: allowing Bomba's swift access to tackle blazes and providing occupants a safe passage out.

All building occupants must have the escape routes etched in their minds. Display escape plans prominently on each floor to reinforce this knowledge. To turn theory into instinct, conduct evacuation drills periodically.

  

Fire Safety Guidelines

In any workplace, mitigating fire risks starts with educating your team about the potential fire dangers they encounter daily. By providing clear-cut guidelines, you empower your employees to act responsibly and safely.

Here's what everyone in your building needs to know:

1. No Smoking Indoors: Enforce strict no-smoking policies within the building.
2. Electrical Safety: Use electrical equipment correctly. Watch for signs of trouble, like frayed wires or loose connections, and never overload circuits or sockets.
3. Hazardous Materials: Handle and store flammable substances carefully, away from heat sources.
4. Furniture and Building Materials: Opt for fire-resistant materials wherever possible.
5. Fire Extinguisher Use: Ensure everyone knows how to use a fire extinguisher.
6. Reporting Procedures: Ensure fire hazards and incidents are reported immediately.

  

Fire Safety Training for Staff and Building Occupants

In Malaysia, businesses must adhere to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1994 (OSHA), prioritising employee safety and health. As part of this commitment, regular fire safety training is non-negotiable; whether updates to fire protocols or emergency drills, staying informed and prepared is vital.

For those businesses without an internal safety committee, it's time to take action. Assign clear fire safety roles to ensure everyone knows their responsibilities.

Here's a breakdown:

1. Fire Safety Manager: Leads fire prevention strategies, oversees safety inspections and orchestrates evacuation plans.
2. Building Manager: Keeps fire safety measures sharp and compliant with local laws.
3. Maintenance Crew: Regularly checks and maintains fire extinguishers, sprinklers, and other critical equipment.
4. Everyone: Each staff member and occupant must know the emergency procedures and participate in drills. It's everyone's job to follow fire safety rules.

  

Fire Protection System & Maintenance

In Malaysia's bustling cities like Kuala Lumpur, skyscrapers dominate the skyline. With limited ground space, these high-rise structures pose a unique challenge for firefighting efforts, particularly for fires above the 16th floor. Hence, these buildings must have robust fire protection systems in place.

For building owners, this means installing and maintaining key components like fire alarms, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems. It's not just about safety—it's the law. The Fire Services Act 1988 (Act 341) mandates that high-risk buildings must secure a Fire Certificate from Bomba, proving they meet safety standards. Exemptions apply to single private homes and places of worship.

Here's what building owners need to know:

For new buildings, once you've received your Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC), it's time to apply for a Fire Certificate. You'll need to submit Form 1 along with documents like your CCC, Bomba-approved building plans, a copy of the sales and purchase agreement, a land title copy, an assessment tax and a copy of the business license.

Bomba will review your submission and inspect your premises. They'll look for an Automatic Fire Monitoring System (SPKA), which links your alarms directly to the nearest fire station. If everything checks out, you'll be issued a Fire Certificate, valid for one year.

Remember to renew your certificate annually with Form III at least 30 days before it expires. Avoid making changes to your fire safety system. If you do, you must apply for a new Fire Certificate.

Failure to comply (operating without a Fire Certificate) can result in fines up to RM10,000, up to five years in jail, or both—not to mention a daily penalty of RM100 after conviction.

  

In summary, fire safety is essential for any business to protect lives and property.

Every business owner and building manager is responsible for enforcing strict fire prevention strategies and maintaining a secure environment for employees, clients, and visitors.

Equally important is investing in a comprehensive fire insurance policy, which provides financial peace of mind.

Let's prioritise safety and ensure everyone understands their role in fire prevention.

  

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Disclaimer: This blog post is strictly for informational purposes, and should not be taken as advice of any kind. Kurnia disclaims all responsibility for any losses resulting from reliance on the information contained in this article.