Berita 2012 (40) - MFPAsite.mfpa.com.my/clients/mfpacommy/Downloads/BERITA_2012_SPE… · BERITA We Protect Mankind & the Environment Nov. 2012 Special Edition A Publication of The

BERITA

We Protect Mankind & the EnvironmentNov. 2012 Special Edition

A Publication of The Malaysian Fire Protection Association KDN / PP5942 / 10 / 2012 (031034)

No. 25-4, Block H, Jalan PJU 1/37, Dataran Prima, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.Tel: (603) - 7804 9141 / 7866 8052 Fax: (603) - 7804 4592 Website : www.e-mfpa.org Email: [email protected]

20th - 22nd November 2012

Woodlandor Ad 01-8-12.ai 1 6/11/2012 6:30:18 AM

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MFPA NewsletterNov. 2012

SpecialEdit ionContents

04 Foreword Message from Director General, FRDM

05 Message from MFPA President

06 Message from CFPA-I Chairman

07 Executive & Central Committee 2011-2013

10-15 History of Malaysian Fire Protection Association

18-19 Corporate Affair & International Liaison Committee

20-21 Fire Extinguisher Competency Training

24-26 Product Certification Scheme For Fire Resistant Doorsets

31-33 Fire Doors – LPCB Helps to Protect People and Property

36-38 Why 24ºC in hot and humid climate?

Special Editorial BoardChairman : Mr Tony Phuang

Deputy Chairman : Dato’ Dany Mun

Committee : Ms Josephine Wong Mr Jeffrey Soo Mr Michael Toh Ir Leong Siew Meng

Advisor : Mr Danny Cheah

DisclaimerNo part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without the prior consent or permission from the Editor or the Executive Committee of MFPA. All information, news, statements or claims made in any articles, letters, advertisements published in Berita MFPA do not represent the official views and stand of the Association and the Editorial Board will not accept responsibilities for or necessarily agree with any views herein published.

Printed by TRIPLE TRIANGLE TRADINGNo. 84, Jln Taming 5, Tmn Taming Jaya, 43300 Balakong, Selangor.

KKDN : 1780/3565 (044278)

Malaysian Fire Protection

Association

No. 25-4, Block H, Jalan PJU 1/37, Dataran Prima,

47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

Tel: (603) 7804 9141 (603) 7866 8052Fax: (603) 7804 4592

Website:www.e-mfpa.org

Email: [email protected]

MFPA NewsletterNov. 2012 SpecialEdit ion

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Foreword MessageDato’ Wan Mohd Nor Bin Hj. Ibrahim, Fire and Rescue Department Malaysia

Greetings and Salam Satu Malaysia

i am indeed pleased to note the active participation of Malaysian Fire Protection Association (MFPA) in partnership with Fire & Rescue Department Malaysia (FRDM) and The Institution of Fire

Engineers (UK) Malaysia Branch (IFEM) to organize the International Fire Conference & Exhibition 2012 Malaysia (IFCEM 2012), at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from 20th till 22nd November 2012.

Since the last joint partnership in 2004, we felt that IFCEM 2012 should be held to bring to our shores a platform to exchange ideas and latest international developments in fi re safety and to showcase our latest products and technologies, both local & overseas, in this international conference and exhibition.

Apart from encouraging international trade, I believe that this exhibition will see a greater exchange on latest experiences in the fi eld of fi re prevention to protect human lives and properties. I strongly encourage MFPA members and other professional bodies to attend this conference and exhibition to garner knowledge and share experiences.

I was informed that MFPA through it’s international links is hosting Board Meeting and Members Meetings of the Confederation of Fire Protection Associations (International & Asia), in Malaysia, to run concurrently with the IFCEM 2012 on 22nd and 23rd November 2012. To this I say “Syabas” and “Selamat Datang” to all the delegates attending the CFPA-I and CFPA-A, and enjoy the pleasant stay and hospitality from Beautiful Malaysia.

Well wishes to MFPA and it’s Committee & to keep up a job well done!

Dato’ Wan Mohd Nor Bin Hj. IbrahimDirector GeneralFire and Rescue Department Malaysia

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SpecialEdit ion

Danny Cheah, Malaysian Fire Protection Association

President’s Message

with so many successful activities past and current, I have a feeling that time literally “fl ies”, and in “a blink of the eye”, it is time again to pen a message as President for another issue of the Berita MFPA.

MFPA, in smart partnership with the Fire and Rescue Department Malaysia (FRDM) and The Institution of Fire Engineers (UK) Malaysia Branch (IFEM) is bringing you the International Fire Conference and Exhibition 2012 (IFCEM 2012) at our vibrant Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from 20 to 22 November 2012. IFCEM 2012 features prominent international speakers with relevant fi re related topics carefully selected for our Malaysian audience. Concurrently, there is also an array of international as well as local exhibitors, showcasing their latest technology in fi re safety in the Exhibition Halls 1 & 2 in KLCC.

It was in 2004 that the three bodies namely FRDM, IFEM and MFPA got together to organize an International Fire Conference and Exhibition. I am confi dent that for IFCEM 2012, we have put together an exhibition and conference which is larger in scale, designed to provide a major platform to showcase the latest fi re safety developments as well as other related areas such as disaster management, fi re and rescue operational protocol and experiences as well as sustainability.

I urge all members to support this IFCEM 2012 by participating in the conference and also to visit the exhibition this 20th November 2012.

“Syabas” and thanks to all my fellow Committee members for contributing their time and efforts in organizing various events and activities as well as representing the Association in dialogues with the various professional bodies and NGOs on matters pertaining to the fi re safety in Malaysia. We will continue to hold dialogues with FRDM, SIRIM, CIDB (Construction Industry Development Board), ACEM (Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia) etc. and also with other trade organizations. The UPMet (Universiti Putra Malaysia Education & Training Sdn Bhd) / MFPA competency course on the maintenance of portable fi re extinguishers is still on going. Apart from engaging FRDM in joint seminars, our Social & Sports committee successfully organised a golf tournament between FRDM and MFPA members, as part of MFPA’s continuing effort to enhance cooperation and networking.

I am pleased to note that the Publication Committee continues in their relentless efforts to gather valuable information and solicit members and associates’ support in the publication of the Berita MFPA for the interests of MFPA members. I value their efforts in collating information and articles for this issue which focus on fi re rated door sets as well as making a commendable effort in documenting the history of MFPA.

Thank you all for the concerted efforts of progressing towards professionalism and your continued support is appreciated to reaching our goals and objectives: “We Protect Mankind & the Environment”

Terima Kasih

Danny CheahPresidentMalaysian Fire Protection Association


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first and foremost I wish to convey my thanks to the Malaysian Fire Protection Association (“MFPA”) for giving me the opportunity, as Chairman of the Confederation of Fire Protection Association - International (“CFPA-I”), to pen

a few words in this important issue of the newsletter.

We, at the CFPA-I & Confederation of Fire Protection Association - Asia (“CFPA–A”) would like to congratulate MFPA in partnership with the Fire & Rescue Department Malaysia (“FRDM”) and the Institute of Fire Engineers (UK) Malaysia Branch (“IFEM”) for organizing the International Fire Conference and Exhibition Malaysia 2012 (“IFCEM 2012”) which will be held during the month of November at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center.

We see this event as an avenue for the people and organizations that are in the fi re preventions and protection industry from all around the world to showcase their latest products and technologies and to share their experiences from a global perspective on the latest developments in relation to fi re prevention and protection. We are in full support of this event as it is in line with the primary objective of the CFPA-I which is to facilitate the sharing of knowledge of fi re prevention and protection on a global basis. We hope that the event will help the participants from the different jurisdictions learn from one another.

CFPA -I is proud to have MFPA as one of the most active members in our organization. Your effort to promote and develop fi re safety awareness and technology is in line with our vision.

We are happy to announce that both the CFPA-I and CFPA-A will be jointly holding their annual board of directors meeting in Kuala Lumpur, in conjunction with the IFCEM 2012.

Best wishes to the President of MFPA, the Director General of FRDM and the President of IFEM for all their time and effort put into organizing the IFCEM 2012 and we have no doubt that the event will prove to be very successful.

Thank you. Sincerely,

Steven OoiChairman

Message from CFPA-I Chairman

Steven Ooi

Committee Chairman Deputy

Disciplinary Danny Cheah Steven Ooi

Publication Tony Phuang Dato’ Dany Mun` Jeffrey Soo

Education & Training Teh Khay Leong Josephine Wong Michael Toh

Corporate Affair Steven Ooi Hermie Tye

Sports & Activity Jeffrey Soo Tony Phuang Regional Liason Hermie Tye Teh Khay Leong

Technical Danny Cheah Josephine Wong Steven Ooi Michael Toh Hermie Tye Ir. Leong Siew Meng Dato’ Ir. Muhammad Imran Ir. Tan Chew

Technical Sub-Committee

Wet Fire Michael Toh Ir. Leong Siew Meng Tee Siew Chong

Dry Fire Josephine Wong Tony Phuang

Gaseous Fire Suppression Steven Ooi Ir. Leong Siew Meng Ooi Kean Lee

Fire Extinguisher Hermie Tye Ooi Kean Lee

Passive Fire Danny Cheah Dato’ Ir. Muhammad Imran Ir. Tan Chew

Fire Resistant Doorset Teh Khay Leong Dato’ Ir. Muhammad Imran Victor Lim

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SpecialEdit ion

MFPA Office Bearer 2011-2013

Danny Cheah Kam KongPresident

Steven Ooi Eng KooiHon. Secretary

Dato’ Ir. Muhammad Imran bin Baharuddin

Committee

Josephine Wong Sai FongImmediate Past President

Ir. Leong Siew MengCommittee

Danny Sin Kheng LeeCommittee

Ir. Tan ChewCommittee

Teh Khay LeongDeputy President

Tony Phuang Tuck YinHon. Treasurer

Tee Siew ChongCommittee

Hermie Tye Seow PohVice President

Michael Toh Ah LouPast President

Jeffrey Soo Seng MunVice President

Ooi Kean LeeCommittee

Dato’ Dany Mun Weng SumCommittee

Victor Lim Eng HongCommittee


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History of Malaysian Fire Protection Association

conception of Malaysian Fire Protection Association (MFPA) goes back to more than 36 years ago when a group of company executives, suppliers

and installers, who were involved in the usage, marketing and installation of fi re fi ghting equipment respectively, got together and mooted the idea of forming an association that would represent the interests of the fi re industry and promote fi re safety practices as well as having a common voice in representing the industry. The idea was supported by the fi re authority. With the formation of a pro tem committee in 1976, MFPA was registered with the Registrar of Society on 26 July 1977.

The pro tem committee continued to manage MFPA from 1977 until 1981, which saw the humble beginning of MFPA with a small number of members. The committee meetings were at times held at the Federal Iron Works’ conference room in Petaling Jaya as well as at one of the committee members’ offi ces at other times. The 1981 − 1982 session was signifi cant for MFPA as two milestone events took place. Firstly, the inaugural Annual General Meeting was held and Mr. Lim Chin Guan of the Federal Iron Works was elected as its fi rst President. Secondly, MFPA established a secretariat offi ce at a rented premise, which was a corner link-house at No.86, Jalan SS24/17, Taman Megah, Petaling Jaya in 1982. It was in 1983 that MFPA organized its fi rst seminar. This secretariat premise became the “home” of MFPA committees headed by various sessions of Presidency, namely the late Mr. Lim Chin Guan for the 1981 – 1982 session; En. Mohd Jamil Yusoff for the sessions of 1983 – 1984, 1985 – 1986 and 1987 – 1988; Allahyarham Y.M. Raja Alam Shah Raja Mohamed for the 1989 – 1990 session; Mr. Peter Goh Cheng Eng for the sessions of 1991 – 1992, 1993 – 1995 and 1995 – 1997; and Mr. Tay Hao Giang for the sessions of 1997 – 1999 and 1999 – 2001. MFPA organized its fi rst seminar in 1983, in this secretariat premise.

The Late Lim Chin GuanPresident 1981-1982

Allahyarham Raja Alam Shah Raja Mohamed

President 1989-1990

Tay Hao GiangPresident 1997-2001

Michael TohPresident 2005-2009

En. Mohd Jamil YusoffPresident 1983-1988

Peter GohPresident 1991-1997

Steven OoiPresident 2001-2005

Josephine WongPresident 2009-2011

MFPA Past Presidents

by Ir Leong Siew Meng

In 1993, the fourth President, Mr. Peter Goh mooted the idea of purchasing a property for the purpose of providing a “permanent home” to MFPA. This idea picked up its momentum when President Peter Goh donated a sum of RM5,000.00 as a contribution to the MFPA building fund in 1994. Through much effort of the committee, MFPA membership registered an increase to 135 members in 1994 and its members were kept informed of MFPA’s activities and updates in fi re safety practices through the association’s Berita MFPA. The membership had grown to encompass manufacturers, suppliers, installers and engineers who represented both active and passive fi re protection equipment and systems. MFPA became active having organized various events ranging from visits to international fi re exhibitions overseas, organizing local seminars, workshops, exhibitions and conferences such as IFCAA, IFCEM, etc., the annual MFPA – BOMBA golf challenge, and so on. The need for a “permanent home” became apparent and it was in 1999 during Mr. Tay Hao Giang’s Presidency that MFPA bought an offi ce unit at No. 25-4, Block H, Jalan PJU 1/37 in Dataran Prima, Petaling Jaya.

The spirit of voluntarism of the MFPA committee headed by President Tay Hao Giang was put to full test when MFPA co-organised the IFCAA 2000 Fire Exhibition with BOMBA at the MINES. MFPA came away with fl ying colours as it was a successful event. The collaborative efforts with BOMBA in organizing this international event should be commended and became the cornerstone for future collaborations. MFPA was active and became a key member of SIRIM’s technical committee in drafting Malaysian Standards on passive and active fi re protection systems, and also fi re resistant doorsets.

MFPA fi nally moved into its present “permanent home” in March 2001, which marked a new chapter in the history of MFPA. This new secretariat premise became the “home” of MFPA committees headed by various sessions of Presidency, namely Mr. Steven Ooi Eng Kooi for the sessions of 2001 – 2003 and 2003 – 2005; Mr. Michael Toh Ah Lou for the sessions of 2005 – 2007 and 2007 – 2009; Ms. Josephine Wong Sai Fong for the session of 2009 – 2011; and the current President, Mr. Danny Cheah Kam Kong. The Dataran Prima offi ce has a meeting room, a secretariat offi ce area, a library, a store, a pantry and a meeting hall that has been used to hold its AGMs and tea talks.

On the invitation of the UK Trade Partners and the British Trade Commission Kuala Lumpur, nine members of the MFPA Central Committee visited the United Kingdom from 2 to 13 September 2001. This trade mission programme included a visit to the construction site of the New Royal Infi rmary of Edinburgh (Scotland’s largest teaching hospital), Fire 2001 Conference and Exhibition and manufacturing facilities in Manchester, the Fire Service College in Moreton–in Marsh and the laboratory facilities of the British Research Establishment in Watford. The highlight of this mission was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the fi re Service College between the Fire Industry Confederation (FIC) represented by Martin Duggan and MFPA represented by President Steven Ooi. The signing of this MoU was conducted during a “high profi le” formal dinner held at the Fire Service College, and was witnessed by the dignitaries and offi cers of the college, members of FIC and senior fi re offi cers from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, and also 15 FRDM offi cers from Malaysia who

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History of Malaysian Fire Protection Association MFPA NewsletterNov. 2012

SpecialEdit ion

1st Central Committee 1976

IFCAA 2000

Central Committee 1984

Penang Seminar 2002

China Fire Expo 2002

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were undergoing training for six months at the college. In 2002, the then Minister of Housing and Local Government, Y.B. Dato’ Seri Ong Ka Ting accepted MFPA’s invitation and was installed as Honorary Patron of MFPA. Through the effort of the then MFPA President, Mr. Steven Ooi, MFPA achieved international recognition when the association obtained its admission as a full member of the Confederation of Fire Protection Associations – International during the CFPA-I 2002 meeting in Minneapolis, USA.

MFPA continued and expanded its tradition of collaboration and dialogue with the fi re authority in BOMBA, testing and standardization organization in SIRIM, construction authority in CIDB (Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia), research and testing body in FRIM (Forest Research Institute Malaysia), professional bodies such as ACEM (Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia), IEM (Institution of Engineers, Malaysia) and ASHRAE Malaysia Chapter, and industry organizations such as MBAM (Master Builders Association Malaysia), TEAAM (The Electrical and Electronic Association of Malaysia), MACRA (Malaysian Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Association) and PIAM (Persatuan Insuran Am Malaysia). When the Fire Certifi cate Regulations 2001 were introduced, MFPA collaborated with BOMBA to organize several seminars including the Penang seminar held on 18 July 2002 and the Kuala Lumpur seminar held on 8 October 2002. Soon after this seminar, President Steven Ooi led a delegation comprising committee members as well as members of MFPA to make an offi cial visit to the China Fire 2002 (International Fire Protection Equipment Technology Conference & Exposition), which was held at the National Agricultural Exhibition Hall in Beijing from 15 to 18 October 2002 and was organized

by the China Fire Protection Association. Since then several delegations had been organized to visit this event in subsequent years.

MFPA introduced another form of dissemination of information and news related to the fi re industry by launching the MFPA website in 2003. MFPA continued to engage its members through extending invitation to them to participate in the various technical sub-committees and working groups, which provide the forums for technical discussions and exchange of viewpoints for improvement in the fi re safety practices in preparation for incorporation in standards writing and such initiatives were established in 2003. Berita MFPA also initiated changes by introducing new formats and printing of colour pages whenever budgets permit.

2004 was another year full of activities for MFPA starting with participation in the Worldbex 2004 exhibition and conference in Manila, Philippines in March. This was followed by the 23rd Annual General Meeting and annual dinner held on 26 March 2004 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC). Some of the MFPA members and committee members participated in the Fire Australia 2004 (exhibition and conference on Property Protection & the Regulatory Environment: Unlocking the Power of codes) at the Surfers Paradise Marriot Resort Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia in June 2004. MFPA collaborated with the Building Services Technical Division of IEM to conduct a seminar on Fire Alarm & Detection Systems on 22 July 2004 at the KLGCC. MFPA represented by Michael Toh, Josephine Wong, Leong Siew Meng, Sunny Oon and Lee Yew Soon provided important inputs in CIDB’s National Occupational Skill Standards (NOSS) Task Analysis Workshop held at Port Dickson from 12 to 16 August 2004. The main event of

Y.B. Dato’ Seri Ong Ka Ting 2002

AGM 2007

Bomba Retreat 2005

Tea Talk 2005

Clean Agent Seminar 2007

the year was certainly the Inaugural IFE (Institution of Fire Engineers) International Branch Meet cum Conference and Exhibition with a theme of “Multi Directional Approach towards Integrated Fire and Safety Solution” held at the Putra World Trade Centre on 5 and 6 October 2004, which was offi ciated by the then Minister of Housing and Local Government, Y.B. Dato’ Seri Ong Ka Ting. MFPA was a co-organiser with IFEM and FRDM. One of MFPA’s past presidents, Mr. Tay Hao Giang was elected to be the IFE (Malaysia) President for the session from 1999 to 2001. He went on to be elected as International President of IFE for the session from July 2011 to July 2012.

MFPA continued to play its role of keeping members and industry players well informed of the Fire Certifi cate regulations by holding a Fire Certifi cate seminar in Kuching on 10 March 2005, which was offi ciated by the then Director-General of the FRDM, YAS Dato’ Hamzah Abu Bakar. 25 March 2005 marked another important milestone for MFPA when Mr. Steven Ooi passed on the baton to the incoming President, Mr. Michael Toh at the 24th AGM, which was followed by the annual dinner held at the Eastin Hotel in Petaling Jaya on the same day. MFPA organized a 40-member delegation to visit the Fire and Rescue Academy Malaysia in Kuala Kubu Bahru from 30 September to 1 October 2005 for a real-life and exhaustive fi re fi ghting experience under the FRDM’s expert training and supervision. It proved to be very interesting and provided a good opportunity to appreciate professional fi re fi ghters’ experiences to MFPA’s delegation. The Education & Training Committee headed by Ms. Josephine Wong introduced a Tea Talk on Lightning Surge Protection for Fire Alarm System held at the secretariat offi ce on 12 August 2005.

MFPA jointly organized with IEM a seminar on update of Malaysian Standards on Fire Alarm & Smoke Control Systems in Penang on 28 February 2006, which was offi ciated by the then Director-General of the FRDM, YAS Dato’ Hamzah Abu Bakar. As part of fulfi lling social responsibility, MFPA represented by its committee member, Mr. Goh Chong Meng gave an informative talk on fi re safety to more than 2,400 students at the Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Yu Hua, Kajang during its week-long fi re safety campaign, which was organized by the school cadet bomba and the Kajang Balai Bomba from 20 to 24 March 2006. MFPA’s 25th AGM was held on 31 March 2006. It was at this AGM that three proposed resolutions were accepted for amendment to the constitution, viz. 1) Creation of associate and student membership, 2) Change of the entrance and annual membership fees, and 3) Creation of a Board of Governors comprising past presidents who are willing to serve.

MFPA celebrated 30 years of incorporation in 2007. To commemorate this 30th Anniversary, the Publication Committee headed by Mr. Hee Choi produced a special edition which included a Past Presidents’ column, archived photographs including all past presidents, some of the past Central Committees, and a collection of past events organized. On international liaison, a delegation of fi fteen CFPA-China members led by its President, Mr. Sun Lun visited MFPA from 2 to 5 April 2007 and attended a joint meeting with to exchange ideas of collaboration between MFPA and CFPA. In conjunction of this visit, CFPA delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General of FRDM. MFPA also received visit by the Australian Fire Protection Association board members and Past President, who was also the chairman of CFPA-Asia, on 30 and

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SpecialEdit ion

CFPA-I Exco Meeting in Paris 2010

32 nd Annual Dinner 2009

Penang Seminar 2008

Mr Sun Lun’s visit in April 2007

Josephine presenting a momento to Vice Director of Int’l Department of

CFPA 2008

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31 July 2007, and thereafter, a visit by the New Zealand Fire Protection Association’s Executive Director on 16 and 17 August 2007. The Education and Training Committee headed by Josephine Wong organized a very successful seminar (attended by 280 participants) on The Impact of Fire Suppression Agents and Alternatives on 28 November 2007 in collaboration with MASKAB and IEM. President Michael Toh and IPP (Immediate Past President) Steven Ooi attended the Energy and Mining Indonesia Series 2007 held in Jakarta from 31 November to 3 December 2007 in conjunction of a 2-day seminar on fi re protection, which had a theme of Preparing Fire Protection and Suppression Techniques for Climate Change.

MFPA received a visit by a delegation of China Fire Protection Association led by the Vice Director of International Department from 6 to 8 January 2008. The 27th AGM was held on 28 March 2008. President Michael Toh led a delegation to visit China Fire 2008 which showcased the 12th International Fire Protection Equipment Technology Convention and Exposition from 28 to 31 October 2008. MFPA organized yet another successful seminar in Penang on Design and Codes on Sprinkler Systems and Fire Protection Practices on 27 November 2008 in collaboration with MASKAB Penang and IEM.

The 28th AGM held on 27 March 2009 marked a new chapter for MFPA as it witnessed the election of Ms. Josephine Wong as its fi rst lady President. In the same evening, MFPA celebrated its 32nd Anniversary Dinner at the Saujana Kuala Lumpur. Realising the importance and implication of climate change, the Publication Committee headed by Mr. Teh Khay Leong published the 2009 issue of Berita MFPA which included articles on Climate Change and Impact on

the Fire Problem authored by Mr. Rob Llewellyn, Chairman of the CFPA-Asia; and Solar Photovoltaic – Sunny Solution for Tomorrow by Ms. Wei-nee Chen, Technical Advisor, MBIPV Project , Pusat Tenaga Malaysia. A tea talk on Green Building Index (GBI) was presented by Ir. Leong Siew Meng on 9 September 2009.

For the fi rst time in the history of MFPA, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between MFPA and the UPM (Universiti Putra Malaysia) Education & Training Sdn Bhd on 26 March 2010 to lay the foundation of collaboration for the development of contractor competency training series. The initial programme was to conduct competency training on fi re extinguisher servicing. The fi rst training course was conducted on 22 May 2010 and this course would be organized regularly for the benefi ts of members, industry players and users of fi re extinguishers. A delegation led by President Josephine Wong made a courtesy visit to CIDB on 2 September 2010. The President also led a delegation to attend a dialogue with ACEM (Association of Consulting Engineers, Malaysia) on 6 October 2010. Both MFPA and ACEM agreed to jointly organize a workshop to address technical issues on industry practices in the country. MFPA and Persatuan Sukan, Kebajikan dan Kebudayaan of FRDM Johor jointly organized a seminar in Johor Bahru on Design and Industry Practices on Fire Safety, which was offi ciated by the Director-General, YAS Dato’ Wan Mohd Nor bin Hj. Ibrahim on 16 November 2010. Following the approval in October 2009 by the Registrar of Society on the constitution amendment to allow the establishment of a Board of Governors, an inaugural meeting of the Board of Governors was held on 22 November 2010.

The 30th AGM was held on 25 March 2011 when the current President,

MFPA/UPM MoU 2010

Safety & Security Fair, Indonesia 2010

ACEM dialogue 2010

Johor Bahru Seminar 2010

Steven Ooi, chairman CFPA-I 2011

Mr. Danny Cheah was elected into offi ce. In the same evening, MFPA celebrated its 34th Anniversary Dinner which was attended by more than 230 members and guests including the guest of honour, YAS Dato’ Wan Mohd Nor bin Hj. Ibrahim, the Director-General of FRDM. At the CFPA-I General Assembly held in Boston on 11 June 2011, MFPA Honorary treasurer, Mr. Hermie Tye witnessed the election of Mr. Steven Ooi as the fi rst Asian to hold the chairmanship of CFPA-I. MFPA shared the pride and joy in one of our past presidents being elected as Chairman of this foremost international fi re protection organization.

President Danny Cheah led a delegation of Exco Committee members to pay a courtesy visit to the Minister of Housing and Local Government, YB Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heung on 9 November 2011. At this visit, Datuk Seri accepted MFPA’s invitation to be the Patron of the Malaysian Fire Protection Association. MFPA visited SIRIM and had a dialogue with the senior general managers of the Fire Testing and Certifi cation of SIRIM on 18 October 2011.

MFPA continued to fulfi l its objectives of promoting better understanding and awareness of best fi re safety practices by jointly organizing a seminar with FRDM Kuala Lumpur on Design and Industry Practices on Fire Safety on 8 December 2011 in Kuala Lumpur, which attracted more than 220 participants. As part of MFPA’s drive to play an important role in fi re safety practices, MFPA in collaboration with FRDM and IFE(M)

will yet mark another milestone when it hosts the International Fire Conference & Exhibition from 20 to 22 November 2012 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). MFPA has indeed been well served by its presidents and their committees including the past and the present to continue the vision and mission of the association. MFPA has grown in strength and diversity having organized and participated in several major milestone events and developments as briefl y reported in the above. The collaborative efforts of MFPA with the authorities and professional bodies have brought much recognition to the association.

Courtesy visit to YB Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heung 9th November 2011(From L to R): Teh Khay Leong, Michael Toh, Steven Ooi, Danny Cheah,

YB Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heung, YAS Dato’ Wan Mohd Nor Bin Hj Ibrahim, Josephine Wong, Jeffrey Soo, Tony Phuang

15


SpecialEdit ion

SIRIM dialogue 2011

KL Seminar 2011

This article was prepared by Ir Leong Siew Meng and was reviewed by Josephine Wong, Steven Ooi, Michael Toh & Tony Phuang

IFCEM 2012 Induk Committee Members


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Corporate Affair & International Liaison Committee

mr. Danny Cheah, MFPA President, together with Mr Steven Ooi, CFPA-I

Chairman and Mr. Rob Llewellyn,

CFPA-A President paid courtesy visits to the Presidents of Fire Protection Association and Fire Chiefs in Beijing, China,

Hong Kong and Macau to promote IFCEM 2012 from 7 May to 15 May 2012. Earlier in June 2012, Mr Hermie Tye and Mr Steven Ooi who were attending the CFPA-I meeting in Boston in conjunction with

by Steven Ooi

L to R: He Jun ( GM System Sensor China), Gao Wei ( Secretary General China FPA), Rob Llewellyn ( President CFPA-A), Sun Lun ( President China FPA), Steven Ooi ( Chairman CFPA-I ), Danny Cheah ( President MFPA ), Wang Jun ( Tianjin Fire

Research Institute ), Zhao Zeming ( International Director China FPA)

Rob, CFPA-A President(4th) Steven Ooi, Chairman CFPA-I (5th) Fire Commissioner Ma of Macau(6th) and Danny

Cheah(7th) and senior Fire Offi cers Danny Cheah and Director Andy Chan Chor – Kam Fire Chief of Hong Kong

Danny Cheah and Sun Lun, President of China Fire Association

19


SpecialEdit ion

Corporate Affair & International Liaison Committee

Country Association Represented By

America NFPA Mr. Gary Keith, Vice President

China CFPA Mr. Gao Wei, Secretary General

Korea KFSA President

United Kingdom FPA Mr. Jonathan O’Neill, President

Denmark DBI Mr. Jesper Ditler, President

Sweden SFPA Mr. Anders Bergqvist, President

France CNPP Mr. Benoit Clair, President

Australia FPAA Mr. Rob LlewellynBoard Director, President

India FPAI Mr. Nitin Shah, President

Egypt EFPA Mr. Hatem Kheir, Board Director

Indonesia IFPA Ir. Ganis Ramadhan, President

Hong Kong CHKFPA Mr. Joe Kwok, President

Other than the Associations, many of their members will also be coming with them to participate in the event. International Test Lab such as UL, BRE and others will also be around to show supports.

MFPA is a strong supporter of CFPA-A and CFPA-I and have been a member with them for more than 10 years. Steven Ooi said that CFPA-I will try to promote MFPA to all member countries so that member will be able gain better knowledge of each other’s business environment as well as each country’s fi re By-Law and requirements, which will

Danny Cheah and Commissioner Ma, Fire Chief of Macau

Danny Cheah with Sr. Col Yang of the Fire Department, Ministry of Public

Security, People Republic of China.

Hermie Tye, Steven and Gary Keith, Vice President of NFPA

Lunch at Macau Fire Station restaurant

NFPA Conference and Exhibition, took time to promote IFCEM 2012 among the members.

In response to their effort, the CFPA- I and CFPA-A have agreed to hold their respective meetings in KL during this time to show support to MFPA and IFCEM 2012. The representatives from following Fire Associations will be attending the meetings as well as the IFCEM 2012 Conference and Exhibition:-

facilitate greater cross-border collaboration.

CFPA-I and CFPA-A have lined up the following meetings for 2012 and 2013:-

22 November 2012 : - CFPA-A Members Meeting in

Kuala Lumpur23 November 2012 : - CFPA-I Board of Directors

Meeting in Kuala Lumpur

1 – 3 May 2013 : - China Fire in Beijing / CFPA-A

Meeting in Xian10 – 13 June 2013 : - NFPA Conference & Expo in

Chicago, IL &- CFPA-I Board of Directors

Meeting in Chicago, IL

MFPA will be the host to welcome members from Fire Protection Associations around the world to attend the International Fire Conference & Exhibition this November in Kuala Lumpur.


20

Fire Extinguisher Competency Training

uPM Education and Training Sdn. Bhd. (UPMET) was incorporated in March

2009 as an education and training driven by Universiti Putra Malaysia. UPMET designs and delivers comprehensive multi disciplinary short and long-term programs to address the needs of the market and to reinforce the leadership capabilities of executives to enable them to meet the challenges of the globalized marketplace and to take their organization to a higher level of performance and productivity.

In order to carry out its mandate, UPMET enters into strategic alliances and partnership with renowned business conglomerates and practitioners in Malaysia and abroad through the core business offers;

Distance Learning Program, Franchise Program and Training Program. UPMET is seen as a platform to provide opportunities for the working people to excel themselves through education and trainings in various fi elds.

MFPA has taken the initiative to work with UPMET to implement awareness programs and training that involves ‘fi re safety’. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UPMHoldings and MFPA was signed on March 26, 2010 for an integrated form of cooperation in planning to conduct a series of courses to contractors who provide services in the maintenance of portable fi re extinguishers. These courses have been fully supported and recognized by FRDM.

Objectives of this programme is

to ensure that individuals and organizations involved with ‘fi re safety’ have the required level of competency in performing the tasks or jobs that affect the product and service needs. Other than that, we also provide knowledge to each participant in the selection, installation, inspection, maintenance, testing and recharging of fi re extinguishers based on the guidelines and standards set by the MS 1539: Specifi cation for Portable Fire Extinguishers.

The implementation of this course involves teaching staff of the Faculty of Engineering, UPM, Malaysia Fire and Rescue Department as well as those who have developed standard document MS1539: Specifi cation for Portable Fire Extinguishers. Program and course contents have been prepared jointly by the instructors involved. The course was divided into two methods of theoretical and practical delivery. Apart from that, the participants were tested in writing and practical in terms of maintenance of portable fi re extinguishers.

In 2012, the courses were held at Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seberang Perai, Skudai and Kuantan in Peninsular Malaysia and in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. A series of 13 courses were held and 1009 people have passed.

by Dr Abdul Aziz Saharee

Exchange of MoU between UPM Holdings and MFPA, witnessed by YAS Dato’ Wan Mohd Nor bin Hj Ibrahim (DG FRDM) and Datin Paduka Dr. Aini Ideris (Chairman UPM)

81 participants from Sabah at Balai Bomba Jalan Lintas, Likas, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah on 14 & 15 April 2012.

21


SpecialEdit ion

Fire Extinguisher Competency Training

1st Session May 2010

Session May 2011

4th Session August 2010

Session 2011

3rd Session July 2010

Session 2011


24

Product Certification Scheme For Fire Resistant Doorsets

fire resistant doorsets, also known as fi re doors, are ubiquitous in commercial

buildings and residential buildings such as condominiums and apartments. It falls under the passive fi re protection category. Depending on the design, raw materials and components used, the fi re resistant doorsets can be classifi ed as composite fi re resistant doorset, steel fi re resistant doorset, glass fi re resistant doorset and timber fi re resistant doorset. It typically has a fi re rating of ½ hour, 1 hour, 2 hours or 4 hours. The two types of fi re resistant doorsets are single leaf and double leaf doorsets. A complete fi re resistant doorset shall consist of door leaf, door frame, ironmongery (lockset, door closer, hinge, and door coordinator as well as auto-bolt for the double leaf type). Usually,

the usage will determine the required or suitable classifi cation, rating and type of doorsets.

In Malaysia, fi re resistant doorsets are regulated by Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (FRDM or Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia) based on requirements stipulated in the Fire Services Act and Uniform Building By-Law 1984. All fi re resistant doorsets sold in Malaysia requires FRDM’s approval by means of ‘Sijil Perakuan Bahan BOMBA’. FRDM has made Product Certifi cation Scheme a mandatory requirement for obtaining this approval. SIRIM QAS International has been entrusted by FRDM to carry-out this Product Certifi cation Scheme based on the latest Malaysian Standard, MS 1073: Part 3: 1996 (Amd.1: 2003) ‘Specifi cation for fi re resistance doorsets Part

3: Methods for determination of the fi re resistance – type of doorsets’ and FRDM’s directive, ‘Arahan Keselamatan Kebakaran Bilangan 2 Tahun 2012 (JBPM/IP/BKK:700-1/1/1(21))’.

The Product Certifi cation Scheme for fi re resistant doorsets offered by SIRIM QAS International conforms to product certifi cation system Type 5 which is specifi ed in Guide 65 ‘General requirements for bodies operating product certifi cation systems’. It requires sampling, testing, review, decision on certifi cation, licensing, quality system audit and surveillance which include assessment of production process and testing of sample from open market and factory. The certifi cation process is illustrated in Figure 1.

By Mohd Shaharin Ahmad Latif

SIRIM fi re-rated label on certifi ed fi re resistant doorset.

25


SpecialEdit ion


The two main elements in the Product Certifi cation Scheme requirements are quality system and product testing. In quality system requirements, applicant shall establish a satisfactory quality system whereby the quality control (QC) activities carried-out covers the whole production process starting from the incoming of raw materials, in-process to fi nished product as well as equipment calibration, mechanism for handling customer complaints and product failures. The quality system shall be able to ensure a consistent quality of product being produced at the factory.

For product testing, on the other hand, all fi re resistant doorsets shall pass the fi re resistance test and cyclic movement endurance test in accordance with the applicable or relevant standard i.e. MS 1073: Part 3: 1996 (Amd. 1: 2003).

Fire resistance test consists of integrity and insulation requirements. Details of the requirements are shown in Table 1:

Cyclic movement endurance test requires the fi re resistant doorsets to undergo and pass 100,000 cycles and the power size of door closer shall be as specifi ed in Standard MS 1073: Part 3: 1996 (Amd.1: 2003). The door size for cyclic movement endurance test and fi re resistance test shall be similar. Product Certifi cation licence will only be awarded to the manufacturer after these two elements are satisfactorily fulfi lled.

Figure 1: Certifi cation Process

Flow Process

Application

Testing & Issuanceof Test report

Open fi le &Documentation audit

RecommendationFor licence

Surveillance

Costing & Quotation

Initial audit

Verifi cation &Sampling for testing

• Application form• Questionnaire form• Approval from relevant authority form• Trademark registration form• Technical drawing

• Preparation of costing sheet• Issuance of quotation for certifi cation

• File opened after payment of application fee• Issuance of Acceptance Letter• Issuance of testing requisition

• Issuance of quotation for testing fee• Job no. issued after payment of fee • Conducted at factory

• Test carried-out after 28 days of installation (conditioning)• Issuance of Test Report

• Verifi cation of quality system at factory • Based on Standard, Product Certifi cation

requirements & manufacturer’s quality control plan

• Preparation of Recommendation report • Approval by the Certifi cation Panel

• Conducted twice yearly

Cert. to: MS 1073: Part 3: 1996 (Amd.1: 2003)

Cert. no.: PCXXXXXX*

*Note: Refers to the number printed to the licence

Doorset classifi cation Composite/ timber/ steel/ glass

Rating ½ hour 1 hour 2 hours 4 hours

Integrity(minute)

30 60 120 240

Insulation(minute)

30 60 60 120

Decision on the award of a Product Certifi cation licence to a manufacturer will be made by an independent panel. In addition to the manufacturer’s product marking, fi re-rated label and SIRIM MS Mark must be displayed on all certifi ed fi re resistant doorsets.

Figure 2. SIRIM fi re-rated label

Table 1. Requirements of fi re resistance test

Integrity - The ability of a specimen of a doorset to contain a fi re to specifi ed criteria for collapse, freedom from holes, cracks and fi ssures and sustained fl aming on the unexposed face.

Insulation - The ability of a specimen of doorset to restrict the temperature rise of the unexposed face to below specifi ed level.

Figure 3. SIRIM mark for certifi ed products.

For more information, please contact:

Sales, Marketing & Business Development SectionSIRIM QAS International Sdn. Bhd.Tel: +603–5544 6400 Fax: +603–5544 6810Website: www.sirim-qas.com.my Email: [email protected]


26


Oriental Entity Sdn BhdNo. 77 Jalan Industri 2/5

Rawang Integrated Industrial Park48000 Rawang Selangor

Tel : +603 - 6091 6690, +603 - 6092 6690Fax : +603 - 6091 6698, +603 - 6092 6691

email: [email protected]@orientalentity.com.mywww.orientalentity.com.my

31


SpecialEdit ion

Fire Doors – LPCB Helps to Protect People and Property

the purpose of a fi re door is to prevent the spread of fi re and smoke from one

compartment to another in a building, for a specifi ed period. In order for these doors to be able to carry out this function effectively, third-party certifi cation for the manufacture, installation and maintenance of fi re doors is essential.

Fire test methods in the determination of performance

To determine how a door (or shutter) assembly performs

against the passage of fi re and smoke, they are subjected to a large scale furnace test. This test has prescribed heating conditions based on a temperature–time relationship. The current methods of test are defi ned in BS 476-22 and BS EN 1634-1:2008. In addition, the fi re testing of building hardware is covered in BS EN 1634-2:2008 and lift landing doors is covered in BS EN 81-58.

The test conditions in these standards are broadly similar. However, the furnace temperature in BS EN 1634-1 is measured

using plate thermometers. These plate thermometers detect the rising temperature in the furnace more slowly than the bare-wire thermocouples used in BS 476-22 and this tends to result in a more severe fi re exposure in the BS EN tests.

The other signifi cant difference is that the neutral pressure plane in BS 476-22 is located 1000 mm above notional fl oor level. With BS EN 1634-1 it is located 500 mm above notional fl oor level and in the case of BS EN 81-58 the pressure is controlled so that a positive pressure exists over the whole height of the specimen. This again tends to make the fi re exposure more severe with BS EN 1634-1 and BS EN 81-58.

Each test method consists of exposing one face of the specimen to heat in a furnace and observing the performance against a number of failure criteria. These criteria are integrity, insulation and, in the case of the BS EN standards, radiation. Such tests are typically carried out by nationally accredited fi re test labs such as BRE Global1.

Smoke control test methods

Many victims of fi res die from smoke or toxic gases. Preventing the spread of smoke is another key function of a fi re door. The performance of door and shutter assemblies as barriers against the passage of smoke is judged by subjecting them to a test in

by Graham Orme, International Director, LPCB.


32

Fire Doors – LPCB Helps to Protect People and Property

accordance with either BS 476-31.1:1983 or BS EN 1634-3:2004. The former standard requires that the doorset is built onto one side of an airtight chamber which is then pressurised. The leakage through the doorset can be measured at a series of different pressures up to the maximum required. All testing is carried out under ambient conditions. The latter, a European standard, has a similar procedure for measuring the leakage through a doorset at ambient temperature; however, it also includes a procedure for measuring the smoke leakage at 200 °C.

Care must be taken that if a smoke seal is being used in a fi re-resisting doorset, the doorset must have been successfully fi re tested or assessed with the smoke seal fi tted. This is to ensure that the seal does not result in fl aming on the non-fi re side of the door in the event of a fi re.

The benefi ts of third-party certifi cation

The basic principle of third-party certifi cation schemes is that they are entirely independent from the manufacturer and end user and are operated by bodies that have the necessary expertise to verify that products meet the agreed specifi cation.

Certifi cation schemes provide third-party verifi cation that a tested and assessed product is

properly manufactured and/or installed in accordance with an appropriate specifi cation.

A widely recognised scheme for the manufacture of fi re doors is LPS 1056 ‘Test and evaluation requirements for the LPCB approval and listing of fi re doorsets, lift landing doors and shutters’, operated by the Loss Prevention Certifi cation Board (LPCB) part of BRE Global. This scheme is based on the test requirements set out in BS 476-22 and BS EN 1634-1.

For doors that are required to provide a level of security, LPCB operates a scheme LPS 1175 ‘Requirements and testing procedures for the LPCB approval and listing of intruder resistant building components, strongpoints, security enclosures and freestanding barriers’ (see www.redbooklive.com).

Installation, service and maintenance

Poor installation can mean that an otherwise well-manufactured door fails to provide the required performance in the event of a fi re and the importance of good installation of a fi re door or shutter cannot be overemphasised. Similarly, regular inspections and maintenance of a life-safety device such as a fi re door is imperative. LPCB offers the following schemes to address these issues - LPS 1271 ‘Requirements for the LPCB approval and listing of companies installing fi re and security doorsets and shutters, and smoke barriers’ and LPS 1197 ‘Requirements for the LPCB

approval and listing of companies undertaking the maintenance and repair of doorsets, shutters, and active smoke/fi re barriers’.

Construction Products Regulation (CPR)

Under the CPR, it will be mandatory for manufacturers to apply a CE mark to all construction products, including fi re protection products, which are covered by a harmonised technical specifi cation such as a harmonised product standard (hEN) placed on the European market from the 1st July 2013.

At the time of writing, the harmonised product standard for fi re doors is not yet available and it is expected that BS EN 16034: ‘Pedestrian doorsets, industrial, commercial, garage doors and windows’ will be published in mid-2013. The product standard will give details of the tasks required to be carried out by the manufacturer and the Notifi ed Body (see below), relating to initial type testing and factory production control. It will refer to BS EN 14600: 2005 which identifi es the methods of demonstrating the requirements of the standard. This includes cyclic opening and closing tests to provide fi re resistance or smoke control performance data relevant to the designed working life of the doorset.

CE Marking and Notifi ed Bodies

The CPR requires certain levels of verifi cation (or certifi cation) for products. Products such as

Fire Doors – LPCB Helps to Protect People and Property MFPA NewsletterNov. 2012

SpecialEdit ion

33

fi re doors (life safety products) are set at verifi cation level 1, which requires the manufacturer to use a third party certifi cation body to carry out verifi cation of the product. This will involve fi re testing and an assessment of the factory production control system. Bodies designated to carry out this work are called Notifi ed Certifi cation Bodies (NCB) and Notifi ed Test Laboratories (NTL).

BRE Global is designated as both an NCB and NTL.

If a Notifi ed Body confi rms that the product meets the requirements of the harmonised technical specifi cation, the NCB provides the manufacturer with an EC Certifi cate of Conformity. With this certifi cate, the manufacturer can then affi x the CE mark to his/her product for sale in the

European Union.

CE marking indicates that a product is consistent with the Declaration of Performance made by the manufacturer.

BS 476. Part 22 – Fire tests on building materials and structures. Methods for determination of the fi re resistance of nonloadbearing elements of construction. BSI, London, 1987.

BS 476 Part 31.1 – Fire tests on building materials and structures. Methods for measuring smoke penetration through doorsets and shutter assemblies. Method of measurement under ambient temperature conditions. BSI, London, 1983

BS EN 81-58:2003 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts. Examination and tests. Landing doors fi re resistance test. BSI, London, 2003.

BS EN 1634 Fire resistance and smoke control tests for door, shutter and, openable window assemblies and elements of building hardware.

Part 1 – Fire resistance tests for doors, shutters and openable windows. BSI, London 2008.

Part 2 – Fire resistance characterisation test for elements of building hardware. . BSI, London 2008.

Part 3 – Smoke control test for door and shutter assemblies. . BSI, London 2004.

BS EN 14600:2005 Doorsets and openable windows with fi re resisting and/or smoke control characteristics. Requirements and classifi cation. BSI, London, 2005.

BS EN 16034 Pedestrian doorsets, industrial, commercial, garage doors and windows. Product standard, performance characteristics. Fire resistance and/or smoke control characteristics. BSI London, not yet published as at August 2012.

LPS 1056: Issue 6.1 Test and evaluation requirements for the LPCB approval and listing of fi re doorsets, lift landing doors and shutters. BRE Global, Watford, 2005.

LPS 1175: Issue 7 Requirements and testing procedures for the LPCB approval and listing of intruder resistant building components, strongpoints, security enclosures and free-standing barriers. BRE Global, Watford, 2010.

LPS 1271: Issue 1.0 Requirements for the LPCB approval and listing of companies installing fi re and security doorsets and shutters, and smoke barriers. BRE Global, Watford, 2005.

LPS 1197: Issue 3.0 Requirements for the LPCB approval and listing of companies undertaking the maintenance and repair of doorsets, shutters, and active smoke/fi re barriers. BRE Global, Watford, 2005.

References

1 BRE Global Limited (incorporating LPCB & BREEAM) is an independent third party approvals body offering certifi cation of fi re, security and sustainability products and services to an international market.

Pekat Systematic Protection for Fire Alarm System

5 & 6, Teknologi Kubik, No. 6, Jalan Teknologi 3/4, Taman Sains Selangor 1, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.

SSF-5AAC

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False Alarm!False C02 Discharge!

36


Why 24ºC in hot and humid climate?

restricting air-conditioning in government premises to no higher than 24ºC

should on paper be a no brainer and serves as an initial step towards achieving energy effi ciency (and reducing CO2 emission). However, the fact that indoor thermal comfort is not solely dictated by the dry bulb temperature lends credence to lay questions and opinions expressed in the media since the announcement. Therefore,

queries on why not 23ºC or 26ºC or even 28ºC will need to be answered.

Let us start by understanding that a principal purpose of air-conditioning is to provide conditions for human thermal comfort, “that condition of mind that expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment” (ASHRAE Standard 55). The conscious mind appears to reach conclusions about thermal

comfort and discomfort from direct temperature and moisture sensations from the skin, deep body temperatures, and the efforts necessary to regulate body temperatures. In general, comfort occurs when body temperatures are held within narrow ranges, skin moisture is low, and the physiological effort of regulation is minimised. Comfort also depends on behaviours that are initiated consciously or unconsciously and guided by thermal and moisture sensations to reduce comfort. Some examples are altering clothing, altering activity, changing posture or location, changing the thermostat setting, opening a window, complaining, or leaving the space. Surprisingly, although climates, living conditions, and cultures differ widely throughout the world, the temperature that people choose for comfort under similar conditions of clothing, activity, humidity, and air movement has been found to be very similar (Busch 1992; de Dear et al. 1991; Fanger 1972).

In simpler terms, indoor (room) thermal comfort condition is dependent on various factors including air temperature, mean radiant temperature, humidity, clothing, metabolic rate and air movement preference of the occupant. Obviously, in this instance it would relate to government offi ce premises with normal (sedentary) activities and light clothing as expected of offi ce occupants.

by Ir Chen Thiam Leong

37


SpecialEdit ion

Why 24oC in hot and humid climate?

Since clothing and metabolic rate of occupants are not ‘controllable per se’ by mechanised air-conditioning, the three (3) main factors affecting room thermal comfort will be the dry bulb temperature, relative humidity and air movement (air velocity).

In general, an individual feels comfortable when metabolic heat is dissipated at the rate at which it is produced. The human body temperature needs to be maintained at a constant 37 ± 0.5ºC regardless of the prevailing ambient condition. The higher the space relative humidity, the lower the amount of heat the human body will be able to transfer by means of perspiration/evaporation. If the indoor air temperature is high and the relative humidity is high (above around 11.5 g vapour per kg dry air), the human body will feel uncomfortable. Generally, the relative humidity for indoor comfort condition should not exceed 70%.

Air movement (or air velocity) is essential for bodily comfort as it enhances heat transfer between air and the human body and accelerates cooling of the human body. Air movement in an occupied space gives a feeling of freshness by lowering the skin temperature, and the more varied the air currents in velocity and direction, the better the effect. A draught is created when the temperature of the moving air is too low and/or the velocity is too high. At normal comfort room temperature of 23 to 26ºC, the acceptable air velocity would be in the region of 0.15 to 0.50 m/s. It is important to bear in mind

that in a hot and humid climate, a higher air velocity is needed as compared with a temperate climate locality with low humidity. For the latter, the acceptable air velocity is in the region of 0.15 to 0.25 m/s which will elicit endless complaints if applied in Malaysia.

The Malaysian Standard MS 1525:2007 (Code of Practice on Energy Effi ciency and Use of Renewable Energy for Non-Residential Buildings” stipulates that the indoor design conditions of an air-conditioned space for comfort cooling should be as follows:

a) Recommended design dry bulb temperature

- 23ºC to 26ºCb) Minimum dry bulb

temperature - 22ºCc) Recommended design

relative humidity - 55% to 70%d) Recommended air

movement - 0.15 m/s to 0.50 m/se) Maximum air movement - 0.70 m/s

Research on indoor thermal comfort is well established and the de facto global authority on air-conditioning: ASHRAE (The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers, Inc.); will offer the best reference material. (It is worth noting that ASHRAE is also referenced in the local Uniform Building By-Laws 1984.

The ambient condition in the equator/tropics (which includes Malaysia) averages above 65% RH (Relative Humidity) to over

90% at the seaside. In comparison the ambient RH for temperate climate regions is below 50%. Early ASHRAE human indoor comfort requirements stipulated 70 to 78ºF (21.1ºC to 25.6ºC) and 20 to 55% RH to cover the variation between summer and winter conditions. These fi gures were adopted throughout the world over the years without proper localisation. Hence, we can fi nd older design specifi cations (in Malaysia) quoting 74 ± 2ºF (23.3ºC) and 50 ± 5% RH. Over the years, we have progressed to 24 ± 1ºC and 55 to 70% RH, although there are still stragglers.

Comfort cooling in the tropics and for that matter anywhere else must and should be assessed together with the prevailing external ambient conditions as the human body needs to acclimatise. Hence, it should not be surprising for occupants to suffer and complain about dry skin in a 50% RH indoor environment in Malaysia. A 60 to 70% RH limit will be more appropriate. Complaints will likely occur only when we consistently exceed 70% RH when mould growth also sets in.

In summary, thermal comfort is not dictated solely by the room dry bulb temperature but also by the room relative humidity and air movement within the room. For example, at 24ºC, the room may be comfortable with a RH of 60% RH and air velocity in the region


38

Why 24oC in hot and humid climate?

of 0.3 m/s. At 26ºC, it may require a RH of 55% and air velocity of 0.4 m/s, whereas at 23ºC, a RH of 65% and air velocity of 0.25 m/s may suffi ce. Therefore, to maintain thermal comfort, a higher indoor temperature will require a lower RH and higher air velocity; whereas a lower indoor temperature will tolerate a higher RH but require a lower air velocity.

Figure 1 indicates the Comfort Zone as a correlation between indoor space temperature and relative humidity while keeping the air movement constant.

Figure 1: Comfort Zone

Why then 24ºC ? The answer lies in the need to achieve an optimal energy effi ciency operation. This is because a higher air velocity will require more energy to operate the fans while a lower RH will require a lower air-conditioning coil temperature to remove more moisture which in turn will consume more energy.

Finally, it should be acknowledged that it is unlikely for 100% of occupants to be fully satisfi ed with any specifi c room thermal comfort condition and hence the 80-20 principle applies; so long as 80% or more occupants are satisfi ed. See Figure 2 below.

Another important fact to reiterate is that 24 C refers to the space temperature the occupants will experience. This space temperature will be the same as the thermostat setting if the thermostat is correctly located to sense the occupant space temperature. However, if the thermostat is located at ceiling level or at the main return air duct (which are unfortunately quite prevalent in actual installations due in part to the excuse of

aesthetics), then a higher thermostat setting is needed to achieve a space temperature of 24ºC and it is not uncommon for the space temperature to then fl uctuate substantially when the outdoor ambient condition changes. Therefore, it is important that the design and installation should provide for constant indoor temperature of 24ºC regardless of the outdoor ambient temperature or indoor occupancy load. It is also to be noted that if the occupants are happy with a prevailing space temperature setting of say 25ºC in conjunction with a higher air velocity being provided, then do not lower this temperature to 24ºC, which is supposed to be the lowest limit the government has directed.

Figure 2: ASHRAE Standard 55: Comfort Zone - 80% of People are Satisfi edDiscomfort Zone

Tolerable comfort for short duration

Recommended Design Comfort zone

Comfort zone boundary

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