What is the BOMBA requirement for fire door in Malaysia, and why are they so crucial?
Compliance with BOMBA’s requirements for fire doors is undeniably paramount, given the pivotal role these doors play in establishing safe escape routes, confining fires, and minimising structural damage.
Here, we will explore the essential BOMBA requirements for fire doors in Malaysia, shedding light on their significance in protecting lives and property in the event of a fire emergency.
Why are Fire Doors Important?
Before we dive into the specific BOMBA requirements for fire door in Malaysia, it’s crucial to understand why fire doors are essential.
Fire doors, also known as fire-rated doors, are designed to effectively compartmentalise and contain the spread of fire and smoke within a building.
They are typically positioned in critical areas such as staircases, elevator zones, and long hospital corridors, which are commonly found in ward rooms.
Fire doors act as critical barriers, allowing occupants to perform safe evacuation and providing firefighters with access to extinguish the fire.
As such, BOMBA has established strict requirements and standards to ensure that these doors perform well and are able to withstand high temperatures.
They typically have fire resistance ratings of either 75 minutes or 135 minutes, often referred to as 1 hour fire-rated doors and 2 hour fire-rated doors in terms of fire protection. They are also available in two types: single-leaf and double-leaf fire doors, each serving specific purposes.
Read More: A Guide to Fire Suppression System for Server Room and Data Centres
BOMBA Requirements for Fire Door in Malaysia
As stipulated under the Fire Services Act and the Uniform Building By-Law 1984, all fire-resistant doors must obtain BOMBA approval in the form of a ‘Sijil Perakuan Bahan BOMBA’ to be legally sold and used in Malaysia.
Furthermore, BOMBA has designated SIRIM QAS International to oversee the implementation of the Product Certification Scheme.
The certification process adheres to the latest Malaysian Standard, MS 1073: Part 3: 1996 (Amd.1: 2003), titled ‘Specification for Fire Resistance Doorsets Part 3: Methods for Determination of the Fire Resistance – Type of Doorsets’
In addition, all fire doors must comply with BOMBA’s directive, ‘Arahan Keselamatan Kebakaran Bilangan 2 Tahun 2012 (JBPM/IP/BKK:700- 1/1/1(21))’.
Read More: Fire Certificate Malaysia: Application and Renewal Guide
Fire Door Installation Procedure
Safety is of tremendous importance when it comes to the installation of fire doors. The installation process is a critical step in ensuring that these doors perform their intended function effectively.
A professional contractor is responsible for installing the fire door at the designated location, and their job does not end there.
After completing the installation, the contractor must conduct a thorough functionality check, ecompassing a detailed examination of various components, including the door’s knob, lock, latches, door closer, and hinges.
For instance, the door’s knob and lock should operate smoothly to ensure quick and easy access during emergencies.
Additionally, the latches must engage securely, keeping the door tightly closed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
Next, the door closer should allow for easy opening and closing, and the hinges should be sturdy and well-aligned to ensure the door’s long-term durability.
Only when each of these elements is confirmed to be in proper working order can the fire door be considered ready for handover to the customer.
Read More: What is CCC and How Does It Ensure Your Building’s Safety
The Consequences of Non-Compliance
These regulations are in place to ensure that fire doors in Malaysia meet the highest safety standards, providing peace of mind and protection during fire emergencies.
Failing to adhere to these regulations can cause various negative consequences, including:
1. Insurance Claim Issue
When you receive a comment from the BOMBA officer about the installation of fire-rated doors in your building, it is crucial that you take their feedback into account.
Failure to do so could lead to significant consequences, such as your inability to file insurance claims in case of a fire.
This is due to the complex and strict procedure for filing insurance claims.
2. Loss of Life
The most severe consequence of non-compliance is the potential loss of human life.
In the event of a fire, fire-rated doors that do not meet safety standards may not provide adequate protection or a means of escape for building occupants.
3. Property Damage
Fires can cause significant property damage, and non-compliant fire-rated doors can contribute to this damage by allowing the fire to spread unchecked.
This may lead to higher repair and replacement costs for building owners.
4. Ineffective Fire Response
Firefighters rely on building features like fire-rated doors to contain fires and provide safe access to affected areas. Non-compliant doors can hinder their ability to respond effectively, putting both firefighters and occupants at risk.
Read More: Common Fire Risks at Warehouses & Distribution Centres
Palcon: High-Quality Fire Doors Distributor in Malaysia
With a focus on enhancing fire safety, we offer a range of fire doors that are tailored to your specific needs.
Our experts can help you with the installation of various types of fire-rated doors, all of which comply with the latest BOMBA requirements for fire doors.
