If you assume that simply installing sprinklers and fire extinguishers is enough to secure mezzanine authority approval for your added floor, think again.
In Dubai, any minor detail in the fire fighting system can determine the success or failure of your project.
The Fire Fighting System Requirements for Mezzanine Floors in Dubai mandate meticulous compliance with standards covering everything from precise sprinkler/detector distribution based on hazard classification to the design of evacuation routes.
Strict adherence to these detailed regulations is crucial for securing Civil Defence approval. Partner with DAEM Contracting for code-compliant design and execution, ensuring you obtain mezzanine approval both quickly and efficiently.
In this article, we will cover the steps for designing a fire fighting system for mezzanine floors, how to accurately determine the location of sprinklers and detectors, the design of emergency exits, and practical tips to minimize risks and ensure your project is approved with speed and proficiency.
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Table of Contents
What are the Fire Fighting System Requirements for Mezzanine Floors in Dubai?
The mezzanine floor approvals requirements for firefighting systems include adherence to the UAE Fire & Life Safety Code of Practice.
This code mandates the installation of a fire alarm system covering the upper and lower areas of the mezzanine floor, automatic sprinkler systems, and portable fire extinguishers available in a number and type proportional to the mezzanine’s activity and area (each extinguisher must be within a travel distance not exceeding 23–30 meters from any point).
Furthermore, the UAE fire Code strictly governs the design of egress pathways to ensure the safe evacuation of occupants from mezzanine levels. Key stipulations related to evacuation routes, materials, and guidance include:
Evacuation Route Distances: Pathways must comply with permissible travel distances, ensuring the link from the staircase to the emergency exit is at least 1,200 mm wide.
Exit Provision: A sufficient number of exits must be provided, and their width must be appropriate for the maximum occupancy load.
Example: A staircase serving up to 2,000 people should be no less than 1,200 mm wide.
Safety Features: The mezzanine must be equipped with approved emergency lighting and exit signs that clearly guide users during an emergency event.
Obstruction-Free Pathways: Regulations strictly emphasize that all evacuation corridors must be clear of obstructions at all times.
Fire-Rated Protection: Stairs and exits must be protected using fire-rated materials, classified according to the code, to ensure the highest level of safety and containment during evacuation procedures.
1. What are the Alarm System Requirements for Mezzanine Floors?
The UAE Fire Safety Code mandates the installation of smoke or heat detectors in the upper and lower areas of the mezzanine, connected to an audible and visual alarm system that covers the entire building.
If a ventilation system exists, the code requires the installation of detection systems away from air outlets that might hinder the correct operation of the detector.
💡 Key Takeaway: All components of the alarm system must be from brands and types approved by the Civil Defence and suitable for the mezzanine’s specific activity
2. What are the Fire Sprinkler Installation Distances in Mezzanine Floors Based on Hazard Class?
The spacing for sprinkler installation on mezzanine floors is determined based on the mezzanine’s hazard classification (ordinary, high, or extra hazard).
For an ordinary hazard mezzanine, the UAE Fire Safety Code requires the distance between each sprinkler to be up to 4.6 m. Meanwhile, in mezzanines classified as high hazard (e.g., storage areas), an automatic sprinkler must be installed every 3.7 m.
For mezzanine floors with an extra hazard (such as storage containing flammable materials), the maximum distance between each sprinkler must be 3m.
3. What are the Egress Requirements for Mezzanine Levels in Buildings?
The egress requirements for mezzanine floors mandate providing at least two evacuation exits for any mezzanine area exceeding 60𝑚2 (the number of exits increases with the occupancy area).
Furthermore, evacuation corridors must be designed with a width of no less than 1,200 mm to ensure safe flow. The fire safety code also requires all emergency exits and staircases to be enclosed with fire-resistant material and equipped with supplemental lighting in case of power failure.
Additionally, the staircase width must be designed appropriately for the number of mezzanine occupants, as follows:
More than 2000 people: Stair width must be greater than 1,420 mm.
2000 people or less: Stair width must be greater than 1,200 mm.
These details clarify the mezzanine floor regulations that form the basis of the permit to install a mezzanine floor.
Tips for Designing a Mezzanine for Civil Defence Approval
To ensure Civil Defence approvals for the mezzanine design, it is essential to comply with the engineering and regulatory requirements specific to mezzanine floors.
This includes accurately defining the mezzanine’s usage and hazard classification, in addition to preparing precise engineering drawings that detail the distribution of alarm and fire suppression and alarm systems, as well as the evacuation routes. The design must also ensure Structural stability for mezzanine extensions.
All required documents, such as the list of Civil Defence approved equipment, must be prepared and submitted electronically via Civil Defence services. Furthermore, compliance with approved technical instructions must be confirmed before the site inspection to guarantee final approval without delay.
Here is a list of tips to help ensure your mezzanine dubai floor is ready to obtain Civil Defence approval:
Define Usage: Start by accurately defining the mezzanine’s usage, whether residential or commercial, and assess the area, height, and occupancy load to determine the appropriate requirements. This initial step is critical for mezzanine floor definition.
Classify Hazard: Classify the hazard degree according to the UAE Code (Ordinary, High, or Extra Hazard), as this controls the conditions for sprinklers, alarms, and evacuation routes. This informs the necessary Fire alarm and sprinkler requirements for mezzanine.
Prepare Drawings: Prepare clear engineering drawings (architectural, structural, and mechanical) showing the locations of sprinklers, detectors, stairs, exits, and ventilation systems. This process culminates in securing Mezzanine architectural drawings approval.
Design Fire Protection: Design the fire protection system and solutions accurately, including sprinkler density, detector locations (smoke/heat), and extinguishers, in proportion to the mezzanine’s hazard. This is a core component of mezzanine approvals.
Prepare Technical Documents: Prepare supporting technical documentation, such as structural load calculations, a risk assessment report, a list of approved equipment, and an approved evacuation plan. A key part of this includes detailed Mezzanine structural analysis Dubai.
Submit via Platform: Submit the application through the Civil Defence platform and follow up on any comments or amendments to avoid approval delays. This is often linked to the initial Mezzanine eNOC application process.
Prepare for Inspection: Get ready for the site inspection by ensuring that the execution matches the drawings to guarantee the final issuance of the mezzanine floor approval.
💡 Did you know? Appointing a Civil Defence-approved contractor, such as DAEM CONTRACTING LLC, can significantly reduce the technical review time and ensure the execution of fire protection systems according to the code, increasing your project’s chances of securing mezzanine authority approvals from the first inspection
Your Commitment to Standards is Your Project’s Safety
Implementing Mezzanine Floor Fire Fighting System Requirements is critical to avoiding project delays and fines. Project success hinges on the precise design of sprinkler distribution, evacuation routes, and certified alarm devices covering all levels. Given the complexities of hazard classification, exits, and DCD requirements, partnering with a certified entity is vital for seamless approval. Regulatory compliance, specifically achieving Dubai Municipality mezzanine approval or adhering to DDA architectural guidelines, is what distinguishes an approved structure. For accurate execution, choose an expert. 📞Contact DAEMUAE for top-tier Mezzanine engineering consultant UAE services today. |
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