Debated in Parliament on 15 Oct 2012.
Mr David Ong asked the Minister for National Development what is the rationale for erecting fire-rated doors (FRD) at the front of HDB flats at three residential blocks in Bukit Batok that are undergoing the Lift Upgrading Programme; and (b) given the emphasis on barrier-free access and ageing in place, whether the Ministry can look at alternative solutions for such blocks.
Page: 912
The three LUP blocks in Bukit Batok in question have internal voids and balconies. Such blocks require a long lift landing bridge to connect the new lift shaft to the existing staircase. To address concerns over privacy and security arising from the proximity of these bridges to their balconies, the residents selected a design solution with high walls at the bridges.
This design solution, however, reduces cross ventilation at the landing bridge and hinders smoke dispersion in the event of a fire. To comply with the fire safety requirements, a fire-rated door has to be installed at the end of the bridge to separate the lift lobby area from the staircase. This is to provide a safe and smoke-free escape route in the event of a fire.
Page: 912
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