SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN

BACHELOR IN QUANTITY SURVEYING (HONOURS)

Building Services II (QSB 2714)

Lecturer: Dr. Kam Kenn Jhun

Case Study :

First Subang MallName Student ID

Cecilia Tie Sing Lu 0314050

Vivian Tan Fui Vun 0318270

Lau Sii 0319027

Stephanie Yeoh Sze Wei 0318954

Cassandra Wong Xin Yue 0313365

Muhammad Haziq bin Hj Abd Zariful 0314131

Table of Content1

Content Page

Acknowledgment 3

Abstract 4

1.0 Introduction 5

2.0 Part 1 (Purpose of the building as case study)5

3.0 Part 2 (Existing types of system)

3.1 Mechanical and Air-conditioning System

3.2 Electrical Supply System

3.3 Fire Protection System

3.4 Vertical Transportation System

6

12

17

29

4.0 Part 3 (Problems and Recommendations)

4.1 Fire Protection System

4.2 Vertical Transportation System

36

44

5.0 Conclusion 52

6.0 References 53

Acknowledgment

2

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who has helped and

guided us in the completion of this assignment. First and foremost, we would like to

thank our lecturer, Dr. Kam Kenn Jhun, who has encouraged and guided us while

doing the assignment, especially in the preparation of our case study report.

Furthermore, we would like to show our appreciation to Ms Sarryan from the

divisional office for providing the approval letter for our site visit.

Lastly, thanks to the group mates Cecilia Tie, Vivian Tan, Stephanie Yeoh,

Cassandra Wong, Haziq and Lau Sii who compiled the parts and also contributed

suggestions for the assignment. We also need to thank our leader, Cecilia for having

the initiative and worked hard to gain approval for site visit and also her

encouragement in order to ensure that our progress works are on track.

3

Abstract

Building services play a vital role in the function of the building. The function of the

building services affects how the building functions, the comfort of occupants and

also the safety of occupants. This report basically contains the case study of building

services in First Subang Mall, which includes the different type of systems used in

the building and the purpose of the building. From the case study, the types of

system used are identified, the problems in the existing building is analyzed, and

suitable recommendation are given to further improve the building services of the

building are given based on Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 (UBBL). The report

covers the topic of building services such as fire protection system, mechanical and

air conditioning system, vertical transportation system and electrical supply system in

the First Subang Mall.

4

1.0 Introduction

Our group members who are Cecilia Tie, Lau Sii, Vivian Tan, Stephanie Yeoh,

Cassandra Wong and Haziq had chosen First Subang Mall as our case study. We

are requested to observe and comment on the building services systems in this

building. First Subang Mall consists two office towers, five floors of parking and three

retail floors. We visited three retail floors which include the supermarket, bank,

restaurants, and KTV rooms only, because we were unable to access the office

towers without any permission.

2.0 Part 1 (Purpose of the Building as Case Study)

The purpose of choosing First Subang Mall as our case study is because our

applications for site visit had been rejected by several shopping malls which are

Giant Hypermarket USJ, AEON Big Subang Jaya, Giant Kelana Jaya Mall, and

Paradigm Mall. In addition, we had chosen this building as a case study is because

First Subang Mall is under renovation now and it is convenient for us to observe the

building services systems in this building.

Besides that, the existing types of system that can be found in this building are

mechanical and air conditioning system, electrical supply system, fire protection

system, and vertical transportation system. These systems are all included in our

case study.

5

Figure 1: First Subang Mall

3.0 Part 2 (Existing Types of System)

3.1 Mechanical and Air-conditioning System

Ventilation is the process whereby air in an enclosed space is replaced with new

fresh air. Extraction and supply of air can be through mechanical or natural

ventilation. The purpose of ventilation is to control temperature, moisture, air

circulation and maintain the freshness of air. In Malaysia, where the climate is hot,

ventilation is important to keep the building and its occupants cool. In this section, the

mechanical ventilation, which is ventilation by use of fan or air-con system, of the

First Subang Mall will be analyzed.

Ducting System

In the ground floor area, an exposed ceiling is used and thus the ducting was

exposed. The presence of ducting shows that the building uses centralized system

and that chilled air is transferred to various parts of the building from the AHU room

through ducting. The ducting system consists of duct components, diffusers, return

air grilles and fire dampers.

The ducting in the First Subang Mall is insulated to reduce heat loss and reduce

installation cost. It can be seen that the ducting was designed to have an equal

velocity through the ducts as volume of air is diffused out with equal volume.

6

Figure 2: Ducting system in the building.

Extraction Ventilation

Through observing the ducting works in the First Subang Mall, we also found that the

building uses extraction ventilation system, a system where the ductwork is equipped

with extraction grilles strategically located in marginal locations, where the extracted

air is then removed from the building through extract fan. It functions to reduce odors

& smoke in the room.

Centralized System Components

Cooling Tower

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Figure 3 & 4 & 5: Extraction ventilation system in the building.

Figure 6: Details of cooling tower.

For centralized system air conditioning, there is a cooling tower, which is used to

rapidly cool the water used for the cooling coil by rejecting the heat from the chilled

water taken from the rooms.

AHU Room

The Air Handling Unit (AHU) Room is a plant room where it is used to condition and

circulate the air. Air Handling Units connect to the ductwork that distributes the

conditioned air throughout the areas of the building & the warmed air is returned to

the AHU room to be cooled after going through the cooling coil & filter. The chilled

water from the cooling coil taken from the cooling tower is supplied and returned in

grey pipes as shown in Figure 6.

Diffusers

Other components of the centralized system can also be seen throughout the

building, such as the supply air diffuser and the return air diffuser. The supply diffuser

is used to discharge chilled air from the AHU room through ducting while the return

air diffuser is used to return the warm air back to the AHU room to be chilled and

supplied again. There are many types of supply & return diffusers used in the

building, which will be stated thenceforth.

(A) Supply Diffuser

As stated therein, Supply Diffusers are used to discharge air to rooms, where

different types are used according to the area, space or the ceiling of the room in

order to sufficiently diffuse air by discharging it in different directions or speed. There

are many types of diffusers that are used in First Subang.

8

Figure 7

One of which is the cone diffuser, which can be seen next to the parallel escalator

area, where the ceiling is voided in order for the escalator to be placed. The cone

diffuser, which can be raised or lowered, is used to cool the space of the escalators

for the user’s comfort.

For the suspended ceiling, the 4-way diffuser seen in Figure 8 & 9 is typically used in

various parts of the building such as the lower ground floor. This type of diffuser is

typically used in many buildings as it discharges chilled air in 4 directions, hence

spreading the air around the space efficiently.

Another type of diffuser used for suspended ceiling is the linear diffuser. This diffuser

is used for open plan rooms, in this case, found on the ceiling of the elevator lobby

area, to avoid interference of the ceiling pattern. Its direction of air discharge can be

changed to suit the room conditions.

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Figure 8: Cone diffusers in the building.

Figure 9

10

Figure 11: Linear diffuser

For the exposed ceiling, there are two types of supply diffusers, one of which is seen

to be straight from the ducting and another type is the multi-direction diffuser as seen

in Figure 11. The design of the ducting, which reduces the size of the ducting, allows

the same volume of air to be discharged at every opening.

(B) Return Diffusers

The return diffusers on the other hand, have two types depending on the ceiling. The

suspended ceiling uses the typical return diffuser grill as seen in Figure 12.

11

Figure 12

Figure 13: Return diffuser is attached to the ceiling.

For exposed ceilings, the return diffusers are seen to be a side-wall inlet type, which

is used when there is no false ceiling such as the case here.

It can be seen on both suspended and exposed ceilings that the return diffusers are

placed high from the ground. This is because warm air rises when it diffuses and

hence it is ideal for return diffusers to be placed in high places. This is however a

different case when it comes to cooler climate areas, where return diffusers are

placed on lower ground for cool air to be heated.

3.2 Electrical Supply System

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Figure 15: Source from http://sustainabilityworkshop.autodesk.com/buildings/zones-air-distribution-equipment

Figure 14: Side-wall inlet type return diffuser is attached to the wall.

Tenaga Nasional Berhad is the largest electric utility company in Malaysia. It serves

over 8.4 million customers throughout Peninsular Malaysia and also the eastern state

of Sabah through Sabah Electricity Sdn. Bhd. TNB’s core activities are in the

generation, transmission and distribution of electricity.

Distribution Panels

Two distribution panels are found by us. One of the distribution panels is mounted on

the wall at the ground floor of the building and another is located at the basement

parking. Distribution panel is a panel distributes power to the consuming loads. The

distribution panels are enclosed and are sheet steel fabricated. The function of

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Figure 17: Distribution panel is

mounted on the wall inside the

building.

Figure 18: Distribution panel is mounted

on the wall at the basement.

Figure 16: Wall that is painted with “TENAGA NASIONAL BERHAD”.

distribution panel is as an assembly of switches and circuit protection devices that

serve final distribution point.

A distribution panel consists of circuit breakers and busbars. Circuit breakers’

functions are almost same as fuses. Circuit breakers are able to protect for high

current incomes and feeders power supply. It must remain closed connection when

short-circuits happen. The purpose is to let the downstream circuit breaker cut off the

faults (Lemau 2011). Moreover, switchboards also contain a set of busbars which is

used to transmit high electrical current in a distribution panel. Busbars connect to

switchgear to clear faults and de-energize equipment (Andrea nd).

Fault Indicator type EASI-R

A fault indicator type EASI-R is placed on the external wall of the First Subang Mall.

Fault indicator is a device which can point out the passageway of fault current. The

feature of the EASI is the indication of an earth-fault by one LED indicator and one

flag indicator.

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Figure 19: Details of distribution panel.

Figure 20: Fault indicator type EASI-R mounted on the wall.

If the fault indicator is properly applied, it can reduce operating costs and reduce

service interruptions by identifying the section of cable that has failed (Cooper Power

System nd). In open ring systems, the damaged line section can be disconnected

from the network, as soon as a fault is found. The rest of the network can be

powered up when the technical team repairs the damaged cable (Elektro-Mechanik

GmbH nd).

Cable Troll 2310 Indicators

Cable Troll 2310 indicators are placed on the external wall of the building. Cable troll

indicators are devices for detection of earth faults on multi-core and single core cable

terminations. The unit uses Nor Troll type current sensor (CT). The Cable Troll

indicators are fault current indicators for the underground medium voltage distribution

network (6-36kV). They are installed in Ring Main Units in distribution substations

(Nor Troll nd).

Electrical Conduit Tee

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Figure 21: Cable Troll 2310 indicators are mounted on the wall.

Conduit can protect the cable physical damage and heat. Conduit tee fitting also

provides continuous support. PVC electrical conduit is rigid and lightweight. It is also

durable and readily cut. PVC electrical conduit is less cost than its metallic

counterparts (Elliott Electric Supply nd).

Main Switchboard Room

Main switchboards are in the main switchboard room. Main switchboard is an

assembly of switches and circuit protection devices from which power is distributed. It

is considered low voltage as the current has been stepped down to 415V. It can

transmit electricity from one source to another.

Transformers Room

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Figure 22: Electrical conduit tee

with wires.

Figure 23: A “DANGER” sign board is placed on the door of main switchboard room.

Transformer room is where the step-down transformers are placed. A transformer is

a machine used to step down high voltage current from 11kV to low voltage 415V.

The 415V current will then be transferred to the main switchboard for distribution. A

“DANGER” sign board is placed on the door of the door.

Meter Room

The electricity meter room is a room that consists of many electricity meters.

Electricity meter is a device that measures the amount of electric energy consumed

by the First Subang Mall. Normally, electric meter is typically calibrated in billing units

which is the kilowatt hour (kWh).

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Figure 24: A “DANGER” sign board is placed on the door of transformers room.

Figure 25: A “DANGER” sign board is placed on the door of electricity meter room.

3.3 Fire Protection System

Fire protection is the measures taken to prevent fire from becoming destructive,

reduced the impact of uncontrolled fire and saves life and property. There are 3

factors in order to start a fire, which includes the oxygen, fuel and heat. If any of the

elements absent, fire cannot be start up. Fire protection methods are subdivided into

two, which includes the active fire protection method and passive fire protection

method.

3.3.1 Active Fire Protection Method

Active fire protection methods require mechanical, electric or electronic activation. It

is the manual or automatic fire protection systems such as fire alarms, detectors,

(heat and smoke) wet and dry risers, hose reels and carbon dioxide fixed installation.

Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are intended to extinguish small scale of fire to prevent the

escalation of fire into full-scale fire before the fire department arrives (Natural Fire

Protection Association 2012). Fire extinguishers are placed in a prominent location

that can be easily spotted, near room exits, corridors, stairway and landings. Also, it

should be placed within recessed closets to prevent obstruction and not more than

20 m from a potential fire hazard.

The fire extinguisher in the First Subang Mall is placed inside a room to prevent any

unwanted barrier if in the case of the occurrence of fire. The fire extinguishers in the

First Subang Mall are mostly blue for the tank, which means they contained dry

powder. They are aimed to put out fire, which are caused by the solids for example:

woods, paper and cloth, flammable liquids, gases and electrical equipment (Wormald

2015).

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Figure 26 shows that the fire extinguishers used in the First Subang Mall are of blue

band.

Wet Riser

Wet riser is constantly filled with water. The water supply shall be capable of

maintaining a running pressure of 410 kPa at the highest landing valve and given a

flow rate of 2.3litre/second. Wet riser is used in the First Subang Mall because the

height of the building is more than 30.5m but less than 70.5m (MDKL1986).

Figure 27 shows the wet riser room in the building and also the fire extinguisher is

placed inside the room.

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Figure 28 shows the sprinkler piping.

Figure 29 shows a hose reel which is located inside the wet riser room in the mall.

Sprinkler System

The sprinkler system is to detect, control, and extinguish a fire and also to warn the

occupants of the occurrence of fire. It is an automatic fire suppression system, which

uses a range of designed pipework fixed inside the building and water as the fire-

fighting agent. The water is not contained inside the pipe (VFP Fire System 2015).

20

The sprinkler system consists of the fire pumps, water storage tanks, control valve

set, sprinkle heads, flow switches, pipework and valves. Since the building of First

Subang Mall exceeds 45m high, there will be few sprinkle system to fulfill the UBBL

228 (part 8) (MDKL 1986).

Figure 30 shows the sprinkle head in the mall for fire protection.

The sprinkle head consist of a plug held in place by a glass bulb filled with a glycerin-

based liquid that expands, it will become fatigue when expose to temperature of 57-

105 Celsius (Northeast Document Conservation Centre nd). The liquid is designed to

expand and break the tube at a certain temperature. The plug is forced out by the

pressurized water behind it and deflected away by a beveled edge and the water

sprays over the deflector plate in an even pattern. Water will then continue to flow

until the main valve is switched off.

Figure 31 shows the ducting of pipe of the flow of water to the sprinkler system in

case of fire.

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Figure 32 shows the ducting and sprinkler head in the basement car park of First

Subang Mall.

Fire Alarm System

The fire alarm system is designed to provide warning of the outbreak of fire. The fire

alarm panel is designed to monitor each circuit, zone or point of any condition display

the status of that condition and to operate any required output (Firewize nd).

Figure 33 shows the fire control panel that indicates the area and zones in case of

occurrence of fire.

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Fire Man Switch

The fireman switch is designed to turn off the neon lighting or other hazardous

electrical equipment in case of fire (ABB 2012). This is to prevent the equipment from

being overheated and in turn causes explosion. In the First Subang Mall, there are a

lot of fire switches, which are fixed onto the wall and painted red and hence they are

easily spotted.

Figure 34 shows the fireman switch, which are placed on the wall of mall.

Manual Call Point

The manual call point is the device that enables personnel to raise an alarm manually

once verification of fire is confirmed by breaking the glass or pushing the button

(Crouse- Hinds nd). The manual call point should be installed at a height of 1.2m

above floor as able for access and able to be noticed in case of fire. It should be

placed on exit routes, entry of floor landings of staircases and at all exits of open air.

It also should be spaced so that it can be found within a distance of 30m.

Figure 35 shows that the manual call point is placed at a distance of approximately

1.2 m above floor level and is placed near the emergency exit of the mall.

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Figure 36 shows that the manual call point is connected to the alarm bell.

Figure 37 shows the fire alarm bell.

Smoke detector is also placed inside the mall so that if smoke is detected and

obstructed the light passing through, it will trigger the fire alarm bell to give signal for

the occupants to escape.

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Figure 38 shows the smoke detector that activates the fire alarm system in case of

fire.

Apart from them, to further providing emergency signal to the occupants especially

for deaf occupants, an alarm, which gives out light, is placed in the building to fulfill

the needs of UBBL 241(part 8) (MDKL 1986).

Figure 39 shows the signal indicator in case of fire.

External Fire Hydrant

External fire hydrant consists of a system of pipework connected directly to the water

supply mains to provide water to each and every hydrant outlet and intended for the

fireman to fight fire. The external fire hydrant should be place not less than 2m from

the face of the building (Bhavan 1991). The fire hydrant used in the First Subang Mall

is the 2 ways fire hydrant. The location of the fire hydrant is also easily noticeable

and also fulfilled the law needed by the UBBL.

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Figure 40 shows the external fire hydrant, which are placed less than 6m from the

mall.

3.3.2 Passive Fire Protection Method

Passive method is an integral component of the structural fire protection and fire

safety in a building. It attempts to slow the spread of fire through the use of fire

resistant wall, floors and doors. It also protects the important structure such as load

bearing columns and beams from collapsing pre maturely during fire (Fire Safe

Europe 2011).

Fire Escape Route

Fire escape is a type of emergency exit that are usually mounted to the outside of a

building or occasionally inside but separate from the main areas of the building.

Since it is recommended that the distance to the escape route should be as short as

possible, there are many emergency escape routes in First Subang Mall. They also

provide the correct fire escape route plan for the occupants of the building in case of

occurrence of fire.

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Figure 41 shows the fire escape plan suggested to the occupants if fire occurs.

Also, from the fire escape door, most of them linked to outside of the First Subang

Mall.

Figure 42 shows the fire escape staircase that links to the outside of the mall.

The fire escape staircase of the First Subang Mall is considered ideal and fulfilled the

needs of the UBBL 168 part 8 because the treads of the staircase are more than

255mm and the riser is less than 180mm. The numbers of risers per flights at the

escape staircase only contain at most 12 risers. There are also no winders in the

escape staircase of the mall (MDKL 1986).

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Figure 43 shows the characteristics of the fire escape staircase of the building.

Fireman Lift

Fireman’s lifts should be provided to enable firemen to reach any floor that may be

on fire in the building without having to traverse more than two floors. The car of a lift

should have a minimum internal dimension of 1.1m, a net internal floor area of not

less than 1.35m2 and rated load of not less than 680kg (Building Authority Hong Kong

2004).

Figure 44 shows the fireman lift in the building.

Compartmentation

The building is sub-divided into compartment but using fire resistant wall and floor

called compartment walls or compartment floors. They should have insulation of not

less than 15 minutes. The door also uses the automatic door closers which is the

hydraulic spring operated lever (MDKL 1986). In the First Subang Mall, they are

some fire resistant door that linked allows the occupants to move just behind the door

during occurrence of fire.

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Figure 45 shows the fire resistance door of the building.

Besides that, in case of fire, the roller shutter will be moved down by separating the

building into few parts to slow down the spread of fire.

Figure 46 shows the roller shutter is able to slow down the fire spread in the building.

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3.4 Vertical Transportation System

Vertical transportation plays an important role in a building. It is to provide an

accessible path, leading from one level to another.

First Subang Mall consists of two office towers atop three floors of local retail stores

and eateries. We chose to do just only the three floors of the retail stores because

the mall was under renovation and it was hard for us to get approval to survey the

whole building. The mall consists of lifts and escalators. Throughout the three floors,

there were 18 lifts and 5 escalators.

3.4.1 Lifts

Elevators are the mainstay when it comes to transporting people between floors in

high rise buildings. It moves vertically in the lift shafts by using counter weights or

traction cables. It is powered by electric motors. It uses cables to lift the car and the

movement is depending on the electrical power. The major components of an electric

lift are, machine room, hoist way and pit, lift car and landing.

The lift can support up to 1000kg which is 15 people can go in at one time. It is also

complete with lamp and a ventilation fan which keep the lift in a bright condition and

in good ventilation. In case of emergency, the lift is provided with an emergency

30

Figure 47 & 48

button which can be used to communicate with people outside the lift if there is a cut

in power supply.

The UBBL requirements:

Under UBBL 1984 Section 123-128, lifts:

124- For all non-residential buildings exceeding 4 stories above or below the

main access level at least once lift shall be provided

Under UBBL 1984 Section 152-155, Ventilation to lift shafts:

152(1) - Every opening in a lift shafts or lift entrance shall open into a

protected lobby unless other suitable means of protection to the opening to

the satisfaction of the local authority is provided. These requirements shall not

apply to open type industrial and other special buildings as may be approved

by the D.G.F.S

External Lift Components

First Subang Mall consists of 18 lifts and 3 fire-fighter lift. It is an electrical lift. It uses

cable to lift the car and movement is depending on the electrical power. It consists of

six cars for one floor, opposite one another. There are in total 3 fire-fighter lift

throughout the three floors. Lift number 6 and number 8 transports people from the

31

Figure 49 & 50

lower ground floor, ground floor, and first floor to level six of the building to level

sixteen. While for lift number 7, it serves only for the parking, from B1 to P1-P5. The

fire-fighter lift serves at all floor.

A. Display Indicator

The lift consists of display indicator located on top of the lift to indicate which floor the

lift is serving. The main purpose of the display indicator is to indicate whether the lift

32

Figure 51, 52, 53 & 54

Figure 55: Display Indicator

is coming up or down to a certain floor. It is placed at a position where it is visible

from any angles within the lift lobby. According to UBBL, “lift coming’ indicators

should be provided at each landing.

B. Call Buttons

Call buttons are used to request for a lift and each floor that requires a lift must have

its individual call button. Once requested, the button must be light up to indicate that

the request has been received and the elevator is on its way to the passenger.

Internal Lift Components

A. Floor Selection Buttons and Emergency Call Buttons

The floor selection buttons allow the user to select which floor they want to stop at

and once selected, the lift will ascend or descend to the respective floor. The

emergency button is located above the number 5 and below the open and close

button.

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Figure 56: Call Buttons

Figure 57: Floor Selection Buttons

B. Ventilation in Lift

According to the MS1525, the car shall be provided with adequate forced ventilation

during the periods such lift is available for use. It can be seen here that the fans are

hidden by the perforated openings that allow ventilation within the lift car.

C. Elevator Railings

Railings are required in a lift so that the disabled are able to hold onto the lift.

According to UBBL, handrails must be fixed not less than 840mm or more than

900mm from finished floor level, extended in the case of ram or stairway by 300.

It must also be fixed securely with its end turned away or turned downwards for

not less than 100mm.

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Figure 58: Ventilation in Lift

3.4.2 Escalators

An escalator is conveyor designed to transport people quickly and efficiently between

floors of a building. It requires no waiting time and the escalator is reversible to suit

the main flow of traffic during peak times. There is only one type of escalator in First

Subang Mall and that is a two way traffic parallel to each other.

A. Arrangement of Escalators

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Figure 60: Two way traffic escalator

Figure 59: Elevator Railings

This arrangement of escalator is used mainly in major department stores, public

buildings and public transport buildings where transportation time between several

levels should be kept to a minimum.

B. Components of an Escalator

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Figure 61 & 62: Cross Section of two way traffic

Figure 63 & 64: Main Components of an Escalator

The main components of the escalator are:

1. Electric shaft

2. Drive

3. Main shaft

4. Handrail drive

5. Balustrade

6. Main truss

7. Steps

8. Step chain

9. Handrail compensation

10. Chain tensioning device

11. Comb plates

12. Handrail return

4.0 Part 3 (Problems and Recommendations)

4.1 Fire Protection System

4.1.1 Problems of Fire Protection System

(A) Fire Extinguisher

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Figure 65:

The fire extinguishers were not located at the

visible location. During this site visit we also

found that the fire extinguisher is not stored in

fire service room. Besides that, First Subang

Mall does not provided adequate number of fire

extinguisher.

(B) Damaged Door of Fire Service Room

(C) Obstruction to the Fire Service Installation

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Figure 66:

We can only find one fire extinguisher at

Loudspeaker Karaoke, which is located at the

third floor of the shopping mall.

Figure 67:

The door of the fire service room was

not in a good condition. The door cannot

be closed properly.

Figure 69:

During this site visit, we found that the

flammable materials such as cardboard, boxes

and bottles are blocking the surrounding of the

fire services installation. The fire service

installation in First Subang Mall is not ready for

use in case of emergency.

Figure 68:

The surrounding of the fire service installation

such as hose reels and wet riser was not clear

and free of obstruction.

(D) Fire Resistance Door is not under Good Condition

(E) Inadequate coverage of sprinkler heads

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Figure 71:

The fire escape door is not free from

obstruction. The Fire Safety Technical Guide

stated that all fire escape doors must be

working properly and to be free from

obstruction.

Figure 70:

The door knob of fire resistance door is

damaged and missing.

Figure 72:

Some of the sprinkler heads in the First

Subang Mall is not installed throughout the

entire area under protection.

(F) The fire escape door is locked.

4.1.2 Compare and Contrast about the Recommendation and Solution of

Fire Protection System:

40

Figure 73 & 74:

Based on the fire safety technical guide, the fire escape door should not be

fitted with lock, latch or bolt fastenings.

Obstruction to the use of hose reel Hose reel free from obstruction

Obstruction to the use of wet riser Wet riser free from obstruction/ Wet riser

should place in the protective boxes

41

42

Obstruction to the use of fire escape door Fire escape door free from obstruction

Inadequate coverage of the sprinkler heads

The fire escape door is locked

Sprinkler heads clear of obstruction

Emergency door furniture

(1) Green Box (Emergency door release)

Electromagnetic Door Locks are provided

where internal or final exit doors requiring the

use of a security proximity card, code or by

(3) Push Bars

'Push Bar' furniture is provided at doors

where large numbers of persons may be

pushed (crushed) against the door.

4.1.3 Recommendation Regarding on the Problems:

43

Based on this site visit, we would like to recommend the management of First

Subang Mall to provide more fire extinguishers at proper location. It is because

portable fire extinguishers are essential equipment that must be installed in every

building for safety purposes. During this site visit, we found that First Subang Mall

placed most of the fire extinguishers in the fire service room. For this aspect, we

highly recommend First Subang Mall shall install the fire extinguisher in the location

where would not be obstructed or obscured from view. According to UBBL 1984, the

fire extinguisher must be provided at the noticeable location where it is easily spotted

and not more than 20m from a potential hazard. As an example, the fire extinguisher

in First Subang Mall should be located near the fire escape door, stairways and

escape route.

On the other hand, the emergency door furniture should be provided on the fire

escape door in the First Subang Mall. Emergency door furniture is provided on

certain doors to allow occupants to pass through the door in an emergency without

the need to use a key. We would recommend First Subang Mall to provide Green

Box (Emergency Door Release), thumb turns and push bars at every fire escape

door. It is because the fire escape door should only be fitted with simple fastenings

that can be readily operated from the side approached by people making an escape.

During the site visit, we found that there is not adequate coverage of sprinkler head

in the First Subang Mall. We would like to suggest all sprinkler heads should be

evenly installed throughout the entire area under protection. According to

international standard, for decoration works involving the removal or addition of

partitioning walls, adequate coverage of sprinkler heads must be maintained and

checked by a Registered Fire Service Installation Contractor.

44

4.2 Vertical Transportation System

4.2.1 Problems of Vertical Transportation System

Escalators

45

Figure 75:

There was no deflector brush at the side of the

escalators. The deflector brush or skirt brush is

made of stiff bristles that run up the sides of the

escalator just above the step level. It is designed

to deflect objects like garments, shoes and other

things away from the gap between the steps and

the side wall. They also work as an indicator to tell

passengers that they are close to the step's edge.

Figure 76:

One of the travellator was not working. It was the only

one to get from the ground floor to the lower ground

floor. We had to walk down the sloping travellator

because it was the only option we had to get down to

the parking lot. It would be hard for old people or people

with disabilities to go down to the parking lot. The

facility management should have fixed it because it was

not functioning since 2 weeks ago when we first went

there for our first visit.

Figure 77:

There was a sign board blocking the way of

people coming up or going down the escalators.

It should be put far away from the escalators or

put at the side where it doesn’t block the way of

people walking.

Elevator

46

Figure 79:

There was air coming out from the top of the

elevator but it was not enough. The air

coming out was not cold, it was rather warm

which makes everyone in the whole lift

suffocating.

Figure 80:

There was no sensor at the side of door. It

closes when we were about to go in which

makes it very dangerous.

Figure 78:

CCTV was not installed inside the elevator. It is

very dangerous for young ladies to be inside the

elevator with unknown people, especially at

night. There should be at least one CCTV for

every elevator at First Subang.

4.2.2 Recommendations for Escalators

Installation of Deflector Brushes

Deflector brush functions to deflect objects such as clothing and shoes away from

the gap between the steps and the balustrade skirt of the escalator, preventing

the occurrence of side-step entrapment of limbs or clothing in the gap.

Figure 81: Deflector brushes along sideways of escalator for safety purpose –

Retrieved from http://avibo.blogspot.com/2010/06/what-is-purpose-of-

brushes-at-side-of.html

Infrared Motion Sensor

This system enables the escalator to slow down and eventually stop when

nobody is using it. Once a passenger is detected by the sensor within a

certain distance range on the landing platforms, the infrared beam will be

interrupted and the escalator will gradually accelerate to its full speed in just a

few seconds.

Automatic Stop Standby

The speed of escalator during standby stage is 0m/min. Passengers might

face difficulty in determining whether the escalator is functioning due to the

stationary steps during standby.

47

Automatic Low-Speed Standby

Escalator operates at low-speed even when it is in the standby stage.

However, the passengers can see that the steps are moving in and less

possible to get on the wrong end of the escalator.

Figure 82: Infrared motion sensor system used in escalators – Retrieved from

http://www.hk-phy.org/energy/commercial/auto_phy03_e.html

Unobstructed Walkway for Movement

The object obstructing the movement of people travelling on the escalator

should be removed or placed elsewhere.

4.2.3 Compare & Contrast (Escalator)

Current System Recommendation

No deflector brush along the sides of the

steps on escalator

Installation of deflector brush along the

sides of steps on escalator

48

Figure 83: Escalator walkway clear from

obstruction – Retrieved from

http://blog.ocad.ca/wordpress/gdes1b26-

fw2009-04/2010/02/project-1-going-up-an-

escalator-in-the-path-during-the-morning-

rush-hour/

Malfunction - Sudden halt during the

operation of the escalatorInstallation of the infrared motion system

Signboard as an obstruction between the

escalators

Remove the signboard or any other

obstacles

4.2.4 Recommendation of the Best Suited System

It is recommended for First Subang to install the infrared motion sensor system on

the escalators of the current system. The infrared motion sensor functions when a

passenger is detected within a certain range of distance, allowing the escalator to

start operating from its standby state. When no passenger is detected after a short

period of time, the escalator would then stop operating and stay in standby state.

Deflector brush should be installed for safety purpose as well by acting as an

indicator tool to alert the passengers that they are close to the edge of the steps on

the escalator. The walkway of the escalators should be free from obstruction.

4.2.5 Recommendations for Lifts

Installation of An Intercom & CCTV System

An intercom system allows trapped passengers to communicate directly with

the management office for further assistance.

49

Figure 85

Figure 84: Elevator Intercom System –

Retrieved from

http://www.directindustry.com/prod/hongkon

g-koon-technology-ltd/product-61146-

597462.html

A Closed-circuit Television System (CCTV) and an emergency alarm can be

installed to improve the safety of passengers. Movement of passengers can

be closely monitored and actions can be taken immediately when emergency

happens.

Figure 87: Installation of CCTV camera in lift with wireless video transmission system – Retrieved from http://cctvdvrsystem.co.uk/how-install-cctv-cameras-elevator/

Installation of Door Safety Edge

Sensitive door edges will allow the door lift to automatically re-open when a

passenger is detected or struck by the closing door.

50

Figure 86: CCTV camera and wireless video transmitter

Regular Inspection and Maintenance

Inspection and maintenance shall be conducted regularly on the ventilation

system of lift shaft to provide adequate ventilation and fresh air to the

passengers in the lift car.

UBBL

According to Malaysia Uniform Building By-Laws 1984, Clause 124 which states:

A lift shall be provided for non-residential building which exceeds 4 storeys above or

below main entrance.

Necessary in building less than 4 storeys if access for senior or disabled is

enforced

Minimum walking distance to lift shall not exceed 45m.

Lift should be positioned in the central area of the building to minimize horizontal

travel distance.

51

Figure 88: Plan View

Figure 89: Front view

The other important UBBL clause is Clause 153, which states that a smoke detector

to be provided at the elevator’s lobby. Besides, elevator lobby should be broad

enough to provide traffic access in two directions.

4.2.6 Compare & Contrast (Lift)

Current System Recommendation

No CCTV inside the lift carInstallation of CCTV system with

intercom inside the lift car

Door does not re-open automatically

when somebody is struck by the

closing door

Installation of door safety edge

system

Inadequate ventilation inside lift car

causing human discomfort

Regular inspection and maintenance

on the ventilation system of the lift

shaft and car

4.2.7 Recommendation of the Best Suited System

It is recommended to First Subang to improve the safety of the people by the

installation of closed-circuit television system (CCTV) and also intercom system into

the lifts of the building. This alternative allows the management office staff to monitor

the movement of people into and out of the lifts. If any suspicious person is detected

or any emergency occurs inside the lifts, the management office could take speedy

action to ensure the safety of the public. Intercom systems allow direct

communication between the passengers inside lift and the management office for

any assistance.

Besides, a door safety edge system can also be applied as the lift door in First

Subang does not automatically re-open when somebody is struck by the door. A door

safety edge system can help to overcome this issue to prevent any injury to the

passengers. Regular inspection and maintenance should also be conducted on the

ventilation system of the lifts to ensure adequate ventilation.

52

5.0 Conclusion

In conclusion, all buildings must rely on building services systems to create and

maintain safe, healthy and comfortable living and working environments. Building

Services are a necessity today for personal comfort and safety, medical healthy,

water and electrical supply, building fire protection and workplace productivity.

Based on the site visit, we found that the First Subang Mall’s building services does

not meet the requirements. Many of the building services are damaged and not under

maintenances. For examples, most of the fire protection system in the First Subang

Mall does not meet the UBBL and Fire Safety Standard. In order to solve these

problems, the management of the First Subang Mall must have well planning and

improve the fire protection service in the building. It was because public safety is a

core value and cannot be compromised.

Not only that, we also found that most of the escalator and lift in the First Subang

Mall are poorly maintained and some of them are not functioning. So after this site

visit, we hope the management of the First Subang Mall will take responsibility to

improve and maintenance the building service in the buildings to protect their

customer and workers and comfort the environment.

Lastly, we understand that virtually every facet of modern life depends in one way or

another on building services. We also learn the services that are commonly provided

in the buildings, such as fire protection system, vertical transportation, mechanical

air-conditioning system and electricity supply. This assignment also improves our

communication and collaboration skills. We learn how to communication well among

the team members to have a structured group works.

53

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