Passive Firestop Regulation in Sri Lanka
Among the various parties related to passive fire protection systems, the regulator has the force of law. If the regulations are not met, you could even be taken to a court in Sri Lanka!
“Negligence to life safety” is a criminal offense. Don’t “ignore fire regulations” and endanger the lives of people who have a “right to live”.
Let’s first briefly understand the various parties related to passive fire protection systems in Sri Lanka.
| Party | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | An organization that checks whether a business is working according to official rules or laws | CIDA/Government |
| Standards Organization | Organization works to create uniformity across producers, consumers, government agencies, and other relevant parties regarding terminology, product specifications | ASTM/BS/NFPA |
| Listing Agent | A certification listing is a document used to guide installations of certified products, against which a field installation is compared to make sure that it complies with a regulation | UL/FM |
| Specifier | An organization that specifies relevant listed products according to accepted international standards considering the current regulations. | Architect/Consultant |
| Installer | Installer/Contractor/Agency registered with CIDA under Fire Detection, Protection and Suppression (FDPS) System specialty of Electro Mechanical (EM) Field. | Reg. 1 (7) - CIDA registered system installer (ICTAD/DEV/14) |
The Regulator: CIDA (Construction Industry Development Authority)
CIDA is the Passive Firestop System Regulator in Sri Lanka. CIDA also engages in many other activities related to the construction industry in Sri Lanka.
website: https://www.cida.gov.lk
CIDA is connected to “State Ministry of Rural Housing and Construction & Building Materials Industries Promotion”. website: https://houseconmin.gov.lk
The Regulation: ICTAD/DEV/14
ICTAD/DEV/14 Fire Regulations – [3rd Edition (Revised) 2018] contains regulations related to Passive Firestop Protection in Sri Lanka.
| Chapter | Description |
|---|---|
| Chapter 1 | Administration and Application |
| Chapter 2 | Means of Escape |
| Chapter 3 | Structural Fire Precautions |
| Chapter 4 | Fire Detection and Alarm Systems |
| Chapter 5 | Fire Extinguishing Appliances, Fixed Fire Protection and Suppression Systems |
| Chapter 6 | Special Uses, Occupancies and Structures |
| Chapter 7 | Accessibility for Fire Fighting |
| Chapter 8 | Inspection, Maintenance and Testing of Active/Passive Fire Protection Facilities |
You can buy the publication(ICTAD/DEV/14) from CIDA.
ICTAD/DEV/14 Fire Regulations were first published in 1997. Then it was revised in 2006. The latest revision was in 2018.
CIDA ACT
CIDA Construction Industry Development Act, No.33 of 2014
AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN SRI LANKA; TO REGULATE, REGISTER, FORMALIZE AND STANDARDIZE THE ACTIVITIES OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY; TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL ON CONSTRUCTION; THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT FUND AND THE FUND OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; TO PROVIDE MEASURES FOR THE IMPROVEMENT AND WELLBEING OF THE INDUSTRY-RELATED PROFESSIONALS, MANUFACTURERS, SUPPLIERS, CONTRACTORS AND CRAFTSMEN; AND FOR THE SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES RELATED TO CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES; TO ENSURE PUBLIC SAFETY IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY OF SRI LANKA; AND FOR MATTERS CONNECTED THEREWITH OR INCIDENTAL THERETO.
Read the full CIDA full act: CONSTRUCTION_INDUSTRY_DEVELOPMENT_ACT,_No._33_OF_2014.pdf
2018-08-23 Extraordinary Gazette
CIDA Regulation ICTAD/DEV/14 is mentioned in the second schedule to this extraordinary gazette. Read the full gazette: 2018-08-23-EXTRAORDINARY-Gazette.pdf
Stop Work Orders
AHJ - Authority Having Jurisdiction; Local Authority Fire Brigade/Chief Fire Officer/Fire Prevention Officers under a statutory organization.
Reg. 1 (10) AHJ can order to stop the construction work with “Stop Work Orders”.
Read Chapter 1 of CIDA regulation (ICTAD/DEV/14) for more details.
You need to follow the CIDA regulations when designing, commissioning and maintaining passive firestop protection systems in Sri Lanka.