Why this course?

Description

Course Overview

Fire safety is one of the most critical aspects of modern building design, construction, and operation. In Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Building Code (SBC) sets the benchmark for safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance across all types of structures. Among its sections, SBC 801 – Fire Protection Code is a cornerstone that defines how buildings must be designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent, control, and respond effectively to fire incidents.

This comprehensive course — “Fire Protection Design, Compliance & Implementation as per SBC 801” — is designed for civil engineers, MEP professionals, contractors, consultants, and safety officers who are directly or indirectly responsible for ensuring that buildings comply with fire protection regulations in the Kingdom.

Through this course, participants will not only understand the technical, legal, and procedural framework of SBC 801, but also learn how to interpret and apply its provisions in real-world projects — from design drawings and site supervision to civil defense approval and maintenance audits.

The course emphasizes practical understanding, field-based examples, and case-based discussions that reflect the challenges encountered during the design and implementation of fire protection systems in residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

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Why This Course is Important

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Civil Defense Authority strictly enforces compliance with the Saudi Building Code, and any violation — whether in design, installation, or maintenance — can result in severe penalties, delays in project approvals, or even safety risks to lives and property.

The SBC 801 Fire Protection Code provides a clear and structured framework to ensure that buildings are designed with adequate fire prevention measures, safe evacuation routes, reliable suppression systems, and effective emergency response setups.

However, the real challenge lies in correctly interpreting and applying the code. Many engineers and designers struggle to translate code requirements into practical layouts, specifications, and compliance documents. This course bridges that gap by explaining the why, how, and when of each requirement, enabling professionals to confidently prepare designs, conduct audits, and coordinate with authorities.

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Detailed Module Breakdown

Module 1: Introduction to SBC 801 Fire Protection Code

Participants will begin with a foundational understanding of the Saudi Building Code system, focusing on how the fire protection section integrates with other SBC series (100–1000).

• Overview of Saudi Building Code Framework (SBC 100 to 1000 series) – Understanding interconnections among structural, mechanical, and fire safety codes.

• Objectives and Scope of SBC 801 Fire Protection Code – What the code covers and why it is essential.

• Key Definitions, Terminologies, and Fire Safety Principles – Simplified explanation of terms like “fire resistance,” “occupant load,” and “compartmentation.”

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Module 2: Fundamentals of Fire Safety in Building Design

This module establishes the scientific basis of fire protection.

• Fire Triangle, Combustion Process, and Heat Transfer Concepts – Basics every designer must know.

• Classification of Fire Hazards in Buildings – Differentiating ordinary, special, and high-risk occupancies.

• Fire Load Calculations and Occupancy Fire Risks – Quantifying fire potential in various spaces.

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Module 3: Fire Resistance Ratings and Construction Materials

Participants learn how to select and evaluate materials for fire resistance.

• Fire Resistance Rating of Structural Elements (Walls, Floors, Roofs)

• Fire-Resistant Materials and Construction Techniques

• Testing and Certification of Fire-Rated Assemblies – Understanding UL and ASTM standards referenced in SBC.

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Module 4: Occupancy Classification and Fire Protection Requirements

Different occupancies have unique fire safety needs.

• Occupancy Groups Defined in SBC 801 – Residential, assembly, business, storage, etc.

• Fire Safety Requirements for Each Occupancy Type – Minimum protection levels.

• Case Studies of Mixed Occupancy Fire Design Considerations – Common challenges in malls, hotels, and high-rise complexes.

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Module 5: Means of Egress and Emergency Exits

Safe evacuation is the essence of fire protection design.

• Exit Access, Exit Discharge, and Exit Capacity Calculations

• Design of Stairways, Ramps, and Corridors for Safe Egress

• Emergency Exit Signage, Lighting, and Accessibility – Placement, visibility, and illumination levels.

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Module 6: Compartmentation and Fire Separation

This module explains how fire and smoke are contained within designated zones.

• Concept of Fire Compartments and Fire Zones

• Design of Fire Barriers, Smoke Barriers, and Firewalls

• Penetrations, Joints, and Openings Protection Requirements – Firestopping and sealing details.

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Module 7: Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

A well-designed alarm system ensures early detection and alert.

• Fire Detection Devices – Smoke, Heat, Flame, and Gas Detectors

• Fire Alarm System Design, Layout, and Control Panel Requirements

• Emergency Notification and Voice Evacuation Systems – Integration with PA systems.

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Module 8: Fire Suppression Systems

Practical knowledge of suppression systems is a vital part of this training.

• Overview of Fire Suppression Methods – Water, Gas, Foam, Dry Chemical

• Automatic Sprinkler System Design as per SBC 801 – Hydraulic calculation concepts.

• Fire Hose Reels, Hydrants, and Standpipe Systems Design – Design spacing and flow requirements.

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Module 9: Portable Fire Extinguishers

Simple but crucial for first response to fire.

• Classification of Fire Extinguishers (A, B, C, D, K)

• Placement, Accessibility, and Maintenance Requirements

• Inspection, Servicing, and Recordkeeping per SBC Guidelines

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Module 10: Fire Safety in Electrical and Mechanical Systems

Understanding how MEP components can create or control fire risk.

• Fire Hazards in Electrical Installations and Control Rooms

• HVAC System Fire Dampers, Smoke Control, and Shutoff Protocols

• Fire Safety Measures for Generators, Transformers, and Fuel Systems

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Module 11: Smoke Management and Ventilation

Smoke, not flames, causes most fire-related fatalities — this module teaches how to manage it.

• Smoke Movement and Its Impact on Occupant Safety

• Smoke Control Strategies: Pressurization, Exhaust, and Venting Systems

• Design Calculations for Atrium and Large Space Smoke Control

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Module 12: Emergency Systems and Fire Department Access

This module explains integration between building systems and firefighting operations.

• Fire Command Center Design and Requirements

• Fire Department Access Roads, Hydrant Locations, and Clearances

• Firefighting Shafts, Stairwells, and Building Access Provisions

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Module 13: Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) Requirements

Maintaining fire protection systems ensures long-term reliability.

• Periodic Inspection and Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems

• Testing Procedures and Record Documentation

• Responsibilities of Building Owners, Contractors, and Fire Safety Officers

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Module 14: Fire Safety During Construction and Renovation

Fire risks are highest during construction phases.

• Temporary Fire Protection During Construction Phase

• Hot Work, Welding, and Storage Fire Safety Requirements

• Coordination Between Contractors, Consultants, and Civil Defense

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Module 15: Compliance, Approvals, and Coordination with Saudi Civil Defense

The final step in every fire protection project is regulatory approval.

• Fire Safety Plan Submission and Approval Process – How to prepare layouts, drawings, and documents.

• Coordination with Saudi Civil Defense for Inspection and Certification

• Penalties, Non-Compliance Risks, and Best Practices for Approval Success

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Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Interpret and apply all sections of SBC 801 with clarity and confidence.

• Design fire protection layouts including sprinkler systems, egress routes, and alarm integration.

• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams — architects, MEP engineers, and civil defense reviewers.

• Conduct fire safety audits and prepare compliance reports.

• Implement ITM protocols (Inspection, Testing, Maintenance) for existing facilities.

• Ensure civil defense approval with full documentation and adherence to Saudi standards.

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Key Skills Developed

• Fire risk assessment and design adaptation

• Fire resistance and compartmentation planning

• Egress design calculations

• System coordination for suppression and alarms

• Regulatory compliance management

• Documentation and inspection reporting

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Target Audience

This course is ideal for professionals engaged in building design, construction, or maintenance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and GCC region:

• Civil Engineers and MEP Engineers – Involved in planning and execution of building services.

• Fire Protection Engineers – Responsible for code-compliant fire safety systems.

• Safety Officers and Inspectors – Monitoring fire risks and enforcing standards.

• Contractors and Consultants – Managing fire safety designs and installation teams.

• Facility Managers and Compliance Specialists – Ensuring continued adherence to SBC requirements during building operation.

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Career Benefits

1. Regulatory Compliance Expertise: Gain the confidence to handle fire code compliance during design and civil defense submissions.

2. Design & Execution Mastery: Learn to create coordinated, efficient, and compliant fire protection designs for all types of buildings.

3. Civil Defense Approval Readiness: Understand the entire approval and inspection workflow.

4. Enhanced Employability: Employers across Saudi Arabia and the GCC value engineers proficient in SBC codes.

5. Professional Credibility: Gain recognition as a fire protection professional capable of ensuring safety and compliance.