Circular 12/2018/TT-BXD National Technical Regulation on Auto Garage promulgated by the Minister of Construction

CIRCULAR

national technical regulationS on automobile garage

Pursuant to Decree No. 81/2017/ND-CP dated July 17, 2017 of Government on functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of Ministry of Construction;

Pursuant to Decree No. 127/2007/ND-CP dated August 01, 2007 of Government on elaboration to a number of Articles of Law on Standards and Technical Regulations;

At the request of Director General of Department of Science Technology and Environment,

Minister of Construction promulgates Circular on National Technical Regulations on “Automobile Garage”, No. QCVN 13:2018/BXD.

Article 1. Attached to this Circular are National Technical Regulations on “Automobile Garage”, No. QCVN 13:2018/BXD.

Article 2. This Circular comes into force from March 15, 2019 and supersedes provisions in the National Technical Regulations on “Urban underground structure, No. QCVN 08:2009/BXD, Part 2. Automobile Garage” attached to Circular No. 28/2009/TT-BXD dated August 14, 2009 of Minister of Construction.

Article 3. Ministers, heads of ministerial agencies, heads of Governmental agencies, Chairmen of the Provincial People’s Committees, relevant entities and individuals are responsible for implementation of this Circular./.

QCVN 13:2018/BXD

NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATIONS ON AUTOMOBILE GARAGE

Table of contents

1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

1.1 Regulated entities

1.2 Definitions

1.3 Referencing documents

2. TECHNICAL REGULATIONS

2.1 Positioning of automobile garages

2.2 Space and structure planning measures

2.3 Technical systems

2.4 Use requirements

3. Regulations on management

4. IMPLEMENTATION

Annex A. Regulations on dimensions of automobile garage

Preface

QCVN 13:2018/BXD is prepared by Institute for Building Science and Technology, approved by Department of Science Technology and Environment, appraised by Ministry of Science and Technology and issued by Ministry of Construction together with Circular No. 12/2018/TT-BXD dated December 26, 2018 of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

These regulations supersede QCVN 08:2009/BXD – Part 2. Automobile garage, issued together with Circular No. 28/2009/TT-BXD dated August 14, 2009 of the Minister of Construction.

NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATIONS ON AUTOMOBILE GARAGE

1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

1.1 Regulated entities

1.1.1 These regulations specify compulsory requirements in preparation, appraisal and approval of construction projects that involve houses, work items and automobile storage (hereinafter referred to as “automobile garage") regardless of ownership types.

1.1.2 These regulations specify the primary contents and requirements regarding positioning of automobile garages in residential areas, space, structure planning measures and technical equipment of automobile garages.

1.1.3 These regulations do not apply to automobile garages where explosive, toxic substance, infectious substance and radioactive substance transporting vehicles park.

1.2 Definitions

Terms referred to in these regulations are construed as follows:

1.2.1

Automobile garage - house

 Refers to a construction (or parts of the houses and constructions) or an open ground used as car park.

1.2.2

Enclosed above-ground automobile garage

Refers to an automobile garage covered externally by walls.

1.2.3

Exposed parking garage

Refers to an automobile garage not covered externally by walls. An automobile garage is also considered to be exposed if two of its longest facing sides are excluded. A side is considered to be excluded if the total excluded area along it accounts for at least 50% of its external area on each level.

1.2.4

Parking ramp

Refers to an automobile garage using a series of steadily ascending (or steadily descending) platforms or a series of ramps connecting the platforms allowing the automobiles to get to ground level.

1.2.5

Automated parking garage

Refers to an automobile garage in which the automobiles are transported to the parking spaces by specialized mechanical equipment (without operator).

1.2.6

Apartment garage

Refers to an automobile garage whose rooms are situated within a building of other uses. The section of that automobile garage that extends out of the area of the building must not exceed 1.5m from the front of the building and not exceed 6m from the two gables.

1.2.7

Attached garage

Refers to an automobile garage whose surrounding walls are the party walls or in contact with the surrounding walls of the building with other uses.

1.3 Referencing documents

Comply with following referencing documents upon adoption of these regulations. If the referencing documents are revised or replaced, the latest version will prevail.

1.3.1

QCVN 06:2010/BXD, the National Technical Regulations on fire safety for houses and work items.

1.3.2

QCVN 10:2014/BXD, the National Technical Regulations on construction for access of the disabled to building and facilities.

2. TECHNICAL REGULATIONS

2.1 Positioning of automobile garage

2.1.1 Positioning of automobile garages in urban residential areas, size of the land thereof and distance from such garages to other buildings and constructions are specified in Annex A.

2.1.2 An automobile garage conforming to the requirements of these technical regulations may be built: below ground level, on ground level or above ground level; a part below ground level, a part on ground level and a part above ground level; adjacent to or included in buildings of other uses, in which the automobile garages can be positioned under these buildings on underground levels, basements, semi-basement or levels beneath above-ground levels as well as on open grounds with specialized equipment.

2.1.3 A level is considered to be below ground level when the difference in height between finished floor level of all rooms thereof and ground level exceeds half the height of such rooms.

2.1.4 Underground parking garages may be built including beneath walkways, streets, squares, flower beds, lawns, etc.

2.1.5 An automobile garage may be constructed adjacent to buildings of other uses, except the buildings listed under the following fire hazard categories: F1.1, F4.1 and manufacturing facilities listed under F 5 group, A and B class specified in the QCVN 06:2010/BXD.

2.1.6 An automobile garage may be constructed within buildings of other uses which have class I or II fire resistance, have incombustible and non-flammable structural components except buildings listed under the following flammable categories: F1.1, F4.1 and the flammable manufacturing facilities listed under F 5 group, fire hazard class and A and B explosive class (QCVN 06:2010/BXD).  Automobile garages may be constructed within the buildings listed under group F 1.4 regardless of their fire resistance class.  Automobile garages constructed within the buildings listed under group F 1.3 may only be used to park cars with fixed parking lot (without separate partition) for each car owner.

2.1.7 Must not park automobiles running on compressed air or liquefied gas in enclosed automobile garages within or adjacent to buildings of other uses, or underground.

2.1.8 Minimum safe distance from exposed parking garages (even when there is a roof) to buildings and constructions of enterprises (automobile service and repair services, industrial services, agricultural services, etc.) shall be determined as follows:

a) To houses and manufacturing facilities:

- Fire resistance class I, II and III of S0 grade structural fire hazard:

+ from walls without doorways – no regulation;

+ from walls with doorways – must not be shorter than 9m.

- Fire resistance class IV of S0 and S1 grades structural fire hazard:

+ from walls without doorways – must not be shorter than 6m;

+ from walls with doorways – must not be shorter than 12m.

- Listed with fire resistance class and other fire hazard grades (QCVN 06:2010/BXD) – must not be shorter than 15m.

b) To administrative and service buildings of enterprises:

- Fire resistance class I, II and III of S0 grade structural fire hazard - must not be shorter than 9m:

- Listed with fire resistance class and other fire hazard grades – must not be shorter than 15m;

- No regulations on distance between automobile garages and buildings, constructions having fire resistance class I, II of S0 grade in the vicinity of technical service stations for passenger vans with less than 15 seats from the walls without doorways.

2.1.9 Automobiles transporting fuel and lubricants may only park in exposed parking garages or in separate single storey buildings whose fire resistance class must not be lower than class II of S0 grade. Such automobile garages constructed adjacent to the 1 or 2 fire walls of manufacturing facilities having fire resistance class I or II of S0 grade (except buildings with fire and explosion hazards A and B) may be allowed to be used to park automobiles whose gross fuel and lubricants tonnage does not exceed 30m3.

In exposed parking garages, fuel and lubricant transporters must be separated into groups of 50 vehicles or less and gross tonnage of the mentioned substances must not exceed 600m3. Distance between these groups of vehicles, as well as distance to the parking garages where other types of vehicles are parking must not be shorter than 12m.

Distance from exposed parking garages for fuel and lubricant transporters to buildings, constructions and enterprises shall follow Table 01, and distance to administrative and service buildings of such enterprises – must not be shorter than 50m.

Table 1. Regulation on minimum safe distances for exposed parking garages of fuel and lubricant transporters

2.2 Space and structure planning measures

2.2.1 General requirements

2.2.1.1 An above-ground automobile garage must be constructed no higher than 9 storeys, while an underground automobile garage must be constructed no deeper than 5 levels (except automated parking garages).

2.2.1.2 Stacking of automobiles shall be performed:

- By operators – following ramps or using conveyor belts;

- Unmanned – by mechanical equipment.

2.2.1.3 Automobile garages may be installed with: work offices for staff and standby employees (ticket inspection and sale booths, coordinating offices, and security offices), technical rooms (to allocate the technical equipment), sanitary accommodations, baggage storage, and rooms for persons with disabilities, public telephone booths and residential elevators.  Necessity, components and areas of those components shall be designed according to size and features of automobile garages.

 Elevator cabins must be spacious enough to carry persons with disabilities confined to wheelchairs according to QCVN 10:2014/BXD.

2.2.1.4 Explosion and fire hazard classification for rooms and buildings used to park the automobiles shall be determined according to QCVN 06:2010/BXD.

 Rooms used to store cars shall have their explosion and fire hazard class equal to that from C1 to C4 class, car garages shall have their explosion and fire hazard class equal to that of C class (except automobiles running on compressed air or liquefied gas).

2.2.1.5 If automobile garages are constructed adjoining building of other uses, they must be separated with class 1 fire walls.

 Automobile garages constructed within the buildings of other uses must have fire resistance class not lower than fire resistance class of such buildings and must be separated from the rooms (levels) of such buildings by class 1 fire walls and fire resistant floors.

 Automobile garages may be constructed in F-1.3 grade buildings with class 2 fire resistant floors. If so, levels for residents must be separated from the automobile garages by a floor without residents (e.g. technical floor).

 Canopies made out of incombustible materials must be installed above doorways of automobile garages constructed within or adjacent to the buildings of other uses (except buildings under F 1.4 grade). Protruded sections of such canopies must not be less than 1m and distance from edge of such canopies to the lower edge of windows of houses above them must not be less than 4m or windows must be made out of incombustible materials.

2.2.1.6 If automobile garages, according to task design, require service spaces (technical and repair stations, vehicle inspection stations and the vehicle adjustment, washing stations, etc.), such spaces must be assigned to a separate building, room or group of rooms for their respective purposes. These rooms can be allocated within automobile garages (except exposed parking garages and automobile garages enclosed in houses) but must be separated from automobile garages by the class 2 fire walls and class 3 fire rated floors. Entries and exits of these rooms must be separated from those of the automobile garages.

Components and areas of rooms utilized for one or many regular automobile technical and repair services must conform to technological requirements.

2.2.1.7 Noise level of rooms in buildings with automobile garages must conform to applicable hygiene and epidemiology laws.

2.2.1.8 With respect to automobile garages within building of other uses, shared stairwell and shared elevator shafts must not be constructed within the automobile garages. To ensure function relation between automobile garages and buildings of other uses, exits of stairwell and elevator shafts of automobile garages must be constructed in a manner that such exits lead to lobbies where main exits of the buildings are placed, and levels of the automobile garages must be constructed with grade 1 protected lobbies (QCVN 06:2010) with positive air pressure upon fire. If access to the automobile garages from other levels of the buildings of other uses and vice versa is necessary, install staircases elevator smoke protection in conformance with 2.3.3.6.

Access to automobile garages on levels where rooms with other uses are placed (except rooms specified in 2.2.1.3) or to adjacent fire compartments is allowed to be made via protected lobbies with positive air pressure upon fire or via water curtain above doorways on the side of automobile garages.

2.2.1.9 Must not install shops, stalls, kiosks, etc. within automobile storage.

2.2.1.10 Ramps, slopes between levels or specialized lifts (mechanical equipment) must be installed to enable transportation of automobiles in multistorey car parks.

With respect to spiral ramps, each complete loop is considered as a level.

With respect to multistorey car parks constructed with mezzanines, the total number of levels shall equal half of the number of mezzanines and the area of one level shall equal the sum of area of 2 adjacent mezzanines.

2.2.1.11 The number of necessary ramps and exits in each automobile garage depends on the amount of automobiles allocated on all levels except the first level (with respect to underground automobile garages – on all levels) taking into account frequency of automobile garage use, calculated trip rates and solutions to organize premises.

Types and number of ramps shall be determined based on the amount of automobiles as follows:

- Up to 100 automobiles: 1 single helix ramp with corresponding sign.

- Up to 1,000 automobiles: 1 double helix ramp or 2 single helix ramps

- Exceeding 1,000 automobiles: 2 double helix ramps. Must not construct entries (exits) from underground and ground levels to garage locations on the first floor or semi-basement.

2.2.1.12 With respect to enclosed automobile garages, ramps shared by all of the levels must be separated (quarantined) on each floor from the garage rooms by partitions, doors and protected lobbies with positive air pressure upon fire following Table 2 below:

Table 2. Placement of protected lobbies in enclosed automobile garages

Doors and gates in fire rated walls and protected lobbies must be equipped with fire door closers.

With respect to underground singlestorey garages, protected lobbies are not necessary for ramps that are not used as emergency exits.

2.2.1.13 With respect to above-ground automobile garages, ramps that are not quarantined may be placed:

In buildings that do not exceed 3 storeys, have class I and II fire resistance of S0 and S1 grade, and total area of levels (mezzanines) that are linked to each other by ramps that are not quarantined must not exceed 10,400 m2;

2.2.1.14 Each level of a fire compartment of automobile garages (except automated parking garages) must have at least 2 separate emergency exits which lead directly outside or to stairwell.

One of the emergency exits may be placed on quarantined ramps. Walkways along passages of ramps on mezzanines that lead to stairwell may be considered as emergency exits.

Emergency exits from rooms mentioned in 2.2.1.3 may traverse automobile storage. Baggage storage can only be placed on the first level (arrival level) of automobile garages.

Permissible distance from the furthest parking space to the nearest emergency exits is determined in Table 3.

Ramps in automobile garages, which are also used as emergency exits, must have sidewalk not narrower than 0.8 m installed on one side of such ramps.

Staircases used as emergency exits must not be narrower than 1m.

Table 3. Distance to emergency exits

2.2.1.15 To enable exit to adjacent ramps or fire compartments, install fire rated doors near or in gates whose threshold height must not be less than 15cm.

2.2.1.16 When using rooftops as parking areas for automobiles, the requirements for automobile garages constructed on regular floors shall apply. Outer layer of such rooftop must be constructed from such materials whose fire spread is lower than LT1 grade (QCVN 06:2010/BXD).

2.2.1.17 With respect to automobile storage, its entries (exits) that lead to adjacent ramps or fire compartment, including rooftops mentioned above (if automobile garage is placed on the roof) must be installed with measures to prevent the fuel from spilling and spreading in case of fire.

2.2.1.18 Multistorey car parks must have rooftop entrances in conformity with QCVN 06:2010/BXD.

2.2.1.19 Protective structures of elevator shafts must conform to QCVN 06:2010/BXD.

2.2.1.20 With respect to automobile garages having more than 2 underground levels, each fire compartment must have at least 1 elevator capable of working in “fire service mode” satisfactory to QCVN 06:2010/BXD.

2.2.1.21 Floor coating of automobile garage rooms must be durable under the impact of oil and speedy-dry (including flooring machines).

Coatings of ramps and walkways thereon must be non-slip.

Floor coatings must be made of materials whose fire spread is lower than LT1 (QCVN 06:2010/BXD).

2.2.1.22 With respect to automobile paths and storage, height of rooms and gates calculated from the floor to the lower edge of protruded structures and hanging equipment must exceed height of the largest automobiles at least 0.2m and must not be less than 2m.

2.2.1.23 Automobile paths in automobile garages must have lighting parking guidance system to direct drivers.

2.2.1.24 Readings such as those of parking spots, ramps, paths in automobile garages, distance between automobiles in automobile storage, including distance between automobiles and structures prescribed by designers shall depend on types of automobiles, storage methods, automobile dimensions, handling and distribution of automobiles according to selected and applied standards.

2.2.1.25 The minimum dimensions of a parking spot shall be determined as follows:

- Length: 5m;

- Width: 2.3m (with respect to a parking spot for a person with disabilities confined to a wheelchair: 3.5m).

2.2.1.26 Automobile storage may utilize partial natural light or no natural light.

2.2.1.27 With respect to multistorey car parks, slope of levels and drains on each level must be able to prevent liquid from spreading to ramps and lower levels.

2.2.1.28 Ramps in automobile garages must satisfy following requirements:

a) Horizontal alignment of straight ramps having roofs along driveways must not exceed 18%, horizontal alignment of curve ramps – not exceeding 13%, horizontal alignment of open ramps (without roofs) – not exceeding 10%.

b) Vertical alignment of ramps must not exceed 6%;

c) Ramps must have sidewalks for pedestrians no narrower than 0.8m.

2.2.1.29 Slope of ramps between levels must not exceed 6%.

2.2.1.30 Automobile garages for automobiles running on liquefied gas or compressed air must satisfy additional requirements for rooms, buildings and constructions according to separate regulations.

2.2.1.31 Automobile storage for automobiles running on liquefied gas or compressed air must be situated in separate buildings and constructions having class I, II, III, IV fire resistance of S0 grade.

Automobile storage for cars running on liquefied gas or compressed air may be situated on upper floors of separate buildings containing automobiles running on gasoline or diesel.

If ventilation for floors where automobiles are stored is guaranteed, may situate storage for automobiles running on liquefied gas or compressed air on floors of exposed automobile garages and automated parking garages.

2.2.1.32 Storage for automobiles running on liquefied gas or compressed air must not be situated:

a) In basements and semi-basements of automobile garages;

b) In enclosed above-ground automobile garages within buildings of other uses;

c) In enclosed above-ground automobile garages which have ramps that are not quarantined;

d) When automobiles are stored in compartments that do not have exits leading directly outside.

2.2.2 Underground automobile garages for cars

a) Required fire resistance class, number of levels and maximum allowed floor area in one fire compartment shall be determined according to Table 4.

Table 4. Fire compartment area and maximum allowed number of levels of underground automobile garages for cars

b) Working spaces of standby employees and staff providing services, supplying water and extinguishing fire with pumps, transformer stations (only applicable to cast resin transformers), baggage storage and rooms for persons with disabilities may be situated no lower than the first floor (the topmost floor) of basements of constructions. No regulations on placement of other technical rooms on all levels.

Rooms mentioned above must be separated from automobile storage with fire rated walls

c) Must not separate parking areas in underground automobile garages into individual compartment by partitions.

d) With respect to underground automobile garages with at least 2 storeys, exits from basements that lead to staircases and exits from elevator shafts must traverse protected lobbies producing positive air pressure in case of fire on each level.

e) Entries and exits of underground automobile garages must be separated from the following buildings:

- To house entrances: 100m

- To waiting rooms of bus stations, entrances of public commercial and food entities: 150m

- To agencies and factories serving the people and administrative buildings: 250m

- To entrances of parks, exhibits and stadiums: 400m

NOTE: The distance from entrances to constructions may be considered to be reduced to be smaller than values mentioned above if appropriate technical solutions are adopted to ensure relevant environment and safety conditions.

f) Floors of levels of underground automobile garages must have drainage systems to drain water used for firefighting. Drainage pipes mentioned above must be separate for each underground level. Drained water may flow to stormwater drainage networks or reservoirs without partial purification.

2.2.3 Enclosed automobiles on ground levels for cars

2.2.3.1 Required fire resistance class, number of levels and the maximum allowed floor area in one fire compartment shall be determined according to Table 5.

Table 5. Fire compartment area and maximum allowed number of levels of enclosed above-groundautomobile garages for cars

2.2.3.2 With respect to automobile garages having class I and II fire resistance, parking areas for cars may be separated into individual compartment. Partitions between compartments must have R45 fire-resistance rating of K0 structural fire hazards; entries to each compartment must be in chain link forms or have holes not smaller than 300 x 300 (mm) at a height of 1.4 to 1.6m to slide fire fighting equipment and inspect flameproof conditions of such compartment.

If each compartment has exit that leads directly outside, may allocate partitions made out of incombustible materials. No regulations on fire-resistance rating of such partitions in 2 storey buildings having class I, II and III fire-resistance and in singlestorey buildings having S0 grade structural fire hazard. With respect to 2 storey buildings, their floors must be class 3 fire resistant floors. Entries to compartments must have holes not smaller than 300 x 300 (mm) at a height of 1.4 to 1.6m to slide fire fighting equipment and inspect flameproof conditions of such compartments.

2.2.4 Exposed parking garages above-ground for cars

2.2.4.1 Required fire resistance class, number of levels and the maximum allowed floor area in one fire compartment shall be determined according to Table 6.

Table 6. Maximum allowed area of a floor within one fire compartment

2.2.4.2 Width of a compartment frame in automobile garages must not exceed 36m.

2.2.4.3 Must not install compartments; build walls (except walls of staircases) and partitions preventing ventilation. If necessary, parking spots for cars may utilize chain link partitions made out of incombustible materials.

2.2.4.4 Height of partitioning walls on levels must not exceed 1m.

May use chain link made out of incombustible materials as doors of external protective structures. If so, ensure ventilation conditions throughout levels.

To reduce impact of rain, install canopies above doorways made out of incombustible materials. If so, ensure ventilation conditions throughout levels.

2.2.4.5 With respect to class IV fire rating buildings, protective structures of emergency stairwell and components thereof must satisfy requirements for stairwell of buildings having class III fire rating.

2.2.4.6 No regulations on smoke extraction and ventilation systems.

2.2.4.7 With respect to exposed parking garages, must have spaces to store portable fire extinguishers (on the first floor)

2.2.5 Automated parking garages for cars

2.2.5.1 Components and area of rooms, parking spots, figures of automobile garages must conform to specifications of used automotive storage solutions.

Controlling of mechanical equipment, inspection of its operation and fire safety of automobile garages must be conducted at the coordinating offices on arrival levels for automobiles.

2.2.5.2 Buildings (constructions) of automated parking garages made out of incombustible materials may be situated on ground levels.

Automobile garages may utilize metal frames that are not coated with fire retardant having protective structures made out of incombustible materials.

Automated garages may only be situated adjacent to buildings of other uses with solid walls having fire-resistance rating no less than REI 150.

2.2.5.3 One block of an automated parking garage may contain no more than 50 automobiles and its height must not exceed 28m.

if an automobile garage complex is needed, these blocks must be separated by class 1 fire rated walls.

2.2.5.4 Each block of an automated parking garages must ensure accessibility for fire trucks and fire brigade from 2 opposite sides (via glass windows or gaps).

2.2.5.5 With respect to a block of an automated parking garage, may install exposed staircases made out of incombustible materials to serve mechanical service systems on all levels.

2.3 Technical systems

2.3.1 General requirements

2.3.1.1 The technical systems of automobile garages and technical equipment thereof must conform to selected and applied standard systems, unless otherwise specified in these regulations.

With respect to automobile garages, requirements for amount of water used for firefighting and ventilation systems shall be similar to those of warehouses having class C fire hazard (QCVN 06:2010/BXD).

2.3.1.2 With respect to multistorey car parks, technical pipes (water supply pipes, water drainage pipes, heat pipes) passing through floors must be made out of metal.

Cable networks passing through floors must be positioned in metal pipes or technical boxes having fire-resistance rating not lower than El 45.

With respect to underground automobile garages, must use cable coatings capable of preventing flame propagation.

2.3.1.3 Technical systems of automobile garages situated within or adjacent to buildings of other uses must be separate from technical systems of such buildings.

If shared technical systems pass through rooms of automobile garages, such technical systems (except metal water supply, water drainage and heat pipes) must be separated by construction structures having fire-resistance rating not lower than El45.

2.3.2 Water supply pipes

2.3.2.1 Number of fire nozzles and minimum volume of water per spray in enclosed automobile garages must be guaranteed as follows:

- When volume of fire compartment ranges from 500 to 5,000 m3: 2 nozzles and 2.5 l/s per spray;

- When volume of fire compartment is greater than 5,000 m3: 2 nozzles and 5 l/s per spray.

May not install water supply pipes for fire fighting inside with respect to singlestorey and 2 storey automobile garages divided into compartments having exits leading outside directly from each compartment.

2.3.2.2 With respect to exposed parking garages, including automated parking garages and exposed parking garages situated on rooftops, internal water supply system for firefighting must be constructed out of dry pipes whose exposed section is 89 (77) mm in diameter, with attached valves and joints to connect with mobile fire fighting equipment when necessary.

2.3.2.3 With respect to underground automobile garages with at least 2 underground levels, internal water supply pipes for fire fighting must be separate for other internal water supply systems.

2.3.2.4 With respect to underground automobile garages with at least 2 underground levels, internal water pipes for fire fighting and automatic fire extinguishing devices must have exposed sections to whose connectors are valves and check valves attached to connect with mobile fire fighting equipment when necessary.

2.3.2.5 Amount of water estimated for external fire fighting with respect to buildings used as enclosed and exposed automobile garages on ground levels is determined in Table 7.

Amount of water estimated for external fire fighting of other automobile garages is as follows:

- Underground automobile garages with at least 2 underground levels: 20 l/s.

- Automobile garages divided into compartments with each compartment having exit that leads directly outside: if the number of compartments ranges from 50 to 200: 5 l/s, greater than 200: 10 l/s.

- Automated parking garages: 10 l/s.

- Exposed parking garages with up to 200 automobiles: 5 l/s, greater than 200: 10 l/s.

Table 7. Amount of water for external fire fighting with respect to enclosed or exposed automobile garages on ground levels

2.3.2.6 Check valves must be attached to water distribution network between fire pumps and fire fighting water pipes.

2.3.3 Ventilation and smoke protection

2.3.3.1 With respect to exposed parking garages, supply – exhaust ventilation system must be installed in automobile storage to dilute and expel toxic fumes according to selected and applied standards.

With respect to enclosed automobile garages on ground levels, mechanical air supply is only necessary for areas which are at least 18m away from doorways on external walls.

With respect to underground automobile garages, ventilation system of each floor must be separate from one another.

2.3.3.2 With respect to enclosed automobile garages, install CO detectors and corresponding CO alarms in rooms stationed 24 hours by standby employees.

2.3.3.3 With respect to exhaust pipes, install functional fire dampers at positions where exhaust pipes intersect with fire rated walls.

Pipelines situated outside of intended floors or rooms partitioned by fire rated walls must have fire-resistance rating of at least El 30.

2.3.3.4 Install smoke ventilation system to repel products of fire out of burning floors:

a) From automobile storage;

b) From quarantined ramps.

2.3.3.5 The repelling of smoke must be done by smoke extractors with powered vents.

Allow natural smoke extraction via windows and skylights equipped with mechanical mechanism to open transom windows at a height of at least 2.2m (from floor surface to lower edge of ransom window) and to open skylights. In this case, total area of open doorways shall be determined based on calculation but must not be less than 0.2% room area, distance from windows to the furthest point in such rooms must not exceed 18m.

Automobile garages constructed within buildings of other uses must not expel smoke through open doorways.

With respect to automobile garages constructed on ground levels with maximum 2 storeys and automobile garages with 1 underground level, may install natural extraction vents.

With respect to automobiles having quarantined ramps, install smoke dampers in extraction vents of each level.

Required volume of expelled smoke, number of vents and dampers shall be determined based on calculation.

With respect to underground automobile garages, may link each smoke area not larger than 900 m2 in each underground level to one vent.

Smoke extraction from ramps in automobile garages on ground levels may be performed via holes in external wall and in roofs.

2.3.3.6 Staircases and elevator shafts of automobile garages must receive positive air pressure in case of fire or having class 1 protected lobbies producing positive air pressure in case of fire on any level:

a) In Automobile garages with at least 2 underground levels;

b) When stairs and elevators are connected with underground and above-ground sections of automobile garages;

c) When stairs and elevators link automobile garages with above-ground levels of buildings of other uses.

2.3.3.7 In case of fire, whole-building ventilation must be turned off.

Smoke protection initiating sequences (procedures) must be followed before starting exhaust ventilation system which precedes supply ventilation.

2.3.3.8 Smoke protection system is to be operated automatically by fire alarm evacuation signals or remotely by control panels, buttons or manual mechanical equipment positioned at entrances to levels of automobile garages or in landings of staircases on all levels (in fire cabinets).

2.3.3.9 Components of smoke protection systems (ventilation fans, vents, air ducts, valves, smoke extractors, etc.) must conform to selected and applied standards.

With respect to smoke extraction and ventilation systems, fire dampers (including smoke dampers) must have gas permeability no lower than 8000 KG-1.m-1 per 1 m2 of cross section.

2.3.3.10 When determining basic index of smoke supply – exhaust ventilation, take into account following inputs:

- Combustion (ignition of an automobile or fire in auxiliary areas specified in 2.2.1.3) in above-ground automobile garages on typical floors below, while in underground automobile garages, on typical floors above and below;

- Geometry of typical floors – usable areas, intake capacity, areas of protective structures;

- Specific fire load;

- Positions of exit doorways (opened outwards from burning floors to external exits).

- External ventilation index.

2.3.4 Electrical equipment

2.3.4.1 Technical electrical equipment of automobile garages must conform to code of electrical equipment installation.

2.3.4.2 Reliability to supply electricity to consumers of automobile garages shall be classified as follows:

Class 1: With respect to electrical equipment used as fire protection and fire prevention, including automatic fire detection and suppression, smoke protection, firefighting lifts, fire alarm systems and automatic climate control systems in storage for automobiles running on compressed air and liquefied gas;

Class 2: With respect to electricity supply lines powering elevators and other mechanical equipment to transport automobiles;

Electricity supply lines powering hands-free gate opening mechanisms and emergency lighting for parking spots which enable easy escape at anytime;

Class 3: With respect to other consumers which is technology equipment of automobile garages.

Power supply cables powering fire prevention devices must be wired to main switchboard of buildings (constructions) and must not be used simultaneously to power other electrical equipment.

2.3.4.3 Lightings in automobile storage must conform to selected and applied standard systems.

2.3.4.4 Lighting instructions below must be wired to emergency lighting networks:

- Lighting instructions indicating emergency exits on each floor;

- Lighting instructions indicating driveways of automobiles;

- Lighting instructions indicating position of outlets of fire fighting and prevention equipment;

- Lighting instructions indicating positions of fire fighting valves inside and fire extinguishers;

- Lighting instructions indicating position of external fire hydrants (outside of buildings or constructions).

2.3.4.5 Luminous path markings must be placed in turnaround driveways, positions of slope displacements, on ramps, at entrances of each floor, in entry and exit doorways on all levels and those that lead to staircases.

The luminous path markings must be position at a height of 2 m and 0.5 m from the floor, and can be seen from any straight line of sight along exit routes and driveways.

2.3.4.6 With respect to enclosed automobile garages, install power outlets wired to class 1 network at entrances to each floor to power fire fighting and prevention equipment.

2.3.5 Automatic fire detection and suppression

2.3.5.1 Automatic fire detection and suppression systems that are used in automobile garages must satisfy selected and applied standard systems.

2.3.5.2 With respect to enclosed automobile garages, install automatic fire suppression systems in automobile storage. To be specific:

a) In underground automobile garages regardless of number of levels;

b) In above-ground automobile garages with at least 2 storeys;

c) In above-ground automobile garages having 1 floor with class I, II and III fire resistance and an area of at least 7.000 m2, class IV fire resistance of S0 grade and an area of at least 3.600 m2, class IV fire resistance of S1 grade and an area of at least 2.000 m2, grade IV constructed out of materials other than those listed under S2, S3 and an area of at least 1.000 m2; if automobiles are stored in separate compartments (as specified in 2.2.1.4) in these buildings with more than 5 compartments;

d) In automobile garages in buildings of other uses;

e) In storage for automobiles transporting fuel and lubricants;

f) In automobile garages situated under bridges;

g) In automated parking garages. May not install automatic fire suppression in singlestorey underground automobile garages constructed on open ground and capable of up to 25 parking spots.

2.3.5.3 Automatic fire detection must be installed in:

a) Enclosed singlestorey above-ground automobile garages smaller than specified in 2.3.5.2 c, or having no more than 5 comparments;

b) Rooms specified in 2.2.1.3, except sanitary accommodations and ventilation chambers.

May not install automatic fire detection in rooms stationed 24 hours by standby employees.

2.3.5.4 With respect to singlestorey or 2 storey automobile garages separated into compartments having exits leading directly outside from each compartment, may not install automatic fire detection and suppression systems.

2.3.5.5 With respect to enclosed above-ground automobile garages with at least 2 storeys (except automobile garages having exits leading directly outside from each compartment and automated parking garages) capable of up to 100 parking spots must be equipped with type 1 fire alarm systems, capable of more than 100 parking spots – type 2 following Table 8.

Underground automobile garages with at least 2 storeys must be equipped with following fire alarm systems:

- Up to 50 parking spots: type 2;

- From exceeding 50 parking spots to 200 parking spots: type 3;

- Exceeding 200 parking spots: type 4 and 5.

2.4 Use requirements

2.4.1 Exits on each floor of automobile garages must include clear and visible guiding signs.

To indicate driveways and primary positions (exits on each floor, positions of fire fighting valve, fire extinguishers, etc.), use luminescent paint and reflective coatings.

2.4.2 Install "no smoking in automobile garage” in automobile storage and ramps.

2.4.3 Automobile garages must be equipped with initial fire fighting equipment satisfying selected and applied standards.

2.4.4 Specialized flameproof coatings and anti-osmosis primer on exposed surfaces of structures must be restored regularly or replaced if damaged (partially or wholly unusable) or based on expiry date set forth in specifications of such primer and coatings.

Table 8. Types and features of fire alarm systems

2.4.5 Must not improve or use separate automobile compartments as repair sections.

2.4.6 Working capacity of fire protection technical systems (valve and fire hydrants, fire pumps, fire detectors, smoke protection systems, fire alarm systems, emergency exit closing devices) must be examined at least once per year and prepared corresponding records with participation of representatives of fire prevention and fighting agencies.

3. REGULATIONS ON MANAGEMENT

3.1 Projects on investment, design dossiers on construction or improvement to automobile garages must include explanation for compliance with regulations QCVN 13:2018/BXD.

3.2 Appraisal regarding fire prevention and fighting shall comply with applicable laws and regulations under QCVN 13:2018/BXD. In some specific circumstances, should there be any difficulties, Ministry of Construction only allows replacement to these regulations provided technical demonstrations are submitted to Ministry of Construction. Demonstrations must be able to display new designs which take into account technical documents (technical standards and regulations) of advanced countries and said demonstrations must be appraised by Ministry of Public Security.

3.3 Appraisal of automobile garage projects and design dossiers, inspection, examination and putting construction into use, maintenance of automobile garages must be based on these regulations and implemented in accordance with applicable construction investment laws.

4. IMPLEMENTATION

4.1 Ministry of Construction shall publicize and direct the application of QCVN 13:2018/BXD.

4.2 Local regulatory agencies relating to construction shall inspect the compliance with QCVN 13:2018/BXD in construction investment and automobile garage management and operation within their divisions according to applicable construction investment laws.

4.3 During the implementation of these regulations, any difficulties should be directed to Department of Science Technology and Environment (Ministry of Construction).

Annex A

Regulations on dimensions of automobile garages

A.1 Land areas of car garages depending on the number of levels are as follows, m2 per parking spot:

With respect to automobile garage:

- 1 storey: 30m2/parking spot

- 2 storeys: 20m2/parking spot

- 3 storeys: 14m2/parking spot

- 4 storeys: 12m2/parking spot

- 5 storeys: 10m2/parking spot

- Above-ground automobile garages: 25m2/parking spot

A.2 Minimum distance from entries/exits of automobile garages to intersection of primary roads – 50m; to local streets – 20m; to stops of passenger vehicles – 30m.

Entry/exit driveway of underground car garages must ensure distance to windows of houses, working spaces of public houses and lands of schools, kindergartens and health facilities under Table A.1.

Table A.1. Distance to entry/exit driveways of underground automobile garages

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