Ced46 (8067) WC Nbc-pt4 With Table

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Phone: + 91 11 23230131, 23233375, 23239402 Extn 4402; Fax: + 91 11 23235529

: 46/-4
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46 (8067)WC
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: 24 2015

- sanjaypant@bis.org.in

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MANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG, NEW DELHI 110002

Phone: + 91 11 23230131, 23233375, 23239402 Extn 4402; Fax: + 91 11 23235529
DRAFT IN WIDE CIRCULATION

DOCUMENT DESPATCH ADVICE
Reference
CED 46/T-4
Date
24 November 2015
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE:
NATIONAL BUILDING CODE SECTIONAL COMMITTEE, CED 46
ADDRESSED TO:
1. All Members of Civil Engineering Division Council, CEDC
2. All Members of National Building Code Sectional Committee, CED 46 and
its Panel for Fire Protection, CED 46:P2
3. All others interested.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Please find enclosed the following draft:
Doc. No.
CED 46 (8067)WC
Title
Draft National Building Code of India: Part 4 Fire and Life Safety [Third
Revision of SP 7(Part 4)]
Kindly examine the draft and forward your views stating any difficulties which you are likely to
experience in your business or profession if this is finally adopted as part of the National Building
Code of India.
Last Date for comments: 24 December 2015.
Comments, if any, may please be made in the format as attached, and mailed to the
undersigned at the above address. You are requested to send your comments preferably through email to sanjaypant@bis.org.in.
In case no comments are received or comments received are of editorial nature, you may
kindly permit us to presume your approval for the above document as finalized. However, in case of
comments of technical nature are received then it may be finalized either in consultation with the
Chairman, Sectional Committee or referred to the Sectional Committee for further necessary action if
so desired by the Chairman, Sectional Committee.
This document is also hosted on BIS website www.bis.org.in.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
Sd/(B. K. Sinha)
Head (Civil Engg)
Encl: as above
FORMAT FOR SENDING COMMENTS ON THE DOCUMENT

[Please use A4 size sheet of paper only and type within fields indicated. Comments on each
clause/sub-clause/ table/figure, etc, be stated on a fresh row. Information/comments should include
reasons for comments, technical references and suggestions for modified wordings of the clause.
Comments through e-mail in MS WORD format to sanjaypant@bis.org.in shall be appreciated.]
Doc. No.: CED 46(8067) WC BIS Letter Ref: CED 46/T-4 Dated: 24 November 2015
Title: Draft National Building
[Third Revision of SP 7(Part 4)]
Code
of
India:
Part
Fire
and
Life
Safety
Name of the Commentator/ Organization: ______________________________________

Clause No. with
Para No. or
Table No. or
Figure No.
commented
(as applicable)
Comments / Modified
Wordings
Justification of Proposed Change
Draft for comments only
Doc: CED 46(8067)WC

November 2015
Draft NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS
Doc: CED 46(8067)WC

November 2015
CONTENTS
FOREWORD
1 SCOPE
2 TERMINOLOGY
3 FIRE PREVENTION
4 LIFE SAFETY
5 FIRE PROTECTION
6 OCCUPANCY WISE REQUIREMENTS
ANNEX A
CALORIFIC VALUES OF COMMON MATERIALS AND TYPICAL

VALUES OF FIRE LOAD DENSITY
ANNEX B
BROAD CLASSIFICATION OF INDUSTRIAL AND NON-INDUSTRIAL

OCCUPANCIES INTO DIFFERENT DEGREE OF HAZARD
ANNEX C
AVAILABLE DATA REGARDING FIRE RESISTANCE RATING OF

VARIOUS BUILDING COMPONENTS
ANNEX D
FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS

BUILDINGS 15 M IN HEIGHT OR ABOVE
ANNEX E
FIRE PROTECTION ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUPER HIGH RISE

ANNEX F
SHOPPING MALLS AND MULTIPLEX OCCUPANCIES
ANNEX G
ATRIUM REQUIREMENTS
ANNEX H
COMMERCIAL KITCHEN AND COOKING FACILITIES WITH OF

WITHOUT RESTAURANTS, EATRIES, FOOD COURTS ETC.
ANNEX J
CAR PARKING FACILITIES
ANNEX K
FIRE PROTECTION CONSIDERATIONS

INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS
ANNEX L
GUIDELINES FOR FIRE DRILL AND EVACUATION PROCEDURES

FOR HIGH RISE BUILDINGS (ABOVE 15 M IN HEIGHT)
LIST OF STANDARDS
FOR
FOR
HIGH
RISE
VENTING
IN
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IMPORTANT EXPLANTORY NOTE FOR USERS OF THE CODE

In this Part/Section of the Code, where reference is made to good practice in
relation to design, constructional procedures or other related information, and
where reference is made to accepted standard in relation to material
specification, testing, or other related information, the Indian Standards listed
at the end of this Part/Section may be used as a guide to the interpretation.
At the time of publication, the editions indicated in the standards were valid.
All standards are subject to revision and parties to agreements based on this
Part/Section are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most
recent editions of the standards.
In the list of standards given at the end of this Section, the number appearing
in the first column indicates the number of the reference in this Section. For
example:
a) Accepted standard [4(6)] refers to the Indian Standard given at serial
number (6) of the above list given at the end of this Part 4, that is,
IS 3614 (Part 1):1966 Specification for Fire check doors: Part 1 Plate,
metal covered and rolling type.
b) Good practice [4(1)] refers to the Indian Standard given at serial
number (1) of the above list given at the end of this Part 4, that is,
IS 3808:1979 'Method of test for non-combustibility of building materials
(first revision)'.
Doc: CED 46(8067)WC

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DRAFT FOR COMMENTS ONLY
(Not to be reproduced without the permission of BIS or used as a Part of National Building Code of India)

ICS: 01.120; 91.040.01
National Building Code
Sectional Committee, CED 46
Last Date for Comments:

24 December 2015
National Building Code Sectional Committee, CED 46

FOREWORD
This Part of the Code deals with safety from fire. It specifies the demarcation of fire
zones, restrictions on construction of buildings in each fire zone, classification of
buildings based on occupancy, types of building construction according to fire
resistance of the structural and non-structural components and other restrictions and
requirements necessary to minimize danger to life from free, smoke, fumes or panic
before the buildings can be evacuated. The Code recognizes that safety of life is
more than a matter of means of exits and accordingly deals with various matters
which are considered essential to the safety of life.
Fire protection techniques have to be based on the fire behaviour characteristics of
different materials and structural elements of buildings. The activities pursued by the
occupants of buildings must also be taken into consideration for assessing the extent
of hazards, and method should then be devised by which the hazards could be
minimized. An indefinite combination of variables is involved in the phenomenon of
fire, all of which cannot be quantified. The requirements of this Code should,
therefore, be taken as a guide and an engineering design approach should be
adopted for ensuring a fire safe design for buildings. It would also be necessary for
this purpose to associate qualified and trained fire protection engineers with the
planning of buildings, so that adequate fire protection measures could be
incorporated in the building design right from the beginning.
Absolute safety from fire is not attainable in practice. The objective of this Part is to
specify measures that will provide that degree of safety from fire which can be
reasonably achieved. The Code endeavors to avoid requirements that might involve
unreasonable hardships or unnecessary inconvenience or interference with normal
use and occupancy of buildings, but insists upon compliance with minimum
standards for fire safety necessary in public interest. For ensuring compliance of fire
protection equipments/installations to the laid down quality requirements, it is
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desirable to use such equipments/installation duly certified under the BIS

Certification Marks Scheme.
While providing guidelines for minimizing chances of occurrence of fire through
passive fire protection measures, this Part does not intend to cover all aspects of
general fire prevention including sources of ignition. Nor does it cover the prevention
of accidental personal injuries during the course of normal occupancy of buildings.
This Part while recognizing that panic in a building on fire maybe uncontrollable,
deals with the potential panic hazard through measures designed to prevent the
development of panic. Experience indicates that panic seldom develops even in the
presence of potential danger, so long as occupants of buildings are moving towards
exits which they can see within a reasonable distance and with no obstruction or
undue congestion in the path of travel. However, any uncertainty as to the location or
adequacy of means of egress, the presence of smoke or fumes and the stoppage of
travel towards the exit, such as may occur when one person stumbles and falls on
stairs, may be conducive to panic. Danger from panic is greater when a large
number of people are trapped in a confined area particularly when people are not
adequately guided towards egress and safety notifications are not implemented or
practiced. Consideration towards announcements, annunciations are to be given to
guide the occupants to safe egress routes and to control panic during situation of
distress.
Experience has shown that concealed spaces within a building, such as, space
between ceiling and false ceiling, horizontal and vertical ducts and shafts, etc, tend
to act as flues/tunnels during a fire. Provision should, therefore, be made to provide
fire stopping within such spaces.
Nothing in this Part of the Code shall be construed to prohibit better types of building
construction, more exits or otherwise safer conditions than the minimum
requirements specified in this Part.
Compliance with this Part shall not be construed as eliminating or reducing the
necessity for other provisions for safety of persons using a building or structure
under normal occupancy conditions. Nor shall any provision of the Code be
construed as requiring or permitting any addition that maybe hazardous under
normal occupancy conditions.
One of the major points brought out in this Part is the limitation of heights and areas
of buildings based on fire safety of the occupants. Individual municipal corporations
are free to alter Table 2 based on local conditions, but the ratios of areas as
maintained in the table for different occupancies and types of construction shall be
adhered to.
Advantage has been taken of the developments, particularly in fire resistance rating
of materials, designating types of construction in a rational manner and relating the
area limitations of different occupancies to different types of construction.
Halons (halogenated hydrocarbons) which exhibit exceptional fire fighting and
explosion prevention/suppression characteristics have been found to possess high
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ozone depleting potential. They come under Group II of Annex A of the Montreal
Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the international
environmental agreement for phasing out ozone depleting substances. Due to
increasing evidence that the ozone layer is getting depleted at a faster rate than
thought earlier, the developed countries accelerated their phase-out schedule with a
view to achieving 100 percent phase-out of halons by 1 January 1994, instead of the
earlier target date of 1 January 2000 after which only essential use of halon was
allowed. For developing countries like India, the total phase-out of halons is to be
achieved by 1 January 2010, as per Montreal Protocol, unless a decision is taken in
between to hasten up the phase-out of ozone depleting substances. India, having
become a signatory to the Protocol in June 1992, is committed to abide by the
Montreal Protocol decisions. In accordance with Ministry of Environment and
Forests, Government of India, Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulations), Rules,
2000, the manufacture of halon based fire extinguishers and extinguishing systems
has been phased out by 1 January 2001. Meanwhile, the practical implications of the
phasing out of the halons covered, by and large, the following aspects:
a)
b)
c)
d)
Availability of halons will be restricted;

Non-standard halon extinguishers, like aerosol type, shall not be permitted;
Discharge of halons for training/testing, etc shall not be permitted;
All efforts shall be made for avoiding/minimizing halon emissions at various
levels such as production, fire equipment manufacture, use, service and
maintenance;
e) Since drop-in substitutes for halons are not likely to be available on a
commercial scale in the near future, wherever possible, instead of halon, use
of suitable alternative extinguishing media/methods will be resorted to, even
accepting some trade-offs, if necessary; and
f) Halons shall be restricted for essential uses only, for protection of critical fire
explosion risk areas which would otherwise result in serious impairment of an
essential service to society, or pose an unacceptable threat to life, the
environment, or national security.
NOTE Detailed instructions which will be issued by the Government of India from time-totime for implementation of the Country Programme for the phasing out of ozone depleting
substance (ODS) and regarding permitting use of halons for applications till tie availability of
proper substitutes, shall have to be complied with.
The first version of this Part was formulated in 1970 and first revision was brought
out in 1983. Subsequently the first revision of this Part was modified in 1997 through
Amendment No. 3 to 1983 version of the Code. This modified version of this part
included few tables for the fire resistance ratings of various building components,
such as walls, columns, beams and floors. The requirements for wet riser, downcomer, automatic sprinkler installation, high velocity (10-15 m/s) water spray or foam
generating system, etc, for buildings were modified. Annex giving guidelines for
selection of fire detectors had been deleted and relevant Indian Standards on fire
alarm system and smoke detectors had been referred. Also, Annex for determination
of fire loads and flue load density for arriving at the classification of occupancy
hazard and calorific values of some common materials were included. Annex for
broad classification of industrial and non-industrial occupancies into low, moderate
and high hazard had also been included.
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The significant modifications incorporated in the 2005 revision of the Code included
based also on the useful suggestions received were:
a) The text was divided into the following broad clauses:
1) Fire Prevention Covering aspects of fire prevention pertaining to
design and construction of buildings on passive fire protection
measures, also describing the various types of building materials and
their fire rating.
2) Life Safety Covering life safety provisions in the event of fwe and
similar emergencies, also addressing construction and occupancy
features that are necessary to minimize danger to life from fire, smoke,
fumes or panic.
3) Fire Protection covering the significant appurtenances and their
related components and guidelines for selecting the correct type of
equipment and installation meant for fire protection of the building,
depending upon the classification and type of the building.
b) The classification of building based on occupancy was elaborated, with:
1) Starred hotels were covered as a new sub-division A-6 under
occupancy Group A Residential.
2) Heritage structures and archeological monuments were covered under
sub-division D-3 occupancy Group D Assembly buildings.
3) Mixed assembly occupancies were covered as a new sub-division D-6
and underground elevated railways have been covered as a new subdivision D-7 under occupancy Group D Assembly buildings.
4) TV stations were covered under sub-division E-5 of occupancy Group
E Business buildings.
c) For the external stairs for exit requirements, the width and treads have been
increased to 1 250 mm and 250 mm respectively.
d) Under the requirements for institutional buildings the clear width of all required
exits which serve as egress from hospital or infirmary section has been
increased from 1.5 m to 2 m. Also, provision of patient-lift has been included.
e) Due cognizance of halon phase out programme has been taken, while
specifying provisions in this Part with respect to fire protection using fire
extinguishers/systems.
Based on various comments received from time to time, an Amendment No. 2 to the
Code, relating to Part 4 was published.
In this current revision, the following significant changes have been made:
a) Various new terms have been included and some of the existing terms have
been updated.
b) Based on the experience on the use of the provisions of the Codes in relation
to various occupancies, sub-division classification under various building
occupancy types and examples therein have been modified and updated.
Also, mixed occupancy and minor occupancy have been further clarified.
c) Table 1 Fire Resistance Ratings of Structural and Non-structural Elements
has been updated.
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d) The provisions relating to Fire Separating Walls, Fire Separating Floors and
Fire Partitions have been detailed at clause 3.4.5.
e) Alternative provisions for shafts other than for electrical services have been
included at clause 3.4.6.4
f) Provisions related to Class of Flame Spread Index at clause 3.4.12.2 have
been modified in line with international practices.
g) Requirement for displaying the occupancy load for assembly buildings has
been included under clause 4.3.
h) Table 4 on Capacity Factors has been modified based on aspect of width per
person approach used globally.
i) Provisions relating to requirement of refuge area have been rationalized to
accommodate commonly adopted floor heights in buildings.
j) Provision on number of staircases in case of high rise and special buildings
has been made comprehensive under clause 4.4.2.5.4.1.
k) Handrails on both the sides of stairs whose width is above 2000 mm has been
included and caution against use of scissor type staircases as escape has
been included.
l) Height of hospital buildings has been specified in terms certain other
occupancies permitted beyond 30 m, under clause 6.3.2.2 (d).
m) The table on minimum requirements for fire fighting installations (erstwhile
Table 23 and now Table 7) has been comprehensively updated.
n) Provisions related to high rise buildings in Annex D has been
comprehensively revised including in regard to compartmentation.
o) Detailed provisions have been included on shopping malls and multiplex
occupancies, in Annex F.
p) Detailed provisions have been included on atria, in Annex G.
q) Detailed provisions have been included on commercial kitchens and cooking
facilities with or without restaurants, eateries, food courts, etc, in Annex H.
r) Detailed provisions have been included on car parking facilities, in Annex J.
All standards cross-referred to in the main text of this Part, are subject to revision.
The parties to agreement based on this Part are encouraged to investigate the
possibility of applying the most recent editions of the standards.
For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this Part of the Code
is complied with, the final value, observed or calculated, expressing the result of a
test or analysis, shall be rounded off in accordance with IS 2:1960 'Rules for
rounding off numerical values (revised)'. The number of significant places retained in
the rounded off value should be the same as that of the specified value in this Part.
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DRAFT FOR COMMENTS ONLY
(Not to be reproduced without the permission of BIS or used as a Part of National Building Code of India)

ICS: 01.120; 91.040.01
National Building Code
Sectional Committee, CED 46
Last Date for Comments:

24 December 2015
1 SCOPE
This Part covers the requirements for fire prevention, life safety in relation to fire and
fire protection of buildings. The Code specifies occupancy-wise classification,
constructional aspects, egress requirements and protection features that are
necessary to minimize danger to life and property from fire.
2.0 TERMINOLOGY
For the purpose of this part, the following definitions shall apply.
2.1
Atrium A large-volume space created by a floor opening or series of floor
openings connecting two or more stories that is covered at the top of the series of
openings and is used for purposes other than an enclosed stairway; an elevator
hoist-way; an escalator opening; or as a utility shaft used for plumbing, electrical, airconditioning, or communications facilities.
(see Annex G for fire protection
requirements).
2.2
Authorities Concerned An organization, office, or individual responsible
for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving or accepting
equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure.
2.3
Automatic Fire Detection and Alarm System A fire alarm system
comprising components and sub-systems required for automatically detecting
smoke, heat or fire, which may include manual call stations, initiating an automatic
alarm for fire and other actions as required.
2.4
Building Any structure for whatsoever purpose and of whatsoever
materials constructed and every part thereof whether used as human habitation or
not and includes foundation, plinth, walls, floors, roofs, chimneys, plumbing and
building services, fixed platforms, VERANDAH, balcony, cornice or projection, part of
a building or anything affixed thereto or any wall enclosing or intended to enclose
any land or space and signs and outdoor display structures. Tents, SHAMIANAHS,
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tarpaulin shelters, etc, erected for temporary and ceremonial occasions with the
permission of the Authority shall not be considered as building.
2.5
Building, Height of The vertical distance measured in the case of flat
roofs, from the average level of the ground around and contiguous to the building or
as decided by the Authority to the terrace of the last livable floor of the building
adjacent to the external wall; and in the case of pitched roofs, up to the point where
the external surface of the outer wall intersects the finished surface of the sloping
roof; and in the case of gables facing the road, the mid-point between the eaves
level and the ridge. Where the building is located in a sloppy terrain, height shall be
determined from the lowest level (that is approachable by the fire service vehicles) to
the terrace level. Architectural features serving no other function except that of
decoration shall be excluded for the purpose of measuring heights.
2.6
Combustible Material A material that, in the form in which it is used and
under the conditions anticipated, will ignite and burn; a material that does not meet
the definition of noncombustible or limited combustible.
2.7
Common Path of Travel That portion of the exit access which the
occupants are required to traverse before two (or more) separate and distinct routes
two (or more) exits become available. Common paths of travel are part of travel
distance.
2.8
Covered Area Ground area covered by the building immediately above the
plinth level. The area covered by the following in the open spaces is excluded from
covered area (see Table 2)
a) garden, rockery, well and well structures, plant nursery, waterpool,
swimming pool (if uncovered), platform round a tree, tank, fountain, bench,
CHABUTARA with open top and unenclosed on sides by walls and the
like;.
b) drainage culvert, conduit, catch-pit, gully pit, chamber, gutter and the like;
c) compound wall, gate, unstoreyed porch and portico, slide, swing,
uncovered staircases, ramp areas covered by CHHAJJA and the like;
d) watchmans booth, pumphouse, garbage shaft, electric cabin or substations, and such other utility structures meant for the services of the
building under consideration
NOTE - For the purpose of this part, covered area equals the plot area minus the area
due for open spaces in the plot.
2.9
Down-comer An arrangement of firefighting within the building by means
of down-comer pipe connected to terrace tank through terrace pump, gate valve and
non-return valve and having mains not less than 100 mm internal diameter with
landing valves on each floor/landing. It is also fitted with inlet connections at ground
level for charging with water by pumping from fire service appliances and air release
valve at roof level to release trapped air inside.
2.10 Dry Riser An arrangement of firefighting within the building by means of
vertical rising mains not less than 100 mm internal diameter with landing valves on
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each floor/landing which is normally dry but is capable of being charged with water
usually by pumping from fire service appliances.
2.11 Emergency Lighting Lighting provided for use when the supply to the
normal lighting fails.
2.12 Emergency Lighting System A complete but discrete emergency lighting
installation from the standby power source to the emergency lighting lamp(s), for
example, self-contained emergency luminaire or a circuit from central battery (with or
without monitoring system) connected through wiring to several escape luminaries.
2.13 Escape Lighting That part of emergency lighting which is provided to
ensure that the escape route is illuminated at all material times, for example, at all
times when persons are on the premises, or at times the main lighting is not
available, either for the whole building or for the escape routes.
2.14 Exit That portion of a means of egress system between the exit access
and the exit discharge or public way. Exit components include exterior exit doors at
the level of exit discharge, interior exit stairways, interior exit stairways and ramps,
exit passageways, exterior exit stairways and exterior exit ramps and horizontal
exits.
2.15 Exit Access That portion of a means of egress that leads to an exit (for
example, doors, staircase lobby, verandah, corridor or passageway leading to an
exit).
2.16 Exit Discharge The protected portion of a means of egress between the
termination of an exit and a public way (for example, protected passage/open space
from exit to the outside street/road). (see Fig. 1)
2.17 Fire Barrier A continuous membrane or a membrane with discontinuities
created by protected openings with a specified fire protection rating, where such
membrane is designed and constructed with a specified fire resistance rating to limit
the spread of fire that also restricts the movement of smoke.
2.18 Fire Compartment A space within a building that is enclosed by fire
resistant wall on all sides (having a pre-determined fire rating in terms of combination
or independent aspect of stability, integrity and insulation properties), including the
top and bottom.
2.19 Fire Door and Fire door assembly Fire door is a component of fire door
assembly. Fire door assembly is any combination of fire door, frame, hardware and
other accessories that together provide a specific degree of fire protection to the
opening in terms of its stability, integrity and insulation properties, when installed in
the openings in fire separation walls.
NOTE Wherever reference has been made to fire door or fire check door or fire resisting
door in this Part, the same shall be construed as fire door assembly.
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FIG. 1 EXIT, EXIT ACCESS AND EXIT DISCHARGE

2.20 Fire Exit A way out leading to an escape route with or without panic bar
hardware provided on the door.
2.21 Fire Lift The lift installed to enable fire services personnel to reach
different floors with minimum delay, having such features as required in accordance
with this part.
2.22 Fire Load Calorific energy, of the whole contents contained in a space,
including the facings of the walls, partitions, floors and ceilings.
2.23
Fire Load Density Fire load divided by floor area.
2.24 Fire Resistance Rating The time that a material or construction will
withstand the standard fire exposure as determined by fire test done in accordance
with the standard methods of fire tests of materials/structures [4(1)].
2.25 Fire Resistance Fire resistance is a property of an element of
building construction and is the measure of its ability to satisfy for a stated period,
some or all of the following criteria:
a) Stability resistance to collapse.
b) Integrity resistance to penetration of flame and hot gases.
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c) Insulation resistance to temperature rise on the unexposed face up to a

maximum of 180C and/or average temperature of 150C.
2.26 Fire Resistant Wall Fire resistant rated wall or a vertical assembly of
materials, having protected opening(s), which restricts the spread of fire from one
part of a building to another part of the same building.
2.27 Fire Separation The distance in meters measured from the external wall of
the building concerned to the external wall of any other building on the site, or from
other site, or from the opposite side of street or other public space for the purpose of
preventing the spread of fire.
2.28 Fire Suppression Systems:
a) Gas based systems Systems that use gaseous agents as fire suppression
media, such as, all agents alternate to Halon gases, listed and approved for
use by relevant Indian standards; other methods/types of gas based systems
where their protection is equal to or better than what is suggested above for
the type of application subject to the acceptance of authorities concerned may
also fall under such systems.
b) Water based systems Systems that use mainly water as firefighting media
such as hydrant system, sprinkler system, water spray system, foam system
and water mist system.
2.29 Fire Wall or Fire Separating Wall A fire resistance rated wall having fire
protected openings, which restricts the spread of fire and extends continuously from
the foundation to the roof (and through the roof at least 1m above the roof in case of
combustible roof), with sufficient structural stability under fire conditions to allow
collapse of construction on one side or either side without collapse of the wall.
2.30 Floor Area The area of the floor within the inside perimeter of the outside
walls of the floor of the building under consideration with no deductions for corridors
and passage-ways, stairs, closets, thickness of interior walls, columns, elevators
and building shafts or other features.
2.31 Fire Stop A fire resistant material, or construction, having a fire resistance
rating of not less than the fire separating elements, installed in concealed spaces or
between structural elements of a building to prevent the spread/ propagation of fire
and smoke through walls, ceilings and like as per the laid down criteria.
2.32 Floor Area Ratio (FAR) The quotient obtained by dividing the total
covered area (plinth area) on all floors by the area of the plot:
2.33 Hardware:
a) Fire Exit Hardware A door-latching assembly incorporating an actuating
member or bar that releases the latch bolt upon the application of a force in
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the direction of egress travel and that additionally provides fire protection
where used as part of a fire door assembly.
b) Panic Hardware A door-latching assembly incorporating an actuating
member or bar that releases the latch bolt upon the application of a force in
the direction of egress travel.
2.34 High Rise Building For the purpose of this part, all buildings 15 m or
above in height (irrespective of their occupancy) and up to 100 m shall be
considered as high rise buildings.
NOTE - All buildings having height above 100 m shall be considered as super high rise
buildings. (See also Annex E)
2.35 Horizontal Exit A path of egress travel from one building to an area in
another building on approximately the same level, or a path of egress travel through
or around a fire resistant wall to an area of refuge on approximately the same level in
the same building, which affords safety from fire and smoke originating from the area
of incidence and areas communicating therewith.
2.36 Lift Lobby An enclosed space from which people directly enter a Lift car(s)
and into which people directly enter upon leaving a Lift car(s).
2.37 Means of Egress A continuous and unobstructed way of travel from any
point in a building or structure to a public way, consisting of three separate and
distinct parts, that is, exit access, exit and exit discharge.
2.38 Means of Escape A way out of a building or structure that does not
conform to the strict definition of means of egress but does provide an alternate way
out.
2.39
Metro-station
2.39.1 Concourse Intermediate level(s) or area(s) connecting a station platform(s)

to a public way through stairs, escalators or corridors.
2.39.2 Point of safety One of the following: (a) an enclosed exit that leads to a
public way or safe location outside the station, train way, or vehicle, (b) an at-grade
point beyond the vehicle, enclosing stations, or train way, and (c) any other location
approved by the authorities concerned.
2.39.3 Station A place designated for the purpose of loading and unloading
passengers, including service area and ancillary spaces associated with the same
structure.
2.39.4 Enclosed Station A station or portion thereof that does not meet the
definition of an open station.
2.39.5 Open Station A station that is constructed such that it is directly open to the
atmosphere, and smoke and heat are allowed to disperse directly into surrounding
open atmosphere.
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2.39.6 Station Platform The area of a station immediately adjacent to a guideway,

used primarily for loading and unloading passengers.
2.39.7 Mass Rapid Transit Any station building or part thereof, permanent or
temporary, through which people transit for the duration of time required to enter the
building and board the train to depart the station platform or to alight from the train
and depart from the station building.
2.40 Mixed Occupancy A multiple occupancy where the occupancies are
intermingled.
2.41 Multiple Occupancy A building or structure in which two or more classes
of occupancy exist.
2.42 Occupancy or Use Group The principal occupancy for which a building or
a part of a building is used or intended to be used; for the purpose of classification of
a building according to the occupancy, an occupancy shall be deemed to include
subsidiary occupancies which are contingent upon it.
2.43 Occupant Load Maximum number of persons that might occupy a building
or portion thereof at any one time.
2.44 Place of Comparative Safety Places within a building where people can
stay little longer until evacuation, for example, refuge areas, terrace, fire/smoke
separated compartments, etc.
2.45 Pressurization The establishment of a pressure difference across a
barrier to protect a stairway, lobby, escape route or room of a building from smoke
penetration.
2.46 Pressurization Level The pressure difference between the pressurized
space and the area served by the pressurized escape route, expressed in pascals
(Pa).
2.47 Public Way A street, alley, or other similar parcel of land essentially open
to the outside air, dedicated, or otherwise permanently appropriated to the public for
public use and having a clear width and height of not less than 3 m.
2.48
Ramp A walking surface that has a slope steeper than 1 in 20.
2.49 Refuge Area An area within the building for a temporary use during
egress. It generally serves as a staging area which is protected from the effect of fire
and smoke.
2.50 Roof Exits A means of escape on to the roof of a building, where the roof
has access to it from the ground. The exit shall have adequate cut-off within the
building from staircase below.
2.51
Site (Plot) A parcel (piece) of land enclosed by definite boundaries.
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2.52 Smoke Barrier A continuous membrane, or a membrane with

discontinuities created by protected openings, where such membrane is designed
and constructed to restrict the movement of smoke.
2.53 Smoke Compartment A space within a building enclosed by smoke
barriers on all sides, including the top and bottom.
2.54 Stack Pressure Pressure difference caused by a temperature difference
creating an air movement within a duct, chimney or enclosure.
2.55 Travel Distance The distance to be travelled from any point in a building to
a protected exit, external escape route or final exit measured along the line of travel.
2.56 Ventilation Supply of outside air into, or the removal of inside air from an
enclosed space.
2.57 Venting Fire The process of inducing heat and smoke to leave a building
as quickly as possible by such paths that lateral spread of fire and heat is checked,
firefighting operations are facilitated and minimum fire damage is caused
2.58 Volume to Plot Area Ratio (VPR) The ratio of volume of building
measured in cubic metres to the area of the plot measured in square metres and
expressed in metre.
2.59
Water Based Systems:
a) Hydrant system A distribution system having a network of piping installed

underground/aboveground around and/or through inside buildings with
internal and/or external hydrants fitted with landing valves at regular intervals
according to the occupancies. The distribution system is connected to a
pumping and water supply.
b) Automatic sprinkler system An automatic sprinkler system, for fire
protection purposes, is an integrated system of underground and overhead
piping designed in accordance with fire protection engineering standards.
The system includes a suitable water supply. The portion of the system above
the ground is a network of specially sized or hydraulically designed piping
installed in a structure or area, generally overhead, and to which automatic
sprinklers are connected in a systematic pattern. The system is usually
activated by heat from a fire and discharges water over the fire area.
All automatic systems, particularly sprinkler systems, shall be constantly
supervised with suitable mechanism to monitor performance, operating
conditions and status of the fire protection and suppression systems at any
given time like indication on status of valve positions, water levels and other
parameters relevant to protect life and properties against fire.
c) Automatic water spray systems A special fixed pipe system connected to a
dedicated source of fire protection water supply and equipped with water
spray nozzles for specific water discharge and distribution over the entire
surface or area to be protected.
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d) High Velocity and Medium Velocity Systems These systems are mostly
employed for protection of oil filled equipment, oil storage, and high hazard
manufacturing and storage occupancies.
These are also popularly called deluge systems, as discharge will take place
through all spray nozzles in the network in case of detection of fire.
e) Water Mist Systems A distribution system connected to a pumping and
water supply or water and/or atomizing media supplies that is equipped with
nozzles capable of delivering water mist to the part/entire enclosure or an
entire building, intended to control, suppress, or extinguish fires and that has
been demonstrated to meet the performance requirements.
Systems with activation based on individual water mist sprinkler nozzle that
operates when it reaches a specified activation temperature. They are known
as Water Mist Sprinkler Systems. Systems with activation based on the
simultaneous discharge from all the predetermined water mist sprinkler
nozzles included in one system section, that operates when a detection
system actuates the discharge valve controlling the flow to that system
section. They are known as Water Mist Deluge Systems operating with open
water mist sprinkler nozzles.
f) Foam Protection System Firefighting systems where foam is made by
mechanically mixing air with a solution consisting of fresh water to which a
foaming agent (liquid concentrate) has been added. Firefighting foam is a
stable aggregation of small bubbles of lower density than oil or water, and
shows tenacious qualities for covering horizontal surfaces.
There are three types of foam applications that is, light, medium and high
expansion foams depending upon the application.
2.60 Wet Riser An arrangement for firefighting within the building by means of
vertical rising mains not less than 100 mm nominal diameter with landing valves on
each floor/landing for firefighting purposes and permanently charged with water from
a pressurized supply.
NOTE For definition of other terms, reference shall be made to accepted standards [4(2)].
3 FIRE PREVENTION
3.1 Classification of Buildings Based on Occupancy
3.1.1 General Classification
All buildings, whether existing or hereafter erected shall be classified according to
use or the character of occupancy in one of the following groups:
Group A
Group B
Group C
Group D
Group E
Group F
Residential
Educational
Institutional
Assembly
Business
Mercantile
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Group G Industrial
Group H Storage
Group J Hazardous
The details of each occupancy and example of buildings in each group are given in
3.1.2 to 3.1.10.
3.1.1.1 Minor occupancy This is purely incidental to operations in a main
occupancy, which shall be considered as part of the main occupancy and shall be
classified under the relevant group for the main occupancy.
3.1.1.2 Mixed occupancy Where two or more types of occupancies exist in the
same building, the entire building shall be treated as mixed occupancy and the same
shall comply to 3.1.11.
3.1.2 Group A Residential Buildings
These shall include any building in which sleeping accommodation is provided for
normal residential purposes with or without cooking or dining or both facilities, except
any building classified under Group C.
Buildings and structures under Group A shall be further subdivided as follows:
Sub-division A-1
Lodging and rooming houses, and dormitories
Sub-division A-2
Sub-division A-3
Sub-division A-4
One or two family private dwellings

Apartment houses
Hotels
a) Sub-division A-1 Lodging and rooming houses, and dormitories

These shall include any building or group of buildings under the same
management, in which separate sleeping accommodation
on transient or
permanent basis, with or without dining facilities but without cooking facilities for
individuals is provided. This includes inns, clubs, motels and guest houses.
NOTE A lodging or rooming house shall be classified as a dwelling in Sub-division A-2 if no room
in any of its private dwelling units is rented to more than three persons.
These shall also include any building in which group sleeping accommodation is
provided, with or without dining facilities for persons who are not members of the
same family, in one room or a series of closely associated rooms under joint
occupancy and single management, for example, school and college dormitories,
students, and other hostels and military barracks.
b) Sub-division A-2
One or two family private dwellings
These shall include any private dwelling, which is occupied by members of one or
two families and has a total sleeping accommodation for not more than
20 persons.
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If rooms in a private dwelling are rented to outsiders, these shall be for

accommodating not more than three persons per room.
If sleeping accommodation for more than 20 persons is provided in any one
residential building, it shall be classified as a building in Subdivision A-1 or A-4 as
the case may be.
c) Sub-division A-3
Apartment houses
These shall include any building or structure in which living quarters are provided
for three or more families, living independently of each other and with
independent cooking facilities, for example, apartment houses, mansions and
chawls.
d) Sub-division A-4
Hotels
These shall include any building or group of buildings under single management,
in which sleeping accommodation, with or without dining facilities for hotels
classified under all hotels including starred hotels.
3.1.3 Group B Educational Institutions
These shall include any building used for school, college, other training institutions
for day-care purposes involving assembly for instruction, education or recreation for
not less than 20 students.
Buildings and structures under Group B shall be further subdivided as follows:
Sub-division B-1 Schools up to senior secondary level
Sub-division B-2 All others/training institutions
a) Sub-division B-1: Schools up to senior secondary level This subdivision
shall include any building or a group of buildings under single management
which is used for students not less than 20 in number.
b) Sub-division B-2: All others/training institutions This subdivision shall
include any building or a group of buildings under single management which
is used for students not less than 100 in number.
In the case of temporary buildings/structures which are utilized for educational
purposes, the provisions of 3.2.5.3 shall apply.
If residential accommodation is provided in the schools/institutions that portion of
occupancy shall be classified as a building in Subdivision A-3.
3.1.4 Group C Institutional buildings
These shall include any building or part thereof, which is used for purposes, such as
medical or other treatment or care of persons suffering from physical or mental
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illness, disease or infirmity; care of infants, convalescents or aged persons and for
penal or correctional detention in which the liberty of the inmates is restricted.
Institutional buildings ordinarily provide sleeping accommodation for the occupants.
Buildings and structures under Group C shall be further subdivided as follows:
Sub-division C-1 Hospitals and sanatoria
Sub-division C-2 Custodial institutions
Sub-division C-3 Penal and mental institutions
a) Subdivision C-1: Hospitals and sanatoria This subdivision shall include
any building or a group of buildings under single management, which is
used for housing persons suffering from physical limitations because of
health or age and those incapable of self-preservation, for example,
hospitals, infirmaries, sanatoria and nursing homes.
b) Subdivision C-2: Custodial institutions This subdivision shall include any
building or a group of buildings under single management, which is used for
the custody and care of persons, such as children, convalescents and the
aged who are incapable of self-preservation, for example, homes for the
aged and infirm, convalescent homes and orphanages.
c) Subdivision C-3: Penal and mental institutions This subdivision shall
include any building or a group of buildings under single management,
which is used for housing persons under restraint, or who are detained for
penal or corrective purposes, in which the liberty of the inmates is restricted,
for example, jails, prisons, mental hospitals, mental sanatoria and
reformatories
3.1.5 Group D Assembly buildings
These shall include any building or part of a building, where number of persons not
less than 50 congregate or gather for amusement, recreation, social, religious,
patriotic, civil, travel and similar purposes, for example, theatres; motion picture
houses; assembly halls; auditoria; exhibition halls; museums; skating rinks;
gymnasiums; restaurants; places of worship; dance halls; club rooms; passenger
stations and terminals of air, surface and marine public transportation services; and
stadia.
Buildings under Group D shall be further subdivided as follows:
Sub-division D-1: Buildings having a theatrical or motion picture or any other
stage and fixed seats for over 1 000 persons.
Sub-division D-2: Buildings having a theatrical or motion picture or any other
stage and fixed seats up to 1 000 persons
Sub-division D-3: Buildings without a permanent stage having accommodation for
300 or more persons but no permanent seating arrangement.
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Sub-division D-4: Buildings without a permanent stage having accommodation for

less than 300 persons with no permanent seating arrangement.
Sub-division D-5: All other structures including temporary structures designed for
assembly of people not covered by subdivisions D-1 to D-4, at ground level.
Sub-division D-6: Buildings having mixed occupancies such as shopping malls
(providing facilities such as shopping, cinema theatres, multiplexes and
restaurants/food courts) and having other occupancies such as offices, retail,
residential mercantile etc., coexisting in combination of two or more occupancies.
Sub-division D-7: Underground and elevated mass rapid transit system
a) Sub-division D-1: This subdivision shall include any building primarily meant
for theatrical or operatic performances and which has a stage, proscenium
curtain, fixed or portable scenery or scenery loft, lights, mechanical
appliances or other theatrical accessories and equipment for example,
theaters, motion picture houses, auditoria, concert halls, television and radio
studios admitting an audience and which are provided with fixed seats for
over 1 000 persons.
b) Sub-division D-2: This subdivision shall include any building primarily meant
for use as described for Subdivision D-1, but with fixed seats up to 1 000
persons
c) Sub-division D-3: This subdivision shall include any building, its lobbies,
rooms and other spaces connected thereto, primarily intended for assembly of
people, but which has no theatrical stage or permanent theatrical and/or
cinematographic accessories and has accommodation for 300 persons or
more, for example, dance halls, night clubs, halls for incidental picture shows,
dramatic, theatrical or educational presentation, lectures or other similar
purposes having no theatrical stage except a raised platform and used without
permanent seating arrangement; art galleries, community halls, marriage
halls, places of worship, museums, lecture halls, passenger terminals and
heritage and archeological monuments, pool and billiard parlours, bowling
alleys, community halls, courtrooms, gymnasiums (without spectator seating),
indoor swimming pools (without spectator seating), indoor tennis courts
(without spectator seating).
d) Sub-division D-4: This subdivision shall include any building primarily
intended for use as described in Subdivision D-3, but with accommodation for
less than 300 persons with no permanent seating arrangements.
e) Sub-division D-5: This subdivision shall include any building or structure,
permanent or temporary meant for assembly of people not covered by
Subdivisions D-1 to D-4, for example, grandstands, stadia, amusement park
structures, reviewing stands and circus tents, arenas, external swimming
pools, tennis and similar type of courts.
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f) Sub-division D-6: This subdivision shall include any building for assembly of
people provided with multiple services/facilities like shopping, cinema
theatres, multiplexes, restaurants/food court.
g) Sub-division D-7: This subdivision shall include any building or structure like
example, underground or elevated railways.
See Annex F for fire protection requirements of shopping malls and multiplex
occupancies.
3.1.6 Group E Business Buildings
These shall include any building or part thereof which is used for transaction of
business for keeping of accounts and records and similar purposes, professional
establishments, service facilities, etc. City halls, town halls, courthouses and
libraries shall be classified in this group so far as the principal function of these is
transaction of public business and keeping of books and records.
Buildings under Group E shall be further subdivided as follows:
Sub-division E-1: Offices, banks, professional establishments, like offices of
architects, engineers, doctors, lawyers, post offices and police stations
Sub-division E-2: Laboratories, outpatient clinics, research establishments,
libraries and test houses.
Sub-division E-3: Electronic data processing centers, computer installations,
Information technology parks and call centers
Sub-division E-4: Telephone exchanges.
Sub-division E-5: Broadcasting stations, T.V. Stations and air traffic control
towers
3.1.7 Group F Mercantile Buildings
These shall include any building or part thereof, which is used as shops, stores,
market, for display and sale of merchandise, either wholesale or retail.
Mercantile buildings shall be further sub-classified as follows:
Sub-division F-1: Shops, stores, departmental stores, markets (any with
covered area up to 500 m2).
Sub-division F-2: Shops, stores, departmental stores, markets (any with
covered area more than 500 m2).
Sub-division F-3: Underground shopping centers
Storage and service facilities incidental to the sale of merchandise and located in the
same building shall be included under this group.
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3.1.8 Group G Industrial Buildings

These shall include any building or part of a building or structure, in which products
or materials of all kinds and properties are fabricated, assembled, manufactured or
processed, for example, assembly plants, industrial laboratories, dry cleaning plants,
power plants, generating units, pumping stations, fumigation chambers, laundries,
buildings or structures in gas plants, refineries, dairies and saw-mills, etc.
Buildings under Group G shall be further subdivided as follows:
Sub-division G-1: Buildings used for low hazard industries.
Sub-division G-2: Buildings used for moderate hazard industries.
Sub-division G-3: Buildings used for high hazard industries
The hazard of occupancy, for the purpose of the Code, shall be the relative danger
of the start and spread of fire, the danger of smoke or gases generated, the danger
of explosion or other occurrences potentially endangering the lives and safety of the
occupants of the buildings.
Hazard of occupancy shall be determined by the Authority on the basis of the fire
loads of the contents, and the processes or operations conducted in the building,
provided, however, that where the combustibility of the material, the flame spread
rating of the interior finish or other features of the building or structure are such as to
involve a hazard greater than the occupancy hazard, the greater degree of hazard
shall govern the classification.
For determination of fire loads and fire load density for arriving at the classification of
occupancy hazard, guidance including the calorific values of some common
materials are given at Annex A.
A broad classification of industrial and non-industrial occupancies into low, moderate
and high hazard classes is given at Annex B, for guidance. Any occupancy not
covered in Annex B, shall be classified in the most appropriate class depending on
the degree of hazard.
Where different degrees of hazard of occupancy exist in different parts of a building,
the most hazardous of those shall govern the classification for the purpose of this
Code, except in cases where hazardous areas are segregated or protected as
specified in the Code.
a) Sub-division G-1 This subdivision shall include any building in which the
contents are of such comparative low combustibility and the industrial
processes or operations conducted therein are of such a nature that there are
hardly any possibilities for any self-propagating fire to occur and the only
consequent danger to life and property may arise from panic, fumes or
smoke, or fire from some external source.
b) Sub-division G-2: This subdivision shall include any building in which the
contents or industrial processes or operations conducted therein are liable to
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give rise to a fire which will burn with moderate rapidity or result in other
hazardous situation and may give off a considerable volume of smoke, but
from which neither toxic fumes nor explosions are to be feared in the event of
fire.
c) Sub-division G-3: This subdivision shall include any building in which the
contents or industrial processes or operations conducted therein are liable to
give rise to a fire which will burn with extreme rapidity or result in other
hazardous situation or from which poisonous fumes or explosions are to be
feared in the event of a fire.
3.1.9 Group H Storage Buildings
These shall include any building or part of a building used primarily for the storage or
sheltering (including servicing, processing or repairs incidental to storage) of goods,
ware or merchandise (except those that involve highly combustible or explosive
products or materials) vehicles or animals, for example, warehouses, cold storage,
freight depots, transit sheds, storehouses, truck and marine terminals, garages,
hangers, grain elevators, barns and stables. Storage properties are characterized by
the presence of relatively small number of persons in proportion to the area. Any
new use which increases the number of occupants to a figure comparable with other
classes of occupancy shall change the classification of the building to that of the new
use, for example, hangars used for assembly purposes, warehouses used for office
purposes, garage buildings used for manufacturing.
3.1.10 Group J Hazardous Buildings
These shall include any building or part thereof which is used for the storage,
handling, manufacture or processing of highly combustible or explosive materials or
products which are liable to burn with extreme rapidity and/or which may produce
poisonous fumes or explosions for storage, handling, manufacturing or processing
which involve highly corrosive, toxic or noxious alkalis, acids or other liquids or
chemicals producing flame, fumes and explosive, poisonous, irritant or corrosive
gases; and for the storage, handling or processing of any material producing
explosive mixtures of dust which result in the division of matter into fine particles
subject to spontaneous ignition. Examples of buildings in this class are those
buildings which are used for:
a) Storage, under pressure of more than 0.1 N/mm 2 and in quantities exceeding
70 m3, of acetylene, hydrogen, illuminating and natural gases, ammonia,
chlorine, phosgene, sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, methyloxide and all
gases subject to explosion, fume or toxic hazard, cryogenic gases, etc;
b) Storage and handling of hazardous and highly flammable liquids, liquefiable
gases like LPG, rocket propellants, etc;
c) Storage and handling of hazardous and highly flammable or explosive
materials (other than liquids); and
d) Manufacture of artificial flowers, synthetic leather, ammunition, explosives and
fireworks.
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NOTE - A list of hazardous substances giving quantities, for which or exceeding which owners
handling such substances are required to be covered under the Public Liability Insurance Act, has
been notified under the Rules on emergency planning, preparedness and response for chemical
accidents by the Govt of India, Ministry of Environment and Forests Notification No. G.S.R.
347(E) dated 01 August 1996.
3.1.11 Mixed Occupancy

In case of mixed occupancy, in so far as fire protection is concerned, all the
occupancies/ the entire building shall be governed by the most restrictive provisions
of the Code among those applicable for individual occupancies. The provisions for
life safety given in the Code for individual occupancy shall, however, apply to the
respective occupancies.
However, in case such occupancies are separated (horizontally and/or vertically, as
the case may be) by a 4 h fire resistance rating, all occupancies shall be treated as
individual occupancies and all provisions relevant of the respective occupancies,
given in the Code shall apply to them.
3.1.12 Any building not covered by Annex B or 3.1.8 shall be classified in the group
which most nearly resembles its existing or proposed use.
3.1.13 Where change in the occupancy of any building places it in a different group
or in a different sub-division of the same group, such building shall be made to
comply with the requirements of the Code for the new group or its sub-division.
3.1.14 Where the new occupancy of a building is less hazardous, based on life and
fire risk, than its existing occupancy, it shall not be necessary to conform to the
requirements of the Code for the new group or its sub-division.
3.1.15 A certificate of occupancy shall be necessary, as required under Part 2
'Administration', before any change is effected in the character of occupancy of any
building.
3.2 Fire Zones
3.2.1 Demarcation
The city or area under the jurisdiction of the Authority shall for the purpose of the
Code, be demarcated into distinct zones, based on fire hazard inherent in the
buildings and structures according to occupancy (see 3.1), which shall be called as
`Fire Zones.
3.2.2 Number and Designation of Fire Zones
3.2.2.1 The number of fire zones in a city or area under the jurisdiction of the
Authority depends upon the existing layout, types of building construction (see 3.3),
classification of existing buildings based on occupancy (see 3.1) and expected future
development of the city or area. In large cities or areas, three fire zones may be
necessary, while in smaller ones, one or two may be adequate.
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3.2.2.2 The fire zones shall be made use of in land use development plan and shall
be designated as follows:
a) Fire Zone No. 1: This shall comprise areas having residential (Group A),
educational (Group B), institutional (Group C), and assembly (Group D),
small business (Sub-divisions E-1) and mercantile (Group F) buildings, or
areas which are under development for such occupancies.
b) Fire Zone No. 2: This shall comprise business (Sub-divisions E-2 to E-5)
and industrial buildings (Subdivision G-1 and G-2), except high hazard
industrial buildings (Subdivision G-3) or areas which are under
development for such occupancies.
c) Fire Zone No. 3: This shall comprise areas having high hazard industrial
buildings (Subdivision G-3), storage buildings (Group H) and buildings for
hazardous uses (Group J) or areas which are under development for such
occupancies.
3.2.3 Change in the Fire Zone Boundaries
When the boundaries of any fire zone are changed, or when it is intended to include
other areas or types of occupancies in any fire zone, it shall be done by following the
same procedure as for promulgating new rules or ordinances or both.
3.2.4 Overlapping Fire Zone
3.2.4.1 When any building is so situated that it extends to more than one fire zone, it
shall be deemed to be in the fire zone in which the major portion of the building or
structure is situated.
3.2.4.2 When any building is so situated that it extends equally to more than one fire
zone, it shall be deemed to be in the fire zone having more hazardous occupancy
buildings.
3.2.5 Temporary Buildings or Structures
3.2.5.1 Temporary buildings and structures shall be permitted only in Fire Zones No.
1 and 2 as the case may be, according to the purpose for which these are to be
used, by special permit from the Authority for a limited period and subject to such
conditions as may be imposed in the permit.
3.2.5.2 Such buildings and temporary structures shall be completely removed on the
expiry of the period specified in the permit.
3.2.5.3 Adequate fire precautionary measures in the construction of temporary
structures and PANDALS shall be taken in accordance with good practice [4(3)].
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3.2.6 Restrictions on the Type of Construction for New Buildings

These shall be as follows:
a) Buildings erected in Fire Zone No. 1 shall conform to construction of Type
1, 2, 3 or 4.
b) Buildings erected in Fire Zone No. 2 shall conform to construction of Type
1, 2 or 3.
c) Buildings erected in Fire Zone No. 3 shall conform to construction of Type
1 or 2.
3.2.7 Restrictions on Existing Buildings
The existing buildings in any fire zone shall not be required to comply with the
requirement of the Code unless these are altered, or in the opinion of the Authority,
such building constitutes a hazard to the safety of the adjacent property or the
occupants of the building itself or is an unsafe building. In the event of alteration, it
shall be necessary to obtain permission of the Authority for such alteration consistent
with fire hazard (see Part 2 Administration).
Alterations/modifications/renovations shall be accomplished so as to ensure
conformity with all the safety requirements of the new buildings. Such alterations
shall not in any way bring down level of fire and life safety below that which existed
earlier. Any addition or alterations or construction of cubicles or partitioning, for floor
area exceeding 500 m2 for all high rise buildings shall be with approval of local fire
authority.
3.3 Types of Construction
3.3.1 The design of any building and the type of materials used in its construction
are important factors in making the building resistant to a complete burn-out and in
preventing the rapid spread of fire, smoke or fumes, which may otherwise contribute
to the loss of lives and property.
The fire resistance of a building or its structural and non-structural elements is
expressed in hours against a specified fire load which is expressed in k cal/m 2, and
against a certain intensity of fire. The fire-resistance test for structural element shall
be done in accordance with accepted standards [4(4)] good practice of construction.
For the purpose of the Code, the types of construction according to fire resistance
shall be classified into four categories, namely, Type 1 Construction, Type 2
Construction, Type 3 Construction and Type 4 Construction. The fire resistance
ratings of structural and non-structural members for various types of construction
shall be as given in Table 1.
For buildings 15 m in height or above non-combustible materials should be used for
construction, and the internal walls of staircase enclosures should be of brick work or
reinforced concrete or any other material of construction with minimum of 2 h rating.
The walls for the chimney shall be of Type 1 or Type 2 Construction depending on
whether the flue gas temperature is above 200C or less, respectively.
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Table 1 Fire Resistance Ratings of Structural and Non-structural Elements

(Hours)
(Clause 3.3.1)
Sl
No.
Structural Element
(1)
(2)
1)
Type of Construction
Type 1
Type 2
Type 3
Type 4
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
Exterior walls:
a) Fire separation less
than 3.7 m
i) Bearing
ii) Non-bearing
b) Fire separation of
3.7 m or more but
less than 9 m
i) Bearing
c) Fire separation of
9 m or more
i) Bearing
ii) Non-bearing
ii) Non-bearing
2)
Fire separation
assemblies (like fire
check doors)
3)
Fire enclosures of exit

ways, hallways and
stairways
4)
Shaft other than exit

ways, elevator and
hoist ways
5)
Vertical separation of
tenant spaces
6) a)
Dwelling unit
separation
6) b)
Dwelling unit - Nonload bearing partitions
1/2
1/2
7)
Interior bearing walls,

bearing partitions,
columns, beams,
girders, trusses (other
than roof trusses) and
framing
i) Supporting
more than one
floor
ii) Supporting one
floor only
iii) Supporting a
roof only
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1/2
1/2
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8)
Structural members supporting walls
9)
Floor construction
10)
Roof construction
NA
NA
NA
NA
i) 5 m or less in
height to
lowest
member
ii) More than 5 m
but less than
6.7 m in
height to
lowest
member
iii) 6.7 m or more
in height to
lowest
member
3.3.2 It is required that a structural and/or non-structural element/component shall

have the requisite fire resistance rating as per Table 1. The fire resistance rating for
the structural and non-structural elements shall be based on guidelines as per
approved and acceptable standards. The fire rating shall be validated and certified
with a view to meeting the requirements of Table 1. In the absence of any
validated/certified rating, guidance may be obtained from the information available in
Annex C.
3.3.3 Load bearing steel beams and columns of buildings having total covered area
of 500 m2 and above shall be protected against failure/collapse of structure in case
of fire. This could be achieved by use of appropriate methodology using suitable fire
resistance rated materials alongwith suppression system (see Table 25, Table 26).
3.4 General Requirements of All Individual Occupancies
3.4.1 General
All buildings shall satisfy certain requirements, which contribute, individually and
collectively, to the safety of life from fire, smoke, fumes and panic arising from these
or similar causes. There are, however, certain general principles and common
requirements, which are applicable to all or most of the occupancies.
3.4.2 Exceptions and Deviations
Exceptions and deviations to the general provisions of requirements of individual
occupancies are given as applicable to each type of occupancy in 6.1 to 6.9. In case
of practical difficulty or to avoid unnecessary hardship, without sacrificing reasonable
safety, local head, fire services may consider exemptions from the Code.
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3.4.3 Occupation of Buildings under Construction

3.4.3.1 A building or portion of the building may be occupied during construction,
repairs, alterations or additions only if all means of exit and fire protection measures
are in place and continuously maintained for the occupied part of the building.
3.4.3.2 A high rise building during construction shall be provided with the following
fire protection measures, which shall be maintained in good working condition at all
the times:
a) Dry riser of minimum 100 mm diameter pipe with hydrant outlets on the
floors constructed with a fire service inlet to boost the water in the dry riser
and maintenance should be as per the requirements laid down in
accordance with good practice [4(5)].
b) Drums filled with water of 2 000 litres capacity with two fire buckets on
each floor;
c) A water storage tank of minimum 20 000 litres capacity, which may be
used for other construction purposes also.
3.4.4 Maximum Height, Floor Area Ratio and Open Spaces
3.4.4.1 Every building shall be restricted in its height above the ground level and the
number of storeys, depending upon its occupancy and the type of construction. The
height shall be measured as specified in Part 3 Development Control Rules and
General Building Requirements. The maximum permissible height for any
combination of occupancy and types of construction should necessarily be related to
the width of street fronting the building, or floor area ratios and the local firefighting
facilities available.
NOTE Set-back distances (according to the permissible height) for each type of building as
per the occupancy), width of streets providing approach to the building, permitted floor area
ratio (FAR), permitted open space around or inside buildings, provision of adequate
passageway and clearances required for fire fighting vehicles, etc shall be strictly governed
by the provisions of Part 3 of this Code.
3.4.4.2 Floor area ratio

The comparative floor area ratios for different occupancies and types of construction
are given in Table 2 (see also Part 3 Development Control Rules and General
Building Requirements).
Table 2 Comparative Floor Area Ratios for Occupancies Facing
One Public Street at Least 9 m Wide
(Clause 3.4.4.2)
Occupancy
Classification
(1)
Residential
Educational
Type 1
(2)
UL
UL
33
Type of Construction
Type 2
Type 3
Type 4
(3)
2.0
2.0
(4)
1.4
1.4
(5)
1.0
1.0
Institutional
Assembly
Business
Mercantile
Industrial
Storage (see Note 5
Hazardous (see Note 5)
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UL
UL
UL
8.0
7.5
6.0
2.8
1.5
1.0
2.9
1.8
1.9
1.5
1.1
1.0
0.7
2.3
1.4
1.6
1.3
0.9
0.8
0.5
1.6
1.0
1.3
1.0
NP
UL Unlimited
NP Not permitted
NOTES
1 The FAR values given in this table are subject to overall restrictions on the heights of buildings
in the case of educational, institutional, assembly, storage and hazardous occupancies as
specified in col 2 of Table 7.
2 This table has been prepared, taking into account the combustible content in the different
occupancies as well as the fire resistance offered by the type of construction.
3 This table should be modified by the Authority, taking into account the other aspects as given
below:
a) Density in terms of dwelling units per hectare;
b) Traffic considerations;
c) Parking spaces;
d) Local fire-fighting facilities; and
e) Water supply, drainage and sanitation requirements.
4 The FAR values specified in this table may be increased by 20 percent for the following services:
a) A basement or cellar space under a building constructed on stilts and used as a parking
space and air-conditioning plant room used as accessory to the principal use;
b) Watchmans booth, pump house, garbage shaft, electric cabin or substation and other
utility structures meant for the services of the building under considerations;
c) Projections and accessory buildings as specifically exempted under the Code; and
d) Staircase room and lift rooms above the topmost storey; architectural feature; and
chimneys and elevated tanks of dimensions as permissible under the Code; the area of
the lift shaft shall be taken only on one floor.
5 In so far as single storey storage and hazardous occupancies are concerned, they would be
further governed by volume to plot area ratio (VPR) to be decided by the Authority.
3.4.4.3 The requirements of open space around the building(s) shall be in

accordance with Part 3 Development Control Rules.
3.4.5 Fire Separating Walls, Fire Separating Floors, Fire Partitions
Fire separating walls shall be provided between two buildings or between two blocks
inside a building, having different fire hazards in accordance with the provisions of
this Code. Depending on the hazards present, wall(s) shall have a fire rating of 2 h
to 4 h. The fire separating wall where provided shall comply with the following:
a) The fire separating wall shall be carried through the roof. This portion of the wall
extending above the roof, which is known as `screen wall, shall be of such a
height (in no case less than 600 mm that the horizontal distance at the level of
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the top of the screen wall between the roofs of the buildings/compartments
being segregated is at least 6 m.
b) The screen wall shall be of not less than 230 mm in thickness if it is an extension
of a masonry wall and not less than 150 mm in thickness if it is an extension of
a reinforced concrete wall.
c) The separating wall need not be extended as a screen wall if the roof of one or
both of the buildings/compartments being segregated is of reinforced concrete
construction (RCC).
d) In the case of buildings of unequal height, windows or other openings in the wall
of the higher building overlooking the roof of the lower building and within 6 m,
thereof, must be protected by 6 mm thick approved wired glasses in steel
framework or by approved type fire proof (fire break) doors unless the roof of
the lower building is of reinforced concrete
e) In case the eaves of the higher building fall within 6 m of the roof of the lower
building such eaves should be cut off and the screen wall raised as a parapet,
600 mm high over the roof of the higher building, unless the roof of the lower
building is of RCC construction.
f) Fire separating walls shall also be extended outwards on both sides by at least
450 mm.
g) Doors and window openings in external walls within 3 m of the fire separating
walls shall be protected by fire doors having a rating of at least 1 h and window
openings shall be protected by 6 mm thick fixed type wired glasses.
h) In the case of buildings/compartments having north-light roofs when a
separating wall runs parallel to the axis of the north-light opening, the screen
wall shall be carried through and 600 mm above the ridge of the north light. If,
however, the separating wall is at right angles to the axis of the north-light
opening, the saw tooth gaps shall be bricked up and the screen wall extended
600 mm above, the ridge of the north light as well as beyond the extreme northlight opening.
j) Similarly, the thickness of the floor slabs in case of buildings having upper levels
shall be designed to provide fire rating as mentioned above.
k) It is advisable to separate certain incidental occupancies with fire partitions
having a rating between 1 h to 2 h for example, spray painting or woodworking
areas in workshops.
m) Storage areas shall be separated from the remaining of the building/block by
fire walls.
3.4.6 Openings in Separating Walls and Floors
These provisions shall apply to high rise and special buildings.
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3.4.6.1 At the time of designing openings in separating walls and floors, particular
attention shall be paid to all such factors as will limit fire spread through these
openings and maintain fire rating of the structural member.
3.4.6.2 For Types 1 to 3 constructions, a doorway or opening in a separating wall on
any floor shall be limited to 5.6 m2 in area with a maximum height/width of
2.75 m. Every wall opening shall be protected with fire-resisting doors on both sides,
having the fire rating of not less than 2 h in accordance with the accepted standard
[4(6)]. All openings in the floors shall be protected by vertical enclosures extending
above and below such openings, the walls of such enclosures having a fire
resistance of not less than 2 h and all openings therein being protected with a fireresisting assembly as specified in 3.4.6.6.
3.4.6.3 For Type 4 Construction, openings in the separating walls or floors shall be
fitted with 2 h fire-resisting assemblies.
3.4.6.4 Openings in walls or floors which are necessary to be provided to allow
passages of all building services like cables, electrical wirings, telephone cables,
plumbing pipes, etc, shall be protected by enclosure in the form of shafts having a
fire resistance not less than 2 h. The inspection door for electrical shafts shall be not
less than 2 h. Medium and low voltage wiring running in shafts, shall either be
armoured type or run through metal conduits. Further, the space between the
conduits/ cables and the walls/slabs shall be filled in by a filler material having fire
resistance rating of not less than one hour.
As for other than electrical services shafts, the same shall have space between the
pipes and the walls/slabs filled in by a filler material having fire resistance rating of
not less than one hour or alternatively may be provided with inspection door having
fire resistance not less than 1 h.
NOTE In the case of buildings where it is necessary to lower or lift heavy machinery or goods
from one floor to the other, it may be necessary to provide larger openings in the floor. Such
openings shall be provided with removable covers which shall have the same strength and fire
resistance as the floor.
3.4.6.5 Vertical opening

Every vertical opening between the floors of a building shall be suitably enclosed or
protected, as necessary, to provide the following:
a) Reasonable safety to the occupants while using the means of egress by
preventing spread of fire, smoke, or fumes through vertical openings from
floor to floor to allow occupants to complete their use of the means of
egress. Further it shall be ensured to provide a clear height of 2 100 mm in
the passage/escape path of the occupants.
b) Limitation of damage to the building and its contents.
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3.4.6.6 Fire Stop or Enclosure of Openings

Where openings are permitted, they shall not exceed three-fourth the area of the wall
in the case of an external wall and they shall be protected with fire resisting
assemblies or enclosures having a fire resistance equal to that of the wall or floor in
which these are situated. Such assemblies and enclosures shall also be capable of
preventing the spread of smoke or fumes through the openings so as to facilitate the
safe evacuation of building in case of a fire {see also accepted standard [4(7)]}.
3.4.7 Electrical Installation
For requirements regarding electrical installations from the point of view of fire
safety, reference may be made to good practice [4(8)]. (see also Part 8 Building
Services, Section 2 Electrical and Allied Installations).
3.4.8 Air-Conditioning and Ventilation
Air conditioning and ventilation requirements of different rooms or areas in any
occupancy shall be as given in Part 8 Building Services, Section 1 Lighting and
Ventilation and Section 3 Air-conditioning, Heating and Mechanical Ventilation.
3.4.8.1 Air conditioning and ventilating systems shall be so installed and maintained
as to minimize the danger of spread of fire, smoke or fumes from one floor to other
or from outside to any occupied building or structure (see D-11).
3.4.8.2 Air conditioning system serving large places of assembly (over 1000
persons), large departmental stores or hotels with over 100 rooms in a single block
shall be provided with effective means for preventing circulation of smoke through
the system in the case of a fire in air filters or from other sources drawn into the
system, and shall have smoke sensitive devices for actuation in accordance with the
accepted standard [4(9)].
3.4.8.3 From fire safety point of view, separate air handling units for the various
floors shall be provided so as to avoid the hazards arising from spread of fire and
smoke through the air conditioning ducts. The requirements of air conditioning shall
be in accordance with accepted standard [4(10)].
3.4.8.4 For normal operation, air changes schedule shall be as given in
Part 8 Building Services, Section 3 Air conditioning, Heating and Mechanical
Ventilation.
3.4.9 Smoke Venting
3.4.9.1 Smoke venting facilities of exits in windowless buildings, underground
structures, large area factories, hotels and assembly buildings (including cinema
halls) shall be automatic in action with manual controls in addition.
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3.4.9.2 Natural draft smoke venting shall utilize roof vents or vents in walls at or near
the ceiling level; such vents shall be normally open, or, if closed, shall be designed
for automatic opening in case of fire, by release of smoke sensitive devices.
3.4.9.3 Where smoke venting facilities are installed for purposes of exit safety, these
shall be adequate to prevent dangerous accumulation of smoke during the period of
time necessary to evacuate the area served, using available exit facilities with a
margin of safety to allow for unforeseen contingencies. It is recommended that
smoke exhaust equipment should have a minimum capacity of 12 air changes per
hour. Where mechanical venting is employed, it shall be fire safe.
3.4.9.4 The discharge apertures of all natural draft smoke vents shall be so arranged
as to be readily accessible for opening by fire service personnel.
3.4.9.5 Power operated smoke exhausting systems shall be substituted for natural
draft vents only by specific permission of the Authority.
3.4.10 Heating
Installation of chimney and heating apparatus shall be in accordance with good
practice [4(11)].
3.4.11 Additional Precautions
In addition to the factors covered by 3.4.2 to 3.4.9, there are certain aspects,
applicable to particular occupancies only, which may affect the spread of fumes and
thus the safe evacuation of the building in case of fire. Some such aspects are:
a) interior finish and decoration;
b) seating, aisles, railings, turnstiles and revolving doors in places of assembly;
c) service equipment and storage facilities in buildings other than storage
buildings; and
d) hazards on stage, in waiting spaces, projection booths, etc, in theatres and
cinemas
3.4.12 Surface Interior Finishes
3.4.12.1 The use of combustible surface finishes on walls (including faade of the
building) and ceilings affects the safety of the occupants of a building. Such finishes
tend to spread the fire and even though the structural elements may be adequately
fire resistant, serious danger to life may result. It is, therefore, essential to have
adequate precautions to minimize spread of flame on wall, faade of building and
ceiling surfaces. The finishing materials used for various surfaces and dcor shall be
such that it shall not generate toxic smoke/fumes.
3.4.12.2 The susceptibility of various types of wall surfaces of fire is determined in
terms of the rate of spread of flame. The flame spread index is a number or
classification derived from the observation based during the progress of the
boundary of a zone of flame under defined test conditions. Test results are
calculated related to red oak, which has arbitrary rating of 100, and fibre reinforced
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cement board, Grade II, which has rating of 0. Based on the rate of spread of flame,
surfacing material shall be considered as divided into three classes as follows:
Class A: 0 25 Flame Spread Index - Surfaces of low flame spread
Class B: 26 75 Flame Spread Index - Surfaces of medium flame spread
Class C: 76 200 Flame Spread Index - Surfaces of rapid flame spread
3.4.12.3 The uses for which surface materials falling into various classes shall be
adopted in building construction are given below:
Class A
Class B
Class C
May be used in any

situation
May be used in any

situation, except on walls,
faade of the building,
staircase and corridors
May be used only in

living rooms and bed
rooms (but not in rooms
on the roof) and only as
a lining to solid walls and
partitions;
not
on
staircases or corridors or
faade of the building.
NOTE Paneling (lining) shall be permitted in a limited area. It shall not be permitted in a vestibule.
3.4.12.4 Materials of Class C which include untreated wood fiberboards may be used
with due fire retardant treatment as ceiling lining, provided the ceiling is at least, 2.4
m from the top surface of the floor below, and the wall surfaces conform to
requirements of class [see Note under 3.4.12.3]. Class C materials shall not be used
in kitchens, corridors and staircases. Some materials contain bitumen and, in
addition to risk from spread of fire, emit dense smoke on burning; such materials
shall be excluded from use under these conditions and shall also not be used for
construction of ceiling where the plenum is used for return air in air-conditioned
buildings [see also 5.3(e)].
For fire protection requirements of commercial kitchen, cooking facilities with or
without restaurants, the provisions of Annex H shall be referred.
3.4.12.5 When frames, walls, partitions or floors are lined with combustible materials,
the surfaces on both sides of the materials shall conform to the appropriate class,
because there is considerable danger from fire starting and rapidly spreading within
the concealed cavity unknown to the occupants whose escape may be hampered
there by. For detailed information on materials and details of construction with their
fire resistance rating, reference may be made to good practice [4(12)].
3.4.13 Glazing
3.4.13.1 The building construction shall employ one of the two types of glazing
described in 3.4.13.2 and 3.4.13.3 except that Type 4 construction may have the
alternative of hardwood sashes or frames or both.
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3.4.13.2 Wired glass shall comply with the following requirements:

a) Wired glass The wired glass shall be of minimum half an hour fire
resistance rating. Thickness of glasses shall not be less than 6mm and
also embedded wire netting shall not be larger than 2.5 mm and size of
each square shall not be larger than 2 500 mm2
b) Sashes and frames The sashes or frames or both shall be entirely of iron
or other suitable metal such as stainless steel, securely bolted or keyed
into the wall, except in the case of panels in internal doors.
c) Setting of glass The panels of glass shall be set in rebates or grooves
not less than 6.0 mm in width or depth, with due allowance for expansion,
and shall be secured by hard metal fastenings to the sashes or frames
independently of any cement or putty used for weather-proofing purposes.
3.4.13.3 Electro-copper glazing shall comply with the following requirements:
a) Electro copper glazing The electro copper glazing shall be of minimum
half hour fire resistance rating.
b) Sashes and frames The sashes or frames or both shall be entirely of iron
or other hard metal, securely bolted or keyed into the wall, except when in
panels in internal doors.
c) Fixing of sectional lights The sectional lights shall be set in rebate or
grooves not less than 6.5 mm in width or depth, with due allowance for
expansion and shall be secured by hard metal fastenings to the sashes or
frames independently of any lead, cement or putty used for weatherproofing purposes.
3.4.13.4 Maximum permissible area shall be 5 m 2 for protection by wired glass or
electro-copper glazing.
3.4.13.5 Casement
Hard metal casements, not exceeding 0.8 m2 fitted with wired glass or electro-copper
glazing in accordance with 3.4.13.2 and 3.4.13.3, secured to the frames by hard
metal hinges not more than 600 mm apart and by fastening at top, centre and bottom
shall be permissible
3.4.14 Skylights
Wired glass for skylights or monitor lights shall comply with the following
requirements:
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3.4.14.1 Wired glass for skylights or monitor lights

The wired glass for skylights or monitor lights shall be of minimum half an hour fire
resistance rating. Thickness of glasses shall not be less than 6 mm and also
embedded wire netting shall not be larger than 2.5 mm and size of each square shall
not be larger than 2 500 mm2.
NOTE No skylight opening shall be deemed as protected by wired glasses. Unless the size of
2
skylight opening is less than 10 m .
3.4.14.2 Frames and glazing The frame shall be continuous and divided by bars
spaced at not more than 700 mm centers. The frame and bars shall be of iron or
other hard metal, and supported on a curb either of metal or of wood covered with
sheet metal. The toughened glass shall be secured by hard metal fastenings to the
frame and bars independently of any lead, cement or putty used for weather-proofing
purposes.
3.4.15 Louvers
Louvers wherever provided shall be of minimum half hour fire resistance rating.
3.4.16 Glass of facade used in external walls shall comply with the following:
a) For fully sprinklered buildings having fire separation of 9 m or more, tempered
glass in a non-combustible assembly, with ability to hold the glass in place,
shall be provided. It shall be ensured that sprinklers are located within
600 mm of the facade glass providing full coverage to the glass.
NOTE In case of all other buildings, fire resistance rating of glass facade shall be in
accordance with Table 1.
b) All gaps between floor-slabs and facade assembly shall be sealed at all levels
by approved fire resistant sealant material of equal fire rating as that of floor
slab to prevent fire and smoke propagation from one floor to another.
c) Facade glass at each floor shall have means to open at least 10 percent of
the total facade area to exhaust smoke during emergencies. Such openings,
with sill level at 1.2 m, shall be in the form of openable panels of size not less
than 1 500 mm x 1 000 mm opening outwards.
4 LIFE SAFETY
4.1
General
Every building shall be so constructed, equipped, maintained and operated as to

avoid undue danger to the life and safety of the occupants from fire, smoke, fumes or
panic during the time period necessary for escape.
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For high occupancy areas, it shall be required to have annunciation, announcements

and voice guided/aided system to direct the occupants towards safe egress routes,
areas of comparative safety or exits, and to avoid situation of panic during distress.
4.2
General Exit Requirements
4.2.1 An exit may be a doorway; protected corridor; protected passageway(s) to an

internal staircase, or external staircase, or to a verandah or terrace(s), which have
access to the street, or to the roof of a building or a refuge area. An exit may also
include a horizontal exit leading to an adjoining building at the same level.
4.2.2 Unless otherwise specified, lifts, escalators, moving walks and revolving doors
shall not be considered as exits and shall not constitute any part of the required
means of exit.
4.2.3 Every exit, exit access or exit discharge shall be continuously maintained free
of all obstructions or impediments to full use in the case of fire or other emergency.
4.2.4 Every building meant for human occupancy shall be provided with exits
sufficient to permit safe egress of occupants, in case of fire or other emergency.
4.2.5 In every building or structure, exits shall comply with the minimum
requirements of this part, except those not accessible for general public use.
4.2.6 No building shall be so altered as to reduce the number, width or protection of
exits to less than that required. All the components of exit access like doorways,
corridors, protected escape routes, etc shall comply with minimum length, width and
height requirements.
4.2.7 Exits shall be clearly visible and the route to reach the exits shall be clearly
marked and signs posted to guide the occupants of the floor concerned. Signs shall
be illuminated and wired to an independent electrical circuit on an alternative source
of supply. The sizes and colours of the exit signs shall be in accordance with good
practice [4(13)]. The colour of the exit signs shall be green.
NOTE - This provision shall not apply to A-2 and A-3 occupancies less than 15 m in height.
4.2.8 The floors of areas covered for the means of exit shall be illuminated to values
not less than 10 lux at floor level with a standby supply. In auditoriums, theatres,
concert halls and such other places of assembly, the illumination of floor exit/access
may be reduced during period of performances to values not less than 2 lux.
4.2.9 Fire doors with 2 h fire resistance rating shall be provided at appropriate
places along the exits and particularly at the entrance to lift lobby and stair well
where a funnel or flue effect may be created, inducing an upward spread of fire, to
prevent spread of fire and smoke.
4.2.10 All exits shall provide continuous means of egress to the exterior of a building
or to an exterior open space leading to a street.
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4.2.11 Exits shall be so arranged that they may be reached without passing through
another occupied unit.
4.2.12 Doors shall open in the direction of travel and not impede movement of
people descending from a higher floor when fully opened.
4.2.13 At least half of the required exit stairs from upper floors (rounded to the next
number) shall discharge directly to the exterior or through passageways with
protected openings.
4.2.14 Means of egress shall be arranged so that from any room, exits will be
accessible in at least two directions, except that a dead-end corridor where the travel
distance shall stand reduced to half the value stated in Table 5.
4.2.15 Unless otherwise specified, all the exits and exit passageways to exit
discharge shall have a clear ceiling height of at least 2.4 m.
4.2.16 Where changes in elevation of more than 300 mm are encountered in the
egress route, ramps or sloped surfaces shall be used with handrails and floor finish
materials that contrast with the adjacent finish materials.
4.2.17 The capacity of the means of egress required from any storey of the building
shall not be reduced along the path of egress travel until arrival to the exit discharge.
4.2.18 Turnstiles or similar devices that restrict travel to one direction or are used to
restrict unauthorized entry shall not be placed so as to obstruct any required means
of egress. Alternate door openings shall be available within 3 m of such devices, if
installed.
4.2.19 Suitable means shall be provided so that all access controlled exit doors,
turnstiles, boom barriers and other such exits shall automatically operate to open
mode during emergencies like fire, smoke, acts of terrorism, etc so that people can
safely and quickly egress into safe areas outside. If required, a master controlling
device may be installed at a strategic location to achieve this.
4.2.20 Penetrations into and openings through an exit are prohibited except those
necessary like shafts for the passage of fire protection piping, ducts for
pressurization and similar life safety services. Shaft openings as well as vertical
passage of shaft through floors shall be protected by passive systems.
4.2.21 Walking surfaces in egress pathways shall comply with the following
requirements for smooth exit:
a)
b)
c)
Walking surfaces shall be nominally level.

The slope of walking surface in the direction of travel shall not
exceed 1 in 20 unless the ramp requirements are met. (see
4.4.6.7).
Slope perpendicular to the direction of travel shall not exceed
1 in 48.
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e)
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Walking surfaces shall be slip-resistant along the entire path of

travel.
No furnishings, decorations or other objects shall obstruct the
path of egress travel.
4.3 Occupant Load

For determining the exits required, the number of persons within any floor area or the
occupant load shall be based on the actual number of occupants, but in no case less
than that specified in Table 3. The occupant load of a mezzanine floor discharging
to a floor below shall be added to that floor occupancy and the capacity of the exits
shall be designed for the total occupancy load thus established.
The occupant load of each story considered individually shall be required to be used
in computing the number of means of egress at each story, provided that the
required number of means of egress is not decreased in the direction of egress
travel.
Table 3 Occupant Load
(Clause 4.3)
SI.No.
Group of Occupancy
Occupant Load
m2/person
(see Note 1)
(1)
(2)
(3)
i)
Residential (Group A)
12.50
ii)
Educational (Group (B)
4.00
iii)
Institutional (Group C) (see Note 2)
15.00
iv)
Assembly (Group D)
a) Concentrated use without fixed seating
v)
0.65
(see Note 3)
1.40
(see Note 3)
b) Less concentrated use without fixed seating

such as, gymnasium, table tennis room,
gaming room (bowling, billiards, etc), library
and swimming pool.
c) Fixed seating
Number of seats
x 1.2
d) Dining areas and restaurants with seating and
1.80
table
Mercantile (Group F)
a) Street floor and sales basement
3.00
b) Upper sales floors
6.00
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20.00
vi)
c) Storage/warehouse, receiving and the like

Business (Group E)
10.00
4.00
vii)
a) General business occupancy

b) Concentrated office occupancy such as call
centers, stock exchange, etc.
c) Meeting rooms
Industrial (Group G)
viii)
Storage (Group H)
30.00
ix)
Hazardous (Group J)
10.00
1.40
10.00
NOTES
1 All factors expressed are in gross area unless marked net. Gross area shall be the floor area
as defined in 2.32.
2 Occupant load in dormitory portions of homes for the aged, orphanages, insane asylums,
2
etc, where sleeping accommodation is provided, shall be calculated at not less than 7.5 m
gross floor area/person.
3 The gross floor area shall include, in addition to the main assembly room or space, any
occupied connecting room or space in the same storey or in the storeys above or below,
where entrance is common to such rooms and spaces and they are available for use by
the occupants of the assembly place. No deductions shall be made in the gross area for
corridors, closets or other subdivisions; the area shall include all space serving the particular
assembly occupancy.
All assembly occupancies shall be required to display, limiting occupancy load

details positioned in a conspicuous place near the main entrance to avoid possible
overcrowding and overloading. The display shall preferably be engraved on a metal
plate with detail of occupancy, area and occupancy load.
4.4 Egress Components
Egress components to be considered are the number of exits to which access is
provided, capacity of exit access, travel distance to an exit, the obviousness of the
direction to an exit, and any hindrance including due to security issues involved.
4.4.1 Exit Access

a) Exit access shall ensure (1) Provision of two independent directions to
two separate exits, (2) Provision of sufficient width (people capacity) to
permit prompt travel to the exit and (3) Provision of protection from
exposure to heat and contaminants during the time required to reach the
exit.
b) Capacity of exit access The width of corridors, aisles or ramps required
for exit access shall be sufficient to ensure a smooth flow of occupants to
the exit. Where a corridor is the only way of access to an exit, the
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corridor width shall not be less than the exit width. Handrails may project
inside the measured width not more than 90 mm.
c) Objects like tables, chairs or any other temporary/permanent structures
in exit access corridors/paths shall be avoided as this may result in
congestion and also impeding smooth flow of personnel during
emergencies.
d) In order to ensure that each element of the means of egress can be
effectively utilized, they shall all be properly lit and marked. Lighting shall
be provided for halls, stairwells, and other spaces which is part of this
system, with emergency power back-up in case of power failures. Also,
exit signs of adequate size, marking, location, and lighting shall be
provided so that all those unfamiliar with the location of the exits may
safely find their way.
e) An exit access shall not pass through a room that can be locked to
prevent egress.
f) Exit access shall not pass through storage rooms, closets or spaces
used for similar purpose.
4.4.2 Exits
4.4.2.1 Number of exits
The number of exits in a building shall be determined based on occupant load and
number of occupants per unit width appropriate to the type of exit (Table 3 and Table
4) subject to minimum number of exits as required for each type of occupancy in 6.
4.4.2.2
Arrangement of exits
a) Exits shall be so located that the travel distance on the floor shall not exceed
the distance given in Table 5.
b) Travel distance shall be measured from the most remote point within a storey
or a mezzanine floor along the natural and un-obstructed path of horizontal or
vertical egress travel to the entrance to an exit.
c) The travel distance to an exit from the dead end of a corridor shall not exceed
half the distance specified in Table 5, except in assembly and institutional
occupancies where it shall not exceed 6 m.
d) Whenever more than one exit is required for any room space or floor of a
building, exits shall be placed as remote from each other as possible and shall
be arranged to provide direct access in separate directions from any point in
the area served.
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Protection of exit routes
Where exit access is provided through corridors/paths, following shall apply:

a) Occupants shall be able to easily identify the way to protected exit enclosures.
Exit signs shall be provided such that no point in an exit access is more than
30 m from a visible exit directional sign. An exit sign indicating the direction to
an exit shall be provided at all changes in direction.
b) Such protected routes shall be protected with sprinklers and detectors.
4.4.2.4
Capacities of Exits
a) Exit capacity is the number of people that can pass through an opening. The
total capacity of all the exits serving a floor or a fire area on the floor shall be
sufficient to allow egress of the entire population of the floor.
b) The unit of exit width, used to measure the capacity of any exit, shall be
500 mm. A clear width of 250 mm shall be counted as an additional half unit.
Clear widths less than 250 mm shall not be counted for exit width.
c) Width per person for stairway and level components (corridor and door) and
ramps shall be determined using the capacity factors in accordance with
Table 4.
Table 4 Capacity Factors
[Clause 4.4.2.1, 4.4.2.4(c)]
S No.
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
vii)
viii)
ix)
Occupancy Group
Educational (Group B)
Institutional (Group C)
Assembly (Group D)
Business (Group E)
Storage
(Group H)
Hazardous (Group J)
Width per Person (mm)

Stairways
Level Components
and Ramps
10
7.0
15
10
10
7.0
20
12.0
NOTE - All above width per person for the above mentioned occupancy is for sprinklered
building while for non sprinklered building the above mentioned valves shall be multiplied
by 1.5.
For example, if a doorway measures 1000 mm in clear width, it would be

defined as providing exit capacity for 1000/7 occupants, that is, 142 persons
(say 140 persons) in case of residential occupancies.
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d) The total capacity provided by the exit means shall be equal or exceed the
maximum number of people (population) expected on any one floor or in any
given fire area at any one time. The population of the facility can be calculated
as per Table 3.
e) When measuring doorways, stairwells, ramps and other exit means, the total
capacity of the entire system is based upon the minimum capacity available
from any part of the system. Consider the situation of doors opening to an exit
stairwell. If the stairwell provides an exit capacity of 100 persons, and the
doors leading into the stairwell provide an exit capacity of 120 persons, the
exit system would be considered to provide the minimum exit capacity of only
100 persons afforded by the stairwell.
f) In the procedures for determining required egress capacity the number of
required means of egress is based on a floor-by-floor consideration, rather
than the accumulation of the occupant loads of all floors. However, the
number of means of egress cannot decrease as an occupant proceeds along
the egress path.
Table 5 Travel Distance (Based on Occupancy and Construction Type)
(Clauses 4.2.14, 4.4.3 and 4.4.6.3)
Sl.
No
Occupancy Group
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
vii)
viii)
ix)
Educational (Group B)
Institutional (Group C)
Assembly (Group D)
Business (Group E)
Storage
(Group H)
Hazardous (Group J)
Maximum Travel Distance

(in m)
Types 1 and 2
30.00
30.00
30.00
30.00
30.00
30.00
45.00
30.00
22.50
Types 3 and 4
22.50
22.50
22.50
30.00
30.00
30.00
See Note 3
NOTES
1 For fully sprinklered building, the travel distance may be increased by 50 percent of the values
specified.
2 Ramps shall be protected with automatic sprinkler system and shall be counted as one of the
means of escape.
3 Construction of Type 3 or 4 is not permitted.
4.4.2.5 Type of Exits and Exit Access

Various types of exits and exit access are doorways, horizontal exits, corridors and
passageways, internal staircases, external staircases and ramps. and fire lifts.
Requirements for each are as detailed below:
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4.4.2.5.1 Doorways
a) Every exit doorway shall open into an enclosed stairway or a horizontal exit of
a corridor or passageway providing continuous and protected means of
egress.
b) No exit doorway shall be less than 1 000 mm in width except assembly
buildings where door width shall be not less than 2 000 mm. Doorways shall
be not less than 2 000 mm in height.
c) Exit doorways shall open outwards, that is, away from the room, but shall not
obstruct the travel along any exit. No door, when opened, shall reduce the
required width of stairway or landing by more than 175 mm. Over-head or
sliding doors shall not be installed.
NOTE In the case of buildings where there is a central corridor, the doors of rooms shall
open inwards to permit smooth flow of traffic in the corridor.
d) Exit door shall not open immediately upon a flight of stairs; a landing equal to
at least the width of the door shall be provided in the stairway at each
doorway; the level of landing shall be the same as that of the floor which it
serves.
e) Exit doorways shall be operable from the side which they serve without the
use of a key.
f) Mirrors shall not be placed in exit ways or exit doors to avoid confusion
regarding the direction of exit.
g) Doors shall not open direct to the staircase without a landing. The landing
shall have a width not less than the width of the staircase.
h) Doors shall be arranged to be opened readily from the egress side and locks,
if any, provided shall not require the use of a key or effort for operation from
the egress side.
i) Revolving doors can be accepted as a component in a means of egress
where the following requirements are fully complied with:
i) Doors shall be capable of collapsing to a book fold position with parallel
egress paths width of not less than 1 000 mm.
ii) Doors shall not be located within 3 m of the foot of or top of stairs or
escalators. A dispersal area shall be provided between the stairs or
escalators and the doors.
iii) Each revolving door shall be provided with a hinged door in the same
wall within 3 m thereof, with same exiting capacity.
iv) Each revolving door shall be considered as capable of exiting only 50
persons.
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j) Power operated doors

Access controlled doors and electromagnetic doors shall fall under this
category. These shall meet the following requirements:
i) Doors shall have fire rating as per the requirements at the location of
installation.
ii) Loss of power to the part of the access control system that locks the
doors shall automatically unlock the doors in the direction of egress.
iii) A manual release device shall be provided in the readily accessible
vicinity of the egress door with a signage Push to exit and when the
same is operated, it shall result in direct interruption of power to the
lock-independent of the access control system electronics.
iv) Activation of the building automatic sprinkler or fire detection system,
if provided, shall automatically unlock the doors in the direction of
egress, and the doors shall remain unlocked until the automatic
sprinkler system or fire-alarm system has been manually reset.
v) Power supply to the doors shall be supervised.
k) Turnstiles
Turnstiles or similar devices that restrict travel to one direction or are used to
collect fares or admission charges shall not be placed so as to obstruct any
required means of egress unless door openings are available within 3 m
thereof.
l) Doors in folding partition shall not be treated as approved means of egress.
4.4.2.5.2 Horizontal exits

A horizontal exit is normally a door through a fire wall to an area of refuge in the
building.
Horizontal exits have several advantages like:
a) A horizontal exit further compartmentalizes each floor.
b) It conveniently reduces travel distance to reach an exit.
Horizontal exits requirements are as under:
i)
ii)
The width of horizontal exit shall be same as for the exit doorways.
A horizontal exit shall be equipped with fire door of minimum 2 h fire
resistance, of self-closing type.
iii) For buildings more than 24 m in height, refuge area equivalent to
0.3 m2 per person to accommodate the occupants of two consecutive
floors (this shall consider occupants of the floor where refuge is provided
and occupants of floor above) or a minimum of 15 m2, whichever is
higher, shall be provided as under:
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iv) The refuge area shall be provided on the periphery of the floor or
preferably on a cantilever projection and open to air at least on one side
protected with suitable railings.
v) For floors above 24 m and Up to 39 m One refuge area on the floor
immediately above 24 m.
vi) For floors above 39 m One refuge area on the floor immediately above
39 m and so after every 15-16 metres. Refuge area provided in excess of
the requirements shall be counted towards FAR.
NOTE - Residential flats in multistoried building with balcony, need not be provided with
refuge area, however flats without balcony shall provide refuge area as given above. For
more details on Refuge areas, see Annex D.
vii) Horizontal exit barriers protecting areas of refuge shall have a fire
resistance rating of at least 2 h.
viii) Storage, combustible products and materials and electromechanical
equipment are not allowed in refuge areas.
ix) Where there is a difference in level between connected areas for
horizontal exits, ramps, not more than 1 in 10 m slope shall be provided;
steps shall not be used
x) Doors in horizontal exits shall be openable at all times from both sides.
xi) All doors must swing in the direction of exit travel. For horizontal exits, if a
pair of doors is used, the right hand door (if not both) shall swing in the
direction of exit travel.
4.4.2.5.3 Corridors and passageways
a) Exit corridors and passageways shall be of width not less than the calculated
aggregate width of exit doorways (subject to a minimum width of 1.25 m)
leading from them in the direction of travel to the exit. (see Table 4 and Table
5)
b) Exits shall not be used as a portion of a supply, return or exhaust air system
serving adjoining areas. Any opening(s) shall not be permitted in walls or in
doors, separating exits from adjoining areas.
c) Where stairways discharge through corridors and passageways to exit
discharge, the height of corridors and passageways shall be not less than
2.4 m.
d) All means of exit including staircases shall be naturally ventilated or
mechanically pressurized except for the areas required to be pressurized.
e) All fire rated doors and assembly shall be provided with certificates and/or
tags. The doors and assembly shall be certified with all prescribed hardware
such as hinges, locks, panic bars, door closer, and door viewers.
f) Corridors shall be protected by sprinklers and detectors. It is advisable that
long corridors are divided with smoke doors/curtains on automatic smoke
detector activated holders. Each division should have access to an exit/fire
stair.
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4.4.2.5.4 Staircases
4.4.2.5.4.1
General
The general requirements of number of exits shall supplement the requirement of

different occupancies in 6.1 to 6.9.
All buildings, as follows, shall have a minimum of two staircases:
a)
Buildings 15 m in height or above, and
b)
Irrespective of height of the building(s), the buildings used as business,

educational, assembly, mercantile, institutional, industrial, storage and
hazardous occupancies and mixed occupancies having floor area more
than 500 m2 on any floor shall have a minimum of two staircases,
opening directly to the exterior, interior open space or to an open place
of safety.
NOTES:
1 Minimum number of staircases shall be planned as above or based on travel distance or
based on occupant load requirements whichever is highest. Such staircases shall be
constituted as fire exit staircase and shall meet all exit safety requirements.
2
At least 50 percent of staircases to be with external wall/ faade.
4.4.2.5.4.2 Internal staircases

a) Internal stairs shall be constructed of non-combustible materials throughout.
b) Internal stairs shall be constructed as a self-contained unit with an external
wall of the building constituting at least one of its sides and shall be
completely enclosed.
c) A staircase shall not be arranged round a lift shaft.
d) Hollow combustible construction shall not be permitted.
e) No flue chimney, electromechanical equipment, air conditioning units, gas
piping or electrical panels shall be allowed in the stairway.
Notwithstanding the detailed provision for exits in accordance with 4.2 and 4.3 the
following minimum width shall be provided for staircases:
1. Residential buildings (A-2)
1.00 m
NOTE For row housing with 2 storeys,

the minimum width shall be 0.75 m.
2. Residential buildings (others)

3. Residential hotel buildings (A-4)
4. Assembly buildings like auditorium, theatres and
cinemas
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1.50 m
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5. Educational buildings
6. Institutional buildings like hospitals
7. All other buildings
1.50 m
2.00 m
1.50 m
f) The minimum width of tread without nosing shall be 250 mm for internal
staircase of residential buildings. This shall be 300 mm for assembly, hotels,
educational, institutional, business and other buildings. The treads shall be
constructed and maintained in a manner to prevent slipping.
g) The maximum height of riser shall be 190 mm for residential buildings and
150 mm for other buildings and the number shall be limited to 15 per flight.
h) Handrails shall be provided at a height of 1 000 mm to be measured from the
base of the middle of the treads to the top of the handrails. Balusters/railing
shall be provided such that the width of staircase does not reduce (see
Fig. 2). Where width of staircase exceeds 2 000 mm, handrails shall be
provided on both sides.
i) Handrails shall be continuously graspable along their entire length.
j) Handrails shall extend horizontally both at the top and bottom, at the required
height, not less than 450 mm.
k) The design of staircase shall also take into account the following :
1) The minimum headroom in a passage under the landing of a staircase and
under the staircase shall be 2.2 m
2) For buildings 15 m in height or more, access to main staircase shall be
through a fire/smoke check door of a minimum 2-hour fire resistance
rating. Fire resistance rating may be reduced to 1 h for residential
buildings (except hotels and starred hotels).
3) No living space, store or other fire risk shall open directly into the staircase
or staircases.
4) External exit door of staircase enclosure at ground level shall open directly
to the open spaces or through a large protected lobby, if necessary.
5) The main and external staircases shall be continuous from ground floor to
refuge floor or to the terrace level, as applicable.
6) No electrical shafts/AC ducts or gas pipes, etc, shall pass through or open
in the staircases. Lifts shall not open in staircase.
7) No combustible material shall be used for decoration/wall paneling in the
staircase.
8) Beams/columns and other building features shall not reduce the head
room/ width of the staircase.
9) The exit sign with arrow indicating the way to the escape route shall be
provided at a suitable height from the floor level on the wall and shall be
illuminated by electric light connected to corridor circuits. All exit way
marking signs should be flush with the wall and so designed that no
mechanical damage shall occur to them due to moving of furniture or other
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heavy equipment. Further, all landings of floor shall have floor indicating
boards prominently indicating the number of floor as per bye-laws.
10) The floor indication board shall be placed on the wall immediately facing
the flight of stairs and nearest to the landing. It shall be of size not less
than 0.5 m x 0.5 m.
11) Individual floors shall be prominently indicated on the wall facing the
staircases.
12) In case of single staircase it shall terminate at the ground floor level and
the access to the basement shall be by a separate staircase. The second
staircase may lead to basement levels provided the same is separate at
ground level by ventilated lobby with discharge points to two different ends
through enclosures.
13) Scissor type staircases shall not be treated as part of escape.
FIG. 2 TYPICAL DETAIL FOR HANDRAIL/BALUSTER OF A STAIRCASE
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4.4.2.5.4.3 Curved stairs

Curved staircases shall not be treated as part of escape or means of egress
However these are permitted to be used otherwise provided the depth of tread is not
less than 280 mm at a point 300 mm from the narrower end of the tread and the
smallest radius is not less than twice the stair width.
4.4.2.5.4 External staircases

a) External stairs shall always be kept in sound and usable conditions.
b) All external stairs shall be directly connected to the ground.
c) Entrance to the external stairs shall be separate and remote from the internal
staircase.
d) Where an external staircase is provided, it shall be ensured that the use of it
at the time of fire is not prejudiced by smoke and flame issuing from openings
(for example, windows, doors) in the external face of the building. Care shall
be taken to ensure that no external wall or window opening opens on to or
close to an external stairs. If such openings fall within 2 m from an external
staircase, they shall be protected with fire rated doors/window assemblies
with rating of at least one hour.
e) The route to the external stairs shall be free of obstructions at all times.
f) The external stairs shall be constructed of noncombustible materials, and any
doorway leading to it shall have the required fire resistance.
g) No external staircase, used as a fire escape, shall be inclined at an angle
greater than 45 from the horizontal.
h) External stairs shall have straight flight not less than 1 500 mm wide with
250 mm treads and risers not more than 190 mm. The number of risers shall
be limited to 15 per flight.
i) Handrails shall be of a height not less than 1 000 mm and not exceeding
1 200 mm. There shall be provisions of balusters with maximum gap of
150 mm.
j) The use of spiral staircase shall be limited to low occupant load and to a
building not exceeding 9 m in height.
k) A spiral stair case shall be not less than 1 500 mm in diameter and shall be
designed to give adequate headroom.
l) Unprotected steel frame staircase will not be accepted as means of escape.
However, steel staircase in an enclosed fire rated compartment of 2 h will be
accepted as means of escape.
4.4.2.5.5 Ramps
a) Ramps shall comply with all the applicable requirements for stairways
regarding enclosure, capacity and limiting dimensions except where specified
in 6.1 to 6.9 for special uses and occupancies.
b) The slope of a ramp shall not exceed 1 in 12 (8 percent). In certain cases
steeper slopes may be permitted subject to prior approval of authorities
concerned, but in no case greater than 1 in 8.
c) Vertical rise of the ramp shall not exceed 800 mm.
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d) Ramp(s) shall be surfaced with approved slip resistant materials that are
securely attached. No perforations are permissible on ramp floors.
e) Any changes in travel direction in ramp shall not be less than 1.5 m by 1.5 m
or be preceded by landings of same width and size.
f) Ramps and intermediate landings shall continue with no decrease in width
along the direction of egress travel.
g) Outside ramps and landings shall be designed to minimize water
accumulation on their surfaces.
h) Ramps shall have landings located at the top, at the bottom, and at doors
opening onto the ramp.
i) Every landing shall be not less than 1 500 mm long in the direction of travel.
j) Where the ramp is not part of an accessible route, the ramp landings shall not
be required to exceed 1 250 mm in the direction of travel, provided that the
ramp has a straight run.
k) Handrails shall be provided on all ramps on both sides. (see 4.4.2.5.4)
NOTE - Above requirements are not applicable to basement car parking ramps
4.4.2.6
Pressurization of internal staircases (protected exit)
a) Though in normal building design, compartmentation plays a vital part in

limiting the spread of fire, smoke will readily spread to adjacent spaces
through the various leakage openings in the compartment enclosure, such as
cracks, openings around pipes ducts, airflow grills and doors, as perfect
sealing of all these openings is not possible. It is smoke and toxic gases,
rather than flame, that will initially obstruct the free movement of occupants of
the building through the exits. Hence for the exclusion of smoke and toxic
gases from the protected exit, pressurization of staircases is of great
importance.
b) Pressurization is a method adopted for protecting the exits from ingress of
smoke, especially in high-rise buildings. In pressurization, air is injected into
the staircases, lobbies to raise their pressure slightly above the pressure in
adjacent parts of the building. As a result, ingress of smoke or toxic gases into
the exits will be prevented. The pressurization of staircases and lift lobbies
shall be adopted for high rise buildings and building having mixed
occupancy/multiplexes and Hospitals having covered area more than
500 m2.
NOTE - Pressurization would not be required for spaces/ areas naturally ventilated.
The pressure difference for staircases shall be as per Table 6:

Same levels of pressure differences shall be used for lobbies, but levels
slightly lower may be used for these spaces if desired. The difference in
pressurization levels between staircase and lobbies (or corridors) shall not be
greater than 5 Pa.
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Table 6
[Clause 4.4.2.6 (b)]
Building Height
Less than 15 m
15 m or above
Pressure Difference
Reduced operation
Emergency Operation
(Stage 1 of a 2-stage
(Stage 2 of a 2-Stage
system)
System or Single Stage
system)
(Pa)
8
15
(Pa)
50
50
c) Pressurization system may be of two types:

i) Single-stage, designed for operation only in the event of an
emergency, and
ii) Two-stage, where normally a level of pressurization is maintained in
the protected escape routes and an increased level of pressurization
can be brought into operation in an emergency.
d) Equipment and ductwork for staircase pressurization shall be located in
accordance with one of the following:
i) Exterior to the building and directly connected to the stairway by
ductwork enclosed in noncombustible construction.
ii) If ducts used to pressurize the system are passed through shafts and
grills are provided at each level, it shall be ensured that hot gases and
smoke from the building cannot ingress into the staircases under any
circumstances.
iii) Emergency supply shall be available for the pressurization systems
and this shall be deemed as critical load.
e) The normal air-conditioning system and the pressurization system shall be
treated as an integral one, especially for a two-stage system. When the
emergency pressurization is brought into action, the following changes in the
normal air-conditioning system shall be effected.
i) Any re-circulation of air shall be stopped and all exhaust air vented to
atmosphere.
ii) Any air supply to the spaces/areas other than escape routes shall be
stopped.
iii) The exhaust system may be continued provided:
1) the positions of the extraction grills permit a general air flow
away from the protected escape route entry;
2) the construction of the ductwork and fans is such that, it will not
be rendered inoperable by hot gases and smoke; and
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3) there is no danger of spread of smoke to other floors by the

path of the extraction system which can be ensured by keeping
the extraction fans running.
f) For pressurized stair enclosure systems, the activation of the systems shall be
initiated by a smoke detector installed in an approved location within
3 000 mm of the entrance to the stairway enclosure.
g) The pressurization system shall be integrated and supervised with the
automatic/manual fire alarm system for actuation.
h) It will be desirable to have all the staircases in a building pressurized, if
pressurization system is to be resorted to. The use of pressurized and
naturally ventilated staircases in the same building may introduce difficulties
and hence shall be avoided. Under no circumstances shall a pressurized
staircase be connected by a corridor or lobby to an un-pressurized staircase.
Wherever pressurized staircase is to be connected to unpressurized area, the
two areas shall be segregated.
4.5 Emergency Provisions for Lighting Load
Exit access, exits and exit discharge shall be properly identified, with adequate
lighting maintained in the elements of the egress systems so that all occupants shall
be able to leave the facility safely.
4.5.1 Lighting
a) The exit, exit access and exit discharge systems shall be illuminated
continuously. The floors of the means of egress shall be illuminated at all
points, including angles and intersections, in corridors and passageways,
stairwells, landings of stairwells and exit.
b) Emergency lighting shall be powered from a source independent of that
supplying the normal lighting.
c) Escape lighting shall be capable of:
i) Indicating clearly and unambiguously the escape routes
ii) Providing adequate illumination along such routes to allow safe
movement of persons towards and through the exits
iii) Ensuring that fire alarm call points and fire-fighting equipment provided
along the escape routes can be readily located.
d) The horizontal luminance at floor level on the centerline of an escape route
shall not be less than 10 lumens/m2. In addition, for escape routes up to 2 m
wide, 50 percent of the route width shall be lit to a minimum of 5 lumens/m2.
e) Required illumination shall be arranged such that the failure of any single
lighting unit, such as the burning out of one luminaire, will not leave any area
in darkness and does not reduce the effectiveness of the system further.
f) The emergency lighting shall be provided to be put on within 5 seconds of the
failure of the normal lighting supply. Also emergency lighting shall be able to
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maintain the required illumination level for a period of not less than 90 minutes
in the event of failure of the normal lighting even for smaller premises.
g) Battery pack emergency lighting, because of its limited duration and reliability,
shall not be allowed to be used in lieu of a diesel engine driven emergency
power supply.
h) Escape lighting luminaries should be sited to cover the following locations:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
vii)
viii)
ix)
Near each intersection of corridors

at each exit door
Near each change of direction in the escape route
Near each staircase so that each flight of stairs receives direct light
Near any other change of floor level
Outside each final exit and close to it
Near each fire alarm call point
Near fire-fighting equipment
To illuminate exit and safety signs as required by the enforcing
authority
NOTE - For the purposes of this clause 'near' is normally considered to be within 2 m
measured horizontally.
i) The luminaires shall be mounted as low as possible, but at least 2 m above

the floor level.
j) Signs are required at all exits, emergency exits and escape routes, which
should comply with the graphic requirements of the relevant Indian Standards.
k) Emergency lighting luminaires and their fittings shall be of non-flammable
type.
l) It is essential that the wiring and installation of the emergency lighting
systems are of high quality so as to ensure their perfect serviceability at all
times.
m) The emergency lighting system shall be well maintained by periodical
inspections and tests so as to ensure their perfect serviceability at all times.
4.5.2 Illumination of Means of Exit
Exits, exit access areas, staircase and corridor lights shall conform to the following:
a) The staircase and corridor lighting shall be on separate circuits and shall be
independently connected so that it could be operated by one switch
installation on the ground floor easily accessible to fire fighting staff at any
time irrespective of the position of the individual control of the light points, if
any. It should be of miniature circuit breaker type of switch so as to avoid
replacement of fuse in case of crisis
b) Staircase and corridor lighting shall also be connected to alternative supply.
The alternative source of supply may be provided by battery continuously
trickle charged from the electric mains.
c) Suitable arrangements shall be made by installing double throw switches to
ensure that the lighting installed in the staircase and the corridor does not get
connected to two sources of supply simultaneously. Double throw switch shall
be installed in the service room for terminating the stand-by supply.
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4.5.3 Electric load requirements

Critical loads can be considered to be those loads that are fundamental to the safety
of persons in the facility, including emergency lighting for exit access corridors, exit
stairwells and exit signs, smoke control systems, fire pumps, emergency
communication systems, etc. Desirable loads can include those loads that provide
for the additional safety or comfort and well-being of occupants during a power
failure of long duration, such as lighting in non-critical areas, air conditioning, and
computer power supplies. Such loads are discussed as under:
4.5.3.1
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
l)
m)
n)
o)
Essential loads
Exit access corridor emergency lighting

Exit sign
Exit stairwell lighting
Exit stairwell pressurization
Smoke exhaust/removal systems, where provided
Emergency generator and main switchgear room lighting
Computer room air conditioning unit, power to UPS, and UPS battery room
lighting and ventilation
Power for magnetic door hold open devices where provided
Lighting and power in telephone operator's room, first aid centre and Fire
Control Centre (FCC) and security office including CCTV cameras
Complete fire detection, alarm system, including security alarms
Complete emergency voice/tone communication system
Fire pumps
Fire Lifts
All powered components of fire suppression systems
Aircraft warning light(s)
4.6 Fire Detection and warning

a) In buildings of such size, arrangement or occupancy where a fire may not
itself provide adequate warning to occupants, automatic fire detection and
alarm facilities shall be provided, where necessary, to warn occupants early of
the existence of fire, so that they may escape, and to facilitate the orderly
conduct of fire exit drills.
b) The fire detection system shall be in accordance with accepted standards
[4(14)]. Guidelines for selection of various types of fire detectors for different
occupancies and their installation and maintenance shall be in accordance
with good practice [4(15)].
c) The requirements of fire detection and alarm systems are covered for each
occupancy in Table 7 and under 6.1 to 6.9; attention is also drawn to such
requirements in case of high rise buildings (15 m or more in height) as given
in Annex D. See Annex E for requirements for buildings above 100 m in
height.
4.7 For provisions relating to compartmentation/basements in buildings other than
high/super high rise buildings, the requirements given in ANNEX D shall be applicable.
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FIRE PROTECTION
Fire Extinguishers/Fixed Fire Fighting Installations
a) All buildings depending upon the occupancy use and height shall be protected
by fire extinguishers, hose reels, wet riser, down-comer, yard hydrants,
automatic sprinkler installation, high/medium velocity water spray, foam, water
mist/mist sprinkler systems gaseous or dry powder system, manual/automatic
fire alarm system, etc in accordance with the provisions of various clauses
below as applicable:
b) These fire extinguishing equipment and their installation shall be in
accordance with relevant accepted standards and good practices [4(16)].
Further, the following shall also receive attention:
i) The typical requirements of fire extinguishers/yard hydrant
systems/wet riser/down-comer installation and capacity of water
storage tanks and fire pumps, etc shall be as specified in Table 7.
ii) The requirements regarding size of mains/risers shall be as given in
Table 8. The typical arrangements of down-comer and wet riser
installations are shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4.
iii) The wet riser shall be designed for zonal distribution ensuring that
unduly high pressures are not developed in risers and hose-pipes.
c) In situations where one occupancy is provided with all the required fire
protection arrangements but due to proximity of unprotected buildings around,
causing exposure hazard to the protected building, the protected building
walls facing the unprotected building shall be made of the requisite fire
resistance rated materials or alternatively provided with water
curtain/drencher system which can be actuated, when necessary. Water
supply for curtain/drencher system shall be independent with its own pumping
and water supply. No tapping shall be permissible from the firefighting system.
d) First-aid firefighting appliances shall be provided and installed as per good

practice [4(17)]. The firefighting equipment and accessories shall be installed
in buildings for use in firefighting shall be in accordance with accepted
standard [4(18)] and shall be maintained periodically so as to ensure their
perfect serviceability at all times.
e) In addition to wet riser or down-comer, first-aid hose reels shall be installed on
all the floors of buildings (where required under Table 7) in accordance with
accepted standard [4(18)]. The first-aid hose reel shall be connected directly
to the riser/down-comer main and diameter of the hose reel shall not be less
than 19 mm.
Table 7 Minimum Requirements for Fire Fighting Installations
[Clause 4.6(c), 5.1(e), 5.3, 6.1.1, 6.4.7, 6.5, D-15, E-3(f), F-3 and J-3]
is enclosed as a separate PDF FILE
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Table 8 Size of Rising Mains/Risers

[Clause 5.1(b)(ii)]
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FIG. 3 TYPICAL ARRANGEMENT OF DOWN-COMER FOR BUILDING

ABOVE 15 M BUT NOT EXCEEDING 30 M IN HEIGHT
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FIG. 4 TYPICAL ARRANGEMENT OF WET RISER AND TOTAL SPRINKLER

SYSTEM OF BUILDING
5.2 Static Water Storage Tanks
a) A satisfactory supply of water for the purpose of firefighting shall always be
available in the form of underground/terrace level static storage tank with
capacity specified for each building with arrangements or replenishment by
mains of alternative source of supply at the rate of 1000 litres per minute for
underground static tank. When this is not practicable, the capacity of static
storage tank(s) shall be increased proportionately.
b) The static storage water supply required for the above mentioned purpose
shall entirely be accessible to the fire engines of the local fire service.
Provision of suitable number of manholes shall be made available for
inspection, repairs, insertion of suction hose, etc. The covering slab shall be
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able to withstand the total vehicular load of 45 T (or as applicable) equally

divided as a four point load when the slab forms a part of pathway/driveway.
c) The domestic suction tank connected to the static water storage tank shall
have an overflow capable of discharging 2 250 litres per minute to a visible
drain point from which by a separate conduit, the overflow shall be conveyed
to a storm water drain
i) To prevent stagnation of water in the static water storage tank, the suction
tank of the domestic water supply shall be fed only through an overflow
arrangement to maintain the level therein at the minimum specified
capacity (see Fig. 5).
ii) The static water storage tank shall be provided with a fire brigade
collecting head with 4 number 63 mm diameter (2 number 63 mm diameter
for pump with capacity 1 400 l/min) instantaneous male inlets arranged in
a valve box at a suitable point at street level. The same shall be connected
to the static tank by a suitable fixed pipe not less than 150 mm in diameter
to discharge water into the tank when required at the rate of 2 250 litres
per minute, if tank is in the basement or not approachable for the fire
engines.
5A WITH NEGATIVE SUCTION
5B WITH POSITIVE SUCTION

FIG. 5 TYPICAL ARRANGEMENT FOR PROVIDING COMBINED FIRE FIGHTING
AND DOMESTIC WATER STORAGE TANK
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5.3 Automatic Sprinkler Installation

a) Automatic sprinklers shall be installed throughout the building wherever
provided so in Table 7 and shall be conforming to the relevant accepted
standards under 4(16).
b) It is desirable that all high rise buildings should be fully sprinklered even if the
height and occupancy do not call for protection with sprinklers as per Table 7.
c) Sprinkler pipes having diameters less than 50 mm shall not be welded and
only screwed fittings (forged) shall be used.
d) Use of false ceiling voids for storage or as return air plenums shall be
avoided.
e) For areas having very high ceiling height and other special function areas,
where automatic sprinklers cannot be provided or where sprinkler installation
is invalidated, alternate protection shall be provide.
5.4 Automatic High Velocity and Medium Velocity Water Spray Systems
Automatic high velocity water spray or emulsifying system shall be provided for
protection of outdoor and/or indoor oil-cooled transformers as applicable in
accordance with relevant standards where applicable. Also medium velocity water
spray system shall be provided for tankage (where applicable), conveyors, cable
galleries and other occupancies listed in good practice [4(19)].
5.5 Fixed Foam Installation
Fixed foam generating system shall be provided for protection of oil storage area for
boilers with its ancillary storage of furnace oils in basement. Fixed foam installations
can be low, medium or high expansion types, which can cover fire risks in oil storage
areas generally. See also good practice [4(20)]. High expansion foams are used for
cable tunnels and other confined areas.
5.6 Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishing System
Fixed carbon dioxide fire extinguishing installation shall be provided in accordance
with relevant standards on premises where water or foam cannot be used for fire
extinguishing because of the special nature of the contents of the buildings/areas to
be protected. For some special fire risk/essential applications, carbon dioxide may
not be suitable and alternate provisions shall be made as per relevant standards.
(see also 5.10).
5.7 Firefighting equipment shall be suitably located and clearly marked by luminous
signs.
NOTE - This shall not apply to occupancies falling under A-2 and A-3 having heights less than
15 m.
5.8 Automatic Water Mist / Mist Sprinkler systems

Certain occupancies may also be protected by automatic water mist systems with
appropriate (pressure) applications as per relevant Indian standard(s). Installation
and design of such systems, besides complying with various provisions of good
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practice [4(21)], shall be as per manufacturers specifications, complying with test

conditions and the same shall have acceptance of the authorities concerned.
Extrapolation of test results shall not be allowed to provide protection to larger areas
unless specifically permitted by the reputed testing agencies.
5.9 Fire Detection/Extinguishing System
a) In buildings of such size, arrangement or occupancy that a fire may not itself
provide adequate warning to occupants, automatic fire detection and alarm
facilities shall be provided, where necessary, to warn occupants early of the
existence of fire, so that they may escape, or to facilitate the orderly conduct
of fire exit drills.
b) The fire detection and extinguishing system shall be in accordance with
accepted standards [4(14)]. Guidelines for selection of various types of fire
detectors for different occupancies shall be in accordance with good practice
[4(15)]. Addressable analog fire detection system shall be preferred.
5.10 Extinguishing Systems with Halon Alternatives
Alternative systems for Halon gas protection systems shall be provided where
necessary as called in this Code. See accepted standards 4(22).
6 ADDITIONAL OCCUPANCY WISE REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the general requirements for the type of construction and occupancy
group specified in 3.4 and the exit requirements given in 4, the following also shall be
complied with for each type of occupancy:
6.1 Residential buildings (Group A)
6.1.1 For buildings classified under subdivisions A1 to A4, all the requirements
specified in Annex D (High rise buildings) shall apply without exception and fire
fighting facilities for the buildings shall comply appropriate provisions in Table 7.
Exit/egress requirements shall comply with all provisions under 4 Life Safety.
6.1.2 The capacity of any open mezzanine or balcony shall be added to the
capacity of the floor below for the purpose of determining exit capacity for buildings
classified under subdivisions A1 to A4.
6.1.3 Exit Facilities
6.1.3.1 Sub-division A1
a) All locking devices, which would impede or prohibit exit, such as chain type
bolts, limited opening sliding type locks and burglar locks, which are not disengaged easily by quick releasing catches, shall be prohibited. All closet door
latches shall be such that even children can open the doors from inside. All
bathroom door locks or fasteners shall be designed to permit the opening of
the locked or closed door from the outside in an emergency without the use of
a special key.
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b) All dormitories shall have exits so arranged that from any sleeping room or
open dormitory sleeping area, there shall be access to two separate and
distinct exits in different directions with no common path of travel unless the
room or space is subject to occupancy by not more than 10 persons and has
a door opening directly to the outside of the building at street or grade level,
or to an outside stairway in which case one means of exit may be accepted.
c) No lodging or rooming house shall have its sole means of egress pass
through any non-residential occupancy in the same building.
6.1.3.2 Sub-division A-2
a) Every individual living unit covered by occupancy sub-division A4 shall comply
with the requirement for occupancy sub division A2 in respect of exits.
b) Any part of building lower than the grade level shall have direct accessibility
from outside.
c) At least half of required exits shall discharge direct to the outside of the
buildings; any other exit shall be the same as required for hotels.
6.1.3.3 Sub-division A-3
a) Not less than two exits, as remote from each other as practicable, shall be
accessible from every floor, including basements occupied for hotel purpose,
except as a single exit as permitted in (b) below. Exits and ways of access
thereto shall be so arranged that they are accessible in at least two different
directions from every point in any open area, or from any room door.
b) Any room or section with an outside door at street or grade level may have
such outside door as a single exit, provided no part of the room or area is
more than 15 m from the door measured along the natural path of travel.
c) Provision of panic bars shall be provided in the exits.
d) Where stairways or other exits serve two or more upper floors, the same
stairway or other exit required to serve any one upper floor may also serve
other upper floors, except that no inside open stairway or ramp may serve as
a required egress facility from more than one floor. See Annex of Part 3
Development Control Rules Aand General Building Requirements.
e) Any required exit stair that is located so that it is necessary to pass through a
lobby or other open space to reach the outside of the building shall be
continuously enclosed down to a level of exit discharge or to a mezzanine
within a lobby at a level of exit discharge.
f) All guest rooms and suites shall be protected by extended throw, quick
response type sprinklers only. Also these areas shall be provided with audiobased detectors, having a sound level of at least 75 decibels. Side wall
sprinklers shall not be installed within 600 mm of any supply air-inlet
grills/openings to the guest rooms.
g) Horizontal-sliding doors shall not be used for door openings across corridors.
6.1.4 Basement Exits
a) Basements occupied for hotel purposes shall have exits arranged in
accordance with 6.1.3.3.
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b) Basement exits shall be sufficient to provide for the capacity of the basement
as determined in accordance with 6.1.1. In no case shall there be less than
two independent basement exits.
c) Basement or sub-basements not open to the public and used only for heating
equipment, storage and service operations (other than kitchens, which are
considered part of the hotel occupancy) shall have exits appropriate to the
actual occupancy, in accordance with other applicable provisions of the Code,
or in case of mixed occupancy where there may be doubt as to which other
section is applicable, such basements shall have exits determined on the
basis of lesser exit capacity.
d) Where basement is used for car parking and also there is direct approach
from any occupancy above to the basement, door openings leading to the
basement shall need to be protected with fire doors with 2 hours fire rating.

a) Flammable liquids for household purposes shall be kept in tightly kept or
sealed containers. For the limits of quantities of flammable liquids to be
allowed in various occupancies, reference may be made to appropriate
regulations.
b) No stove or combustion heater shall be located directly under or immediately
at the foot of stairs or otherwise so located as to block escape in case of
malfunctioning of the stove or heater.
c) All kitchen exhaust fans, where provided, shall be fixed to an outside wall or to
a duct of non-combustible material, which leads directly to the outside. The
ducts must not pass through areas having combustible materials.
d) All wiring shall be done in accordance with Part 8 Building Services,
Section 2 Electrical and Allied Installations and the National Electric Code.
e) Where television is installed, all outdoor antennae shall be properly grounded
and protected from lightning (see Part 8 Building Services, Section 2
Electrical Installations).
f) Doors leading to rooms in which flammable liquids are stored or used shall be
as in 4.4.6.1. Such assembly shall be self closing and shall be posted with a
sign on each side of the door in 25 mm high block letters stating
FIREDOOR KEEP CLOSED
g) Where a boiler room is provided or a central heating plant is installed, which
uses solid or liquid fuel, it shall be separated from rest of the building by a
separation wall with all openings protected as in 3.4.6.
h) Rooms containing high pressure boilers, refrigerating machinery, transformers
or other service equipment subject to possible explosion shall not be located
directly under or adjacent to exits. All such rooms shall be effectively cut off
from other parts of the building and shall be provided with adequate vents to
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the outside air.

i) All rooms or areas of high hazard in additions to those herein before
mentioned, shall be segregated or shall be protected with fire protection
elements having fire rating of 4 hours as fire, explosion or smoke there from is
likely to interfere with safe egress from the building.
j)
For detailed information regarding fire safety requirements for hazardous

petroleum products, reference may be made to the Petroleum Act, 1934 and
the Rules thereof.
6.2 Educational Buildings (Group B)

6.2.1 General
In addition to the general requirements specified in 3.4 for the type of construction
and occupancy group and the exit requirements given in 4, the requirements given in
6.2.2 to 6.2.6.3 shall be complied with. Buildings intended for educational
occupancy shall not be used for any hazardous occupancy.
The capacity of any open mezzanine or balcony shall be added to the capacity of the
floor for the purpose of determining the exit capacity. Exits, in accordance with 4
shall be so arranged that at least two separate exits are available in every floor area.
Exits shall be as remote from each other as practicable and so arranged that there
are no pockets or dead ends of appreciable size in which occupants may be trapped.
Every room with a capacity of over 45 persons in area shall have at least two
doorways. Exterior doors shall be operated by panic bars or some other panic
hardware device, except that doors leading from classrooms directly to the outside
may be equipped with the same type of lock as is used on classroom doors leading
to corridor, with no provision whatsoever for locking against egress from the
classroom.
6.2.2 Additional precautions
a) Storage of volatile flammable liquids shall be prohibited and the handling of
such liquids shall be restricted to science laboratories only.
b) Each building shall be provided with an approved outside gas shut-off valve
conspicuously marked. The detailed requirements regarding safe use of gas
shall be as specified in Part 9 Plumbing Services, Section 3: Gas Supply.
c) All exterior openings in a boiler room or rooms contain central heating
equipment, if located below opening in another storey or if less than 3M from
other doors or windows of the same building shall be protected by a fire
assembly as in 3.4.8. Such assemblies shall be fixed, automatic or self-closing. Provisions of 6.1.4.7 shall also apply to this group of occupancy.
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a) Gymnasiums, indoor stadiums and similar occupancies may have floors/
running tracks of wood, cinder, synthetic or unprotected steel or iron.
b) In gymnasiums and in multipurpose school rooms having an area not greater
than 300 m2, 25 mm nominal tight tongue and grooved or 20 mm plywood wall
covering may be used in the inner side in lieu of fire resistance plaster.
c) A building, which will have only the first floor and is accessible to not more
than 20 pupils at any time, may be used for school purposes with the following
exceptions:
i) Exterior walls or parts of walls which are less than 900 mm from
adjacent property lines shall have no openings therein.
ii) Classrooms may have only one exit not less than 900 mm wide
6.3 Institutional Buildings (Group C)
6.3.1 General
a) Principle of progressive horizontal evacuation is of paramount consideration
for hospital patients particularly those lacking self-preservation. This calls for
moving occupants from a fire affected area to an adjoining area at the same
level through a fire resisting barrier, to protect them from the immediate
dangers of fire and smoke.
b) Progressive horizontal evacuation operates on the assumption of evacuation
from compartment to compartment and on use of sub-compartments as
temporary means of refuge.
c) The number and size of compartments and sub-compartments depends on
number of factors like:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
The time required to evacuate people to an adjoining protected area.

Number of occupants to be evacuated
Impairments of occupants
Fire protection arrangements.
6.3.2 Various requirements shall be as follows:

6.3.2.1 Applicable to all types of institutional occupancies
a) No combustible material of any kind shall be stored or used in any building or
section thereof used for institutional occupancy, except as necessary to
normal occupancy and use of the building.
b) Doors in fire resistant walls shall be so installed that these may normally be
kept in open position, but will close automatically. Corridor door openings in
smoke barriers shall be not less than 2.4 m in width. Provision shall also be
made for double swing single/double leaf type door.
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c) Exits and other features for penal and mental Institutions, and custodial
institutions shall be the same as specified for hospitals (see 6.3.2.2 below), in
so far as applicable. Reliable means shall be provided to permit the prompt
release of inmates from any locked section in case of fire or other emergency.
d) Wherever any inmates are confined in any locked rooms or spaces, adequate
guards or other personnel shall be continuously on duty or immediately
available to provide for release of inmates or for such other action as may be
indicated in case of fire or other emergency.
e) No building constructed in whole or in part of combustible materials shall be
used to confine inmates in cells or sleeping quarters, unless automatic
sprinkler protection is provided.
f) All buildings or sections of buildings in penal and mental institution used for
manufacturing, storage or office purposes shall have exits in accordance with
the provisions of the Code for those occupancies.
6.3.2.2 Hospitals [Occupancy class C(a)]
Compartmentation to meet the requirement as per D-8.
a) Each compartment mentioned as under D-8 shall be able to accommodate,
in addition to its own, adjoining compartment also on 7.5 m2 per person basis.
b) Not less than two exits of one or more of the following types shall be provided
for every floor, including basement, of every building or section:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
Doors leading directly outside the building;

Stairways;
Ramps; and
Horizontal exits.
c) All critical patients and those incapable of self-preservation and having

physical impairment shall be housed within 30 m height.
d) Other types of patients and occupancies incidental to the hospitals such as
consultation rooms, nurses stations, medical shops, canteens etc. may be
housed at heights beyond 30 m but not more than 60 m.
e) Beyond 24 m height, there shall be vacant refuge floor above for every 15 m,
complying with the following:
i) Such floors shall be fire separated with four hours fire rating
ii) These floors shall be open sided with parapet walls on all four sides
iii) No other occupancy shall be allowed in such floors except utilities like
water pumps, air compressors, etc. Area occupied by such utilities
shall not exceed 30 percent of the floor area.
f) Basement shall not be used to store flammables or for pathological or other
laboratories particularly those involving usage of chemicals.
g) Operation theatres, delivery rooms, Intensive care units, recovery rooms, etc.
that containing patients lacking self-preservation in case of emergencies shall
be fire/smoke separated (one hour minimum rating) from all the adjoining
areas.
h) Dead end exceeding 6 m shall not be allowed for hospital corridors/egress
routes.
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i) Aisles, corridors, ramps, etc through which patients are moved, shall have a
minimum width of 2.4 m throughout. Aisles, corridors, and ramps in other
areas not intended for the housing, treatment, or use of inpatients shall be not
less than 1.5 m in clear unobstructed width.
j) Floor surface of corridors shall not be inclined at a gradient steeper than 1 in
12 to the horizontal.
k) Escape corridors longer than 12 m that connect two or more storey exits shall
be subdivided by fire doors (one hour rating) in such a way that no undivided
length of corridor is common to more than one storey exit.
l) Rooms designated for laboratory and the like shall not exceed 100 m2 in area
and if additional space is required, fire separation shall be provided.
m) Storage flammable liquids in laboratories or in any other area shall comply
with the equation, that is, not more than 3 litres for every 10 m2 area.
n) Flammable liquids having a flash point of below 32 C shall not be stored in
ordinary refrigerators, freezers, or coolers. They shall be stored as provided
in the National Electrical Code for hazardous storage. The outside doors of
refrigerators shall be labeled to denote whether or not they are acceptable for
storage of flammable liquids.
o) Disposal of any equipment and others particularly hazardous materials shall
be accomplished off the premises by a disposal specialist or at a safe location
away from the health care facility by competent personnel using procedures
established in concurrence with the safe practices.
p) The elevator (Lift) cars shall be so sized and arranged to accommodate at
least one ambulance stretcher (0.75 m x 2 m) in the horizontal, open position
in addition to standing space for one or two attendants. In buildings of more
than three stories, a minimum of one such elevator shall be provided
exclusively for fire fighter emergency operation to all floors. The elevator car
shall be identified by the signage symbol for emergency medical services. The
symbol shall be minimum 75 mm in height and shall be located inside the car
on both sides of the door frame.
q) Any sleeping accommodation or suite exceeding 100 m2 in area shall have at
least two exit access doors leading to the escape routes or corridors, etc.
6.3.3 Exception and Deviation
It is recognized that in institutions or part of buildings housing various types of
psychiatric patients, or used as penal and mental institutions, it is necessary to
maintain locked doors and barred windows; and to such extent the necessary
provision in other sections of the code requiring the keeping of exits unlocked may
be waived. It is also recognized that certain type of psychiatric patients are not
capable of seeking safety without adequate guidance. In buildings where this
situation prevails, reliable means for the rapid release of occupants shall be
provided, such as remote control of locks, or by keying all locks to keys commonly
used by attendants.
6.4
Assembly Buildings (Group D)
6.4.1 Mixed Occupancy

Places of assembly in buildings of other occupancy, such as ballrooms in hotels,
restaurants in stores and assembly rooms in schools, shall be so located, separated
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or protected as to avoid any undue danger to the occupants of the place of assembly
from a fire originating in the other occupancy or smoke therefrom.
6.4.2 Canteens shall not be provided in basements. If provided in the upper floors, it
shall be sprinklered.
a) Every place of assembly, every tier or balcony, and every individual room
used as a place of assembly shall have exits sufficient to provide for the total
capacity thereof as determined in accordance with 4. Door width for assembly
buildings shall not be less than 2 m.
b) Every place of assembly of subdivision D1 shall have at least four separate
exits as remote from each other as practicable.
c) Every place of assembly of subdivision D2 shall have at least two separate
exits as remote from each other as practicable and if of capacity over 600, at
least three exits shall be provided with each exit not less than of 2 m width.
d) Clear aisles not less than 1.2 m in width shall be formed at right angles to the
line of seating in such number and manner that no seat shall be more than
seven seats away from an aisle. Rows of seats opening on to an aisle at one
end only shall have not more than seven seats. Under the conditions, where
all these aisles do not directly meet the exit doors, cross-aisles shall be
provided parallel to the line of seating so as to provide direct access to the
exit, provided that not less than one cross aisle for every 10 rows shall be
required. The width of cross-aisles shall be minimum of 1 m. Steps shall not
be placed in aisles to overcome differences in levels, unless the gradient
exceeds 1 in 10.
e) The fascia of boxes, balconies and galleries shall have substantial railings not
less than 1 000 mm high above the floor. The railings at the end of aisles
extending to the fascia shall be not less than 1 100 mm high for the width of
the aisle or 1.2 m high at the foot of steps.
f) Cross aisles except where the backs of seats on the front of the aisle project
600 mm or more above the floor of the aisle shall be provided with railings not
less than 900 mm high.
g) No turnstiles or other devices to restrict the movement of persons shall be
installed in any place of assembly in such a manner as to interfere in any way
with the required exit facilities.
h) In theatres and similar places of public assembly where persons are admitted
to the building at a time when seats are not available for them and are allowed
to wait in a lobby or similar space until seats are available, such use of lobby
or similar space shall not encroach upon the required clear width of exits.
Such waiting shall be restricted to areas separated from the required exit
ways by substantial permanent partitions or fixed rigid railing not less than 0.1
m high. Exits shall be provided for such waiting spaces on the basis of one
person for each 0.3 m2 of waiting space area. Such exits shall be in addition
to the exits specified for the main auditorium area and shall conform in
construction and arrangement to the general rules of exits given above.
i) No display or exhibit shall be so installed or operated as to interfere in any
way with access to any required exit, or with any required exit sign.
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j) All displays or exhibits of combustible material or construction and all booths

and temporary construction in connection therewith shall be so limited in
combustibility or protected as to avoid any undue hazard of fire which might
endanger occupants before they have opportunity to use the available exits,
as determined by the authority.
k) Places of assembly in buildings of other occupancy may use exits common to
the place of assembly and the other occupancy, provided the assembly area
and the other occupancy are considered separately, and each has exits
sufficient to meet the requirements of the Code.
l) Exits shall be sufficient for simultaneous occupancy of both the places of
assembly and other parts of the building.
m) For any place of assembly under sub-division D-1, at least half the required
means of exits shall lead directly outdoors or through exit ways completely
separated from exits serving other parts of the building.
n) Wheel chair requirements
Number of persons
Number of wheel chairs
Upto 25
26 - 50
50 - 150
151 - 300
300 - 500
501 5 000
1
2
4
5
6
6 plus additional ones for every 150
beyond 500 or part thereof 36 plus
additional ones for every 200 beyond
5 000
o) No turnstiles or other devices that restrict the movement of persons shall be

installed in any assembly occupancy in such a manner as to interfere in any
way with required means of egress facilities.
p) In assembly occupancies, the main entrance/exit shall be of a width that
accommodates one half of the total occupant load.
q) Dead end corridors shall not exceed 6 m.
6.4.4 Lighting
No open flame lighting devices shall be used in any place of assembly, except in the
following cases:
a) Where necessary for ceremonial purposes, the enforcing Authority may permit
open flame lighting under such restrictions as are necessary to avoid danger
of ignition of combustible materials or injury to occupants.
b) Candles may be used on restaurant tables if securely supported on noncombustible bases and so located as to avoid danger of ignition of
combustible materials.
c) Open flame devices may be used on stages where they are a necessary part
of theatrical performance, provided adequate precautions, satisfactory to the
Authority are taken to prevent ignition of combustible materials.
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a) The decorations of places of assembly shall be of non-flammable materials.
Fabrics and papers used for such purpose shall be treated with an effective
flame-retardant material. Stage settings made of combustible materials shall
likewise be treated with fire retardant materials of Class 1 flame spread.
b) Seats in places of public assembly, accommodating more than 300 persons,
shall be securely fastened to the floor, except as permitted in (c) below. All
seats in balconies and galleries shall be securely fastened to the floor, except
that in nailed in enclosures, boxes with level floors and having not more than
14 seats, the seats need not be fastened.
c) Chairs not secured to the floor may be permitted in restaurants, night clubs
and other occupancies where the fastening of seats to the floor may not be
practicable, provided that in the area used for seating, excluding dance floor,
stage, etc, there shall be not more than one seat for each 1.4 m 2 of floor area
and adequate aisles to reach exits shall be maintained at all times. The
arrangements shall be as follows in general:
i) Rows of seats between aisles shall have not more than 14 seats.
ii) Rows of seats opening on to an aisle at one end only shall have not
more than 7 seats.
iii) Seats without dividing arms shall have their capacity determined by
allowing 450 mm per person.
d) The spacing of rows of seats from back to back shall be neither less than
850 mm nor less than 700 mm plus the sum of the thickness of the back and
inclination of the back. There shall be a space of not less than 350 mm
between the back of one seat and the front of the seat immediately behind it
as measured between plumb lines.
e) Rooms containing high pressure boilers, refrigerating machinery other than
domestic refrigerator type, large transformers or other service equipments
subject to possible explosion shall not be located directly under or adjacent to
the required exits. All such rooms shall be effectively cut off from other parts
of the building and provided with adequate vents to the outer air.
f) All rooms or areas used for storage of any combustible materials or
equipment, or for painting, refinishing, repair or similar purposes shall be
effectively cut off from assembly areas or protected with a standard system of
automatic sprinklers. They shall be located away from staircases.
g) Every stage equipped with fly galleries, grid irons and rigging for movable
theatre type scenery, shall have a system of automatic sprinklers over and
under such stage areas or spaces and auxiliary spaces, such as dressing
rooms, store rooms and workshops, and the proscenium opening shall be
provided with a fire resisting curtain, capable of withstanding a lateral
pressure of 4 kN/m2 over the entire area. The curtain shall have an
emergency closing device capable of causing the curtain to close without the
use of power and when so closed, it shall be reasonably tight against the
passage of smoke.
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h) The stage roof of every theatre using movable scenery or having a motion
picture screen of highly combustible construction shall have a ventilator or
ventilators in or above it, openable from the stage floor by hand and also
opening by fusible links or some other approved automatic heat/smoke
actuated device, to give a free opening equal to at least one-eighth the area of
the floor of the stage.
i) The proscenium wall of every theatre using movable scenery of decorations
shall have, exclusive of the proscenium opening, not more than two openings
entering the stage, each not to exceed 2 m2 and fitted with self-closing fire
resistant doors.
j) Every place of assembly in which projection of motion pictures by light is
made shall have the projection apparatus enclosed in a fire resisting fixed
booth in accordance with good practice [4(23], except that such booth shall
not be required where no nitrocellulose motion picture film is used.
k) Automatic smoke vents actuated by smoke detectors shall be installed above
the auditorium or theatres, including motion picture houses, with vent area
equal to not less than 3 percent of the floor area of the auditorium, including
the sum of the floor areas of all balconies, galleries, boxes and tiers. It may be
desirable to provide a large number of small vents rather than a small number
of large vents.
a) Where boilers or central heating plants using liquid or solid fuel are located at
grade level, these shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a
separating wall.
b) Gymnasiums, indoor stadiums and similar occupancies may have
floors/running tracks of wood, cinder, synthetic or unprotected steel or iron.
c) The underside of continuous steel deck grand stands when erected outdoors
need not be fire protected when occupied for public toilets.
6.4.7 Fire Protection and Fire Fighting System for Metro Stations
Requirements under clauses, 3, 4 and 5 including Table 7 are applicable to Metro
stations also. Wherever difference exists between both for particular requirement(s),
requirements under this clause shall assume precedence.
6.4.7.1 Construction requirements
Metro stations can be constructed within fire zones 1, 2 or 3 as per the peculiar
requirements of the mass rapid transport requirements.
a) Building construction for all new stations shall be of Type I or Type II or
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combinations of Types I and II.

b) Exit facilities like escalators, staircases etc. being regularly used by the
passengers need not be of enclosed types.
c) All the ancillary buildings shall be fire separated from the station building with
a rating of at least two hours.
d) Power substation door shall be 4 hour fire rated. There shall be two doors on
both sides of the openings in the fire rated walls, each having a fire rating of
two hours
e) Control rooms (train as well as other electrical), auxiliary electrical rooms and
battery rooms, etc. shall also be fire separated from other occupancies with a
rating of at least two hours.
f) All public areas shall have a fire separation of at least 2 hours from non-public
areas.
g) No fire separation shall be required for occupancies like ticketing offices,
toilets, other offices, ticketing kiosks, etc unless the area occupied by such
occupancies exceed 6 m2.
h) Interior wall and ceiling finish materials, other than textile wall coverings or
foam plastic insulation, shall exhibit a low flame spread according to Class 1
definition. (see 3.4.12)
i) Beside each escalator, there shall be a staircase of similar construction.
6.4.7.2 Life safety requirements
6.4.7.2.1 Occupant load
a) Platform occupant load shall be based on the greater of the morning or
evening peak hour loads generated by the system and train loads
b) For calculating platform occupant loads for a multiline, multilevel or
multiplatform station, maximum occupant load for each platform shall be
considered separately for determining the egress capacity from that platform
c) At levels where egress routes from separate platforms converge, occupant
loads of all platforms shall be considered to calculate egress capacity from
that level.
6.4.7.2.2 Egress provisions
a) At least two means of egress remote from each other shall be provided from
each station platform.
b) Where means of egress routes from separate platforms converge, the
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subsequent capacity of the egress route shall be sufficient to maintain the

required evacuation time from the incident platform.
c) A common path of travel from the platform ends shall not exceed 25 m or one
car length, whichever is greater.
d) The maximum travel distance on the platform to a point at which a means of
egress route leaves the platform shall not exceed 100 m.
e) Within underground or enclosed trainways, the maximum distance between
exits shall not exceed 75 m.
f) The station also shall be designed to permit evacuation from the most remote
point on the platform to a point of safety in 6 minutes or less in case of closed
stations and 8 minutes in case of open stations.
g) Cross-passageways shall be permitted to be used in lieu of emergency exit
stairways to the surface where trainways in tunnels are divided by a minimum
of 2 hourrated fire walls or where trainways are in twin bores.
h) A minimum clear width of 1.2 m shall be provided along all platforms,
corridors, and ramps serving as means of egress. Other requirements
specified under Life safety chapter shall also be taken care of.
i) Doors and other openings through the separations shall be 90 minutes fire
rated.
j) Where a fire door is required to be open, it shall be automatic closing type.
Where the doors are actuated through electromagnetic or electromechanical
devices, there shall be a manual override during emergencies.
k) Escalators shall be permitted as a means of egress in stations provided that
the escalators are constructed of non-combustible materials, Escalators
running in the direction of egress shall be permitted to remain operating and
Escalators running reverse to the direction of egress shall be capable of being
stopped remotely and/or manually.
l) Escalators shall not account for more than half of the means of egress
capacity at any one level. There shall be staircases adjoining each escalator.
m) Unenclosed stairs shall be permitted to be accepted as contributing to the
means of egress capacity in stations. Minimum widths of such unenclosed
staircases shall be 1 800 mm for unidirectional stairs, and 2 400 mm for
bidirectional stairs.
n) Enclosed Stairs in the means of egress shall be a minimum of 1 200 mm
wide. Wall or floor mounted railings on both sides shall be permitted on stairs
of such width.
o) Horizontal sliding platform screen or platform edge doors shall be permitted to
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separate the platform from the train way in stations provided that the doors
permit emergency egress from the train to the platform regardless of the
stopping position of the train., the doors provide egress when a force not
exceeding 220 N is applied from the train side of the doors. And the doors are
designed to withstand positive and negative pressures caused by passing
trains.
p) Fare barriers shall be designed to automatically release in case of emergency
or activation of fire alarm signal. There shall be manual override at a central
guarded location to take care of egress of trapped people during emergencies
particularly terrorist attacks.
q) Fare barriers can be with gate type openings or with turnstiles. Requirements
under Life safety chapter shall be applicable for these barriers.
r) Occupant load for turnstile shall be considered as 50 percent of the applicable
load in view of the restricted movement.
6.4.7.3 Smoke compartment
Smoke compartments shall be created within the enclosed transit stations in
compliance with the following:
a) Smoke compartments shall be created to ensure that in case of a fire
scenario, the escape routes are not full of smoke and a safe passage is
provided to fire fighters to reach fire location.
b) Smoke barriers shall be provided within the ceiling at platform and concourse
levels at locations and spacing as determined by the engineering analysis and
shall be designed to withstand temperatures upto 250 C for 60 minutes
c) Smoke barriers shall also be provided around all openings containing
staircases, escalators and elevators in public areas connecting platform to
levels above or below them.
d) All smoke compartments created within the station areas shall be designed
with segregated smoke extraction systems.
6.4.7.4 Safety requirements
a) Emergency ventilation, based on analysis shall be provided for all enclosed
train way greater than 300 m, underground train way, if the length is greater
than 60 m.
b) Emergency ventilation fans, their motors, and all related components exposed
to the exhaust airflow shall be designed to operate in an ambient atmosphere
of 250 C for a minimum of 1 hour.
c) Operation of the emergency ventilation system components shall be initiated
from the central supervising station.
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d) Any structure including emergency egress or access stairs or vent or fan shaft
structure utilized for ventilation of underground system shall be permitted to
be terminated at grade, provided that the level at which it is terminated is at
least 450 mm above the surrounding ground level/ footpath level.
e) Materials manufactured for use as conduits, raceways, ducts, boxes,
cabinets, equipment enclosures, and their surface finish materials shall
withstand temperatures up to 500 C for 1 hour.
f) Enclosed stations shall be provided with emergency power connected to
emergency lighting, protective signalling systems, emergency communication
system, and Fire control room.
g) Emergency Lighting shall be provided throughout the station as per 6.
Emergency and Exit Lighting.
h) Automatic Fire Detection and Alarm system shall be provided throughout the
facility as per relevant standards.
i) Voice evacuation/Public Address System shall be provided throughout the
station, ancillary buildings as per requirements.
j) Except for open stations which are remotely located from public spaces, all
stations shall be provided with automatic Sprinkler System or automatic water
mist systems in addition to hydrant systems and wet risers as per relevant
standards. (see table 9)
k) Separate pumps having a minimum capacity of 1800 lpm @70 m head shall
be provided for hydrant and sprinkler systems. Separate jockey pumps
180 lpm @70 m head shall also be provided for the above. One common
standby pump (diesel driven) shall be available. Where it is possible to extend
reliable DG supply to the fire pump room without routing through the station
building, diesel pump can be replaced with electrical driven pumps. The
jockey pump shall also have DG back up. Installation of hydrant and sprinkler
systems shall be governed by the requirements in relevant Indian standards.
If water mist system is provided, requirements shall be governed by the test
reports for similar protection and also as per the relevant standards. (See
table below)
l) Equipment rooms shall be protected by fire suppression systems as per
relevant standards. (see table 9)
m) Fire Extinguishers and small bore hose reels shall be provided as per relevant
standards. (see table 9)
n) Water tank of minimum 1 00 000 litre (in two separate but interconnected
compartments) shall be provided exclusive for firefighting requirements.
o) Emergency command center and emergency response procedures shall be in
place.
p) Evacuation shall take place under the guidance and control of authorized,
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trained system employees or other authorized personnel as warranted under

an emergency situation.
q) Adequate warning signs, directional signs, exit signs shall be provided
throughout the facility.
Table 9 Firefighting Requirements for Various Facilities

in Metro Stations
(Clause 6.4.7.4)
External hydrants
Platform
(1)
Internal hydrants
Extinguishers
(2)
Minimum 2 at each
platform with hose
box containing two
lengths of hose
pipes 15 m each
with
a
nozzle.
Location
of
hydrants shall be
staggered
for
better
coverage.
The hydrants shall
cover the entire
length
of
the
platform when two
hosepipes
are
coupled to the
landing valves and
used.
Water CO2 type,
CO2/ABC
types,
shall be provided
in each platform
and distributed in
such a way that
extinguisher
is
available within a
travel distance of
30M
from
any
point.
First aid, small bore

hose reels
One hose reel for

2
every 1 000 m
floor area or part
thereof subject to
travel distance of
45 m
to the
nearest hose reel.
Manual Call points
At least one on
each platform near
Requirements for
Concourse
Equipment
room areas
(3)
(4)
Minimum two for

each concourse with
hose box containing
two lengths of hose
pipes 15 m each
with a nozzle subject
to travel distance of
30 m to reach the
nearest
hydrant.
Commercial areas, if
any, shall also be
covered with the
provision of hydrants
as stated above.
Water CO2 type,

CO2/ABC
types,
shall be provided in
each concourse for
2
every 300 m floor
area and distributed
in such a way that
extinguisher
is
available within a
travel distance of 30
m from any point.
One hose reel for
2
every 1000 m floor
area or part thereof
subject to travel
distance of 45 m to
the nearest hose
reel.
Minimum two at
each
concourse
82
If covered with
hydrants
for
concourse
and
platform, it is
acceptable.
External areas
(5)
Hydrants shall be
provided at each entry
to the station at
ground and upper
levels near staircase.
At least one hydrant
for
Parking
area
subject
to
travel
distance of 30M to the
nearest hydrant.
At
least
one
extinguisher for
each room for
2
every 300 m
floor area.
Not applicable
If covered with
hose reels for
concourse
and
platform, it is
acceptable.
Not applicable.
Depending upon
the size
and
One at each entry to

the station.
External hydrants
Platform
(1)
Detectors
Clean
agent
flooding system
Automatic
Sprinkler/Water
mist system
Fire brigade inlet
Two or four way
Fire brigade drawoff connection
(2)
emergency plunger
Not applicable
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Requirements for
Concourse
Equipment
room areas
(3)
(4)
subject to travel distribution
of
distance of 30 m to room areas, a
the
nearest
call common
Call
point.
Depending point or separate
upon the size and for each room
distribution
of shall
be
commercial areas, a provided.
common Call point
or separate for each
area
shall
be
provided.
Commercial areas
shall
also
be
protected
in
the
same way.
To be installed
as per relevant
standards below
and above false
ceilings in each
room
as
per
relevant
standard.
All panel rooms
like HT, LT and
Main
power
distribution, DG
change over and
other
major
panels for the
station. Suitable
detection
mechanism shall
be provided for
triggering
the
system
automatically.
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Entire area shall be protected without

exception.
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
External areas
(5)
Not applicable.
Not applicable
Not applicable.
Shall be provided for
each sprinkler/hydrant
riser.
Shall be provided on
water tank.
6.5 Business Buildings (Group E)

6.5.1 The requirements for occupancy subdivisions as specified in Table 7 and
Annex D (for high rise buildings) shall apply.
6.5.2 Fire Detection/Extinguishing System
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6.5.2.1 Occupancy sub-division E1 (Except office buildings)

Details of Occupancy
E1
Fire Detection/Extinguishing System

Automatic fire alarm system and Table 7
6.5.2.2 Occupancy sub-division E-2

Fire Detection / Extinguishing System
a) Laboratory with delicate

instruments
Fixed Automatic CO2 fire extinguishing

system or automatic fire alarm system
and Table 7.
b) Solvent storage and/or flammable

liquid
Automatic foam installation or Automatic

CO2 fire extinguishing system
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Telephone exchanges
Any suitable clean agent fire extinguishing

system (see 5.10) and/or automatic
sprinkler system as per requirement (see
also Table 7)
6.5.2.5 Occupancy sub-division E5

Broadcasting stations
Automatic fire alarm system based on smoke

detectors and sprinkler system (see also Table 7)

a) In the case of mezzanines or balconies open to the floor below, or other
unprotected vertical openings between floors, the population of the mezzanine
or other subsidiary floor for level shall be added to that of the main floor for
the purpose of determining the required exits, provided, however, that in no
case shall the total number of exit units be less than that required if all vertical
openings were enclosed.
b) Not less than two exits shall be provided for every floor, including basements
occupied for office purposes or uses incidental thereto.
6.5.4 Additional Requirements
a) The handling and use of gasoline, fuel oil and other flammable liquids shall
not be permitted, unless such use and handling complies with the appropriate
regulations.
b) Every boiler room or room containing a central heating plant using solid or
liquid fuel shall be separated from the rest of the building by a separating wall.
Every boiler room or room containing a central heating plant, which burns gas
as a fuel shall be adequately separated from the rest of the building.
Basements used only for storage, heating, any other service equipment shall
conform to exit requirements for Group H occupancies in all respects.
6.6 Mercantile Buildings (Group F)
6.6.1 Mixed occupancy
No dwelling unit shall have its sole means of exit through any mercantile occupancy
in the same building except in the case of a single family unit where the family
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operates the store.

In addition to the provisions of 4, the following requirements shall be complied with:
a) In the case of mezzanines or balconies open to the floor below, or other
unprotected vertical openings between floors, the population or area of the
mezzanine or other subsidiary floor level shall be added to that of the main
floor for the purpose of determining the required exits, provided, however, that
in no case shall the total number of exit units be less than that required if all
vertical openings were enclosed.
b) At least two separate exits shall be accessible from every part of every floor,
including basements; such exits shall be as remote from each other as
practicable and so arranged as to be reached by different paths of travel in
different directions, except that a common path of travel may be permitted for
the first 15 m from any point.
a) Requirements specified in 6.5.4 shall be applicable to all Group F
occupancies also.
b) Hazardous areas of mercantile occupancies shall be segregated with two
hours rated elements.
c) In self-service stores, no check-out stand or associated railings or barriers
shall obstruct exits or required aisles or approaches thereto.
d) Open-air mercantile operations, such as open-air markets, gasoline filling
stations, roadside stands for the sale of a farm produce and other outdoor
mercantile operations shall be so arranged and conducted as to maintain free
and unobstructed ways of travel at all times to permit prompt escape from any
point of danger in case of fire or other emergency, but no dead-ends in which
persons might be trapped due to display stands, adjoining buildings, fences,
vehicles or other obstructions.
e) If mercantile operations are conducted in roofed-over areas, these shall be
treated as mercantile buildings, provided canopies over individual small
stands to protect merchandise from the weather shall not be constructed to
constitute buildings for the purpose of the Code.
Any mercantile occupancy, where goods of a highly hazardous nature are predominant, shall be considered under Group J occupancy for the purpose of the
Code.
6.7
Industrial Buildings (Group G)

a) Not less than two exits shall be provided for every floor or section, including
basements used for industrial purposes or uses incidental thereto.
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b) In buildings used for aircraft assembly or other occupancy requiring undivided

floor areas so large that the distances from points within the area to the
nearest outside walls where exit doors could be provided are in excess of 45
m, requirements for distance to exits may be satisfied by providing stairs
leading to exit tunnels or to overhead passageways. In cases where such
arrangements are not practicable, the Authority may, by special ruling, permit
other exit arrangements for one storey buildings with distances in excess of
the maximum distances specified in clause 4, if completely automatic sprinkler
protection is provided and if the heights of ceiling curtain boards and roof
ventilation are such as to minimize the possibility that employees will be
overtaken by the spread of fire or smoke within 1.8 m of the floor level before
they have time to reach exits, provided, however, that in no case may the
distance of travel to reach the nearest exit exceed 45 m where smoke venting
is required as a condition for permitting distances of travel to exits in excess
of the maximum otherwise allowed.
6.7.2 Additional precautions
a) In any room in which volatile flammable substances are used or stored, no
device generating a glow or flame capable of igniting flammable vapour shall
be installed or used. Such a room shall be provided with a suitably designed
exhaust ventilation system (see Annex D). To ensure safety from fire due to
short circuit, faulty electrical connection or some similar cause, proper care
shall be taken in designing electrical installations in such room (see Part 8
Building Services, Section 2 Electrical and Allied Installations).
b) The storage, use and handling of gasoline, fuel oil and other flammable liquids
shall not be permitted in any Group G occupancy unless it complies with
regulations pertaining to Petroleum Act, 1934 and Rules there under.
c) Every boiler room or room below the first floor containing a heating plant shall
be adequately separated from the rest of the buildings.
d) Moderate and high hazard areas in industries to have fire door not less than 4
hours.

a) Basements used only for storage, heating or other service equipment, and not
subject to industrial occupancy, shall have exits in accordance with the
requirements of Group H occupancies.
b) The following exceptions shall apply to special purpose industrial
occupancies:
i) Exits need be provided only for the persons actually employed; spaces
not subject to human occupancy because of the presence of machinery
or equipment may be excluded from consideration.
ii) Where unprotected vertical openings are necessary to manufacturing
operations, these may be permitted beyond the limits specified for
industrial occupancy, provided every floor level has direct access to
one or more enclosed stairways or other exits protected against
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obstruction by any fire in the open areas connected by the unprotected

vertical openings or smoke therefrom.
c) The following exceptions shall apply to high hazard industrial occupancies:
i) Exits shall be so located that it will not be necessary to travel more
than 22.5 m from any point to reach the nearest exit.
ii) From every point in every floor area, there shall be at least two exits
accessible in different directions; where floor areas are divided into
rooms, there shall be at least two ways of escape from every room,
however small, except toilet rooms, so located that the points of access
thereto are out of or suitably shielded from areas of high hazard.
iii) In addition to types of exits for upper floors specified for Group G
occupancies, slide escapes may be used as required exits for both new
and existing buildings.
iv) All high hazard industrial occupancies shall have automatic sprinkler
protection or such other protection as may be appropriate to the
particular hazard, including explosion venting for any area subject to
explosion hazard, designed to minimize danger to occupants in case of
fire or other emergency before they have time to utilize exits to escape.
d) Fire protection considerations for venting industrial occupancies shall be as in
Annex K.
6.8 Storage Buildings (Group H)
In addition to the provisions of clause 4, the following requirements shall also be
complied with:
a) Every building or structure used for storage and every section thereof
considered separately, shall have access to at least one exit so arranged and
located as to provide a suitable means of escape for any person employed
therein and in any room or space exceeding 1 400 m 2 gross area, or where
more than 10 persons may be normally present, at least two separate means
of exit shall be available, as remote from each other as practicable.
b) Every storage area shall have access to at least two means of exit, which can
be readily opened. This shall not be subject to locking so long as any persons
are inside and shall not depend on power operation.
c) The following special provisions shall apply to parking garages of closed or
open type, above or below ground, but not to mechanical parking facilities
where automobiles are moved into and out of storage mechanically which are
not normally occupied by persons and thus require no exit facilities. Where
repair operations are conducted, the exits shall comply with the requirements
of Group G occupancies in addition to compliance with the following:
i) Where both parking and repair operations are conducted in the same
building, the entire building shall comply with the requirements for
Group G occupancies, unless the parking and repair sections have
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effectively separated by separation walls.

ii) Every floor of every closed parking garage shall have access to at least
two separate means of exit, so arranged that from any point in the
garage the paths of travel to the two means of exit shall be in different
directions, except that a common path of travel may be permitted for
the first 15 m, from any point.
iii) On the street floor, at least two separate exit doors shall be provided,
except that any opening for the passage of automobiles may serve as
a means of exit, provided no door or shutter is installed thereon. Street
floor exits in closed garages shall be so arranged that no point in the
area is more than 30 m from the nearest exit, or 45 m in the case of
garages protected by automatic sprinklers, distance being measured
along the natural path of travel.
iv) On floors above the street, at least two means of exit shall be provided,
one of which shall be an enclosed stairway. The other means of egress
may be a second exit of any of the types, or in a ramp type garage with
open ramps not subject to closure, the ramp may serve as the second
means of exit.
v) Upper floor exits in closed garages shall be so arranged that no point in
the area shall be more than 30 m from the nearest exit other than a
ramp on the same floor level or 45 m in the case of garages protected
by automatic sprinklers.
vi) On floors below the street (either basement or outside underground
garages) at least two exits shall be provided, not counting any
automobile ramps, except that for garages extending only one floor
level below the street, a ramp leading direct to the outside may
constitute one required means of exit. In garages below street level,
exits shall be so arranged that no part of the area shall be more than
30 m from the nearest stair exit.
vii) If any gasoline pumps are located within any closed parking garage,
exits shall be so located that travel away from the gasoline pump in any
direction shall lead to an exit; with no dead end in which occupants
might be trapped by fire or explosion at any gasoline pump. Such exit
shall lead to the outside on the building on the same level, or
downstairs; no upward travel shall be permitted unless direct outside
exits are available from that floor and any floor below (as in the case of
a basement garage where the grade is one storey or more lower at the
rear than at the street).
6.8.2 Exits from aircraft hangers (storage or servicing areas) shall be provided at
intervals of not more than 45 m on all exterior walls of aircraft hangers. There shall
be a minimum of two exits serving each aircraft storage or servicing areas.
Horizontal exits through interior fire walls shall be provided at intervals of not more
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than 30 m. 'Dwarf or 'smash' doors accommodating aircraft may be used to comply

with these requirements. All doors designated as exits shall be kept unlocked in the
direction of exit travel while the area is occupied.
6.8.3 Exits from mezzanine floors in aircraft storage or servicing areas shall be so
arranged that the maximum travel to reach the nearest exits from any point on the
mezzanine shall not exceed 22.5 m. Such exits shall lead directly to a properly
enclosed stairwell discharging directly to the exterior or to a suitably cutoff area or to
outside fire escape stairs.
6.8.4 The following special provisions shall apply to grain elevators:
a) There shall be at least one stair tower from basement to first floor and from
the first floor to the top floor of workhouse which is enclosed in a dust tight
non-combustible shaft.
b) Non-combustible doors of self-closing type shall be provided at each floor
landing.
c) An exterior fire escape of the stair or basket ladder type shall be provided
from the roof of the workshop to ground level or the roof of an adjoining
annexe with access from all floors above the first.
d) An exterior fire escape of either the stair or basket ladder type shall be
provided from the roof of each storage annexe to ground level.
Requirements specified in 6.7.2 shall apply to Group H occupancies also.
Every area used for the storage of hazardous commodities shall have an exit within
22.5 m of any point in the area where persons may be present or 35 m where
automatic sprinkler protection is provided.
6.9 Hazardous Uses (Group J)
6.9.1 Hazardous buildings shall have vapour detectors/explosion suppression
systems/automatic sprinklers, besides hydrant system, wet risers and automatic fire
alarm system depending on the type of fire hazard involved.
a) Requirements specified in clause 4 and 6.7.3(c) shall apply to Group J
occupancies also.
b) Additional precautions:
The following requirements shall apply to all Group J occupancies, as
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applicable:
i) Each building where gas is employed for any purpose shall be provided
with an approved outside gas shutoff valve conspicuously marked. The
detailed requirements regarding safe use of gas shall be as specified in
Part 9 Plumbing services, Section 4 Gas supply.
ii) Each boiler room or room containing a heating plant shall be separated
from the rest of the building by a separating wall.
iii) In any room in which volatile flammable substances are used or stored,
no device generating a spark, or glow flame capable of igniting flammable
vapour shall be installed or permitted unless it is enclosed in a flameproof
enclosure.
iv) The use, handling, storage and sale of gasoline, fuel oil and other
flammable liquids snail not be permitted in Group J occupancies unless
such use, handling, storage and sale is in accordance with appropriate
legislation in force.
v) All openings in exterior walls except wall vents shall be protected by a fire
stop assembly as in 4 and they shall be fixed, automatic or self-closing.
Wall vents having an area of not less than 100 cm2 each shall be placed
in the exterior walls near the floor line, not more than 1 800 mm apart
horizontally. Each building shall be provided with a power driven fan
exhaust system of ventilation which shall be arranged and operated so as
to produce a complete change of air in each room every 3 min.
vi) Each machine in dry-cleaning establishments which uses flammable
liquid shall have an adequate steam line or any other suitable
extinguishing agent directly connected to it, so arranged as to have the
agent automatically released to the inside of each machine should an
explosion occur in the machine.
vii) Equipment or machinery which generates or emits combustible or
explosive dust or fibres shall be provided with an adequate dust collecting
and exhaust system.
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ANNEX A
(Clause 3.1.8)
CALORIFIC VALUES OF COMMON MATERIALS AND TYPICAL VALUES OF
FIRE LOAD DENSITY
A-1 The calorific values of some common materials are given in Table 10 for
guidance.
Table 10 Calorific Values of Common Materials
(Clause A-1)
Material
(1)
Calorific Value
(103 kJ/kg-1)-1)
(2)
Wood Equivalent
(kg/kg)
(3)
28.6
30.8
28.4
27.5
20.9
22.0
17.6
1.66
1.75
1.61
1.56
1.19
1.25
1.00
39.6
47.1
49.1
47.7
41.6
42.9
44.9
52.8
45.3
39.6 44.0
46.0
47.3
46.2
2.25
2.68
2.79
2.71
2.36
2.44
2.55
3.00
2.58
2.3 2.5
2.61
2.69
2.63
28.4
21.1
31.9
1.61
1.20
1.81
Solid Fuels
Anthracite
Bituminous Coal
Charcoal
Coke (average)
Peats
Sub-bituminous Coal
Woods (hard or softwood)
Hydrocarbons
Benzene
Butane
Ethane
Ethylene
Fuel Oil
Gas Oil
Hexane
Methane (natural gas)
Octane
Paraffin
Pentane
Propane
Propylene
Alcohols
Ethyl Alcohol
Methyl Alcohol
Propyl Alcohol
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Calorific Value
(103 kJ/kg-1)-1)
(2)
Wood Equivalent
(kg/kg)
(3)
Polymers
Casein
Cellulose
Cellulose Acetate
Polyethylene
Polypropylene
Polystyrene
Polyvinylchloride
Polymethylmethacrylate
Polyurethane
Polyamide (nylon)
Polyester
Common Solids
23.1
16.5
17.8
48.4
48.4
41.8
20.9
24.6
35.2
22.0
22.0
1.31
0.94
1.01
2.75
2.75
2.38
1.19
1.40
2.00
1.25
1.25
Asphalt
Bitumen
Carbon
Cotton (Dry)
Flax
Furs & skins
Hair (animal)
Leather
Ozokerite (wax)
Paper (average)
Paraffin wax
Pitch
Rubber
Straw
Tallows
Tan bark
Tar (bituminous)
Wool (raw)
Wool (scoured)
Foodstuffs
38.3
33.4
32.1
15.8
14.3
18.7
20.9
17.6
43.3
15.4
40.9
33.0
37.4
13.2
37.6
20.9
35.2
21.6
19.6
2.13
1.90
1.83
0.90
0.81
1.06
1.19
1.00
2.46
0.88
2.33
1.88
2.13
0.75
2.14
1.19
2.00
1.23
1.11
Barely
Bran
Bread
Butter
Cheese (Cheddar)
Corn meal
Flour
Margarine
Oatmeal
14.1
11.0
9.9
29.5
18.1
14.1
14.1
29.5
15.8
0.80
0.63
0.56
1.68
1.03
0.80
0.80
1.68
0.90
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Calorific Value
(103 kJ/kg-1)-1)
(2)
Rice
Soya been flour
Sugar
Whole Wheat
Wood Equivalent
(kg/kg)
(3)
13.9
16.1
15.4
14.3
0.79
0.91
0.88
0.81
29.7
25.1
17.6
134.2
24.0
1.69
1.43
1.00
7.63
1.36
Miscellaneous
Acetone
Acetaldehyde
Formaldehyde
Hydrogen
Magnesium
1)
1 kJ is approximately equal to 1 Btu so the figures in the tables are also equivalent to Btu/kg.
A-2 The typical values fire load density for arriving at the classification of occupancy
hazard is given in Table 11 for guidance.
Sl
No.
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
vii)
viii)
Table 11 Typical Values of Fire Load Density

(Clause A-2)
Building Type
Fire Load Density
(expressed as Wood
Equivalent Kilograms
Per Square Meter
Residential (A1 & A2)
25
Residential (A3 to A5)
25
Institutional and
25
Educational (B & C)
Assembly (D)
25-50
Business (E)
25-50
Mercantile (F)
up to 250
Industrial (G)
up to 150
Storage and Hazardous
up to 500
(H & J)
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ANNEX B
(Clause 3.1.8)
BROAD CLASSIFICATION OF INDUSTRIAL AND NON-INDUSTRIAL OCCUPANCIES
INTO DIFFERENT DEGREE OF HAZARD
Light Hazard Occupancies
Moderate Hazard Occupancies
Abrasive Manufacturing Premises
Airport
and
other
Terminal Buildings
Transportation
Aerated Water Factories
slicing
SUB-CATEGORY (A)
Aircraft Hangers
Aluminium Factories
Atta and Cereal Grinding
Agarbatti Manufacturing
Areca nut
Factories
High Hazard Occupancies
and/or
Betel
nut
Aluminium/Magnesium Powder Plants
Bakeries and Biscuit Factories
Bituminised Paper and/or Hessian Cloth/ Tar

Felt Manufacturing
Beedi Factories
Analytical
and/or
Laboratories
Quality
Control
Cotton Waste Factories

Bobbin Factories
Celluloid Goods Manufacturing
Asbestos Steam Packing and Lagging

Manufacturing
Bookbinders, Envelopes and Paper bag

Manufacturing
Battery Charging/Battery Service Stations
Cable manufacturing
Battery Manufacturing
Camphor Boiling
Breweries
Candle Works
Brick Works
Carbon Paper/
Manufacturing
Chemical Manufacturing using raw materials

having flash points below 23 C
Cigarette Filter Manufacturing
Cinema Films and T.V. Production Studios
Typewriter
Ribbon
Canning Factories
Coal and/or Coke and/or Charcoal Ball and

Briquettes Manufacturing
Collieries
Cardboard Box Manufacturing

Cardamom Factories
Cotton Seed Cleaning or De-linting Factories.

Carpenters, Wood wool and Furniture
Manufacturing
Distilleries
Carpet and Durries Factories
Duplicating / Stencil Paper Manufacturing
Cashewnut Factories
Fire-works Manufacturing.
Clay Works
Chemical Manufacturing using raw

materials having flash points above 23 C
Foam Plastics Manufacturing and/or Converting

Plants.
Clock and Watch Manufacturing
Cigar and Cigarette Factories.
Godowns
and
Warehouses
combustible/flammable goods).
Coffee Curing Roasting

Premises
Coir Factories
Cement Factories and/or Asbestos or

Concrete Products Manufacturing
Ceramic Factories and
Crockery
and
Stoneware
Manufacturing
Pipe
and grinding
Condensed
Milk
Factories,
Pasteurising Plant and Dairies
Milk
Coir Carpets, Rugs, Tobacco, Hides and

Skin Presses
Grass, Hay, Fodder

Pressing Factories
and
Bhoosa
(storing
(chaff)
Cold storage premises
Industrial Gas Manufacturing (other than Inert/

halogenated hydrocarbon gases)
Cork products manufacturing
Jute mills and jute presses
Dry Cleaning, Dyeing and Laundries.
Linoleum Factories
Electric substations/ Distribution stations
LPG Bottling Plants (Mini)1)
Electric Generating stations (other than

Underground power houses)
Man Made Fibres (Acrylic fibres/yarn mfg)
Confectionery Manufacturing
Educational and Research Institutes
Electric
electric)
Generating
Houses
(Hydro
Electric Lamps (Incandescent and

Fluorescent) and TV Picture Tube
Manufacturing
Match Factories
Enamelware Factories
Electro Plating Works
Mattress and Pillow Making

Filter & Wax paper Manufacturing
Engineering Workshops
Fruits and Vegetables Dehydrating and
Drying Factories
Garages
Metal or Tin Printers (where more than 50

percent of floor area is occupied as Engineering
Workshop; this may be taken as Ordinary
Hazard Risk)
Fruit Products and Condiment Factories
Garment Makers
Oil Mills
Flour Mills
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Glass & Glass Fibre Manufacturing
Ghee Factories (other than vegetable)
Oil Extraction Plants
Godowns and Warehouses Storing noncombustible Goods only
Godowns and Warehouses (other than

those under light and High Hzard A
categories)
Grain and/or Seeds Disintegrating
and/or Crushing Factories
Oil Terminals/Depots handling flammable

liquids having flash point of 23o C and below.
Paints & Varnish Factories
Green houses
Gold Thread /Gilding Factories
Paper and cardboard mills having raw material

yards
Grease Manufacturing.
Gum
and/or
Manufacturing
Glue
Ice,
Ice
Candy
Manufacturing
and
Gelatine
Hosiery, Lace, Embroidery and Thread
Factories
and
Ice-cream
Piers, Wharfs and Jetties handling extra

hazardous materials
Printing Ink Manufacturing.
Incandescent Gas Mantle Manufacturing

Rosin Lamp black and Turpentine Factories
Ink (excluding Printing Ink) Factories
Industrial Gas Mfg. (Inert/ halogenated

hydrocarbon gases)
Saw Mills
Mica Products Manufacturing

Multiple block apartment buildings
Man-made Yarn/Fibre Manufacturing

(other than Acrylic fibres/yarn mfg)
Sponge Iron Steel Plants (Gas Based)

Surgical Cotton Manufacturing
Multiple block business buildings
Manure and Fertiliser Works. (Blending,

Mixing and granulating)
Tarpaulin and Canvas Proofing Factories
Mineral Oil Blending and Processing
Turpentine and Rosin Distilleries
Museums
Tyre Retreading and Resoling Factories
Multiple block star hotel buildings

Places of worship
Pottery Works
Oil and Leather Cloth Factories.
Poultry Farms
Salt Crushing Factories and Refineries
Stables
Oil Terminals/Depots other than those

categorised under High hazard A
Open storage of flammable liquids in
drums, cans etc
Sugar Candy Manufacturing
SUB-CATEGORY (B)
Ammonia and Urea Synthesis Plants
CNG Compressing and Bottling Plants
Oxygen Plants
Sugar Factories and Refineries
Tanneries/Leather Goods Manufacturers
Umbrella Assembling Factories
Vermicelli Factories
Water Treatment/ Filtration Plants and
Water Pump Houses
Zinc/Copper Factories
Coal based methane plants

Paper and Cardboard Mills. without Raw
Material Yards
Piers, Wharves jetties and Dockyards
other than those categorized under High
hazard A
Plastic Goods Manufacturing
Plywood /Wood Veneering Factories
Printing Press Premises
Pulverising and Crushing Mills
Rice Mills
Rope Works
Rubber Goods Manufacturing
Rubber Tyres and Tubes Manufacturing
Shellac Factories
Silk Filatures
Soaps and Glycerine Factories.
Spray painting
Starch Factories
Tea Factories
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Explosive Factories
NOTE In case of complexes having separate
plants having varying degrees of hazard,
authority having jurisdiction shall be consulted
to decide on level of protection to be provided.
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Textile Mills
Tobacco (Chewing) and Pan-Masala
Making
Tobacco Grinding and Crushing
Tobacco Redrying Factories
Woollen Mills
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ANNEX C
(Clause 3.3.2)
AVAILABLE DATA REGARDING FIRE RESISTANCE RATING OF
VARIOUS BUILDING COMPONENTS
C-1 The following tables (Table 12 to Table 28) may be used, in the absence of any
validated/certified rating regarding the materials used in the structural and/or nonstructural element/component.
Table 12 Masonry Walls: Solid (Required to Resist Fire
from One Side at a Time)
(Clause C-1)
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Table 13 Masonry Walls: Hollow (Required to Resist Fire

(Clause C-1)
Table 14 Framed Construction, Load Bearing (Required to Resist Fire

(Clause C-1)
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Table 15 Framed Construction, Non-Load Bearing (Required to Resist Fire

(Clause C-1)
Table 16 Framed External Walls Load Bearing (Required to Resist Fire

(Clause C-1)
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Table 17 Framed External Walls Non-Load Bearing (Required to Resist Fire

from Inside the Building (A)
(Clause C-1)
Table 18 Framed External Walls Non-Load Bearing (Required to Resist Fire

from Inside the Building (B)
(Clause C-1)
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Table 19 Framed Walls Non-Load Bearing Required to Resist Fire

from Inside the Building (C)
(Clause C-1)
Table 20 Reinforced Concrete Columns

(Clause C-1)
Table 21 Concrete Beams

(Clause C-1)
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Table 22 Concrete Floors

(Clause C-1)
Table 23 Concrete Floors: Ribbed Open Soffit

(Clause C-1)
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Table 24 Encased Steel Columns, 203 mm x 203 mm

(Clause C-1)
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Table 25 Encased Steel Beams, 406 mm x 176 mm (Protection Applied on

Three Sides)
(Clause C-1)
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Table 26 Timber Floors Tongued and Grooved Boarding, or Sheets of

Tongued and Grooved Plywood or Wood Chipboard, of not Less than 21 mm
Finished Thickness
(Clause C-1)
Table 27 Timber Floors Tongued and Grooved Boarding, or Sheets of

Tongued and Grooved Plywood or Wood Chipboard, of not Less than 15 mm
Finished Thickness
(Clause C-1)
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Table 28 Timber Floors Any Structurally Suitable Flooring of Timber or

Lignocelluloses Boards
(Clause C-1)
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ANNEX D
(Clause 4.6, 6.1.1)
FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR HIGH RISE BUILDINGS
15 M UP TO 100 M IN HEIGHT
D-1
GENERAL
High rise buildings shall receive special attention in view of several factors, quite a
few of them peculiar from the view point of fire and life safety. The inherent issues
associated with high rise buildings are as under:
a) Accessibility:
i) Limit of available ladders to reach upper floors,
ii) Height of the fire and reach of hose jets at required pressures,
iii) Locating the seat of fire, Inherent delays in deploying equipment and
fire fighters which affects fire growth indirectly, and
iv) Fire departments inability to approach the origin of the fire from
strategic locations (resulting in large losses).
b) People movement and egress systems:
i) Limited means of egress,
ii) Conventional exit system/stair towers cannot handle the accumulated
effect of floor-upon-floor evacuation of occupants into the same exit
system at the same time exceeding evacuation time, and
iii) To mitigate evacuation issues (particularly aged and disabled people)
the concepts such as areas of refuge, pressurized exits, increased fire
ratings, communication systems and life support systems shall apply.
c) Increased occupants, equipment and materials:
i) Higher density of occupant and fuel load is the result of stacking many
floors on the same building and fire has a natural tendency to move
upward, where additional occupants and fuel are stacked.
d) Multiple occupancy:
i) Combination occupancies range from residential to business, offices,
stores, restaurants and places of assembly including underground
parking located below the high-rise structure,
ii) Many designs include within-the-structure atriums, building interconnections and
iii) These (mixed) occupancies & structures complicate the requirement
for fire protection necessitating a sophisticated & complex approach to
Life/fire safety.
e) Various features affecting fire and smoke movement:
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i) Stack effect and the impact of winds can be very significant/different,

ii) No manual firefighting techniques are available/ known to counter stack
effect that may vary with climatic condition.
iii) Presence of innumerable shafts, unprotected staircases, lift and
elevator shafts, and
iv) Un-compartmented huge fire areas.
f) Various Utility and services:
i) Equipment or mechanical levels servicing every ten or so floors,
ii) Multiple levels of fire pumps, addition pressure reducing devices or
sprinkler and standpipe systems, and
iii) Zoned and compartmented HVAC systems are encouraged with an
approach to avoid common exhaust shafts and fresh air intake shafts.
While such shafts runs often penetrate multiple floors and require
special attention of having such shafts be part of/ within 2 hour rated
room with all passive fire control meeting 2 hour rating requirement.
Such design also requires special design consideration to control/
eliminate spread of fire and smoke. In any case, the air-handling units
shall be separate for each floor and air ducts for every floor shall be
separated and in no way inter-connected with the ducting of any other
floor. Many high-rise buildings integrate smoke management systems
into their conventional HVAC systems. Although this is acceptable; and
in many cases preferred, it requires special design considerations,
including safe and adequate controls, acceptance testing and on-going
maintenance.
D-2
CONSTRUCTION
D-2.1 All materials of constructions in load bearing elements, stairways and

corridors, facades, etc shall be non-combustible. Construction shall comply with all
provisions contained in clauses 3.3 and 3.4 including the fire rating of various
components used in building construction.
D-2.2 The interior finish materials shall not have a flame spreadability rating
exceeding Class A (see 3.4.12).
D-2.3 The internal walls or staircase shall be of brick or reinforced concrete with a
minimum of 2 hour fire rating.
D-2.4 The staircase shall be ventilated to the atmosphere at each landing and a
vent at the top; the vent openings shall be of 0.5 m2 in the external wall and the top.
If the staircase cannot be ventilated, because of location or other reasons, a positive
pressure 50 Pa shall be maintained inside. The mechanism for pressurizing the
staircase shall operate automatically with the fire alarm. The roof of the shaft shall
be 1 m above the surrounding roof. Glazing or glass bricks if used in staircase, shall
have fire resistance rating of minimum 2 h.
For buildings greater or equal to 60 m in height, staircase with external wall or
faade in shall be cross ventilated with two vents each of minimum 0.5 m2 opening,
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such two vents shall be required at each landing, alternatively staircase may be
pressurized if not viable to be cross ventilated as above.
D-3 FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR LIFTS
The provisions as given in to 7.1 to 7.2.4 under fire protection requirements of lifts in
high rise buildings as at Part 8 Building Services, Section 5 Installation of Lifts,
Escalator and Moving Walks: 5A Lifts of this Code shall be applicable.
D-4 LANDING DOOR RATING

D-4.1 Lift landing doors shall have a minimum fire resistance rating of 1 h for integrity
as per accepted standard [4(1)] for non-fire lifts in buildings less than 60 m height
and such buildings wherein partition wall in hoist-way is provided.
D-4.2 Lift landing doors shall have a minimum fire resistance rating of 2 h for integrity
as per accepted standard [4(1)] for all fire lifts and buildings greater than 60 m and in
buildings in which partition wall in hoist way is not provided. However in case of fire
lifts, partition wall shall be required for separating fire lift and non-fire lift.
a) Suitable arrangements such as providing slope in the floor of lift lobby shall be
made to prevent water used during firefighting, etc, at any landing from
entering the lift shafts.
b) A sign shall be posted and maintained on every floor at or near the lift
indicating that in case of fire, occupants shall use the stairs unless instructed
otherwise. The sign shall also contain a plan for each floor showing the
locations of the stairways.
c) Alternate source of power supply shall be provided for all the lifts through a
manually operated changeover switch.
d) Lift motor room shall be located on top of the shaft and separated from the
shaft by the floor of the room.
e) The electric supply shall be on a separate service from electric supply mains
in a building and the cables run in a route safe from fire, that is, within the lift
shaft. Lights and fans in the elevators having wooden paneling or sheet steel
construction shall be operated on 24 volt supply.
f) In case of failure of normal electric supply, it shall automatically trip over to
alternate supply. For apartment houses, this changeover of supply could be
done through manually operated changeover switch. Alternatively, the lift
shall be so wired that in case of power failure, it comes down at the ground
level and comes to stand-still with door open.
g) The operation of a fire lift is by a simple toggle or two-button switch situated in
a glass-fronted box adjacent to the lift at the entrance level. When the switch
is on, landing call-points will become inoperative and the lift will be on car
control only or on a priority control device. When the switch is off, the lift will
return to normal working. This lift can be used by the occupants in normal
times.
h) The words `Fire Lift shall be conspicuously displayed in fluorescent paint on
the lift landing doors at each floor level.
NOTE - Escalators and moving walks shall not constitute a part of the required means of egress.
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SERVICE DUCTS AND SHAFTS
D-5.1 Service ducts and shafts shall be enclosed by walls of 2 hours. All such
ducts/shafts shall be properly sealed and fire stopped. Doors/ floor sealing/ fire stop
as per 3.4.6.4.
D-5.2 A vent opening at the top of the service shaft shall be provided having a size
between one-fourth and one-half of the area of the shaft.
D-6
REFUSE CHUTES
Refuse chutes shall have opening at least 1 m above roof level or venting purpose
and they shall have an enclosure wall of non-combustible material with fire
resistance of not less than 2 hours. They shall not be located within the staircase
enclosure or service shafts, or air-conditioning shafts inspection panel and doors
shall be tight fitting with 1 hours fire resistance; the chutes should be as far away as
possible from exits.
D-7
REFUGE AREA (see also 4.3.6.3)
Provisions contained in 4.4.6.2 (d) shall apply for all buildings except multi-family
dwellings. Refuge area of not less than 15 m2 shall be provided on the external walls
and separated from the surroundings with walls/door having a fire resistance of at
least two hours. Refuge area shall comply with the following:
D-7.1 Refuge areas shall be accessible from the space they serve by an accessible
means of egress.
D-7.2 Refuge areas shall have access to a public way via an exit or an elevator
without requiring return to the building spaces through which travel to the area of
refuge occurred.
D-7.3 Where the exit providing egress from refuge areas to a public way (that is in
accordance with D-7.2) includes staircases, the clear width of landings and stair
flights, measured between handrails and at all points below handrail height, shall be
not less than governing width of the staircases.
D-7.4 Each area of refuge shall be identified by a signage that reads as the follows:
AREA OF REFUGE
D-7.5 Where lift/elevator are involved in access to Refuge areas, such means shall
have approval from authorities concerned, there shall be emergency power for the
lift/elevator switchgear and the lift/elevator wells.
D-7.6 Each area of refuge shall be sized to additionally accommodate one
wheelchair space of 750 mm 1 250 mm for every 200 occupants, or portion
thereof, based on the occupant load served by the area of refuge. Such wheelchair
spaces shall maintain the width of a means of egress to not less than that required
for the occupant load served and to not less than 900 mm.
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D-7.7 Each area of refuge shall be separated from the remainder of the story by a
barrier with not less than a 2-hour fire resistance rating and one hour smoke barrier
to minimize intrusion of smoke.
D-8
ELECTRICAL SERVICES
D-8.1 The electric distribution cables/wiring shall be laid in a separate duct. The duct
shall be sealed at every floor with non-combustible materials having the same fire
resistance as that of the duct. Low and medium voltage wiring running in shaft and
in false ceiling shall run in separate conduits.
D-8.2
Water mains, telephone lines, intercom lines, gas pipes or any other service
line shall not be laid in the duct for electrical cables; use of bus ducts/solid rising
mains instead of cables is preferred.
D-8.3 Separate circuits for firefighting pumps, fire lifts, staircases and corridor
lighting and fans for pressurizing system shall be provided directly from the main
switch gear panel and these circuits shall be laid in separate conduit pipes, so that
fire in one circuit will not affect the others. Such circuits shall be protected at origin
by an automatic circuit breaker with its no-volt coil removed. Master switches
controlling essential service circuits shall be clearly labeled;
D-8.4 The inspection panel doors and any other opening in the shaft shall be
provided with fire doors having fire resistance of not less than 2 hours.
D-8.5 Medium and low voltage wiring running in shafts, and within false ceiling shall
run in metal conduit. Any 230 V wiring for lighting or other services, above false
ceiling, shall have 660 V grade insulation. The false ceiling, including all fixtures
used for its suspension, shall be of non-combustible material and shall provide
adequate fire resistance to the ceiling in order to prevent spread of fire across
ceiling. Reference may be made to good practice 4(24).
D-8.6 An independent and well ventilated service room shall be provided on the
ground level or first basement with direct access from outside or from the corridor for
the purpose of termination of electric supply from the licensees service and
alternative supply cables. The doors provided for the service room shall have fire
resistance of not less than 2 hours.
NOTE If service room is located at the first basement, it should have automatic fire
extinguishing system.
D-8.7 If the licensees agree to provide meters on upper floors, the licenses cables
shall be segregated from consumers cables by providing a partition in the duct.
Meter rooms on upper floors shall not open into stair case enclosures and shall be
ventilated directly to open air outside.
D-8.8 Suitable circuit breakers shall be provided at the appropriate points.
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GAS SUPPLY
D-9.1 Town Gas/LPG Supply Pipes Where gas pipes are run in buildings, the
same shall be run in separate shafts exclusively for this purpose and these shall be
on external walls, away from the staircases. There shall no interconnection of this
shaft with the rest of the floors. LPG distribution pipes shall always be below the
false ceiling. The length of these pipes shall be as short as possible. In the case of
kitchen cooking range area, apart from providing hood, covering the entire cooking
range, the exhaust system should be designed to take care of 30 m3 per minute
per m2 of hood protected area. It should have grease filters using metallic grill to
trap oil vapours escaping into the fume hood.
NOTE For detailed information on gas pipe installations, reference may be made to Part 8
Plumbing Services, Section 4 Gas Supply.
D-9.2 All wiring in fume hoods shall be of fibre glass insulation. Thermal detectors
shall be installed into fume hoods of large kitchens for hotels, hospitals, and similar
areas located in high rise buildings. Arrangements shall be made for automatic
tripping of the exhaust fan in case of fire. If LPG is used, the same shall be shut off.
The voltage shall be 24 V or 100 V dc operated with external rectifier. The valve shall
be of the hand re-set type and shall be located in an area segregated from cooking
ranges. Valves shall be easily accessible. The hood shall have manual facility for
steam or carbon dioxide gas injection, depending on duty condition.
D-9.3 Gas cylinders and manifold shall need to be housed in a detached location
with no other occupancy within distances prescribed in good practice [4(25)] thereof.
There shall be an enclosure suitably ventilated. It is desirable to provide medium
velocity spray nozzles which can be operated by quick opening valve situated away
from the enclosure.
D-9.4 Gas meters shall be housed in a suitably constructed metal cupboard located
in a well-ventilated space, keeping in view the fact that LPG is heavier than air and
town gas is lighter than air.
D-10 ILLUMINATION OF MEANS OF EXIT
D-10.1 The staircase and corridor lighting shall be on separate circuits and shall be
independently connected so as it could be operated by one switch installation on the
ground floor easily accessible to fire fighting staff at any time irrespective of the
position of the individual control of the light points, if any. It should be of miniature
circuit breaker type of switch so as to avoid replacement of fuse in case of crisis;
D-10.2 Staircase and corridor lighting shall also be connected to alternative supply.
The alternative source of supply may be provided by battery continuously trickle
charged from the electric mains;
D-10.3 Suitable arrangements shall be made by installing double throw switches to
ensure that the lighting installed in the staircase and the corridor does not get
connected to two sources of supply simultaneously. Double throw switch shall be
installed in the service room for terminating the stand-by supply.
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D-10.4 Emergency lights shall be provided in the staircase and corridor.

D-10.5 All wires and other accessories used for emergency light shall have fire
retardant property.
D-11 STANDBY SUPPLY
A stand-by electric generator shall be installed to supply power to staircase and
corridor lighting circuits, fire lifts, the stand-by fire pump, pressurization fans and
blowers, smoke extraction and damper systems in case of failure of normal electric
supply. The generator shall be capable of taking starting current of all the machines
and circuits stated above simultaneously. If the stand-by pump is driven by diesel
engine, the generator supply need not be connected to the stand-by pump. Where
parallel HV/LV supply from a separate sub-station is provided with appropriate
transformer for emergency, the provision of generator may be waived in consultation
with the Authority. (see 4.5.3)
D-12 TRANSFORMERS
D-12.1 A sub-station or a switch-station with oil filled equipment shall not be located
inside the building. The substation structure shall have separate fire resisting
walls/surrounding and shall necessary be located at the periphery of the floor having
separate access from fire escape stair case. The outside walls, ceiling, floor, opening
including doors and windows to the substation area shall be provided with a fire
resisting door of 2 hours fire rating. Direct access to the transformer room shall be
provided, preferably from outside fire escape staircase.
D-12.2 The substation area need to be maintained at negative air pressures and
area in substation shall not be used as storage/dump areas.
D-12.3 Indoor Transformers
a) Transformers located inside a building shall be of dry type and shall be
separated from the surroundings with fire resisting walls, penetrations and
with door of 2 hours fire rating.
b) When installed indoor but in attached building(s) and where individual or
combined oil capacity of the transformers exceed 2 000 litres, Fire rated baffle
walls (at least 1 hour) shall be constructed between transformers, raised to full
height of the roof.
D-12.4 Outdoor transformers
a) When housed outside, the entire transformer area shall be at least 6 m away
from all surroundings and housed in fenced enclosure.
b) If individual or combined oil capacity of the transformers exceed 2000 litres,
Fire rated walls (at least 1 hour) shall be constructed between transformers,
raised to 450 mm beyond full height of the transformers including oil
conservators.
c) All transformers shall be protected by high velocity water spray systems
where capacity exceeds 1MVA.
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D-13 AIR-CONDITIONING
D-13.1 Exits like staircases, lift lobbies, etc, shall not be used as return air passage.
D-13.2 The ducting shall be constructed of substantial gauge metal in accordance
with good practice [4(6)].
D-13.3 Wherever the ducts pass through fire walls or floors, the opening around the
ducts shall be sealed with materials having fire resistance rating of the compartment.
D-13.4 Where duct crosses a compartment which is fire rated, the ducts shall be fire
rated for same fire rating. Further depending on services passing around the duct
work, which may get affected in case of fire temperature rising, the ducts shall be
insulated.
D-13.5 As far as possible, metallic ducts shall be used even for the return air instead
of space above the false ceiling.
D-13.6 The materials used for insulating the duct system (inside or outside) shall be
of non-combustible materials. Glass wool shall not be wrapped or secured by any
material of combustible nature.
D-13.7 Air ducts serving main floor areas, corridors, etc, shall not pass through the
exits/ staircase enclosure.
D-13.8 The air-handling units shall be separate for each floor and air ducts for
every floor shall be separated in no way inter-connected with the ducting of any other
floor.
D-13.9 The vertical shaft for treated fresh air shall be of masonry construction.
D-13.10 The air filters of the air-handling units shall be of non-combustible materials.
D-13.11 The air-handling
combustible materials.
unit room shall not be used for storage of any
D-13.12 Inspection panels shall be provided in the main trunking to facilitate the
cleaning of ducts of accumulated dust and to obtain access for maintenance of fire
dampers.
D-13.13 No combustible material shall be fixed nearer than 150 mm to any duct
unless such duct is properly enclosed and protected with non-combustible material
(glass wool or spunglass with neoprene facing enclosed and wrapped with aluminum
sheeting) at least 3.2 mm thick and which would not readily conduct heat.
D-13.14 Fire Dampers
a) These shall be located in conditioned air ducts and return air ducts/ passages
at the following points:
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At the fire separation wall.

Where ducts/passages enter the central vertical shaft.
Where the ducts pass through floors, and
At the inlet of supply air duct and the return air duct of each compartment
on every floor.
b) The dampers shall operate automatically and shall simultaneously switch off
the air-handling fans. Manual operation facilities shall also be provided.
NOTE For blowers, where extraction system and duct accumulators are used, dampers shall be provided
c) Fire/smoke dampers (for smoke extraction shafts) for buildings more than
24 m in height.
For apartment houses: In non-ventilated lobbies/ corridors operated by fusible
link/ smoke detectors and with manual control.
For other buildings
: On operation of smoke detection system and with

manual control.
d) Automatic fire dampers shall be so arranged as to close by gravity in the

direction of air movement and to remain tightly closed on operation of a
fusible link/smoke detector.
D-14 BOILER ROOMS
D-14.1 Provisions of boiler and boiler rooms shall conform to Indian Boiler Act.
Further, the following additional aspects may be taken into account in the location of
boiler room:
D-14.2The boilers shall be installed in a fire resisting room of 4 hours fire resistance
rating, and this room shall be situated on the periphery of the basement. Catch-pits
shall be provided at the low level.
D-14.3Entry to this room shall be provided with a composite door of 2 hours fire
resistance.
D-14.4The boiler room shall be provided with fresh air inlets and smoke exhausts
directly to the atmosphere and not through any floor or part thereof.
D-14.5The oil tank for the boiler shall be provided with a dyked enclosure having a
volumetric capacity of at least 10% more than the volume of the oil tank. The
enclosure shall be filled with sand for a height of 300mm.
D-15 FIRE PROTECTION
D-15.1 First-aid Firefighting Appliances
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The first-aid firefighting equipment shall be provided on all floors, including

basements, lift rooms, etc, in accordance with relevant Indian standards (see Table
7).
D-15.2 Hydrant, Sprinkler and Other Water Based Systems
a) Hydrant, sprinkler and other water based systems shall be installed in
accordance with relevant Indian standards. For selection of pumps, tanks
refer Table 7. Certain specific requirements are as below:
1) Number of wet risers depends upon the area of the floors and travel
distance (see Table 5). All wet risers shall be independently tapped
from the delivery header of the pumps and each riser shall have a cutoff valve at the origin.
2) Wet risers shall be interconnected at terrace level to form a ring and
cut-off shall be provided for each connection to enable
repair/maintenance without affecting rest of the system.
3) Pressure at the hydraulically remote hydrant and at the highest
hydrant shall not be less than 3.5 bars or greater than 5.5 bars. It may
be necessary to install orifice plates for landing valves at lower levels
to comply with the above.
4) Shafts for the wet risers shall rise along the staircases and hose
stations at each level shall be available within a maximum of 2 m from
landings at each level (near fire doors), with signage indicating the
location of hydrants.
5) Sprinkler system distribution piping on installation control valve shall
be based on System Protection Area Limitations considering
maximum floor area on any one floor to be protected by one sprinkler
installation valve system to be 4 800 m2 for light and moderate hazard
occupancies and 2 300 m2 for high hazard occupancies.
6) Sprinkler installation alarm valves, as far as possible, shall be installed
outside the building. Authorities shall be consulted in situations where
it is not possible to locate them outside the buildings. It is advisable to
provide electrically operated siren for each valve outside the buildings
in addition to water gongs in such case.
7) Where the height of the building exceeds 60 m (irrespective of
occupancy), pumps are recommended to be of multi-stage, multioutlet or variable frequency drive type. This will be necessary as
pressures developed at lower levels are quite high endangering
firefighting personnel and also harmful to the equipment like landing
valves, hose pipes, hose couplings etc.
8) Other types of water based systems like High and medium velocity
water spray systems, Foam system, water mist systems etc. may be
used subject to
i)
ii)
if such systems are demonstrated/ proved to be at least equal

to or superior to already available technologies through fire
tests and also certification, and
approval/acceptance of authorities concerned.
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D-15.3 Firefighting Pump House

a) It is preferable to install the pump house at ground level either at a detached
location or fire separated (2 hours rating) when attached to other buildings.
b) Pump house shall be situated so as to be directly accessible from the
surrounding ground level.
c) Pump house shall be installed not lower than the first basement. When
installed in the basement, direct approach staircase/ramp shall be available,
leading directly to the pump house and not to negotiate through other
occupancies within the basement.
d) Pump house shall be separated by fire walls all around and doors shall be
protected by fire doors (2 hours rating).
e) Suitable drainage arrangements shall be provided to prevent water stagnation
inside pump house.
f) Pump house shall be well ventilated and due care shall be taken to avoid
water stagnation.
g) No other utility equipment shall be installed inside fire pump room (other than
general water pumps). No utility piping shall pass through the pump house.
h) Butterfly valves shall not be used within the pump house both in suction and
delivery headers. They can be used anywhere in the ring mains.
i) Insertions like flexible couplings; bellows etc. in the suction and delivery piping
shall be strictly avoided.
j) When installed in basements, neither the pump house nor the water tanks
shall be below roads even if the load carrying capacity of the slabs complies
with requirements specified in rules.
k) Positive suction shall be provided for the fire pumps.
l) Installation of submersible pumps shall not be allowed.
D-15.4 Fire Alarm System

a) Fire alarm systems shall be installed in accordance with relevant Indian
standards (see Table 7)
b) Buildings of different occupancies shall be equipped with manually operated
fire alarm system and automatic fire alarm system in accordance with good
practice [4(15)].
c) Manually operated electrical fire alarm system shall be installed in a building
with one or more call boxes located at each floor. The call boxes shall
conform to relevant standards.
d) The installation of call boxes in public places hostels, cinema halls, malls, etc,
where these are likely to be misused, shall as far as possible be avoided.
Location of call boxes in dwelling units shall preferably be inside the building.
D-16 LIGHTNING PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
The lightning protection for buildings shall be provided as given in Part 8 Building
Services: Section 2 Electrical Installations.
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D-17 FIRE CONTROL ROOM

a) For all buildings 15 m in height or above and apartment buildings with a height
of 30 m and above, there shall be a control room on the entrance floor of the
building with communication system (suitable public address system) to aid
floors and facilities for receiving the message from different floors.
b) Details of all floor plans along with the details of firefighting equipment and
installations shall be maintained in the fire control room.
c) The fire control room shall also have facilities to detect the fire on any floor
through indicator boards connection; fire detection and alarm systems on all
floors.
d) The fire staff in charge of the fire control room shall be responsible for the
maintenance of the various services and firefighting equipment and
installations in co-ordination with security, electrical and civil staff of the
building.
D-18 FIRE OFFICER FOR INSTITUTIONAL, HOTELS,
MERCANTILE BUILDINGS WITH HEIGHT MORE THAN 30 M
BUSINESS
AND
D-18.1 A qualified Fire Officer with experience of not less than 3 years shall be
appointed who will be available on the premises
D-18.2
The Fire officer shall,
a) Maintain the firefighting equipment in good working condition at all times.

b) Prepare fire orders and fire operational plans and get them promulgated.
c) Impart regular training to the occupants of the buildings in the use of
firefighting equipment provided on the premises and keep them informed
about the fire emergency evacuation plan,
d) Keep proper liaison with city fire brigade.
e) Ensure that all fire precautionary measures are observed at the times.
NOTE Competent authority have jurisdiction may insist on compliance of the above rules in
case of buildings having very large areas even if the height is less than 30 m.
D-19 FIRE DRILLS AND FIRE ORDERS

Fire notices/orders shall be prepared to fulfill the requirements of fire fighting and
evacuation from the buildings in the event of fire and other emergency. The
occupants shall be made thoroughly conversant with their action in the event of
emergency, by displaying fire notices at vantage points and also through regular
training. Such notices should be displayed prominently in broad lettering.
For guidelines for fire drills and evacuation procedures for high rise buildings, see
Annex K.
D-20 FIRE AND SAFETY AUDIT
a) Fire and safety audit is compulsory for all buildings having a height of more
than 15 m.
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b) Such audits shall be conducted by a third party auditor having requisite

experience in fire and safety inspections.
c) Frequency of such audits is once in two years.
d) Reports shall be submitted to the local fire authority for their doing the needful
with regard to maintaining No objection certificate (NOC) for continued
occupation.
D-21 COMPARTMENTATION
D-21.1 General
a) It is important to limit the spread of a fire in any building particularly high rise
buildings. The usual method is to use barriers. Usually these barriers are
physical and include walls and floors. In some instances these barriers need
to be penetrated for ductwork, plumbing and electrical systems. For this
reason mechanical and electrical engineers have a responsibility to assure
the integrity of these barriers is not compromised.
b) All high rise buildings shall be constructed with due diligence to avoid too
many openings within or between floors and all such openings shall be
protected with suitable passive materials to avoid the spread of fire and
smoke.
c) The ability of the structural frame to withstand the attack of fire can be
measured using the standard 4(1). This test evaluates the ability of a
structural element to endure the standard fire as expressed in hours of
endurance time or "fire resistance rating".
d) The fire resistance rating required for various structural elements of a building
is directly related to the type of construction.
e) Floor(s) shall be compartmented with area as per D-4.8. Compartmentation
shall be achieved by the provisions of Firewalls or fire/smoke rated smoke
curtains and the like. (see D-4.8 above)
D-21.2 Fire Spread Barriers
a) Due to fire's tendency to spread upwards, the floor/ceiling construction is often
the first major barrier to be attacked. The longer this system withstands the
impact of fire, the longer occupants have to safely evacuate and the greater
the possibility that the fire will be controlled and/or extinguished before other
areas of the facility are threatened.
b) Penetrations formed by conduits, piping and duct work which must pass
through floor systems create weakness in these barriers. For this reason,
conduits, piping and duct work must generally be enclosed in fire resistive
shafts, as discussed later in this section. Penetration for conduits, piping and
duct work passing through the shaft walls must be grouted or sealed with a
non-combustible material for the full thickness and equal to the fire rating of
the barrier to ensure the fire integrity of the shaft wall. Further, where heating,
ventilating and air conditioning ducts enter the shaft walls, automatic fire
dampers must be installed.
c) Where the duct work passes through a 2 hour shaft wall, a 1-1/2 hour fire
damper shall be used. Fire dampers shall be automatically activated by
fusible links or other heat sensors. Dual purpose dampers acting as fire
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dampers and "smoke dampers" as part of the smoke control system they
must be activated by other means.
d) Provisions must be made for making these dampers easily accessible for
maintenance, repair, and resetting purposes.
D-21.3 To prevent fire and smoke traveling through various paths within a high rise
building, following areas shall be considered for passive protection:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
l)
Horizontal exits - Fire walls

Separation between occupancies having differential hazard -Fire walls
Subdivision of floors of excessive areas - Fire partitions
Fire partitions within a block
Exit Access corridor walls - Fire wall
Exit staircase enclosures - Fire walls
Elevator enclosures-Fire walls
Shafts for ventilation, electrical cables, mechanical equipment, chutes,
plumbing, alarm cables, communication cables, etc. Fire stops
Concealed spaces in ceiling due to false ceilings Fire walls
Cable bunches from Substations, Diesel generators etc. Fire stops or fire
rated intumescent pillows.
Cable race and gallery Cable coating, fire rated pillows
Exposed members Fire proofing
D-21.4 Fire Rating Requirements

There will be certain areas of the building which, because of the uniqueness of the
space and the degree of hazard contained within, will require additional
consideration. The following areas shall be separated from other parts of the
building, and each other, with walls and floors having fire resistance values as
shown:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
l)
D-22
Boiler Rooms - 4 hours

Transformer Rooms - 2 hours
Switchgear Rooms 2 hours
Combustible or Flammable Liquid Storage 4 hours
Engineering Workshops 1 hour
Fire Pump Rooms 2 hours
Transfer Switch Room 2 hours
Generator Room 2 hours
Emergency Switchgear Rooms 2 hours
PABX 2 hours
Emergency lighting battery and UPS rooms 2 hours
Kitchens 2 hours
BASEMENTS
D-22.1
Each basement shall be separately ventilated. Vents with crosssectional area (aggregate) not less than 2.5 percent of the floor area spread evenly
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round the perimeter of the basement shall be provided in the form of grills, or
breakable stall board lights or pavement lights or by way of shafts. Alternatively, a
system of mechanical ventilation system may be provided with air inlets at basement
floor level and smoke outlets at basement ceiling level. Inlets and extracts may be
terminated at ground level with stall board or pavement lights as before, but ducts to
convey fresh air to the basement floor level have to be laid. Stall board and
pavement lights should be in positions easily accessible to the fire brigade and
clearly marked `SMOKE OUTLET or `AIR INLET with an indication of area served
at or near the opening.
D-22.2
The staircase of basements shall be of enclosed type having fire
resistance of not less than 2 h and shall be situated at the periphery of the basement
to be entered at ground level only from the open air and in such positions that smoke
from any fire in the basement shall not obstruct any exit serving the ground and
upper floors of the building and shall communicate with basement through a lobby
provided with fire resisting self-closing doors of the 1 h resistance. For travel
distance, refer 4.4.3. If the travel distance exceeds as given in Table 4, additional
staircases shall be provided at proper places.
D-22.3 In multi-storey basements, intake shafts may serve all basement levels, but
each basement levels and basement compartment shall have separate smoke outlet
shaft or shafts.
D-22.4
Mechanical extractors for smoke venting system from lower basement
levels shall also be provided. The system shall be of such design as to operate on
actuation of heat/smoke sensitive detectors or sprinklers, if installed, and shall have
a considerably superior performance compared to the standard units. It shall also
have an arrangement to start it manually.
a) Mechanical extractors and make up fans shall have an internal locking
arrangement, so that these shall continue to operate with the actuation of fire
detectors.
b) Mechanical extractors shall be designed to permit 12 air changes per hour in
case of fire or distress call. However, for normal operation, air changes
schedule shall be as given in 3.4.8.4.
c) Mechanical extractors and make up fans shall have an alternative source of
supply.
d) Ventilating ducts shall be integrated with the structure and made out of brick
masonry or reinforced cement concrete as far as possible. Ducts are not
allowed to cross the transformer area, electrical switchboard, electrical rooms
or exits.
D-22.5
Use of basements for kitchens working on LPG fuel shall not be
permitted. The basement shall not be permitted below the ward block of a
hospital/nursing home unless it is fully sprinklered. Building services such as
electrical substations, boiler rooms in basements shall comply with the provisions of
the IE Act/Boiler Rules.
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D-22.6
If cut outs are provided from basements to the upper floors or to the
atmospheres, all sides cut out openings in the basements shall be protected by fast
response sprinkler heads so as to form a water curtain in the event of a fire.
D-22.7
Openable windows on external walls shall be fitted with such locks that
can be opened by a firemans axe.
D-22.8 All floors shall be compartmented/zoned with area of each compartment
being not more than 750 m2. The size of the compartment may be as follows, in case
of sprinklered basement/ building:
Sl
No.
Use
(1)
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
vii)
(2)
Basement car parking
Basements (other than car parking)
Institutional Buildings sub-division C-1
Institutional Buildings sub-division C-2 and C-3
Mercantile and Assembly Building
Business Buildings
All other buildings
[excluding low hazard and moderate hazard
industrial buildings and storage buildings]1)
Compartmentation
Area
m2
(3)
3 000
2 000
1 800
1 125
3 000
2 000
750
1)
Compartmentation for low hazard and moderate hazard industrial buildings and storage
buildings shall be done in consultation with local fire department.
A floor plate subject to compartmentation shall have minimum two compartments

irrespective of the areas mentioned above.
Compartmentaion shall be achieved by means of fire resisting wall of 2 h rating or
fire curtain of 2 h rating or water curtain. In case of water curtain, existing water
storage shall be supplemented by water demand for water curtain nozzles for 60 min
considering the largest size of compartment. The water supply for the water curtain
nozzles shall be through independent electric pump of adequate capacity (flow and
head) with piping/ riser for the water supply to the nozzles.
D-22.9
Each compartment shall be provided with separate entry/exit ramps
and such provisions shall not be common arrangement for all compartments.
NOTE - Ramps at all levels (below ground level) shall also be protected with side-wall sprinklers.
D-22.10 It is essential to make provisions for drainage of any such water on all
floors to prevent or minimize water damage of the contents. The drain pipes should
be provided on the external wall for drainage of water from all floors. On large area
floors several such pipes may be necessary which should be spaced 30 m apart.
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Care shall be taken to ensure that the construction of the drainpipe does not allow
spread of fire/smoke from floor to floor.
D-22.11 Oil filled equipment like transformers, switchgear etc. shall not be installed
anywhere in the basement.
D-23 MATERIALS FOR INTERIOR DECORATION AND FURNISHING
Use of materials for the above purpose that are combustible in nature, which may
spread toxic fumes/gases, shall not be used for interior decoration/furnishing, etc.
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ANNEX E
(Clause 2.36)
FIRE PROTECTION ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUPER HIGH RISE
E-1 INTRODUCTION
a) A building, the highest floor of which is more than 100 m above the
surrounding pavement level, shall be considered as a super high-rise
building.
b) The rules are applicable to all types of buildings with non-industrial
occupancies such as Apartments, Hotels, Mercantile, Business buildings,
etc.
E-2 YARD HYDRANT SYSTEM
a) Yard hydrant system shall be provided for tower(s) in ring mains in
accordance with [4(27)].
b) Hydrants at the yard shall be spaced at a maximum of 45 m intervals
around the entire tower(s).
c) If the distance between various tower(s) is more than 22.5 m, separate
hydrants shall be provided for each tower in the intra-space.
d) Where necessary, monitors shall need to be installed in the ring mains to
reach greater heights.
e) Orifice plates of suitable design shall be provided in the landing valves,
where necessary, to limit the operating pressures within 7 kg/cm2.
E-3 PROTECTION TO UPPER LEVELS
a) Wet risers shall be provided for all the towers. Number of wet risers
depends upon the number of staircases. Staircase requirements are
dictated by the travel distance provisions as indicated in 4 Life Safety.
b) Wet risers shall be a mix of 200 mm and 150 mm size depending upon
the pipe hydraulics.
c) Each wet riser shall be tapped directly from the pump delivery header
through an isolation valve.
d) When two or more wet risers are installed in a building, all wet risers shall
be interconnected at the terrace level with interconnecting valves for
isolation purpose.
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e) Maximum pressure in any hose reel shall not exceed 7 bars. Minimum
pressure and flow requirements at the hydraulically remote or topmost
hose reel in the system shall not be less than 22.5 lpm at 4.5 bars
pressure. If pressure at any hose reel exceeds 7 bars, pressure reducing
valve shall be introduced to restrict the pressure to 7 bars.
f) Maximum pressure in any hydrant (landing valve) shall not exceed 7 bars.
Minimum pressure and flow requirements at the hydraulically remote or
topmost hydrant (landing valve) in the system shall not be less than
500 lpm at 3.5 bars pressure.If pressure at any hydrant (landing valve)
exceeds 7 bars, pressure reducing valve shall be introduced to restrict the
pressure to 7 bars or landing valve shall be of pressure regulating type
and set to 7 bars.
g) If static pressure in any hydrant (landing valve) exceeds 10 bars,
pressure reducing valve shall be used to restrict the static pressure within
10 bars.
h) Wet risers shall be installed in shafts that are close to the staircase. The
hose box shall be available within 2 m of the (fire door protected) opening
at the landing. Alternatively, shaft containing the wet riser can rise
through the staircase shaft with hose box inside the staircase shaft.
i) The enclosure for the hose box shall be liberal enough to contain wet
risers, hydrant landing valves, two hose pipes of at least 7.5 m long and a
branch pipe, hose reel and its drum duly providing for full swiveling
arrangement. Clear height of at least 1 m from the door sill of the hose
recess shall be available for rigging the hose pipe without kinking.
j) Enclosure for the hose box shall be separated from the reminder of the
floor at all levels by two hours fire rated construction assembly. If the
building is fully sprinkler protected, rating can be reduced to one hour.
k) Where the height of the building exceeds 100 m, multiple wet risers
zoning system shall be established with pump sets and water tank at the
terrace of 100 m level and at every subsequent 100 m height. Every
100 m height of the building shall be protected in any one of the following
methods:
i) Single pump can be provided with two wet risers one directly
feeding the upper levels and the other feeding the lower levels
through pressure reducing arrangement
ii) Pump with multi-stage, multi-outlet pump and risers tapped from
different outlets of the pump according to the pressure required at
various heights
iii) Any method other than the above, which shall be acceptable to
the local authorities having jurisdiction.
NOTES:
1 In each case, pressure and flow requirements at any hydrant valve shall be in
accordance with (e) above.
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2 Software based hydraulic calculations are necessary to prove the pressures at all
levels from the pumps. Where required, pressure reducing arrangements shall be
made.
l) There shall be a standby pump of similar type and capacity driven by

diesel engine or electrical motor if emergency supply is available for fire
pumps.
f) Pump capacity shall be 4 550 lpm (273 m3/hour) and head shall be
150 m (15 bars).
NOTE - In case, if height of the building beyond 100 m is less than 75 m in any upper
zone(s), provisions of Table 7 can be applied for the zone(s) concerned (only for hydrant
wet risers and capacity of pumps).
m) Water storage at ground level tank shall be in two separate but

interconnected compartments, having a minimum capacity of 350 000
litres (350 m3)
n) Water storage at upper zones shall be at least equivalent to 20 minutes
run of the installed pumping capacity at that level. Arrangements shall be
made to fill the tanks at upper zone(s) from ground level by dedicated
pumps and also by fire pumps at ground level as an alternate
arrangement.
E-4 SPRINKLER INSTALLATION
a) Sprinkler installation shall be installed in the entire building throughout the
building in all zones irrespective of the heights at upper zones.
b) Pressure in the sprinkler installation piping shall not exceed 12bars and
pressure at the most remote sprinkler at any level shall not be less than
0.5 bars and also not more than 5 bars.
c) Software based hydraulic calculations are necessary to prove the
pressures at all levels from the pumps. Where required, pressure
reducing arrangements shall be made.
d) Pumping arrangement for sprinkler installation shall be the same as
specified for hydrant pumps [clause E-3(i)].
e) Drainage/bye pass pipes from the installation shall terminate into the
respective tanks in zones concerned.
E-5 FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
a) Entire building shall be protected by automatic intelligent fire alarm
system as per relevant standards.
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b) All zones can be independently protected with their own systems,

integrated with main fire alarm panel at ground level or a single system
also is acceptable.
c) Supervisory arrangements shall be made available at the fire alarm panel
for total operation for fire protection system right from tank water levels to
water drainage into the tank. A supper zones are dependent on lower
zones for firefighting, indications with regard to water levels, pressure
switches, filling arrangement of all upper zone tanks, mal-functions with
regard to all possible failures of the system shall be well conceived before
designing the logics of the fire alarm system.
E-6 PUMP HOUSE
a) Pump house shall be separated from the reminder at ground level with a
direct approach from surrounding ground level.
b) All the requirements for pump house listed under high rise building
chapter shall be complied with.
c) Pump house shall be sufficiently large to accommodate all pumps and
their accessories like pressure reducers, diesel tank, etc.
d) Pump house at upper zones can be installed with other utility
requirements such as general water pumps, STP, water treatment plants
etc. No hazardous storage or operations shall be carried out at this level.
g) 50 percent of the area occupied by all services at upper zones shall be
left vacant and this area shall be used for refuge of people during
emergency.
e) Fire water tank at upper zones shall also be connected to the sprinkler
installation in the lower zone as an alternate supply to the latter in case of
emergency.
E-7 HELIPAD
For high rise buildings above 200 m in height, provision for helipad is recommended
for certain specific requirements like landing of firefighting equipment and support
facilities or for other emergencies.
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ANNEX F
(Clause 3.1.5)
SHOPPING MALLS AND MULTIPLEX OCCUPANCIES
F-1 GENERAL
a) Complex problems are associated with Malls as they are generally different in
style, size and more often than not, very non-standard in their design. They
can be single or multiple storeys, part of a hotel building or rail/road and
airport terminals. They also, can incorporate large atria using modern
architecture and new materials. Invariably they include food courts, cinemas,
restaurants, as well as offices, large fashion shops, supermarkets, hotel
chains and book shops, some with their own multi-level open or atria internal
designs, car parking in basement and those at upper levels adjoining each
floor etc. with the various portions connected by stairs, escalators, travelators
and lifts.
b) Fire protection measures and life safety provisions in adjoining offices or hotel
or any other occupancy may be different from those required in the main mall.
In fact, the floating population in a mall complex makes it more difficult to
determine occupant load, exit requirements etc. In fact, mall complexes are a
classic example of multiple occupancy.
c) Mall buildings with or without multiplex theatres fall to be classified under
Assembly occupancies (D-6) and as such, height of the mall buildings shall
not exceed 30 m.
d) Compliance with other Sections of this code is compulsory and this section
provides additional requirements peculiar to mall occupancies.
F-2 MEANS OF EGRESS
a) Means of egress shall fully comply with 4.2 of this code. Where there is a
conflict between the requirements in 4.2 of this code and the requirements of
this section, the requirements of this section shall prevail.
b) The occupant load permitted in any individual tenant space in a mall building
shall be determined as required in 4.2 of this code. Means of egress
requirements for individual tenant spaces shall be based on the occupant load
thus determined.
c) Assembly occupancies like theatres etc. with an occupant load of 500 or more
shall be so located in the mall building that their entrance will be immediately
adjacent to a principal entrance to the mall building and shall have not less
than one-half of their required means of egress opening directly to the exterior
of the covered mall building.
d) Within each individual tenant space in a mall building, the maximum distance
of travel from any point to an exit or entrance to the mall shall not exceed
30 m. The maximum distance of travel from any point within a mall to an exit
shall not exceed 30 m.
e) Where more than one exit is required, they shall be so arranged that it is
possible to travel in either direction from any point in a mall to separate exits.
The minimum width of an exit passageway or corridor from a mall shall be
2 m.
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f) Where exit passageways provide a secondary means of egress from a tenant

space, doorways to the exit passageway shall be protected by 1 hour fire
doors that are self- or automatic closing on operation of smoke detection
system.
g) Passage space outside for or between various tenanted areas shall be at
least 2 m clear width and this space shall be absolutely clear and only meant
for movement.
h) No portion within a tenant space shall impede fire escape staircases or hose
boxes. There shall be a clear distance of at least 2 m between the latter and
tenants space.
i) Car parking facilities shall comply with Annex J. Car parking areas at upper
levels adjacent to shops, food courts or Multiplex shall be separated by 1 hour
fire rated construction and building elements.
F-3 FIRE PROTECTION MEASURES
a) Fire protection measures shall fully comply with the provisions contained in
Table 7 for Assembly buildings.
b) An approved fire safety and evacuation plan shall be prepared and
maintained for malls where aggregate floor area of the mall building exceeds
5000 m2.
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ANNEX G
(Clause 2.1)
ATRIUM REQUIREMENTS
G-1 ATRIUM REQUIREMENTS

a) An atrium is a large vertical opening that spans two or more floors. As a
general rule, an atrium has a relatively large plan area. The atrium opening
shall have a minimum horizontal dimension of 6.1 m and a minimum area of
95 m2.
b) Floor openings that do not meet the dimensional requirements for atria as
above shall be limited to two floors (total three floors).
c) In order for an atrium to be permitted in buildings, the following must be
complied:
i) Atria are permitted in buildings of Type 1 and Type 2 construction only
ii) The use of combustible furnishings and decorations on the floor of the
atrium shall be limited and sparsely distributed.
d) Smoke detectors must be provided on the underside of each floor protruding
into the atrium, at the atrium roof and adjacent to each return air intake from
the atrium. (Beam type smoke detectors shall be used in lieu of spot detectors
at top of atrium.)
e) Where the ceiling of the atrium is more than 17 m above the floor, water
based protection (automatic sprinklers) at the ceiling of atrium is not required.
In such cases, hose reels shall be available in the vicinity, say within 6M
thereof.
f) Atria with a volume less than 17 000 m3 are to have a smoke exhaust at the
ceiling capable of exhausting 1 134 m3/min or six air changes per hour,
whichever is greater. If the volume is greater than 17 000 m3, it shall be
capable of exhausting four air changes per hour.
g) At least 50 percent of supply inlets shall be provided at the lowest level of the
atrium.
h) The atrium smoke exhaust system shall be activated by the automatic
sprinkler system or atrium smoke detectors, or by manual controls provided
for use by the fire department.
i) Any three levels of the facility may be open to the atrium, with this volume
being figured into the volume to be used for smoke exhaust capabilities.
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ANNEX H
(Clause 3.4.12.41)
COMMERCIAL KITCHENS AND COOKING FACILITIES WITH OR WITHOUT

RESTAURANTS, EATERIES, FOOD COURTS, ETC.
G-0 GENERAL
G-0.1 Fire is a hazard faced by all commercial kitchens. It only takes a single spark or
small gas leak or overheated cooking appliances to set a restaurant aflame. When
such kitchen/cooking facilities form a part of other occupancies like Mall or Multiplex
buildings and the like, life safety of personnel present is severely hampered particularly
where occupant loads are quite high. Hence, unless appropriate steps are undertaken
to control hazards, life safety to occupants and also fire safety are severely
compromised. Potential hazards are listed below (see G-0.2):
G-0.2 Potential hazards
The potential hazards posed by the commercial cooking facilities are as follows:
a) Electricity, gas and in some cases solid fuels such as wood or charcoal
are the energy sources used to power a commercial kitchen.
b) On cooking appliances using grease -- the grease can self-ignite due to
overheating of the cooking appliances or through open flames.
c) Any combustible like clothing, cooking materials, oils etc. when if they
come into contact with open flames.
d) Full grease residues trapped in the exhaust ventilation system can ignite
through overheated air flues or open flames.
e) Poor housekeeping results in quick spread of fire in dirty and cluttered
walkways and storage areas. Also poor cleaning of the ventilation system
provides the ground for the fire spreading into the ventilation system and
further into the building structure.
f) Faulty electrical equipment and electrical installation are more likely to
spark, failure of thermostat and safety switches that may lead to overheat
and consequent fire.
g) Flammable materials in the vicinity of open flames or heat sources
G-1 TERMINOLOGY ASSOCIATED WITH COOKING OPERATIONS
a) Types of Restaurants/Food Preparation Facilities: Buffet restaurants, cafeterias,
coffee chops, entertainment facilities (nightclubs, dinner theaters, cabarets), &
ethnic, fast food, specialty and traditional restaurants, corporate canteens,
casinos, educational facilities, schools and universities, hospitals, care homes,
mental homes and prisons.
b) Ventilation/grease extraction equipment: Exhaust hoods, grease removal
devices, exhaust ductwork, exhaust fans, dampers and other ancillary
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components or systems that are involved in the capture, containment, and

control of grease-laden cooking effluent.
c) Cooking Appliances: Ranges, deep fat fryers, microwave ovens, griddles, grills,
pressurized fryers, potato chip fryers, woks, broilers, doughnut fryers,
barbecue/smokers, ovens, steam kettles, appliances initializing grease and
cooking oils etc.
G-2 REASONS WHY AND WHEN TO PROVIDE FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
a) A kitchen fire suppression system needs to be installed whenever cooking
appliances are using grease or fat for cooking and/or can ignite the ventilation
system. Cooking equipment that produces grease-laden vapors and that might
be a source of ignition of grease in the hood, grease removal device, or duct
shall be protected by fire-suppression equipment.
b) The initial fire hazard is the cooking appliances. However, once the ventilation
system is involved in fire due to propagation from the appliances, the exhaust
system becomes the more severe hazard due to the potential of fire propagation
outside the space.
c) The requirement for kitchen fire suppression systems should be directly linked
to measurements that actually represent the risk. Some other contributory
factors could be but not necessarily Connected load (Kw), Area occupied by
kitchen equipment, Volume of cooking oil and other flammables, inter distances
between equipment, Cooking media, etc.
d) Grease laden hoods can be ignited by heat penetrating the outside of the
kitchen hood. Any penetration to the outside of a hood, shall be either welded or
fit with an approved sealing device so as not to allow cooking grease and oil to
migrate to the outer portion of the hood. (It does not need to be directly
exposed to the flames therefore even flame retardant filters will not always
protect from fire spreading).
e) If sprinkler protection is specified for a building, it needs careful consideration as
to what are the consequences if certain portion of the building is omitted from
the scope of protection e.g. is no water should get on the cooking appliances
(especially the fryer). Removing this protection from a high hazard area logically
requires this area to be protected by a more suitable solution, dedicated to this
special hazard.
f) When a system is required by the authorities concerned who are interested in
providing life and fire safety for the floating populations in big volumes
G-3 FIRE SEPARATION REQUIREMENTS
a) Where a kitchen is required for the preparation of food and/or where 'open
flame' cooking appliances are used and/or where fryers (with no open flames)
are used, the kitchen shall be separated from other parts of the same building
by compartment wall and floor having fire resistance of at least 2 hours.
b) Food serving areas shall be fire separated from the kitchens/cooking areas by
fire rated elements having a resistance of at least one hour. Doors shall have
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fire resistance of two hours rating and fitted with automatic self-closing device.
Note : If the kitchen area is protected by an approved fire suppression system
[see clause G-2(a)], fire rating of all building elements and fire door as stated
above can be reduced to half hour.
c) In the open type kitchen cooking area and sitting area needs to be segregated
by 2 hour rated glass and such glass partitions shall be protected with window
sprinklers. (also see G-3(d) and G-5.2(b) in this regard)
d) Separation requirement for kitchen may be waived
i)
ii)
if all the cooking facilities in the kitchen are fitted with an approved
suppression system OR
If the entire occupancy (kitchen and dining/serving area) is fire
separated from other parts of the same building with all elements
having fire resistance of at least 2 hours.
e) Where the flue or duct passes through the compartment wall or floor, the flue or
duct shall be encased by non-combustible construction and no damper shall be
permitted to be installed in such flue or duct. Also such flue or ductwork shall be
clear from combustible materials by at least 450 mm, and from noncombustibles by at least 150 mm.
f) If the commercial kitchen/cooking is situated in a building that is not sprinkler
protected, the floor area of the kitchen/cooking shall not exceed 150 m2.
g) LPG cylinders provided for the open flame cooking activities are not allowed to
be located at the basement. As regards LPG cylinder storage, attention is drawn
4(25) and Part 8, Section 2 of this Code for compliance requirements
h) Kitchen (even if with electrical ovens) occupancy shall not be allowed below
ground level under any circumstances.
i) It is advisable to locate the kitchen/cooking operations located on the external
periphery of the building so that in the event of mechanical ventilation failure, it
can be naturally ventilated.
j) Show kitchens, Live kitchen with or without live counters are modern trends. As
conditions may vary for different locations, suitable additional separation
arrangements like fire/smoke curtains, fire doors and other types of passive
protection shall be insisted by the authorities if required.
G-4 Life safety and egress requirements shall be governed by the requirements under
life safety, 4 of this Part. In case. The requirements under this section differs from
those under clause 4, this Section shall take precedence.
G-5 FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
G-5.1 General
a) An automatic fixed suppression system must be installed to protect all cooking
equipment producing grease laden vapors and that might be a source of ignition
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of grease in the hood, grease removal device

b) Fire-suppression equipment shall be provided for the protection of grease
removal devices, hood exhaust plenums, and exhaust duct systems. Once a fire
has propagated to the hood and duct, fire suppression is absolutely necessary
to protect the building and its occupants.
c) All fire suppression systems and components installed shall be in accordance
with relevant Indian and/or International Standards.
G-5.2 Cooking equipment (general)
a) Cooking equipment shall be protected with
i)
ii)
iii)
Wet chemical suppression system

Automatic sprinkler system (not in the vicinity of cooking areas or inside
hoods/ducts)
Other equivalent systems like water mist applications for Kitchen fires
b) Due diligence shall be exercised before considering protection with

sprinkler/water mist installation particularly for the protection of fryers. No
sprinklers shall be provided within 5M of cooking equipment and kitchen hoods.
An audit and analysis will be required before installing sprinklers within
commercial cooking areas. Area sensitive to sprinklers shall be deleted but
these areas shall be protected with wet chemical suppression systems or other
systems tested and approved by national/international bodies for the type of
protection. Water mist systems, if approved for use for the type of application
(that is, commercial cooking equipment) by fire tests carried out by approved
national/international laboratories, can also be considered.
c) Kitchen cooking equipment covered by extract hoods shall be fitted with a local
and independent fire suppression system, having approval from
National/International approving bodies for the type of protection concerned.
d) These kitchen hoods independent suppression systems shall discharge wet
chemicals to all areas of a kitchen range extract hood that is potentially coated
in grease. The system shall also discharge over deep fat cooking pans or other
potential fire source. The system can be activated by detectors above the
appliances and in the entrance of the duct. Additional detector behind
equipment in the duct may be necessary or fusible links, or manually by an
actuation device easy accessible in the path of egress.
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e) Cooking equipment shall be protected with

iv)
v)
vi)
Wet chemical suppression system

Automatic sprinkler system (not in the vicinity of cooking areas or inside
hoods/ducts)
Other equivalent systems like water mist applications for Kitchen fires
f) Due diligence shall be exercised before considering protection with

sprinkler/water mist installation particularly for the protection of fryers. No
sprinklers shall be provided within 5 m of cooking equipment and kitchen hoods.
An audit and analysis will be required before installing sprinklers within
commercial cooking areas. Area sensitive to sprinklers shall be deleted but
these areas shall be protected with wet chemical suppression systems or other
systems tested and approved by national/international bodies for the type of
protection. Water mist systems, if approved for use for the type of application
(that is, commercial cooking equipment) by fire tests carried out by approved
national/international laboratories, can also be considered.
g) Kitchen cooking equipment covered by extract hoods shall be fitted with a local
and independent fire suppression system, having approval from
National/International approving bodies for the type of protection concerned.
h) These kitchen hoods independent suppression systems shall discharge wet
chemicals to all areas of a kitchen range extract hood that is potentially coated
in grease. The system shall also discharge over deep fat cooking pans or other
potential fire source. The system can be activated by detectors above the
appliances and in the entrance of the duct. Additional detector behind
equipment in the duct may be necessary or fusible links, or manually by an
actuation device easy accessible in the path of egress.
i) Following shall be the operational sequence:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
Upon actuation of fire suppression system, any power or gas supplies

serving the kitchen equipment must be cut-off and isolated
The fire suppression agent (wet chemical) shall be automatically
released to the hood filter and into the connecting ductwork and over
kitchen appliances.
The exhaust fan shall not stop and continue operating, even after
activation of the system. The supply fan shall be cut off.
Detectors shall also be provided behind filters and over deep fat fryers
but shall be carefully set to prevent false alarm from cooking that use
flames.
Gas detectors shall be fitted to all kitchens that link to a gas solenoid
valve for emergency shut off. Suitable gas detection system (based on
type of gas used LPG or CNG) integrated with fire detection & alarm
system must be provided in addition to heat/multi detectors and
sprinklers.
Manual shut off devices shall activate the fire suppression system,
which in turn shall stop other systems like fuel supply, power supply etc.
This should operate mechanically and not rely on electrical power for
activation, unless this is from an emergency power source as described
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in this code.
In the event of the kitchen hood system being activated, an alarm
should be sounded. The system must be interfaced with the fire
detection and alarm system.
j) Extinguishers in the vicinity of cooking area and the hoods shall be suitable for
the type of fire (Class K type).
G-5.3 Cooking Equipment and Ventilation
a) Cooking equipment below hoods that contain automatic fire suppression
equipment is protected and shall not require protection from the overhead
sprinkler system.
b) Commercial cooking areas and kitchen shall be provided with sprinklers but only
in areas at least 5 m away from the cooking equipment and fat frying areas. The
latter shall be provided with wet chemical suppression systems as stated in
previous clauses.
c) Hoods/Ducts containing automatic fire suppression systems are protected
areas; therefore, these hoods are not considered obstructions to overhead
sprinkler systems and shall not require floor coverage underneath thereof.
d) Sprinkler installation shall comply with various provisions contained in accepted
standard 4(28). The temperature rating of sprinklers shall be so selected that it
is 30 above the anticipated maximum temperature within cooking/kitchen
areas.
e) Provision of cleaning of the kitchen exhaust every six months to ensure that the
carbon shoot accumulated in the exhaust duct is cleaned to avoid the chances
of outbreak of fire.
G-5.4 Cooking Equipment
a) Cooking equipment (such as deep fat fryers, rangers, griddles, and broilers) that
may be a source of ignition shall be provided in accordance with the provision of
G 5.2(a) above.
b) The operation of any sprinkler within the kitchen or cooking area shall
automatically shut off all sources of fuel and heat to all equipment requiring
protection. Any gas appliance not requiring protection but located under
ventilating equipment shall also be shut off. All shutdown devices shall be of the
type that requires manual resetting prior to fuel or power being restored.
c) An approved indicating valve shall be installed in the water supply line to the
sprinklers protecting the cooking and ventilating system.
d) An approved indicating valve shall be installed in the main water supply
preceding sprinklers having nominal orifice sizes smaller than 9.5mm.
e) A system test connection shall be provided to verify proper operation of
equipment specified in item G-5.2(i)(iii) above.
f) Sprinklers shall be preferably replaced once in two years as they are likely to be
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coated with grease and other particles during their use and thus their thermal
sensing elements desensitized.
g) Any penetrations to the outside of a hood, be either welded or fit with a sealing
device (certified by national/international approval bodies) to not allow cooking
grease, oil to migrate to the outer portion of the hood. The fitment arrangements
shall be of Nationally/internationally approved type. Gaskets for the panels shall
be certified to withstand a temperature of 800C.
h) Grease strip shall be readily available for efficient and regular cleaning of
concrete or paved floors of kitchen and restaurant and also the drainage areas.
i) The kitchen hoods shall be provided with hot water spray nozzle system or
steam system to ensure that after kitchen closes down the hood is cleaned with
one of the systems mentioned above, so that grease stuck in the hoods can be
safety drained out.
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ANNEX J
(Clause F-2)
CAR PARKING FACILITIES
J-1 GENERAL
a) The provisions under this clause shall apply to parking structures of the
closed or open type, within buildings above or below grade.
b) Where both parking and repair operations are conducted in the same building,
the entire building shall be treated as mixed occupancy and requirements
shall be governed by the most restrictive clauses under each of the
occupancies.
c) Where the parking and other sections are separated by not less than 2 h firerated construction, the parking and other sections shall be permitted to be
treated separately.
d) Floor surfaces shall be non-combustible, sloping towards drains to remove
accumulation of water.
J-2 OPEN PARKING STRUCTURES
a) The term open parking structure specifies the degree to which the structures
exterior walls must have openings. Parking structures that meet the definition
of the term open parking structure provide sufficient area in exterior walls to
vent the products of combustion to a greater degree than an enclosed parking
structure.
b) A parking structure (stand-alone) that, at each parking level, has wall
openings open to the atmosphere, for an area of not less than 0.4 m2 for each
linear meter (1.4 ft2 for each linear foot) of its exterior perimeter. Such
openings are distributed over 40 % of the building perimeter or uniformly over
two opposing sides. Interior wall lines and column lines are at least 20 percent
open, with openings distributed to provide ventilation. Else, the structure shall
be deemed as enclosed parking structures. (see below)
NOTE: A car park located at the stilt level of a building (not open to sky) can be considered an
open or an unenclosed car park if all of the following are complied:
i) 50% of the car park perimeter shall be having permanent natural ventilation opening
ii) At least 75% of the car park perimeter is having the 50% natural ventilation opening.
iii) Any part of the car park shall be within 30m of a permanent natural ventilation
opening.
c) Those parts of parking structures located within, immediately below, attached

to, or less than 3 m from a building used for any other purpose shall be
separated by walls, partitions, floors, or floorceiling assemblies having fire
resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
d) No fire-rated separation shall be required when parts of a parking structure
and a building used for any other purpose are separated by 6 m or more, and
are attached only via open-sided pedestrian or other means.
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e) Offices or other similar spaces that are related to the operation of the parking
structure (other than offices or attendant booths) which shall not be more than
300 m2 in area, shall be separated from parking areas by walls or partitions
that resist the passage of smoke.
f) Vehicle ramps shall not be considered as required only exits unless
pedestrian facilities are provided.
g) The area of floor used for parking of automobiles or other vehicles shall be
sloped to facilitate the movement of liquids to a drain or toward the main
vehicle entry doorway.
h) Open parking areas employing parking machines, lifts, elevators or other
mechanical devices for vehicles moving from and to street level and in which
public occupancy is prohibited above the street level.
i) Means of egress shall meet the requirements specified in 4.2.
j) Other occupancies like Fuel dispensing, car repair facilities etc. shall not be
allowed in the building.
k) External and internal fire hydrants, automatic sprinkler system and manual fire
alarm system backed by call stations shall be provided on all floors in open
parking Structures.
J-3 ENCLOSED PARKING STRUCTURES
a) Those car parking structures which are fully enclosed on all sides and on top,
not falling within the definition of open car parking [see J-2(b)] and also those
situated in the basements shall be known as enclosed car parking structures.
b) Enclosed car park space shall be divided into smoke control zones by
provision of smoke barriers with each zone not larger than 3 000 m2 for
purpose of smoke containment and smoke extraction.
c) Total depth of the building below grade level shall not be more than 15 m.
d) Those car parking areas situated in the basement shall be separated from the
occupancies above by fire rated building construction having a rating of at
least 2 hours.
e) The entire car parking area along with the main building above shall be
protected by automatic and manual fire alarm system and automatic sprinkler
system as per requirements given in Table 7 for the occupancy concerned. All
Sprinklers shall be quick response type with minimum K-Factor of 80, area
coverage of 10 m2 and at a design density of 6.1 lpm/m2. There shall be
separate sprinkler zones for every 4500 m2 of floor area or part thereof.
f) Other fire protection systems like hydrant systems, wet risers etc. shall also
be provided in terms of Table 7 for the car parking areas according to the
main occupancy.
g) Smoke extraction system shall be provided for car parking areas in
basements or enclosed for floor area for every 3000 m or part thereof,
designed to not less than 12 air-changes per hour. (see Section 3.4.11 and
3.4.12 and also Annex D, Basements)
h) The smoke extraction system shall be activated automatically by the building
fire alarm system. In addition, a remote manual start-stop switch shall be
located at fire command centre or at main fire alarm panel on first storey
(where there is no emergency command centre in the building). Visual
indication of the operation status of the smoke purging system shall also be
provided with this remote control.
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i) Supply air to the extent of not less than 85 percent shall be drawn directly
from the exterior open place and its intake shall not be less than 5 m from any
exhaust discharge openings. Outlets for the supply air shall be adequately
distributed over the car park area at floor level.
j) Exhaust fans of the basement car park smoke extraction system shall be
capable of operating effectively at 400 C for 2 hours. The exhaust air ducts
shall be capable of withstanding a temperature of 250 C for 1 hour.
k) All staircases, shafts and other penetrations from higher levels shall be fire
separated/fire stopped with a rating of at least two hours. All ducts passing
through 2 hours fire rated walls/floors shall be provided with automatic fire
dampers and all other wall/floor penetrations shall be properly sealed by
approved FR material of same fire rating.
l) Offices or other similar spaces that are related to the operation of the parking
structure (other than offices or attendant booths) which shall not be more than
300 m2 in area, shall be separated from parking areas by walls or partitions
that resist the passage of smoke.
m) All fire exit doors from the car parking to exits shall be painted green and shall
display exit signage.
J-4
AUTOMATED
CAR
PARKING
COMPUTERIZED/ ROBOTIC MEANS
UTILIZING
MECHANICAL
OR
a) Automated car parking structure can be of open parking type or enclosed

types
b) Automated car parking facilities pose more hazard compared to manual
parking due to following reasons:
i) High density of cars due to close stacking-one over another
ii) Lack of provision on fire separation/compartmentation-horizontal or
vertical to prevent rapid fire spread
iii) Non availability of any person to notice/control the fire in initial stages.
iv) Limited access to firefighting personnel.
v) extensive height and depth involved with highly combustible load
c) In case of open structure parking, maximum height of the building shall be
limited to 30 m above the grade level. If it is underground, the parking area
shall be restricted to a maximum of 15 m depth below grade level.
d) Requirements indicated against Clauses c, d, e, f, j and m from J-1 and
clauses b, c, e, f, g, h, I, j, k and l from J-2 shall also be applicable for
automated car parking of open type parking and enclosed type parking
structures as the case may be.
e) External fire escape staircases, at least 1 250 mm wide shall be provided at
appropriate locations so that no place is more than 30 m from the nearest
staircase. Horizontal walkways, at least 1 000 mm wide for access to all the
areas shall be provided at every parking level.
f) Travel distance and means of egress shall be governed by the respective
sections of this Code.
g) In addition to Fire protection requirements given in Table 7, appropriate fire
detection and suppressions systems shall be provided for the protection of
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hydraulic oil tank and pumps located below ground level for operation of car
lifts.
h) Electrical control panels, if located below grade level shall be segregated from
the hydraulic oil tanks & pumps and protected by automatic clean agent fire
suppressions system.
i) The hazardous areas like DG sets, transformers, HT/LT panels for the parking
lot shall be suitably segregated from other areas as per requirements given in
the code and all such areas shall be protected by suitable automatic fire
suppressions systems.
j) For mixed occupancy multilevel automatic parkings, the habitable areas like
offices/shops/restaurants shall be limited to Ground and first floor only and
segregated from the parking lot by 2 hours fire rated partitions. Entrance and
exits to habitable areas shall be independent of the parking lots and designed
to keep the travel distance and means of egress/escape as per requirements
of respective sections of the code for appropriate occupancy.
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ANNEX K
[Clause 6.7.3(d)]
FIRE PROTECTION CONSIDERATIONS FOR VENTING IN INDUSTRIAL
BUILDINGS
K-1
APPLICATION AND SCOPE
K-1.1 The provisions given below are applicable only to single storey industrial
buildings (factories and storage buildings) covering large floor areas without
subdividing/separating walls which are usually designed to meet modern production
methods.
K-1.2 The requirements of fire and explosion venting of industrial buildings, as dealt
with in this section, fall under two categories:
a) Smoke and fire venting, and
b) Explosion relief vents.
K-2
SMOKE AND FIRE VENTING
K-2.1 The basic considerations for formulating the design and other requirements
for smoke and fire vents are as given in F-2.1.1 to F-2.1.20.
K-2.1.1 The smoke and hot combustion products from a fire, being lighter than the
surrounding air, tend to rise and on reaching the roof or ceiling spread out
(mushroom) on all sides and form a layer which floats on top of the cold air
beneath. In the absence of vents, this layer becomes progressively deeper until the
whole building is filled with hot smoky gases. The time consumed for this to
happen may be only a few minutes, depending on variables like, type of materials
on fire, process/storage conditions involved, etc.
K-2.1.2 The hot gases at the roof level moved by convection currents contribute to
rapid lateral spread of fire.
K-2.1.3 The provision of properly designed and suitably located vents in adequate
number helps the speedy removal of smoke and hot gases, thereby preventing
spread of fire, besides reducing risks of explosion of unburnt gases and reducing
damage to the contents and structure of the building by heat and smoke. In
addition, they facilitate firefighting operations, and minimize personal hazards to the
firemen.
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K-2.1.4 The time taken for accumulation of smoke and hot gases within a building
on fire being very short, the venting devices installed shall be designed to operate
in the early stage of the fire and must be automatic so as to ensure speed and
efficiency in their operation.
K-2.1.5 The smoke and fire venting system shall be designed in such a manner as
to keep the temperature of the combustion products from the fire as low as
possible, preferably below approximately 150 C.
K-2.1.6 Automatic venting systems are complementary to the fire extinguishing
systems, and automatic sprinklers, where provided, should operate before the
operation of the vents; otherwise, venting may delay sprinkler operation.
K-2.1.7 It is easier to vent a building of smoke than clear it of smoke once it has
been filled.
K-2.1.8 Venting is particularly desirable in large area industrial buildings or
warehouses, windowless buildings, underground structures or in areas housing
hazardous operations. Automatic fire vents shall be provided for all industrial
occupancies (including storage buildings) classified as medium hazard or above
having floor areas exceeding 750 m2, irrespective of whether they are
compartmentalized or not.
K-2.1.9 These provisions do not cover other aspects, of ventilation (or lighting)
designed for regulation of temperature within a building for personal comfort or
meeting process needs.
K-2.1.10 Similarly, fire and smoke venting requirements as given here under are
also not applicable to multi-storey buildings, as their requirements are different and
more complex.
K-2.1.11 It is difficult to determine precise venting requirements on account of the
many variables involved. For instance, the rate of combustion varies appreciably
according to the nature, shape, size and packaging of the combustible materials as
well as the size, height and disposition of the stacks of materials.
K-2.1.12 In industrial buildings of floor area less than 750 m 2 and used as low fire
hazard occupancies, conventional ventilators fitted high up near the eaves of the
external walls may serve as vents for smoke and hot gases, provided care is taken
to ensure that they are kept open at all times or are designed to open automatically
in case of fire.
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K-2.1.13 Extinction of fires by closing the doors and windows is not likely in the
case of industrial buildings because of their large size, where sufficient air to
sustain the fire at least in the initial stages can be expected to be present.
K-2.1.14 Of the two types of building ventilation, namely, vertical and horizontal,
vertical ventilation is the one commonly adopted in the case of single storey
industrial buildings.
K-2.1.15 Since 70 to 80 percent of heat produced in a fire is convective heat, the
ventilation system has to be suitably designed to ensure early outflow of the heat
and thereby minimize fire spread.
K-2.1.16 Combustible roof linings shall be avoided, as they themselves will
contribute to the spread of fire, thereby multiplying the venting problems.
K-2.1.17 A wind blowing across a flat roof or a roof with a pitch under 40 produces
a negative pressure, that is, it tends to draw gases out of the building and so aids
venting of hot gases. Wind blowing across a roof of pitch greater than 40 will draw
gases out on the leeward side, but oppose outward flow on the windward side of
the roof.
K-2.1.18 For vents to work at full efficiency, the area of the inlets for cold air
entering the compartment must equal at least the total area of the vents. Ideally,
the inlets shall be as close to the ground as possible.
K-2.1.19 Where roof vents are installed in a single-storey building any neighboring
buildings, particularly those of more than one storey, will be subject to some degree
of exposure hazard either from flying birds or radiation, or both, as a result.
K-2.1.20 If vents are to be installed, the size, design, number and disposition of the
vents and the associated roof screens/curtain boards have to be assessed after
careful analysis of the various factors stated under F-2.1.11 above, as well as other
related factors like type of building construction, nature and height of roof, process
hazards, exposure hazard, etc.
K-2.2 Venting Area
K-2.2.1 The estimated requirements for ventilation are largely based on the
assumed build-up of the fire from the time of initial outbreak to the time of effective
firefighting action by fire brigade.
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K-2.2.2 The vent area required to be provided shall be approximately proportional

to the perimeter of the fire area, because the entrained air forms the bulk of the
vented gases.
K-2.2.3 The effective area shall be the minimum cross-sectional area through which
the hot gases must flow out to the atmosphere.
K-2.2.4 No consideration shall be given to the increased air movement obtained by
power operated fans, since it must be assumed that in the event of fire, power will
be interrupted, or fans damaged by heat.
K-2.2.5 The total vent areas to be provided shall be as per the following ratios of
effective area of vent openings to floor area for various occupancy classifications
indicated:
a) Low heat release content (Subdivision G-1)
1:150
b) Moderate heat release content (Subdivision G-2) 1:100

c) High heat release content (Subdivision G-3)
1:30 to 1:50
K-2.3 Types of Vents

K-2.3.1 Venting shall be accomplished by any of the types such as monitors
continuous gravity vents, until type vents or sawtooth roof skylights.
K-2.3.2 Where monitor type vents are installed, wire glass or metal panels shall be
used only if the sash is arranged to open automatically.
K-2.3.3 The use of plain thin glass for venting shall be avoided on account of its
unpredictable behavior during fire. However, if glass or other suitable plastic sheet
materials with early disintegration characteristics are used, they should be designed
for automatic operation.
K-2.3.4 Where monitors or unit type vents are used, the panels shall be hinged at
the bottom and designed to open automatically. Both sides of the vents shall be
designed to vent simultaneously to ensure that their effectiveness at the time of fire
is not in any way impeded by wind direction.
K-2.3.5 Where movable shutters are provided for continuous gravity vents, these
shall open automatically in the event of fire.
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K-2.3.6 Unit type vents shall be of relatively small area, ranging between
1 m2 and 9 m2, having light weight metal frames and housing with hinged dampers
which shall be designed for both manual and automatic operation.
K-2.3.7 Sawtooth roof skylight shall be considered as satisfactory for venting
purposes only when designed for automatic operation.
K-2.3.8 Likewise, exterior wall windows shall not be reckoned as satisfactory
means for venting of fire gases and smoke in industrial buildings. However, they
may be reckoned as additional means of venting when, they are located close to
the caves and are provided with ordinary glass or movable sash arranged for both
manual and automatic operation.
K-2.3.9 Baffles shall not be installed inside vents, as they greatly reduce the
effective area for venting.
K-2.4 Vent Operation
K-2.4.1 The vents shall be automatic in operation, unless where specified in these
provisions that they shall be designed for both manual and automatic operation.
K-2.4.2 The release mechanism shall be simple for operation and independent of
electrical power, since electrical services may be interrupted by fire.
K-2.4.3 The automatic operation of vents shall be achieved by actuation of fusible
links or other types of heat and smoke detectors, or by interlocking with operation of
sprinkler system or any other automatic fire extinguishing system covering the area.
Following their release, the vents shall be designed to open by a system of
counterweights and associated equipment utilizing the force of gravity or spring
loaded levers.
K-2.4.4 Automatic fire alarm system, where installed, shall be coupled to the
automatic vents to ensure simultaneous operation.
K-2.4.5 Automatic sprinklers, where installed, shall operate before the vents open
order to avoid any likely delay in sprinkler operation. However, heat actuated
devices used for vent release shall be suitably shielded from sprinkler discharge so
that water does not delay their action.
K-2.4.6 Premises where height of roof apex is 10 m or more or where the materials
handled or stored have high smoke producing characteristics, in addition to fusible
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links, the vent release mechanism shall be interlinked to smoke actuated automatic
fire detectors to ensure early operation of vents.
K-2.4.7 Non-corrosive materials shall be used for hinges, hatches and other related
parts to ensure long fail-safe operation of the vents.
K-2.4.8 In case of any doubts regarding the types of vents required to be installed
for any particular occupancy, authorities having jurisdiction shall be consulted.
K-2.5 Size, Spacing and Disposition of Vents
K-2.5.1Vents shall be correctly sited to ensure their functional efficiency. Ideally,
they shall be sited at the highest point in each area to be covered.
K-2.5.2 They shall, as far as possible, be located immediately above the risk to be
protected so as to allow free and speedy removal of smoke and other combustion
products in the event of fire.
K-2.5.3 The minimum dimension for an effective vent opening shall be not less than
1.25 m in any direction.
K-2.5.4 The spacing of the individual vent shall be based on the principle that more
number of well distributed smaller vents are more effective than less number of
badly located larger vents.
K-2.5.5 The maximum spacing between vents for the three occupancy
classifications shall be as follows:
a) Low heat release content 45 m between centers
b) Moderate heat release content 36 to 37 m between centers
c) High heat release content 22.5 to 30 m between centers,
depending on the severity of fire potential.
K-2.5.6 Vents shall be placed in a sheltered situation where advantage can be
taken of the prevailing wind. The design of the vent shall be such as to produce a
suction effect. A wind blowing across a flat roof or one with a pitch be 40 produces
a negative pressure, that is, it tends to draw gases out of the building and so aids
venting of hot gases. Wind blowing across a roof of pitch greater than 40 will
draw gases out of the leeward side, but oppose outward flow on the windward side
of the roof.
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K-2.5.7 Low level inlets, with total area not less than the total area of vents, shall be
provided to permit outside air to be drawn in to aid automatic venting. These inlets,
which may be in the form of doors, windows or such other openings, shall be
designed for manual operation when desired.
K-2.6 Roof Screens or Curtain Boards
K-2.6.1 Industrial buildings with large areas and having no subdivision/separating
walls limiting the area of individual compartments to 750 m 2 or less, shall be
provided with roof screens or curtain boards.
These screens which extend from the roof downwards at specific intervals not only
prevent lateral spread of heat and smoke in the event of fire below, but substantially
assist in early operation of automatic sprinklers and vents.
K-2.6.2 They shall be of sheet metal or may other substantial non-combustible
material strong enough to withstand damage by heat or impact.
K-2.6.3 They shall be reasonably gas-tight, although small openings for passage of
pipes, conduits, etc, shall be permitted.
K-2.6.4 They shall extend down from the roof/ceiling for a minimum depth of 2.2 m.
around specific hazards, the depth shall be 4 m. Where roof/ceiling height exceeds
15 m they shall extend down to within 3 m of the floor. For pitched sawtoothed
roofs, they shall extend down to truss level dividing the roof into compartments.
K-2.6.5 In moderate hazard occupancies, the distance between the screens/curtain
boards shall not exceed 75 m and the curtained areas shall be limited to a
maximum of 4 500 m2.
K-2.6.6 In high hazard occupancies, the distance between screens shall not exceed
30 m and the curtained area shall be limited to 750 m2.
K-2.6.7 The curtained roof area shall be so arranged that they effectively aid in the
venting of smoke and hot gases through the automatic vents provided in each area.
K-2.6.8 In sprinklered buildings, the screens shall preferably be so located as to
coincide with the individual sprinkler system areas.
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EXPLOSION RELIEF VENTS
K-3.1 Industrial premises where combustible dusts can accumulate or where

flammable gases, vapours or mists in explosive concentrations may be present are
constantly exposed to explosion hazards. Pressures developed by such explosion
hazards. Pressures developed by such explosions may be of the order of
7 x 105 Pa and ordinary buildings will not be able to withstand the shock of such
pressures. Hence, such buildings require explosion relief vents for preventing
structural damage.
K-3.2 Basic Principle/Considerations
K-3.2.1 Most ordinary building walls will not withstand a sustained internal pressure
as great as 6.9x103 Pa. Hence, explosion relief vents for buildings must be
designed to operate at pressures well below those at which the building walls will
fail.
K-3.2.2 There is a rise in pressure during an explosion within an enclosure even
with open, unobstructed vents, and any delay in opening the venting devices
increases that pressure.
K-3.2.3 Structural damage can be minimized by locating hazardous operations or
equipment outside buildings and cut off from other operations by a pressure
resisting wall. Such isolated processes or equipment shall be housed in singlestorey buildings properly vented and a device provided at the inlet of the collector
which will prevent an explosion from blowing back through the duct work and into
the building.
K-3.2.4 Where highly hazardous operations cannot be located outside of main
buildings they shall be segregated by pressure resisting walls and each such unit
shall be ventilated outdoors. External walls may be of heavy construction if
equipped with suitable vents or high weight panels which blow out easily.
K-3.2.5 Operations or equipment involving explosion hazards shall not be permitted
in basements or areas partially below grade.
K-3.2.6 Fire can be expected to follow an explosion in most occupancies, so that
any fixed fire extinguishing equipment, like sprinklers, if installed, shall be such that
only the minimum damage is caused to it.
K-3.2.7 For a given material, the finer the particle size of the dust, the more violent
is the explosion. Some materials, such as aluminum powder, hydrogen, and
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acetylene, are difficult to vent effectively due to the rapid rate of pressure rise.
Some slow burning materials, such as coal dust in a confined space, may do much
damage because of the longer duration of their presence. Some dusts, such as
magnesium, titanium and zirconium and several metal hydrides may react with and
ignite in some common inert gases, such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
K-3.2.8 The maximum explosion pressure in a vented structure decreases as the
size of the vent increases, but is independent of the rupturing pressure of a
diaphragm.
K-3.2.9 The most effective vent for the release of explosion pressures is an
unobstructed vent opening.
K-3.2.10 Pressure required to rupture diaphragms of the same area and material
directly varies with the thickness of the material.
K-3.2.11 The slower the rate of pressure rise, the more easily can the explosion be
vented.
K-3.2.12 The degree of venting required is directly proportional to the degree of
explosion hazard.
K-3.2.13 Experience has shown that most explosions of dusts, vapours and gases
do not involve a large part of the total volume of the enclosure, and frequently occur
near the upper or lower limits of the explosive range. Consequently, such
explosions are relatively weak compared with the optimum.
K-3.2.14 Rectangular unrestricted vents are as effective as square vents of equal
area.
K-3.3 Types of Explosion Relief Vents
K-3.3.1 The explosion relief vents shall be any one or more of the following types,
depending on individual requirements as assessed by the Authority. Open or
unobstructed vents, louvers, open roof vents, hanger type doors, building doors,
windows, roof or wall panels or movable fixed sash.
K-3.3.2 The effect or external wind pressure or suction on these devices shall be
taken into consideration while designing and selecting the type of vents, since wind
pressures may reach over 2x105 Pa in severe wind storms.
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K-3.3.3 The type of vent for explosion relief for any occupancy shall be selected
with life safety as the primary aim followed by minimum damage to property.
K-3.3.4 Where large hanger type doors of metal curtain doors in side walls are
used as vents care shall be taken to ensure that they are kept wide open during
operations.
K-3.3.5 Where weather hoods are used to cover roof vents, they shall be as light as
possible and lightly attached so as to enable them to be blown off quickly when an
explosion occurs.
K-3.3.6 Doors and windows when used as explosion vents shall be installed to
swing outwards. Doors shall have friction, spring or magnetic latches that will
function automatically to permit the door to open under slight internal pressure.
K-3.3.7 Movable sash shall be of the top or bottom hinged or protected type. These
shall be equipped with a latch or friction device to prevent accidental opening due to
wind action or intrusion. Such latches or locks shall be well maintained.
K-3.3.8 Fixed sash shall be set in place with very light wall anchorages, or, if right,
shall be securely fitted and glazed with plastic panes in plastic putty.
K-3.3.9 Where the process is such that the whole of a building or a room may be
desirable to arrange for a lightly constructed wall or roof to collapse and thus avert
the worst effects of an explosion.
K-3.4 Design, Size and Disposition of Vents
K-3.4.1 The required area of explosion vents shall ordinarily depend on the
expected maximum intensity of an explosion in the occupancy, the strength of the
structure, the type of vent closure and other factors.
K-3.4.2 Venting shall be planned in such a manner as to prevent injury to personnel
and damage to exposure. In congested locations, substantial ducts or diverters
shall be provided to direct the blast.
K-3.4.3 When ductwork is used, the ducts shall be of sufficient strength to withstand
the maximum expected explosion pressure.
K-3.4.4 Where explosions are likely within duct and piping systems, they shall be
vented by the use of suitable diaphragms designed to blow out at a predetermined
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pressure. There shall be no physical connection between ductwork system for

more than one collector.
K-3.4.5 In large structures, the position of vents shall be relative to the point of
origin of explosion, when it can be determined.
K-3.4.6 Where relatively slow explosions involving coal dust, chlorinated solvents,
etc, are involved, light, hinged swinging panels may be preferred to diaphragm type
of vents.
K-3.4.7 Obstructions of any kind blocking the vents from the risk covered shall be
avoided, particularly where risks of rapid violent explosions are present.
K-3.4.8 Counter weights add to the inertia of the vents and so shall be avoided.
K-3.4.9 Various relieving devices, including devices actuated by detonators, shall
start to open at as low a pressure as possible. They shall be of light construction,
so that full opening can be quickly attained.
K-3.4.10 Vents shall be of such size and design as to prevent rupture of the
protected device or apparatus.
K-3.4.11 Skylights or monitors with movable sash that will open outwards, or fixed
sash containing panes of glass or plastic that will blow out readily under pressure
from within, can be used to supplement wall vents or windows, provided resistance
to their displacement or opening is kept as low as consistent with the requirements
for structural strength.
K-3.4.12 Flexible plastic sheets when used for vent closures shall be installed in
slotted frames in such a way that pressure from within bulges the sheets and
releases them from the holding frame.
K-3.4.13 Fragile sheets made of plastic, when used for vent closures, shall be thin
sheets that will crack or rupture under less pressure than single strength glass. For
this reason use of transparent or translucent plastic sheets is more advantageous
instead of glass in window sash.
K-3.4.14 If closed vents are used they shall be larger in area than unenclosed vents
to provide equivalent explosion pressure relief.
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K-3.4.15 Small enclosures, such as machines, shall be vented more generously

than buildings, because if an explosion occurs in a machine, its entire volume may
be involved.
K-3.4.16 Vents for the protection of buildings and equipment shall be installed on
the following basis.
K-3.4.16.1 Small enclosures of less than 30 m3, machines and ovens of light
construction: 1 000 cm2 for each 0.3 m3 to 0.9 m3.
K-3.4.16.2 For small enclosures of more substantial construction having reasonably
high bursting strength: 1 000 cm2 for each 0.9 m3.
K-3.4.16.3 Fairly large enclosures of 30 to 700 m3, such as bins, silos, rooms,
storage tanks, etc.: 1 000 cm2 for each 0.9 m3 to 1.5 m3. In these cases, attempt
shall be made to the extent possible to predict the likely point of origin of the
explosion in relation to the vent.
K-3.4.16.4 Large rooms and buildings over 700 m 3 containing hazardous
equipment comprising a small fraction of the entire volume:
a) For heavy reinforced concrete, walls: 100 cm2 for each 2.25 m3.
b) For light reinforced concrete, brick or wood construction:
1 000 cm2 for each 1.65 m3 to 2.25 m3.
c) For lightweight construction such as prefabricated panels:
1
2
3
3
000 cm for each 1.5 m to 1.65 m .
K-3.4.16.5 Large rooms or building over 700 m3 containing hazardous equipment
comprising a large part of the entire volume of a room or building shall be vented
as generously as possible 1 000 cm2 for each 0.3 m3 to 1.05 m3.
K-3.4.16.6 In order to obtain these ratios, the size of the building or room must be
limited. For some hazardous materials, such as hydrogen, acetylene, carbon
disulphide, etc, these limits are extremely low.
K-3.4.17 Emphasis shall always be placed on segregating hazardous areas by
means of firewalls or separating walls to prevent spread of fire.
K-3.4.18 Interior walls of light construction, such as tile, shall be avoided in
hazardous locations, since they can cause injuries to personnel in the event of an
explosion.
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ANNEX L
(Clause D-19)
GUIDELINES FOR FIRE DRILL AND EVACUATION PROCEDURES
FOR HIGH RISE BUILDINGS (ABOVE 15m IN HEIGHT)
L-1 INTRODUCTION
In case of fire in a high rise building, safe evacuation of its occupants may present
serious problems unless a plan for orderly and systematic evacuation is prepared in
advance and all occupants are well drilled in the operation of such plan. These
guidelines are intended to assist them in this task.
L-2 ALARMS
Any person discovering fire, heat or smoke shall immediately report such condition
to the fire brigade, unless he has personal knowledge that such a report has been
made. No person shall make, issue, post or maintain any regulation or order,
written or verbal, that would require any person to take any unnecessary delaying
action prior to reporting such condition to the fire brigade.
L-3 DRILLS
L-3.1 Fire drills shall be conducted, in accordance with the Fire Safety Plan, at
least once every three months for existing buildings during the first two years.
Thereafter, fire drills shall be conducted at least once every six months.
L-3.2 All occupants of the building shall participate in the fire drill. However,
occupants of the building, other than building service employees, are not required
to leave the floor or use the exits during the drill.
L-3.3 A written record of such drills shall be kept on the premises for a three years
period and shall be readily available for Fire Brigade inspection.
L-4
SIGNS AND PLANS
L-4.1 Signs at Lift Landings

A sign shall be posted and maintained in a conspicuous place on every floor at or
near the lift landing in accordance with the requirements, indicating that in case of
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fire, occupants shall use the stairs unless instructed otherwise. The sign shall
contain a diagram showing the location of the stairways except that such diagram
may be omitted, provided signs containing such diagram are posted in conspicuous
places on the respective floor.
A sign shall read IN CASE OF FIRE, USE STAIRS UNLESS INSTRUCTED
OTHERWISE. The lettering shall be at least 12.5 mm block letters in red and white
background. Such lettering shall be properly spaced to provide good legibility. The
sign shall be at least 250 mm x 300 mm, where the diagram is also incorporated in
it and 62.5 mm x 250 mm where the diagram is omitted. In the latter case, the
diagram sign shall be at least 200 mm x 300 mm. The sign shall be located directly
above a call-button and squarely attached to the wall or partition. The top of the
sign shall not be above 2 m from the floor level.
L-4.2 Floor Numbering Signs
A sign shall be posted and maintained within each stair enclosure on every floor,
indicating the number of the floor, in accordance with the requirements given below.
The numerals shall be of bold type and at least 75 mm high. The numerals and
background shall be in contrasting colours. The sign shall be securely attached to
the stair side of the door.
L-4.3 Stair and Elevator Identification Signs
Each stairway and each elevator back shall be identified by an alphabetical letter.
A sign indicating the letter of identification shall be posted and maintained at each
elevator landing and on the side of the stairway door from which egress is to be
made, in accordance with the requirements given below.
The lettering on the sign shall be at least 75 mm high, of bold type and of
contrasting colour from the background. Such signs shall be securely attached.
L-4.4 Stair Re-entry Signs
A sign shall be posted and maintained on each floor within each stairway and on
the occupancy side of the stairway where required, indicating whether re-entry is
provided into the building and the floor where such re-entry is provided, in
accordance with the requirements given below.
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The lettering and numerals of the signs shall be at least 12.5 mm high of bold type.
The lettering and background shall be of contrasting colours and the signs shall be
securely attached approximately 1.5 m above the floor level.
L-4.5 Fire command station shall be provided with floor plan of the building and
other pertinent information relative to the service equipment of the building.
L-5
FIRE SAFETY PLAN
L-5.1 A format for the Fire Safety Plan shall be as given in D-8 and L-8.
L-5.2 The applicable parts of the approved Fire Safety Plan shall be distributed to
all tenants of the building by the building management when the Fire Safety Plan
has been approved by the Fire Authority.
L-5.3 The applicable parts of the approved Fire Safety Plan shall then be
distributed by the tenants to all their employees and by the building management to
all their building employees.
L-5.4 Where the owner of the building is also an occupant of the building, he shall
be responsible for the observance of these rules and the Fire Safety Plan in the
same manner as a tenant.
L-5.5 In the event there are changes from conditions existing at the time the Fire
Safety Plan for the building was approved, and the changes are such so as to
require amending the Fire Safety Plan, within 30 days after such changes, an
amended Fire Safety Plan shall be submitted to the fire brigade for approval.
L-6
FIRE COMMAND STATION
A Fire command station shall be established in the lobby of the building on the
entrance floor. Such command station shall be adequately illuminated.
L-7
COMMUNICATIONS AND FIRE ALARM
A means of communication and fire alarm for use during fire emergencies shall be
provided and maintained by the owner or person in charge of the building.
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FIRE SAFETY PLAN FORMAT
L-8.1 Building Address

Street and Pin Code Number
Telephone Number..
L-8.2 Purpose and Objective
L-8.2.1Purpose
To establish method of systematic, safe and orderly evacuation of an area or
building by and of its occupants in case of fire or other emergency, in the least
possible time, to a safe area by the nearest safe means of egress; also the use of
such available fire appliances (including sounding of alarms) as may have been
provided for controlling or extinguishing fire and safeguarding of human life.
L-8.2.2Objective
To provide proper education as a part of continuing employee indoctrination and
through a continuing written programme for all occupants, to ensure prompt
reporting of fire, the response of fire alarms as designated, and the immediate
initiation of fire safety procedures to safeguard life and contain fire until the arrival of
the Fire Brigade.
L-8.3 Fire Safety Director
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
Name
Regularly assigned employment Title
Regularly assigned location
How is he notified when at regular location ?
How is he notified when not at regular location?
Normal working hours
Duties of Fire Safety Director (see L-9.1)
L-8.4 Deputy Fire Safety Director

a) Name
b) Regularly assigned employment Title
c) Regularly assigned location
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d) How is he notified when at regular location ?

e) How is he notified when not at regular location?
f) Normal working hours
g) Duties of Deputy Fire Safety Director (see L-9.2)
L-8.5 Fire Wardens and Deputy Fire Wardens
a) Are their names on Organization Charts for each floor and/or tenancy?
b) Submit typical completed Organization Chart for Fire Drill and Evacuation
Assignment.
c) Duties of Fire Wardens and Deputy Fire Wardens (seeL-9.3).
L-8.6 Building Evacuation Supervisor
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
Name
Regularly assigned employment Title
Regularly assigned location
How is he notified when at regular location ?
How is he notified when not at regular location?
Normal working hours
Duties of Building Evacuation Supervisor (seeL-9.4).
L-8.7 Fire Party

a) Submit a completed Organization Chart for Fire Parties naming person in
charge, and his title in the building.
b) Indicate standards of selection from building employees based on
background and availability.
c) How are they notified?
d) How are they notified when they are not at their regular locations?
e) Means of responding
f) Duties of each member of Fire Party (seeL-9.5).
L-8.8 Occupants Instructions
Distribution of instructions of all tenants, tenants employees and building
employees (see L-9.6).
L-8.9 Evacuation Drills
a) Frequency of drills
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How conducted?
Participation? Who participated? How?
Controls and supervision
Recording of details of drills
L-8.10 Fire Command Station

a) Location
b) Requirements
1) Adequate illumination
2) Adequate communication to mechanical equipment room and
elevator control room on each floor
3) Copy of Fire Safety Plan
4) Copy of Building Information Form
5) Representative floor plans showing location of signs, floor remote
station, communications, etc.
L-8.11 Signs
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Signs at elevator landings, Floor diagrams

Floor numbering
Stairway identification
Elevator identification
Stair re-entry
L-8.12 Fire Prevention and Fire Protection Programme (see L-9.7).

L-8.13 Building Information Form (see L-9.8).
L-8.14 Representative Floor Plan (see L-9.9).
L-8.15 Fire Safety Plan Prepared by (see L-9.10).
a) Date when prepared
b) Date when revised
L-9 DUTIES
L-9.1 Fire Safety Directors Duties
L-9.1.1 Be familiar with the written Fire Safety Plan providing for fire drill and
evacuation procedure in accordance with orders on the subject.
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L-9.1.2 Select qualified building service employees for a Fire Party and organize,
train and supervise such Fire Brigade.
L-9.1.3 Be responsible for the availability and state of readiness of the Fire Party.
L-9.1.4Conduct fire and evacuation drills.
L-9.1.5 Be responsible for the designation and training of a Fire Warden for each
floor, and sufficient Deputy Fire Wardens for each tenancy in accordance with
orders on the subject.
L-9.1.6 Be responsible for a daily check for the availability of the Fire Wardens, and
see that up-to-date organization charts are posted.
NOTE If the number of Fire Wardens and Deputy Fire Wardens in the building is
such that it is impractical to individually contact each one daily, a suggested method
to satisfy the requirements is to make provisions for the Fire Warden, or a Deputy
Fire Warden in the absence of the Fire Warden, to notify the Fire Safety Director
when the Fire Warden or required number of Deputy Fire Wardens are not
available. In order to determine the compliance by the Fire Warden and Deputy Fire
Wardens, when this method is used, the Fire Safety Director shall make a spot
check of several different floors each day.
L-9.1.7 Notify the owner or some other person having charge of the building when
any designated individual is neglecting his responsibilities contained in Fire Safety
Plan. The owner or the other person in-charge of the building shall bring the matter
to the attention of the firm employing the individual. If the firm fails to correct the
condition, the fire department shall be notified by the owner/person in charge of the
building.
L-9.1.8 In the event of fire, shall report to the fire command station to supervise,
provide for and coordinate:
a)
b)
c)
d)
Ensure that the fire department has been notified of any fire or fire alarm.
Meaning of the fire command station.
Direction of evacuating procedures as provided in the fire safety plan.
Reports on conditions on fire floor for information of Fire department on
their arrival.
e) Advise the fire department Officer in charge in the operation of the fire
command station.
L-9.1.9 Be responsible for the training and activities of the building evacuation
supervisor.
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L-9.2 Deputy Fire Safety Directors Duties

L-9.2.1 He is the subordinate to the Fire Safety Director.
L-9.2.2 He shall perform duties of Fire Safety Director in his absence.
L-9.3 Fire Wardens and Deputy Fire Wardens Duties
The tenant or tenants of each floor shall, upon request of the owner or person in
charge of buildings, make responsible and dependable employees available for
designation by the fire safety director as fire warden and deputy fire wardens.
L-9.3.1 Each floor of a building shall be under the direction of a designated Fire
Warden for the evacuation of occupants in the event of fire. He shall be assisted in
his duties by the Deputy Fire Wardens. A Deputy Fire warden shall be provided for
each tenancy. When the floor area of a tenancy exceeds 700 m2 of occupiable
space, a Deputy Fire Warden shall be assigned for each 700 m 2 or part thereof.
L-9.3.2 Each fire warden and deputy fire warden shall be familiar with the fire safety
plan, the location of exits and the location and operation of any available fire alarm
system.
L-9.3.3 In the event of fire, or fire alarm the Fire Warden shall ascertain the location
of the fire, and direct evacuation of the floor in accordance with directions received
and the following guidelines:
a) The most critical areas for immediate evacuation are the fire floor
and floors immediately above.
Evacuation from the other floors shall be instituted when
instructions from the Fire command station or conditions indicate
such action. Evacuation shall be via uncontaminated stairs. The
Fire Warden shall try to avoid stairs being used by the Fire
department. If this is not possible, he shall try to attract the
attention of the Fire department Personnel before such personnel
open the door to the fire floor.
b) Evacuation to two or more levels below the fire floor is generally
adequate. He shall keep the Fire command station informed
regarding his location.
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c) Fire Wardens and their Deputies shall see that all occupants are
notified of the fire, and that they proceed immediately to execute
the Fire Safety Plan.
d) The Fire Warden on the fire floor shall, as soon as practicable,
notify the Fire command station of the particulars.
e) Fire Wardens on floors above the fire shall, after executing the Fire
Safety Plan, notify the Fire command station of the means being
used for evacuation and any other particulars.
f) In the event that stairways serving fire floor and/or floors above are
unusable due to contamination or cut off by fire and/or smoke or
that several floors above fire involve large numbers of occupants
who must be evacuated, consideration may be given to using
elevators in accordance with the following :
1) If the elevators servicing his floor also service the fire floor,
they shall not be used. However, elevators may be used if
there is more than one bank of elevators, and he is
informed from the Fire command station that one bank is
unaffected by the fire.
2)
If elevators do not service the fire floor and their shafts

have no openings on the fire floor, they may be used,
unless directed otherwise.
3)
Elevators manned by trained building personnel or firemen

may also be used.
4)
In the absence of a serviceable elevator, the Fire Warden

shall select the safest stairway to use for evacuation on the
basis of the location of the fire and any information
received from the Fire command station. The Fire Warden
shall check the environment in the stairs prior to entry for
evacuation. If it is affected by smoke, alternative stair shall
be selected, and the Fire command station notified.
5) The fire warden shall keep the fire command station

informed of the means being employed for evacuation by
the occupants of his floor.
g) Ensure that an alarm has been transmitted.
L-9.3.4 Organization Chart for Fire Drill and Evacuation Assignment
A chart designating employees and their assignments shall be prepared and posted
in a conspicuous place in each tenancy and on each floor of a tenancy that
occupies more than one floor and a copy shall be in the possession of the Fire
Safety Director.
L-9.3.5 Have available an updated listing of all personnel with physical disabilities
who cannot use stairs unaided. Make arrangements to have these occupants
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assisted in moving down the stairs to two or more levels below fire floor. If it is
necessary to move such occupants to a still lower level during the fire, move them
down the stairs to the uppermost floor served by an uninvolved elevator bank and
then remove the street floor by elevator. Where resistance is required for such
evacuation, notify Fire Safety Director.
L-9.3.6 Provide for Fire Warden identification during fire drills and fires, such as
using armband, etc.
L-9.3.7 Ensure that all persons on the floor are notified of fire and all are evacuated
to safe areas. A search must be conducted in the lavatories to ensure all are out.
Personnel assigned as searchers can promptly and efficiently perform this duty.
L-9.3.8 Check availability of applicable personnel on organization chart and provide
for a substitute when the position on a chart is not covered.
L-9.3.9 After evacuation, perform a head count to ensure that all regular occupants
known to have occupied the floor have been evacuated.
L-9.3.10 When alarm is received, the fire warden shall remain at a selected position
in the vicinity of the communication station on the floor, in order to maintain
communication with the fire command station and to receive and give instructions.
L-9.4 Building Evacuation Supervisors Duties
A building Evacuation supervisor is required at all times other than normal working
or business hours when there are occupants in the building and there is no fire
safety director on duty in the building.
L-9.4.1 He should be capable of directing the evacuation of the occupants as
provided by the fire safety plan.
L-9.4.2 During fire emergencies, the primary responsibility of the building
evacuation supervisor shall be to man the fire command station, and the direction
and execution of the evacuation as provided in the fire safety plan. The building
evacuation supervisors training and related activities shall be under the direction of
the fire safety director in accordance with these rules, and the fire safety plan. such
activities shall be subject to fire department control.
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L-9.5 Fire Party Duties

On receipt of an alarm for fire the Fire Party shall:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
Report to the floor below the fire to assist in evacuation and provide
information to the fire command station.
After evacuations of fire floor, endeavour to control spread of fire by
closing doors, etc.
Attempt to control the fire until arrival of the fire department, if the fire is
small and conditions do not pose a personal threat.
Leave one member on the floor below the fire to direct the Fire
Department to the fire location and to inform them of conditions.
On arrival of the fire department, the fire party shall report to the fire
command station for additional instructions.
Have a member designated as runner, who shall know the location of
the nearest telephone, and be instructed in its use. Such member shall
immediately upon receipt of information that there is a fire or evidence of
fire, go to the telephone, transmit an alarm and await the arrival of the
Fire department and direct such department to the fire.
NOTE A chart designating employees and their assignments shall be prepared.
L-9.6 Occupants Instructions

a) The applicable parts of the approved Fire Safety Plan shall be distributed
to all tenants of the building by the building management when the Fire
Safety Plan has been approved by the Fire Commissioner.
b) The applicable parts of the approved Fire Safety Plan shall then be
distributed by the tenants to all their employees and by the building
management to all their building employees.
c) All occupants of the building shall participate and cooperate in carrying
out the provisions of the Fire Safety Plan.
L-9.7
Fire Prevention and Fire Protection Programme

a) A plan for periodic formal inspections of each floor area, including exit
facilities, fire extinguishers and housekeeping shall be developed. A copy
of such plan be submitted.
b) Provision shall be made for the monthly testing of communication and
alarm systems.
L-9.8 Building Information Form

It shall include the following information:
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a) Building address.Pin Code..

b) Owner or person in-charge of building Name, Address and Telephone
Number.
c) Fire Safety Director and Deputy Fire Safety Directors Name and
Telephone Number.
d) Certificate of occupancy. Location where posted, or duplicate attached.
e) Height , area, class of construction.
f) Number type and location of fire stairs.
g) Number, type and location of horizontal exits or other areas of refuge.
h) Number, type, location and operation of elevators and escalators.
j) Interior fire alarms, or alarms to central stations.
k) Communications systems and/or walkie talkie, telephones, etc.
m) Standpipe system; size and location of risers, gravity or pressure tank, fire
pump, location of siamese connections, name of employee with
certificate of qualification and number of certificate.
m) Sprinkler system; name of employee with Certificate of Fitness and
certificate number. Primary and secondary water supply, fire pump and
areas protected.
p) Special extinguishing system, if any, components and operation.
q) Average number of persons normally employed in building. Daytime and
night time.
r) Average number of handicapped people in building. Location. Daytime
and night time.
s) Number of persons normally visiting the building. Daytime and night time.
t) Service equipment such as :
1) Electric power, primary, auxiliary;
2) Lighting, normal, emergency, type and location;
3) Heating, type, fuel, location of heating unit;
4) Ventilation with fixed windows, emergency means of exhausting
heat and smoke;
5) Air Conditioning Systems Brief description of the system,
including ducts and floors serviced;
6) Refuse storage and disposal;
7) Firefighting equipment and appliances, other than standpipe and
sprinkler system;
8) Other pertinent building equipment.
u) Alternations and repair operations, if any, and the protective and
preventive measures necessary to safeguard such operations with
attention to torch operations.
w) Storage and use of flammable solids, liquids and/or gases.
y) Special occupancies in the building and the proper protection and
maintenance thereof. Places of public assembly, studios, and theatrical
occupancies.
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L-9.9 Representative Floor Plan

A floor plan, representative of the majority or the floor designs of the entire building,
shall be at the Command Post, in the main lobby, under the authority of the Fire
Safety Director. One copy of a representative floor plan shall be submitted to the
Fire department with the Fire Safety plan.
L-9.10 Fire Safety Plan
In planning, evaluate the individual floor layouts, the population of floors, the
number and kinds of exits, the zoning of the floor by area and occupants.
Determine the movement of traffic by the most expeditious route to an appropriate
exit and alternative route for each zone, since under fire conditions one or more
exits may not be usable. This format is to be used in the preparation of the Fire
Safety Plan. Nothing contained in this Fire Safety Plan format is to be construed as
all inclusive. All rules and other requirements are to be fully complied with.
L-9.11 Personal Fire Instruction Card
All the occupants of the building shall be given a Personal Fire Instruction Card
giving the details of the floor plan and exit routes along with the instruction to be
followed in the event of fire. A typical Personal Fire Instruction Card shall be as
follows:
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PERSONAL FIRE INSTRUCTION CARD

SEAL
NAME OF THE ORGANIZATION
ADDRESS OF THE ORGANIZATION
NAME : __________________________________________
DESIGNATION : ___________________________________
FLOOR NO. : _____________________________________
DATE : __________________________________________
FIRE WARDEN
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY YOU SHOULD KNOW

1.
Two push button fire alarm boxes are provided per floor. You should read
the
operating instructions.
2.
You should read the operating instructions on the body of the fire
extinguishers
provided on your floor.
3.
The nearest exit from your table.
4.
Your assembly point on ground floor (check with your Fire/Dy. Fire Warden).
5.
FOR YOUR OWN PROTECTION YOU SHOULD REPORT TO YOUR FIRE/

DEPUTY FIRE WARDEN
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a) If any exit door/route is obstructed by loose materials, goods, boxes, etc.

b) If any staircase door, lift lobby door does not close automatically, or does
not close completely.
c) If any push button fire alarm point, or fire extinguisher is obstructed,
damaged or apparently out of order.
IF YOU DISCOVER A FIRE
1.
Break the glass of the nearest push button fire alarm and push the button.
2.
Attack the fire with extinguishers provided on your floor. Take guidance from
your Wardens.
3.
Evacuate if your Warden asks you to do so.
IF YOU HEAR EVACUATION INSTRUCTIONS

1.
Leave the floor immediately by the south/north staircase.
2.
Report to your Warden, at your predetermined assembly point outside the

building.
3.
Do not try to use lifts.
4.
Do not go to cloakroom.
5.
Do not run or shout.
6.
Do not stop to collect personal belongings.
7.
Keep the lift lobby and staircase doors shut.
YOUR ASSEMBLY POINT IS .
169
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November 2015
LIST OF STANDARDS
The following list records those standards which are acceptable as `good practice and
`accepted standards in the fulfillment of the requirements of the Code. The standards
listed may be used by the Authority as a guide in conformance with the requirements of
the referred clauses in the Code.
(1)
IS 3808:1979
Method of test for non-combustibility of building materials (first revision)
(2)
IS 8757:1999
Glossary of terms associated with fire safety (first revision)
IS 7673:2004
Glossary of terms for fire fighting equipment(first revision)
(3)
IS 8758:2013
Recommendations for fire precautionary measures in the construction

of temporary structures and pandals (second revision)
(4)
IS 3809:1979
Fire resistance test of structure (first revision)
IS 1641:2013
Code of practice for fire safety of buildings (general) : General principles

of fire grading and classification (second revision)
IS 15103:2002
Specification for fire resistant steel
IS 9668:1990
Code of practice for provision and maintenance of water supplies and

fire fighting
IS 3844:1989
Code of practice for installation and maintenance of internal fire

hydrants and hose reels on premises (first revision)
(6)
IS 3614(Part 1):1966
Specification for fire check doors : Part 1 Plate, metal covered and
rolling type
(7)
IS 12458:1988
Method of test for fire resistance test for fire stops
(8)
IS 1646:201x
Code of practice for fire safety of buildings (general) : Electrical

installations (third revision)(under print)
IS 2309:1989
Code of practice for protection of building and allied structures against

lighting (second revision)
IS 62305(Part 1):2010
Protection Against Lightning Part 1 General Principles
IS/IEC 62305-2:2010
Protection Against Lightning Part 2 Risk Management
IS/IEC 62305-3:2010
Protection Against Lightning Part 3 Physical Damage to Structures and

Life Hazard
IS/IEC 62305-4:201x
Protection against lightning : Part 4 Electrical and
(5)
electronic systems within structures (under print)

(9)
IS 11360:1985
Specification for smoke detectors for use in automatic electrical fire

alarm system
(10)
IS 659:1964
Safety code for air conditioning
(11)
IS 1649:1962
Code of practice for design and construction of flues and chimneys for
domestic heating appliances (first revision)
IS 1642:2013
Code of practice for safety of buildings (general): Details of construction

(second revision)
(12)
IS 1642:2013
Code of practice for safety of buildings (general): Details of construction

(second revision)
(13)
IS 9457:2005
Safety colours and safety signs(first revision)
170
(14)
Doc: CED 46(8067)WC

November 2015
IS 12349:1988
Fire protection Safety sign
IS 12407:1988
Graphic symbols for fire protection plan
IS 15682:2006
Fire fighting equipment Symbols for operator control and other

displays
IS 2175:1988
Specification for heat sensitive fire detectors for use in automatic fire
alarm system (second revision)
IS/ ISO 7240-5 :2003
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems Part 5 Point-Type Heat Detectors
IS/ ISO 7240-7 :2011
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems Part 7 Point-Type Smoke Detectors

using Scattered Light, Transmitted light or Ionization
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems Part 11 Manual Call Points
IS/ ISO 7240-11 :2011

IS/ ISO 7240-15 :2004
IS 11360:1985
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems Part 15 Point-Type Fire Detectors

using Scattered Light, Transmitted light or Ionization Sensor in
Combination with a Heat Sensor
alarm system
(15)
IS 2189:2008
Code of practice for selection, installation and maintenance of

automatic fire detection and alarm system (second revision)
(16)
IS 636:1988
Non-percolating flexible fire fighting delivery hose (third revision)
IS 884:1985
Specification for first-aid hose reel for fire fighting(first revision)
IS 901:1988
Specification for couplings, double male and double female

instantaneous pattern for fire fighting (third revision)
IS 902:1992
Specification for suction hose couplings for fire fighting purposes (third
revision)
IS 903:1993
Specification for fire hose delivery couplings, branch pipe, nozzles and
nozzle spanner (fourth revision)
IS 904:1983
Specification for two-way and three-way suction collecting heads for fire
fighting purposes (second revision)
IS 905:1980
Specification for delivery breechings, dividing and collecting,

instantaneous pattern for fire fighting purposes (second revision)
IS 906:1988
Specification for revolving branch pipe for fire fighting (third revision)
IS 907:1984
Specification for suction strainers, cylindrical type for fire fighting

purpose (second revision)
IS 908:1975
Specification for fire hydrant, stand post type (second revision)
IS 909:1992
Specification for underground fire hydrant : Sluice valve type (third

revision)
IS 910:1980
Specification for combined key for hydrant, hydrant cover and lower
valve (second revision)
IS 926:1985
Specification for firemans axe (second revision)
IS 927:1981
Specification for fire hooks (second revision)
IS 928:1984
Specification for fire bells (second revision)
IS 937:1981
Specification for washers for water fittings for fire fighting purposes
(second revision)
IS 939:1977
Specification for snatch block for use with fibre rope for fire brigade use
(first revision)
171
Doc: CED 46(8067)WC

November 2015
IS 941:1985
Specification for blowers and exhauster for fire fighting (second

revision)
IS 942:1982
Functional requirements for 275-l/min portable pump set for fire fighting
(second revision)
IS 943:1979
Functional requirement for 680-l/min trailer pump for fire brigade use
(second revision)
IS 944:1979
Functional requirement for 1800-l/min trailer pump for fire brigade use
(second revision)
IS 947:1985
Functional requirement for towing tender for trailer fire pump for fire
brigade use (first revision)
IS 948:1983
Functional requirement for water tender, Type A, for fire brigade use
(second revision)
IS 949:2012
Functional requirement for emergency (rescue) tender for fire brigade

use (second revision)
IS 950:2012
Functional requirements for water tender, Type B for fire brigade use
(third revision)
IS 952:1986
Specification for fog nozzle for fire brigade use (second revision)
IS 955:1980
Functional requirements for dry power tender for fire-brigade use (150
kg capacity) (first revision)
IS 957:1967
Specification for control van for fire brigade
IS 1941 (Part 1):1976
Functional requirements for electric motor sirens :

Part 1 AC3 phases 50Hz.415 Volts type (second revision)
IS 2097:2012
Specification for foam making branch pipe (second revision)
IS 2175:1988
Specification for heat sensitive fire detectors for use in automatic

detectors for use in automatic fire alarm system (second revision)
IS 2546:1974
Specification for galvanized mild steel fire bucket (first revision)
IS 2696:1974
Functional requirements for 1125 l/min light fire engine (first revision)
IS 2745:1983
Specification for non-metal helmet for firemen and civil defence

personnel (second revision)
IS 2871:2012
Specification for branch pipe, universal for fire fighting purposes

(second revision)
IS 2878:2004
Specification for fire extinguisher, carbon-dioxide type (portable and

trolley mounted) (third revision)
IS 2930:1980
Functional requirements for hose laying tender for fire brigade use (first
revision)
IS 3582:1984
Specification for basket strainers for fire fighting purposes (cylindrical

type) (first revision)
IS 4308:2003
Specification for dry powder for fire fighting (second revision)
IS 4571:1977
Specification for aluminium extension ladders for fire brigade use (first
revision)
IS 4643:1984
Specification for suction wrenches for fire brigade use (first revision)
IS 4861:1984
Specification for dry powder for fighting fires in burning metals (first
revision)
172
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November 2015
IS 4927:1992
Specification for unlined flax canvas hose for fire fighting (first revision)
IS 4928:1986
Specification for delivery valve for centrifugal pump outlets (first

revision)
IS 4947:2006
Specification for gas cartridges for use in fire extinguishers (third

revision)
IS 4989:2006
Foam concentrate for producing mechanical foam for fire fighting Specification (third revision) [Amalgamating IS 4989(Part 1):1985, IS
4989(Part 2):1984 and
IS 4989(Part 3):1987]
IS 4989 : Part 4 : 2003
Multipurpose aqueous film forming foam liquid concentrate for

extinguishing hydrocarbon and solvent fires
IS 5131:2002
Specification for dividing breeching with control, for fire brigade use
(second revision)
IS 5290:1993
Specification for landing valve (third revision)
IS 5486:1985
Specification for quick release knife (first revision)
IS 5505:1985
Specification for multi-edged rescue axe (non-wedging) (first revision)
IS 5612
Specification for hose-clamps and hose-bandages for fire brigade use
(Part 1):1977
Part 1 Hose clamps (first revision)
(Part 2):1977
Part 2 Hose bandages (first revision)
IS 5714:1981
Specification for hydrant, stand-pipe for fire fighting (first revision)
IS 6026:1985
Specification for hand operated sirens (first revision)
IS 6067:1983
Functional requirements for water tender, Type `X for fire brigade use
(first revision)
IS/ ISO 7240-11 :2011
IS/ ISO 7240-5 :2003
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems Part 5 Point-Type Heat Detectors
IS/ ISO 7240-7 :2011
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems Part 7 Point-Type Smoke Detectors

using Scattered Light, Transmitted light or Ionization
IS/ ISO 7240-11 :2011

IS 8090:1992
Specification for couplings, branch pipe, nozzle, used in hose reel

tubing for fire fighting (first revision)
IS 8096:1992
Specification for fire beaters (first revision)
IS 8149:1994
Functional requirements for twin CO2 fire extinguishers (trolley

mounted) (first revision)
IS 8423:1994
Specification for controlled percolating hose for fire fighting (first

revision)
IS 8442:2008
Specification for stand post type water monitor for fire fighting( first
revision)
IS 9972:2002
Specification for automatic sprinkler heads (first revision)
IS 10460:1983
Functional requirements for small foam tender for fire brigade use
IS 10658:1999
Specification for higher capacity dry powder fire extinguisher (trolley

mounted)
IS 10993:1984
Functional requirements for 2000 kg dry powder tender for fire brigade
us
IS 11101:1984
Specification for extended branch pipe for fire brigade use
173
Doc: CED 46(8067)WC

November 2015
IS 11108:1984
Specification for portable fire extinguisher halon-1211 type
IS 11833:1986
Specification for dry powder fire extinguisher for metal fires
IS 12717:1989
Functional requirements of fire fighting equipment High capacity

portable pumpset (1100-1600 L/min)
IS 12796:1989
Specification for fire rake
IS 13039:1991
Code of practice for provision and maintenance of external hydrant

system
IS 13385:1992
Specification for fire extinguisher 50 capacity wheel mounted water type

(Gas Cartridge)
IS 13386:1992
Specification for 50 l capacity fire extinguisher, mechanical foam type
IS 14609:1999
Specification for ABC dry powder for fire fighting
IS 14933:2001
Specification for high pressure fire fighting hose
IS 14951:2001
Specification for fire extinguisher, 135 l capacity mechanical foam type
IS 15051:2002
Specification for high pressure fire hose delivery couplings
IS 15105:2002| ISO 6182-1
Design and installation of fixed automatic sprinkler fire extinguishing

system
IS 15220:2002| ISO 7201-1
Specification for halon 1211 and halon 1301 fire extinguishing media
for fire protection
IS 15683:2006
| ISO 7165:2009
Portable fire extinguishers - Performance and construction Specification
IS 11360:1985

alarm system
IS 15493:2004
| ISO 14520-1
IS 15505:2004
| ISO 14520-6
Gaseous fire extinguishing systems : General requirements
IS 15506:2004
| ISO 14520-14
IS 15525:2004
| ISO 14520-13
IS 15501:2004
| ISO 14520-15
IS 15497:2004
| ISO 14520-12
IS 15519:2004
Gaseous fire extinguishing systems - IG 55 extinguishing systems
IS 15517:2004
Gaseous fire extinguishing systems Carbon dioxide, total flooding and

local application including in cabinet subfloors systems
| ISO 14520-9
Gaseous fire extinguishing systems: HCFC Blend A extinguishing

systems

Code of practice for water mist fire protection systems System
design, installation and commissioning
IS 15517:2004
| ISO 14520-9
Gaseous fire extinguishing systems - HFC 227ea (Hepta Fluoro

Propane) extinguishing system
(17)
IS 2190:2010
Code of practice for selection, installation and maintenance of portable

first-aid fire extinguishers (fourth revision)
(18)
IS 884:1985
Specification for first aid hose reel for fire fighting (first revision)
174
Doc: CED 46(8067)WC

November 2015
(19)
IS 15325 : 2003
Code of practice for design and installation of fixed automatic high and
medium velocity water spray system
(20)
IS 12835(Part 1):1989|
ISO 7203-1
Code of practice for design and installation of fixed foam fire

extinguishing system: Part 1 Low expansion foam
(21)
IS 15519:2004
Water mist fire protection systems - System design, installation and

commissioning - Code of Practice
(22)
IS 14609:1999
Specification for ABC dry powder for fire fighting
IS 15493:2004
Gaseous Fire Extinguishing Systems - General Requirements
(23)
IS 4878:1986
Byelaws for construction of cinema buildings (first revision)
(24)
IS 1646:1997
Code of practice for fire safety of buildings (general): Electrical

installations (second revision)
IS 2726:1988
Code of practice for fire safety of industrial buildings : Cotton ginning

and pressing (including cotton seed delintering) factories (first revision)
IS 3034:1993
Code of practice for fire safety of industrial buildings : Electrical

generating and distributing stations (second revision)
IS 3058:1990
Code of practice for fire safety of industrial buildings : Viscose rayon

yarn and/or staple fibre plants (first revision)
IS 3079:1990
Code of practice for fire safety of industrial buildings : Cotton textile

mills (first revision)
IS 3594:1991
Code of practice for fire safety of industrial buildings : General storage

and warehousing including cold storage (first revision)
IS 3595:1984
Code of practice for fire safety of industrial buildings : Coal pulverizers

and associated equipment (first revision)
IS 3836:2000
Code of practice for fire safety of industrial buildings : Jute mills

(second revision)
IS 4209:1987
Code of safety in chemical laboratories (first revision)
IS 4226:1988
Code of practice for fire safety of industrial buildings : Aluminium/

Magnesium powder factories (first revision)
IS 4886:1991
Code of practice for fire safety of industrial buildings : Tea factories

(first revision)
IS 6329:2000
Code of practice for fire safety of industrial buildings : Saw mills and
wood works (first revision)
IS 9109:2000
Code of practice for fire safety of industrial buildings : Paint and Varnish
factories
IS 11457(Part 1):1985
Code of practice for fire safety of chemical industries: Part 1 Rubber and
plastic
IS 11460:1985
Code of practice for fire safety of libraries and archives buildings
IS 12349:1988
Fire protection-safety signs
IS 12407:1988
Graphic symbols for fire protection plans
IS 12456:1988
IS 12458:1988
Code of practice for fire protection of electronic data processing

installation
Method of test for fire resistance test of fire stops
IS 12459:1988
Code of practice for fire-protection of cable runs
175
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November 2015
IS 12777:1989
Fire safety - Flame spread of products - Method for classification
IS 13045:1991
Code of practice for fire safety in industrial buildings: Floor mills
IS 13694:1993
Code of practice for fire safety in iron and steel industries
IS 13716:1993
Code of practice for fire safety of hotels
IS 14435:1997
Code of practice for fire safety in educational institutions
IS 14689:1999
Code of practice for fire safety in printing and publishing industry
IS 14850:2000
Code of practice for fire safety of museums
IS 6044 (Part 1):2013
Liquefied Petroleum Gas Storage Installations - Code of Practice :

Part 1 Residential Commercial and Industrial Cylinder Installations
IS 6044 (Part 2):2001
Code of Practice for Liquefied Petroleum Gas Storage Installations Part 2 : Commercial, Industrial and Domestic Bulk Storage Installations
(26)
IS 655:1963
Specification for metal air ducts (revised)
(27)
IS 13039:2014
External hydrant systems - provision and maintenance - Code of

practice
(28)
IS 15505:20004
Public information symbols
(25)
************
176

(Clauses 4.6(c), 5.1 (b)(i), 5.1(e), 5.3, 6.1.1, 6.4.7, 6.5, D-15, E-3(f), F-3 and J-3)
Sl. No
Type of Building Occupancy
A)
Fire Exting- Hose

uisher
reel
Dry riser
Wet riser
Downcomer
Yard Automatic Manual

hydrant sprinkler fire alarm
system
system
(See also
Note 17)
Automatic
detection
and Alarm
system
Underground
static water
storage tank
Terrace tank
(Note 11)
Pump near
underground
tank (LPM)
Pump at
Terrace
10
11
12
13
14
15
Residential buildings
a) Lodging and Rooming Houses (Inns, Clubs, Motels and Guest houses) and Dormitories -- [A-1]
1)
Less than 15 m in height (single floor area)

i) Upto 250 m2 floor area
NR
NR
NR
NR
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
NR
NR
5000 (Note 3)
NR
NR
ii) More than 250 m2 and upto 500 m2
NR
NR
NR
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
NR
NR
5000 (5000) (Note 4)
NR
450
iii) More than 500 m2
NR
NR
NR
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
NR
10000 (5000) (Note

4)
NR
450
NR
NR
NR
NR
2)
To be protected as per c-2 below
More than 15 m height but within 30 m

b)
One or two Family Private Dwellings [A2]

(See Notes 1 and 7)
c) Apartment Houses [A3] (Note 7)
NR
NR
NR
NR
NR
NR
NR
NR
Applicbale for Apartment Houses (A-4) Building or group of contiguous Apartment Houses (A-4) Buildings under a common ownership/management.
1) Less than 15 m in height

i) Upto 500 m2 floor area
NR
NR
NR
NR
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
NR
NR
5000 (Note 2)
NR
450
(Note 3)
ii) More than 500 m2
NR
NR
NR
NR
R
(Note 2)
R
(Note 6b)
NR
NR
7500 (5000) (Note 4)
NR
450
2) 15 m and above but not exceeding 35 m in height
NR
NR
R
(Note 11)
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
NR
25000
NR
450
NR
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
75000 per Set

of Pumps
Note 8A
NR
3)
Above 35 m and above but not exceeding 45m in

height
(Note 11)
5000 Over
Respective Tower
Terrace

Sl. No
Fire Exting- Hose

uisher
reel
Dry riser
Wet riser
Downcomer

system
system
(See also
Note 17)
Automatic
detection
and Alarm
system
Underground
static water
storage tank
Terrace tank
(Note 11)
Pump near
underground
tank (LPM)
Pump at
Terrace
10
11
12
13
14
15
NR
NR
R
(Note 14)
150000 per
Set of Pumps
10000 Over
Respective Tower
Terrace
Note 8A
NR
6) Above 75 m but within 150 m in height
NR
NR
R
(Note 14)
200000 per
Set of Pumps
10000 Over
Respective Tower
Terrace
Note 10A
NR
NR
NR
NR
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
NR
5000 (5000)
(Note 4)
NR
450
Covered area exceeding 500 m2 but not more than

1000 m2 in each floor - Note 6(a)
NR
NR
R
(Note 11)
NR
R
Note (2)
NR
NR
20000 (5000)
(Note 4)
NR
450
Covered area exceeding 500 m2 but not more than

1000 m2 in each floor - Note 6(b)
NR
NR
NR
R
(Note 14)
75000
10000
Note 7(a)
NR
NR
NR
R
(Note 14)
R
(Note 6b)
75000
10000
Note 7(a)
NR
NR
NR
R
(Note 14)
150000
20000
Note 7(b)
NR
d) Hotels "A4" (Note 7)

i) Covered area not more than 500 m2 in each floor
ii)
iii) Covered area exceeding 1000 m2 in each floor
2 15 m and above but not exceeding 30 m in height
Above 30 m but within 45 m in height (see Notes

7(c)ii)
NR
NR
R
(Note 14)
200000
20000
Note 7
NR
e)
Above 45 m and within 75 m in height [A6] (see Notes

7(d)ii and 7(d)iii)
NR
NR
R
(Note 14)
300000
20000
Note 7(d)
NR
All Hotels above 75 m but within 150 m in height
See Annexure "E" for Super high rise buildings

Sl. No
Fire Exting- Hose

uisher
reel
Dry riser
Wet riser
Downcomer

system
system
(See also
Note 17)
Automatic
detection
and Alarm
system
Underground
static water
storage tank
Terrace tank
(Note 11)
Pump near
underground
tank (LPM)
Pump at
Terrace
13
14
15
NR
450
(Note 3)
10
11
12
i) Ground plus one storey (Area less than 500 m2)
NR
NR
NR
NR
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
NR
NR
ii) Ground plus one storey (Area more than 500 m2)
NR
NR
NR
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
NR
NR
5000 (5000) (Note 4)
NR
450
iii) Ground plus two or more storeys
NR
NR
R
(Note 11)
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
NR
NR
10000 (5000) (Note

4)
NR
450
NR
NR
R
(Note 11)
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
NR
25000
NR
900
Educational Buildings (Notes 7 and 13)

2 15 m and above but not exceeding 30 m in height
5000
(Note 3)
Institutional Buildings
a) Hospitals, Sanatoria and Nursing Homes [C1] (Notes 7 and 13)
1) Less than 15 m in height with floor area upto 500 m2
i) Upto ground plus one storey. with no beds
NR
NR
NR
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
NR
2500 (2500) (Note 4)
NR
450
ii) Upto ground plus one storey. with beds
NR
NR
R
(Note 11)
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
NR
5000 (5000) (Note 4)
NR
450
iii) Ground plus two or more storeys with no beds
NR
NR
R
(Note 11)
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
10000 (5000) (Note

4)
NR
450
iv) Ground plus two or more storeys with beds
NR
NR
NR
R
(Note 2)
50000
5000 (5000) (Note 4)
Note 7(a)
NR
NR
NR
R
(Note 2)
100000
10000 (Note 2)
Note 7(a)
NR
2)
Less than 15 m in height with floor area more than

500 m2 but upto 1000 m2

Sl. No
2
Fire Exting- Hose

uisher
reel
Dry riser
Wet riser
Downcomer

system
system
(See also
Note 17)
Automatic
detection
and Alarm
system
Underground
static water
storage tank
Terrace tank
(Note 11)
Pump near
underground
tank (LPM)
Pump at
Terrace
10
11
12
13
14
15
NR
NR
R
(Note 14)
150000
20000
Note 7(b)
NR
b) Custodial [C2] and Penal and Mental [C3] (Notes 7 and 13)
i) Upto 300 persons
NR
NR
NR
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
NR
10000 (5000) (Note

4)
NR
450
ii) More than 300 persons
NR
NR
R
(Note 11)
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
NR
20000 (5000) (Note

4)
NR
450
NR
NR
R
(Note 2)
50000
5000 (5000) (Note 4)
Note 7(a)
NR
3) (21 and above but not exceeding 30 m in height
NR
NR
R
(Note 14)
100000
10000
Note 7(b)
NR
i) Upto 300 persons
NR
NR
R
(Note 11)
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
NR
10000 (5000) (Note

4)
NR
450
ii) More than 300 persons
NR
NR
R
(Note 11)
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
NR
20000 (5000) (Note

4)
NR
450
NR
NR
R
(Note 2)
75000
10000 (5000) (Note

2)
Note 7(b)
NR
NR
NR
R
(Note 14)
100000
20000
Note 7
NR
b) Multiplex "D6"
NR
NR
R
(Note 14)
200000
20000
Note 7(d)
NR
Assembly Buildings [D] (Notes 7 and 13)

a) Buildings "D1 to D5"

Sl. No
2
c) Metro Stations
Fire Exting- Hose

uisher
reel
Dry riser
Wet riser
Downcomer

system
system
(See also
Note 17)
Automatic
detection
and Alarm
system
Underground
static water
storage tank
Terrace tank
(Note 11)
Pump near
underground
tank (LPM)
Pump at
Terrace
10
11
12
13
14
15
Please see Annexure " ", clause 6.4.7
Business Buildings "E" (Note 7)

1) Less than 15 m in height (Floor area < 500 m2)
NR
NR
R
(Note 11)
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
NR
10000 (10000) (Note

4)
NR
450
1) Less than 15 m in height (> 500 m2)
NR
NR
R
(Note 11)
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
10000 (10000) (Note

4)
NR
450
NR
NR
R
(Note 14)
100000
20000
Note 8)
NR
3)
30 m and above but not exceeding 45 m in height (see

note 7c(ii)]
NR
NR
R
(Note 14)
200000
20000
Note 9
NR
4)
More than 45 m but within 75 m in height (see Notes

7(d)ii and 7(d)iii)
NR
NR
R
(Note 14)
300000
20000
Note 10)
NR
5) More than 75 m in height
See Annexure "E" for Super high rise buildings

Sl. No
Fire Exting- Hose

uisher
reel
Dry riser
Wet riser
Downcomer

system
system
(See also
Note 17)
Automatic
detection
and Alarm
system
Underground
static water
storage tank
Terrace tank
(Note 11)
Pump near
underground
tank (LPM)
Pump at
Terrace
10
11
12
13
14
15
Mercantile Buildings [F] (Note 7)

a) Buildings"F1, F2" (Note 13
i)
Ground plus one storey, with total floor area not

exceeding 500 m2
NR
NR
R
(Note 11)
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
NR
NR
5000 (5000) (Note 4)
NR
450
ii)
Ground plus one storey, with total floor area

exceeding 500 m2
NR
NR
R
(Note 11)
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
NR
25000 (5000) (Note

4)
NR
900
iii) More than ground plus one storey
NR
NR
NR
R
(Note 14)
NR
50000
15000 (5000) (Note

4)
Note 7(a)
NR
NR
NR
R
(Note 14)
100000
10000
Note 7(b)
NR
NR
NR
R
(Note 14)
150000
10000
Note 7
NR
b) Underground Shopping Complex [F3] (See note 5)
NR
NR
NR
R
(Note 14)
150000
10000
Note 7
NR
Industrial Buildings [G]

a)
Low Hazard "G1" -- -- See Notes 7, 15(a), 15(b)
i)
Single floor area area of the largest building within 500

m2
NR
NR
NR
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
NR
10000 (Note 4)
900
NR
ii)
Single floor area of the largest building exceeding 500

m2 but within 2000 m2
NR
NR
R
(Note 11)
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
NR
20000 (5000) (Note 4)
900
NR
iii)
Single floor area area of the largest building exceeding

2000 m2 but within 5000 m2
NR
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
Note 16(a)
NR
25000
5000 (5000) (Note 4)

Sl. No
Fire Exting- Hose

uisher
reel
2
iii)
Single floor area area of the largest building exceeds

5000 m2
Dry riser
Wet riser
Downcomer

system
system
(See also
Note 17)
10
Automatic
detection
and Alarm
system
Underground
static water
storage tank
Terrace tank
(Note 11)
Pump near
underground
tank (LPM)
Pump at
Terrace
11
12
13
14
15
Note 15(d)
b) Moderate Hazard "G2" -- -- See Notes 7,15(a), 15(b)

i)
Single floor area area of the largest building upto 500

m2
NR
NR
NR
NR
NR
NR
NR
15000 (Note 4)
450
NR
ii)
Single floor area area of the largest exceeding 500 m2

but within 2000 m2
NR
NR
R
(Note 11)
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
NR
20000 (5000) (Note 4)
450
NR
iii)

2000 m2 but within 5000 m2
NR
NR
R
(Notes 2
and 6b)
NR
iii)

5000 m2
30000
5000 (5000) (Note 4)
Note 16(a)
NR
Note 15(d)
c) High Hazard "G3" -- -- See Notes 7, 15(b) and 15

i)
Single floor area area the largest building not

exceeding 1000 m2
NR
NR
R
(Note 2)
NR
50000
5000
Note 16(b)
NR
ii)
Single floor area area of the largest exceeding 1000

m2 but within 5000 m2
NR
NR
R
(Notes 2
and 6(b)
75000
5000 (5000)
(Note 6(b)
Note 16
NR
v)
Single floor area area of the largest building exceeds

5000 m2
Note 15(d)

Sl. No
Fire Exting- Hose

uisher
reel
Dry riser
Wet riser
Downcomer

system
system
(See also
Note 17)
Automatic
detection
and Alarm
system
Underground
static water
storage tank
Terrace tank
(Note 11)
Pump near
underground
tank (LPM)
Pump at
Terrace
10
11
12
13
14
15
NR
NR
R
(Note 11)
NR
NR
NR
NR
20000
NR
450
NR
R
(Note 14)
(Note
15(d)
NR
50000
NR
Note 7(a)
NR
NR
75000
NR
Note 7(a)
NR
NR
100000
NR
Note 7(b)
NR
Minimum 2
hours fire
fighting
requirements
NR
Note 12
NR
Minimum 2
hours fire
fighting
requirements
50000
Note 12
NR
Storage Buildings "H" (See Note 1 and 7)

1) Covered area less than 750 m2
2) Covered area more than 750 m2
i) Ground floor only
NR
NR
NR
ii) Ground plus one upper floor
NR
NR
iii) Ground plus two or more floors
NR
NR
R
(Note 14)
(Note
15(d)
R
(Note 14)
(Note
15(d)
Hazardous Buildings "J" (See Notes 1 and 7)
i) Single Storey Building
ii) More than one storey building
R = Required
NR
NR
NR
NR
NR
R
(Note 14)
(Note
15(d)
R
(Note 14)
(Note
15(d)
NR = Not Required
NOTES
Building having heights more than 15 m shall not be permitted for occupancies of Group "A2", Group "H" and Group "J" (excluding MLCP & Cold Storage)
Requires to be installed in the basement if area thereof exceeds 200 m 2.
Requires to be installed if the basement area exceeds 200 m2.
Additional value given in the parenthesis shall be added if the basement area exceeds 200 m 2.
All underground shopping areas shall be fully air-conditioned.
a) Applicable only when the building has three upper floors or less.
b) Applicable only when the building has more than three upper floors. Also additional value given in parenthesis shall be added when the buildings have more than three upper floors.
One electric driven main pump of at least 2280 LPM discharge capacity, one standbye pump of similar capacity driven by diesel engine and one jockey pump of capacity 180 LPM shall be provided. Sprinkler installation shall be
connected to OH tank through a Terrace pump.
One electric driven main pump of at least 2850 LPM discharge capacity for hydrant system, One electric driven main pump of at least 2850 LPM discharge capacity for Sprinkler system, one standbye pump of similar capacity
driven by diesel engine and two jockey pumps each of capacity 180 LPM for hydrant and sprinkler systems shall be provided.
In case, if the complex consists of different buildings/towers or even in one building(s) with different occupancy classifications, fire protection systems shall be provided according to the occupancy classification for each
building/tower having highest risk.
i) One electric driven main pump of at least 1620 LPM discharge capacity, one standbye pump of similar capacity driven by diesel engine and one jockey pump of capacity 180 LPM shall be provided upto 50 hydrants (including
those in wet risers and yard) for every unit or tower. In case, the number of hydrants are more than 50, additional main pumps of same capacity shall be provided for every 50 hydrants or part thereof. Separate but
interconnected hydrant system(s) with its/their own pump house(s) may be provided with pumping and water capacity notified for each in the Table.
OR
a common hydrant system with its own pump house with requisite number of pumps (one pump @ every 50 hydrants or part thereof) as mentioned above plus one standbye pump and two jockey pumps of 180LPM capacity can
also be provided. The number of main pumps in such cases, can be restricted to a maximum of four pumps. Necessary hydraulic calculations shall be submitted to prove pressures at highest level of each building. Water
capacity in this case shall be at least 100000L. Pump house shall be installed at a common location within the complex and separate delivery mains shall be installed for each tower tapped from the common delivery header.
ii) Minimum pressure of 3.5 bars shall available at hydrants near Terrace level and also hydraulically most remote hydrant
i) One electric driven main pump of at least 2280 LPM discharge capacity for hydrant system, one electric driven main pump for sprinkler system and one common standbye pump all of similar capacity driven by diesel engine and
two jockey pumps each of capacity 180 LPM for hydrant and sprinkler systems shall be provided.
iii) Lower levels in high rise structures are most likely to experience very high pressures, it is necessary to install either Multi-Stage, Multi-outlet pumps (creating pressure zones), or Variable frequecy drivem pumps orany other
equivalent arrangement when the height of the building exceeds 45 m.
a) one electric driven main pump of at least 2280 LPM discharge capacity for hydrant system upto 75 hydrants (including those in wet risers and yard), one electric driven main pump of at least 2280 LPM discharge capacity for
Sprinkler system and one standbye pump of similar capacity driven by diesel engine and two jockey pumps each of capacity 180 LPM one each for hydrant and sprinkler systems shall be provided for every unit or tower. In case,
the number of hydrants are more than 75, additional main pumps of same capacity shall be provided for every 75 hydrants or part thereof. Separate but interconnected hydrant system(s) with its/their own pump house(s) may be
provided with pumping and water capacity notified for each in the Table.
OR
a common hydrant system with its own pump house with requisite number of pumps (one pump @ every 75 hydrants or part thereof) as mentioned above plus one standbye pump and two jockey pumps of 180LPM capacity can
also be provided. The number of pumps in such cases (including standby), can be restricted to a maximum of five pumps. One pump shall be exclusive for feeding the sprinkler installation with one jockey pump of 180LPM
capacity Necessary hydraulic calculations shall be submitted to prove pressures at highest level of each building. Water capacity in this case shall be at least 150000L (150 m3). Pump house shall be installed at a common
location within the complex and separate delivery mains shall be installed for each tower tapped from the common delivery header.
b) Sprinkler installation shall also be connected to the hydrant system at the pump house through a Gate/Non-return valves so that only hydrant system can supplement the sprinkler system and not vice versa.
c) Minimum pressure of 3.5 bars shall available at hydrants near Terrace level and also hydraulically most remote hydrant
One electric driven main pump of at least 2280 LPM discharge capacity for hydrant system, one electric driven main pump of at least 2280 LPM discharge capacity for Sprinkler system and one standbye pump of at least 2280
LPM driven by diesel engine and two jockey pumps each of capacity 180 LPM one each for hydrant and sprinkler systems. One set of pumps shall be provided for each 100 hydrants or part thereof, with a maximum of two sets. In
case of more than one pump set installation, it is required that both pump sets are interconnected at their delivery headers.
Sprinkler system and one standbye pump of similar capacity driven by diesel engine and two jockey pumps each of capacity 180 LPM one each for hydrant and sprinkler systems shall be provided for every unit or tower . In
case, the number of hydrants are more than 75, additional main pumps of same capacity shall be provided for every 75 hydrants or part thereof. Separate but interconnected hydrant system(s) with its/their own pump house(s)
may be provided with pumping and water capacity notified for each in the Table.
OR
a common hydrant system with its own pump house with requisite number of pumps (one pump @ every 75 hydrants or part thereof) as mentioned above plus one standbye pump and one jockey pump of 180LPM capacity can
also be provided. The number of main pumps in such cases, can be restricted to a maximum of five pumps. One pump shall be exclusive for feeding the sprinkler installation with one jockey pump of 180LPM capacity. Water
capacity in this case shall be at least 200000L (200 m3). Pump house shall be installed at a common location within the complex and separate delivery mains shall be installed for each tower tapped from the common delivery
header.
b) Sprinkler installation shall be connected to the hydrant system at the pump house through a Gate/Non-return valves so that only hydrant system can supplement the sprinkler system and not vice versa.
d) Lower levels in high rise structures are most likely to experience very high pressures, it is necessary to install either Multi-Stage, Multi-outlet pumps (creating pressure zones), or Variable frequecy drivem pumps orany other
Sprinkler system and one standbye pump of similar capacity driven by diesel engine and two jockey pumps each of capacity 180 LPM one each for hydrant and sprinkler systems shall be provided for every unit or tower. In case,
the number of hydrants are more than 75, additional main pumps of same capacity shall be provided for every 75 hydrants or part thereof. Separate but interconnected hydrant system(s) with its/their own pump house(s) may be
provided with pumping and water capacity notified for each in the Table.
OR
a common hydrant system with its own pump house with requisite number of pumps (one pump @ every 75 hydrants or part thereof) as mentioned above plus one standbye pump and one jockey pump of 180 LPM capacity can
also be provided. The number of main pumps in such cases, can be restricted to a maximum of five pumps. One pump shall be exclusive for feeding the sprinkler installation with one jockey pump of 180LPM capacity. Water
capacity in this case shall be at least 250000L (250 m3). Pump house shall be installed at a common location within the complex and separate delivery mains shall be installed for each tower tapped from the common delivery
header.
b) Sprinkler installation shall be connected to the hydrant system at the pump house through a Gate/Non-return valves so that only hydrant system can supplement the sprinkler system and not vice versa.
d) Lower levels in high rise structures are most likely to experience very high pressures, it is necessary to install either Multi-Stage, Multi-outlet pumps (creating pressure zones), or Variable frequecy drivem pumps orany other
10
(e) For buildings with heights exceeding 75 m, see Annexure "E"

One electric driven main pump of at least 2850 LPM discharge capacity for hydrant system, one electric driven main pump of at least 2850 LPM discharge capacity for Sprinkler system and one standbye pump of at least 2850
LPM driven by diesel engine and two jockey pumps each of capacity 180 LPM one each for hydrant and sprinkler systems. One set of pumps shall be provided for each 100 hydrants or part thereof, with a maximum of two sets. In
case of more than one pump set installation, it is required that both pump sets are interconnected at their delivery headers. Lower levels in these high rise buildings are likely to experience high pressure and therefore, it is
recommended to consider multi-stage, multi-outlet pumps (creating pressure zones) or variable frequency drive pumps or any other equivalent arrangement.
Overhead tank of specified capacity (along with Terrace pump if applicable) as indicated under respective items in the table shall be provided for each building/tower. whether the building(s)/tower(s) are situated attached or
detached. For Tanks shall be connected to sprinkler systems, downcomers and hose reels either directly or through terrace pumps as applicable in the table. Terrace pumps are not required for buildings protected with hydrant
system (Yard and or wet risers) with pumps at ground level. For residential buildings (15-30 m height), Overhead tank having capacity of 25000 L with 450 LPM pump shall be provided for every three downcomers or part thereof.
Pump capacity shall be based on the covered area of the buildings i.e for area upto 500 m2 pumping should be @ 1.5 LPM/m2, for areas greater than 500 m2 but upto 1000 m2, pumping should be @ 2.5 LPM/m2. Standbye pump
shall be provided of equal capacityAreas more than 1000M2 are not acceptable unless there are fire separations equivalent to two hours. Water capacity equivalent to two hour run of pump(s) shall be made available.
Buildings having heights more than 30 m shall not be permitted for Group "B", Group "C", Group "D" and Group "F" occupancies.
Entire building(s) shall be protected as per IS 15105.
a) Those industries which were defined or licensed as "Artisans workshops, Village and Cottage Industries, Tiny sector industries" by the Government of India shall need to provide only Extinguishers and Buckets, their quantity
and distribution shall comply with relevant Indian standards.
b) Multiple occupancy Industrial estates (all in one building) shall be protected according to the requirements for "Moderate" hazard industries. No high hazard occupancies shall be allowed in such buildings.
c) In case of high hazard industries like Petrochmical industries, Refineries and the like, in addition to compliance of requirements of Table 7, compliance to statutory requirements like Oil Industries Safety Directorate, Fire
insurance regulations and the like are mandatory,
d) Buildings shall be protected by automatic hydrant/sprinkler/mist sprinkler/fire alarm systems as per relevant standards. Extent of protection in such cases, shall be decided by the Head of fire services in the respective states.
Also where application of water as extinguishing medium is not appropriate due to the presence of water reactive materials or other valid acceptable reasons, a suitable other extinguishing system and method shall be provided in
consultation with the Head of fire services in the respective states as stated above. Protection methods suggested shall be in compliamce with relevant BIS standards.
a) Entire industry shall be protected by one electric driven main pump of at least 900 LPM discharge capacity, one standbye pump of similar capacity (with reliable back-up supply) and one jockey pump of capacity of at least 180
LPM.
b) Entire industry shall be protected by one electric driven main pump of at least 1620 LPM discharge capacity, one standbye pump of similar capacity driven by diesel engine and one jockey pump of capacity of at least 180 LPM.
c) Entire industry shall be protected by two electric driven main pumps of at least 2280 LPM discharge capacity (one each for hydrant and sprinkler systems), one standbye pump of similar capacity driven by diesel engine and two
jockey pumps of capacity of at least 180 LPM shall be provided for each main pump.
Buildings and other occupancies, may also be protected by Automatic water mist systems using high pressure pump applications if such systems are evaluated/certified by recognised National/International agencies for such
applications. Installation and design of such systems shall be as per manufacturers specifications, complying with test conditions and the same shall have acceptance of the authorities concerned .
For individual buildings having heights of more than 30 m, the entire quantity of water for fire fighting purpose (as required in respective occupancy), if provided at the terrace level, the main sprinkler pump, jockey pump and
common pump need not be provided, however, one electric pump of 1620LPM capacity with automatic operation shall be provided at terrace level.
11

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MANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG, NEW DELHI 110002

Phone: + 91 11 23230131, 23233375, 23239402 Extn 4402; Fax: + 91 11 23235529

MANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG, NEW DELHI 110002

DRAFT IN WIDE CIRCULATION

FORMAT FOR SENDING COMMENTS ON THE DOCUMENT

Name of the Commentator/ Organization: ______________________________________

Justification of Proposed Change

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Draft NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

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CALORIFIC VALUES OF COMMON MATERIALS AND TYPICAL

BROAD CLASSIFICATION OF INDUSTRIAL AND NON-INDUSTRIAL

AVAILABLE DATA REGARDING FIRE RESISTANCE RATING OF

FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS

FIRE PROTECTION ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUPER HIGH RISE

SHOPPING MALLS AND MULTIPLEX OCCUPANCIES

COMMERCIAL KITCHEN AND COOKING FACILITIES WITH OF

CAR PARKING FACILITIES

FIRE PROTECTION CONSIDERATIONS

GUIDELINES FOR FIRE DRILL AND EVACUATION PROCEDURES

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IMPORTANT EXPLANTORY NOTE FOR USERS OF THE CODE

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BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

Draft NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

Last Date for Comments:

National Building Code Sectional Committee, CED 46

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desirable to use such equipments/installation duly certified under the BIS

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Availability of halons will be restricted;

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BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

Draft NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

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FIG. 1 EXIT, EXIT ACCESS AND EXIT DISCHARGE

Fire Load Density Fire load divided by floor area.

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c) Insulation resistance to temperature rise on the unexposed face up to a

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2.39.1 Concourse Intermediate level(s) or area(s) connecting a station platform(s)

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