NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA (2005)

D-3.7.2 Sanitary facilities shall have at least one water-

designs demand, so that they are usable by individuals

closet cubical for the ambulant disabled (see Fig. 19

in wheelchairs.

and 20), that:

D-3.7.3.1 The drain pipes and hot-water pipes under

a) is 900 mm wide;

a sanitary appliance shall be covered or insulated so

b) is at least 1 500 mm, preferably 1 600 mm deep;

that a wheelchair individual do not find it inconvenient.

c) has a door (where doors are used), that is,

D-3.7.4 Some mirrors and shelves shall be provided

800 mm wide and swings out;

above the wash basins at a height as low as possible

d) has handrails on each side, 780 mm high and

and not higher than 1 m above the floor, measured

parallel to the floor, 40 mm clearance between

from the top of the shelf and the bottom of the mirror.

rail and wall, and fastened securely at ends

D-3.7.5 Sanitary facilities for men shall have wall-

and centre; and

mounted urinals with the opening of the basin 460 mm

e) has a water-closet with the seat 500 mm from

from the floor, or shall have floor-mounted urinals that

the floor.

are on level with the main floor of the toilet room.

NOTE — The design and mounting of the water-closet

is of considerable importance. A wall-mounted water-

D-3.7.6 Toilet rooms shall have an appropriate number

closet with a narrow understructure that recedes sharply

of towel racks, towel dispensers, and other dispensers

is most desirable. If a floor mounted water-closet must

and disposal units mounted not higher than 910 mm

be used, it should not have a front that is wide and

perpendicular to the floor at the front of the seat. The

from the floor.

bowl should be shallow at the front of the seat and turn

backwards more than downwards to allow the individual

D-3.8 Drinking Fountains

in a wheelchair to get close to the water-closet with the

seat of the wheelchair.

An appropriate number of drinking fountains or other

water-dispensing means shall be accessible to and

D-3.7.3 Sanitary facilities shall have wash basins with

usable by the physically disabled.

narrow aprons, which when mounted at standard height

are usable by individuals in wheelchairs; or they shall

D-3.8.1 Drinking water fountains or water coolers

have wash basins mounted higher, when particular

shall have up front spouts and control.

FIG. 19

SUGGESTED PLAN WC COMPARTMENT FOR THE AMBULANT

PART 3 DEVELOPMENT CONTROL RULES AND GENERAL BUILDING REQUIREMENTS

FIG. 20

SECTION THROUGH WC COMPARTMENT FOR THE AMBULANT DISABLED

D-3.8.2 Drinking water fountains or water coolers

be securely fitted to the wall to withstand heavy pressure.

shall be hand-operated or hand and foot-operated.

Handrails should turn in towards the wall at either end.

D-3.8.2.1 Conventional floormounted water coolers

D-3.10.1 Handrails should be approximately 900 mm

may be convenient to individuals in wheelchairs if a

from the floor. The rail should be easy to grip, having

small fountain is mounted on the side of the cooler

a circular section with a diameter of approximately

800 mm above the floor.

40 mm and fixed as shown in Fig. 21.

D-3.8.2.2 Fully recessed drinking water fountains are

not recommended.

D-3.8.2.3 Drinking water fountains should not be set into

an alcove unless the alcove is wider than a wheelchair.

D-3.9 Public Telephones

An appropriate number of public telephones should be

made accessible to and usable by the physically disabled.

NOTE — The conventional public telephone booth is not

usable by most physically disabled individuals. There are many

ways in which public telephones may be made accessible and

usable. It is recommended that architects and builders confer

with the telephone companies in the planning of the building

or facility.

D-3.9.1 Such telephones should be kept so that the dial

is placed at minimum 1 200 mm from floor and the

handset may be reached by individuals in wheelchairs.

D-3.10 Handrails

Handrails are used as a locational and mobility aid by

All dimensions in millimetres.

blind and visually impaired people, and as a support for

people with mobility impairments. The handrail should

FIG. 21 FIXING OF HAND RAIL

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

D-3.10.2 To aid indentification, the colour of the rail

wall, to left of the door, preferably at a height of

should contrast with the wall behind.

1 500 mm from the floor.

D-3.13.3 Doors that are not intended for normal use,

D-3.11 Elevators

and that might prove dangerous if a blind person were

In a multi-storey building, elevators are essential to

to exit or enter by them, should be made quickly

the successful functioning of physically disabled

identifiable to the touch by knurling the door handle

individuals. They shall conform to the requirements

or knob (see Fig. 22).

given in D-3.11.1 and D-3.11.2.

D-3.11.1 Elevators shall be accessible to, and usable

by the physically disabled on the level that they use to

enter the building, and at all levels normally used by

the general public.

D-3.11.2 Elevators shall allow for traffic by wheelchairs

(see also D-3.3).

D-3.12 Controls

It is advantageous for wheelchair users if controls are

placed at low level. For visually impaired people, they

should be at eye-level.

D-3.12.1 To enable wheelchair users to reach controls

while not placing them too low for visually impaired

FIG. 22 DOOR HANDLE

people, controls should be in the zone 900 mm to

1 200 mm from the floor. It is advantageous if controls

D-3.14 Warning Signals

in, for example, lifts are placed at an angle of

D-3.14.1 Audible warning signals shall be accompanied

approximately 45° to the wall so that they are easier to

by simultaneous visual signals for the benefit of those

read and operate. To cater for wheelchair users,

with hearing disabilities.

controls should be placed not less than 400 mm from

room corners. All the power and electric points should

D-3.14.2 Visual signals shall be accompanied by

be placed at one metre above the floor level and should

simultaneous audible signals for the benefit of the

not project outside walls.

blind. To assist blind people, lettering and symbols on

signs should be in relief for tactile reading.

D-3.12.2 Again, to cater for visually impaired people,

controls should be colour-contrasted with

D-3.14.3 Signs should be designed and located so that

backgrounds. Information should preferably be in relief

they are easy to read. For visually impaired people,

for tactile reading.

signs should preferably be at eye-level and it should

be possible to approach them closely. Text and symbols

D-3.12.3 To aid operation for people with impaired

should be colour-contrasted with the background. The

co-ordination or impaired vision, switches, etc, should

letters should not be less than 12 mm high.

have large push plates.

D-3.14.4 Signs should be well illuminated and

D-3.12.4 Controls for powered door openers to hinged

surfaces should not cause mirroring or reflections.

doors should be located so that the doors do not conflict

Signs should not be behind glass or similar materials.

with wheelchairs, sticks, walking aids, etc.

D-3.14.5 Information based on colour codes only

D-3.12.5 To facilitate operation for people with

should be avoided; colourblind people may find them

limited strength in arms and hands, handles should be

difficult to understand.

easy to grip and turn.

D-3.13 Identification

D-3.15 Work Bench

Appropriate identification of specific facilities within

This should be at least 800 mm wide, 600 mm deep

a building used by the public is particularly essential

and 650 mm to 700 mm high. For wheelchair users,

to the blind.

the convenient height of work tops is between

750 mm and 850 mm; flexible provision is preferred.

D-3.13.1 Raised letters or numbers shall be used to

Further, for wheelchair access to a work bench, wash

identify rooms or offices.

basin or table, a clear space for knees and footrests is

D-3.13.2 Such identification should be placed on the

needed.

PART 3 DEVELOPMENT CONTROL RULES AND GENERAL BUILDING REQUIREMENTS

D-3.16 Hazards

minimum height of 2.1 m measured from the floor is

recommended.

Every effort shall be exercised to obviate hazards to

individuals with physical disabilities.

D-3.16.5 Ramps shall be adequately lighted.

D-3.16.1 Access panels or manholes in floors, walks,

D-3.16.6 Exit signs shall be in accordance with good

and walls may be extremely hazardous, particularly

practices [3(5)].

when in use, and should be avoided.

D-3.16.7 Equipment and materials causing allergic

D-3.16.2 When manholes or access panels are open

reactions should as far as possible be avoided in

and in use, or when an open excavation exists on a

dwellings and buildings.

site, particularly when it is in proximity of normal

D-4 DESIGNING FOR CHILDREN

pedestrian traffic, barricades shall be placed on all open

sides, at least 8.5 m from the hazard, and warning

The dimensions given in this Annex are for adults of

devices shall be installed in accordance with D-3.14.2.

average stature. In designing buildings for use by

D-3.16.3 Low-hanging door closers that remain within

children, it may be necessary to alter some dimensions,

the opening of a doorway, when the door is open or

such as, height of handrails, in accordance with

that protrude hazardously into regular corridors or

accepted standards [3(6)].

traffic ways when the door is closed, shall be avoided.

D-5 For additional information regarding other

D-3.16.4 Low-hanging signs, ceiling lights, and

facilities and conveniences required in buildings meant

similar objects or signs and fixtures that protrude into

for use of physically challenged, reference may be

regular corridors or traffic way shall be avoided. A

made to accepted standards [3(7)].

ANNEX E

(Clauses 12.22, C-2.3.1 and C-2.6)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OF CLUSTER PLANNING FOR HOUSING

E-1 GENERAL

concept. However, dwelling units with plinth areas up

to 20 m² should have scope for adding a habitable

E-1.1 These guidelines cover planning and building

room. Group housing in a cluster should not be more

requirements of housing developed as clusters. These

than 15 m in height.

requirements are applicable to all housing projects

taken up by public, private or co-operative agencies.

E-2.4 Size of Cluster

E-2 PLANNING

In ground and one storeyed structures not more than

20 houses should be grouped in a cluster. Clusters with

E-2.1 Plot Size

more dwelling units may create problems relating to

The minimum plot size permissible shall be 15 m² with

identity, encroachment and maintenance.

100 percent ground coverage and an FSI of two.

E-2.5 Size of Cluster Open Space

Hundred percent ground coverage and FSI of 2 will

be applicable up to plot size of 25 m². For plot sizes

Minimum dimensions of open spaces shall be not less

beyond 25 m², provision in accordance with good

than 6 m or 3/4th of the height of buildings along the

practice [3(1)] shall be applicable.

cluster open space, whichever is higher. The area of

such cluster court shall not be less than 36 m². Group

E-2.2 Plot/Plinth Area for Slum Resettlement on

housing around a cluster open space should not be

Same Site

normally more than 15 m in height. Maximum cluster

In case of slum resettlement on the same site, minimum

courtyard width and breadth shall be 13 m.

area may be reduced to 12.5 m² with potential for adding

E-2.6 Setbacks

another 12.5 m² on first floor with an internal staircase.

No setbacks are needed from the edges of cluster as

E-2.3 Group Housing

pedestrian/vehicular access roads surrounding the

Group housing may be permitted within cluster housing

cluster.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

E-2.7 Right to Build in Sky

E-2.11 Density

Pedestrian paths and vehicular access roads to clusters

Cluster planning methodologies result in higher

separating two adjacent clusters may be bridged to

densities with low rise structures. With per dwelling

provide additional dwelling units. While bridging the

unit covered area of 15 m² densities of 500 dwelling

pedestrian path way minimum clearance should be one

units per hectare (net) shall be permissible. Densities

storey height, length of such bridging should be not more

higher than this should not allowed.

than two dwelling units. While bridging the vehicular

E-2.12 Group Toilet

access roads minimum clearance should be 6 m.

Cluster housing for economically weaker section

E-2.8 Vehicular Access

families can have group toilets at the rate of one water-

closet, one bath and a washing place for three families.

A right of way of at least 6 m width should be provided

These shall not be community toilets, as keys to these

up to the entrance to the cluster to facilitate emergency

toilets shall be only with these three families, making

vehicle movement up to cluster.

them solely responsible for the maintenance and

E-2.9 Pedestrian Paths

upkeep of these toilets.

Minimum width of pedestrian paths shall be 3 m.

E-3 OTHER REQUIREMENTS

E-2.10 Width of Access Between Two Clusters

E-3.1 Requirements of Building Design

Built area of dwelling unit within cluster shall have no

With the exception of clauses mentioned above,

setbacks from the path or road, space. Hence, the height

requirements of building will be governed by the

of the building along the pathway or roads shall be not

provision of this Code and good practice [3(1)].

less than 60 percent of the height of the adjacent

E-3.2 Requirements of fire safety, structural design,

building subject to minimum of 3 m in case of pathway

building services and plumbing services shall be as

and 6 m in case of vehicular access.

specified in this Code.

ANNEX F

(Clause 12.23)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LOW INCOME HABITAT PLANNING

IN RURAL AREAS

F-1 GENERAL

likelihood of natural disasters, natural

drainage, etc.

F-1.1 These guidelines cover planning and general

c) Identity of the place rooted in its culture and

building requirements for low-income houses having

heritage.

a maximum built-up area of 40 m² including future

expansion, built on notified (as notified by the State

d) Nearness and connectivity with nearby urban

Governments) rural areas. The provisions on layout

centres.

planning of low-income housing colonies in rural areas

e) Occupation related requirements.

are applicable to public and private agencies/

f) Water management.

government bodies. The provisions of this Code on

g) Waste management.

design and construction of buildings for low income

h) Land tenure.

housing in approved layouts are applicable to all private

Site selected shall be conveniently

and public agencies.

approachable and suitably developed and

F-2 SETTLEMENT AND ENVIRONMENT

shall not be subjected to water logging/

PLANNING

flooding.

k) Plot size

80 m², Min

F-2.1

While planning for rural settlements the

following factors shall be taken into consideration:

m) Density (Gross)

60 plots per hectare,

Max

a) Ecosystem and Biodiversity.

n) Minimum frontage

6 m

b) Topography with its direct effect on climate,

PART 3 DEVELOPMENT CONTROL RULES AND GENERAL BUILDING REQUIREMENTS

p) Ground Coverage

33 percent (subject to

of both the rooms is not less than 15.5 m². In

a maximum of 50

incremental housing the bigger room shall always be

percent)

the first room.

q) Floor area ratio (FAR): 2, Max

F-3.3.1.1

To facilitate incremental housing in case

r) Open spaces

1.21 hectare open

of flatted development or otherwise, habitable space

space for a village

at mezzanine level may be permitted. The minimum

with 200 houses.

size of such a mezzanine floor should not be lesser

s) Facilities like branch of co-operative bank, a

than 6.5 m² and such a floor should occupy not more

fertilizer depot, a veterinary hospital, market

than 50 percent of the room area of which it is a part.

place and a branch of the co-operative

Such a mezzanine floor should have appropriate

consumer store besides facilities for

openings to facilitate light and ventilation as

educational and health care should be

per F-3.5. Minimum clear height below and above

available within a maximum distance of 5 km

the mezzanine floor should be 2.4 m and 2.1 m

from any settlement.

respectively.

Proposed Road Hierarchy

As far as possible mezzanine floor should have direct

ventilation from the external face of the building.

Road

Road Function/Remarks

Where this is not possible ventilation through main

Type Description

Width

room may be allowed provided total area of openings

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

in the main room is provided taking into consideration

R1 Road which

9 m Widest road

area of mezzanine floor.

connects

Such mezzanine floor may be accessible through the

village to

nearby areas

main room by a ladder, whose minimum angle with

R2 Road which

6 m Main village roads

vertical plane should be 22½°. Height of the riser

take major

with drain on both

should be less than 250 mm.

traffic to the

sides to facilitate

F-3.3.2 Water-Closet/Bathroom

village

drainage system of

the village

a) The size of independent water-closet shall be

R3 Internal

4.5 m Other village roads

0.9 m²; with minimum width of 90 cm.

village road

R4 Internal

3 m Village lanes

b) The size of independent bathroom shall be

village road

1.2 m²with minimum width of 1m, and

c) The size of combined bath and water closet

F-3

GENERAL BUILDING REQUIREMENTS

shall be 1.8 m² with minimum width of 1 m.

(HOMESTEAD)

F-3.3.3

Kitchen

F-3.1 General

The size of a cooking alcove serving as cooking space

The requirements of parts of buildings shall be as given

shall not be less than 2.4 m² with a minimum width of

in F-3.2 to F-3.7.

1.2 m. The size of individual kitchen shall not be less

than 3.3 m² with a minimum width of 1.5 m. Semi-

F-3.2 Plinth

open spaces with low walls and roof may also be

The minimum height of plinth shall be regulated on

provided for cooking in areas where such provision is

the basis of environmental and topographical condition

suitable with respect to climatic comfort. Provision for

and higher plinth height may be required in areas prone

smokeless CHULLHA shall be made in all kitchens

to flooding.

considering fuel efficiency and health hazard due to

smoke inhalation.

F-3.3 Size of Room

F-3.3.4 Balcony

F-3.3.1 Habitable Room

The minimum width of individual balcony, where

Every dwelling unit to be provided should have at least

provided, shall be 0.9 m and shall not be more than

two habitable rooms. Even if one room house is

1.2 m and it shall not project beyond the plot line and

provided initially it should be capable of adding a new

on roads or pathway.

second room in future. In a house of two rooms, first

F-3.4 Minimum Height

room shall not be less than 9.0 m² with minimum width

of 2.5 m and second room shall not be less than 6.5 m²

The minimum height of rooms/spaces shall be as

with a minimum width of 2.1 m provided the total area

follows:

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

a) Habitable room

2.75 m

latrine pan with the pit shall be at least 1.1 m below

b) Kitchen

2.6 m

ground level or below the bottom of the water main

existing within a distance of 3 m from the pits

c) Bath/water-closet

2.2 m

whichever is more. Construction of such pits may be

d) Corridor

2.1 m

in accordance with [3(4)].

F-3.4.1 In the case of sloping roofs, the average height

The water seal latrine should be properly maintained

of roof for habitable rooms shall be 2.75 m and the

and kept in sanitary condition by the owner or the

minimum height at eaves shall be 2.10 m.

occupier. The contents of the septic tanks, soak pits,

F-3.5 Lighting and Ventilation

leach pits, etc, should be periodically emptied.

The leach pits should be cleaned only after 2 years of

The openings through windows, ventilators and other

their being put out of service after they were full.

openings for lighting and ventilation shall be as per in

accordance with 15.1.2.

Location of sanitary facility either as part of the house

NOTE — The windows and other openings shall abut onto

or separately shall be decided on the basis of felt

open spaces either through areas left open within the plot or

perceptions.

the front, side and rear spaces provided in the layouts which

shall be deemed to be sufficient for light and ventilation

F-3.8 The house site shall provide space for storage of

purposes. Wherever ventilation/lighting is provided by means

food grains and keeping cattle. A manure pit having a

of JALI or grill of any material, total area of openings shall

minimum area of 1.0 m² shall also be catered for. This

calculated excluding solid portion of the JALI or grill.

will take care of composting of biodegradable waste.

F-3.6 Stairs

F-4 OTHER REQUIREMENTS

The following criteria shall be adopted for internal

F-4.1 Requirements of fire safety, structural design,

individual staircase:

building services and plumbing services shall be as

a) Minimum width

specified in relevant parts of the Code.

1) 2 storeyed-straight

0.60 m

F-4.2

One water tap per dwelling unit may be

2) 2 storeyed-winding

0.75 m

provided, where adequate drinking water supply is

3) 3 or more storeyed-straight

0.75 m

available. If supply is inadequate, public hydrants shall

4) 3 or more storeyed-winding

0.90 m

be provided. In the absence of piped water supply, hand

pumps may be used for provision of water supply.

b) Riser

200 mm, Max

c) Tread

F-4.3 Drainage System

1) 2 storeyed

225 mm, Min

F-4.3.1

Water from drains shall be connected to

2) 3 storeyed or more

250 mm, Min

village ponds and appropriate eco-friendly methods

NOTE — This could be reduced to 20 cm as the clear tread

like growing of duck weed plants shall be adopted to

between perpends, with possibility of open riser as well as

treat waste water.

nosing and inclined riser to have an effective going of

22.5 cm.

F-4.3.2 This treated water may be used for irrigation

and agriculture.

F-3.7 Water Seal Latrine

F-4.4 Appropriate methods (namely conservation,

No building plan shall be approved and no building

ground water recharging, rain water harvesting, etc.)

shall be deemed to have been completed and fit for

should be employed to ensure effective water

human occupation unless provision is made for water

management.

seal latrine. No dry latrine shall be allowed. Water seal

latrines can also be provide on the basis of community

F -4.5 Community Facilities

toilets or shared toilets as per the recommendation

F-4.5.1 A community hall/BARAAT GHAR shall be

given in [3(3)].

established.

Where leaching pits are used, it should be constructed

F-4.5.2

Rural Development Centre shall include

within the premises of the households as it would be

PANCHAYAT GHAR, a MAHILA KENDRA that may

economical as well as facilitate their cleaning. However,

also serve as a vocational training centre.

where, due to space constraint, construction of pits

within the premises may not be possible, pits may be

F-4.5.3 School, health centre, post office, police post,

constructed in places like lanes, streets and roads.

shopping, work sheds for the artisans, telephone

facilities, etc should also be established.

In case the pit is located under the road, street or foot

path, the inverted level of the pipe connecting the

F-4.6

The use (to the extent possible) of locally

PART 3 DEVELOPMENT CONTROL RULES AND GENERAL BUILDING REQUIREMENTS

available building materials and cost effective

F-4.8 The special needs of women headed households/

substitutes for scarce building materials. Appropriate

single and working women/woman in difficult

technology inputs shall be introduced for improving

circumstances should be addressed. The specific

the local materials or conventional or traditional

requirement of women in terms of providing necessary

practices for improved efficiency.

facilities in homes to lessen their drudgery would be

given sufficient attention.

F-4.7 The concept of ‘aided self-help’ shall be ensured

for active participation of the prospective users and

F-4.9 Protecting and promoting our cultural heritage,

association in the construction and development of

architecture and traditional skills should be given due

dwelling units and other community building.

importance.

ANNEX G

(Clause 12.24)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT PLANNING IN HILLY AREAS

G-1 GENERAL

G-1.3 Settlement planning in the hill areas has

extremely large implications on the environment. For

G-1.1 These guidelines provides requirements relating

planning of the new settlements or working out the

to development planning and design of buildings in

strategies for the growth of the existing settlements, it

hilly areas. Any area above 600 m in height form mean

is necessary to conduct detailed environmental

sea level may be classified as hilly, or any area with

inventory/impact assessment. The inventory would

average slope of 30° may also be classified as hilly,

involve geological investigations, slope analysis, soil,

considering the sensitive and fragile eco-system of hills

flora and fauna analysis, climatic inventories,

and mountains. However, the State Governments

vulnerability to natural disasters, etc. In addition to

may identify and notify areas to be covered under

this the aesthetic factors, cultural, architectural and

‘Hilly Area’, which need to be dealt with special

historical heritage, scenic/landscape value should also

consideration, when developmental activities are

be taken into consideration. Keeping in view the

taken up.

scarcity of good buildable land and also the high cost

G-1.2 Hilly areas have one of the most fragile eco-

of the construction, it is necessary to optimize the use

systems, which need to be conserved. Therefore

of land and at the same time, use cost effective,

planning and development strategies for hilly areas

appropriate building materials and technologies.

shall have to be designed with added sensitivity and

G-2 LAND USE PLANNING

stress on integrated development. The development

approach shall comprise sound land use planning and

G-2.1 The following land use structure shall be

settlement planning.

adopted in Development Planning in Hilly areas:

Land Use

Percentage of Developed Area

Small Towns

Medium Towns

Large Cities

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Residential

50-55

48-52

45-50

Commercial

2-3

4-5

Industrial

3-4

4-5

5-7

Public and semi-public

8-10

12-15

Recreational

15-18

18-20

Transport and commerce

5-6

6-8

Ecological

8-10

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

G-3 OPEN SPACES

G-3.1 The following standards shall be adopted in Development Planning in Hilly areas.

Type

Area Range

Area per 1 000

Remarks

Population

(in ha)

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Tot lot

0.03-0.05

— Minimum width 15 m

Playground

0.50-1.00

0.12 to 0.20 One for every 5 000 may be combined

with schools.

Parks

1.20-2.00

0.12 to 0.20 One for every 10 000 population.

City parks/playgrounds/maidan/

—

0.12 to 0.20 For the entire town at one of more sites,

exhibition grounds/cultural

depending upon design and space

gathering grounds

availability.

Botanical garden

10-20

— One for every town

Recreational complex including zoo

10-12

— One for every settlement with tourist

potential

G-4 ROADS AND PATHS

buildings on one side do not shade those on the other

side.

G-4.1 Street orientation shall preferably be East-West

to allow for maximum South sun to enter the buildings.

G-4.2 The following road widths shall be adopted for

The street shall be wide enough to ensure that the

urban roads in Hilly areas.

Road Type

Width (in m)

Open Areas

Built-up Areas

Plains

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Arterial road

18-24

15-18

50-60

Sub-arterial road

15-18

12-15

30-40

Collector road

9-12

7.5-9

20-30

Local street

4.5-6

3-6

10-20

Loop street (maximum length = 500 m)

4.5

Cul-de-sac (maximum length = 500 m)

4.5

7.5

Pedestrian path

1.5-2.5

1-1.5

1.5-4.5

G-4.3 Hill Road Manual (IRC:SP:48-1998), a

G-5 COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES

publication of the Indian Roads Congress shall be

G-5.1 The following standards shall be adopted for

referred to for detailed guidelines for planning roads

community facilities and Services in Hilly areas.

in Hilly areas.

Type

Population

Distance

Area Range

(in ha)

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

A. Educational

Primary school

4 000

1-2

0.20 to 0.30

Secondary school (10+2)

15 000

5-7

0.30 to 0.50

Industrial training centre

—

8-12

0.30 to 0.60

College

30 000

8-12

2.00 to 3.00

PART 3 DEVELOPMENT CONTROL RULES AND GENERAL BUILDING REQUIREMENTS

Type

Population

Distance

Area Range

(in ha)

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

B. Health

Health sub-centre

3 000

2-4

0.025 to 0.067

Primary health centre

20 000

16-20

0.105 to 0.210

(25-50 beds)

80 000

16-20

0.840 to 2.100

Hospital (200-250 beds)

1 000

16-20

0.050 to 0.100

Veterinary centre

C. Other facilities

Community welfare centre

16 000

5-7

0.10 to 0.15

D. Services

Fire station

50 000

—

0.30 to 0.80

General post office

50 000

10-15

0.20 to 0.40

Post office

10 000

5-7

0.10 to 0.15

Rural post office

2 000

2-4

0.025 to 0.050

Rural post office

1 000

1-2

—

Bank (tribal areas)

10 000

16-20

0.100 to 0.150

Telephone exchange

50 000

10-15

0.20 to 0.40

Electric sub-station (66 kV)

—

1.00

Electric sub-station (11 kV)

—

0.05

LPG godown

—

0.15

G-6 GENERAL BUILDING REQUIREMENTS

G-6.3

Passive Systems for Climatic Control

G-6.1 General

G-6.3.1 Appropriate solar passive methods, such as

orientation, double-glazing, trombe walls and solar

The provisions contained in this Part shall

collectors, shall be adopted to achieve climatic comfort

apply excepting for the specific provisions given

with little use of conventional energy.

hereunder.

G-6.3.2 Care shall be taken in siting and design of

G-6.2 Siting

buildings to provide passive controls to modify the

effect of cold/strong winds.

G-6.2.1 No house shall preferably be located closer

than 1 m to another house.

G-6.4 Flat land is normally not available in hilly

regions. The houses are required to be constructed on

G-6.2.2 No house shall be located closer than 10 m

partially sloping land made available by cutting and

to a steep slope.

filling. It shall be necessary to protect the house by

G-6.2.3 No house shall be built on a landfill or on the

building retaining walls/breast walls [see 3(8)] to avoid

edge of a slope known to have been levelled.

landslides occurring at time of earthquakes or heavy

rains.

G-6.2.4 Buildings in hills shall be clustered together

to minimise the exposure to cold winds. Open spaces

G-6.5 Disaster Resistance

provided shall allow for maximum South sun.

All necessary steps shall be taken in designing and

G-6.2.5 Buildings shall be located on the south slope

building in hilly regions to achieve disaster resistance

of a hill or mountain for better exposure to solar

as per the relevant codes and Part 6 ‘Structural Design’.

radiation. At the same time, exposure to cold winds

All natural disasters likely to affect the locality shall

may be minimized by locating the building on the

be taken into consideration, namely earthquakes,

leeward side.

cyclones, avalanches, flash floods, landslides etc.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

LIST OF STANDARDS

The following list records those standards which are

IS No.

Title

acceptable as ‘good practice’ and ‘accepted standards’

(4)

12314 : 1987

Code of practice for sanitation

in the fulfillment of the requirements of the Code. The

for leaching pits for rural

latest version of a standard shall be adopted at the time

community

of enforcement of the Code. The standards listed may

(5)

4878 : 1986

Byelaws for construction of

be used by the Authority as a guide in conformance

cinema buildings (first revision)

with the requirements of the referred clauses in the Code.

(6)

4838 : 1990

Anthropometric dimensions for

IS No.

Title

school children age group 5-17

(1)

8888

Guide for requirements of low

years (second revision)

(Part 1) : 1993

income housing: Part 1 Urban

(7)

4963 : 1987

Recommendations for buildings

area (first revision)

and facilities for the physically

(2)

3792 : 1978

Guide for heat insulation of non-

challenged (first revision)

industrial buildings (first revision)

(8)

14458

Guidelines for retaining walls

11907 : 1986

Recommendations for calculation

for hill area:

of solar radiation on buildings

(Part 1) : 1998

Selection of type of wall

(3)

13727 : 1993

Guide for requirements of cluster

planning for housing

(Part 2) : 1997

Design of retaining/breast walls

PART 3 DEVELOPMENT CONTROL RULES AND GENERAL BUILDING REQUIREMENTS

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 fire, 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 endeavours 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 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 may be 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.

Experience has shown that concealed spaces within a building, such as, space between ceiling and false ceiling,

horizontal and vertical ducts, 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

this Code be construed as requiring or permitting any addition that may be 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 19 based on local conditions,

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

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 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 cover, by and large, the following aspects:

a) Availability of halons will be restricted;

b) Non-standard halon extinguishers, like aerosol type, shall not be permitted;

c) Discharge of halons for training/testing, etc shall not be permitted;

d) 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-to-time for implementation of the

Country Programme for the phasing out of ozone depleting substance (ODS) and regarding permitting use of halons for

applications till the 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, down-comer, 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 fire 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.

As a result of implementation of this Part, some useful suggestions have emerged. This revision has, therefore,

been prepared to take care of the same. The significant modifications incorporated include:

a) The text has now been 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 fire and similar emergencies, also

addressing construction and occupancy features that are necessary to minimize danger to life from

fire, smoke, fumes or panic.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

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 has been elaborated, with:

1) Starred hotels now covered as a new sub-division A-6 under occupancy Group A Residential.

2) Heritage structures and archeological monuments now covered under sub-division D-3 occupancy

Group D Assembly buildings.

3) Mixed assembly occupancies now covered as a new sub-division D-6 and under ground elevated

railways have been covered as a new sub-division D-7 under occupancy Group D Assembly

buildings.

4) TV stations now covered under sub-division E-5 of occupancy Group E Business buildings.

c) The minimum capacity of smoke exhaust equipment has been increased to 12 air changes per hour.

d) For the external stairs for exit requirements, the width and treads have been increased to 1 250 mm and

250 mm respectively.

e) 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.

f) 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.

All standards cross-referred to in the main text of this section, are subject to the revision. The parties to agreement

based on this Part are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of the

standards.

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

1 SCOPE

building immediately above the plinth level. The area

covered by the following in the open spaces is excluded

This Part covers the requirements for fire prevention,

from covered area (see Table 19):

life safety in relation to fire and fire protection of

buildings. The Code specifies construction, occupancy

a) garden, rockery, well and well structures,

and protection features that are necessary to minimize

plant nursery, waterpool, swimming pool (if

danger to life and property from fire.

uncovered), platform round a tree, tank,

fountain, bench, CHABUTARA with open top

2 TERMINOLOGY

and unenclosed on sides by walls and the like;

b) drainage culvert, conduit, catch-pit, gully pit,

2.0

For the purpose of this Part, the following

chamber, gutter and the like;

definitions shall apply.

c) compound wall, gate, unstoreyed porch and

2.1 Automatic Fire Detection and Alarm System

portico, slide, swing, uncovered staircases,

— Fire alarm system comprising components for

ramp areas covered by CHHAJJA and the like;

automatically detecting a fire, initiating an alarm of

and

fire and initiating other actions as appropriate.

d) watchman’s booth, pumphouse, garbage

NOTE — The system may also include manual fire alarm call

shaft, electric cabin or sub-stations, and such

points.

other utility structures meant for the services

2.2 Automatic Sprinkler System — A system of water

of the building under consideration.

pipes fitted with sprinkler heads at suitable intervals and

NOTE — For the purpose of this Part, covered area

heights and designed to actuate automatically, control

equals the plot area minus the area due for open spaces

in the plot.

and extinguish a fire by the discharge of water.

2.7

Down-comer — An arrangement of fire fighting

2.3 Building — Any structure for whatsoever purpose

within the building by means of down-comer pipe

and of whatsoever materials constructed and every part

connected to terrace tank through terrace pump, gate

thereof whether used as human habitation or not and

valve and non-return valve and having mains not less

includes foundation, plinth, walls, floors, roofs,

than 100 mm internal diameter with landing valves on

chimneys, plumbing and building services, fixed

each floor/landing. It is also fitted with inlet

platforms, VERANDAH, balcony, cornice or projection,

connections at ground level for charging with water

part of a building or anything affixed thereto or any wall

by pumping from fire service appliances and air release

enclosing or intended to enclose any land or space

valve at roof level to release trapped air inside.

and signs and outdoor display structures. Tents,

SHAMIANAHS, tarpaulin shelters, etc, erected for

2.8

Dry Riser — An arrangement of fire fighting

temporary and ceremonial occasions with the permission

within the building by means of vertical rising mains

of the Authority shall not be considered as building.

not less than 100 mm internal diameter with landing

valves on each floor/landing which is normally dry

2.4 Building, Height of — The vertical distance

but is capable of being charged with water usually by

measured in the case of flat roofs, from the average level

pumping from fire service appliances.

of the ground around and contiguous to the building or

as decided by the Authority to the terrace of the last

2.9

Emergency Lighting — Lighting provided for use

livable floor of the building adjacent to the external wall;

when the supply to the normal lighting fails.

and in the case of pitched roofs, up to the point where

2.10 Emergency Lighting System — A complete but

the external surface of the outer wall intersects the

discrete emergency lighting installation from the

finished surface of the sloping roof; and in the case of

standby power source to the emergency lighting

gables facing the road, the mid-point between the eaves

lamp(s), for example, self-contained emergency

level and the ridge. Architectural features serving no

luminaire or a circuit from central battery generator

other function except that of decoration, shall be

connected through wiring to several escape luminaries.

excluded for the purpose of measuring heights.

2.11 Escape Lighting — That part of emergency

2.5 Combustible Material — The material which

lighting which is provided to ensure that the escape

either burns itself or adds heat to a fire, when tested

route is illuminated at all material times, for example,

for non-combustibility in accordance with accepted

at all times when persons are on the premises, or at

standard [4(1)].

times the main lighting is not available, either for the

2.6 Covered Area — Ground area covered by the

whole building or for the escape routes.

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

2.12 Fire Door — A fire-resistive door approved for

and the staircase by fire-resisting doors, and open to

openings in fire separation.

the outer air.

2.13 Fire Exit — A way out leading to an escape route

2.23 Fire Resisting Wall — A fire resistance rated

having panic bar hardware provided on the door.

wall, having protected openings, which restricts the

spread of fire and extends continuously from the

2.14 Fire Lift — The lift installed to enable fire

foundation to at least 1 m above the roof.

services personnel to reach different floors with

minimum delay, having such features as required in

2.24

Floor Area Ratio (FAR) — The quotient

accordance with this Part.

obtained by dividing the total covered area (plinth area)

on all floors by the area of the plot:

2.15 Fire Load — Calorific energy, of the whole

contents contained in a space, including the facings of

Total covered area of all floors

FAR =

the walls, partitions, floors and ceilings.

Plot area

2.16 Fire Load Density — Fire load divided by floor

2.25 High Rise Building — For the purpose of this

area.

Part, all buildings 15 m or above in height shall be

2.17 Fire Resistance Rating — The time that a

considered as high rise buildings.

material or construction will withstand the standard

2.26

Horizontal Exit — An arrangement which

fire exposure as determined by fire test done in

allows alternative egress from a floor area to another

accordance with the standard methods of fire tests of

floor at or near the same level in an adjoining building

materials/structures.

or an adjoining part of the same building with adequate

2.18 Fire Resistance — Fire resistance is a property

fire separation.

of an element of building construction and is the

2.27

Means of Egress — A continuous and

measure of its ability to satisfy for a stated period some

unobstructed way of travel from any point in a building

or all of the following criteria:

or structure to a place of comparative safety.

a) resistance to collapse,

2.28

Occupancy or Use Group — The principal

b) resistance to penetration of flame and hot

occupancy for which a building or a part of a building

gases, and

is used or intended to be used; for the purpose of

c) resistance to temperature rise on the unexposed

classification of a building according to the occupancy,

face up to a maximum of 180°C and/or

an occupancy shall be deemed to include subsidiary

average temperature of 150°C.

occupancies which are contingent upon it.

2.19 Fire Separation — The distance in metres

2.29 Plinth Area — The built-up covered area measured

measured from the external wall of the building

at the floor level of the basement or of any storey.

concerned to the external wall of any other building

on the site, or from other site, or from the opposite

2.30

Pressurization — The establishment of a

side of street or other public space for the purpose of

pressure difference across a barrier to protect a

preventing the spread of fire.

stairway, lobby, escape route or room of a building

from smoke penetration.

2.20 Fire Separating Wall — The wall provides

complete separation of one building from another or

2.31 Pressurization Level — The pressure difference

part of a building from another or part of a building

between the pressurized space and the area served by

from another part of the same building to prevent any

the pressurized escape route, expressed in pascals (Pa).

communication of fire or heat transmission to wall itself

2.32 Roof Exits — A means of escape on to the roof

which may cause or assist in the combustion of

of a building, where the roof has access to it from the

materials on the side opposite to that portion which

ground. The exit shall have adequate cut-off within

may be on fire.

the building from staircase below.

2.21

Fire Stop — A fire resistant material, or

2.33 Site Plot — A parcel (piece) of land enclosed by

construction, having a fire resistance rating of not lesss

definite boundaries.

than the fire separating elements, installed in concealed

spaces or between structural elements of a building to

2.34 Stack Pressure — Pressure difference caused

prevent the spread/propagation of fire and smoke through

by a temperature difference creating an air movement

walls, ceilings and like as per the laid down criteria.

within a duct, chimney or enclosure.

2.22 Fire Tower — An enclosed staircase which can

2.35 Travel Distance — The distance to be travelled

only be approached from the various floors through

from any point in a building to a protected escape route,

landings or lobbies separated from both the floor areas

external escape route or final exit.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

2.36 Ventilation — Supply of outside air into, or the

Sub-division A-2 One or two-family private

removal of inside air from an enclosed space.

dwellings

Sub-division A-3 Dormitories

2.37 Venting Fire — The process of inducing heat

Sub-division A-4 Apartment houses (flats)

and smoke to leave a building as quickly as possible

by such paths that lateral spread of fire and heat is

Sub-division A-5 Hotels

checked, fire fighting operations are facilitated and

Sub-division A-6 Hotels (Starred)

minimum fire damage is caused.

Sub-division A-1 Lodging or rooming houses

2.38 Volume to Plot Area Ratio (VPR) — The ratio

— These shall include any building or group

of volume of building measured in cubic metres to the

of buildings under the same management, in

area of the plot measured in square metres and

which separate sleeping accommodation for

expressed in metres.

a total of not more than 40 persons (beds), on

transient or permanent basis, with or without

2.39 Wet Riser — An arrangement for fire fighting

dining facilities but without cooking facilities

within the building by means of vertical rising mains

for individuals is provided. This includes inns,

not less than 100 mm nominal diameter with landing

clubs, motels and guest houses.

valves on each floor/landing for fire fighting purposes

A lodging or rooming house shall be classified

and permanently charged with water from a pressurized

as a dwelling in sub-division A-2 if no room

supply.

in any of its private dwelling units is rented

NOTE — For definitions of other terms, reference shall be

to more than three persons.

made to good practice [4(2)].

Sub-division A-2 One or two-family private

dwellings — These shall include any private

3 FIRE PREVENTION

dwelling which is occupied by members of

3.1 Classification of Building Based on Occupancy

one or two families and has a total sleeping

accommodation for not more than 20 persons.

3.1.1

General Classification

If rooms in a private dwelling are rented to

All buildings, whether existing or hereafter erected

outsiders, these shall be for accommodating

shall be classified according to the use or the character

not more than three persons per room.

of occupancy in one of the following groups:

If sleeping accommodation for more than 20

Group A Residential

persons is provided in any one residential

building, it shall be classified as a building in

Group B

Educational

sub-division A-1, A-3 or A-4 as the case may

Group C

Institutional

be.

Group D

Assembly

Sub-division A-3 Dormitories — These shall

Group E

Business

include any building in which group sleeping

Group F

Mercantile

accommodation is provided, with or without

Group G

Industrial

dining facilities for persons who are not

Group H

Storage

members of the same family, in one room or

Group J

Hazardous

a series of closely associated rooms under

joint occupancy and single management, for

3.1.1.1

Minor occupancy incidental to operations in

example, school and college dormitories,

another type of occupancy shall be considered as part

students, and other hostels and military

of the main occupancy and shall be classified under

barracks.

the relevant group for the main occupancy.

Sub-division A-4 Apartment houses (flats) —

Examples of buildings in each group are given in 3.1.2

These shall include any building or structure

to 3.1.10.

in which living quarters are provided for three

or more families, living independently of each

3.1.2

Group A Residential Buildings

other and with independent cooking facilities,

These shall include any building in which sleeping

for example, apartment houses, mansions and

accommodation is provided for normal residential

chawls.

purposes with or without cooking or dining or both

Sub-division A-5 Hotels — These shall

facilities, except any building classified under Group C.

include any building or group of buildings

under single management, in which sleeping

Buildings and structures under Group A shall be further

accommodation is provided, with or without

sub-divided as follows:

dining facilities for hotels classified up to

Sub-division A-1 Lodging or rooming houses

4 Star Category.

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

f) Sub-division A-6 Hotels (starred) — These

b) Sub-division C-2 Custodial institutions —

shall include the hotels duly approved by the

This sub-division shall include any building

concerned authorities as Five Star and above

or a group of buildings under single

Hotels.

management, which is used for the custody

and care of persons, such as children,

3.1.3

Group B Educational Buildings

convalescents and the aged, for example,

These shall include any building used for school,

homes for the aged and infirm, convalescent

college, other training institutions for day-care

homes and orphanages.

purposes involving assembly for instruction, education

c) Sub-division C-3 Penal and mental institutions

or recreation for not less than 20 students.

— This sub-division shall include any

building or a group of buildings under single

Buildings and structures under Group B shall be further

management, which is used for housing

sub-divided as follows:

persons under restraint, or who are detained

Sub-division B-1 Schools up to senior secondary

for penal or corrective purposes, in which the

level

liberty of the inmates is restricted, for

Sub-division B-2 All others/training institutions

example, jails, prisons, mental hospitals,

mental sanatoria and reformatories.

a) Sub-division B-1 Schools up to senior

secondary level — This sub-division shall

3.1.5

Group D Assembly Buildings

include any building or a group of buildings

under single management which is used for

These shall include any building or part of a building,

students not less than 20 in number.

where number of persons not less than 50 congregate

or gather for amusement, recreation, social, religious,

b) Sub-division B-2 All others/training

patriotic, civil, travel and similar purposes, for

institutions — This sub-division shall include

example, theatres, motion picture houses, assembly

any building or a group of buildings under

halls, auditoria, exhibition halls, museums, skating

single management which is used for students

rinks, gymnasiums, restaurants, places of worship, dance

not less than 100 in number.

halls, club rooms, passenger stations and terminals of

In the case of temporary buildings/structures which

air, surface and marine public transportation services,

are utilized for educational purposes, the provisions

recreation piers and stadia, etc.

of 3.2.5.3 shall apply.

Buildings under Group D shall be further sub-divided

If residential accommodation is provided in the

as follows:

schools/institutions, that portion of occupancy shall be

Sub-division D-1 Buildings having a theatrical or

classified as a building in sub-division A-3.

motion picture or any other stage and fixed seats

3.1.4

Group C Institutional Buildings

for over 1 000 persons

These shall include any building or part thereof, which

Sub-division D-2 Buildings having a theatrical or

is used for purposes, such as medical or other treatment

motion picture or any other stage and fixed seats

or care of persons suffering from physical or

upto 1 000 persons

mental illness, disease or infirmity; care of infants,

Sub-division D-3 Buildings without a permanent

convalescents or aged persons and for penal or

stage having accommodation for 300 or more

correctional detention in which the liberty of the

persons but no permanent seating arrangement.

inmates is restricted. Institutional buildings ordinarily

Sub-division D-4 Buildings without a permanent

provide sleeping accommodation for the occupants.

stage having accommodation for less than 300

Buildings and structures under Group C shall be further

persons with no permanent seating arrangement.

sub-divided as follows:

Sub-division D-5 All other structures including

temporary structures designed for assembly of

Sub-division C-1 Hospitals and sanatoria

people not covered by sub-divisions D-1 to D-4,

Sub-division C-2 Custodial institutions

at ground level.

Sub-division C-3 Penal and mental institutions

Sub-division D-6 Buildings having mixed

a) Sub-division C-1 Hospitals and sanatoria —

occupancies providing facilities such as shopping,

This sub-division shall include any building or

cinema theatres, and restaurants.

a group of buildings under single management,

Sub-division D-7 All other structures, elevated or

which is used for housing persons suffering

underground, for assembly of people not covered

from physical limitations because of health

by sub-divisions D-1 to D-6.

or age, for example, hospitals, infirmaries,

sanatoria and nursing homes.

a) Sub-division D-1 — This sub-division shall

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

include any building primarily meant for

by 3.1.1.1); for keeping of accounts and records and

theatrical or operatic performances and

similar purposes, professional establishments, service

exhibitions and which has a raised stage,

facilities, etc. City halls, town halls, court houses and

proscenium curtain, fixed or portable scenery

libraries shall be classified in this group so far as the

or scenery loft, lights, motion picture houses,

principal function of these is transaction of public

mechanical appliances or other theatrical

business and keeping of books and records.

accessories and equipment and which is

Business buildings shall be further sub-divided as

provided with fixed seats for over 1 000 persons.

follows:

Sub-division D-2 — This sub-division shall

Sub-division E-1 Offices, banks, professional

include any building primarily meant for use

establishments, like offices of architects,

as described for sub-division D-1, but with

engineers, doctors, lawyers and police stations.

fixed seats up to 1 000 persons.

Sub-division E-2 Laboratories, research

Sub-division D-3 — This sub-division shall

establishments, libraries and test houses.

include any building, its lobbies, rooms and

other spaces connected thereto, primarily

Sub-division E-3 Computer installations.

intended for assembly of people, but which

Sub-division E-4 Telephone exchanges.

has no theatrical stage or permanent theatrical

Sub-division E-5 Broadcasting stations and T.V.

and/or cinematographic accessories and has

stations.

accommodation for 300 persons or more, for

3.1.7

Group F Mercantile Buildings

example, dance halls, night clubs, halls for

incidental picture shows, dramatic, theatrical

These shall include any building or part of a building,

or educational presentation, lectures or other

which is used as shops, stores, market, for display and

similar purposes having no theatrical stage

sale of merchandise, either wholesale or retail.

except a raised platform and used without

Mercantile buildings shall be further sub-divided as

permanent seating arrangement; art galleries

follows:

exhibition halls, community halls, marriage

halls, places of worship, museums, lecture

Sub-division F-1 Shops, stores, departmental

halls, passenger terminals and Heritage and

stores markets with area up to 500 m².

Archeological Monuments.

Sub-division F-2 Shops, stores, departmental

Sub-division D-4 — This sub-division shall

stores markets with area more than 500 m².

include any building primarily intended for

Sub-division F-3 Underground shopping centres.

use as described in sub-division D-3, but with

Storage and service facilities incidental to the sale

accommodation for less than 300 persons with

of merchandise and located in the same building

no permanent seating arrangements.

shall be included under this group.

Sub-division D-5 — This sub-division shall

3.1.8

Group G Industrial Buildings

include any building or structure permanent

or temporary meant for assembly of people not

These shall include any building or part of a building

covered by sub-divisions D-1 to D-4, for

or structure, in which products or materials of all kinds

example, grandstands, stadia, amusement park

and properties are fabricated, assembled, manufactured

structures, reviewing stands and circus tents.

or processed, for example, assembly plants, industrial

laboratories, dry cleaning plants, power plants,

Sub-division D-6 — This sub-division shall

generating units, pumping stations, fumigation

include any building for assembly of people

chambers, laundries, buildings or structures in gas

provided with multiple services/facilities like

plants, refineries, dairies and saw-mills, etc.

shopping, cinema theatres and restaurants, for

example, multiplexes.

Buildings under Group G shall be further sub-divided

Sub-division D-7 — This sub-division shall

as follows:

include any building or structure permanent

Sub-division G-1 Buildings used for low hazard

or temporary meant for assembly of people

industries.

not covered by D-1 to D-6, for example,

Sub-division G-2 Buildings used for moderate

underground or elevated railways.

hazard industries.

3.1.6

Group E Business Buildings

Sub-division G-3 Buildings used for high hazard

industries.

These shall include any building or part of a building

which is used for transaction of business (other than

The hazard of occupancy, for the purpose of the Code,

that covered by Group F and part of buildings covered

shall be the relative danger of the start and spread of

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

fire, the danger of smoke or gases generated, the danger

3.1.9

Group H Storage Buildings

of explosion or other occurrences potentially

These shall include any building or part of a building

endangering the lives and safety of the occupants of

used primarily for the storage or sheltering (including

the buildings.

servicing, processing or repairs incidental to storage)

Hazard of occupancy shall be determined by the

of goods, ware or merchandise (except those that

Authority on the basis of the fire loads of the contents,

involve highly combustible or explosive products

and the processes or operations conducted in

or materials) vehicles or animals, for example,

the building, provided, however, that where the

warehouses, cold storage, freight depots, transit sheds,

combustibility of the material, the flame spread rating

storehouses, truck and marine terminals, garages,

of the interior finish or other features of the building

hangers, grain elevators, barns and stables. Storage

or structure are such as to involve a hazard greater than

properties are characterized by the presence of

the occupancy hazard, the greater degree of hazard shall

relatively small number of persons in proportion to

govern the classification.

the area. Any new use which increase the number of

occupants to a figure comparable with other classes of

For determination of fire loads and fire load density

occupancy shall change the classification of the

for arriving at the classification of occupancy hazard,

building to that of the new use, for example, hangars

guidance including the calorific values of some

used for assembly purposes, warehouses used for office

common materials, is given at Annex A.

purposes, garage buildings used for manufacturing.

A broad classification of industrial and non-industrial

3.1.10

Group J Hazardous Buildings

occupancies into low, moderate and high hazard classes

is given at Annex B, for guidance. Any occupancy not

These shall include any building or part of a building

covered in Annex B, shall be classified in the most

which is used for the storage, handling, manufacture

appropriate class depending on the degree of hazard.

or processing of highly combustible or explosive

materials or products which are liable to burn with

Where different degrees of hazard of occupancy exist

extreme rapidity and or which may produce poisonous

in different parts of a building, the most hazardous of

fumes or explosions for storage, handling,

those shall govern the classification for the purpose of

this Code, except in cases where hazardous areas are

manufacturing or processing which involve highly

corrosive, toxic or noxious alkalis, acids or other liquids

segregated or protected as specified in the Code.

or chemicals producing flame, fumes and explosive,

Sub-division G-1 — This sub-division shall

poisonous, irritant or corrosive gases; and for the

include any building in which the contents are

storage, handling or processing of any material

of such comparative low combustibility and the

producing explosive mixtures of dust which result in

industrial processes or operations conducted

the division of matter into fine particles subject to

therein are of such a nature that there are hardly

spontaneous ignition. Examples of buildings in this

any possibilities for any self propagating fire to

class are those buildings which are used for:

occur and the only consequent danger to life

a) Storage, under pressure of more than

and property may arise from panic, fumes or

0.1 N/mm² and in quantities exceeding 70 m³,

smoke, or fire from some external source.

of acetylene, hydrogen, illuminating and

Sub-division G-2 — This sub-division shall

natural gases, ammonia, chlorine, phosgene,

include any building in which the contents or

sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, methyloxide

industrial processes or operations conducted

and all gases subject to explosion, fume or

therein are liable to give rise to a fire which

toxic hazard, cryogenic gases, etc;

will burn with moderate rapidity or result in

b) Storage and handling of hazardous and highly

other hazardous situation and may give off a

considerable volume of smoke, but from

flammable liquids, liquefiable gases like LPG,

which neither toxic fumes nor explosions are

rocket propellants, etc;

to be feared in the event of fire.

c) Storage and handling of hazardous and highly

flammable or explosive materials (other than

Sub-division G-3 — This sub-division shall

include any building in which the contents or

liquids); and

industrial processes or operations conducted

d) Manufacture of artificial flowers, synthetic

therein are liable to give rise to a fire which

leather, ammunition, explosives and fireworks.

will burn with extreme rapidity or result in

NOTE — A list of hazardous substances giving

other hazardous situation or from which

quantities, for which or exceeding which owners

handling such substances are required to be covered

poisonous fumes or explosions are to be

under the Public Liability Insurance Act, has been

feared in the event of a fire. For fire safety in

notified under Government of India, Ministry of

petroleum and fertilizer plant, good practice

Environment and Forests Notification No. G.S.R.

[4(3)] may be referred.

347(E) dated 1 August 1996.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

3.1.11 Any building not covered by Annex B or 3.1.8

or areas which are under development for

shall be classified in the group which most nearly

such occupancies.

resembles its existing or proposed use.

3.2.3

Change in the Fire Zone Boundaries

3.1.12 Where change in the occupancy of any building

When the boundaries of any fire zone are changed, or

places it in a different group or in a different sub-

when it is intended to include other areas or types of

division of the same group, such building shall be made

occupancies in any fire zone, it shall be done by

to comply with the requirements of the Code for the

following the same procedure as for promulgating new

new group or its sub-division.

rules or ordinances or both.

3.1.13 Where the new occupancy of a building is less

3.2.4

Overlapping Fire Zones

hazardous, based on life and fire risk, than its existing

occupancy, it shall not be necessary to conform to the

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

requirements of the Code for the new group or its sub-

the fire zone in which the major portion of the building

division.

or structure is situated.

3.1.14 A certificate of occupancy shall be necessary, as

3.2.4.2

When any building is so situated that it extends

required under Part 2 ‘Administration’, before any change

equally to more than one fire zone, it shall be deemed

is effected in the character of occupancy of any building.

to be in the fire zone having more hazardous occupancy

3.2 Fire Zones

buildings.

3.2.1

Demarcation

3.2.5

Temporary Buildings or Structures

The city or area under the jurisdiction of the Authority

3.2.5.1

Temporary buildings and structures shall be

shall for the purpose of the Code, be demarcated into

permitted only in Fire Zones No. 1 and 2 as the case

distinct zones, based on fire hazard inherent in the

may be, according to the purpose for which these are

buildings and structures according to occupancy

to be used, by special permit from the Authority for a

(see 3.1), which shall be called as ‘Fire Zones’.

limited period and subject to such conditions as may

be imposed in the permit.

3.2.2

Number and Designation of Fire Zones

3.2.5.2

Such buildings and temporary structures shall

3.2.2.1

The number of fire zones in a city or area under

be completely removed on the expiry of the period

the jurisdiction of the Authority depends upon the

specified in the permit.

existing layout, types of building construction (see 3.3),

classification of existing buildings based on occupancy

3.2.5.3

Adequate fire precautionary measures in the

(see 3.1) and expected future development of the city

construction of temporary structures and PANDALS

or area. In large cities or areas, three fire zones may be

shall be taken in accordance with good practice [4(4)].

necessary, while in smaller ones, one or two may be

3.2.6

Restrictions on the Type of Construction for New

adequate.

Buildings

3.2.2.2

The fire zones shall be made use of in land use

3.2.6.1

Buildings erected in Fire Zone No. 1 shall

development plan and shall be designated as follows:

conform to construction of Type 1, 2, 3 or 4.

a) Fire Zone No. 1 — This shall comprise areas

3.2.6.2

Buildings erected in Fire Zone No. 2 shall

having residential (Group A), educational

conform to construction of Type 1, 2 or 3.

(Group B), institutional (Group C), and

3.2.6.3

Buildings erected in Fire Zone No. 3 shall

assembly (Group D), small business (Sub-

conform to construction of Type 1 or 2.

divisions E-1) and retail mercantile (Group F)

buildings, or areas which are under development

3.2.7

Restrictions on Existing Buildings

for such occupancies.

The existing buildings in any fire zone shall not be

b) Fire Zone No. 2 — This shall comprise

required to comply with the requirement of the Code

business (Sub-divisions E-2 to E-5) and

unless these are altered, or in the opinion of the

industrial buildings (Sub-division G-1 and

Authority, such building constitutes a hazard to the

G-2), except high hazard industrial buildings

safety of the adjacent property or the occupants of the

(Sub-division G-3) or areas which are under

building itself or is an unsafe building. In the event of

development for such occupancies.

alteration, it shall be necessary to obtain permission

of the Authority for such alteration consistent with fire

c) Fire Zone No. 3 — This shall comprise areas

hazard (see Part 2 ‘Administration’).

having high hazard industrial buildings (Sub-

division G-3), storage buildings (Group H)

Alterations/modifications/renovations shall be

and buildings for hazardous used (Group J)

accomplished so as to ensure conformity with all the

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

safety requirements of the new buildings. Such

Type 1 Construction, Type 2 Construction, Type 3

alterations shall not in anyway bring down level of

Construction and Type 4 ‘Construction’. The fire

fire and life safety below that which existed earlier.

resistance ratings for various types of construction for

Any addition or alterations or construction of cubicles

structural and non-structural members shall be as given

or partitioning for floor area exceeding 500 m² for all

in Table 1.

high rise buildings shall be with approval of local fire

For buildings 15 m in height or above non-combustible

authority.

materials should be used for construction and the

3.3 Types of Construction

internal walls of staircase enclosures should be of

brick work or reinforced concrete or any other

3.3.1

General

material of construction with minimum of 2 h rating.

The design of any building and the type of materials

The walls for the chimney shall be of Type 1 and

used in its construction are important factors in making

Type 2 Construction depending on whether the gas

the building resistant to a complete burn-out and in

temperature is above 200°C or less.

preventing the rapid spread of fire, smoke or fumes,

which may otherwise contribute to the loss of lives

3.3.2

It is required that an element/component shall

and property.

have the requisite fire resistance rating when tested in

acco”rdance with the accepted standard [4(1)].

The fire resistance of a building or its structural and

Tables 2 to 18 provide available data regarding fire

non-structural elements is expressed in hours against

resistance ratings of various building components such

a specified fire load which is expressed in kcal/m², and

against a certain intensity of fire. The fire-resistance

as walls, columns, beams and floors. Fire damage

test for structural element shall be done in accordance

assessment, post fire structural safety assessment of

with good practice [4(5)]. For the purpose of the Code,

various structural elements of the building and

the types of construction according to fire resistance

adequacy of the structural repairs can be done by the

shall be classified into four categories, namely,

fire resistance ratings mentioned in Tables 2 to 18.

Table 1 Fire Resistance Ratings of Structural and Non-Structural Elements (Hours)

(Clause 3.3.1)

Structural Element

Type of Construction

No.

Type 1

Type 2

Type 3

Type 4

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

Exterior walls:

a) Fire separation less than 3.7 m

Bearing

Non-bearing

1½

b) Fire separation of 3.7 m or more

Bearing

but less than 9 m

Non-bearing

1½

c) Fire separation of 9 m or more

Bearing

Non-bearing

ii)

Fire resisting walls

iii)

Fire separation assemblies (like fire

check doors)

iv)

Fire enclosures of exitways, hallways

and stairways

Shaft other than exitways, elevator

and hoistways

vi)

Exitway access corridors

vii)

Vertical separation of tenant spaces

viii)

Dwelling unit separation

Non-load bearing partitions

— At least half an hour —

ix)

Interior bearing walls, bearing

Supporting more than one floor

partitions, columns, girders, trusses

Supporting one floor only

1½

(other than roof trusses) and framing

Supporting a roof only

1½

Structural members support walls

1½

xi)

Floor construction including walls

1½

xii)

Roof construction

5 m or less in height to lowest member

1½

More than 5 m but less than 6.7 m in

height to lowest member

6.7 m or more in height to lowest

member

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

Table 2 Masonry Walls: Solid (Required to Resist Fire from One Side at a Time)

(Clause 3.3.2)

Nature of Construction

Minimum Thickness (mm), Excluding any Finish for a

No.

and Materials

Fire Resistance (Hours) of

Load Bearing

Non-load Bearing

1½

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

(10)

(11)

(12)

Reinforced¹⁾ cement concrete

120

140

160

200

240

(25)²⁾

ii)

Unreinforced cement concrete

150

175

—

iii)

No-fines concrete with :

13 mm cement/sand or gypsum/sand

—

150

13 mm light weight aggregate gypsum

—

150

plaster

iv)

Bricks of clay:

a) Without finish

100

170

100

170

b) With

13 mm lightweight aggregate

100

gypsum plaster

Bricks of sand lime:

a) Without finish

100

190

100

170

b) With

13 mm lightweight aggregate

100

gypsum plaster

vi)

Blocks of concrete:

a) Without finish

100

—

100

140

150

b) With

13 mm lightweight aggregate

100

gypsum plaster

c) With 13 mm cement/sand or gypsum/

100

140

sand

vii)

Blocks of lightweight concrete:

a) Without finish

100

140

150

125

140

b) With

13 mm lightweight aggregate

100

gypsum plaster

c) With 13 mm cement/sand or gypsum/

—

100

sand

viii)

Blocks of aerated concrete:

a) Without finish

100

140

180

100

b) With

13 mm lightweight aggregate

100

150

gypsum plaster

——————————————

¹⁾ Walls containing at least 1 percent of vertical reinforcement.

²⁾ Minimum thickness of actual cover to reinforcement.

Table 3 Masonry Walls: Hollow (Required to Resist Fire from One Side at a Time)

(Clause 3.3.2)

Nature of Construction

Minimum Thickness (mm), Excluding any Finish for a

No.

and Materials

Fire Resistance (Hours) of

Load Bearing

Non-load Bearing

1½

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

(10)

(11)

(12)

(13)

Bricks of clay:

a) Without finish

170

200

100

170

b) With

13 mm lightweight aggregate

100

170

100

gypsum plaster

ii) Blocks of concrete:

a) Without finish

125

140

150

b) With 13 mm cement/sand or gypsum/sand

190

200

—

125

140

c) With

13 mm lightweight aggregate

100

125

gypsum plaster

iii) Blocks of lightweight concrete:

a) Without finish

100

—

100

140

150

b) With 13 mm cement/sand or gypsum/sand

—

100

140

c) With

13 mm lightweight aggregate

—

100

gypsum plaster

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

Table 4 Framed Construction, Load Bearing (Required to Resist Fire

from One Side at a Time)

(Clause 3.3.2)

Nature of Construction and Materials/Timber Studs at Centres not

Minimum Thickness (mm) of Protection

No.

Exceeding 600 mm, Faced on Each Side with

for a Fire Resistance of 1h

(1)

(2)

(3)

Plasterboard layers with joints staggered, joints in outer layer taped and filled — Total

thickness for each face

ii)

One layer of 12.7 mm plasterboard with a finish of lightweight aggregate gypsum

plaster

iii)

Metal lath and plaster, thickness of plaster:

a) Sanded gypsum plaster (metal lathing grade)

b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster

Table 5 Framed Construction, Non-Load Bearing (Required to Resist Fire

from One Side at a Time)

(Clause 3.3.2)

Nature of Construction and Materials/Steel or Timber Frame at

Stud

Minimum Thickness (mm) of Protection

Centres not Exceeding 600 mm, Facings on Both Sides of

Construction

for a Fire Resistance

½ h

1 h

1½ h

2 h

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

A) Dry lining with materials fixed direct to studs

(without plaster finish)

1. One layer of plasterboard with taped and filled joints

Timber or steel

12.7

2. Two layers of plasterboard with joints staggered, joints in Timber or steel

outer layer taped and filled — Total thickness for each face

3. One layer of asbestos insulating board with transverse joints

Timber or steel

backed by fillers of asbestos insulating board not less than 9

mm thick, or by timber

4. One layer of wood wool slabs

Timber

5. One layer of chipboard or of plywood

Timber or steel

B) Lining with materials fixed direct to suds, with plaster finish:

Plasterboard of thickness:

Timber or steel

a) With not less than 5 mm gypsum plaster finish

9.5

b) With not less than 13 mm gypsum plaster finish

12.7

C) Wet finish:

Metal lath and plaster, thickness of plaster:

a) Sanded gypsum plaster

Timber or steel

b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster

Timber

Steel

Table 6 Framed External Walls Load Bearing (Required to Resist Fire

from One Side at a Time)

(Clause 3.3.2)

Nature of Construction and Materials

Minimum Thickness (mm) of Protection

No.

for a Fire Resistance of 1 h

(1)

(2)

(3)

Timber studs at centers not exceeding 600 mm with internal linings of :

Plasterboard layers with joints in outer layer taped and filled, total thickness of

plasterboard

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

Table 7 Framed External Walls Non-Load Bearing Required to Resist Fire only

from Inside the Building (A)

(Clause 3.3.2)

Nature of Construction and Materials

Minimum Thickness (mm) of Protection for a

Fire Resistance

½ h

1 h

1½ h

2 h

3 h

4 h

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

Steel frame with an external cladding of non-combustible sheets (excluding

sheet steel), with a steel supporting framework and internal lining of:

1. Metal lath and plaster, thickness of plaster:

a) Sanded gypsum plaster (metal lathing grade)

b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster

2. Two layer of plasterboard with joints staggered joints in outer layer

taped and filled — Total thickness

3. Plasterboard of thickness:

a) With not less than 5 mm gypsum plaster finish

12.7

b) With not less than 13 mm gypsum plaster finish

9.5

c) With not less than 10 mm lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster

9.5

4. One layer of asbestos insulating board with transverse joints backed by

fillers of asbestos insulating board not less than 9 mm thick, or by timber

5. One layer of wood/wool slabs without finish

6. One layer of compressed straw building slabs:

a) Without finish

b) With not less than 5 mm gypsum plaster finish

7. Aerated concrete blocks

100

8. Bricks of clay:

a) Without finish

100

b) With not less than 13 mm lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster

Table 8 Framed External Walls Non-Load Bearing Required to Resist Fire only

from Inside the Building (B)

(Clause 3.3.2)

Nature of Construction and Materials

Minimum Thickness (mm) of Protection to

Provide Sufficient Insulation to Achievea

Modified Fire Resistance of Up to 4h

(1)

(2)

Steel frame with an external cladding of sheet steel fully lapped, steel bolted and

fixed to steel sheeting rails, with timber or steel supporting framework and internal

llining of:

1. Metal lath and plaster, thickness of plaster:

a) Sanded gypsum plaster (metal lathing grade)

b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster

2. One layer of plasterboard with joints taped and filled

12.7

3. Plasterboard of thickness with not less than 5 mm gypsum plaster finish

9.5

4. One layer of asbestos insulating board with transverse joints backed by

fillers of asbestos insulating board not less than 9 mm thick, or by timber

5. One layer of wood/wool slabs

6. One layer of compressed straw building slabs

7. One layer of chipboard or of plywood

8. Aerated concrete blocks

9. Bricks of clay

10. Any internal decorative lining with a cavity fill independently supported

and retained in position of mineral fibre insulating material (excluding

lass) at a density of 48 kg/m³

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

Table 9 Framed Walls Non-Load Bearing Required to Resist Fire only from Inside the Building (C)

(Clause 3.3.2)

Nature of Construction and Materials

Minimum Thickness (mm) of Protection for a

Fire Resistance of 1½ h

(1)

(2)

Timber frame with external cladding of weather boarding or external plywood,

9.5 mm with an internal lining of:

1. Plasterboard not less than 9.5 mm thick, finished with:

a) Gypsum plaster

b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster

2. Plasterboard not less than 12.7 mm thick, finished with:

a) Gypsum plaster

b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster

3. One layer of asbestos insulating board with transverse joints backed by fillers

of asbestos insulating board not less than 9 mm thick, or by timber

Table 10 Reinforced Concrete Columns

(Clause 3.3.2)

Nature of Construction and Materials

Minimum Dimensions (mm) Excluding any Finish,

No.

for a Fire Resistance of

½ h

1 h

1½ h

2 h

3 h

4 h

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

Fully exposed

Width

150

200

250

300

400

450

Cover

ii)

50 percent exposed

Width

125

160

200

300

350

Cover

iii) One face exposed

Thickness

100

120

140

160

200

240

Cover

Table 11 Concrete Beams

(Clause 3.3.2)

Nature of Construction and Materials

Minimum Dimensions (mm) Excluding any Finish,

No.

for a Fire Resistance of

½ h

1 h

1½ h

2 h

3 h

4 h

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

i) Reinforced concrete (simply supported)

Width

200

240

280

Cover

60¹⁾

70¹⁾

ii) Reinforced concrete (continuous)

Width

200

240

280

Cover

50¹⁾

iii) Prestressed concrete (simply supported)

Width

100

120

150

200

240

280

Cover

iv) Prestressed concrete (continuous)

Width

100

120

150

200

240

Cover

—————————————

¹⁾ Require attention to the additional measures necessary to reduce the risk of spalling.

Table 12 Concrete Floors

(Clause 3.3.2)

Nature of Construction and Materials

Minimum Dimensions (mm) Excluding any Finish,

No.

for a Fire Resistance of

½ h

1 h

1½ h

2 h

3 h

4 h

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

Reinforced concrete (simply supported)

Thickness

110

125

150

170

Cover

45¹⁾

55¹⁾

ii) Reinforced concrete (continuous)

Thickness

110

125

150

170

Cover

45¹⁾

——————————————

¹⁾ Require attention to the additional measures necessary to reduce the risk of spalling.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

Table 13 Concrete Floors: Ribbed Open Soffit

(Clause 3.3.2)

Nature of Construction and Materials

Minimum Dimensions (mm) Excluding any Finish,

No.

for a Fire Resistance of

½ h

1 h

1½ h

2 h

3 h

4 h

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

i) Reinforced concrete (simply supported)

Thickness of floor

110

125

150

170

Rib width

125

150

175

Cover

ii) Reinforced concrete (continuous)

Thickness

110

125

150

170

Width

125

150

175

Cover

Table 14 Encased Steel Columns, 203 mm × 203 mm

(Protection Applied on Four Sides)

(Clause 3.3.2)

Nature of Construction and Materials

Minimum Dimensions (mm) Excluding any Finish,

for a Fire Resistance of

1 h

1½ h

2 h

3 h

4 h

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

A) Hollow protection (without an air cavity over the flanges):

¹⁾ Metal lathing with trowelled lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster

2. Plasterboard with 1.6 mm wire binding at 100 mm pitch, finished with

lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster not less than the thickness

specified:

a) 9.5 mm plaster board

b) 19 mm plaster board

3. Asbestos insulating boards, thickness of board:

a) Single thickness of board, with 6 mm cover fillets at transverse

joints

b) Two layers, of total thickness

4. Solid bricks of clay, composition or sand lime, reinforced in every

100

horizontal joint, unplastered

5. Aerated concrete blocks

6. Solid blocks of lightweight concrete hollow protection

(with an air

cavity over the flanges)

B) Asbestos insulating board screwed to 25 mm asbestos battens

C) Solid protections

1. Concrete, not leaner than 1:2:4 mix (unplastered):

a) Concrete not assumed to be load bearing, reinforced ²⁾

b) Concrete assumed to be load bearing

2. Lightweight concrete, not leaner than 1:2:4 mix (unplastered): concrete

not assumed to be load bearing, reinforced ²⁾

———————————

¹⁾ So fixed or designed, as to allow full penetration for mechanical bond.

²⁾ Reinforcement shall consist of steel binding wire not less than 2.3 mm in thickness, or a steel mesh weighing not less than 0.5 kg/m². In

concrete protection, the spacing of that reinforcement shall not exceed 200 mm in any direction.

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

Table 15 Encased Steel Beams, 406 mm × 176 mm (Protection Applied on Three Sides)

(Clause 3.3.2)

Nature of Construction and Materials

Minimum Thickness (mm) of Protection for a

Fire Resistance of

½ h

1 h

1½ h

2 h

3 h

4 h

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

A) Hollow protection (without an air cavity beneath the lower flange):

¹⁾ Metal lathing with trowelled lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster

2. Plasterboard with 1.6 mm wire binding2) at 100 mm pitch, finished

with lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster not less than the

thickness specified:

a) 9.5 mm plaster board

b) 19 mm plaster board

3. Asbestos insulating boards, thickness of board:

a) Single thickness of board, with 6 mm cover fillets at transverse

joints

b) Two layers, of total thickness

B) Hollow protection (with an air cavity below the lower flange):

1. Asbestos insulating board screwed to 25 mm asbestos battens

C) Solid protection:

1. Concrete, not leaner than 1:2:4 mix (unplastered):

a) Concrete not assumed to be load bearing, reinforced 3)

b) Concrete assumed to be load bearing

2. Lightweight concrete4), not leaner than 1:2:4 (mix) unplastered

—————————————

¹⁾ So fixed or designed, as to allow full penetration for mechanical bond.

²⁾ Where wire binding cannot be used, expert advice should be sought regarding alternative methods of support to enable the lower edges

of the plasterboard to be fixed together and to the lower flange, and for the top edge of the plasterboard to be held in position.

³⁾ Reinforcement shall consist of steel binding wire not less than 2.3 mm in thickness or a steel mesh weighing not less than 0.5 kg/m². In

concrete protection, the spacing of that reinforcement shall not exceed 200 mm in any direction.

⁴⁾ Concrete not assumed to be load bearing, reinforced.

Table 16 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 3.3.2)

Nature of Construction and Materials

Minimum Thickness (mm) of Protection for a

Fire Resistance of

½ h

1 h

2 h

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

37 mm (minimum) timber joists with a ceiling of:

1. Timber lathing and plaster, plaster of thickness

2. Metal lathing and plaster, thickness of plaster:

a) Sanded gypsum plaster (metal lathing grade)

b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster

3. One layer of plasterboard with taped and filled joints

12.7

4. Two layers of plasterboard with joints staggered, joints in outer layer

taped and filled total thickness

5. One layer of plasterboard not less than 9.5 mm thick, finished with:

a) Gypsum plaster

b) Sanded gypsum plaster

c) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster

6. One layer of plasterboard not less than 12.7 mm thick, finished with:

a) Gypsum plaster

b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster

7. One layer of asbestos insulating board with any transverse joints

backed by fillets of asbestos insulating board not less than 9 mm

thick, or by timber

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

Table 17 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 3.3.2)

Nature of Construction and Materials

Minimum Thickness (mm) of Protection for a

Fire Resistance of

1½ h

1 h

2 h

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

37 mm (minimum) timber joists with a ceiling of:

1. Timber lathing and plaster, plaster of thickness

2. Metal lathing and plaster, thickness of plaster for:

a) Sanded gypsum plaster (metal lathing grade)

b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster

3. One layer of plasterboard with taped and filled joints

12.7

4. Two layers of plasterboard with joints staggered, joints in outer layer taped

and filled total thickness

5. One layer of plasterboard not less than 9.5 mm thick, finish with:

a) Gypsum plaster

b) Sanded gypsum plaster

c) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster

6. One layer of plasterboard not less than 12.7 mm thick, finished with:

a) Gypsum plaster

b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster

7. One layer of asbestos insulating board, with any transverse joints backed by

12¹⁾

fillets of asbestos insulating board not less than 9 mm thick, or by timber

—————————————

¹⁾ Finished on top with 25 mm minimum thick glass fibre or mineral wool laid between joints.

Table 18 Timber Floors — Any Structurally Suitable Flooring of

Timber or Lignocelluloses Boards

(Clause 3.3.2)

Nature of Construction and Materials

Minimum Thickness (mm) of Protection for a

Fire Resistance of

½ h

1 h

(1)

(2)

(3)

37 mm (minimum) timber joists with a ceiling of:

1. Timber lathing and plaster, plaster of thickness

2. Metal lathing and plaster, thickness of plaster for:

a) Sanded gypsum plaster (metal lathing grade)

b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster

3. One layer of plasterboard with joints taped and filled and backed by timber

12.7

4. Two layers of plasterboard with joints staggered, joints in outer layer taped

and filled total thickness

5. Two layers of plasterboard, each not less than 9.5 mm thick, joints between

boards staggered and outer layer finished with gypsum plaster

6. One layer of plasterboard not less than 9.5 mm thick, finish with:

a) Sanded gypsum plaster

b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster

7. One layer of plasterboard not less than 12.7 mm thick, finished with:

a) Sanded gypsum plaster

b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster

8. One layer of asbestos insulating board with any transverse joints backed by

fillets of asbestos insulating board not less than 9 mm thick, or by timber

3.3.3

Steel Construction

of fire. This could be achieved by use of appropriate

Load bearing steel beams and columns of buildings

methodology using suitable fire resistance rated

having total covered area of 500 m² and above shall be

materials alongwith suppression system {see Table 14,

protected against failure/collapse of structure in case

Table 15 and also accepted standard [4(5)]}.

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

3.4

General Requirements of All Individual

Table 19 (see also Part 3 ‘Development Control Rules

Occupancies

and General Building Requirements’).

3.4.1

General

Table 19 Comparative Floor Area Ratios for

Occupancies Facing One Public Street

All buildings shall satisfy certain requirements which

Atleast 9 m Wide

contribute, individually and collectively, to the safety

of life from fire, smoke, fumes and panic arising from

(Clauses 2.6 and 3.4.5)

these or similar causes. There are, however, certain

Occupancy

Type of Construction

general principles and common requirements which

Classification

are applicable to all or most of the occupancies.

Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4

3.4.2

Exceptions and Deviations

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

Residential

2.0

1.4

1.0

Exceptions and deviations to the general provisions of

Educational

2.0

1.4

1.0

requirements of individual occupancies are given as

Institutional

1.5

1.0

0.8

applicable to each type of occupancy in 6.1 to 6.9. In

Assembly

1.0

0.7

0.5

case of practical difficulty or to avoid unnecessary

Business

2.9

2.3

1.6

hardship, without sacrificing reasonable safety, the

Mercantile

8.0

1.8

1.4

1.0

Industrial

7.5

1.9

1.6

1.3

Authority may grant exemptions from the Code.

Storage (see Note 5)

6.0

1.5

1.3

1.0

3.4.3

Occupation of Buildings under Construction

Hazardous (see Note 5)

2.8

1.1

0.9

3.4.3.1

A building or portion of the building may be

UL — Unlimited.

occupied during construction, repairs, alterations or

NP — Not permitted.

additions only if all means of exit and fire protection

NOTES

measures are in place and continuously maintained for

1 The FAR values given in this table are subject to overall

restrictions on the heights of buildings in the case of

the occupied part of the building.

educational, institutional, assembly, storage and hazardous

3.4.3.2

A high rise building during construction shall

occupancies as specified in col 2 of Table 23.

be provided with the following fire protection

2 This table has been prepared, taking into account the

combustible content in the different occupancies as well as

measures, which shall be maintained in good working

the fire resistance offered by the type of construction.

condition at all the times:

3 This table should be modified by the Authority, taking into

a) Dry riser of minimum 100 mm diameter pipe

account the other aspects as given below:

with hydrant outlets on the floors constructed

a) Density in terms of dwelling units per hectare;

with a fire service inlet to boost the water in the

b) Traffic considerations;

c) Parking spaces;

dry riser and maintenance should be as per the

d) Local fire fighting facilities; and

requirements laid down in good practice [4(6)].

e) Water supply, drainage and sanitation requirements.

b) Drums filled with water of 2 000 litres capacity

4 The FAR values specified in this table may be increased

with two fire buckets on each floor; and

by 20 percent for the following services:

c) A water storage tank of minimum 20 000

a) A basement or cellar space under a building constructed

litres capacity, which may be used for other

on stilts and used as a parking space and air-

conditioning plant room used as accessory to the

construction purposes also.

principal use;

3.4.4

Maximum Height

b) Watchman’s booth, pumphouse, garbage shaft, electric

cabin or sub-station and other utility structures meant

Every building shall be restricted in its height above

for the services of the building under considerations;

the ground level and the number of storeys, depending

c) Projections and accessory buildings as specifically

upon its occupancy and the type of construction. The

exempted under the Code; and

height shall be measured as specified in Part 3

d) Staircase room and lift rooms above the topmost storey;

architectural feature; and chimneys and elevated tanks

‘Development Control Rules and General Building

of dimensions as permissible under the Code; the area

Requirements’. The maximum permissible height

of the lift shaft shall be taken only on one floor.

for any combination of occupancy and types of

5 In so far as single storey storage and hazardous occupancies

construction should necessarily be related to the width

are concerned, they would be further governed by volume to

of street fronting the building, or floor area ratios and

plot area ratio (VPR) to be decided by the Authority.

the local fire fighting facilities available.

3.4.5.1

Each portion of a building, which is separated

3.4.5

Floor Area Ratio

by one or more continuous fire resisting walls, having

The comparative floor area ratios for different

a fire resistance of not less than 2 h, extending from

occupancies and types of construction are given in

the foundation to 1 m above the roof at all points, may

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

be considered to be a separate building for the

protected with a fire-resisting assembly as specified

calculation of maximum permissible height and floor

in 3.4.9.

area, provided openings, if any, in the separating

3.4.8.2

For Type 4 construction, openings in the

wall are also protected by fire assemblies of not less

separating walls or floors shall be fitted with 2 h fire-

than 2 h.

resisting assemblies.

3.4.6

Open Spaces

3.4.8.3

Openings in walls or floors which are

The open spaces around or inside a building shall

necessary to be provided to allow passages of all

conform to the requirements of Part 3 ‘Development

building services like cables, electrical wirings,

Control Rules and General Building Requirements’.

telephone cables, plumbing pipes, etc, shall be

protected by enclosure in the form of ducts/shafts

3.4.6.1

For high rise buildings, the following

having a fire resistance not less than 2 h. The inspection

additional provisions of means of access to the building

door for electrical shafts/ducts shall be not less than

shall be ensured (see Part 3 ‘Development Control

2 h and for other services shafts/ducts, the same shall

Rules and General Building Requirements’):

have fire resistance not less than 1 h. Medium and low

a) The width of the main street on which the

voltage wiring running in shafts/ducts, shall either be

building abuts shall not be less than 12 m and

armoured type or run through metal conduits. Further,

one end of this street shall join another street

the space between the conduits pipes and the walls/

not less than 12 m in width;

slabs shall be filled in by a filler material having fire

b) The road shall not terminate in a dead end;

resistance rating of not less than 1 h.

except in the case of residential building, up

NOTE — In the case of buildings where it is necessary to lower

to a height of 30 m.

or lift heavy machinery or goods from one floor to the other, it

may be necessary to provide larger openings in the floor. Such

c) The compulsory open spaces around the

openings shall be provided with removable covers which shall

building shall not be used for parking; and

have the same strength and fire resistance as the floor.

d) Adequate passageway and clearances

3.4.8.4

Vertical opening

required for fire fighting vehicles to enter the

premises shall be provided at the main

Every vertical opening between the floors of a building

entrance; the width of such entrance shall be

shall be suitably enclosed or protected, as necessary,

not less than 4.5 m. If an arch or covered gate

to provide the following:

is constructed, it shall have a clear head-room

a) Reasonable safety to the occupants while

of not less than 5 m.

using the means of egress by preventing

3.4.7

Mixed Occupancy

spread of fire, smoke, or fumes through

vertical openings from floor to floor to allow

When any building is used for more than one type of

occupants to complete their use of the means

occupancy, then in so far as fire safety is concerned, it

of egress. Further it shall be ensured to

shall conform to the requirements for the occupancies

provide a clear height of 2 100 mm in the

of higher hazard. Unless the high hazard area is

passage/escape path of the occupants.

separated by separating walls of 4 h rating, the

b) Limitation of damage to the building and its

occupancies shall not be treated individually.

contents.

3.4.8

Openings in Separating Walls and Floors

3.4.9

Fire Stop or Enclosure of Openings

At the time of designing openings in separating walls

Where openings are permitted, they shall not exceed

and floors, particular attention shall be paid to all such

three-fourths the area of the wall in the case of an

factors as will limit fire spread through these openings

external wall and they shall be protected with fire

and maintain fire rating of the structural member.

resisting assemblies or enclosures having a fire

3.4.8.1

For Types 1 to 3 construction, a doorway or

resistance equal to that of the wall or floor in which

opening in a separating wall on any floor shall be

these are situated. Such assemblies and enclosures shall

limited to 5.6 m² in area with a maximum height/width

also be capable of preventing the spread of smoke or

of 2.75 m. Every wall opening shall be protected with

fumes through the openings so as to facilitate the safe

fire-resisting doors having the fire rating of not less

evacuation of building in case of a fire {see also

than 2 h in accordance with accepted standard [4(7)].

accepted standard [4(8)]}.

All openings in the floors shall be protected by vertical

3.4.10

Electrical Installations

enclosures extending above and below such openings,

the walls of such enclosures having a fire resistance of

For requirements regarding electrical installations from

not less than 2 h and all openings therein being

the point of view of fire safety, reference may be made

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

to good practice [4(9)] (see also Part 8 ‘Building

3.4.12.3 Where smoke venting facilities are installed

Services, Section 2 Electrical and Allied Installations’).

for purposes of exit safety, these shall be adequate to

prevent dangerous accumulation of smoke during the

3.4.11 Air-conditioning and Ventilation

period of time necessary to evacuate the area served,

Air-conditioning and ventilation requirements of

using available exit facilities with a margin of safety to

different rooms or areas in any occupancy shall be as

allow for unforeseen contingencies. It is recommended

given in Part 8 ‘Building Services, Section 1 Lighting

that smoke exhaust equipment should have a minimum

and Ventilation and Section 3 Air-conditioning,

capacity of 12 air changes per hour. Where mechanical

Heating and Mechanical Ventilation’.

venting is employed, it shall be firesafe.

3.4.11.1

Air-conditioning and ventilating systems

3.4.12.4 The discharge apertures of all natural draft

shall be so installed and maintained as to minimize the

smoke vents shall be so arranged as to be readily

danger of spread of fire, smoke or fumes from one

accessible for opening by fire service personnel.

floor to other or from outside to any occupied building

3.4.12.5 Power operated smoke exhausting systems

or structure (see C-1.17).

shall be substituted for natural draft vents only by

3.4.11.2

Air-conditioning and ventilating systems

specific permission of the Authority.

circulating air to more than one floor or fire area shall be

3.4.13 Heating

provided with dampers designed to close automatically

in case of fire and thereby preventing spread of fire or

Installation of chimney and heating apparatus shall be

smoke and shall be in accordance with the accepted

in accordance with good practice [4(13)].

standard [4 (10)]. Such a system shall also be provided

3.4.14

Additional Precautions

with automatic controls to stop fans in case of fire, unless

arranged to remove smoke from a fire, in which case these

In addition to the factors covered by 3.4.2 to 3.4.12

shall be designed to remain in operation.

there are certain aspects, applicable to particular

occupancies only, which may effect the spread of

3.4.11.3 Air-conditioning system serving large places

fumes and thus the safe evacuation of the building in

of assembly (over 1 000 persons), large departmental

case of fire. Some such aspects are:

stores or hotels with over 100 rooms in a single block

shall be provided with effective means for preventing

a) interior finish and decoration;

circulation of smoke through the system in the case of

b) seating, aisles, railings, turnstiles and

a fire in air filters or from other sources drawn into the

revolving doors in places of assembly;

system, and shall have smoke sensitive devices for

c) service equipment and storage facilities in

actuation in accordance with the accepted standards

buildings other than storage buildings; and

[4(11)].

d) hazards on stage, in waiting spaces, projection

3.4.11.4 From fire safety point of view, separate air

booths, etc, in theatres and cinemas.

handling units for the various floors shall be provided

3.4.15

Surface Interior Finishes

so as to avoid the hazards arising from spread of fire

and smoke through the air-conditioning ducts. The

3.4.15.1 The use of combustible surface finishes on

requirements of air-conditioning ducts shall be in

walls (including facade of the building) and ceilings

accordance with good practice [4(12)].

affects the safety of the occupants of a building. Such

finishes tend to spread the fire and even though the

3.4.11.5 For normal operation, air changes schedule

structural elements may be adequately fire resistant,

shall be as given in Part 8 ‘Building Services, Section 3

serious danger to life may result. It is, therefore,

Air-conditioning, Heating and Mechanical Ventilation’.

essential to have adequate precautions to minimize

3.4.12 Smoke Venting

spread of flame on wall, facade of building and ceiling

surfaces.

3.4.12.1 Smoke venting facilities for safe use of exits

in windowless buildings, underground structures, large

The finishing materials used for various surfaces and

area factories, hotels and assembly buildings (including

décor shall be such that it shall not generate toxic

cinema halls) shall be automatic in action with manual

smoke/fumes.

controls in addition.

3.4.15.2

The susceptibility to fire of various types

3.4.12.2 Natural draft smoke venting shall utilize roof

of wall surfaces is determined in terms of the rate of

vents or vents in walls at or near the ceiling level; such

spread of flame. Based on the rate of spread of flame,

vents shall be normally open, or, if closed, shall be

surfacing material shall be considered as divided into

designed for automatic opening in case of fire, by

four classes as follows {see also good practice

release of smoke sensitive devices.

[4(14)]}.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

Class 1 Surfaces of very low flame spread.

a) Wired glass — The wired glass shall be of

Class 2 Surfaces of low flame spread.

minimum half hour fire resistance rating.

Class 3 Surfaces of medium flame spread.

b) Sashes and frames — The sashes or frames

or both shall be entirely of iron or other

Class 4 Surfaces of rapid flame spread.

suitable metal such as stainless steel, securely

3.4.15.3 The uses for which surface materials falling

bolted or keyed into the wall, except in the

into various classes shall be adopted in building

case of panels in internal doors.

construction are given below:

c) Setting of glass — The panels of glass shall

be set in rebates or grooves not less than

Class 1

Class 2

Class 3

6.0 mm in width or depth, with due allowance

May be

May be used in

May be used only

for expansion, and shall be secured by hard

used in any

any situation,

in living rooms and

metal fastenings to the sashes or frames

situation

except on walls,

bed rooms (but not

independently of any cement or putty used

facade of the

in rooms on the

for weather-proofing purposes.

building,

roof) and only as a

staircase

and

lining to solid walls

3.4.16.3

Electro-copper glazing shall comply with the

corridors

and partitions; not

following requirements:

on staircases or

a) Electro-copper glazing — The electro-copper

corridors or facade

glazing shall be of minimum half hour fire

of the building.

resistance rating.

NOTE — Panelling (lining) shall be permitted in a limited

b) Sashes and frames — The sashes or frames

area. It shall not be permitted in a vestibule.

or both shall be entirely of iron or other hard

metal, securely bolted or keyed into the wall,

3.4.15.4 Materials of Class 4 which include untreated

except when in panels in internal doors.

wood fibreboards may be used with due fire retardant

treatment as ceiling lining, provided the ceiling is at

c) Fixing of sectional lights — The sectional

least, 2.4 m from the top surface of the floor below,

lights shall be set in rebate or grooves not less

and the wall surfaces conform to requirements of class

than 6.5 mm in width or depth, with due

[see Note under 3.4.15.3] Class 4 materials shall not

allowance for expansion and shall be secured

be used in kitchens, corridors and staircases. Some

by hard metal fastenings to the sashes or

materials contain bitumen and, in addition to risk from

frames independently of any lead, cement or

spread of fire, emit dense smoke on burning; such

putty used for weather-proofing purposes.

materials shall be excluded from use under these

3.4.16.4 Maximum permissible area shall be 5 m² for

conditions and shall also not be used for construction

protection by wired glass or electro-copper glazing.

of ceiling where the plenum is used for return air in

air-conditioned buildings [see also 5.1.7(m)].

3.4.16.5

Casement

3.4.15.5 When frames, walls, partitions or floors are

Hard metal casements, not exceeding 0.8 m² fitted with

lined with combustible materials, the surfaces on both

wired glass or electro-copper glazing in accordance

sides of the materials shall conform to the appropriate

with 3.4.16.2 and 3.4.16.3, secured to the frames by

class, because there is considerable danger from fire

hard metal hinges not more than 600 mm apart and by

starting and rapidly spreading within the concealed

fastening at top, centre and bottom shall be permissible.

cavity unknown to the occupants whose escape may

3.4.17

Skylights

be hampered there by. For detailed information on

materials and details of construction with their fire-

3.4.17.1 Wired glass for skylights or monitor lights

resistance rating, reference may be made to good

shall comply with the following requirements:

practice [4(15)].

a) Wired glass for skylights or monitor lights —

3.4.16 Glazing

The wired glass for skylights or monitor lights

shall be of minimum half hour fire resistance

3.4.16.1 Building of Types 1 to 4 construction shall

rating.

employ one of the two types of glazing described

b) Frames and glazing — The frame shall be

in 3.4.16.2 and 3.4.16.3 except that Type 4 construction

continuous and divided by bars spaced at not

may have the alternative of hardwood sashes or frames

more than 700 mm centres. The frame and

or both.

bars shall be of iron or other hard metal, and

3.4.16.2 Wired glass shall comply with the following

supported on a curb either of metal or of wood

requirements:

covered with sheet metal. The toughened glass

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

shall be secured by hard metal fastenings to

4.2.8

The floors of areas covered for the means of exit

the frame and bars independently of any lead,

shall be illuminated to values not less than 1 ft candle

cement or putty used for weather-proofing

(10 lux) at floor level. In auditoriums, theatres, concert

purposes.

halls and such other places of assembly, the

illumination of floor exit/access may be reduced during

3.4.18 Louvers

period of performances to values not less than 1/5 ft

Louvers wherever provided shall be of minimum half

candle (2 lux).

hour fire resistance rating.

4.2.9

Fire doors with 2 h fire resistance shall be

3.4.19 Glass of facade for high rise buildings, etc shall

provided at appropriate places along the escape route

be of minimum 1 h fire resistance rating.

and particularly at the entrance to lift lobby and stair

well where a ‘funnel or flue effect’ may be created,

4 LIFE SAFETY

inducing an upward spread of fire to prevent spread of

fire and smoke.

4.1

General

4.2.10

All exits shall provide continuous means of

Every building shall be so constructed, equipped,

egress to the exterior of a building or to an exterior

maintained and operated as to avoid undue danger to

open space leading to a street.

the life and safety of the occupants from fire, smoke,

fumes or panic during the time period necessary for

4.2.11

Exits shall be so arranged that they may be

escape.

reached without passing through another occupied

unit.

4.2 General Exit Requirements

4.3

Occupant Load

4.2.1 An exit may be a doorway; corridor; passageway(s)

to an internal staircase, or external staircase, or to a

For determining the exits required, the number of

VERANDAH or terrace(s), which have access to the

persons within any floor area or the occupant load shall

street, or to the roof of a building or a refuge area. An

be based on the actual number of occupants, but in no

exit may also include a horizontal exit leading to an

case less than that specified in Table 20.

adjoining building at the same level.

4.3.1

Mezzanine

4.2.2

Lifts and escalators shall not be considered as

The occupant load of a mezzanine floor discharging

exits.

to a floor below shall be added to that floor occupancy

4.2.3

Every exit, exit access or exit discharge shall be

and the capacity of the exits shall be designed for the

continuously maintained free of all obstructions or

total occupancy load thus established.

impediments to full use in the case of fire or other

4.4

Capacities of Exits

emergency.

4.4.1

The unit of exit width, used to measure the

4.2.4

Every building meant for human occupancy shall

capacity of any exit, shall be 500 mm. A clear width

be provided with exits sufficient to permit safe escape

of 250 mm shall be counted as an additional half unit.

of occupants, in case of fire or other emergency.

Clear widths less than 250 mm shall not be counted

4.2.5

In every building or structure, exits shall comply

for exit width.

with the minimum requirements of this part, except

NOTE — The total occupants from a particular floor must

those not accessible for general public use.

evacuate within 2½ minutes for Type 1 construction,

1½ minutes for Type 2 construction and 1 minute for Type 3

4.2.6

No building shall be so altered as to reduce the

construction. Size of the exit door/exitway shall be calculated

number, width or protection of exits to less than that

accordingly keeping in view the travel distance as per

required.

Table 22.

4.2.7

Exits shall be clearly visible and the route to

4.4.2

Occupants per unit exit width shall be in

reach the exits shall be clearly marked and signs posted

accordance with Table 21.

to guide the occupants of the floor concerned. Signs

4.4.3

Horizontal Exit Allowance

shall be illuminated and wired to an independent

electrical circuit on an alternative source of supply.

When horizontal exit is provided in buildings of

The sizes and colours of the exit signs shall be in

mercantile, storage, industrial, business and assembly

accordance with good practice [4(16)]. The colour of

occupancies, the capacity per storey per unit width of

the exit signs shall be green.

exit of stairways in Table 21 may be increased by 50

percent and in buildings of institutional occupancy it

NOTE — This provision shall not apply to A-2 and A-4

occupancies less than 15 m in height.

may be increased by 100 percent.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

Table 20 Occupant Load

in Table 22, except in assembly and institutional

(Clause 4.3)

occupancies in which case it shall not exceed 6 m.

4.5.3

Whenever more than one exit is required for any

Group of Occupancy

Occupant Load, Floor

No.

Area in m²/Person

room space or floor of a building, exits shall be placed

as remote from each other as possible and shall be

(1)

(2)

(3)

arranged to provide direct access in separate directions

Residential (A)

12.5

from any point in the area served.

ii)

Educational (B)

iii)

Institutional (C)

15 (see Note 1)

Table 22 Travel Distance for Occupancy and

iv)

Assembly (D)

Type of Construction

a) With fixed or loose seats

0.6 (see Note 2)

(Clauses 4.4.1, 4.5.1 and 4.5.2)

and dance floors

b) Without seating facilities

1.5 (see Note 2)

Sl Group of Occupancy

Maximum Travel Distance

including dining rooms

No.

Construction

v) Mercantile (F)

a) Street floor and sales

Types 1 & 2

Types 3 & 4

basement

b) Upper sale floors

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

vi) Business and industrial (E&G)

Residential (A)

30.0

22.5

vii) Storage (H)

ii)

Educational (B)

30.0

22.5

viii) Hazardous (J)

iii)

Institutional (C)

30.0

22.5

iv)

Assembly (D)

30.0

NOTES

Business (E)

30.0

1 Occupant load in dormitory portions of homes for the

vi)

Mercantile (F)

30.0

aged,orphanages, insane asylums, etc, where sleeping

accommodation is provided, shall be calculated at not less than

vii) Industrial (G)

45.0

7.5 m² gross floor area/person.

viii) Storage (H)

30.0

2 The gross floor area shall include, in addition to the main

ix) Hazardous (J)

22.5

assembly room or space, any occupied connecting room or

NOTES

space in the same storey or in the storeys above or below, where

entrance is common to such rooms and spaces and they are

1 For fully sprinklered building, the travel distance may be

available for use by the occupants of the assembly place. No

increased by 50 percent of the values specified.

deductions shall be made in the gross area for corridors, closets

2 Ramps shall be protected with automatic sprinkler system

or other sub-divisions; the area shall include all space serving

and shall be counted as one of the means of escape.

the particular assembly occupancy.

¹⁾ Construction of type 3 or 4 is not permitted.

Table 21 Occupants per Unit Exit Width

4.6

Number of Exits

(Clauses 4.4.2, 4.4.3 and C-1.6.2)

4.6.1

General

Group of

Number of Occupants

The general requirements of number of exits shall

No.

Occupancy

supplement the requirement of different occupancies

Stairways

Ramps

Doors

in 6.1 to 6.9.

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

4.6.2

All buildings, which are 15 m in height or above,

Residential (A)

and all buildings used as educational, assembly,

ii)

Educational (B)

institutional, industrial, storage, and hazardous

iii)

Institutional (C)

occupancies and mixed occupancies with any of the

iv)

Assembly (D)

aforesaid occupancies, having area more than 500 m

Business (E)

on each floor shall have a minimum of two staircases.

vi)

Mercantile (F)

vii)

Industrial (G)

They shall be of enclosed type; at least one of them

viii) Storage (H)

shall be on external walls of buildings and shall open

ix) Hazardous (J)

directly to the exterior, interior open space or to an

open place of safety. Further, the provision or otherwise

4.5 Arrangement of Exits

of alternative staircases shall be subject to the

requirements of travel distance being complied with.

4.5.1

Exits shall be so located that the travel distance

on the floor shall not exceed the distance given in

4.7 Doorways

Table 22.

4.7.1

Every exit doorway shall open into an enclosed

4.5.2

The travel distance to an exit from the dead end

stairway or a horizontal exit of a corridor or passageway

of a corridor shall not exceed half the distance specified

providing continuous and protected means of egress.

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

4.7.2

No exit doorway shall be less than 1 000 mm in

a) Residential buildings (dwellings)

1.0 m

width except assembly buildings where door width

b) Residential hotel buildings

1.5 m

shall be not less than 2 000 mm. Doorways shall be

c) Assembly buildings like auditorium,

2.0 m

not less than 2 000 mm in height.

theatres and cinemas

4.7.3

Exit doorways shall open outwards, that is, away

d) Educational buildings up to 30 m in

1.5 m

from the room, but shall not obstruct the travel along

height

any exit. No door, when opened, shall reduce the

e) Institutional buildings like hospitals

2.0 m

required width of stairway or landing to less than

f) All other buildings

1.5 m

900 mm; overhead or sliding doors shall not be

installed.

4.9.7

The minimum width of tread without nosing

shall be 250 mm for internal staircase of residential

NOTE — In the case of buildings where there is a central

buildings. This shall be 300 mm for assembly, hotels,

corridor, the doors of rooms shall open inwards to permit

smooth flow of traffic in the corridor.

educational, institutional, business and other buildings.

The treads shall be constructed and maintained in a

4.7.4

Exit door shall not open immediately upon a

manner to prevent slipping.

flight of stairs; a landing equal to at least the width of

the door shall be provided in the stairway at each

4.9.8

The maximum height of riser shall be 190 mm

doorway; the level of landing shall be the same as that

for residential buildings and 150 mm for other buildings

of the floor which it serves.

and the number shall be limited to 15 per flight.

4.7.5

Exit doorways shall be openable from the side

4.9.9

Handrails shall be provided at a height of

which they serve without the use of a key.

1 000 mm to be measured from the base of the middle

of the treads to the top of the handrails. Balusters/railing

4.7.6

Mirrors shall not be placed in exit ways or exit

shall be provided such that the width of staircase does

doors to avoid confusion regarding the direction of exit.

not reduce (see Fig. 1).

4.8 Corridors and Passageways

4.9.10 The number of people in between floor landings

in staircase shall not be less than the population on

4.8.1

Exit corridors and passageways shall be of width

each floor for the purpose of design of staircase. The

not less than the aggregate required width of exit

design of staircase shall also take into account the

doorways leading from them in the direction of travel

following:

to the exterior.

The minimum headroom in a passage under

4.8.2

Where stairways discharge through corridors and

the landing of a staircase and under the

passageways, the height of corridors and passageways

staircase shall be 2.2 m.

shall be not less than 2.4 m.

For building 15 m in height or more, access

4.8.3 All means of exit including staircases lifts lobbies

to main staircase shall be through a fire/smoke

and corridors shall be adequately ventilated.

check door of a minimum 2 h fire resistance

rating. Fire resistance rating may be reduced

4.9 Internal Staircases

to 1 h for residential buildings (except hotels

and starred hotels).

4.9.1

Internal stairs shall be constructed of non-

combustible materials throughout.

No living space, store or other fire risk shall

open directly into the staircase or staircases.

4.9.2

Internal stairs shall be constructed as a self-

External exit door of staircase enclosure at

contained unit with an external wall of the building

ground level shall open directly to the open

constituting at least one of its sides and shall be

spaces or through a large lobby, if necessary.

completely enclosed.

The main and external staircases shall be

4.9.3 A staircase shall not be arranged round a lift shaft.

continuous from ground floor to the terrace

level.

4.9.4

Hollow combustible construction shall not be

permitted.

No electrical shafts/AC ducts or gas pipes, etc,

shall pass through or open in the staircases.

4.9.5

No gas piping or electrical panels shall be

Lifts shall not open in staircase.

allowed in the stairway. Ducting in stairway may be

No combustible material shall be used for

permitted if it is of 1 h fire resistance rating.

decoration/wall paneling in the staircase.

4.9.6

Notwithstanding the detailed provision for exits

Beams/columns and other building features

in accordance with 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5, the following

shall not reduce the head room/width of the

minimum width shall be provided for staircases:

staircase.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

All dimensions in millimetres.

FIG.

1 TYPICAL DETAIL FOR HANDRAIL/BLUSTERS OF A STAIRCASE

The exit sign with arrow indicating the way

4.10 Pressurization of Staircases (Protected Escape

to the escape route shall be provided at a

Routes)

suitable height from the floor level on the wall

4.10.1

Though in normal building design,

and shall be illuminated by electric light

compartmentation plays a vital part in limiting the

connected to corridor circuits. All exit way

spread of fire, smoke will readily spread to adjacent

marking signs should be flush with the wall

spaces through the various leakage openings in the

and so designed that no mechanical damage

compartment enclosure, such as cracks, openings

shall occur to them due to moving of furniture

around pipes ducts, airflow grills and doors, as perfect

or other heavy equipments. Further, all

sealing of all these openings is not possible. It is smoke

landings of floor shall have floor indicating

and toxic gases, rather than flame, that will initially

boards prominently indicating the number of

obstruct the free movement of occupants of the

floor as per bye-laws.

building through the means of escape (escape routes).

The floor indication board shall be placed on

Hence the exclusion of smoke and toxic gases from

the wall immediately facing the flight of stairs

the protected routes is of great importance.

and nearest to the landing. It shall be of size

4.10.2 Pressurization is a method adopted for protected

not less than 0.5 m × 0.5 m.

escape routes against ingress of smoke, especially in

Individual floors shall be prominently

high-rise buildings. In pressurization, air is injected

indicated on the wall facing the staircases.

into the staircases, lobbies or corridors, to raise their

In case of single staircase it shall terminate

pressure slightly above the pressure in adjacent parts

at the ground floor level and the access to

of the building. As a result, ingress of smoke or toxic

gases into the escape routes will be prevented. The

the basement shall be by a separate staircase.

pressurization of staircases shall be adopted for high

The second staircase may lead to basement

rise buildings and building having mixed occupancy/

levels provided the same is separate at

multiplexes having covered area more than 500 m².

ground level by ventilated lobby with

discharge points to two different ends

4.10.3

The pressure difference for staircases shall be

through enclosures.

as under:

PART 4

FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

be resorted to. The use of pressurized and naturally

Building

Pressure Difference

ventilated staircases in the same building may introduce

Height

Reduced

Emergency

difficulties and hence shall be avoided. Under no

Operation

circumstances shall a pressurized staircase be

(Stage 1 of

(Stage 2 of a

connected by a corridor or lobby to an un-pressurized

a 2-Stage

2-Stage System

staircase. Wherever pressurized staircase is to be

System)

or Single

connected to un-pressurized area, the two areas shall

Stage System)

be segregated.

(Pa)

4.11 External Stairs

Less than 15 m

15 m or above

An external staircase is desirable to be provided for

high rise buildings.

If possible, the same levels shall be used for lobbies

and corridors, but levels slightly lower may be used

External stairs, when provided shall comply the

for these spaces if desired. The difference in

following:

pressurization levels between staircase and lobbies (or

4.11.1

External stairs shall always be kept in sound

corridors) shall not be greater than 5 Pa.

operable conditions.

4.10.4 Pressurization system may be of two types:

4.11.2

All external stairs shall be directly connected

a) Single-stage, designed for operation only in

to the ground.

the event of an emergency, and

4.11.3

Entrance to the external stairs shall be separate

b) Two-stage, where normally a level of

and remote from the internal staircase.

pressurization is maintained in the protected

4.11.4

Care shall be taken to ensure that no wall

escape routes and an increased level of

opening or window opens on to or close to an external

pressurization can be brought into operation

stairs.

in an emergency.

4.11.5

The route to the external stairs shall be free of

4.10.5 The normal air-conditioning system and the

obstructions at all times.

pressurization system shall be treated as an integral

one, especially for a two-stage system. When the

4.11.6

The external stairs shall be constructed of non-

emergency pressurization is brought into action, the

combustible materials, and any doorway leading to it

following changes in the normal air-conditioning

shall have the required fire resistance.

system shall be effected:

4.11.7 No external staircase, used as a fire escape, shall

a) Any re-circulation of air shall be stopped and

be inclined at an angle greater than 45° from the

all exhaust air vented to atmosphere;

horizontal.

b) Any air supply to the spaces/areas other than

4.11.8

External stairs shall have straight flight not less

escape routes shall be stopped;

than 1 250 mm wide with 250 mm treads and risers

c) The exhaust system may be continued

not more than 190 mm. The number of risers shall be

provided:

limited to 15 per flight.

1) the positions of the extraction grills

permit a general air flow away from the

4.11.9

Handrails shall be of a height not less than

protected escape route entry;

1 000 mm and not exceeding 1 200 mm. There shall

be provisions of balusters with maximum gap of

2) the construction of the ductwork and fans

150 mm.

is such that, it will not be rendered

inoperable by hot gases and smoke; and

4.11.10 The use of spiral staircase shall be limited to

3) there is no danger of spread of smoke to

low occupant load and to a building not exceeding 9 m

other floors by the path of the extraction

in height.

system which can be ensured by keeping

A spiral stair case shall be not less than 1 500 mm in

the extraction fans running.

diameter and shall be designed to give adequate

4.10.6

The pressurization system can be

headroom.

interconnected with the automatic/manual fire alarm

4.11.11 Unprotected steel frame staircase will not be

system for actuation.

accepted as means of escape. However, steel staircase

4.10.7 It will be desirable to have all the staircases in

in an enclosed fire rated compartment of 2 h will be

a building pressurized, if pressurization system is to

accepted as means of escape.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

4.12 Horizontal Exits

capacity and limiting dimensions except where

specified in 6.1 to 6.9 for special uses and occupancies.

4.12.1 The width of horizontal exit shall be same as

for the exit doorways.

4.14.2

The slope of a ramp shall not exceed 1 in 10.

In certain cases steeper slopes may be permitted but in

4.12.2 A horizontal exit shall be equipped with at least

no case greater than 1 in 8.

one fire/smoke door of minimum 1 h fire resistance,

of self-closing type. Further, it is required to have direct

4.14.3

For all slopes exceeding 1 in 10 and wherever

connectivity to the fire escape staircase for evacuation.

the use is such as to involve danger of slipping, the

ramp shall be surfaced with approved non-slipping

4.12.3 For buildings more than 24 m in height, refuge

material.

area of 15 m² or an area equivalent to 0.3 m² per person

to accommodate the occupants of two consecutive

4.15 Fire Lifts

floors, whichever is higher, shall be provided as under:

4.15.1

Where applicable, fire lifts shall be provided

The refuge area shall be provided on the periphery of

with a minimum capacity for 8 passengers and fully

the floor or preferably on a cantilever projection and

automated with emergency switch on ground level. In

open to air at least on one side protected with suitable

general, buildings 15 m in height or above shall be

railings.

provided with fire lifts.

a) For floors above 24 m and Up to 39 m —

4.15.2 In case of fire, only fireman shall operate the fire

One refuge area on the floor immediately

lift. In normal course, it may be used by other persons.

above 24 m.

4.15.3

Each fire lift shall be equipped with suitable

b) For floors above 39 m — One refuge area on

inter-communication equipment for communicating

the floor immediately above 39 m and so on

with the control room on the ground floor of the

after every 15 m. Refuge area provided in

building.

excess of the requirements shall be counted

towards FAR.

4.15.4

The number and location of fire lifts in a

NOTE — Residential flats in multi-storied building with

building shall be decided after taking into consideration

balcony, need not be provided with refuge area,

various factors like building population, floor area,

however flats without balcony shall provide refuge area

compartmentation, etc.

as given above.

4.12.4 Where there is a difference in level between

4.16 Emergency and Escape Lighting

connected areas for horizontal exits, ramps, not more

4.16.1

Emergency lighting shall be powered from a

than 1 in 10 m slope shall be provided; steps shall not

source independent of that supplying the normal

be used.

lighting [see good practice [4(17)].

4.12.5 Doors in horizontal exits shall be openable at

Escape lighting shall be capable of:

all times from both sides.

a) Indicating clearly and unambiguously the

4.13 Fire Tower

escape routes,

b) Providing adequate illumination along such

Fire towers are the preferred type of escape route for

routes to allow safe movement of persons

storeyed buildings and these shall be considered as the

towards and through the exits,

safest route for escape. Their number, location and size

shall depend on the building concerned, and its

c) Ensuring that fire alarm call points and fire-

associated escape routes.

fighting equipments provided along the

escape routes can be readily located.

4.13.1 In high rise buildings with over 8 storeys or

24 m in height, at least one required means of egress

4.16.2

The horizontal luminance at floor level on the

shall preferably be a fire tower.

centreline of an escape route shall be not less than

10 lux. In addition, for escape routes up to 2 m wide,

4.13.2 The fire towers shall be constructed of walls

50 percent of the route width shall be lit to a minimum

with a 2 h fire resistance rating without openings other

of 5 lux.

than the exit doorways, with platforms, landings and

balconies having the same fire-resistance rating.

4.16.3

The emergency lighting shall be provided to

be put on within 1 s of the failure of the normal lighting

4.14 Ramps

supply.

4.14.1 Ramps shall comply with all the applicable

4.16.4

Escape lighting luminaries should be sited to

requirements for stairways regarding enclosure,

cover the following locations:

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

a) Near each intersection of corridors,

b) Staircase and corridor lighting shall also

b) at each exit door,

be connected to alternative supply. The

alternative source of supply may be provided

c) Near each change of direction in the escape

by battery continuously trickle charged from

route,

the electric mains; and

d) Near each staircase so that each flight of stairs

c) Suitable arrangements shall be made by

receives direct light,

installing double throw switches to ensure that

e) Near any other change of floor level,

the lighting installed in the staircase and the

f) Outside each final exit and close to it,

corridor does not get connected to two sources

g) Near each fire alarm call point,

of supply simultaneously. Double throw

h) Near fire-fighting equipment, and

switch shall be installed in the service room

To illuminate exit and safety signs as required

for terminating the stand-by supply.

by the enforcing authority.

4.18 Fire Detection and Warning

NOTE — For the purposes of this clause ‘near’ is

normally considered to be within 2 m measured

In buildings of such size, arrangement or occupancy

horizontally.

where a fire may not itself provide adequate warning

to occupants, automatic fire detection and alarm

4.16.5 Emergency lighting systems shall be designed

facilities shall be provided, where necessary, to warn

to ensure that a fault or failure in any one luminaire

does not further reduce the effectiveness of the

occupants early of the existence of fire, so that they

system.

may escape, and to facilitate the orderly conduct of

fire exit drills.

4.16.6 The luminairies shall be mounted as low as

possible, but at least 2 m above the floor level.

4.18.1 The fire detection system shall be in accordance

with accepted standards [4(18)]. Guidelines for

4.16.7

Signs are required at all exits, emergency

selection of various types of fire detectors for different

exits and escape routes, which should comply with

occupancies and their installation and maintenance

the graphic requirements of the relevant Indian

shall be in accordance with [4(19)].

Standards.

4.18.2

The requirements of fire detection and alarm

4.16.8 Emergency lighting luminaires and their fittings

systems are covered for each occupancy in Table 23

shall be of non-flammable type.

and under 6.1 to 6.9; attention is also drawn to such

4.16.9 It is essential that the wiring and installation of

requirements in case of high rise buildings (15 m or

the emergency lighting systems are of high quality so

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA (2005) - page 3