NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA (2005)

Table 23 — Continued

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

(10)

(11)

(12)

(13)

(14)

(15)

ii) Ground plus one

25 000

900

storey and covered

(see Note 2)

area exceeding

500 m²

iii) More than ground

5 000

900

plus one storey

(see Note 2)

(5 000)

(see Note 4)

2) Above 15 m but not

100 000

10 000

(see Note 20)

exceeding 24 m in

(see Note 11)

height

3) Above 24 m but not

150 000

10 000

(see Note 21)

exceeding 30 m in

(see Note 10)

height

b) Underground shopping

150 000

10 000

(see Note 21)

complex (F-3)

(see Note 10)

(see Note 13)

INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS (G) (see Note 14)

a) Low Hazard (G-1)

(see Note 15)

Built up area

5 000

450

up to 100 m²

(see Note 2)

(see Note 3)

ii) Built up area more

5 000

450

than 100 m² and

(see Note 2)

(5 000)

up to 500 m²

(see Note 4)

iii) Built up area more

100 000

10 000

(see Note 20)

450

than 500 m²

(see Note 7)

Moderate Hazard

(G-2) (see Note 14)

Built up area

10 000

450

up to 100 m²

ii) Built up area more

10 000

900

than 100 m² and

up to 500 m²

Table 23 — Continued

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

(10)

(11)

(12)

(13)

(14)

(15)

iii) Built up area more

75 000

20 000

(see Note 20)

900

than 500 m² and

(see Note 7)

up to 1 000 m²

iv) Built up area more

100 000

20 000

(see Note 20)

900

than 1 000 m²

(see Note 7)

High Hazard (G-3)

(see Note 16)

Built up area

5 000

450

up to 50 m²

ii) Built up area more

5 000

450

than 50 m² and

up to 150 m²

iii) Built up area more

25 000

10 000

(see Note 19)

450

than 150 m² and

up to 300 m²

iv) Built up area more

50 000

20 000

(see Note 19)

900

than 300 m²and

up to 500 m²

v) Built up area more

100 000

20 000

(see Note 20)

900

than 500 m²

(see Note 7)

STORAGE BUILDINGS (H) (see Note 17)

1) Below 15 m in height

25 000

5 000

(see Note 19)

450

and covered area less

than 250 m²

2) Below 15 m in height

and covered area more

than 250 m²

Ground floor only

50 000

10 000

(see Note 20)

450

ii) Ground plus

75 000

10 000

(see Note 20)

450

one floor

Table 23 — Concluded

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

(10)

(11)

(12)

(13)

(14)

(15)

iii) More than ground

100 000

10 000

(see Note 20)

450

plus one floor

HAZARDOUS BUILDINGS (J) (see Note 17)

1) Up to 15 m in height

Single Storey

NR NR

Minimum

(see Note 18)

Building

4 h fire

fighting

requirements

ii) More than one floor

Minimum

50 000

(see Note 18)

900

building but not

4 h fire

exceeding 15 m

fighting

requirements

— Required

— Not Required

NOTES

1 Buildings above15 m in height not to be permitted for occupancies A-1 and A-2.

2 Required to be installed in basement if area of basement exceeds 200 m².

3 Required to be provided if basement area exceeds 200 m².

4 Additional value given in parenthesis shall be added if basement area exceeds 200 m

².

5 Required to be provided for buildings with more than two storeys (Ground + One).

6 As per the requirement of local authority Dry Riser may be used in hilly areas, industrial areas or as required.

7 Required to be provided for buildings with height above 15 m.

8 To be installed in basement. If basement provided is used for car parking and area thereof exceeds 750 m²then the sprinklers shall be fed water from both underground static water storage tank and

terrace tank.

9 Required to be provided for buildings with more than one storey.

10 To be installed in entire building.

11 To be installed in all floors at appropriate places and in consultation with local fire authorities.

12 Buildings above 30 m in height not to be permitted for Group B, Group C, Group D and Group F occupancies.

13 All underground shopping areas should be fully air-conditioned.

14 The requirements given in this table for Group G Industrial Buildings are for small scale industry units. For other industries the requirements will have to be worked out on the basis of relevant Indian

Standards and also in consultation with the local fire authorities.

15 Buildings above 18 m in height not to be permitted for G-1 and G-2 occupancies.

16 Buildings above 15 m in height not to be permitted for G-3 occupancies.

17 Buildings above 15 m in height not to be permitted for Group H and Group J occupancies.

5.1.3

In situations where one occupancy is provided

b) The static water storage tank shall be provided

with all the required fire protection arrangements but

with a fire brigade collecting head with 4

due to proximity of unprotected buildings around,

number 63 mm diameter (2 number 63 mm

causing exposure hazard to the protected building, the

diameter for pump with capacity 1 400 l/min)

protected building walls facing the unprotected

instantaneous male inlets arranged in a valve

building shall be made of the requisite fire resistance

box at a suitable point at street level and

rated materials or alternatively provided with water

connected to the static tank by a suitable fixed

curtain/drencher system which can be actuated, when

pipe not less than 150 mm in diameter to

necessary.

discharge water into the tank when required

at the rate of 2 250 l/min, if tank is in the

5.1.4

First-aid fire fighting appliances shall be

basement or not approachable for the fire

provided and installed in accordance with good practice

engines.

[4(21)]. The fire fighting equipment and accessories

to be installed in buildings for use in fire fighting shall

5.1.7

Automatic Sprinklers

be in accordance with the accepted standards contained

Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in:

in [4(20)] and shall be maintained periodically so as

to ensure their perfect serviceability at all times.

basements used as car parks or storage

occupancy, if the area exceeds 200 m²;

5.1.5

In addition to wet riser or down-comer, first-aid

hose reels shall be installed on all the floors of buildings

multi-level basements, covered upper floors

of 15 m in height or more and shall be in accordance

used as car parks, and for housing essential

with accepted standards [4(22)]. The first-aid hose reel

services ancillary to a particular occupancy

shall be connected directly to the riser/down-comer

or for storage occupancy, excluding any area

main and diameter of the hose reel shall not be less

to be used for sub-station, A.C. plant and DG

than 19 mm.

set;

any room or other compartment of a building

5.1.6

Static Water Storage Tanks

exceeding 1 125 m² in area except as in (g)

A satisfactory supply of water for the purpose of fire

(see Note 1), if so advised by local authority;

fighting shall always be available in the form of

departmental stores or shops, if the aggregate

underground/terrace level static storage tank with

covered area exceeds 500 m²;

capacity specified for each building with arrangements

all non-domestic floors of mixed occupancy

or replenishment by mains of alternative source of

which constitute a hazard and are not provided

supply at the rate of 1 000 l/min for underground static

with staircases independent of the remainder

tank. When this is not practicable, the capacity of static

of the buildings;

storage tank(s) shall be increased proportionately in

godowns and warehouses, as considered

consultation with the local fire brigade.

necessary;

The static storage water supply required for the above

on all floors of the buildings other than

mentioned purpose shall entirely be accessible to the

residential and educational buildings, if the

fire engines of the local fire service. Provision of

height of the building exceeds 15 m (45 m in

suitable number of manholes shall be made available

case of group housing and apartments) (see

for inspection, repairs, insertion of suction hose,

Note 1);

etc. The covering slab shall be able to withstand the

dressing room, scenery docks, stages and

total vehicular load of 45 T equally divided as a four

stage basements of theatres;

point load when the slab forms a part of pathway/

driveway.

in hotels, hospitals, industries low and

moderate hazard mercantile buildings of

The domestic suction tank connected to the static water

height 15 m or above;

storage tank shall have an overflow capable of

in hotels below 15 m, if covered area at each

discharging 2 250 l/min to a visible drain point from

floor is more than 1 000 m²;

which by a separate conduit, the overflow shall be

conveyed to a storm water drain.

false ceiling voids exceeding 800 mm in

height (see Note 2); and

a) To prevent stagnation of water in the static

canteen provided in upper floors of D-1

water storage tank, the suction tank of the

and D-2 occupancies shall be sprinklered.

domestic water supply shall be fed only

through an overflow arrangement to maintain

NOTES

the level therein at the minimum specified

1 It is desirable that all high rise buildings should be fully

capacity (see Fig. 6).

sprinklered irrespective of their height and occupancy. If

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

Table 24 Size of Rising Mains/Risers

(Clause 5.1.2)

Size of the Mains

Type of Building

Height of Building

(1)

(2)

(3)

100 mm as single outlet

1. Residential buildings (A)

landing valves

¹⁾ Lodging or rooming houses

ii) Dormitories

iii) One or two family private dwellings

15 m or above and not exceeding 45 m

iv) Apartment houses (flats)

v) With shopping area not exceeding

Less than 15 m

500 m²

vi) Hotels

15 m or above in height but not exceeding 30 m

and area not exceeding 600 m² per floor

-do-

2. Educational buildings (B)

15 m or above but not exceeding 30 m

-do-

3. Institutional buildings (C)

i) For hospitals and sanitorium

15 m or above but not exceeding 30 m

ii) For custodial institutions and mental

15 m or above but not exceeding 30 m

institutions

-do-

4. Assembly buildings (D)

15 m or above but not exceeding 30 m and total floor

area not exceeding 500 m²/floor (above 30 m, not to

be permitted)

-do-

5. Business buildings (E)

15 m or above but not exceeding 30 m

-do-

6. Mercantile buildings (F)

15 m or above but not exceeding 30 m

(above 30 m, not to be permitted)

-do-

7. Industrial buildings (G)

15 m or above but not exceeding 18 m

-do-

8. All buildings classified under 1 (i) to (iv)

Above 45 m

-do-

9. All buildings classified under 5 above with

Above 15 m

shopping area exceeding 500 m²

-do-

10. All buildings classified under 1 (v) above

Above 30 m and area exceeding 500 m²

150 mm with twin outlet

11. Hotels

Above 30 m

landing valves

-do-

12. All buildings classified under 2 and 3 above

Above 30 m

-do-

13. All buildings classified under 5 above

Above 30 m

-do-

14. All storage buildings (H)

Above 10 m but not exceeding 15 m

-do-

15. All Hazardous buildings (J)

Above 10 m but not exceeding 15 m

—————————————————

¹⁾Buildings above 15 m in height not permitted in case of high hazard industrial buildings.

selective sprinklering is adopted, there is a real danger of a fire

cooled transformers as applicable in accordance

starting on one of the lower unsprinklered floors gathering

with C-1.16 and good practice [4(23)].

momentum, spreading upwards from floor to floor through the

unsprinklered floor and reaching the first sprinklered floor as

5.1.9

Fixed Foam Installation

a fully developed fire. In such an event, the sprinklers can be

rendered useless or ineffective.

Fixed foam generating system shall be provided for

2 Use of false ceiling voids for storage or as return air plenums

protection of oil storage area for boilers with its

should be discouraged.

ancillary storage of furnace oils in basement. Fixed

3 For areas having very high ceiling height and other special

foam installations can be low, medium or high

function areas, where automatic sprinklers cannot be provided,

expansion types, which can cover fire risks in oil

appropriate sprinklers/provisions shall be provided in

consultation with local fire authorities.

storage areas generally. High expansion foams are used

for cable tunnels and other confined areas.

5.1.8

Automatic High Velocity Water Spray or

Emulsifying System

5.1.10

Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishing System

Automatic high velocity water spray or emulsifying

Fixed carbon dioxide fire extinguishing installation

system shall be provided for protection of indoor oil-

shall be provided in accordance with good practice

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

[4(24)] on premises where water or foam cannot be

A-5 as specified in Table 23 and Annex C (for High

used for fire extinguishing because of the special nature

Rise Buildings) shall apply.

of the contents of the buildings/areas to be protected.

6.1.3

Exit Facilities

For some special fire risk/essential applications, carbon

dioxide may not be suitable and it may be necessary to

The capacity of any open mezzanine or balcony shall

provide BCF (Bromochlorodifluoromethane) — Halon

be added to the capacity of the floor for the purpose of

1211 or BTM (Bromochlorotrifluoromethane) —

determining the exit capacity.

Halon 1301 or some other identified substitutes.

6.1.3.1

In addition to requirements specified for

However, the use of halons shall be discouraged, as

occupancy sub-division A-2, the following shall be

halons are ozone depleting substances (ODS) and their

provided for occupancy sub-division A-1:

use is being phased out throughout the world.

Every sleeping room above the street floor shall

5.1.11

Fire fighting equipment shall be suitably

have access to two separate means of exits, at least

located and clearly marked by luminous signs.

one of which shall consist of an enclosed interior

stairway, or a fire escape or horizontal exit all so

NOTE — This provision shall not apply to occupancies A-2

and A-4 less than 15 m in height.

arranged as to provide a safe path of travel to the

outside of the building without traversing any

5.2 Fire Detection/Extinguishing System

corridor or space exposed to an unprotected

In buildings of such size, arrangement or occupancy

vertical opening.

that a fire may not itself provide adequate warning to

6.1.3.2

For occupancy sub-division A-2 of more than

occupants, automatic fire detection and alarm facilities

two rooms, every occupied room, excluding areas used

shall be provided, where necessary, to warn occupants

solely for storage shall have at least two means of exits,

early of the existence of fire, so that they may escape,

at least one of which shall be a door or a stairway

or to facilitate the orderly conduct of fire exit drills.

providing a means of un-obstructed travel to the outside

5.2.1 The fire detection and extinguishing system shall

of the building or street or grade level. No room or

be in accordance with accepted standards [4(18)].

space shall be occupied which is accessible only by a

Guidelines for selection of various types of fire

ladder, folding stairs or through a trap door.

detectors for different occupancies shall be in

Further the following provisions shall be made:

accordance with good practice [4(19)]. Addressable

analog fire detection system shall be preferred.

All locking devices, which would impede or

prohibit exit, such as chain type bolts, limited

5.2.2

The requirements of fire detection and alarm

opening sliding type locks and burglar locks,

systems are also covered for each occupancy in 6.1

which are not dis-engaged easily by quick-

to 6.9; and for high rise buildings (15 m or more in

releasing catches, shall be prohibited. All closet

height) in Annex C.

door latches shall be such that even children can

open the doors from inside. All bathroom door

5.3 Fire Extinguisher/Extinguishing System Using

locks or fasteners shall be designed to permit the

Halon Alternatives

opening of the locked or closed door from the

Provisions for certain fire extinguishers and extinguishing

outside in an emergency without the use of a

systems for fire protection which may be used as halon

special key.

alternatives, shall be in accordance in [4(25)].

6.1.3.3

For occupancy sub-division A-3, the following

6 ADDITIONAL OCCUPANCY-WISE

provisions shall apply:

REQUIREMENTS

All dormitories shall have exits so arranged that

6.1 Requirements of Residential Buildings (Group A)

from any sleeping room or open dormitory

sleeping area, there shall be access to two separate

6.1.1

In addition to the general requirements for the

and distinct exits in different directions with no

type of construction and occupancy group specified

common path of travel unless the room or space

in 3.4 and the exit requirements given in 4, the

is subject to occupancy by not more than 10

requirements 6.1.2 to 6.1.4.10 shall be complied with.

persons and has a door opening directly to the

The capacity of any open mezzanine or balcony shall

outside of the building at street or grade level, or

be added to the capacity of the floor below for the

to an outside stairway in which case one means of

purpose of determining exit capacity.

exit may be accepted.

6.1.2

Fire Detection/Extinguishing System

6.1.3.4

For occupancy sub-division A-4, the following

The requirements for occupancy sub-divisions A-1 to

provisions shall apply:

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

a) Every individual living unit covered by

storage and service operations (other than

occupancy sub-division A-4 shall comply

kitchens, which are considered part of the hotel

with the requirement for occupancy sub-

occupancy) shall have exits appropriate to the

division A-2 in respect of exits.

actual occupancy, in accordance with other

b) Every living unit shall have access to at least

applicable provisions of the Code, or in case

two separate exits, which are remote from

of mixed occupancy where there may be doubt

each other and are reached by travel in

as to which other section is applicable, such

different directions, except that a common

basements shall have exits determined on the

path of travel may be permitted for the first

basis of lesser exit capacity.

6 m (that is a dead end corridor up to 6 m long

6.1.4

Additional Precautions

may be permitted) provided that single exit

may be permitted under any of the conditions

6.1.4.1

Flammable liquids for household purposes

given under (c).

shall be kept in tightly stoppered or sealed containers.

c) Any part of building lower than the grade

For the limits of quantities of flammable liquids to be

level shall have direct accessibility from

allowed in various occupancies, reference may be made

outside.

to appropriate regulations.

d) At least half of required exits shall discharge

6.1.4.2

No stove or combustion heater shall be located

direct to the outside of the buildings; any

directly under or immediately at the foot of stairs or

other exit shall be the same as required for

otherwise so located as to block escape in case of

hotels.

malfunctioning of the stove or heater.

6.1.3.5

For occupancy sub-divisions A-5 and A-6, the

6.1.4.3

All kitchen exhaust fans, where provided, shall

following provisions shall apply:

be fixed to an outside wall or to a duct of non-

a) Not less than two exits, as remote from each

combustible material, which leads directly to the

other as practicable, shall be accessible from

outside. The ducts must not pass through areas having

every floor, including basements occupied for

combustible materials.

hotel purpose, except as a single exit as

6.1.4.4

All wiring shall be done in accordance with

permitted in (b) below. Exits and ways of

Part 8 ‘Building Services, Section 2 Electrical

access thereto shall be so arranged that they

Installations’, good practice [4(10)] and National

are accessible in at least two different

Electric Code.

directions from every point in any open area,

or from any room door.

6.1.4.5

Where television is installed, all outdoor

b) Any room or section with an outside door at

antennae shall be properly grounded and protected

street or grade level may have such outside

from lightning (see Part 8 ‘Building Services, Section 2

door as a single exit, provided no part of the

Electrical Installations’).

room or area is more than 15 m from the door

6.1.4.6

Doors leading to rooms in which flammable

measured along the natural path of travel.

liquids are stored or used shall be as in 4.7. Such

c) Provision of panic bars shall be provided in

assembly shall be self-closing and shall be posted with

the exits.

a sign on each side of the door in 25 mm high block

6.1.3.5.1

Where stairways or other exits serve two or

letters stating — ‘FIREDOOR — KEEP CLOSED’.

more upper floors, the same stairway or other exit

6.1.4.7

Where a boiler room is provided or a central

required to serve any one upper floor may also serve

heating plant is installed, which uses solid or liquid

other upper floors, except that no inside open stairway

fuel, it shall be separated from rest of the building by a

or ramp may serve as a required egress facility from

separation wall with all openings protected as in 3.4.7

more than one floor [see good practice 4(26)].

and 3.4.8.

6.1.3.6

Basement Exits

6.1.4.8

Rooms containing high pressure boilers,

a) Basements occupied for hotel purposes shall

refrigerating machinery, transformers or other service

have exits arranged in accordance with 6.1.3.5.

equipment subject to possible explosion shall not be

b) Basement exits shall be sufficient to provide

located directly under or adjacent to exits. All such

for the capacity of the basement as determined

rooms shall be effectively cut off from other parts of

in accordance with 6.1.1. In no case shall there

the building and shall be provided with adequate vents

be less than two independent basement exits.

to the outside air.

c) Basement or sub-basements not open to the

6.1.4.9

All rooms or areas of high hazard in additions

public and used only for heating equipment,

to those herein before mentioned, shall be segregated

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

or shall be protected as may be directed by the

marked. The detailed requirements regarding safe use

enforcing Authority where, in the opinion of the

of gas shall be as specified in Part 9 ‘Plumbing

enforcing Authority, fire, explosion or smoke there

Services, Section 3 Gas Supply’.

from is likely to interfere with safe egress from the

6.2.5.3

All exterior openings in a boiler room or rooms

building.

containing central heating equipment, if located below

6.1.4.10 For detailed information regarding fire safety

opening in another storey or if less than 3 m from other

requirements for hazardous petroleum products,

doors or windows of the same building, shall be

reference may be made to the Petroleum Act, 1934

protected by a fire assembly as in 3.4.8. Such

and the Rules thereof.

assemblies shall be fixed, automatic or self-closing.

Provisions of 6.1.4.7 shall also apply to this group of

6.2

Requirements of Educational Buildings

occupancy.

(Group B)

6.2.6

Exception and Deviation

6.2.1 In addition to the general requirements specified

in 3.4 for the type of construction and occupancy group

6.2.6.1

Gymnasiums, indoor stadiums and similar

and the exit requirements given in 4, the requirements

occupancies may have floors/running tracks of wood,

given in 6.2.2 to 6.2.6.3 shall be complied with.

cinder, synthetic or unprotected steel or iron.

6.2.2

Buildings intended for educational occupancy

6.2.6.2

In gymnasiums and in multi-purpose school

shall not be used for any hazardous occupancy.

rooms having an area not greater than 300 m², 25 mm

nominal tight tongue-and-grooved or 20 mm plywood

6.2.3

Fire Detection/Extinguishing System

wall covering may be used in the inner side in lieu of

The requirements for occupancy sub-divisions B-1 and

fire-resistant plaster.

B-2 as specified in Table 23 and Annex C (for High

6.2.6.3

A building, which will have only the first floor

Rise Buildings) shall apply.

and is accessible to not more than 20 pupils at any

6.2.4

Exit Facilities

time, may be used for school purposes with the

following exceptions:

The capacity of any open mezzanine or balcony shall

be added to the capacity of the floor for the purpose of

a) Exterior walls or parts of walls which are less

determining the exit capacity.

than 900 mm from adjacent property lines

shall have no openings therein.

In addition to the provisions in 4, the following shall

b) Classrooms may have only one exit not less

be provided:

than 900 mm wide.

6.2.4.1

Exits, in accordance with 4 shall be so arranged

that at least two separate exits are available in every

6.3

Requirements of Institutional Buildings

floor area. Exits shall be as remote from each other as

(Group C)

practicable and so arranged that there are no pockets

6.3.1

In addition to the general requirements specified

or dead ends of appreciable size in which occupants

in 3.4 for the type of construction and occupancy group

may be trapped.

and the exit requirements given in 4, the requirements

6.2.4.2

Every room with a capacity of over 45 persons

given in 6.3.2 to 6.3.5 shall be complied with.

in area shall have at least two doorways.

6.3.2

Fire Detection/Extinguishing System

6.2.4.3

Exterior doors shall be operated by panic bars

The requirements for occupancy sub-divisions as

or some other panic hardware device, except that doors

specified in Table 23 and Annex C (for High Rise

leading from classrooms directly to the outside may

Buildings) shall apply.

be equipped with the same type of lock as is used on

classroom doors leading to corridor, with no provision

6.3.3

Exit Facilities

whatsoever for locking against egress from the

In addition to the provisions of 4, the following

classroom.

requirements shall be complied with.

6.2.5

Additional Precautions

6.3.3.1

In buildings or sections occupied by bed-

ridden patients where the floor area is over 280 m²,

6.2.5.1

Storage of volatile flammable liquids shall be

facilities shall be provided to move patients in hospital

prohibited and the handling of such liquids shall be

beds to the other side of a smoke barrier from any part

restricted to science laboratories only.

of such building or section not directly served by

6.2.5.2

Each building shall be provided with an

approved horizontal exits or exits from the first floor

approved outside gas shut-off valve conspicuously

(floor 2) of a building to the outside.

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

6.3.3.2

Not less than two exits of one or more of the

stored or used in any building or section thereof used

following types shall be provided for every floor,

for institutional occupancy, except as necessary to

including basement, of every building or section:

normal occupancy and use of the building.

a) Doors leading directly outside the building;

6.3.4.2

Bare minimum quantities of flammable

b) Stairways;

material such as chloroform, ethyl alcohol, spirit, etc

shall be allowed to be stored and handled. The handling

c) Ramps;

of such liquids shall not be permitted by un-authorized

d) Horizontal exits; and

persons. Bulk storage of these items, will be governed

e) Fire tower.

by relevant rules and safe practices.

6.3.3.3

All required exits that serve as egress from

6.3.5

Exceptions and Deviations

hospital or infirmary sections shall be not less than

2 m in clear width including patient bedroom doors to

It is recognized that in institutions or part of buildings

permit transportation of patients on beds, litters, or

housing various types of psychiatric patients, or used

mattresses. The minimum width of corridors serving

as penal and mental institutions, it is necessary to

patients bedrooms in buildings shall be 2 400 mm. For

maintain locked doors and barred windows; and to such

detailed information on recommendations for buildings

extent the necessary provision in other sections of the

and facilities for the physically handicapped, reference

Code requiring the keeping of exits unlocked may be

may be made to good practice [4(27)].

waived. It is also recognized that certain type of

psychiatric patients are not capable of seeking safety

6.3.3.4

Elevators constitute a desirable supplementary

without adequate guidance. In buildings where this

facility, but are not counted as required exits. Patient

situation prevails, reliable means for the rapid release

lifts shall also be provided with enough room for

of occupants shall be provided, such as remote control

transporting a stretcher trolley.

of locks, or by keying all locks to keys commonly used

6.3.3.5

Any area exceeding 500 m² shall be divided

by attendants.

into compartments by fire resistant walls.

6.4

Requirements of Assembly Buildings (Group D)

6.3.3.6 Doors in fire resistant walls shall be so installed

that these may normally be kept in open position, but

6.4.1

In addition to the general requirements specified

will close automatically. Corridor door openings in

in 3.4 for type of construction and occupancy group

smoke barriers shall be not less than 2 000 mm in width.

and the exit requirements given in 4, the requirements

Provision shall also be made for double swing single/

given in 6.4.2 to 6.4.8.9 shall be complied with.

double leaf type door.

6.4.2

Mixed Occupancy

6.3.3.7

Exits and other features for penal and mental

Places of assembly in buildings of other occupancy,

institutions, and custodial institutions shall be the same

such as ballrooms in hotels, restaurants in stores and

as specified for hospitals, in so far as applicable.

assembly rooms in schools, shall be so located,

Reliable means shall be provided to permit the prompt

separated or protected as to avoid any undue danger to

release of inmates from any locked section in case of

the occupants of the place of assembly from a fire

fire or other emergency.

originating in the other occupancy or smoke therefrom.

6.3.3.8 Wherever any inmates are confined in any locked

6.4.3

Fire Detection/Extinguishing System

rooms or spaces, adequate guards or other personnel shall

be continuously on duty or immediately available to

The requirements for occupancy sub-divisions D-1 to

provide for release of inmates or for such other action as

D-5 as specified in Table 23 and Annex C (for High

may be indicated in case of fire or other emergency.

Rise Buildings) shall apply.

6.3.3.9

No building constructed in whole or in part of

NOTE — Canteens shall not be provided in basements. If

combustible materials shall be used to confine inmates

provided in the upper floors, it shall be sprinklered.

in cells or sleeping quarters, unless automatic sprinkler

6.4.4

Exit Facilities

protection is provided.

6.4.4.1

Every place of assembly, every tier or balcony,

6.3.3.10 All buildings or sections of buildings in penal

and every individual room used as a place of assembly

and mental institutions used for manufacturing, storage

shall have exits sufficient to provide for the total

or office purposes shall have exits in accordance with

capacity thereof as determined in accordance with 4.

the provisions of the Code for those occupancies.

Door width for assembly buildings shall not be less

6.3.4

Additional Precautions

than 2 000 mm.

6.3.4.1

No combustible material of any kind shall be

a) Every place of assembly of sub-division D-1

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

shall have at least four separate exits as remote

All displays or exhibits of combustible material or

from each other as practicable.

construction and all booths and temporary construction

b) Every place of assembly of sub-division

in connection therewith shall be so limited in

D-2, shall have at least two separate exits as

combustibility or protected as to avoid any undue

remote from each other as practicable and if

hazard of fire which might endanger occupants before

of capacity over 600 at least three exits shall

they have opportunity to use the available exits, as

be provided with each exit not less than of

determined by the authority.

2 000 mm width.

6.4.4.8

Places of assembly in buildings of other

occupancy may use exits common to the place of

6.4.4.2

Clear aisles not less than 1.2 m in width shall

assembly and the other occupancy, provided the

be formed at right angles to the line of seating in such

assembly area and the other occupancy are considered

number and manner that no seat shall be more than seven

separately, and each has exits sufficient to meet the

seats away from an aisle. Rows of seats opening on to

requirements of the Code.

an aisle at one end only shall have not more than seven

seats. Under the conditions, where all these aisles do

6.4.4.9

Exits shall be sufficient for simultaneous

not directly meet the exit doors, cross-aisles shall be

occupancy of both the places of assembly and other

provided parallel to the line of seating so as to provide

parts of the building, unless the Authority determines

direct access to the exit, provided that not less than one

that the conditions are such that simultaneous

cross aisle for every 10 rows shall be required. The width

occupancy will not occur.

of cross-aisles shall be minimum of 1 m. Steps shall not

6.4.4.10

For any place of assembly under sub-division

be placed in aisles to overcome differences in levels,

D-1, at least half the required means of exits shall lead

unless the gradient exceeds 1 in 10.

directly outdoors or through exit ways completely

6.4.4.3

The fascia of boxes, balconies and galleries

separated from exits serving other parts of the building.

shall have substantial railings not less than 1 000 mm

6.4.4.11

For detailed information regarding cinema

high above the floor. The railings at the end of aisles

buildings, reference may be made to good practice

extending to the fascia shall be not less than 1 100 mm

[4(28)].

high for the width of the aisle or 1 200 mm high at the

foot of steps.

6.4.5

Lighting

6.4.4.4

Cross-aisles except where the backs of seats

No open flame lighting devices shall be used in any

on the front of the aisle project 600 mm or more above

place of assembly, except in the following cases:

the floor of the aisle shall be provided with railings

a) Where necessary for ceremonial purposes, the

not less than 900 mm high.

enforcing Authority may permit open flame

6.4.4.5

No turnstiles or other devices to restrict the

lighting under such restrictions as are

movement of persons shall be installed in any place of

necessary to avoid danger of ignition of

assembly in such a manner as to interfere in any way

combustible materials or injury to occupants.

with the required exit facilities.

b) Candles may be used on restaurant tables if

6.4.4.6

In theatres and similar places of public

securely supported on non-combustible bases

assembly where persons are admitted to the building

and so located as to avoid danger of ignition

at a time when seats are not available for them and are

of combustible materials.

allowed to wait in a lobby or similar space until seats

c) Open flame devices may be used on stages

are available, such use of lobby or similar space shall

where they are a necessary part of theatrical

not encroach upon the required clear width of exits.

performance, provided adequate precautions,

Such waiting shall be restricted to areas separated from

satisfactory to the Authority are taken to

the required exit ways by substantial permanent

prevent ignition of combustible materials.

partitions or fixed rigid railing not less than 105 cm

6.4.6

Additional Precautions

high. Exits shall be provided for such waiting spaces

on the basis of one person for each 0.3 m² of waiting

6.4.6.1

The decorations of places of assembly shall

space area. Such exits shall be in addition to the exits

be of non-flammable materials. Fabrics and papers used

specified for the main auditorium area and shall

for such purpose shall be treated with an effective

conform in construction and arrangement to the general

flame-retardant material. Stage settings made of

rules of exits given above.

combustible materials shall likewise be treated with

fire retardant materials of Class 1 flame spread.

6.4.4.7

No display or exhibit shall be so installed or

operated as to interfere in any way with access to any

6.4.6.2

Seats in places of public assembly,

required exit, or with any required exit sign.

accommodating more than 300 persons, shall be

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

securely fastened to the floor, except as permitted

6.4.6.8

The stage roof of every theatre using movable

in 6.4.6.3. All seats in balconies and galleries shall be

scenery or having a motion picture screen of highly

securely fastened to the floor, except that in nailed-in

combustible construction shall have a ventilator or

enclosures, boxes with level floors and having not more

ventilators in or above it, openable from the stage floor

than 14 seats, the seats need not be fastened.

by hand and also opening by fusible links or some other

approved automatic heat/smoke actuated device, to

6.4.6.3

Chairs not secured to the floor may be

give a free opening equal to at least one-eighth the

permitted in restaurants, night clubs and other

area of the floor of the stage.

occupancies where the fastening of seats to the floor

may not be practicable, provided that in the area used

6.4.6.9

The proscenium wall of every theatre using

for seating, excluding dance floor, stage, etc, there shall

movable scenery of decorations shall have, exclusive

be not more than one seat for each 1.4 m² of floor area

of the proscenium opening, not more than two openings

and adequate aisles to reach exits shall be maintained

entering the stage, each not to exceed 2 m² and fitted

at all times.

with self-closing fire resistant doors.

6.4.6.3.1

Rows of seats between aisles shall have not

6.4.6.10 Every place of assembly in which projection

more than 14 seats.

of motion pictures by light is made shall have the

projection apparatus enclosed in a fire-resisting fixed

6.4.6.3.2

Rows of seats opening on to an aisle at one

booth in accordance with good practice [4(27)], except

end only shall have not more than 7 seats.

that such booth shall not be required where no

6.4.6.3.3

Seats without dividing arms shall have their

nitrocellulose motion picture film is used.

capacity determined by allowing 450 mm per person.

6.4.6.11 Automatic smoke vents actuated by smoke

6.4.6.4

The spacing of rows of seats from back-to-

detectors shall be installed above the auditorium or

back shall be neither less than 850 mm nor less than

theatres, including motion picture houses, with vent

700 mm plus the sum of the thickness of the back and

area equal to not less than 3 percent of the floor area

inclination of the back. There shall be a space of not

of the auditorium, including the sum of the floor areas

less than 350 mm between the back of one seat and

of all balconies, galleries, boxes and tiers. It may be

the front of the seat immediately behind it as measured

desirable to provide a large number of small vents

between plumb lines.

rather than a small number of large vents.

6.4.6.5

Rooms containing high pressure boilers,

6.4.7

Exception and Deviation

refrigerating machinery other than domestic

6.4.7.1

Where boilers or central heating plants using

refrigerator type, large transformers or other service

liquid or solid fuel are located at grade level, these

equipments subject to possible explosion shall not be

shall be separated from the remainder of the building

located directly under or adjacent to the required exits.

by a separating wall with openings protected as in 3.4.7

All such rooms shall be effectively cut off from other

and 3.4.8.

parts of the building and provided with adequate vents

to the outer air.

6.4.7.2

Gymnasiums, indoor stadiums and similar

occupancies may have floors/running tracks of wood,

6.4.6.6

All rooms or areas used for storage of any

cinder, synthetic or un-protected steel or iron.

combustible materials or equipment, or for painting,

refinishing, repair or similar purposes shall be

6.4.7.3

The underside of continuous steel deck grand

effectively cut off from assembly areas or protected

stands when erected outdoors need not be fire-protected

with a standard system of automatic sprinklers. They

when occupied for public toilets.

shall be located away from staircases.

6.4.8

Fire Protection and Fire Fighting System for

6.4.6.7

Every stage equipped with fly galleries, grid

Metro Stations

irons and rigging for movable theatre type scenery,

6.4.8.1

Wet riser system

shall have a system of automatic sprinklers over and

under such stage areas or spaces and auxiliary spaces,

Main and diesel fire pump of 1 800 l/min capacity to

such as dressing rooms, store rooms and workshops,

be provided to support 3 to 4 hydrants at a time. Jockey

and the proscenium opening shall be provided with a

pump capacity shall be 180 l/min. Where it is possible

fire- resisting curtain, capable of withstanding a lateral

to extend reliable DG supply to the fire pump room

pressure of 4 kN/m² over the entire area. The curtain

without routing through the station building, the

shall have an emergency closing device capable of

provision of diesel pump can be dispensed with and

causing the curtain to close without the use of power

instead, two electric pumps may be provided out of

and when so closed, it shall be reasonably tight against

which at least one should have DG back-up. The jockey

the passage of smoke.

pump should also have DG back-up.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

6.4.8.2

Internal hydrant

false ceiling giving due consideration to depth of false

ceiling/flooring. However, in concourse, the detectors

The internal hydrant is proposed to be provided with

below false ceiling may not be effective due to heights/

2 number RRL hose pipes of 38 mm dia with 63 mm

cross ventilation and therefore may not be provided.

standard instantaneous coupling along with associated

In other areas, because of high heights and cross-

branch pipes and cabinet and a first aid hose reel of

ventilations, detectors will not be effective and hence

25 mm dia, length 45 m and fitted with 6.5 mm

therefore can be dispensed. A conventional detection

nozzle.

system will suffice at a normal station.

Two internal hydrants are proposed to be provided on

6.4.8.5

Manual call box

each platform in such a way so that most of the platform

is covered by hose. However, in case of necessity, the

Manual call box should be provided at a central place

hose pipes from other hose cabinets can be utilized for

on each platform (near emergency plunger) and at least

extending the length of fire hose pipe for fire fighting,

two on the concourse, on each sidewall. When the

if need be. At the concourse level minimum two

concourse in two halves there should be one manual

hydrants will be provided. In station where the

call box on each side.

concourse is split into two halves at least one hydrant

6.4.8.6

Manual panel gas flooding

is to be provided in each half of the concourse. Further,

in case the area is more than 2 000 m², an additional

Electric panels should have provision of manual gas

first aid hose-reel point shall be provided for every

flooding. Alternatively panels can be provided with

additional 1 000 m².

linear heat sensing tubes with CO₂ cylinder. This

required to be provided only in main power panels,

In addition, hydrants shall be provided in commercial

that is HT panel, main LT panel, main LT distribution

areas also.

board and essential power panels and other such major

One hydrant shall be provided at entry of each station

panels.

at ground floor for providing the coverage to the

6.4.8.7

External area of the station

parking area.

A ‘two way/four way’ fire brigade inlet to be provided

6.4.8.3

Sprinklers

at ground level on each rising main for hydrants/

Sprinklers are required to be provided only in the

sprinkles.

commercial areas, if any, in the station. The commercial

areas will be segregated from the station area through

The ‘Draw Off Connection’ shall be provided on the

2 h fire rated walls and doors. Additional sprinkler

underground tank for fire brigade.

pumps are not required, as two pumps already provided

6.4.8.8

Water tank capacity

for hydrant system will take care of the sprinkler flow

requirements.

Capacity of fire tanks at stations without any

commercial development (Beverage stall/ATM/Florist/

However, if such commercial areas in the premises of

Book stalls up to total 250 m² excluded) shall be 50 000

stations are in isolated building separate from the

litres.

station building then the provision of sprinkler pump

and water tank capacities shall be as per this Code.

However, at stations having commercial development,

The water storage and pumps may however be

the fire tank capacity shall be 100 000 litres.

common.

6.4.8.9

Portable fire extinguishers

6.4.8.4

Detectors

For the purpose of standardization, the following

Detectors are required to be provided only in areas

portable extinguishers are recommended:

where there are false ceiling and false floor and areas

a) Water CO₂ type

9 litres

of equipment rooms. Wherever there are false ceiling,

the detectors should be provided both above and below

b) CO₂ fire extinguishers

4.5 kg

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

They shall be provided in various areas as detailed hereunder:

Item

Numbers and Location

No.

(1)

(2)

(3)

PLATFORM

1. Internal Hydrants

Two at each platform. The hydrants at two platforms may be

staggered for maximum coverage.

2. Manual call box

One on each platform preferably near emergency plunger.

3. Portable Extinguishers

One set of Water CO₂ and CO₂ type on each platform at a central

area.

CONCOURSE

1. Internal Hydrants

Two at each concourse. When concourse is in two parts then each

part should have at least one hydrant.

2. Additional first-aid reel point

Additional first-aid reel point for every additional 1 000 m², if the

area is more than 2 000 m². Similarly, if the concourse is in two parts

then additional first aid reel point for every additional

1 000 m², if the area of the part is more than 1 000 m².

3. Manual call box

Two at each concourse. When concourse is in two parts then each

part should have at least one.

4. Portable Extinguishers

Two sets at each concourse. When concourse is in two parts then

each part should have at least one set.

5. Detectors

Above false ceiling where depth of false ceiling is greater than

800 mm. Required in commercial areas also.

EQUIPMENT ROOM AREAS

1. Internal Hydrants/first-aid reel

The requirement shall get covered with platform/concourse.

point

Additional first-aid reel point may be provided, if required.

2. Manual call box

One at a central place. When the equipment rooms are in two/more

parts then each part should have one.

3. Portable Extinguishers

One set for each room.

4. Detectors

Above and below false ceiling and below floor giving due

consideration to depth of false ceiling/floor.

5. Response Indicator

To be provided.

6. Panel gas flooding

To be provided for HT panel, main LT panel, main LT distribution

board and essential power panels and other such major panels.

EXTERNAL AREAS

1. Hydrants

One at ground floor at each entry to station near staircase/DG room.

2. Two/four way fire brigade inlet

To be provided for each riser/sprinkler riser.

3. Fire brigade Draw-off connection

To be provided on water tank.

6.5 Business Buildings (Group E)

6.5.2.1

Occupancy sub-division E-1 (except office

6.5.1 In addition to the general requirements specified

buildings)

in 3.4 for type of construction and occupancy group

Details of

Fire Detection/Extinguishing

and the exit requirements given in 4, the requirements

Occupancy

System

given in 6.5.2 to 6.5.5 shall be complied with.

6.5.2

Fire Detection/Extinguishing System

E-1

Automatic fire alarm system {good

practice

[4(17)] and

[4(18)], and

The requirements for occupancy sub-divisions as

Table 23}.

specified in Table 23 and Annex C (for High Rise

Buildings) shall apply.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

6.5.2.2

Occupancy sub-division E-2

6.5.3

Exit Facilities

6.5.3.1

In the case of mezzanines or balconies open

Details of

Fire Detection/Extinguishing

to the floor below, or other unprotected vertical

Occupancy

System

openings between floors, the population of the

a) Laboratory

Fixed automatic CO₂ fire

mezzanine or other subsidiary floor for level shall be

with delicate

extinguishing

system or

added to that of the main floor for the purpose of

instruments

automatic fire alarm system

determining the required exits, provided, however, that

{good practice

[4(18)] and

in no case shall the total number of exit units be less

[4(19)], and Table 23}

than that required if all vertical openings were enclosed.

b) Solvent storage

Automatic foam installation

and/or flammable

or automatic CO₂ fire

6.5.3.2

Not less than two exits shall be provided for

liquid

extinguishing system

every floor, including basements occupied for office

purposes or uses incidental thereto.

6.5.2.3

Occupancy sub-division E-3

6.5.4

Additional Requirements

Details of

Fire Detection/Extinguishing

6.5.4.1

The handling and use of gasoline, fuel oil and

Occupancy

System

other flammable liquids shall not be permitted, unless

a) Area of computer

Automatic fire alarm system

such use and handling complies with the appropriate

installations

{good practice

[4(18)] and

regulations.

[4(19)], and Table

23} any

suitable halon alternative fire

6.5.4.2

Every boiler room or room containing a central

extinguishing system

(see

heating plant using solid or liquid fuel shall be

5.3) or any other suitable fire

separated from the rest of the building by a separating

extinguishing

installation

wall. Every boiler room or room containing a central

{see also [4(29)]}.

heating plant, which burns gas as a fuel shall be

adequately separated from the rest of the building.

b) Space under false Automatic fire alarm system

ceiling (floor)

{good practice

[4(18)] and

6.5.5

Exception and Deviation

[4(19)], and Table 23}

6.5.5.1

Basements used only for storage, heating, any

c) Space above false

Automatic fire alarm system

other service equipment shall conform to exit

ceiling and below

{good practice

[4(18)] and

requirements for Group H occupancies in all respects.

false floor

[4(19)], and Table 23}

d) Electrical switch

Automatic fire alarm system

6.6

Requirements of Mercantile Buildings

board

{good practice

[4(18)] and

(Group F)

[4(19)], and Table

23} and

6.6.1

In addition to the general requirements specified

CO₂ fire

extinguishing

in 3.4 for type of construction and occupancy and the

installation

exit requirements given in 4, the requirements given

6.5.2.4 Occupancy sub-division E-4

in 6.6.1.1 to 6.6.5 shall be complied with.

6.6.1.1

Mixed occupancy

Details of

Fire Detection/Extinguishing

Occupancy

System

No dwelling unit shall have its sole means of exit

Telephone exchanges Any

suitable

halon

through any mercantile occupancy in the same building

alternative fire extinguishing

except in the case of a single family unit where the

system

(see

5.3) and/or

family operates the store.

automatic sprinkler system as

6.6.2

Fire Detection/Extinguishing System

per requirement

(see also

Table 23)

The requirements for occupancy sub-divisions F-1 to

F-3

as specified in Table 23 and Annex C (for High

6.5.2.5 Occupancy sub-division E-5

Rise Buildings) shall apply.

Details of

Fire Detection/

6.6.3

Exit Facilities

Occupancy

Extinguishing System

In addition to the provisions of 4, the following

Broadcasting stations

Automatic fire alarm system

requirements shall be complied with.

based on smoke detectors

6.6.3.1

In the case of mezzanines or balconies open

and sprinkler system

(see

to the floor below, or other un-protected vertical

also Table 23)

openings between floors, the population or area of the

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

mezzanine or other subsidiary floor level shall be added

6.7.3

Exit Facilities

to that of the main floor for the purpose of determining

In addition to the provisions of 4, the following

the required exits, provided, however, that in no case

requirements shall be complied with.

shall the total number of exit units be less than that

required if all vertical openings were enclosed.

6.7.3.1

Not less than two exits shall be provided for

every floor or section, including basements used for

6.6.3.2

At least two separate exits shall be accessible

industrial purposes or uses incidental thereto.

from every part of every floor, including basements;

such exits shall be as remote from each other as

6.7.3.2

In buildings used for aircraft assembly or other

practicable and so arranged as to be reached by

occupancy requiring undivided floor areas so large that

different paths of travel in different directions, except

the distances from points within the area to the nearest

that a common path of travel may be permitted for the

outside walls where exit doors could be provided are

first 15 m from any point.

in excess of 45 m, requirements for distance to exits

may be satisfied by providing stairs leading to exit

6.6.4

Additional Precautions

tunnels or to overhead passageways. In cases where

such arrangements are not practicable, the Authority

6.6.4.1

Requirements specified in 6.5.4.1 shall be

may, by special ruling, permit other exit arrangements

applicable to all Group F occupancies also.

for one storey buildings with distances in excess of

6.6.4.2

Hazardous areas of mercantile occupancies

the maximum distances specified in 4, if completely

shall be segregated or protected suitably.

automatic sprinkler protection is provided and if the

heights of ceiling curtain boards and roof ventilation

6.6.4.3

In self-service stores, no check-out stand or

are such as to minimize the possibility that employees

associated railings or barriers shall obstruct exits or

will be overtaken by the spread of fire or smoke within

required aisles or approaches thereto.

1 800 mm of the floor level before they have time to

6.6.4.4

Open-air mercantile operations, such as open-

reach exits, provided, however, that in no case may

air markets, gasoline filling stations, roadside stands

the distance of travel to reach the nearest exit exceed

for the sale of a farm produce and other outdoor

45 m where smoke venting is required as a condition

mercantile operations shall be so arranged and

for permitting distances of travel to exits in excess of

conducted as to maintain free and unobstructed ways

the maximum otherwise allowed.

of travel at all times to permit prompt escape from any

6.7.3.3

Additional precautions

point of danger in case of fire or other emergency, but

no dead-ends in which persons might be trapped due

In any room in which volatile flammable

to display stands, adjoining buildings, fences, vehicles

substances are used or stored, no device

or other obstructions.

generating a glow or flame capable of igniting

flammable vapour shall be installed or used.

6.6.4.5

If mercantile operations are conducted in

Such a room shall be provided with a suitably

roofed-over areas, these shall be treated as mercantile

designed exhaust ventilation system (see

buildings, provided canopies over individual small

Annex D). To ensure safety from fire due to

stands to protect merchandise from the weather shall

short circuit, faulty electrical connection or

not be constructed to constitute buildings for the

some similar cause, proper care shall be taken

purpose of the Code.

in designing electrical installations in such

6.6.5

Exception and Deviation

room (see Part 8 ‘Building Services, Section 2

Electrical Installations’).

Any mercantile occupancy, where goods of a highly

The storage, use and handling of gasoline,

hazardous nature are pre-dominant, shall be considered

fuel oil and other flammable liquids shall

under Group J occupancy for the purpose of the Code.

not be permitted in any Group G occupancy

6.7 Requirements of Industrial Buildings (Group G)

unless it complies with regulations

pertaining to Petroleum Act, 1934 and Rules

6.7.1 In addition to the general requirements specified

thereunder.

in 3.4 for the type of construction and occupancy group

Every boiler room or room below the first

and the exit requirements given in 4, the requirements

floor containing a heating plant shall be

given in 6.7.2 to 6.7.5 shall be complied with.

adequately separated from the rest of the

6.7.2

Fire Detection/Extinguishing System

buildings.

The requirements for occupancy sub-divisions G-1 to

For requirements regarding electrical

G-3 as specified in Table 23 and Annex C (for High

generating and distribution stations, reference

Rise Buildings) shall apply.

may be made to good practice [4(23)].

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

6.7.3.4

Exception and deviation

5) Industrial buildings of high hazard are

permitted only up to 15 m height.

Basements used only for storage, heating or

other service equipment, and not subject to

6.7.4

For detailed information on fire safety of certain

industrial occupancy, shall have exits in

individual (specific) industrial occupancies reference

accordance with the requirements of Group

may be made to good practice [4(39)].

H occupancies.

6.7.5

Fire protection considerations for venting

The following exceptions shall apply to

industrial occupancies shall be as given in Annex D.

special purpose industrial occupancies:

1) Exits need be provided only for the

6.8

Requirements of Storage Buildings (Group H)

persons actually employed; spaces not

6.8.1

In addition to the general requirements

subject to human occupancy because of

specified in 3.4 for type of construction and

the presence of machinery or equipment

occupancy group and the exit requirements given in 4,

may be excluded from consideration.

the requirements given in 6.8.2 to 6.8.5 shall be

2) Where unprotected vertical openings are

complied with.

necessary to manufacturing operations,

6.8.2

Fire Detection/Extinguishing System

these may be permitted beyond the limits

specified for industrial occupancy,

The requirements for occupancy group H, as specified

provided every floor level has direct

in Table 23 and Annex C (for High Rise Building)

access to one or more enclosed stairways

shall apply.

or other exits protected against obstruction

NOTE — Automatic sprinklers are prohibited where water

by any fire in the open areas connected

reactive materials are kept. Instead automatic fire alarm system

by the unprotected vertical openings or

coupled with suitable fire extinguishing systems shall be

smoke therefrom.

installed.

3) Industrial buildings of low and moderate

6.8.3

Exit Facilities

hazard are permitted only up to 18 m

In addition to the provisions of 4, the following

height.

requirements shall also be complied with.

The following exceptions shall apply to high

hazard industrial occupancies:

6.8.3.1

Every building or structure used for storage

Exits shall be so located that it will not

and every section thereof considered separately, shall

be necessary to travel more than 22.5 m

have access to at least one exit so arranged and located

from any point to reach the nearest exit.

as to provide a suitable means of escape for any person

employed therein and in any room or space exceeding

From every point in every floor area,

1 400 m² gross area, or where more than 10 persons

there shall be at least two exits accessible

may be normally present, at least two separate means

in different directions; where floor areas

of exit shall be available, as remote from each other as

are divided into rooms, there shall be at

practicable.

least two ways of escape from every

room, however small, except toilet

6.8.3.2

Every storage area shall have access to at least

rooms, so located that the points of access

two means of exit, which can be readily opened. This

thereto are out of or suitably shielded

shall not be subject to locking so long as any persons

from areas of high hazard.

are inside and shall not depend on power operation.

In addition to types of exits for upper

6.8.3.3

The following special provisions shall apply

floors specified for Group G occupancies,

to parking garages of closed or open type, above or

slide escapes may be used as required

below ground, but not to mechanical parking facilities

exits for both new and existing

where automobiles are moved into and out of storage

buildings.

mechanically which are not normally occupied by

All high hazard industrial occupancies

persons and thus require no exit facilities. Where repair

shall have automatic sprinkler protection

operations are conducted, the exits shall comply with

or such other protection as may be

the requirements of Group G occupancies in addition

appropriate to the particular hazard,

to compliance with the following:

including explosion venting for any area

subject to explosion hazard, designed to

a) Where both parking and repair operations are

minimize danger to occupants in case of

conducted in the same building, the entire

fire or other emergency before they have

building shall comply with the requirements

time to utilize exits to escape.

for Group G occupancies, unless the parking

PART 4

FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

and repair sections are effectively separated

the grade is one storey or more lower at the

by separation walls.

rear than at the street).

Every floor of every closed parking garage

6.8.3.4

Exits from aircraft hangers (storage or

shall have access to at least two separate

servicing areas) shall be provided at intervals of not

means of exit, so arranged that from any point

more than 45 m on all exterior walls of aircraft hangers.

in the garage the paths of travel to the two

There shall be a minimum of two exits serving each

means of exit shall be in different directions,

aircraft storage or servicing areas. Horizontal exits

except that a common path of travel may be

through interior fire walls shall be provided at intervals

permitted for the first 15 m, from any point.

of not more than 30 m. ‘Dwarf or ‘smash’ doors

On the street floor, at least two separate exit

accommodating aircraft may be used to comply with

doors shall be provided, except that any

these requirements. All doors designated as exits shall

opening for the passage of automobiles may

be kept unlocked in the direction of exit travel while

serve as a means of exit, provided no door or

the area is occupied.

shutter is installed thereon. Street floor exits

6.8.3.5

Exits from mezzanine floors in aircraft storage

in closed garages shall be so arranged that no

or servicing areas shall be so arranged that the

point in the area is more than 30 m from the

maximum travel to reach the nearest exits from any

nearest exit, or 45 m in the case of garages

point on the mezzanine shall not exceed 22.5 m. Such

protected by automatic sprinklers, distance

exits shall lead directly to a properly enclosed stairwell

being measured along the natural path of

discharging directly to the exterior or to a suitably cut-

travel.

off area or to outside fire escape stairs.

On floors above the street, at least two means

of exit shall be provided, one of which shall

6.8.3.6

The following special provisions shall apply

be an enclosed stairway. The other means of

to grain elevators:

egress may be a second exit of any of the

a) There shall be at least one stair tower from

types, or in a ramp type garage with open

basement to first floor and from the first floor

ramps not subject to closure, the ramp may

to the top floor of workhouse which is enclosed

serve as the second means of exit.

in a dust-tight non-combustible shaft.

Upper floor exits in closed garages shall be

b) Non-combustible doors of self-closing type

so arranged that no point in the area shall be

shall be provided at each floor landing.

more than 30 m from the nearest exit other

c) An exterior fire escape of the stair or basket

than a ramp on the same floor level or 45 m

ladder type shall be provided from the roof

in the case of garages protected by automatic

of the workshop to ground level or the roof

sprinklers.

of an adjoining annexe with access from all

On floors below the street (either basement

floors above the first.

or outside underground garages) at least two

d) An exterior fire escape of either the stair or

exits shall be provided, not counting any

basket ladder type shall be provided from the

automobile ramps, except that for garages

roof of each storage annexe to ground level.

extending only one floor level below the

street, a ramp leading direct to the outside may

6.8.4

Additional Precautions

constitute one required means of exit. In

Requirements specified in 6.7.3.3 shall apply to Group

garages below street level, exits shall be so

H occupancies also.

arranged that no part of the area shall be more

than 30 m from the nearest stair exit.

6.8.5

Exceptions and Deviations

If any gasoline pumps are located within any

Every area used for the storage of hazardous

closed parking garage, exits shall be so

commodities shall have an exit within 22.5 m of any

located that travel away from the gasoline

point in the area where persons may be present or 35 m

pump in any direction shall lead to an exit;

where automatic sprinkler protection is provided.

with no dead-end in which occupants might

be trapped by fire or explosion at any

6.9

Requirements of Buildings for Hazardous Uses

gasoline pump. Such exit shall lead to the

(Group J)

outside on the building on the same level, or

downstairs; no upward travel shall be

6.9.1

In addition to the general requirements specified

permitted unless direct outside exits are

in 3.4 for type of construction and occupancy group

available from that floor and any floor below

and the exit requirements given in 4, the requirements

(as in the case of a basement garage where

given in 6.9.2 to 6.9.4 shall be complied with.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

6.9.2

Fire Detection/Extinguishing System

or permitted unless it is enclosed in a

flameproof enclosure.

The requirements for occupancy Group J, as specified

The use, handling, storage and sale of

in Table 23 and Annex C (for High Rise Building)

gasoline, fuel oil and other flammable liquids

shall apply.

snail not be permitted in Group J occupancies

NOTE — Hazardous buildings shall have vapour detectors/

unless such use, handling, storage and sale is

explosion suppression systems/automatic sprinklers, besides

in accordance with appropriate legislation in

hydrant system, wet risers and automatic fire alarm system

depending on the type of fire hazard involved.

force.

All openings in exterior walls except wall

6.9.3

Exit Facilities

vents shall be protected by a fire stop

assembly as in 4 and they shall be fixed,

Requirements specified in 4 and 6.7.3.4 (c) shall apply

automatic or self-closing. Wall vents having

to Group J occupancies also.

an area of not less than 100 cm² each shall be

6.9.4

Additional Precautions

placed in the exterior walls near the floor line,

not more than 1 800 mm apart horizontally.

The following requirements shall apply to all Group J

Each building shall be provided with a power

occupancies, as applicable:

driven fan exhaust system of ventilation

a) Each building where gas is employed for any

which shall be arranged and operated so as to

purpose shall be provided with an approved

produce a complete change of air in each room

outside gas shut-off valve conspicuously

every 3 min.

marked. The detailed requirements regarding

Each machine in dry-cleaning establishments

safe use of gas shall be as specified in

which uses flammable liquid shall have an

Part 9 ‘Plumbing Services, Section 2 Gas

adequate steam line or any other suitable

Supply’.

extinguishing agent directly connected to it,

b) Each boiler room or room containing a

so arranged as to have the agent automatically

heating plant shall be separated from the rest

released to the inside of each machine should

of the building by a separating wall.

an explosion occur in the machine.

c) In any room in which volatile flammable

Equipment or machinery which generates or

substances are used or stored, no device

emits combustible or explosive dust or fibres

generating a spark, or glow flame capable of

shall be provided with an adequate dust

igniting flammable vapour shall be installed

collecting and exhaust system.

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

ANNEX A

(Clause 3.1.8)

CALORIFIC VALUES OF COMMON MATERIALS AND TYPICAL

VALUES OF FIRE LOAD DENSITY

A-1 The calorific values of some common materials

Table 25 — Concluded

are given in Table 25 for guidance.

(1)

(2)

(3)

Table 25 Calorific Values of Common Materials

Ozokerite (wax)

43.3

2.46

Paper (average)

15.4

0.88

Material

Calorific Value

Wood

Paraffin wax

40.9

2.33

(10³ kJ/kg^-1)¹⁾

Equivalent

Pitch

33.0

1.88

(kg/kg)

Rubber

37.4

2.13

(1)

(2)

(3)

Straw

13.2

0.75

Tallows

37.6

2.14

Solid Fuels

Tan bark

20.9

1.19

Anthracite

28.6

1.66

Tar (bituminous)

35.2

2.00

Bituminous Coal

30.8

1.75

Wool (raw)

21.6

1.23

Charcoal

28.4

1.61

Wool (scoured)

19.6

1.11

Coke (average)

27.5

1.56

Foodstuffs

Peats

20.9

1.19

Barely

14.1

0.80

Sub-bituminous Coal

22.0

1.25

Bran

11.0

0.63

Woods (hard or softwood)

17.6

1.00

Bread

9.9

0.56

Hydrocarbons

Butter

29.5

1.68

Cheese (Cheddar)

18.1

1.03

Benzene

39.6

2.25

Cornmeal

14.1

0.80

Butane

47.1

2.68

Flour

14.1

0.80

Ethane

49.1

2.79

Margarine

29.5

1.68

Ethylene

47.7

2.71

Oatmeal

15.8

0.90

Fuel Oil

41.6

2.36

Rice

13.9

0.79

Gas Oil

42.9

2.44

Soyabean Flour

16.1

0.91

Hexane

44.9

2.55

Sugar

15.4

0.88

Methane (natural gas)

52.8

3.00

Whole Wheat

14.3

0.81

Octane

45.3

2.58

Miscellaneous

Paraffin

39.6-44.0

2.3-2.5

Acetone

29.7

1.69

Pentane

46.0

2.61

Acetaldehyde

25.1

1.43

Propane

47.3

2.69

Formaldehyde

17.6

1.00

Propylene

46.2

2.63

Hydrogen

134.2

7.63

Alcohols

Magnesium

24.0

1.36

Ethyl Alcohol

28.4

1.61

Methyl Alcohol

21.1

1.20

¹⁾ 1 kJ is approximately equal to 1 Btu so the figures in the tables

Propyl Alcohol

31.9

1.81

are also equivalent to Btu/kg.

Polymers

A-2 The typical values fire load density for arriving

Casein

23.1

1.31

Cellulose

16.5

0.94

at the classification of occupancy hazard is given in

Cellulose Acetate

17.8

1.01

Table 26 for guidance.

Polyethylene

48.4

2.75

Polypropylene

48.4

2.75

Table 26 Typical Values of Fire Load Density

Polystyrene

41.8

2.38

Building Type

Fire Load Density (Expressed

Polyvinylchloride

20.9

1.19

No.

as Wood Equivalent

Polymethylmethacrylate

24.6

1.40

kg/m²

Polyurethane

35.2

2.00

(1)

(2)

(3)

Polyamide (nylon)

22.0

1.25

Polyester

22.0

1.25

i) Residential (A-1 and A-2)

ii) Residential (A-3 to A-5)

Common Solids

iii) Institutional and

Asphalt

38.3

2.13

Educational (B and C)

Bitumen

33.4

1.90

iv) Assembly (D)

25-50

Carbon

32.1

1.83

v) Business (E)

25-50

Cotton (Dry)

15.8

0.90

vi) Mercantile (F)

Up to 250

Flax

14.3

0.81

vii) Industrial (G)

Up to 150

Furs and Skins

18.7

1.06

viii) Storage and Hazardous

Up to 500

Hair (animal)

20.9

1.19

(H and J)

Leather

17.6

1.00

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

ANNEX B

(Clauses 3.1.8 and 3.1.11)

BROAD CLASSIFICATION OF INDUSTRIAL AND NON-INDUSTRIAL OCCUPANCIES

INTO DIFFERENT DEGREE OF HAZARD

B-1 LOW HAZARD OCCUPANCIES

Office premises

Places of worship

Abrasive manufacturing premises

Pottery works

Aerated water factories

Poultry farms

Agarbatti manufacturing premises

Residential buildings (A-1 to A-4) (except hotels A-5)

Analytical and/or Q.C. Laboratories

Salt crushing factories/refineries stables

Arecanut slicing and/or Betelnut factories

Sugar candy manufacturing

Asbestos steam packing and lagging manufacturers

Sugar factories and refineries

Assembly buildings small (D-4 and D-5)

Tanneries

Battery charging and service stations

Umbrella assembling factories

Battery manufacturing

Vermicelli factories

Breweries

Water treatment/filtration plants and water pump houses

Brickworks

Zinc/copper factories

Canning factories

Cardamom factories

B-2 MODERATE HAZARD OCCUPANCIES

Cement factories and/or asbestos or concrete products

Airport and other transportation terminal buildings

manufacturing premises

Aluminium factories

Ceramic factories, crockery, stoneware pipe

Assembly buildings (D-1 to D-3)

manufacturing

Atta and cereal grinding

Clay works

Bakeries and biscuit factories

Clock and watch manufacturing

Beedi factories

Clubs

Bobbin factories

Coffee curing, roasting and grinding factories

Book-binders, envelopes and paper bag manufacturing

Condensed milk factories, milk pasturising plants and

Cable manufacturing

dairies

Camphor boiling

Confectionary manufacturing

Candle works

Dwellings, lodges, dormitories, etc

Carbon paper/typewriter ribbon makers

Educational and research institutions

Card board box manufacturing

Electric lamps (incandescent and fluorescent) and T.V.

Carpenters, wood wool and furniture makers

tube manufacturing

Carpet and durries factories

Electroplating works

Cashewnut factories

Engineering workshops

Chemical manufacturers (using raw materials having

Fruits and vegetables dehydrating and drying factories

F.P > 23°C)

Fruits products and condiment factories

Cigar and cigarette factories

Glass and glass fibre manufacturing

Coir factories

Godowns and warehouses (non-combustible goods)

Cold storage premises

Gold thread/gilding factories

Computer installations

Gum and/or glue and gelatine manufacturing

Cork products manufacturing (coir, carpets, rugs and

Ice candy and ice-cream and ice factories

tobacco) (hides and skin presses)

Ink (excluding printing ink) factories

Dry cleaning, dyeing and laundries

Mica products manufacturing

Electric sub-stations/distribution stations

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

Electrical generating stations except under ground

Tobacco chewing and pan masala making

powerhouses

Tobacco re-drying factories

Enamelware factories

Woolen mills

Filler and wax paper manufacturing

B-3 HIGH HAZARD OCCUPANCIES

Flour mills

Garment makers

Ghee factories (other than vegetable)

Aircraft hangers

Godowns and warehouses (other than non-combustible

Aluminium/magnesium powder plants

goods)

Bitumanized paper/hessian cloth/tar felt manufacturing

Grains and seed disintegrating or crushing

Bulk storage of flammable liquids (tank farm, etc)

Grease manufacturing

Celluloid goods making

Hosiery, lace, embroidery and thread

Chemical manufacturers (where raw materials have a

Hospitals including ‘X’-ray and other diagonastic

F.P. < 23°C)

clinics (institutional buildings)

Cigarette filter manufacturing

Incandescent gas mantle manufacturers

Cinema films and T.V. production studios

Industrial gas manufacturing (only halogenated

Coal, coke and charcoal ball and briquettes making

hydrocarbons/inert gases)

Collieries, steel plants

Man-made yarn/fibre (except acrylic fibre/yarn)

Cotton seeds cleaning and delinting factories

Manure and fertilizer works (blending, mixing and

Cotton waste factories

granulating only)

Distilleries

Mercantile occupancies (departmental stores, shopping

Duplicating/stencil paper making

complex, etc)

Fire works manufacture

Mineral oil blending and processing

Foamed plastic and/or converting plants

Museums, archieves, record rooms

Godowns of warehouses (combustible/hazardous

Oil and leather cloth factories

goods) (H)

Open storage of flammable liquids (in drums, cans, etc)

Grass, hay, fodder and BHOOSA (chaff)

Oxygen plants

Hazardous occupancy buildings (J)

Paper and cardboard mills (except raw material yard)

Industrial gas manufacturing (except halogenated

Piers, wharves, dockyards

hydrocarbon gases/inert gases)

Plastic goods manufacturing

Industrial units (G-3 occupancies)

Plywood/wood veneering factories

Jute mills and jute presses

Printing press premises

Linoleum factories

Pulverizing and crushing mills

Man-made fibres (only acrylic fibre/yarn making)

Residential apartments, hotels, cafes, restaurants

Match factories

Rice mills

Mattress and pillow makings (foam plastics)

Rope works

Metal or tin printers (if more than 50 percent is

Rubber goods manufacturing

engineering, shift to ordinary hazard)

Rubber tyres and tubes manufacturing

Oil mills

Shellac factories

Oil extraction plants

Silk filiatures

Oil terminals/depots

Soaps and glycerine factories

Paints/Varnish factories

Spray painting

Paper and cardboard mills (only raw material yard)

Starch factories

Pressing factories

Tea factories (including blending packing of tea)

Printing ink making

Telephone exchanges, garages

Resin, lamp black and turpentine manufacture

Textile mills

Saw mills

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

Surgical cotton manufacturing

Explosive factories

Tarpaulin and canvas proofing factories

LPG bottling plants

Turpentine and resin distilleries

Petrochemical plants

Tyre retreading and resolving factories

Petroleum refineries

Underground shopping complexes (F-3)

NOTE — In case of complexes having segregated plants with

varying degrees of hazards, the competent authority having

jurisdictions shall be consulted to decide the level of protections

Ammonia and urea synthesis plants

to be provided.

ANNEX C

(Clauses 3.4.11.1, 4.18.2, 5.1.8, 5.2.2, 6.1.2, 6.2.3, 6.3.2, 6.4.3, 6.5.2, 6.6.2,

6.7.2, 6.8.2 and 6.9.2)

FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR HIGH RISE BUILDINGS —

15 m IN HEIGHT OR ABOVE

C-0 GENERAL

on top of the shaft and separated from the shaft

by the floor of the room.

In addition to the general provisions given in this Part,

Landing doors in lift enclosures shall have a

the Authority may insist on suitable protection

fire resistance of not less than 1 h.

measures (see C-1 to C-11) in a building 15 m in height

The number of lifts in one row for a lift bank

or above.

shall not exceed 4 and the total number of

C-1 CONSTRUCTION

lifts in the bank (of two rows) shall not exceed

8. A wall of 2 h fire rating shall separate

C-1.1 All materials of constructions in load bearing

individual shafts in a bank.

elements, stairways and corridors and facades shall be

Lift car door shall have a fire resistance rating

non-combustible.

of half an hour.

C-1.2 The interior finish materials shall not have a flame

Collapsible gates shall not be permitted for

spreadability rating exceeding Class 1 (see 3.4.15.2).

lifts and shall have solid doors with fire

C-1.3 The internal walls or staircase shall be of brick

resistance of at least 1 h.

or reinforced concrete with a minimum of 2 h fire

If the lift shaft and lobby is in the core of the

rating.

building, a positive pressure between 25 and

30 Pa shall be maintained in the lobby and a

C-1.4 The staircase shall be ventilated to the

positive pressure of 50 Pa shall be maintained

atmosphere at each landing and a vent at the top; the

in the lift shaft. The mechanism for

vent openings shall be of 0.5 m² in the external wall

pressurization shall act automatically with the

and the top. If the staircase cannot be ventilated,

fire alarm; it shall be possible to operate this

because of location or other reasons, a positive pressure

mechanically also.

50 Pa shall be maintained inside. The mechanism for

Exit from the lift lobby, if located in the

pressurizing the staircase shall operate automatically

core of the building, shall be through a self-

with the fire alarm. The roof of the shaft shall be 1 m

closing smoke stop door of half an hour fire

above the surrounding roof. Glazing or glass bricks if

resistance.

used in staircase, shall have fire resistance rating of

minimum 2 h.

Lifts shall not normally communicate with

the basement; if, however, lifts are in

C-1.5 Lifts

communication, the lift lobby of the

basements shall be pressurized as in (g), with

General requirements of lifts shall be as follows:

self-closing door as in (h).

a) Walls of lift enclosures shall have a fire rating

Grounding switch(es), at ground floor level,

of 2 h; lifts shafts shall have a vent at the top

shall be provided on all the lifts to enable the

of area not less than 0.2 m².

fire service to ground the lifts.

b) Lift motor room shall be located preferably

Telephone or other communication facilities

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

shall be provided in lift cars for building of

the entrance level. When the switch is on,

30 m in height and above. Communication

landing call-points will become

system for lifts shall be connected to fire

inoperative and the lift will be on car

control room for the building.

control only or on a priority control

Suitable arrangements such as providing slope

device. When the switch is off, the lift

in the floor of lift lobby, shall be made to

will return to normal working. This lift

prevent water used during fire fighting, etc,

can be used by the occupants in normal

at any landing from entering the lift shafts.

times.

A sign shall be posted and maintained on

7) The words

‘Fire Lift’ shall be

every floor at or near the lift indicating that

conspicuously displayed in fluorescent

in case of fire, occupants shall use the stairs

paint on the lift landing doors at each

unless instructed otherwise. The sign shall

floor level.

also contain a plan for each floor showing the

8) The speed of the fire lift shall be such

locations of the stairways.

that it can reach the top floor from ground

Alternate source of power supply shall be

level within 1 min.

provided for all the lifts through a manually

C-1.6 Basements

operated changeover switch.

C-1.6.1 Each basement shall be separately ventilated.

Fire Lifts — Following details shall apply for

Vents with cross-sectional area (aggregate) not less

a fire lift:

than 2.5 percent of the floor area spread evenly round

To enable fire services personnel to reach

the perimeter of the basement shall be provided in the

the upper floors with the minimum delay,

form of grills, or breakable stallboard lights or

one fire lift per 1 200 m² of floor area

pavement lights or by way of shafts. Alternatively, a

shall be provided and shall be available

system of air inlets shall be provided at basement floor

for the exclusive use of the firemen in an

level and smoke outlets at basement ceiling level. Inlets

emergency.

and extracts may be terminated at ground level with

The lift shall have a floor area of not less

stallboard or pavement lights as before, but ducts to

than 1.4 m². It shall have loading capacity

convey fresh air to the basement floor level have to be

of not less than 545 kg (8 persons lift)

laid. Stallboard and pavement lights should be in

with automatic closing doors of

positions easily accessible to the fire brigade and

minimum 0.8 m width.

clearly marked ‘SMOKE OUTLET’ or ‘AIR INLET’

The electric supply shall be on a separate

with an indication of area served at or near the opening.

service from electric supply mains in a

C-1.6.2

The staircase of basements shall be of

building and the cables run in a route safe

enclosed type having fire resistance of not less than

from fire, that is, within the lift shaft.

2 h and shall be situated at the periphery of the

Lights and fans in the elevators having

basement to be entered at ground level only from the

wooden paneling or sheet steel

open air and in such positions that smoke from any

construction shall be operated on 24 V

fire in the basement shall not obstruct any exit serving

supply.

the ground and upper stores of the building and shall

Fire fighting lift should be provided with

communicate with basement through a lobby provided

a ceiling hatch for use in case of

with fire resisting self closing doors of 1 h resistance.

emergency, so that when the car gets

For travel distance see 4.5. If the travel distance exceeds

stuck up, it shall be easily openable.

as given in Table 21, additional staircases shall be

In case of failure of normal electric

provided at proper places.

supply, it shall automatically trip over to

C-1.6.3 In multi-storey basements, intake ducts may

alternate supply. For apartment houses,

serve all basement levels, but each basement levels

this changeover of supply could be done

and basement compartment shall have separate smoke

through manually operated changeover

outlet duct or ducts. Ducts so provided shall have the

switch. Alternatively, the lift shall be so

same fire resistance rating as the compartment itself.

wired that in case of power failure, it

Fire rating may be taken as the required smoke

comes down at the ground level and

extraction time for smoke extraction ducts.

comes to stand-still with door open.

The operation of a fire lift is by a simple

C-1.6.4 Mechanical extractors for smoke venting

toggle or two-button switch situated in a

system from lower basement levels shall also be

glass-fronted box adjacent to the lift at

provided. The system shall be of such design as to

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

operate on actuation of heat/smoke sensitive detectors

from all floors. On large area floors several such pipes

or sprinklers, if installed, and shall have a considerably

may be necessary which should be spaced 30 m apart.

superior performance compared to the standard units.

Care shall be taken to ensure that the construction of

It shall also have an arrangement to start it manually.

the drain pipe does not allow spread of fire/smoke from

floor to floor.

C-1.6.4.1 Mechanical extractors shall have an internal

locking arrangement, so that extractors shall continue

C-1.9 Service Ducts/Shafts

to operate and supply fans shall stop automatically with

a) Service ducts and shafts shall be enclosed by

the actuation of fire detectors.

walls of 2 h and doors of 1 h, fire rating. All

C-1.6.4.2 Mechanical extractors shall be designed to

such ducts/shafts shall be properly sealed and

permit 30 air changes per hour in case of fire or distress

fire stopped at all floor levels.

call. However, for normal operation, air changes

b) A vent opening at the top of the service shaft

schedule shall be as given in 3.4.11.5.

shall be provided having between one-fourth

C-1.6.4.3

Mechanical extractors shall have an

and one-half of the area of the shaft.

alternative source of supply.

C-1.10 Refuse chutes shall have opening at least 1 m

C-1.6.4.4 Ventilating ducts shall be integrated with

above roof level or venting purpose and they shall have

the structure and made out of brick masonry or

an enclosure wall of non-combustible material with

reinforced cement concrete as far as possible and when

fire resistance of not less than 2 h. They shall not be

this duct crosses the transformer area or electrical

located within the staircase enclosure or service shafts,

switchboard, fire dampers shall be provided.

or air-conditioning shafts inspection panel and doors

shall be tight fitting with 1 h fire resistance; the chutes

C-1.6.5 Use of basements for kitchens working on gas

should be as far away as possible from exits.

fuel shall not be permitted, unless air conditioned.

C-1.11 Refuge Area

The basement shall not be permitted below the ward block

of a hospital/nursing home unless it is fully sprinkled.

Provisions contained in 4.12.3 shall apply for all

buildings except multi-family dwellings, refuge area

Building services such as electrical sub-stations, boiler

of not less than 15 m² shall be provided on the external

rooms in basements shall comply with the provisions

walls.

of the Indian Electricity Act/Rules.

C-1.12 Electrical services shall conform to the

C-1.6.6 If cut outs are provided from basements to

following:

the upper floors or to the atmospheres, all sides cut

out openings in the basements shall be protected by

a) The electric distribution cables/wiring shall

sprinkler head at close spacing so as to form a water

be laid in a separate duct. The duct shall be

curtain in the event of a fire.

sealed at every floor with non-combustible

materials having the same fire resistance as

C-1.7 Openable windows on external walls shall be

that of the duct. Low and medium voltage

fitted with such locks that can be opened by a fireman’s

wiring running in shaft and in false ceiling

axe.

shall run in separate conduits;

C-1.8 All floors shall be compartmented with area not

b) Water mains, telephone lines, intercom lines,

exceeding 750 m² by a separation wall with 2 h fire

gaspipes or any other service line shall not be

rating, for floors with sprinklers the area may be

laid in the duct for electrical cables; use of

increased by 50 percent. In long building, the fire

bus ducts/solid rising mains instead of cables

separation walls shall be at distances not exceeding

is preferred;

40 m. For departmental stores, shopping centres and

c) Separate circuits for fire fighting pumps, lifts,

basements, the area may be reduced to 500 m² for

staircases and corridor lighting and blowers

compartmentation. Where this is not possible, the

for pressurizing system shall be provided

spacings of the sprinklers shall be suitably reduced.

directly from the main switch gear panel and

When reducing the spacing of sprinklers, care should

these circuits shall be laid in separate conduit

be taken to prevent spray from one sprinkler impeding

pipes, so that fire in one circuit will not affect

the performance of an adjascent sprinkler head.

the others. Such circuits shall be protected at

C-1.8.1 It is essential to make provisions for drainage

origin by an automatic circuit breaker with

of any such water on all floors to prevent or minimize

its no-volt coil removed. Master switches

water damage of the contents. The drain pipes should

controlling essential service circuits shall be

be provided on the external wall for drainage of water

clearly labelled;

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

The inspection panel doors and any other

b) All wiring in fume hoods shall be of fibre

opening in the shaft shall be provided with

glass insulation. Thermal detectors shall be

air-tight fire doors having fire resistance of

installed into fume hoods of large kitchens

not less than 2 h;

for hotels, hospitals, and similar areas located

Medium and low voltage wiring running in

in high rise buildings. Arrangements shall be

shafts, and within false ceiling shall run in

made for automatic tripping of the exhaust

metal conduit. Any 230 V wiring for lighting

fan in case of fire. If LPG is used, the same

or other services, above false ceiling, shall

shall be shut off. The voltage shall be 24 V or

have 660 V grade insulation. The false ceiling,

100 V dc operated with external rectifier. The

including all fixtures used for its suspension,

valve shall be of the hand re-set type and shall

shall be of non-combustible material and shall

be located in an area segregated from cooking

provide adequate fire resistance to the ceiling

ranges. Valves shall be easily accessible. The

in order to prevent spread of fire across ceiling

hood shall have manual facility for steam or

reference may be made to good practice

carbon dioxide gas injection, depending on

[4(29)];

duty condition; and

An independent and well ventilated service

c) Gas meters shall be housed in a suitably

room shall be provided on the ground level or

constructed metal cupboard located in a well

first basement with direct access from outside

ventilated space, keeping in view the fact that

or from the corridor for the purpose of

LPG is heavier than air and town gas is lighter

termination of electric supply from the

than air.

licensees’ service and alternative supply cables.

C-1.14 Illumination of Means of Exit

The doors provided for the service room shall

have fire resistance of not less than 2 h;

Staircase and corridor lights shall conform to the

following (see 4.16 and 4.17 for additional details):

NOTE — If service room is located at the first basement,

it should have automatic fire extinguishing system.

The staircase and corridor lighting shall be

If the licensees agree to provide meters on

on separate circuits and shall be independently

upper floors, the licensees’ cables shall be

connected so as it could be operated by one

segregated from consumers’ cables by

switch installation on the ground floor easily

providing a partition in the duct. Meter rooms

accessible to fire fighting staff at any time

on upper floors shall not open into stair case

irrespective of the position of the individual

enclosures and shall be ventilated directly to

control of the light points, if any. It should be

open air outside; and

of miniature circuit breaker type of switch so

Suitable circuit breakers shall be provided at

as to avoid replacement of fuse in case of

the appropriate points.

crisis;

Staircase and corridor lighting shall also be

C-1.13

Gas supply shall conform to the following:

connected to alternative supply. The

Town Gas/L.P. Gas Supply Pipes — Where

alternative source of supply may be provided

gas pipes are run in buildings, the same shall

by battery continuously trickle charged from

be run in separate shafts exclusively for this

the electric mains;

purpose and these shall be on external walls,

Suitable arrangements shall be made by

away from the staircases. There shall no

installing double throw switches to ensure that

interconnection of this shaft with the rest of

the lighting installed in the staircase and the

the floors. LPG distribution pipes shall always

corridor does not get connected to two sources

be below the false ceiling. The length of these

of supply simultaneously. Double throw

pipes shall be as short as possible. In the case

switch shall be installed in the service room

of kitchen cooking range area, apart from

for terminating the stand-by supply;

providing hood, covering the entire cooking

Emergency lights shall be provided in the

range, the exhaust system should be designed

staircase and corridor; and

to take care of 30 m³ per minute per m² of

All wires and other accessories used for

hood protected area. It should have grease

emergency light shall have fire retardant

filters using metallic grill to trap oil vapours

property.

escaping into the fume hood.

C-1.15

A stand-by electric generator shall be installed

NOTE — For detailed information on gas pipe

installations, reference may be made to Part 9 ‘Plumbing

to supply power to staircase and corridor lighting

Services, Section 3 Gas Supply’.

circuits, fire lifts, the stand-by fire pump, pressurization

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

fans and blowers, smoke extraction and damper

ceiling and its fixtures shall be of non-

systems in case of failure of normal electric supply.

combustible material.

The generator shall be capable of taking starting current

The materials used for insulating the duct

of all the machines and circuits stated above

system (inside or outside) shall be of non-

simultaneously. If the stand-by pump is driven by diesel

combustible materials. Glass wool shall not

engine, the generator supply need not be connected to

be wrapped or secured by any material of

the stand-by pump. Where parallel HV/LV supply from

combustible nature.

a separate sub-station is provided with appropriate

Area more than 750 m² on individual floor

transformer for emergency, the provision of generator

shall be segregated by a fire wall and

may be waived in consultation with the Authority.

automatic fire dampers for isolation shall be

C-1.16 Transformers shall conform to the following:

provided [see (j)].

Air ducts serving main floor areas, corridors,

a) A sub-station or a switch-station with oil filled

etc, shall not pass through the staircase

equipment shall not be located in the building.

enclosure.

The sub-station structure shall have separate

fire resisting walls/surroundings and shall

The air-handling units shall be separate for

necessarily be located at the periphery of the

each floor and air ducts for every floor shall

floor having separate access from fire escape

be separated and in no way inter-connected

stair case. The outside walls, ceiling, floor,

with the ducting of any other floor.

openings including doors and windows to the

If the air-handling unit serves more than one

sub-station area shall be provided with a fire

floor, the recommendations given above shall

resisting door of 2 h fire rating. Direct access

be complied with in addition to the conditions

to the transformer room shall be provided,

given below:

preferably from outside fire escape staircase.

1) proper arrangements by way of automatic

b) The sub-station area needs to be maintained at

fire dampers working on smoke detector/

negative air pressures and area in sub-station

or fusible link for isolating all ducting at

shall not be used as storage/dump areas.

every floor from the main riser shall be

c) When housed inside the building, the

made.

transformer shall be of dry type and shall be

2) When the automatic fire alarm operates,

cut off from the other portion of premises by

the respective air-handling units of the air-

walls/doors/cutout having fire resistance

conditioning system shall automatically

rating of 4 h.

be switched off.

The vertical shaft for treated fresh air shall

C-1.17 Air-conditioning shall conform to the

be of masonry construction.

following:

The air filters of the air-handling units shall

a) Escape routes like staircases, common

be of non-combustible materials.

corridors, lift lobbies, etc, shall not be used

The air-handling unit room shall not be used

as return air passage.

for storage of any combustible materials.

b) The ducting shall be constructed of substantial

Inspection panels shall be provided in the

gauge metal in accordance with good practice

main trunking to facilitate the cleaning of

[4(31].

ducts of accumulated dust and to obtain access

c) Wherever the ducts pass through fire walls or

for maintenance of fire dampers.

floors, the opening around the ducts shall be

No combustible material shall be fixed nearer

sealed with materials having fire resistance

than 150 mm to any duct unless such duct is

rating of the compartment.

properly enclosed and protected with non-

d) Where duct crosses a compartment which is

combustible material (glass wool or spunglass

fire rated, the ducts shall be fire rated for same

with neoprene facing enclosed and wrapped

fire rating. Further depending on services

with aluminimum sheeting) at least 3.2 mm thick

passing around the duct work, which may get

and which would not readily conduct heat.

affected in case of fire temperature rising, the

ducts shall be insulated.

Fire Dampers

e) As far as possible, metallic ducts shall be used

1) These shall be located in conditioned air

even for the return air instead of space above

ducts and return air ducts/passages at the

the false ceiling.

following points:

f) Where plenum is used for return air passage,

At the fire separation wall.

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

ii) Where ducts/passages enter the

prevent the flow of oil into the boiler room in

central vertical shaft.

case of tank rupture.

iii) Where the ducts pass through floors.

f) Foam inlets shall be provided on the external

iv) At the inlet of supply air duct and the

walls of the building near the ground level to

return air duct of each compartment

enable the fire services to use foam in case of

on every floor.

fire.

The dampers shall operate automatically

C-2 PROVISION OF FIRST-AID FIRE FIGHTING

and shall simultaneously switch off the

APPLIANCES

air-handling fans. Manual operation

facilities shall also be provided.

The first-aid fire fighting equipment shall be provided

on all floors, including basements, lift rooms, etc, in

NOTE — For blowers, where extraction system

and duct accumulators are used, dampers shall be

accordance with good practice [4(21)] in consultation

provided.

with the Authority.

Fire/smoke dampers (for smoke extraction

C-3 FIRE ALARM SYSTEM

shafts) for buildings more than 24 m in

height.

C-3.1 All buildings with heights of 15 m or above

For apartment

non-ventilated

shall be equipped with manually operated electrical

houses

lobbies/

corridors

fire alarm (MOEFA) system and automatic fire alarm

operated by fusible

system in accordance with good practice [4(18)] and

link/smoke detectors

[4(19)]. However, apartment buildings between 15 m

and with manual

and 30 m in height may be exempted from the

control.

installation of automatic fire alarm system provided

the local fire brigade is suitably equipped for dealing

For other

On operation of smoke

with fire in a building of 15 m in height or above and

buildings

detection system and

with manual control.

in the opinion of the Authority, such building does not

constitute a hazard to the safety of the adjacent property

Automatic fire dampers shall be so

or occupants of the building itself.

arranged as to close by gravity in the

direction of air movement and to remain

C-3.1.1 Manually operated electrical fire alarm system

tightly closed on operation of a fusible

shall be installed in a building with one or more call

link/smoke detector.

boxes located at each floor. The call boxes shall

conform to good practice [4(18)] and [4(19)].

C-1.18

Provisions of boiler and boiler rooms shall

conform to Indian Boiler Act. Further, the following

C-3.1.2 The installation of call boxes in hostels and

additional aspects may be taken into account in the

such other places where these are likely to be misused

location of boiler room:

shall as far as possible be avoided. Location of call boxes

in dwelling units shall preferably be inside the building.

a) The boilers shall not be allowed in sub-

basement, but may be allowed in the

C-4 LIGHTNING PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS

basements away from the escape routes.

The lightning protection for buildings shall be provided

b) The boilers shall be installed in a fire resisting

as given in Part 8 ‘Building Services, Section 2

room of 4 h fire resistance rating, and this

Electrical Installations’.

room shall be situated on the periphery of the

basement. Catch-pits shall be provided at the

C-5 FIRE CONTROL ROOM

low level.

For all buildings 15 m in height or above and apartment

c) Entry to this room shall be provided with a

buildings with a height of 30 m and above, there shall

composite door of 2 h fire resistance.

be a control room on the entrance floor of the building

d) The boiler room shall be provided with fresh

with communication system (suitable public address

air inlets and smoke exhausts directly to the

system) to all floors and facilities for receiving the

atmosphere.

message from different floors. Details of all floor plans

e) The furnace oil tank for the boiler, if located

along with the details of fire fighting equipment and

in the adjoining room shall be separated by

installations shall be maintained in the fire control

fire resisting wall of 4 h rating. The entrance

room. The fire control room shall also have facilities

to this room shall be provided with double

to detect the fire on any floor through indicator boards

composite doors. A curb of suitable height

connection; fire detection and alarm systems on all

shall be provided at the entrance in order to

floors. The fire staff incharge of the fire control room

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

shall be responsible for the maintenance of the various

inside and outside the building, shall be strictly

services and fire fighting equipment and installations

maintained by the occupants and/or the owner of the

in co-ordination with security, electrical and civil staff

building.

of the building.

C-8 FIRE DRILLS AND FIRE ORDERS

C-6 FIRE OFFICER FOR HOTELS, BUSINESS

Fire notices/orders shall be prepared to fulfil the

AND MERCANTILE BUILDINGS WITH HEIGHT

requirements of fire fighting and evacuation from the

MORE THAN 30 m

buildings in the event of fire and other emergency. The

C-6.1 A qualified Fire Officer with experience of not

occupants shall be made thoroughly conversant with

less than 3 years shall be appointed who will be

their actions in the event of emergency, by displaying

available on the premises.

fire notices at vantage points and also through regular

training. Such notices should be displayed prominently

C-6.2 The Fire Officer shall:

in broad lettering.

a) maintain the fire fighting equipment in good

For guidelines for fire drills and evacuation procedures

working condition at all times,

for high rise buildings, see Annex E.

b) prepare fire orders and fire operational plans

and get them promulgated,

C-9 COMPARTMENTATION

c) impart regular training to the occupants of the

The building shall be suitably compartmentalized so

buildings in the use of fire fighting

that fire/smoke remain confined to the area where fire

equipments provided on the premises and

incident has occurred and does not spread to the

keep them informed about the fire emergency

remaining part of the building.

evacuation plan,

d) keep proper liaison with city Fire Brigade, and

C-10 HELIPAD

e) ensure that all fire precautionary measures are

For high rise buildings above 60 m in height, provision

observed at the times.

for helipad should be made.

NOTE — Competent authority having jurisdiction may

insist on compliance of the above rules in case of

C-11 MATERIALS FOR INTERIOR

buildings having very large areas even if the height is

DECORATION/FURNISHING

less than 30 m.

The use of materials which are combustible in nature

C-7 HOUSE KEEPING

and may spread toxic fume/gases should not be used

To eliminate fire hazards, good house keeping, both

for interior decoration/furnishing, etc.

ANNEX D

(Clauses 6.7.3.3 (a) and 6.7.5)

FIRE PROTECTION CONSIDERATIONS FOR VENTING IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS

D-1 APPLICATION AND SCOPE

D-2 SMOKE AND FIRE VENTING

D-1.1 The provisions given below are applicable

D-2.1 The basic considerations for formulating the

only to single storey industrial buildings (factories

design and other requirements for smoke and fire vents

and storage buildings) covering large floor areas

are as given in D-2.1.1 to D-2.1.20.

without sub-dividing/separating walls which are

D-2.1.1 The smoke and hot combustion products from

usually designed to meet modern production

a fire, being lighter than the surrounding air, tend to

methods.

rise and on reaching the roof or ceiling spread out

D-1.2 The requirements of fire and explosion venting

(mushroom) on all sides and form a layer which floats

of industrial buildings, as dealt with in this section,

on top of the cold air beneath. In the absence of vents,

fall under two categories:

this layer becomes progressively deeper until the whole

a) Smoke and fire venting, and

building is filled with hot smoky gases. The time

b) Explosion relief vents.

consumed for this to happen may be only a few

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

minutes, depending on variables like, type of materials

packaging of the combustible materials as well as the

on fire, process/storage conditions involved, etc.

size, height and disposition of the stacks of materials.

D-2.1.2 The hot gases at the roof level moved by

D-2.1.12 In industrial buildings of floor area less than

convection currents contribute to rapid lateral spread

750 m² and used as low fire hazard occupancies,

of fire.

conventional ventilators fitted high up near the eaves

of the external walls may serve as vents for smoke and

D-2.1.3 The provision of properly designed and

hot gases, provided care is taken to ensure that they

suitably located vents in adequate number helps the

are kept open at all times or are designed to open

speedy removal of smoke and hot gases, thereby

automatically in case of fire.

preventing spread of fire, besides reducing risks of

explosion of unburnt gases and reducing damage to

D-2.1.13 Extinction of fires by closing the doors and

the contents and structure of the building by heat and

windows is not likely in the case of industrial buildings

smoke. In addition, they facilitate fire fighting

because of their large size, where sufficient air to

operations, and minimize personal hazards to the

sustain the fire at least in the initial stages can be

firemen.

expected to be present.

D-2.1.4 The time taken for accumulation of smoke

D-2.1.14 Of the two types of building ventilation,

and hot gases within a building on fire being very short,

namely, vertical and horizontal, vertical ventilation is

the venting devices installed shall be designed to

the one commonly adopted in the case of single storey

operate in the early stage of the fire and must be

industrial buildings.

automatic so as to ensure speed and efficiency in their

D-2.1.15 Since 70 to 80 percent of heat produced in a

operation.

fire is convective heat, the ventilation system has to

D-2.1.5 The smoke and fire venting system shall be

be suitably designed to ensure early outflow of the heat

designed in such a manner as to keep the temperature

and thereby minimize fire spread.

of the combustion products from the fire as low as

D-2.1.16 Combustible roof linings shall be avoided,

possible, preferably below approximately 150°C.

as they themselves will contribute to the spread of fire,

D-2.1.6 Automatic venting systems are complementary

thereby multiplying the venting problems.

to the fire extinguishing systems, and automatic

D-2.1.17 A wind blowing across a flat roof or a roof

sprinklers, where provided, should operate before the

with a pitch under 40° produces a negative pressure,

operation of the vents; otherwise, venting may delay

that is, it tends to draw gases out of the building and so

sprinkler operation.

aids venting of hot gases. Wind blowing across a roof

D-2.1.7 It is easier to vent a building of smoke than

of pitch greater than 40° will draw gases out on the

clear it of smoke once it has been filled.

leeward side, but oppose outward flow on the

windward side of the roof.

D-2.1.8 Venting is particularly desirable in large area

industrial buildings or warehouses, windowless

D-2.1.18 For vents to work at full efficiency, the area

buildings, underground structures or in areas housing

of the inlets for cold air entering the compartment must

hazardous operations. Automatic fire vents shall be

equal at least the total area of the vents. Ideally, the

provided for all industrial occupancies (including

inlets shall be as close to the ground as possible.

storage buildings) classified as medium hazard or

D-2.1.19 Where roof vents are installed in a single-

above having floor areas exceeding 750 m², irrespective

storey building any neighbouring buildings,

of whether they are compartmentalized or not.

particularly those of more than one storey, will be

D-2.1.9 These provisions do not cover other aspects,

subject to some degree of exposure hazard either from

of ventilation (or lighting) designed for regulation of

flying birds or radiation, or both, as a result.

temperature within a building for personal comfort or

D-2.1.20 If vents are to be installed, the size, design,

meeting process needs.

number and disposition of the vents and the associated

D-2.1.10 Similarly, fire and smoke venting requirements

roof screens/curtain boards have to be assessed after

as given here under are also not applicable to multi-storey

careful analysis of the various factors stated

buildings, as their requirements are different and more

under D-2.1.11 above, as well as other related factors

complex.

like type of building construction, nature and height

of roof, process hazards, exposure hazard, etc.

D-2.1.11 It is difficult to determine precise venting

requirements on account of the many variables

D-2.2 Venting Area

involved. For instance, the rate of combustion varies

appreciably according to the nature, shape, size and

D-2.2.1 The estimated requirements for ventilation are

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

largely based on the assumed build-up of the fire from

which shall be designed for both manual and automatic

the time of initial outbreak to the time of effective fire

operation.

fighting action by fire brigade.

D-2.3.7 Sawtooth roof skylight shall be considered as

D-2.2.2 The vent area required to be provided shall

satisfactory for venting purposes only when designed

be approximately proportional to the perimeter of the

for automatic operation.

fire area, because the entrained air forms the bulk of

D-2.3.8 Likewise, exterior wall windows shall not be

the vented gases.

reckoned as satisfactory means for venting of fire gases

D-2.2.3 The effective area shall be the minimum cross-

and smoke in industrial buildings. However, they may

sectional area through which the hot gases must flow

be reckoned as additional means of venting when, they

out to the atmosphere.

are located close to the eaves and are provided with

ordinary glass or movable sash arranged for both

D-2.2.4

No consideration shall be given to the

manual and automatic operation.

increased air movement obtained by power operated

fans, since it must be assumed that in the event of fire,

D-2.3.9 Baffles shall not be installed inside vents, as

power will be interrupted, or fans damaged by heat.

they greatly reduce the effective area for venting.

D-2.2.5 The total vent areas to be provided shall be

D-2.4 Vent Operation

as per the following ratios of effective area of vent

D-2.4.1 The vents shall be automatic in operation,

openings to floor area for various occupancy

unless where specified in these provisions that they

classifications indicated:

shall be designed for both manual and automatic

a) Low heat release content

1:150

operation.

(Sub-division G-1)

D-2.4.2 The release mechanism shall be simple for

b) Moderate heat release content

1:100

operation and independent of electrical power, since

(Sub-division G-2)

electrical services may be interrupted by fire.

c) High heat release content

1:30 to 1:50

D-2.4.3 The automatic operation of vents shall be

(Sub-division G-3)

achieved by actuation of fusible links or other types of

D-2.3 Types of Vents

heat and smoke detectors, or by interlocking with

operation of sprinkler system or any other automatic

D-2.3.1 Venting shall be accomplished by any of the

fire extinguishing system covering the area. Following

types such as monitors continuous gravity vents, until

their release, the vents shall be designed to open by a

type vents or sawtooth roof skylights.

system of counterweights and associated equipment

D-2.3.2 Where monitor type vents are installed, wired

utilizing the force of gravity or spring loaded levers.

glass or metal panels shall be used only if the sash is

D-2.4.4 Automatic fire alarm system, where installed,

arranged to open automatically.

shall be coupled to the automatic vents to ensure

simultaneous operation.

D-2.3.3 The use of plain thin glass for venting shall

be avoided on account of its unpredictable behaviour

D-2.4.5 Automatic sprinklers, where installed, shall

during fire. However, if glass or other suitable plastic

operate before the vents open in order to avoid any

sheet materials with early disintegration characteristics

likely delay in sprinkler operation. However, heat

are used, they should be designed for automatic

actuated devices used for vent release shall be suitably

operation.

shielded from sprinkler discharge so that water does

not delay their action.

D-2.3.4 Where monitors or unit type vents are used,

the panels shall be hinged at the bottom and designed

D-2.4.6 Premises where height of roof apex is 10 m

to open automatically. Both sides of the vents shall be

or more or where the materials handled or stored have

designed to vent simultaneously to ensure that their

high smoke producing characteristics, in addition to

effectiveness at the time of fire is not in any way

fusible links, the vent release mechanism shall be

impeded by wind direction.

interlinked to smoke actuated automatic fire detectors

to ensure early operation of vents.

D-2.3.5

Where movable shutters are provided

forcontinuous gravity vents, these shall open

D-2.4.7 Non-corrosive materials shall be used for

automatically in the event of fire.

hinges, hatches and other related parts to ensure long

fail-safe operation of the vents.

D-2.3.6 Unit type vents shall be of relatively small

area, ranging between 1 m²and 9 m², having light

D-2.4.8 In case of any doubts regarding the types of

weight metal frames and housing with hinged dampers

vents required to be installed for any particular

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

occupancy, authorities having jurisdiction shall be

substantially assist in early operation of automatic

consulted.

sprinklers and vents.

D-2.6.2 They shall be of sheet metal or any other

D-2.5 Size, Spacing and Disposition of Vents

substantial non-combustible material strong enough to

D-2.5.1 Vents shall be correctly sited to ensure their

withstand damage by heat or impact.

functional efficiency. Ideally, they shall be sited at the

D-2.6.3 They shall be reasonably gas-tight, although

highest point in each area to be covered.

small openings for passage of pipes, conduits, etc, shall

D-2.5.2 They shall, as far as possible, be located

be permitted.

immediately above the risk to be protected so as to

D-2.6.4 They shall extend down from the roof/ceiling

allow free and speedy removal of smoke and other

for a minimum depth of 2.2 m. Around specific

combustion products in the event of fire.

hazards, the depth shall be 4 m. Where roof/ceiling

D-2.5.3 The minimum dimension for an effective vent

height exceeds 15 m they shall extend down to within

opening shall be not less than 1.25 m in any direction.

3 m of the floor. For pitched sawtoothed roofs, they

D-2.5.4 The spacing of the individual vents shall be

shall extend down to truss level dividing the roof into

based on the principle that more number of well

compartments.

distributed smaller vents are more effective than less

D-2.6.5 In moderate hazard occupancies, the distance

number of badly located larger vents.

between the screens/curtain boards shall not exceed

D-2.5.5 The maximum spacing between vents for the

75 m and the curtained areas shall be limited to a

three occupancy classifications shall be as follows:

maximum of 4 500 m².

a) Low heat release content — 45 m between

D-2.6.6 In high hazard occupancies, the distance

centres

between screens shall not exceed 30 m and the

curtained area shall be limited to 750 m².

b) Moderate heat release content — 36 to 37 m

between centres

D-2.6.7 The curtained roof area shall be so arranged

c) High heat release content — 22.5 to 30 m

that they effectively aid in the venting of smoke and

between centres, depending on the severity

hot gases through the automatic vents provided in each

of fire potential.

area.

D-2.5.6 Vents shall be placed in a sheltered situation

D-2.6.8 In sprinklered buildings, the screens shall

where advantage can be taken of the prevailing wind.

preferably be so located as to coincide with the

The design of the vent shall be such as to produce a

individual sprinkler system areas.

suction effect. A wind blowing across a flat roof or

one with a pitch be 40° produces a negative pressure,

D-3 EXPLOSION RELIEF VENTS

that is, it tends to draw gases out of the building and so

D-3.1 Industrial premises where combustible dusts can

aids venting of hot gases. Wind blowing across a roof

accumulate or where flammable gases, vapours or mists

of pitch greater than 40° will draw gases out on the

in explosive concentrations may be present are

leeward side, but oppose outward flow on the

constantly exposed to explosion hazards. Pressures

windward side of the roof.

developed by such explosions may be of the order of

D-2.5.7 Low level inlets, with total area not less than

7 × 10⁵ Pa and ordinary buildings will not be able to

the total area of vents, shall be provided to permit

withstand the shock of such pressures. Hence, such

outside air to be drawn in to aid automatic venting.

buildings require explosion relief vents for preventing

These inlets, which may be in the form of doors,

structural damage.

windows or such other openings, shall be designed for

D-3.2 Basic Principle/Considerations

manual operation when desired.

D-3.2.1

Most ordinary building walls will not

D-2.6 Roof Screens or Curtain Boards

withstand a sustained internal pressure as great as

D-2.6.1 Industrial buildings with large areas and

6.9 × 10³ Pa. Hence, explosion relief vents for

having no sub-division/separating walls limiting the

buildings must be designed to operate at pressures well

area of individual compartments to 750 m² or less, shall

below those at which the building walls will fail.

be provided with roof screens or curtain boards.

D-3.2.2 There is a rise in pressure during an explosion

These screens which extend from the roof downwards

within an enclosure even with open, unobstructed

at specific intervals not only prevent lateral spread of

vents, and any delay in opening the venting devices

heat and smoke in the event of fire below, but

increases that pressure.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

D-3.2.3 Structural damage can be minimized by

D-3.2.14

Rectangular unrestricted vents are as

locating hazardous operations or equipment outside

effective as square vents of equal area.

buildings and cut off from other operations by a

D-3.3 Types of Explosion Relief Vents

pressure resisting wall. Such isolated processes or

equipment shall be housed in single-storey buildings

D-3.3.1 The explosion relief vents shall be any one or

properly vented and a device provided at the inlet of

more of the following types, depending on individual

the collector which will prevent an explosion from

requirements as assessed by the Authority. Open or

blowing back through the duct work and into the

unobstructed vents, louvers, open roof vents, hanger

building.

type doors, building doors, windows, roof or wall

panels or movable fixed sash.

D-3.2.4 Where highly hazardous operations cannot be

located outside of main buildings they shall be

D-3.3.2 The effect of external wind pressure or suction

segregated by pressure resisting walls and each such

on these devices shall be taken into consideration while

unit shall be ventilated outdoors. External walls may

designing and selecting the type of vents, since wind

be of heavy construction if equipped with suitable vents

pressures may reach over 2 × 10⁵ Pa in severe wind

or high weight panels which blow out easily.

storms.

D-3.2.5 Operations or equipment involving explosion

D-3.3.3 The type of vent for explosion relief for any

hazards shall not be permitted in basements or areas

occupancy shall be selected with life safety as the

partially below grade.

primary aim followed by minimum damage to

property.

D-3.2.6 Fire can be expected to follow an explosion in

most occupancies, so that any fixed fire extinguishing

D-3.3.4

Where large hanger type doors or metal

equipment, like sprinklers, if installed, shall be such

curtain doors in side walls are used as vents care shall

that only the minimum damage is caused to it.

be taken to ensure that they are kept wide open during

operations.

D-3.2.7 For a given material, the finer the particle size

of the dust, the more violent is the explosion. Some

D-3.3.5 Where weather hoods are used to cover roof

materials, such as aluminium powder, hydrogen, and

vents, they shall be as light as possible and lightly

acetylene, are difficult to vent effectively due to the

attached so as to enable them to be blown off quickly

rapid rate of pressure rise. Some slow burning

when an explosion occurs.

materials, such as coal dust in a confined space, may

D-3.3.6 Doors and windows when used as explosion

do much damage because of the longer duration of

vents shall be installed to swing outwards. Doors shall

their presence. Some dusts, such as magnesiusm,

have friction, spring or magnetic latches that will

titanium and zirconium and several metal hydrides may

function automatically to permit the door to open under

react with water and ignite in some common inert

slight internal pressure.

gases, such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

D-3.3.7 Movable sash shall be of the top or bottom

D-3.2.8 The maximum explosion pressure in a vented

hinged or protected type. These shall be equipped with

structure decreases as the size of the vent increases, but

a latch or friction device to prevent accidental opening

is independent of the rupturing pressure of a diaphragm.

due to wind action or intrusion. Such latches or locks

D-3.2.9 The most effective vent for the release of

shall be well maintained.

explosion pressures is an unobstructed vent opening.

D-3.3.8 Fixed sash shall be set in place with very light

D-3.2.10 Pressure required to rupture diaphragms of

wall anchorages, or, if right, shall be securely fitted

the same area and material directly varies with the

and glazed with plastic panes in plastic putty.

thickness of the material.

D-3.3.9 Where the process is such that the whole of a

D-3.2.11 The slower the rate of pressure rise, the more

building or a room may be desirable to arrange for a

easily can the explosion be vented.

lightly constructed wall or roof to collapse and thus

avert the worst effects of an explosion.

D-3.2.12 The degree of venting required is directly

proportional to the degree of explosion hazard.

D-3.4 Design, Size and Disposition of Vents

D-3.2.13 Experience has shown that most explosions

D-3.4.1 The required area of explosion vents shall

of dusts, vapours and gases do not involve a large part

ordinarily depend on the expected maximum intensity

of the total volume of the enclosure, and frequently

of an explosion in the occupancy, the strength of the

occur near the upper or lower limits of the explosive

structure, the type of vent closure and other factors.

range. Consequently, such explosions are relatively

weak compared with the optimum.

D-3.4.2 Venting shall be planned in such a manner as

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

to prevent injury to personnel and damage to

D-3.4.14 If closed vents are used they shall be larger

explosures. In congested locations, substantial ducts

in area than unenclosed vents to provide equivalent

or diverters shall be provided to direct the blast.

explosion pressure relief.

D-3.4.3 When ductwork is used, the ducts shall be of

D-3.4.15 Small enclosures, such as machines, shall

sufficient strength to withstand the maximum expected

be vented more generously than buildings, because if

explosion pressure.

an explosion occurs in a machine, its entire volume

may be involved.

D-3.4.4 Where explosions are likely within duct and

piping systems, they shall be vented by the use of

D-3.4.16 Vents for the protection of buildings and

suitable diaphragms designed to blow out at a

equipment shall be installed on the following basis:

predetermined pressure. There shall be no physical

D-3.4.16.1

Small enclosures of less than 30 m³,

connection between ductwork system for more than

machines and ovens of light construction: 1 000 cm²

one collector.

for each 0.3 m³to 0.9 m³.

D-3.4.5 In large structures, the position of vents shall

D-3.4.16.2 For small enclosures of more substantial

be relative to the point of origin of explosion, when it

construction having reasonably high bursting strength:

can be determined.

1 000 cm² for each 0.9 m³.

D-3.4.6 Where relatively slow explosions involving

D-3.4.16.3 Fairly large enclosures of 30 to 700 m³,

coal dust, chlorinated solvents, etc, are involved, light,

such as bins, silos, rooms, storage tanks, etc: 1 000 cm²

hinged swinging panels may be preferred to diaphragm

for each 0.9 m³ to 1.5 m³. In these cases, attempt shall

type of vents.

be made to the extent possible to predict the likely point

D-3.4.7 Obstructions of any kind blocking the vents

of origin of the explosion in relation to the vent.

from the risk covered shall be avoided, particularly

D-3.4.16.4 Large rooms and buildings over 700 m³

where risks of rapid violent explosions are present.

containing hazardous equipment comprising a small

D-3.4.8 Counter weights add to the inertia of the vents

fraction of the entire volume:

and so shall be avoided.

a) For heavy reinforced concrete, walls —

D-3.4.9 Various relieving devices, including devices

100 cm² for each 2.25 m³.

actuated by detonators, shall start to open at as low a

b) For light reinforced concrete, brick or wood

pressure as possible. They shall be of light construction,

construction — 1 000 cm² for each 1.65 m³

so that full opening can be quickly attained.

to 2.25 m³.

c) For lightweight construction such as

D-3.4.10 Vents shall be of such size and design as to

prefabricated panels — 1 000 cm² for each

prevent rupture of the protected device or apparatus.

1.5 m³ to 1.65 m³.

D-3.4.11 Skylights or monitors with movable sash that

D-3.4.16.5

Large rooms or building over 700 m³

will open outwards, or fixed sash containing panes of

containing hazardous equipment comprising a large

glass or plastic that will blow out readily under pressure

part of the entire volume of a room or building shall

from within, can be used to supplement wall vents or

be vented as generously as possible 1 000 cm² for each

windows, provided resistance to their displacement or

0.3 m³ to 1.05 m³.

opening is kept as low as consistent with the

requirements for structural strength.

D-3.4.16.6 In order to obtain these ratios, the size of

the building or room must be limited. For some

D-3.4.12 Flexible plastic sheets when used for vent

hazardous materials, such as hydrogen, acetylene,

closures shall be installed in slotted frames in such a

carbon disulphide, etc, these limits are extremely low.

way that pressure from within bulges the sheets and

releases them from the holding frame.

D-3.4.17

Emphasis shall always be placed on

segregating hazardous areas by means of firewalls or

D-3.4.13 Fragile sheets made of plastic, when used

separating walls to prevent spread of fire.

for vent closures, shall be thin sheets that will crack or

rupture under less pressure than single strength glass.

D-3.4.18 Interior walls of light construction, such as

For this reason use of transparent or translucent plastic

tile, shall be avoided in hazardous locations, since they

sheets is more advantageous instead of glass in window

can cause injuries to personnel in the event of an

sash.

explosion.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

ANNEX E

(Clause C-8)

GUIDELINES FOR FIRE DRILL AND EVACUATION PROCEDURES FOR

HIGH RISE BUILDINGS (ABOVE 15 m IN HEIGHT)

E-1 INTRODUCTION

background. Such lettering shall be properly spaced

to provide good legibility. The sign shall be at least

In case of fire in a high rise building, safe evacuation

250 mm × 300 mm, where the diagram is also

of its occupants may present serious problems unless

incorporated in it and 62.5 mm × 250 mm where the

a plan for orderly and systematic evacuation is prepared

diagram is omitted. In the latter case, the diagram sign

in advance and all occupants are well drilled in the

shall be at least 200 mm × 300 mm. The sign shall be

operation of such plan. These guidelines are intended

located directly above a call-button and squarely

to assist them in this task.

attached to the wall or partition. The top of the sign

shall not be above 2 m from the floor level.

E-2 ALARMS

Any person discovering fire, heat or smoke shall

E-4.2 Floor Numbering Signs

immediately report such condition to the fire brigade,

A sign shall be posted and maintained within each

unless he has personal knowledge that such a report

stair enclosure on every floor, indicating the number

has been made. No person shall make, issue, post or

of the floor, in accordance with the requirements

maintain any regulation or order, written or verbal, that

given below.

would require any person to take any unnecessary

delaying action prior to reporting such condition to

The numerals shall be of bold type and at least 75 mm

the fire brigade.

high. The numerals and background shall be in

contrasting colours. The sign shall be securely attached

E-3 DRILLS

to the stair side of the door.

E-3.1 Fire drills shall be conducted, in accordance with

E-4.3 Stair and Elevator Identification Signs

the Fire Safety Plan, at least once every three months

for existing buildings during the first two years.

Each stairway and each elevator back shall be identified

Thereafter, fire drills shall be conducted at least once

by an alphabetical letter. A sign indicating the letter of

every six months.

identification shall be posted and maintained at each

elevator landing and on the side of the stairway door

E-3.2 All occupants of the building shall participate

from which egress is to be made, in accordance with

in the fire drill. However, occupants of the building,

the requirements given below:

other than building service employees, are not required

to leave the floor or use the exits during the drill.

The lettering on the sign shall be at least 75 mm high,

of bold type and of contrasting colour from the

E-3.3 A written record of such drills shall be kept on

background. Such signs shall be securely attached.

the premises for a three years period and shall be readily

available for fire brigade inspection.

E-4.4 Stair Re-entry Signs

A sign shall be posted and maintained on each floor

E-4 SIGNS AND PLANS

within each stairway and on the occupancy side of the

E-4.1 Signs at Lift Landings

stairway where required, indicating whether re-entry

is provided into the building and the floor where

A sign shall be posted and maintained in a conspicuous

such re-entry is provided, in accordance with the

place on every floor at or near the lift landing in

requirements given below:

accordance with the requirements, indicating that in

case of fire, occupants shall use the stairs unless

The lettering and numerals of the signs shall be at least

instructed otherwise. The sign shall contain a diagram

12.5 mm high of bold type. The lettering and

showing the location of the stairways except that such

background shall be of contrasting colours and the

diagram may be omitted, provided signs containing

signs shall be securely attached approximately 1.5 m

such diagram are posted in conspicuous places on the

above the floor level.

respective floor.

E-4.5 Fire command station shall be provided with

A sign shall read “IN CASE OF FIRE, USE STAIRS

floor plan of the building and other pertinent

UNLESS INSTRUCTED OTHERWISE”. The lettering

information relative to the service equipment of the

shall be at least 12.5 mm block letters in red and white

building.

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

E-5 FIRE SAFETY PLAN

written programme for all occupants, to ensure prompt

reporting of fire, the response of fire alarms as

E-5.1 A format for the Fire Safety Plan shall be as

designated, and the immediate initiation of fire safety

given in E-8.

procedures to safeguard life and contain fire until the

E-5.2 The applicable parts of the approved Fire Safety

arrival of the fire brigade.

Plan shall be distributed to all tenants of the building

E-8.3 Fire Safety Director

by the building management when the Fire Safety Plan

has been approved by the Fire Authority.

a) Name

E-5.3 The applicable parts of the approved Fire Safety

b) Regularly assigned employment — Title

Plan shall then be distributed by the tenants to all their

c) Regularly assigned location

employees and by the building management to all their

d) How is he notified when at regular location?

building employees.

e) How is he notified when not at regular location?

E-5.4 Where the owner of the building is also an

f) Normal working hours

occupant of the building, he shall be responsible for

g) Duties of Fire Safety Director (see E-9.1)

the observance of these rules and the Fire Safety Plan

in the same manner as a tenant.

E-8.4 Deputy Fire Safety Director

E-5.5 In the event there are changes from conditions

a) Name

existing at the time the Fire Safety Plan for the building

b) Regularly assigned employment — Title

was approved, and the changes are such so as to require

c) Regularly assigned location

amending the Fire Safety Plan, within 30 days after

d) How is he notified when at regular location?

such changes, an amended Fire Safety Plan shall be

e) How is he notified when not at regular

submitted to the fire brigade for approval.

location?

E-6 FIRE COMMAND STATION

f) Normal working hours

g) Duties of Deputy Fire Safety Director

A Fire Command Station shall be established in the

(see E-9.2)

lobby of the building on the entrance floor. Such

command station shall be adequately illuminated.

E-8.5 Fire Wardens and Deputy Fire Wardens

E-7 COMMUNICATIONS AND FIRE ALARM

a) Are their names on Organization Charts for

each floor and/or tenancy?

A means of communication and fire alarm for use during

fire emergencies shall be provided and maintained by

b) Submit typical completed Organization Chart

the owner or person in charge of the building.

for Fire Drill and Evacuation Assignment.

c) Duties of Fire Wardens and Deputy Fire

E-8 FIRE SAFETY PLAN FORMAT

Wardens (see E-9.3).

E-8.1 Building Address

E-8.6 Building Evacuation Supervisor

Street and Pin Code Number

a) Name

Telephone Number

b) Regularly assigned employment — Title

E-8.2 Purpose and Objective

c) Regularly assigned location

d) How is he notified when at regular location?

E-8.2.1 Purpose

e) How is he notified when not at regular location?

To establish method of systematic, safe and orderly

f) Normal working hours

evacuation of an area or building by its occupants in

g) Duties of Building Evacuation Supervisor

case of fire or other emergency, in the least possible

(see E-9.4).

time, to a safe area by the nearest safe means of egress;

also the use of such available fire appliances (including

E-8.7 Fire Party

sounding of alarms) as may have been provided for

controlling or extinguishing fire and safeguarding of

a) Submit a completed Organization Chart for

human life.

Fire Parties naming person in charge, and his

title in the building.

E-8.2.2 Objective

b) Indicate standards of selection from building

To provide proper education as a part of continuing

employees based on background and

employee indoctrination and through a continuing

availability.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

c) How are they notified?

E-9.1.2 Select qualified building service employees

d) How are they notified when they are not at

for a Fire Party and organize, train and supervise such

their regular locations?

Fire Brigade.

e) Means of responding

E-9.1.3 Be responsible for the availability and state

f) Duties of each member of Fire Party

of readiness of the Fire Party.

(see E-9.5).

E-9.1.4 Conduct fire and evacuation drills.

E-8.8 Occupants Instructions

E-9.1.5 Be responsible for the designation and training

Distribution of instructions to all tenants, tenents’

of a Fire Warden for each floor, and sufficient Deputy

employees and building employees (see E-9.6).

Fire Wardens for each tenancy in accordance with

orders on the subject.

E-8.9 Evacuation Drills

E-9.1.6 Be responsible for a daily check for the

Frequency of drills

availability of the Fire Wardens, and see that up-to-

How conducted?

date organization charts are posted.

Participation: Who participated? How?

NOTE — If the number of Fire Wardens and Deputy Fire

Controls and supervision

Wardens in the building is such that it is impractical to

Recording of details of drills

individually contact each one daily, a suggested method to

satisfy the requirements is to make provisions for the Fire

E-8.10

Fire Command Station

Warden, or a Deputy Fire Warden in the absence of the Fire

Warden, to notify the Fire Safety Director when the Fire

Location

Warden or required number of Deputy Fire Wardens are not

Requirements

available. In order to determine the compliance by the Fire

Warden and Deputy Fire Wardens, when this method is used,

1) Adequate illumination

the Fire Safety Director shall make a spot check of several

2) Adequate communication to mechanical

different floors each day.

equipment room and elevator control

E-9.1.7 Notify the owner or some other person having

room on each floor

charge of the building when any designated individual

3) Copy of Fire Safety Plan

is neglecting his responsibilities contained in Fire

4) Copy of Building Information Form

Safety Plan. The owner or the other person in-charge

5) Representative floor plans showing

of the building shall bring the matter to the attention

location of signs, floor remote station,

of the firm employing the individual. If the firm fails

communications, etc.

to correct the condition, the Fire Department shall be

notified by the owner/person in-charge of the building.

E-8.11

Signs

E-9.1.8 In the event of fire, shall report to the Fire

Signs at elevator landings, Floor diagrams

Command Station to supervise, provide for and

Floor numbering

coordinate:

Stairway identification

a) Ensure that the Fire Department has been

Elevator identification

notified of any fire or fire alarm.

Stair re-entry

b) Manning of the Fire Command Station.

E-8.12 Fire Prevention and Fire Protection

c) Direction of evacuating procedures as

Programme (see E- 9.7).

provided in the Fire Safety Plan.

d) Reports on conditions on fire floor for

E-8.13 Building Information Form (see E-9.8).

information of Fire Department on their

E-8.14 Representative Floor Plan (see E-9.9).

arrival.

E-8.15 Fire Safety Plan Prepared by (see E-9.10).

e) Advise the Fire Department Officer in-charge

in the operation of the Fire Command Station.

a) Date when prepared.

E-9.1.9 Be responsible for the training and activities

b) Date when revised.

of the Building Evacuation Supervisor.

E-9 DUTIES

E-9.2 Deputy Fire Safety Director’s Duties

E-9.1 Fire Safety Director’s Duties

E-9.2.1 Subordinate to the Fire Safety Director.

E-9.1.1 Be familiar with the written Fire Safety Plan

providing for fire drill and evacuation procedure in

E-9.2.2 Perform duties of Fire Safety Director in his

accordance with orders on the subject.

absence.

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

E-9.3 Fire Wardens and Deputy Fire Wardens

and/or floors above are unusable due to

Duties

contamination or cut off by fire and/or smoke

or that several floors above fire involve

The tenant or tenants of each floor shall, upon request

large numbers of occupants who must be

of the owner or person in charge of buildings, make

evacuated, consideration may be given to

responsible and dependable employees available for

using elevators in accordance with the

designation by the Fire Safety Director as Fire Warden

following:

and Deputy Fire Wardens.

If the elevators servicing his floor also

E-9.3.1 Each floor of a building shall be under the

service the fire floor, they shall not be

direction of a designated Fire Warden for the

used. However, elevators may be used if

evacuation of occupants in the event of fire. He shall

there is more than one bank of elevators,

be assisted in his duties by the Deputy Fire Wardens.

and he is informed from the Fire Command

A Deputy Fire warden shall be provided for each

Station that one bank is unaffected by the

tenancy. When the floor area of a tenancy exceeds

fire.

700 m² of occupiable space, a Deputy Fire Warden

If elevators do not service the fire floor

shall be assigned for each 700 m² or part thereof.

and their shafts have no openings on the

fire floor, they may be used, unless

E-9.3.2 Each Fire Warden and Deputy Fire Warden

directed otherwise.

shall be familiar with the Fire Safety Plan, the location

of exits and the location and operation of any available

Elevators manned by trained building

fire alarm system.

personnel or firemen may also be used.

In the absence of a serviceable elevator,

E-9.3.3 In the event of fire, or fire alarm the Fire

the Fire Warden shall select the safest

Warden shall ascertain the location of the fire, and

stairway to use for evacuation on the

direct evacuation of the floor in accordance with

basis of the location of the fire and any

directions received and the following guidelines:

information received from the Fire

The most critical areas for immediate

Command Station. The Fire Warden shall

evacuation are the fire floor and floors

check the environment in the stairs prior

immediately above.

to entry for evacuation. If it is affected

Evacuation from the other floors shall be

by smoke, alternative stair shall be

instituted when instructions from the Fire

selected, and the Fire Command Station

Command Station or conditions indicate such

notified.

action. Evacuation shall be via uncontaminated

The Fire Warden shall keep the Fire

stairs. The Fire Warden shall try to avoid

Command Station informed of the means

stairs being used by the Fire Department. If

being employed for evacuation by the

this is not possible, he shall try to attract the

occupants of his floor.

attention of the Fire Department Personnel

Ensure that an alarm has been transmitted.

before such personnel open the door to the

E-9.3.4

Organization Chart for Fire Drill and

fire floor.

Evacuation Assignment

Evacuation to two or more levels below the

fire floor is generally adequate. He shall keep

A chart designating employees and their assignments

the Fire Command Station informed regarding

shall be prepared and posted in a conspicuous place in

his location.

each tenancy and on each floor of a tenancy that

Fire Wardens and their Deputies shall see that

occupies more than one floor and a copy shall be in

all occupants are notified of the fire, and that

the possession of the Fire Safety Director.

they proceed immediately to execute the Fire

E-9.3.5

Keep available an updated listing of all

Safety Plan.

personnel with physical disabilities who cannot use stairs

The Fire Warden on the fire floor shall, as

unaided. Make arrangements to have these occupants

soon as practicable, notify the Fire Command

assisted in moving down the stairs to two or more levels

Station of the particulars.

below fire floor. If it is necessary to move such occupants

Fire Wardens on floors above the fire shall,

to a still lower level during the fire, move them down

after executing the Fire Safety Plan, notify

the stairs to the uppermost floor served by an uninvolved

the Fire Command Station of the means being

elevator bank and then remove them the street floor by

used for evacuation and any other particulars.

elevator. Where assistance is required for such

In the event that stairways serving fire floor

evacuation, notify Fire Safety Director.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

E-9.3.6 Provide for Fire Warden identification during

e) on arrival of the Fire Department, the Fire

fire drills and fires, such as using armband, etc.

Party shall report to the Fire Command Station

for additional instructions.

E-9.3.7 Ensure that all persons on the floor are notified

f) have a member designated as runner, who

of fire and all are evacuated to safe areas. A search

shall know the location of the nearest

must be conducted in the lavatories to ensure all are

telephone, and be instructed in its use. Such

out. Personnel assigned as searchers can promptly and

member shall immediately upon receipt of

efficiently perform this duty.

information that there is a fire or evidence of

E-9.3.8 Check availability of applicable personnel on

fire, go to the telephone, transmit an alarm

Organization Chart and provide for a substitute when

and await the arrival of the Fire Department

the position on a chart is not covered.

and direct such department to the fire.

NOTE — A chart designating employees and their

E-9.3.9 After evacuation, perform a head count to

assignments shall be prepared.

ensure that all regular occupants known to have

occupied the floor have been evacuated.

E-9.6 Occupant’s Instructions

E-9.3.10 When alarm is received, the Fire Warden

a) The applicable parts of the approved Fire

shall remain at a selected position in the vicinity of the

Safety Plan shall be distributed to all tenants

communication station on the floor, in order to

of the building by the building management

maintain communication with the Fire Command

when the Fire Safety Plan has been approved

Station and to receive and give instructions.

by the Fire Commissioner.

b) The applicable parts of the approved Fire

E-9.4 Building Evacuation Supervisor’s Duties

Safety Plan shall then be distributed by the

A building Evacuation Supervisor is required at all

tenants to all their employees and by the

times other than normal working or business hours

building management to all their building

when there are occupants in the building and there is

employees.

no Fire Safety Director on duty in the building.

c) All occupants of the building shall participate

and cooperate in carrying out the provisions

E-9.4.1

He should be capable of directing the

of the Fire Safety Plan.

evacuation of the occupants as provided by the Fire

Safety Plan.

E-9.7 Fire Prevention and Fire Protection Programme

E-9.4.2

During fire emergencies, the primary

a) A plan for periodic formal inspections of each

responsibility of the Building Evacuation Supervisor

floor area, including exit facilities, fire

shall be to man the Fire Command Station, and the

extinguishers and house keeping shall be

direction and execution of the evacuation as provided

developed. A copy of such plan be submitted.

in the Fire Safety Plan. The Building Evacuation

b) Provision shall be made for the monthly

Supervisor’s training and related activities shall be

testing of communication and alarm systems.

under the direction of the Fire Safety Director in

accordance with these rules, and the Fire Safety Plan.

E-9.8 Building Information Form

Such activities shall be subject to Fire Department

It shall include the following information:

control.

a) Building address………….Pin Code…

E-9.5 Fire Party Duties

b) Owner or person in-charge of building —

On receipt of an alarm for fire the Fire Party shall:

Name, Address and Telephone Number.

c) Fire Safety Director and Deputy Fire Safety

a) report to the floor below the fire to assit in

Director’s Name and Telephone Number.

evacuation and provide information to the

Fire Command Station.

d) Certificate of occupancy. Location where

posted, or duplicate attached.

b) after evacuations of fire floor, endeavour to

control spread of fire by closing doors, etc.

e) Height, area, class of construction.

c) attempt to control the fire until arrival of the

f) Number, type and location of fire stairs and/

Fire Department, if the fire is small and

or fire towers.

conditions do not pose a personal threat.

g) Number, type and location of horizontal exits

d) leave one member on the floor below the fire

or other areas of refuge.

to direct the Fire Department to the fire

h) Number, type, location and operation of

location and to inform them of conditions.

elevators and escalators.

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

Interior fire alarms, or alarms to central

Safety Director. One copy of a representative floor plan

stations.

shall be submitted to the Fire Department with the Fire

Communications systems and/or walkie

Safety plan.

talkie, telephones, etc.

E-9.10 Fire Safety Plan

Standpipe system; size and location of risers,

gravity or pressure tank, fire pump, location

In planning, evaluate the individual floor layouts, the

of siamese connections, name of employee

population of floors, the number and kinds of exits,

with certificate of qualification and number

the zoning of the floor by area and occupants.

of certificate.

Determine the movement of traffic by the most

Sprinkler system; name of employee with

expeditious route to an appropriate exit and alternative

Certificate of Fitness and certificate number.

route for each zone, since under fire conditions one or

Primary and secondary water supply, fire

more exits may not be usable. This format is to be used

pump and areas protected.

in the preparation of the Fire Safety Plan. Nothing

contained in this Fire Safety Plan format is to be

Special extinguishing system, if any,

construed as all inclusive. All rules and other

components and operation.

requirements are to be fully complied with.

Average number of persons normally employed

in building. Daytime and night time.

E-9.11 Personal Fire Instruction Card

Average number of handicapped people in

All the occupants of the building shall be given a

building. Location. Daytime and night time.

Personal Fire Instruction Card giving the details of the

Number of persons normally visiting the

floor plan and exit routes along with the instruction to

building. Daytime and night time.

be followed in the event of fire. A typical Personal

Service equipment such as:

Fire Instruction Card shall be as follows:

1) Electric power, primary, auxiliary;

2) Lighting, normal, emergency, type and

PERSONAL FIRE

location;

INSTRUCTION CARD

3) Heating, type, fuel, location of heating

SEAL

unit;

4) Ventilation — with fixed windows,

NAME OF THE ORGANIZATION

emergency means of exhausting heat and

ADDRESS OF THE ORGANIZATION

smoke;

5) Air-Conditioning Systems — Brief

NAME:

description of the system, including ducts

DESIGNATION:

and floors serviced;

6) Refuse storage and disposal;

FLOOR NO.:

7) Fire fighting equipment and appliances,

DATE:

other than standpipe and sprinkler

FIRE WARDEN

system; and

8) Other pertinent building equipment.

INSTRUCTIONS

Alterations and repair operations, if any, and

the protective and preventive measures

FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY YOU SHOULD KNOW

necessary to safeguard such operations with

1. Two push button fire alarm boxes are

attention to torch operations.

provided per floor. You should read the

Storage and use of flammable solids, liquids

operating instructions.

and/or gases.

2. You should read the operating instructions on

Special occupancies in the building and the

the body of the fire extinguishers provided

proper protection and maintenance thereof.

on your floor.

Places of public assembly, studios, and

3. The nearest exit from your table.

theatrical occupancies.

4. Your assembly point on ground floor (check

E-9.9 Representative Floor Plan

with your Fire/Deputy Fire Warden).

A floor plan, representative of the majority or the floor

5. FOR YOUR OWN PROTECTION YOU

designs of the entire building, shall be at the Command

SHOULD REPORT TO YOUR FIRE/

Post, in the main lobby, under the authority of the Fire

DEPUTY FIRE WARDEN

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

a) If any exit door/route is obstructed by loose

3. Evacuate if your Warden asks you to do so.

materials, goods, boxes, etc.

IF YOU HEAR EVACUATION INSTRUCTIONS

b) If any staircase door, lift lobby door does not

close automatically, or does not close

1. Leave the floor immediately by the south/

completely.

north staircase.

c) If any push button fire alarm point, or fire

2. Report to your Warden, at your predetermined

extinguisher is obstructed, damaged or

assembly point outside the building.

apparently out of order.

3. Do not try to use lifts.

4. Do not go to cloakroom.

IF YOU DISCOVER A FIRE

5. Do not run or shout.

1. Break the glass of the nearest push button fire

6. Do not stop to collect personal belongings.

alarm and push the button.

7. Keep the lift lobby and staircase doors shut.

Attack the fire with extinguishers provided on

your floor. Take guidance from your Wardens.

YOUR ASSEMBLY POINT IS ……

……….

LIST OF STANDARDS

The following list records those standards which are

IS No.

Title

acceptable as ‘good practice’ and ‘accepted standards’

3844 : 1989

Code of practice for installation

in the fulfillment of the requirements of the Code. The

and maintenance of internal fire

standards listed may be used by the Authority as a guide

hydrants and hose reels on

in conformance with the requirements of the referred

premises (first revision)

clauses in the Code.

(7)

3614

Specification for fire check

(Part 1) : 1966

doors: Part 1 Plate, metal covered

IS No.

Title

and rolling type

(1)

3808 : 1979

Method of test for non-

(8)

12458 : 1988

Method of test for fire resistance

combustibility of building

test for fire stops

materials (first revision)

(9)

1646 : 1997

Code of practice for fire safety

(2)

8757 : 1999

Glossary of terms associated

of buildings

(general) :

with fire safety (first revision)

Electrical installations (second

7673 : 1975

Glossary of terms for fire

revision)

fighting equipment

2309 : 1989

Code of practice for protection of

(3)

15394 : 2003

Fire safety in petroleum refinery

building and allied structures

and fertilizer plants — Code of

against lighting (second revision)

practice

(10)

Specification for fire dampers

(4)

8758 : 1993

Recommendations for fire

for air conditioning ducts (under

precautionary measures in the

preparation)

construction of temporary

(11)

11360 : 1985

Specification for smoke

structures and PANDALS (first

detectors for use in automatic

revision)

electrical fire alarm system

(5)

3809 : 1979

Fire resistance test of structure

(12)

659 : 1964

Safety code for air-conditioning

(first revision)

(13)

1649 : 1962

Code of practice for design and

1641 : 1988

Code of practice for fire safety

construction of flues and

of buildings (general): General

chimneys for domestic heating

principles of fire grading and

appliances (first revision)

classification (first revision)

1642 : 1989

Code of practice for safety of

15103 : 2002

Specification for fire resistant

buildings (general): Details of

steel

construction (first revision)

(6)

9668 : 1990

Code of practice for provision

(14)

12777 : 1989

Fire safety-flame-spread of

and maintenance of water

products

— Method for

supplies and fire fighting

classification

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

IS No.

Title

IS No.

Title

(15)

1642 : 1989

Code of practice for fire safety

906 : 1988

Specification for revolving

of buildings (general): Details of

branch pipe for fire fighting

construction (first revision)

(third revision)

1643 : 1988

Code of practice for fire safety

907 : 1984

Specification for suction

of buildings (general): Exposure

strainers, cylindrical type for fire

hazard (first revision)

fighting purpose (second revision)

1644 : 1988

Code of practice for fire safety

908 : 1975

Specification for fire hydrant,

of buildings (general): Exit

stand post type (second revision)

requirements and personal

909 : 1992

Specification for underground

hazard (first revision)

fire hydrant: Sluice valve type

(16)

9457 : 1980

Safety colours and safety signs

(third revision)

12349 : 1988

Fire protection — Safety sign

910 : 1980

Specification for combined key

12407 : 1988

Graphic symbols for fire

for hydrant, hydrant cover and

protection plan

lower valve (second revision)

(17)

2175 : 1988

Specification for heat sensitive

926 : 1985

Specification for fireman’s axe

fire detectors for use in

(second revision)

automatic fire alarm system

927 : 1981

Specification for fire hooks

(second revision)

11360 : 1985

Specification for smoke

928 : 1984

Specification for fire bells

detectors for use in automatic

(second revision)

electrical fire alarm system

937 : 1981

Specification for washers for

(18)

2189 : 1999

Code of practice for selection,

water fittings for fire fighting

installation and maintenance of

purposes (second revision)

automatic fire detection

939 : 1977

Specification for snatch block

and alarm system

(second

for use with fibre rope for fire

revision)

brigade use (first revision)

(19)

636 : 1988

Non-percolating flexible fire

940 : 1989

Specification for portable fire

fighting delivery hose (third

extinguisher, water type (gas

revision)

cartridge) (third revision)

884 : 1985

Specification for first-aid hose

941 : 1985

Specification for blowers and

reel for fire fighting

(first

exhauster for fire fighting

revision)

(second revision)

901 : 1988

Specification for couplings,

942 : 1982

Functional requirements for 275-

double male and double female

l/min portable pump set for fire

instantaneous pattern for fire

fighting (second revision)

fighting (third revision)

943 : 1979

Functional requirement for 680-

902 : 1992

Specification for suction hose

l/min trailer pump for fire

couplings for fire fighting

brigade use (second revision)

purposes (third revision)

944 : 1979

Functional requirement for

903 : 1993

Specification for fire hose

1800-l/min trailer pump for fire

delivery couplings, branch pipe,

brigade use (second revision)

nozzles and nozzle spanner

(fourth revision)

947 : 1985

Functional requirement for

towing tender for trailer fire

904 : 1983

Specification for two-way and

pump for fire brigade use (first

three-way suction collecting

revision)

heads for fire fighting purposes

(second revision)

948 : 1983

Functional requirement for water

tender, Type A, for fire brigade

905 : 1980

Specification for delivery

use (second revision)

breechings, dividing and

collecting, instantaneous pattern

949 : 1985

Functional requirement for

for fire fighting purposes (second

emergency (rescue) tender for fire

revision)

brigade use (second revision)

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

IS No.

Title

IS No.

Title

950 : 1980

Functional

requirements

4308 : 1982

Specification for dry powder for

for water tender, Type B for fire

fire fighting (first revision)

brigade use (second revision)

4571 : 1977

Specification for aluminium

952 : 1986

Specification for foghnozzle for

extension ladders for fire brigade

fire brigade use (first revision)

use (first revision)

955 : 1980

Functional requirements for dry

4643 : 1984

Specification for suction

power tender for fire-brigade

wrenches for fire brigade use

use (150 kg capacity) (first

(first revision)

revision)

4861 : 1984

Specification for dry powder for

957 : 1967

Specification for control van for

fighting fires in burning metals

fire brigade

(first revision)

1941

Functional requirements for

4927 : 1992

Specification for unlined flax

(Part 1) : 1976

electric motor sirens: Part 1 ac 3

canvas hose for fire fighting

phase 50Hz, 415 V type (second

(first revision)

revision)

4928 : 1986

Specification for delivery valve

2097 : 1983

Specification for foam making

for centrifugal pump outlets

branch pipe (first revision)

(first revision)

2171 : 1999

Specification for portable fire

4947 : 1985

Specification for gas cartridges

extinguishers, dry powder

for use in fire extinguishers

(cartridge type) (third revision)

(second revision)

2175 : 1988

Specification for heat sensitive

4989

Specifications for multipurpose

fire detectors for use in

(Part 1) : 2004

aqueous film forming foam

automatic detectors for use in

liquid

concentrate

for

automatic fire alarm system

extinguishing hydrocarbon

(second revision)

and polar solvent fires (third

2298 : 1977

Specification for single-barrel

revision)

stirrup pump for fire fighting

4989

Specification for foam concentrate

purposes (second revision)

(Part 2) : 1984

(compound) for producing

2546 : 1974

Specification for galvanized

mechanical foam for fire

mild steel fire bucket (first

fighting: Part 2 Aqueous film

revision)

forming foam (AFFF)

2696 : 1974

Functional requirements for

(Part 3) : 1987

Fluoro protein foam

1 125 l/min light fire engine

5131 : 1986

Specification for dividing

(first revision)

breeching with control, for fire

2745 : 1983

Specification for non-metal

brigade use (first revision)

helmet for firemen and civil

5290 : 1993

Specification for landing valve

defence personnel

(second

(third revision)

revision)

5486 : 1985

Specification for quick release

2871 : 1983

Specification for branch pipe,

knife (first revision)

universal for fire fighting

5505 : 1985

Specification for multi-edged

purposes (first revision)

rescue axe (non-wedging) (first

2878 : 2004

Specification

for

fire

revision)

extinguisher, carbon-dioxide

type

(portable and trolley

5612

Specification for hose-clamps

mounted) (third revision)

and hose-bandages for fire

brigade use:

2930 : 1980

Functional requirements for

hose laying tender for fire

(Part 1) : 1977

Hose clamps (first revision)

brigade use (first revision)

(Part 2) : 1977

Hose bandages (first revision)

3582 : 1984

Specification for basket strainers

5714 : 1981

Specification for hydrant, stand-

for fire fighting purposes

pipe for fire fighting

(first

(cylindrical type) (first revision)

revision)

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

IS No.

Title

IS No.

Title

6026 : 1985

Specification for hand-operated

12717 : 1989

Functional requirements of fire

sirens (first revision)

fighting equipment — High

6067 : 1983

Functional requirements for

capacity portable pumpset

water tender, Type ‘X’ for fire

(1 100-1 600 l/min)

brigade use (first revision)

12796 : 1989

Specification for fire rake

6234 : 1986

Specification for portable fire

13039 : 1991

Code of practice for provision

extinguishers, water type (stored

and maintenance of external

pressure) (first revision)

hydrant system

8090 : 1992

Specification for couplings,

13385 : 1992

Specification

for

fire

branch pipe, nozzle, used in hose

extinguisher 50 capacity wheel

reel tubing for fire fighting (first

mounted water type

(gas

revision)

cartridge)

8096 : 1992

Specification for fire beaters

13386 : 1992

Specification for 50 litre capacity

(first revision)

fire extinguisher, mechanical

foam type

8149 : 1994

Functional requirements for twin

13849 : 1993

Specification for portable fire

CO₂ fire extinguishers (trolley

extinguisher dry powder type

mounted) (first revision)

(constant pressure)

8423 : 1994

Specification for controlled

14609 : 1999

Specification for ABC dry

percolating hose for fire fighting

powder for fire fighting

(first revision)

14933 : 2001

Specification for high pressure

8442 : 1977

Specification for stand post type

fire fighting hose

water monitor for fire fighting

14951 : 2001

Specification

for

fire

9972 : 1981

Specification for automatic

extinguisher, 135 litre capacity

sprinkler heads

mechanical foam type

10204 : 1982

Specification for portable fire

15051 : 2002

Specification for high pressure

extinguisher mechanical foam

fire hose delivery couplings

type

15105 : 2002

Design and installation of

10460 : 1983

Functional requirements for

fixed automatic sprinkler fire

small foam tender for fire

extinguishing system

brigade use

15220 : 2002

Specification for halon 1211 and

10658 : 1999

Specification for higher capacity

halon 1301 — Fire extinguishing

dry powder fire extinguisher

media for fire protection

(trolley mounted)

15493 : 2004

Gaseous fire extinguishing

10993 : 1984

Functional requirements for

systems — General requirements

2000 kg dry powder tender for

15497 : 2004

Specification for gaseous fire

fire brigade us

extinguishing system — IG 01

11070 : 1984

Specification for bromo

extinguishing system

chlorodifluoromethane (Halon-

15501 : 2004

Specification for gaseous fire

1211) for fire fighting

extinguishing system — IG 541

11101 : 1984

Specification for extended

extinguishing system

branch pipe for fire brigade

15505 : 2004

Gaseous fire extinguishing

use

systems—HCFC blend A

11108 : 1984

Specification for portable fire

extinguishing systems

extinguisher halon-1211 type

15506 : 2004

Specification for inert gaseous

11360 : 1985

Specification for smoke

total fire protection total flooding

detectors for use in automatic

system — Argonite, IG 55

electrical fire alarm systems

extinguishing system

11833 : 1986

Specification for dry powder

15517 : 2004

Gaseous fire extinguishing

fire extinguisher for metal

systems — HFC 227 (heptafluoro

fires

propane) extinguishing system

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

IS No.

Title

IS No.

Title

15519 : 2004

Code of practice for water mist

ginning and pressing (including

fire protection systems

—

cotton seed delintering) factories

System design, installation and

(first revision)

commissioning

3034 : 1993

Code of practice for fire safety

15525 : 2004

Specification for gaseous fire

of industrial buildings: Electrical

extinguishing system — IG 100

generating and distributing

extinguishing system

stations (second revision)

15528 : 2004

Gaseous fire extinguishing

3058 : 1990

Code of practice for fire safety

systems — Carbon dioxide, total

of industrial buildings: Viscose

flooding and local application

rayon yarn and/or staple fibre

(sub-flour and in-cabinet), high

plants (first revision)

and low pressure (refrigerated)

3079 : 1990

Code of practice for fire safety

systems

of industrial buildings: Cotton

(20)

2190 : 1992

Code of practice for selection,

textile mills (first revision)

installation and maintenance

3594 : 1991

Code of practice for fire safety

of portable first-aid fire

of industrial buildings: General

extinguishers (third revision)

storage and warehousing

(21)

884 : 1985

Specification for first-aid hose

including cold storage (first

reel for fire fighting (first revision)

revision)

15517 : 2004

Code of practice for inspection

3595 : 1984

Code of practice for fire safety

and maintenance of gaseous fire

of industrial buildings: Coal

extinguishing systems

pulverizers and associated

(22)

3034 : 1993

Code of practice for fire safety

equipment (first revision)

of industrial buildings: Electrical

3836 : 2000

Code of practice for fire safety

generating and distributing

of industrial buildings: Jute

stations (second revision)

mills (second revision)

(23)

6382 : 1984

Code of practice for design and

4209 : 1987

Code of safety in chemical

installation of fixed carbon

laboratories (first revision)

dioxide fire extinguishing

system (first revision)

4226 : 1988

Code of practice for fire safety of

industrial buildings: Aluminium/

(24)

14609 : 2001

Specification for dry powder for

Magnesium powder factories

fire fighting — Class ABC fires

(first revision)

15493 : 2004

General requirement for

4886 : 1991

Code of practice for fire safety

commissioning of gaseous fire

of industrial buildings: Tea

extinguishing systems

factories (first revision)

(25)

13716 : 1993

Code of practice for fire safety

6329 : 2000

Code of practice for fire safety

in hotels

of industrial buildings: Saw

(26)

4963 : 1987

Recommendations for buildings

mills and wood works (first

and facilities for the physically

revision)

handicapped (first revision)

9109 : 2000

Code of practice for fire safety

(27)

4878 : 1986

Bye-laws for construction of

of industrial buildings: Paint and

cinema buildings (first revision)

varnish factories

(28)

12456 : 1988

Code of practice for fire

11457

Code of practice for fire safety

protection of electronic data

(Part 1) : 1985

of chemical industries: Part 1

processing installations

Rubber and plastic

(29)

1646 : 1997

Code of practice for fire safety

11460 : 1985

Code of practice for fire safety of

of buildings

(general) :

libraries and archives buildings

Electrical installations (second

revision)

12349 : 1988

Fire protection — Safety signs

2726 : 1988

Code of practice for fire safety

12407 : 1988

Graphic symbols for fire

of industrial buildings: Cotton

protection plans

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA (2005) - page 4