NBC Part 4 Fire Safety

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA
PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY
1 SCOPE building immediately above the plinth level. The area

covered by the following in the open spaces is excluded
This Part covers the requirements for fire prevention,
from covered area (see Table 19):
life safety in relation to fire and fire protection of
buildings. The Code specifies construction, occupancy a) garden, rockery, well and well structures,
and protection features that are necessary to minimize plant nursery, waterpool, swimming pool (if
danger to life and property from fire. uncovered), platform round a tree, tank,
fountain, bench, CHABUTARA with open top
2 TERMINOLOGY and unenclosed on sides by walls and the like;
2.0 For the purpose of this Part, the following b) drainage culvert, conduit, catch-pit, gully pit,
definitions shall apply. chamber, gutter and the like;
c) compound wall, gate, unstoreyed porch and
2.1 Automatic Fire Detection and Alarm System
portico, slide, swing, uncovered staircases,
— Fire alarm system comprising components for
ramp areas covered by CHHAJJA and the like;
automatically detecting a fire, initiating an alarm of
and
fire and initiating other actions as appropriate.
d) watchman’s booth, pumphouse, garbage
NOTE — The system may also include manual fire alarm call shaft, electric cabin or sub-stations, and such
points.
other utility structures meant for the services
2.2 Automatic Sprinkler System — A system of water of the building under consideration.
pipes fitted with sprinkler heads at suitable intervals and NOTE — For the purpose of this Part, covered area
heights and designed to actuate automatically, control equals the plot area minus the area due for open spaces
and extinguish a fire by the discharge of water. in the plot.
2.3 Building — Any structure for whatsoever purpose 2.7 Down-comer — An arrangement of fire fighting
and of whatsoever materials constructed and every part within the building by means of down-comer pipe
thereof whether used as human habitation or not and connected to terrace tank through terrace pump, gate
includes foundation, plinth, walls, floors, roofs, valve and non-return valve and having mains not less
chimneys, plumbing and building services, fixed than 100 mm internal diameter with landing valves on
platforms, VERANDAH, balcony, cornice or projection, each floor/landing. It is also fitted with inlet
part of a building or anything affixed thereto or any wall connections at ground level for charging with water
enclosing or intended to enclose any land or space by pumping from fire service appliances and air release
and signs and outdoor display structures. Tents, valve at roof level to release trapped air inside.
SHAMIANAHS, tarpaulin shelters, etc, erected for 2.8 Dry Riser — An arrangement of fire fighting
temporary and ceremonial occasions with the permission within the building by means of vertical rising mains
of the Authority shall not be considered as building. not less than 100 mm internal diameter with landing
2.4 Building, Height of — The vertical distance valves on each floor/landing which is normally dry
measured in the case of flat roofs, from the average level but is capable of being charged with water usually by
of the ground around and contiguous to the building or pumping from fire service appliances.
as decided by the Authority to the terrace of the last 2.9 Emergency Lighting — Lighting provided for use
livable floor of the building adjacent to the external wall; when the supply to the normal lighting fails.
and in the case of pitched roofs, up to the point where
2.10 Emergency Lighting System — A complete but
the external surface of the outer wall intersects the
discrete emergency lighting installation from the
finished surface of the sloping roof; and in the case of
standby power source to the emergency lighting
gables facing the road, the mid-point between the eaves
lamp(s), for example, self-contained emergency
level and the ridge. Architectural features serving no
luminaire or a circuit from central battery generator
other function except that of decoration, shall be
connected through wiring to several escape luminaries.
excluded for the purpose of measuring heights.
2.11 Escape Lighting — That part of emergency
2.5 Combustible Material — The material which
lighting which is provided to ensure that the escape
either burns itself or adds heat to a fire, when tested
route is illuminated at all material times, for example,
for non-combustibility in accordance with accepted
at all times when persons are on the premises, or at
standard [4(1)].
times the main lighting is not available, either for the
2.6 Covered Area — Ground area covered by the whole building or for the escape routes.
PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY 7

2.12 Fire Door — A fire-resistive door approved for and the staircase by fire-resisting doors, and open to
openings in fire separation. the outer air.
2.13 Fire Exit — A way out leading to an escape route 2.23 Fire Resisting Wall — A fire resistance rated
having panic bar hardware provided on the door. wall, having protected openings, which restricts the
2.14 Fire Lift — The lift installed to enable fire spread of fire and extends continuously from the
services personnel to reach different floors with foundation to at least 1 m above the roof.
minimum delay, having such features as required in 2.24 Floor Area Ratio (FAR) — The quotient
accordance with this Part. obtained by dividing the total covered area (plinth area)
on all floors by the area of the plot:
2.15 Fire Load — Calorific energy, of the whole
contents contained in a space, including the facings of Total covered area of all floors
the walls, partitions, floors and ceilings. FAR =
Plot area
2.16 Fire Load Density — Fire load divided by floor 2.25 High Rise Building — For the purpose of this
area. Part, all buildings 15 m or above in height shall be
2.17 Fire Resistance Rating — The time that a considered as high rise buildings.
material or construction will withstand the standard
2.26 Horizontal Exit — An arrangement which
fire exposure as determined by fire test done in
allows alternative egress from a floor area to another
accordance with the standard methods of fire tests of
floor at or near the same level in an adjoining building
materials/structures.
or an adjoining part of the same building with adequate
2.18 Fire Resistance — Fire resistance is a property fire separation.
of an element of building construction and is the
2.27 Means of Egress — A continuous and
measure of its ability to satisfy for a stated period some
unobstructed way of travel from any point in a building
or all of the following criteria:
or structure to a place of comparative safety.
a) resistance to collapse,
2.28 Occupancy or Use Group — The principal
b) resistance to penetration of flame and hot
occupancy for which a building or a part of a building
gases, and
is used or intended to be used; for the purpose of
c) resistance to temperature rise on the unexposed classification of a building according to the occupancy,
face up to a maximum of 180°C and/or an occupancy shall be deemed to include subsidiary
average temperature of 150°C. occupancies which are contingent upon it.
2.19 Fire Separation — The distance in metres
2.29 Plinth Area — The built-up covered area measured
measured from the external wall of the building
at the floor level of the basement or of any storey.
concerned to the external wall of any other building
on the site, or from other site, or from the opposite 2.30 Pressurization — The establishment of a
side of street or other public space for the purpose of pressure difference across a barrier to protect a
preventing the spread of fire. stairway, lobby, escape route or room of a building
from smoke penetration.
2.20 Fire Separating Wall — The wall provides
complete separation of one building from another or 2.31 Pressurization Level — The pressure difference
part of a building from another or part of a building between the pressurized space and the area served by
from another part of the same building to prevent any the pressurized escape route, expressed in pascals (Pa).
communication of fire or heat transmission to wall itself
2.32 Roof Exits — A means of escape on to the roof
which may cause or assist in the combustion of
of a building, where the roof has access to it from the
materials on the side opposite to that portion which
ground. The exit shall have adequate cut-off within
may be on fire.
the building from staircase below.
2.21 Fire Stop — A fire resistant material, or
2.33 Site Plot — A parcel (piece) of land enclosed by
construction, having a fire resistance rating of not lesss
definite boundaries.
than the fire separating elements, installed in concealed
spaces or between structural elements of a building to 2.34 Stack Pressure — Pressure difference caused
prevent the spread/propagation of fire and smoke through by a temperature difference creating an air movement
walls, ceilings and like as per the laid down criteria. within a duct, chimney or enclosure.
2.22 Fire Tower — An enclosed staircase which can 2.35 Travel Distance — The distance to be travelled
only be approached from the various floors through from any point in a building to a protected escape route,
landings or lobbies separated from both the floor areas external escape route or final exit.
8 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

2.36 Ventilation — Supply of outside air into, or the Sub-division A-2 One or two-family private
removal of inside air from an enclosed space. dwellings
2.37 Venting Fire — The process of inducing heat Sub-division A-3 Dormitories
and smoke to leave a building as quickly as possible Sub-division A-4 Apartment houses (flats)
by such paths that lateral spread of fire and heat is Sub-division A-5 Hotels
checked, fire fighting operations are facilitated and Sub-division A-6 Hotels (Starred)
minimum fire damage is caused.
a) Sub-division A-1 Lodging or rooming houses
2.38 Volume to Plot Area Ratio (VPR) — The ratio — These shall include any building or group
of volume of building measured in cubic metres to the of buildings under the same management, in
area of the plot measured in square metres and which separate sleeping accommodation for
expressed in metres. a total of not more than 40 persons (beds), on
transient or permanent basis, with or without
2.39 Wet Riser — An arrangement for fire fighting dining facilities but without cooking facilities
within the building by means of vertical rising mains for individuals is provided. This includes inns,
not less than 100 mm nominal diameter with landing clubs, motels and guest houses.
valves on each floor/landing for fire fighting purposes
A lodging or rooming house shall be classified
and permanently charged with water from a pressurized
as a dwelling in sub-division A-2 if no room
supply. in any of its private dwelling units is rented
NOTE — For definitions of other terms, reference shall be to more than three persons.
made to good practice [4(2)].
b) Sub-division A-2 One or two-family private
3 FIRE PREVENTION dwellings — These shall include any private
dwelling which is occupied by members of
3.1 Classification of Building Based on Occupancy one or two families and has a total sleeping
accommodation for not more than 20 persons.
3.1.1 General Classification
If rooms in a private dwelling are rented to
All buildings, whether existing or hereafter erected outsiders, these shall be for accommodating
shall be classified according to the use or the character not more than three persons per room.
of occupancy in one of the following groups: If sleeping accommodation for more than 20
Group A Residential persons is provided in any one residential
Group B Educational building, it shall be classified as a building in
Group C Institutional sub-division A-1, A-3 or A-4 as the case may
be.
Group D Assembly
Group E Business c) Sub-division A-3 Dormitories — These shall
include any building in which group sleeping
Group F Mercantile
accommodation is provided, with or without
Group G Industrial dining facilities for persons who are not
Group H Storage members of the same family, in one room or
Group J Hazardous a series of closely associated rooms under
3.1.1.1 Minor occupancy incidental to operations in joint occupancy and single management, for
another type of occupancy shall be considered as part example, school and college dormitories,
students, and other hostels and military
of the main occupancy and shall be classified under
barracks.
the relevant group for the main occupancy.
d) Sub-division A-4 Apartment houses (flats) —
Examples of buildings in each group are given in 3.1.2 These shall include any building or structure
to 3.1.10. in which living quarters are provided for three
3.1.2 Group A Residential Buildings or more families, living independently of each
other and with independent cooking facilities,
These shall include any building in which sleeping for example, apartment houses, mansions and
accommodation is provided for normal residential chawls.
purposes with or without cooking or dining or both e) Sub-division A-5 Hotels — These shall
facilities, except any building classified under Group C. include any building or group of buildings
Buildings and structures under Group A shall be further under single management, in which sleeping
sub-divided as follows: accommodation is provided, with or without
dining facilities for hotels classified up to
Sub-division A-1 Lodging or rooming houses 4 Star Category.

f) Sub-division A-6 Hotels (starred) — These b) Sub-division C-2 Custodial institutions —
shall include the hotels duly approved by the This sub-division shall include any building
concerned authorities as Five Star and above or a group of buildings under single
Hotels. management, which is used for the custody
and care of persons, such as children,
3.1.3 Group B Educational Buildings
convalescents and the aged, for example,
These shall include any building used for school, homes for the aged and infirm, convalescent
college, other training institutions for day-care homes and orphanages.
purposes involving assembly for instruction, education c) Sub-division C-3 Penal and mental institutions
or recreation for not less than 20 students. — This sub-division shall include any
Buildings and structures under Group B shall be further building or a group of buildings under single
sub-divided as follows: management, which is used for housing
persons under restraint, or who are detained
Sub-division B-1 Schools up to senior secondary for penal or corrective purposes, in which the
level liberty of the inmates is restricted, for
Sub-division B-2 All others/training institutions example, jails, prisons, mental hospitals,
a) Sub-division B-1 Schools up to senior mental sanatoria and reformatories.
secondary level — This sub-division shall 3.1.5 Group D Assembly Buildings
include any building or a group of buildings
under single management which is used for These shall include any building or part of a building,
students not less than 20 in number. where number of persons not less than 50 congregate
b) Sub-division B-2 All others/training or gather for amusement, recreation, social, religious,
institutions — This sub-division shall include patriotic, civil, travel and similar purposes, for
any building or a group of buildings under example, theatres, motion picture houses, assembly
single management which is used for students halls, auditoria, exhibition halls, museums, skating
not less than 100 in number. rinks, gymnasiums, restaurants, places of worship, dance
halls, club rooms, passenger stations and terminals of
In the case of temporary buildings/structures which air, surface and marine public transportation services,
are utilized for educational purposes, the provisions recreation piers and stadia, etc.
of 3.2.5.3 shall apply.
Buildings under Group D shall be further sub-divided
If residential accommodation is provided in the as follows:
schools/institutions, that portion of occupancy shall be
Sub-division D-1 Buildings having a theatrical or
classified as a building in sub-division A-3.
motion picture or any other stage and fixed seats
3.1.4 Group C Institutional Buildings for over 1 000 persons
These shall include any building or part thereof, which Sub-division D-2 Buildings having a theatrical or
is used for purposes, such as medical or other treatment motion picture or any other stage and fixed seats
or care of persons suffering from physical or upto 1 000 persons
mental illness, disease or infirmity; care of infants, Sub-division D-3 Buildings without a permanent
convalescents or aged persons and for penal or stage having accommodation for 300 or more
correctional detention in which the liberty of the persons but no permanent seating arrangement.
inmates is restricted. Institutional buildings ordinarily Sub-division D-4 Buildings without a permanent
provide sleeping accommodation for the occupants. stage having accommodation for less than 300
Buildings and structures under Group C shall be further persons with no permanent seating arrangement.
sub-divided as follows: Sub-division D-5 All other structures including
Sub-division C-1 Hospitals and sanatoria temporary structures designed for assembly of
people not covered by sub-divisions D-1 to D-4,
Sub-division C-2 Custodial institutions
at ground level.
Sub-division C-3 Penal and mental institutions
Sub-division D-6 Buildings having mixed
a) Sub-division C-1 Hospitals and sanatoria — occupancies providing facilities such as shopping,
This sub-division shall include any building or cinema theatres, and restaurants.
a group of buildings under single management,
which is used for housing persons suffering Sub-division D-7 All other structures, elevated or
from physical limitations because of health underground, for assembly of people not covered
or age, for example, hospitals, infirmaries, by sub-divisions D-1 to D-6.
sanatoria and nursing homes. a) Sub-division D-1 — This sub-division shall

include any building primarily meant for by 3.1.1.1); for keeping of accounts and records and
theatrical or operatic performances and similar purposes, professional establishments, service
exhibitions and which has a raised stage, facilities, etc. City halls, town halls, court houses and
proscenium curtain, fixed or portable scenery libraries shall be classified in this group so far as the
or scenery loft, lights, motion picture houses, principal function of these is transaction of public
mechanical appliances or other theatrical business and keeping of books and records.
accessories and equipment and which is Business buildings shall be further sub-divided as
provided with fixed seats for over 1 000 persons. follows:
b) Sub-division D-2 — This sub-division shall
include any building primarily meant for use Sub-division E-1 Offices, banks, professional
as described for sub-division D-1, but with establishments, like offices of architects,
engineers, doctors, lawyers and police stations.
fixed seats up to 1 000 persons.
c) Sub-division D-3 — This sub-division shall Sub-division E-2 Laboratories, research
include any building, its lobbies, rooms and establishments, libraries and test houses.
other spaces connected thereto, primarily Sub-division E-3 Computer installations.
intended for assembly of people, but which Sub-division E-4 Telephone exchanges.
has no theatrical stage or permanent theatrical Sub-division E-5 Broadcasting stations and T.V.
and/or cinematographic accessories and has stations.
accommodation for 300 persons or more, for
example, dance halls, night clubs, halls for 3.1.7 Group F Mercantile Buildings
incidental picture shows, dramatic, theatrical These shall include any building or part of a building,
or educational presentation, lectures or other which is used as shops, stores, market, for display and
similar purposes having no theatrical stage sale of merchandise, either wholesale or retail.
except a raised platform and used without
Mercantile buildings shall be further sub-divided as
permanent seating arrangement; art galleries
follows:
exhibition halls, community halls, marriage
halls, places of worship, museums, lecture Sub-division F-1 Shops, stores, departmental
halls, passenger terminals and Heritage and stores markets with area up to 500 m2.
Archeological Monuments. Sub-division F-2 Shops, stores, departmental
d) Sub-division D-4 — This sub-division shall stores markets with area more than 500 m2.
include any building primarily intended for Sub-division F-3 Underground shopping centres.
use as described in sub-division D-3, but with Storage and service facilities incidental to the sale
accommodation for less than 300 persons with of merchandise and located in the same building
no permanent seating arrangements. shall be included under this group.
e) Sub-division D-5 — This sub-division shall
3.1.8 Group G Industrial Buildings
include any building or structure permanent
or temporary meant for assembly of people not These shall include any building or part of a building
covered by sub-divisions D-1 to D-4, for or structure, in which products or materials of all kinds
example, grandstands, stadia, amusement park and properties are fabricated, assembled, manufactured
structures, reviewing stands and circus tents. or processed, for example, assembly plants, industrial
f) Sub-division D-6 — This sub-division shall laboratories, dry cleaning plants, power plants,
include any building for assembly of people generating units, pumping stations, fumigation
provided with multiple services/facilities like chambers, laundries, buildings or structures in gas
shopping, cinema theatres and restaurants, for plants, refineries, dairies and saw-mills, etc.
example, multiplexes. Buildings under Group G shall be further sub-divided
g) Sub-division D-7 — This sub-division shall as follows:
include any building or structure permanent Sub-division G-1 Buildings used for low hazard
or temporary meant for assembly of people industries.
not covered by D-1 to D-6, for example,
Sub-division G-2 Buildings used for moderate
underground or elevated railways.
hazard industries.
3.1.6 Group E Business Buildings Sub-division G-3 Buildings used for high hazard
These shall include any building or part of a building industries.
which is used for transaction of business (other than The hazard of occupancy, for the purpose of the Code,
that covered by Group F and part of buildings covered shall be the relative danger of the start and spread of

fire, the danger of smoke or gases generated, the danger 3.1.9 Group H Storage Buildings
of explosion or other occurrences potentially These shall include any building or part of a building
endangering the lives and safety of the occupants of used primarily for the storage or sheltering (including
the buildings. servicing, processing or repairs incidental to storage)
Hazard of occupancy shall be determined by the of goods, ware or merchandise (except those that
Authority on the basis of the fire loads of the contents, involve highly combustible or explosive products
and the processes or operations conducted in or materials) vehicles or animals, for example,
the building, provided, however, that where the warehouses, cold storage, freight depots, transit sheds,
combustibility of the material, the flame spread rating storehouses, truck and marine terminals, garages,
of the interior finish or other features of the building hangers, grain elevators, barns and stables. Storage
or structure are such as to involve a hazard greater than properties are characterized by the presence of
the occupancy hazard, the greater degree of hazard shall relatively small number of persons in proportion to
govern the classification. the area. Any new use which increase the number of
For determination of fire loads and fire load density occupants to a figure comparable with other classes of
for arriving at the classification of occupancy hazard, occupancy shall change the classification of the
guidance including the calorific values of some building to that of the new use, for example, hangars
common materials, is given at Annex A. used for assembly purposes, warehouses used for office
purposes, garage buildings used for manufacturing.
A broad classification of industrial and non-industrial
occupancies into low, moderate and high hazard classes 3.1.10 Group J Hazardous Buildings
is given at Annex B, for guidance. Any occupancy not These shall include any building or part of a building
covered in Annex B, shall be classified in the most which is used for the storage, handling, manufacture
appropriate class depending on the degree of hazard. or processing of highly combustible or explosive
Where different degrees of hazard of occupancy exist materials or products which are liable to burn with
in different parts of a building, the most hazardous of extreme rapidity and or which may produce poisonous
those shall govern the classification for the purpose of fumes or explosions for storage, handling,
this Code, except in cases where hazardous areas are manufacturing or processing which involve highly
segregated or protected as specified in the Code. corrosive, toxic or noxious alkalis, acids or other liquids
or chemicals producing flame, fumes and explosive,
a) Sub-division G-1 — This sub-division shall poisonous, irritant or corrosive gases; and for the
include any building in which the contents are storage, handling or processing of any material
of such comparative low combustibility and the producing explosive mixtures of dust which result in
industrial processes or operations conducted the division of matter into fine particles subject to
therein are of such a nature that there are hardly spontaneous ignition. Examples of buildings in this
any possibilities for any self propagating fire to class are those buildings which are used for:
occur and the only consequent danger to life
and property may arise from panic, fumes or a) Storage, under pressure of more than
smoke, or fire from some external source. 0.1 N/mm2 and in quantities exceeding 70 m3,
b) Sub-division G-2 — This sub-division shall of acetylene, hydrogen, illuminating and
include any building in which the contents or natural gases, ammonia, chlorine, phosgene,
industrial processes or operations conducted sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, methyloxide
therein are liable to give rise to a fire which and all gases subject to explosion, fume or
will burn with moderate rapidity or result in toxic hazard, cryogenic gases, etc;
other hazardous situation and may give off a b) Storage and handling of hazardous and highly
considerable volume of smoke, but from flammable liquids, liquefiable gases like LPG,
which neither toxic fumes nor explosions are rocket propellants, etc;
to be feared in the event of fire. c) Storage and handling of hazardous and highly
c) Sub-division G-3 — This sub-division shall flammable or explosive materials (other than
include any building in which the contents or liquids); and
industrial processes or operations conducted d) Manufacture of artificial flowers, synthetic
therein are liable to give rise to a fire which leather, ammunition, explosives and fireworks.
will burn with extreme rapidity or result in NOTE — A list of hazardous substances giving
other hazardous situation or from which quantities, for which or exceeding which owners
poisonous fumes or explosions are to be handling such substances are required to be covered
under the Public Liability Insurance Act, has been
feared in the event of a fire. For fire safety in notified under Government of India, Ministry of
petroleum and fertilizer plant, good practice Environment and Forests Notification No. G.S.R.
[4(3)] may be referred. 347(E) dated 1 August 1996.

3.1.11 Any building not covered by Annex B or 3.1.8 or areas which are under development for
shall be classified in the group which most nearly such occupancies.
resembles its existing or proposed use.
3.2.3 Change in the Fire Zone Boundaries
3.1.12 Where change in the occupancy of any building
When the boundaries of any fire zone are changed, or
places it in a different group or in a different sub-
when it is intended to include other areas or types of
division of the same group, such building shall be made
occupancies in any fire zone, it shall be done by
to comply with the requirements of the Code for the
following the same procedure as for promulgating new
new group or its sub-division.
rules or ordinances or both.
3.1.13 Where the new occupancy of a building is less
3.2.4 Overlapping Fire Zones
hazardous, based on life and fire risk, than its existing
occupancy, it shall not be necessary to conform to the 3.2.4.1 When any building is so situated that it extends
requirements of the Code for the new group or its sub- to more than one fire zone, it shall be deemed to be in
division. the fire zone in which the major portion of the building
or structure is situated.
3.1.14 A certificate of occupancy shall be necessary, as
required under Part 2 ‘Administration’, before any change 3.2.4.2 When any building is so situated that it extends
is effected in the character of occupancy of any building. equally to more than one fire zone, it shall be deemed
to be in the fire zone having more hazardous occupancy
3.2 Fire Zones buildings.
3.2.1 Demarcation 3.2.5 Temporary Buildings or Structures
The city or area under the jurisdiction of the Authority 3.2.5.1 Temporary buildings and structures shall be
shall for the purpose of the Code, be demarcated into permitted only in Fire Zones No. 1 and 2 as the case
distinct zones, based on fire hazard inherent in the may be, according to the purpose for which these are
buildings and structures according to occupancy to be used, by special permit from the Authority for a
(see 3.1), which shall be called as ‘Fire Zones’. limited period and subject to such conditions as may
be imposed in the permit.
3.2.2 Number and Designation of Fire Zones
3.2.5.2 Such buildings and temporary structures shall
3.2.2.1 The number of fire zones in a city or area under
be completely removed on the expiry of the period
the jurisdiction of the Authority depends upon the
specified in the permit.
existing layout, types of building construction (see 3.3),
classification of existing buildings based on occupancy 3.2.5.3 Adequate fire precautionary measures in the
(see 3.1) and expected future development of the city construction of temporary structures and PANDALS
or area. In large cities or areas, three fire zones may be shall be taken in accordance with good practice [4(4)].
necessary, while in smaller ones, one or two may be 3.2.6 Restrictions on the Type of Construction for New
adequate. Buildings
3.2.2.2 The fire zones shall be made use of in land use 3.2.6.1 Buildings erected in Fire Zone No. 1 shall
development plan and shall be designated as follows: conform to construction of Type 1, 2, 3 or 4.
a) Fire Zone No. 1 — This shall comprise areas 3.2.6.2 Buildings erected in Fire Zone No. 2 shall
having residential (Group A), educational conform to construction of Type 1, 2 or 3.
(Group B), institutional (Group C), and
3.2.6.3 Buildings erected in Fire Zone No. 3 shall
assembly (Group D), small business (Sub-
conform to construction of Type 1 or 2.
divisions E-1) and retail mercantile (Group F)
buildings, or areas which are under development 3.2.7 Restrictions on Existing Buildings
for such occupancies. The existing buildings in any fire zone shall not be
b) Fire Zone No. 2 — This shall comprise required to comply with the requirement of the Code
business (Sub-divisions E-2 to E-5) and unless these are altered, or in the opinion of the
industrial buildings (Sub-division G-1 and Authority, such building constitutes a hazard to the
G-2), except high hazard industrial buildings safety of the adjacent property or the occupants of the
(Sub-division G-3) or areas which are under building itself or is an unsafe building. In the event of
development for such occupancies. alteration, it shall be necessary to obtain permission
c) Fire Zone No. 3 — This shall comprise areas of the Authority for such alteration consistent with fire
having high hazard industrial buildings (Sub- hazard (see Part 2 ‘Administration’).
division G-3), storage buildings (Group H) Alterations/modifications/renovations shall be
and buildings for hazardous used (Group J) accomplished so as to ensure conformity with all the

safety requirements of the new buildings. Such Type 1 Construction, Type 2 Construction, Type 3
alterations shall not in anyway bring down level of Construction and Type 4 ‘Construction’. The fire
fire and life safety below that which existed earlier. resistance ratings for various types of construction for
Any addition or alterations or construction of cubicles structural and non-structural members shall be as given
or partitioning for floor area exceeding 500 m2 for all in Table 1.
high rise buildings shall be with approval of local fire
For buildings 15 m in height or above non-combustible
authority.
materials should be used for construction and the
3.3 Types of Construction internal walls of staircase enclosures should be of
3.3.1 General brick work or reinforced concrete or any other
material of construction with minimum of 2 h rating.
The design of any building and the type of materials The walls for the chimney shall be of Type 1 and
used in its construction are important factors in making
Type 2 Construction depending on whether the gas
the building resistant to a complete burn-out and in
temperature is above 200°C or less.
preventing the rapid spread of fire, smoke or fumes,
which may otherwise contribute to the loss of lives 3.3.2 It is required that an element/component shall
and property. have the requisite fire resistance rating when tested in
The fire resistance of a building or its structural and acco”rdance with the accepted standard [4(1)].
non-structural elements is expressed in hours against Tables 2 to 18 provide available data regarding fire
a specified fire load which is expressed in kcal/m2, and resistance ratings of various building components such
against a certain intensity of fire. The fire-resistance as walls, columns, beams and floors. Fire damage
test for structural element shall be done in accordance assessment, post fire structural safety assessment of
with good practice [4(5)]. For the purpose of the Code, various structural elements of the building and
the types of construction according to fire resistance adequacy of the structural repairs can be done by the
shall be classified into four categories, namely, fire resistance ratings mentioned in Tables 2 to 18.
Table 1 Fire Resistance Ratings of Structural and Non-Structural Elements (Hours)

(Clause 3.3.1)
Sl Structural Element Type of Construction
No.
Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
i) Exterior walls:
a) Fire separation less than 3.7 m a) Bearing 4 2 2 1
b) Non-bearing 2 1½ 1 1
b) Fire separation of 3.7 m or more a) Bearing 4 2 2 1
but less than 9 m b) Non-bearing 1½ 1 1 1
c) Fire separation of 9 m or more a) Bearing 4 2 2 1
b) Non-bearing 1 1 1 1
ii) Fire resisting walls 4 2 2 2
iii) Fire separation assemblies (like fire 4 2 2 2
check doors)
iv) Fire enclosures of exitways, hallways 2 2 2 2
and stairways
v) Shaft other than exitways, elevator 2 2 2 2
and hoistways
vi) Exitway access corridors 1 1 1 1
vii) Vertical separation of tenant spaces 1 1 1 1
viii) Dwelling unit separation 1 1 1 1
Non-load bearing partitions — At least half an hour —
ix) Interior bearing walls, bearing a) Supporting more than one floor 4 2 2 2
partitions, columns, girders, trusses b) Supporting one floor only 3 1½ 1 1
(other than roof trusses) and framing c) Supporting a roof only 3 1½ 1 1
x) Structural members support walls 3 1½ 1 1
xi) Floor construction including walls 3 1½ 1 1
xii) Roof construction a) 5 m or less in height to lowest member 2 1½ 1 1
b) More than 5 m but less than 6.7 m in 1 1 1 1
height to lowest member
c) 6.7 m or more in height to lowest 0 0 0 0
member

Table 2 Masonry Walls: Solid (Required to Resist Fire from One Side at a Time)
(Clause 3.3.2)
Sl Nature of Construction Minimum Thickness (mm), Excluding any Finish for a
No. and Materials Fire Resistance (Hours) of
Load Bearing Non-load Bearing
1 1½ 2 3 4 1 1½ 2 3 4
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)
i) Reinforced1) cement concrete 120 140 160 200 240
(25)2) (25)2) (25) 2) (25)2) (25)2)
ii) Unreinforced cement concrete 150 175 — — —
iii) No-fines concrete with :
a) 13 mm cement/sand or gypsum/sand — — — — — 150 150 150 150 150
b) 13 mm light weight aggregate gypsum — — — — — 150 150 150 150 150
plaster
iv) Bricks of clay:
a) Without finish 90 100 100 170 170 75 90 100 170 170
b) With 13 mm lightweight aggregate 90 90 90 100 100 75 90 90 90 100
gypsum plaster
v) Bricks of sand lime:
a) Without finish 90 100 100 190 190 75 90 100 170 170
gypsum plaster
vi) Blocks of concrete:
a) Without finish 90 100 100 — — 75 90 100 140 150
gypsum plaster
c) With 13 mm cement/sand or gypsum/ 75 90 90 100 140
sand
vii) Blocks of lightweight concrete:
a) Without finish 90 100 100 140 150 75 75 75 125 140
gypsum plaster
c) With 13 mm cement/sand or gypsum/ — — — — — 75 75 75 90 100
sand
viii) Blocks of aerated concrete:
a) Without finish 90 100 100 140 180 50 63 63 75 100
b) With 13 mm lightweight aggregate 90 90 100 100 150
gypsum plaster
——————————————
1)
Walls containing at least 1 percent of vertical reinforcement.
2)
Minimum thickness of actual cover to reinforcement.
Table 3 Masonry Walls: Hollow (Required to Resist Fire from One Side at a Time)
(Clause 3.3.2)
Sl Nature of Construction Minimum Thickness (mm), Excluding any Finish for a
No. and Materials Fire Resistance (Hours) of
Load Bearing Non-load Bearing
1 1½ 2 3 4 ½ 1 1½ 2 3 4
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13)
i)
Bricks of clay:
a) Without finish 170 170 170 200 200 75 75 90 100 170 170
b) With 13 mm lightweight aggregate 100 100 170 170 170 75 75 90 90 90 100
gypsum plaster
ii) Blocks of concrete:
a) Without finish 90 125 125 140 140 150
b) With 13 mm cement/sand or gypsum/sand 190 200 200 — — 90 125 125 140 140 140
c) With 13 mm lightweight aggregate 75 90 90 100 125 125
gypsum plaster
iii) Blocks of lightweight concrete:
a) Without finish 100 100 100 — — 75 90 90 100 140 150
b) With 13 mm cement/sand or gypsum/sand — — — — — 75 75 75 100 140 140
c) With 13 mm lightweight aggregate — — — — — 63 63 63 75 90 100
gypsum plaster

Table 4 Framed Construction, Load Bearing (Required to Resist Fire
from One Side at a Time)
(Clause 3.3.2)
Sl Nature of Construction and Materials/Timber Studs at Centres not Minimum Thickness (mm) of Protection
No. Exceeding 600 mm, Faced on Each Side with for a Fire Resistance of 1h
(1) (2) (3)
i) Plasterboard layers with joints staggered, joints in outer layer taped and filled — Total 25
thickness for each face
ii) One layer of 12.7 mm plasterboard with a finish of lightweight aggregate gypsum 13
plaster
iii) Metal lath and plaster, thickness of plaster:
a) Sanded gypsum plaster (metal lathing grade) 22
b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster 13
Table 5 Framed Construction, Non-Load Bearing (Required to Resist Fire

(Clause 3.3.2)
Nature of Construction and Materials/Steel or Timber Frame at Stud Minimum Thickness (mm) of Protection
Centres not Exceeding 600 mm, Facings on Both Sides of Construction for a Fire Resistance
½h 1h 1½ h 2h
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
A) Dry lining with materials fixed direct to studs
(without plaster finish)
1. One layer of plasterboard with taped and filled joints Timber or steel 12.7
2. Two layers of plasterboard with joints staggered, joints in Timber or steel 19 25
outer layer taped and filled — Total thickness for each face
3. One layer of asbestos insulating board with transverse joints Timber or steel 9 12
backed by fillers of asbestos insulating board not less than 9
mm thick, or by timber
4. One layer of wood wool slabs Timber 25
5. One layer of chipboard or of plywood Timber or steel 18
B) Lining with materials fixed direct to suds, with plaster finish:
Plasterboard of thickness: Timber or steel
a) With not less than 5 mm gypsum plaster finish 9.5
b) With not less than 13 mm gypsum plaster finish 12.7
C) Wet finish:
Metal lath and plaster, thickness of plaster:
a) Sanded gypsum plaster Timber or steel 13
b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster Timber 13 19 25
Steel 13
Table 6 Framed External Walls Load Bearing (Required to Resist Fire

(Clause 3.3.2)
Sl Nature of Construction and Materials Minimum Thickness (mm) of Protection

No. for a Fire Resistance of 1 h
(1) (2) (3)
Timber studs at centers not exceeding 600 mm with internal linings of :

i) Plasterboard layers with joints in outer layer taped and filled, total thickness of 25
plasterboard

Table 7 Framed External Walls Non-Load Bearing Required to Resist Fire only
from Inside the Building (A)
(Clause 3.3.2)
Nature of Construction and Materials Minimum Thickness (mm) of Protection for a

Fire Resistance
½h 1h 1½ h 2h 3h 4h
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)
Steel frame with an external cladding of non-combustible sheets (excluding
sheet steel), with a steel supporting framework and internal lining of:
1. Metal lath and plaster, thickness of plaster:
a) Sanded gypsum plaster (metal lathing grade) 13 13
b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster 10 13 15 15 15 19
2. Two layer of plasterboard with joints staggered joints in outer layer 21 32
taped and filled — Total thickness
3. Plasterboard of thickness:
a) With not less than 5 mm gypsum plaster finish 12.7
b) With not less than 13 mm gypsum plaster finish 9.5
c) With not less than 10 mm lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster 9.5
4. One layer of asbestos insulating board with transverse joints backed by 9 9 12 12 12 12
fillers of asbestos insulating board not less than 9 mm thick, or by timber
5. One layer of wood/wool slabs without finish 50
6. One layer of compressed straw building slabs:
a) Without finish 50
b) With not less than 5 mm gypsum plaster finish 50
7. Aerated concrete blocks 50 50 63 63 75 100
8. Bricks of clay:
a) Without finish 75 75 90 90 100 100
b) With not less than 13 mm lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster 75 75 90 90
Table 8 Framed External Walls Non-Load Bearing Required to Resist Fire only
from Inside the Building (B)
(Clause 3.3.2)
Nature
Nature of
of Construction
Construction and
and Materials
Materials Minimum
Minimum Thickness
Thickness (mm)
(mm) ofof Protection
Protection to to
Provide
Provide Sufficient
Sufficient Insulation
Insulation to
to Achieve
Achieve aa
Modified
Modified Fire
Fire Resistance
Resistance of
of Up
Up to
to 44 hh
(1)
(1) (2)
(2)
Steel
Steel frame
frame with
with an
an external
external cladding
cladding ofof sheet
sheet steel
steel fully
fully lapped,
lapped, steel
steel bolted
bolted and
and
fixed
fixed to
to steel
steel sheeting
sheeting rails,
rails, with
with timber
timber or
or steel
steel supporting
supporting framework
framework andand internal
internal
lining
lining of:
of:
1.
1. Metal
Metal lath
lath and
and plaster,
plaster, thickness
thickness of
of plaster:
plaster:
a)
a) Sanded
Sanded gypsum
gypsum plaster
plaster (metal
(metal lathing
lathing grade)
grade) 13
13
b)
b) Lightweight
Lightweight aggregate
aggregate gypsum
gypsum plaster
plaster 10
10
2.
2. One
One layer
layer of
of plasterboard
plasterboard with
with joints
joints taped
taped and
and filled
filled 12.7
12.7
3.
3. Plasterboard
Plasterboard of
of thickness
thickness with
with not
not less
less than
than 55 mm
mm gypsum
gypsum plaster
plaster finish
finish 9.5
9.5
4.
4. One
One layer
layer of
of asbestos
asbestos insulating
insulating board
board with
with transverse
transverse joints
joints backed
backed by
by 99
fillers
fillers of
of asbestos
asbestos insulating
insulating board
board not
not less
less than
than 99 mm
mm thick,
thick, or
or by
by timber
timber
5.
5. One
One layer
layer of
of wood/wool
wood/wool slabs
slabs 25
25
6.
6. One
One layer
layer of
of compressed
compressed straw
straw building
building slabs
slabs 50
50
7.
7. One
One layer
layer of
of chipboard
chipboard or
or of
of plywood
plywood 18
18
8.
8. Aerated
Aerated concrete
concrete blocks
blocks 50
50
9.
9. Bricks
Bricks of
of clay
clay 75
75
10.
10. Any
Any internal
internal decorative
decorative lining
lining with
with aa cavity
cavity fill
fill independently
independently supported
supported 50
50
and
and retained
retained in in position
position ofof mineral
mineral fibre
fibre insulating
insulating material
material (excluding
(excluding
33
glass)
glass) at
at aa density
density of
of 48
48 kg/m
kg/m

Table 9 Framed Walls Non-Load Bearing Required to Resist Fire only from Inside the Building (C)
(Clause 3.3.2)
Fire Resistance of 1½ h
(1) (2)
Timber frame with external cladding of weather boarding or external plywood,
9.5 mm with an internal lining of:
1. Plasterboard not less than 9.5 mm thick, finished with:
a) Gypsum plaster 13
2. Plasterboard not less than 12.7 mm thick, finished with:
a) Gypsum plaster 10
3. One layer of asbestos insulating board with transverse joints backed by fillers 9
of asbestos insulating board not less than 9 mm thick, or by timber 12
Table 10 Reinforced Concrete Columns

(Clause 3.3.2)
Sl Nature of Construction and Materials Minimum Dimensions (mm) Excluding any Finish,
No. for a Fire Resistance of
½h 1h 1½ h 2h 3h 4h
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8)
i) Fully exposed Width 150 200 250 300 400 450
Cover 40 40 40 40 40 40
ii) 50 percent exposed Width 125 160 200 200 300 350
Cover 40 40 40 40 40 40
iii) One face exposed Thickness 100 120 140 160 200 240
Cover 40 40 40 40 40 40
Table 11 Concrete Beams

(Clause 3.3.2)
½h 1h 1½ h 2h 3h 4h
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8)
i) Reinforced concrete (simply supported) Width 200 200 200 200 240 280
Cover 20 20 20 40 601) 701)
ii) Reinforced concrete (continuous) Width 200 200 200 200 240 280
Cover 20 20 20 30 40 501)
iii) Prestressed concrete (simply supported) Width 100 120 150 200 240 280
Cover 25 40 55 70 80 90
iv) Prestressed concrete (continuous) Width 80 100 120 150 200 240
Cover 20 30 40 55 70 80
—————————————
1)
Require attention to the additional measures necessary to reduce the risk of spalling.
Table 12 Concrete Floors

(Clause 3.3.2)
½h 1h 1½ h 2h 3h 4h
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8)
i) Reinforced concrete (simply supported) Thickness 75 95 110 125 150 170
Cover 20 20 25 35 451) 551)
ii) Reinforced concrete (continuous) Thickness 75 95 110 125 150 170
Cover 20 20 20 25 35 451)
——————————————
1)
Require attention to the additional measures necessary to reduce the risk of spalling.

Table 13 Concrete Floors: Ribbed Open Soffit
(Clause 3.3.2)
½h 1h 1½ h 2h 3h 4h
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8)
i) Reinforced concrete (simply supported) Thickness of floor 75 95 110 125 150 170
Rib width 125 125 125 125 150 175
Cover 20 20 35 45 55 65
ii) Reinforced concrete (continuous) Thickness 75 95 110 125 150 170

Width 125 125 125 125 150 175
Cover 20 20 20 35 45 55
Table 14 Encased Steel Columns, 203 mm × 203 mm

(Protection Applied on Four Sides)
(Clause 3.3.2)
Nature of Construction and Materials Minimum Dimensions (mm) Excluding any Finish,
for a Fire Resistance of
1h 1½ h 2h 3h 4h
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
A) Hollow protection (without an air cavity over the flanges):

1)
1. Metal lathing with trowelled lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster 13 15 20 32
2. Plasterboard with 1.6 mm wire binding at 100 mm pitch, finished with
lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster not less than the thickness
specified:
a) 9.5 mm plaster board 10 15
b) 19 mm plaster board 10 13 20
3. Asbestos insulating boards, thickness of board:
a) Single thickness of board, with 6 mm cover fillets at transverse 19 25
joints
38 50
b) Two layers, of total thickness
4. Solid bricks of clay, composition or sand lime, reinforced in every 50 50 50 75 100
horizontal joint, unplastered
5. Aerated concrete blocks 60 60 60
6. Solid blocks of lightweight concrete hollow protection (with an air 50 50 50 60 75
cavity over the flanges)
B) Asbestos insulating board screwed to 25 mm asbestos battens 12 19
C) Solid protections
1. Concrete, not leaner than 1:2:4 mix (unplastered):

a) Concrete not assumed to be load bearing, reinforced 2) 25 25 25 50 75
b) Concrete assumed to be load bearing 50 50 50 75 75
2. Lightweight concrete, not leaner than 1:2:4 mix (unplastered): concrete 25 25 25 40 60
not assumed to be load bearing, reinforced 2)
———————————
1)
So fixed or designed, as to allow full penetration for mechanical bond.
2)
Reinforcement shall consist of steel binding wire not less than 2.3 mm in thickness, or a steel mesh weighing not less than 0.5 kg/m2. In
concrete protection, the spacing of that reinforcement shall not exceed 200 mm in any direction.

Table 15 Encased Steel Beams, 406 mm × 176 mm (Protection Applied on Three Sides)
(Clause 3.3.2)
Fire Resistance of
½h 1h 1½ h 2h 3h 4h
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)
A) Hollow protection (without an air cavity beneath the lower flange):

1. 1) Metal lathing with trowelled lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster 13 13 15 20 25
2. Plasterboard with 1.6 mm wire binding2) at 100 mm pitch, finished
with lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster not less than the
thickness specified:
a) 9.5 mm plaster board 10 10 15
b) 19 mm plaster board 10 10 13 20
3. Asbestos insulating boards, thickness of board:
a) Single thickness of board, with 6 mm cover fillets at transverse 19 25
joints
b) Two layers, of total thickness 38 50
B) Hollow protection (with an air cavity below the lower flange):
1. Asbestos insulating board screwed to 25 mm asbestos battens 9 12
C) Solid protection:
1. Concrete, not leaner than 1:2:4 mix (unplastered):
a) Concrete not assumed to be load bearing, reinforced 3) 25 25 25 25 50 75
b) Concrete assumed to be load bearing 50 50 50 50 75 75
2. Lightweight concrete4) , not leaner than 1:2:4 (mix) unplastered 25 25 25 25 40 60
—————————————
1)
So fixed or designed, as to allow full penetration for mechanical bond.
2)
Where wire binding cannot be used, expert advice should be sought regarding alternative methods of support to enable the lower edges
of the plasterboard to be fixed together and to the lower flange, and for the top edge of the plasterboard to be held in position.
3)
Reinforcement shall consist of steel binding wire not less than 2.3 mm in thickness or a steel mesh weighing not less than 0.5 kg/m2. In
concrete protection, the spacing of that reinforcement shall not exceed 200 mm in any direction.
4)
Concrete not assumed to be load bearing, reinforced.
Table 16 Timber Floors — Tongued and Grooved Boarding, or Sheets of Tongued and Grooved
Plywood or Wood Chipboard, of not Less than 21 mm Finished Thickness
(Clause 3.3.2)
Fire Resistance of
½h 1h 2h
(1) (2) (3) (4)
37 mm (minimum) timber joists with a ceiling of:

1. Timber lathing and plaster, plaster of thickness 15
2. Metal lathing and plaster, thickness of plaster:
b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster 13 13 25
3. One layer of plasterboard with taped and filled joints 12.7
4. Two layers of plasterboard with joints staggered, joints in outer layer 19 31
taped and filled total thickness
5. One layer of plasterboard not less than 9.5 mm thick, finished with:
a) Gypsum plaster 5
b) Sanded gypsum plaster 13
c) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster 13
a) Gypsum plaster 5
7. One layer of asbestos insulating board with any transverse joints 9 12
backed by fillets of asbestos insulating board not less than 9 mm
thick, or by timber

Table 17 Timber Floors — Tongued and Grooved Boarding, or Sheets of Tongued and Grooved
Plywood or Wood Chipboard, of not Less than 15 mm Finished Thickness
(Clause 3.3.2)
Fire Resistance of
1½ h 1h 2h
(1) (2) (3) (4)
2. Metal lathing and plaster, thickness of plaster for:
b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster 13 13 25
3. One layer of plasterboard with taped and filled joints 12.7
4. Two layers of plasterboard with joints staggered, joints in outer layer taped 22 31
and filled total thickness
5. One layer of plasterboard not less than 9.5 mm thick, finish with:
a) Gypsum plaster 5
b) Sanded gypsum plaster 15
c) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster 13
a) Gypsum plaster 5
7. One layer of asbestos insulating board, with any transverse joints backed by 9 121)
fillets of asbestos insulating board not less than 9 mm thick, or by timber
—————————————
1)
Finished on top with 25 mm minimum thick glass fibre or mineral wool laid between joints.
Table 18 Timber Floors — Any Structurally Suitable Flooring of

Timber or Lignocelluloses Boards
(Clause 3.3.2)
Fire Resistance of
½h 1h
(1) (2) (3)
2. Metal lathing and plaster, thickness of plaster for:
b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster 13 19
3. One layer of plasterboard with joints taped and filled and backed by timber 12.7
4. Two layers of plasterboard with joints staggered, joints in outer layer taped 25
and filled total thickness
5. Two layers of plasterboard, each not less than 9.5 mm thick, joints between 5
boards staggered and outer layer finished with gypsum plaster
6. One layer of plasterboard not less than 9.5 mm thick, finish with:
a) Sanded gypsum plaster 13
a) Sanded gypsum plaster 15
8. One layer of asbestos insulating board with any transverse joints backed by 12
fillets of asbestos insulating board not less than 9 mm thick, or by timber
3.3.3 Steel Construction of fire. This could be achieved by use of appropriate

Load bearing steel beams and columns of buildings methodology using suitable fire resistance rated
having total covered area of 500 m2 and above shall be materials alongwith suppression system {see Table 14,
protected against failure/collapse of structure in case Table 15 and also accepted standard [4(5)]}.

3.4 General Requirements of All Individual Table 19 (see also Part 3 ‘Development Control Rules
Occupancies and General Building Requirements’).
3.4.1 General Table 19 Comparative Floor Area Ratios for
All buildings shall satisfy certain requirements which Occupancies Facing One Public Street
contribute, individually and collectively, to the safety Atleast 9 m Wide
of life from fire, smoke, fumes and panic arising from (Clauses 2.6 and 3.4.5)
these or similar causes. There are, however, certain
general principles and common requirements which Occupancy Type of Construction
Classification
are applicable to all or most of the occupancies. Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4
3.4.2 Exceptions and Deviations (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Residential UL 2.0 1.4 1.0
Exceptions and deviations to the general provisions of
Educational UL 2.0 1.4 1.0
requirements of individual occupancies are given as Institutional UL 1.5 1.0 0.8
applicable to each type of occupancy in 6.1 to 6.9. In Assembly UL 1.0 0.7 0.5
case of practical difficulty or to avoid unnecessary Business UL 2.9 2.3 1.6
hardship, without sacrificing reasonable safety, the Mercantile 8.0 1.8 1.4 1.0
Authority may grant exemptions from the Code. Industrial 7.5 1.9 1.6 1.3
Storage (see Note 5) 6.0 1.5 1.3 1.0
3.4.3 Occupation of Buildings under Construction Hazardous (see Note 5) 2.8 1.1 0.9 NP
3.4.3.1 A building or portion of the building may be UL — Unlimited.

occupied during construction, repairs, alterations or NP — Not permitted.
additions only if all means of exit and fire protection NOTES
measures are in place and continuously maintained for 1 The FAR values given in this table are subject to overall
the occupied part of the building. restrictions on the heights of buildings in the case of
educational, institutional, assembly, storage and hazardous
3.4.3.2 A high rise building during construction shall occupancies as specified in col 2 of Table 23.
be provided with the following fire protection 2 This table has been prepared, taking into account the
measures, which shall be maintained in good working combustible content in the different occupancies as well as
the fire resistance offered by the type of construction.
condition at all the times:
3 This table should be modified by the Authority, taking into
a) Dry riser of minimum 100 mm diameter pipe account the other aspects as given below:
with hydrant outlets on the floors constructed a) Density in terms of dwelling units per hectare;
with a fire service inlet to boost the water in the b) Traffic considerations;
dry riser and maintenance should be as per the c) Parking spaces;
requirements laid down in good practice [4(6)]. d) Local fire fighting facilities; and
e) Water supply, drainage and sanitation requirements.
b) Drums filled with water of 2 000 litres capacity
4 The FAR values specified in this table may be increased
with two fire buckets on each floor; and by 20 percent for the following services:
c) A water storage tank of minimum 20 000 a) A basement or cellar space under a building constructed
litres capacity, which may be used for other on stilts and used as a parking space and air-
construction purposes also. conditioning plant room used as accessory to the
principal use;
3.4.4 Maximum Height b) Watchman’s booth, pumphouse, garbage shaft, electric
cabin or sub-station and other utility structures meant
Every building shall be restricted in its height above for the services of the building under considerations;
the ground level and the number of storeys, depending c) Projections and accessory buildings as specifically
upon its occupancy and the type of construction. The exempted under the Code; and
height shall be measured as specified in Part 3 d) Staircase room and lift rooms above the topmost storey;
‘Development Control Rules and General Building architectural feature; and chimneys and elevated tanks
of dimensions as permissible under the Code; the area
Requirements’. The maximum permissible height of the lift shaft shall be taken only on one floor.
for any combination of occupancy and types of 5 In so far as single storey storage and hazardous occupancies
construction should necessarily be related to the width are concerned, they would be further governed by volume to
of street fronting the building, or floor area ratios and plot area ratio (VPR) to be decided by the Authority.
the local fire fighting facilities available.
3.4.5.1 Each portion of a building, which is separated
3.4.5 Floor Area Ratio
by one or more continuous fire resisting walls, having
The comparative floor area ratios for different a fire resistance of not less than 2 h, extending from
occupancies and types of construction are given in the foundation to 1 m above the roof at all points, may

be considered to be a separate building for the protected with a fire-resisting assembly as specified
calculation of maximum permissible height and floor in 3.4.9.
area, provided openings, if any, in the separating
3.4.8.2 For Type 4 construction, openings in the
wall are also protected by fire assemblies of not less
separating walls or floors shall be fitted with 2 h fire-
than 2 h.
resisting assemblies.
3.4.6 Open Spaces
3.4.8.3 Openings in walls or floors which are
The open spaces around or inside a building shall necessary to be provided to allow passages of all
conform to the requirements of Part 3 ‘Development building services like cables, electrical wirings,
Control Rules and General Building Requirements’. telephone cables, plumbing pipes, etc, shall be
protected by enclosure in the form of ducts/shafts
3.4.6.1 For high rise buildings, the following
having a fire resistance not less than 2 h. The inspection
additional provisions of means of access to the building
door for electrical shafts/ducts shall be not less than
shall be ensured (see Part 3 ‘Development Control
2 h and for other services shafts/ducts, the same shall
Rules and General Building Requirements’):
have fire resistance not less than 1 h. Medium and low
a) The width of the main street on which the voltage wiring running in shafts/ducts, shall either be
building abuts shall not be less than 12 m and armoured type or run through metal conduits. Further,
one end of this street shall join another street the space between the conduits pipes and the walls/
not less than 12 m in width; slabs shall be filled in by a filler material having fire
b) The road shall not terminate in a dead end; resistance rating of not less than 1 h.
except in the case of residential building, up NOTE — In the case of buildings where it is necessary to lower
to a height of 30 m. or lift heavy machinery or goods from one floor to the other, it
may be necessary to provide larger openings in the floor. Such
c) The compulsory open spaces around the
openings shall be provided with removable covers which shall
building shall not be used for parking; and have the same strength and fire resistance as the floor.
d) Adequate passageway and clearances
3.4.8.4 Vertical opening
required for fire fighting vehicles to enter the
premises shall be provided at the main Every vertical opening between the floors of a building
entrance; the width of such entrance shall be shall be suitably enclosed or protected, as necessary,
not less than 4.5 m. If an arch or covered gate to provide the following:
is constructed, it shall have a clear head-room
a) Reasonable safety to the occupants while
of not less than 5 m.
using the means of egress by preventing
3.4.7 Mixed Occupancy spread of fire, smoke, or fumes through
vertical openings from floor to floor to allow
When any building is used for more than one type of
occupants to complete their use of the means
occupancy, then in so far as fire safety is concerned, it
of egress. Further it shall be ensured to
shall conform to the requirements for the occupancies
provide a clear height of 2 100 mm in the
of higher hazard. Unless the high hazard area is
passage/escape path of the occupants.
separated by separating walls of 4 h rating, the
occupancies shall not be treated individually. b) Limitation of damage to the building and its
contents.
3.4.8 Openings in Separating Walls and Floors
3.4.9 Fire Stop or Enclosure of Openings
At the time of designing openings in separating walls
Where openings are permitted, they shall not exceed
and floors, particular attention shall be paid to all such
three-fourths the area of the wall in the case of an
factors as will limit fire spread through these openings
external wall and they shall be protected with fire
and maintain fire rating of the structural member.
resisting assemblies or enclosures having a fire
3.4.8.1 For Types 1 to 3 construction, a doorway or resistance equal to that of the wall or floor in which
opening in a separating wall on any floor shall be these are situated. Such assemblies and enclosures shall
limited to 5.6 m2 in area with a maximum height/width also be capable of preventing the spread of smoke or
of 2.75 m. Every wall opening shall be protected with fumes through the openings so as to facilitate the safe
fire-resisting doors having the fire rating of not less evacuation of building in case of a fire {see also
than 2 h in accordance with accepted standard [4 (7)]. accepted standard [4 (8)]}.
All openings in the floors shall be protected by vertical
3.4.10 Electrical Installations
enclosures extending above and below such openings,
the walls of such enclosures having a fire resistance of For requirements regarding electrical installations from
not less than 2 h and all openings therein being the point of view of fire safety, reference may be made

to good practice [4(9)] (see also Part 8 ‘Building 3.4.12.3 Where smoke venting facilities are installed
Services, Section 2 Electrical and Allied Installations’). for purposes of exit safety, these shall be adequate to
prevent dangerous accumulation of smoke during the
3.4.11 Air-conditioning and Ventilation
period of time necessary to evacuate the area served,
Air-conditioning and ventilation requirements of using available exit facilities with a margin of safety to
different rooms or areas in any occupancy shall be as allow for unforeseen contingencies. It is recommended
given in Part 8 ‘Building Services, Section 1 Lighting that smoke exhaust equipment should have a minimum
and Ventilation and Section 3 Air-conditioning, capacity of 12 air changes per hour. Where mechanical
Heating and Mechanical Ventilation’. venting is employed, it shall be firesafe.
3.4.11.1 Air-conditioning and ventilating systems 3.4.12.4 The discharge apertures of all natural draft
shall be so installed and maintained as to minimize the smoke vents shall be so arranged as to be readily
danger of spread of fire, smoke or fumes from one accessible for opening by fire service personnel.
floor to other or from outside to any occupied building
3.4.12.5 Power operated smoke exhausting systems
or structure (see C-1.17).
shall be substituted for natural draft vents only by
3.4.11.2 Air-conditioning and ventilating systems specific permission of the Authority.
circulating air to more than one floor or fire area shall be
3.4.13 Heating
provided with dampers designed to close automatically
in case of fire and thereby preventing spread of fire or Installation of chimney and heating apparatus shall be
smoke and shall be in accordance with the accepted in accordance with good practice [4 (13)].
standard [4(10)]. Such a system shall also be provided
3.4.14 Additional Precautions
with automatic controls to stop fans in case of fire, unless
arranged to remove smoke from a fire, in which case these In addition to the factors covered by 3.4.2 to 3.4.12
shall be designed to remain in operation. there are certain aspects, applicable to particular
occupancies only, which may effect the spread of
3.4.11.3 Air-conditioning system serving large places
fumes and thus the safe evacuation of the building in
of assembly (over 1 000 persons), large departmental
case of fire. Some such aspects are:
stores or hotels with over 100 rooms in a single block
shall be provided with effective means for preventing a) interior finish and decoration;
circulation of smoke through the system in the case of b) seating, aisles, railings, turnstiles and
a fire in air filters or from other sources drawn into the revolving doors in places of assembly;
system, and shall have smoke sensitive devices for c) service equipment and storage facilities in
actuation in accordance with the accepted standards buildings other than storage buildings; and
[4(11)].
d) hazards on stage, in waiting spaces, projection
3.4.11.4 From fire safety point of view, separate air booths, etc, in theatres and cinemas.
handling units for the various floors shall be provided
3.4.15 Surface Interior Finishes
so as to avoid the hazards arising from spread of fire
and smoke through the air-conditioning ducts. The 3.4.15.1 The use of combustible surface finishes on
requirements of air-conditioning ducts shall be in walls (including facade of the building) and ceilings
accordance with good practice [4(12)]. affects the safety of the occupants of a building. Such
finishes tend to spread the fire and even though the
3.4.11.5 For normal operation, air changes schedule
structural elements may be adequately fire resistant,
shall be as given in Part 8 ‘Building Services, Section 3
serious danger to life may result. It is, therefore,
Air-conditioning, Heating and Mechanical Ventilation’.
essential to have adequate precautions to minimize
3.4.12 Smoke Venting spread of flame on wall, facade of building and ceiling
surfaces.
3.4.12.1 Smoke venting facilities for safe use of exits
in windowless buildings, underground structures, large The finishing materials used for various surfaces and
area factories, hotels and assembly buildings (including décor shall be such that it shall not generate toxic
cinema halls) shall be automatic in action with manual smoke/fumes.
controls in addition. 3.4.15.2 The susceptibility to fire of various types
3.4.12.2 Natural draft smoke venting shall utilize roof of wall surfaces is determined in terms of the rate of
vents or vents in walls at or near the ceiling level; such spread of flame. Based on the rate of spread of flame,
vents shall be normally open, or, if closed, shall be surfacing material shall be considered as divided into
designed for automatic opening in case of fire, by four classes as follows {see also good practice
release of smoke sensitive devices. [4(14)]}.

Class 1 Surfaces of very low flame spread. a) Wired glass — The wired glass shall be of
Class 2 Surfaces of low flame spread. minimum half hour fire resistance rating.
Class 3 Surfaces of medium flame spread. b) Sashes and frames — The sashes or frames
Class 4 Surfaces of rapid flame spread. or both shall be entirely of iron or other
suitable metal such as stainless steel, securely
3.4.15.3 The uses for which surface materials falling bolted or keyed into the wall, except in the
into various classes shall be adopted in building case of panels in internal doors.
construction are given below: c) Setting of glass — The panels of glass shall
be set in rebates or grooves not less than
Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 6.0 mm in width or depth, with due allowance
May be May be used in May be used only for expansion, and shall be secured by hard
used in any any situation, in living rooms and metal fastenings to the sashes or frames
situation except on walls, bed rooms (but not independently of any cement or putty used
facade of the in rooms on the for weather-proofing purposes.
building, roof) and only as a
staircase and lining to solid walls 3.4.16.3 Electro-copper glazing shall comply with the
corridors and partitions; not following requirements:
on staircases or
a) Electro-copper glazing — The electro-copper
corridors or facade
glazing shall be of minimum half hour fire
of the building.
resistance rating.
NOTE — Panelling (lining) shall be permitted in a limited b) Sashes and frames — The sashes or frames
area. It shall not be permitted in a vestibule.
or both shall be entirely of iron or other hard
3.4.15.4 Materials of Class 4 which include untreated metal, securely bolted or keyed into the wall,
wood fibreboards may be used with due fire retardant except when in panels in internal doors.
treatment as ceiling lining, provided the ceiling is at c) Fixing of sectional lights — The sectional
least, 2.4 m from the top surface of the floor below, lights shall be set in rebate or grooves not less
and the wall surfaces conform to requirements of class than 6.5 mm in width or depth, with due
[see Note under 3.4.15.3] Class 4 materials shall not allowance for expansion and shall be secured
be used in kitchens, corridors and staircases. Some by hard metal fastenings to the sashes or
materials contain bitumen and, in addition to risk from frames independently of any lead, cement or
spread of fire, emit dense smoke on burning; such putty used for weather-proofing purposes.
materials shall be excluded from use under these 3.4.16.4 Maximum permissible area shall be 5 m2 for
conditions and shall also not be used for construction protection by wired glass or electro-copper glazing.
of ceiling where the plenum is used for return air in
air-conditioned buildings [see also 5.1.7(m)]. 3.4.16.5 Casement
3.4.15.5 When frames, walls, partitions or floors are Hard metal casements, not exceeding 0.8 m2 fitted with
lined with combustible materials, the surfaces on both wired glass or electro-copper glazing in accordance
sides of the materials shall conform to the appropriate with 3.4.16.2 and 3.4.16.3, secured to the frames by
class, because there is considerable danger from fire hard metal hinges not more than 600 mm apart and by
starting and rapidly spreading within the concealed fastening at top, centre and bottom shall be permissible.
cavity unknown to the occupants whose escape may 3.4.17 Skylights
be hampered there by. For detailed information on
materials and details of construction with their fire- 3.4.17.1 Wired glass for skylights or monitor lights
resistance rating, reference may be made to good shall comply with the following requirements:
practice [4(15)]. a) Wired glass for skylights or monitor lights —
3.4.16 Glazing The wired glass for skylights or monitor lights
shall be of minimum half hour fire resistance
3.4.16.1 Building of Types 1 to 4 construction shall rating.
employ one of the two types of glazing described
b) Frames and glazing — The frame shall be
in 3.4.16.2 and 3.4.16.3 except that Type 4 construction
continuous and divided by bars spaced at not
may have the alternative of hardwood sashes or frames
more than 700 mm centres. The frame and
or both.
bars shall be of iron or other hard metal, and
3.4.16.2 Wired glass shall comply with the following supported on a curb either of metal or of wood
requirements: covered with sheet metal. The toughened glass

shall be secured by hard metal fastenings to 4.2.8 The floors of areas covered for the means of exit
the frame and bars independently of any lead, shall be illuminated to values not less than 1 ft candle
cement or putty used for weather-proofing (10 lux) at floor level. In auditoriums, theatres, concert
purposes. halls and such other places of assembly, the
illumination of floor exit/access may be reduced during
3.4.18 Louvers
period of performances to values not less than 1/5 ft
Louvers wherever provided shall be of minimum half candle (2 lux).
hour fire resistance rating.
4.2.9 Fire doors with 2 h fire resistance shall be
3.4.19 Glass of facade for high rise buildings, etc shall provided at appropriate places along the escape route
be of minimum 1 h fire resistance rating. and particularly at the entrance to lift lobby and stair
well where a ‘funnel or flue effect’ may be created,
4 LIFE SAFETY inducing an upward spread of fire to prevent spread of
4.1 General fire and smoke.
Every building shall be so constructed, equipped, 4.2.10 All exits shall provide continuous means of
maintained and operated as to avoid undue danger to egress to the exterior of a building or to an exterior
the life and safety of the occupants from fire, smoke, open space leading to a street.
fumes or panic during the time period necessary for 4.2.11 Exits shall be so arranged that they may be
escape. reached without passing through another occupied
unit.
4.2 General Exit Requirements
4.3 Occupant Load
4.2.1 An exit may be a doorway; corridor; passageway(s)
to an internal staircase, or external staircase, or to a For determining the exits required, the number of
VERANDAH or terrace(s), which have access to the persons within any floor area or the occupant load shall
street, or to the roof of a building or a refuge area. An be based on the actual number of occupants, but in no
exit may also include a horizontal exit leading to an case less than that specified in Table 20.
adjoining building at the same level.
4.3.1 Mezzanine
4.2.2 Lifts and escalators shall not be considered as
The occupant load of a mezzanine floor discharging
exits.
to a floor below shall be added to that floor occupancy
4.2.3 Every exit, exit access or exit discharge shall be and the capacity of the exits shall be designed for the
continuously maintained free of all obstructions or total occupancy load thus established.
impediments to full use in the case of fire or other
emergency. 4.4 Capacities of Exits
4.2.4 Every building meant for human occupancy shall 4.4.1 The unit of exit width, used to measure the
be provided with exits sufficient to permit safe escape capacity of any exit, shall be 500 mm. A clear width
of occupants, in case of fire or other emergency. of 250 mm shall be counted as an additional half unit.
Clear widths less than 250 mm shall not be counted
4.2.5 In every building or structure, exits shall comply for exit width.
with the minimum requirements of this part, except
NOTE — The total occupants from a particular floor must
those not accessible for general public use.
evacuate within 2½ minutes for Type 1 construction,
4.2.6 No building shall be so altered as to reduce the 1½ minutes for Type 2 construction and 1 minute for Type 3
construction. Size of the exit door/exitway shall be calculated
number, width or protection of exits to less than that accordingly keeping in view the travel distance as per
required. Table 22.
4.2.7 Exits shall be clearly visible and the route to 4.4.2 Occupants per unit exit width shall be in
reach the exits shall be clearly marked and signs posted accordance with Table 21.
to guide the occupants of the floor concerned. Signs
shall be illuminated and wired to an independent 4.4.3 Horizontal Exit Allowance
electrical circuit on an alternative source of supply. When horizontal exit is provided in buildings of
The sizes and colours of the exit signs shall be in mercantile, storage, industrial, business and assembly
accordance with good practice [4(16)]. The colour of occupancies, the capacity per storey per unit width of
the exit signs shall be green. exit of stairways in Table 21 may be increased by 50
NOTE — This provision shall not apply to A-2 and A-4 percent and in buildings of institutional occupancy it
occupancies less than 15 m in height. may be increased by 100 percent.

Table 20 Occupant Load in Table 22, except in assembly and institutional
(Clause 4.3) occupancies in which case it shall not exceed 6 m.
4.5.3 Whenever more than one exit is required for any
Sl Group of Occupancy Occupant Load, Floor
No.
2
Area in m /Person room space or floor of a building, exits shall be placed
(1) (2) (3) as remote from each other as possible and shall be
arranged to provide direct access in separate directions
i) Residential (A) 12.5
from any point in the area served.
ii) Educational (B) 4
iii) Institutional (C) 15 (see Note 1) Table 22 Travel Distance for Occupancy and
iv) Assembly (D) Type of Construction
a) With fixed or loose seats 0.6 (see Note 2)
and dance floors (Clauses 4.4.1, 4.5.1 and 4.5.2)
b) Without seating facilities 1.5 (see Note 2) Sl Group of Occupancy Maximum Travel Distance
including dining rooms No. Construction
v) Mercantile (F)
a) Street floor and sales 3 Types 1 & 2 Types 3 & 4
basement m m
b) Upper sale floors 6 (1) (2) (3) (4)
vi) Business and industrial (E&G) 10 i) Residential (A) 30.0 22.5
vii) Storage (H) 30 ii) Educational (B) 30.0 22.5
viii) Hazardous (J) 10 iii) Institutional (C) 30.0 22.5
iv) Assembly (D) 30.0 30.0
NOTES
v) Business (E) 30.0 30.0
1 Occupant load in dormitory portions of homes for the
aged, orphanages, insane asylums, etc, where sleeping vi) Mercantile (F) 30.0 30.0
1)
accommodation is provided, shall be calculated at not less than vii) Industrial (G) 45.0
1)
7.5 m2 gross floor area/person. viii) Storage (H) 30.0
1)
2 The gross floor area shall include, in addition to the main ix) Hazardous (J) 22.5
assembly room or space, any occupied connecting room or
space in the same storey or in the storeys above or below, where NOTES
entrance is common to such rooms and spaces and they are 1 For fully sprinklered building, the travel distance may be
available for use by the occupants of the assembly place. No increased by 50 percent of the values specified.
deductions shall be made in the gross area for corridors, closets 2 Ramps shall be protected with automatic sprinkler system
or other sub-divisions; the area shall include all space serving and shall be counted as one of the means of escape.
the particular assembly occupancy. 1)
Construction of type 3 or 4 is not permitted.
Table 21 Occupants per Unit Exit Width 4.6 Number of Exits

(Clauses 4.4.2, 4.4.3 and C-1.6.2) 4.6.1 General
Sl Group of Number of Occupants The general requirements of number of exits shall
No. Occupancy supplement the requirement of different occupancies
Stairways Ramps Doors in 6.1 to 6.9.
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
4.6.2 All buildings, which are 15 m in height or above,
i) Residential (A) 25 50 75
and all buildings used as educational, assembly,
ii) Educational (B) 25 50 75
iii) Institutional (C) 25 50 75
institutional, industrial, storage, and hazardous
iv) Assembly (D) 40 50 60 occupancies and mixed occupancies with any of the
v) Business (E) 50 60 75 aforesaid occupancies, having area more than 500 m2
vi) Mercantile (F) 50 60 75 on each floor shall have a minimum of two staircases.
vii) Industrial (G) 50 60 75 They shall be of enclosed type; at least one of them
viii) Storage (H) 50 60 75 shall be on external walls of buildings and shall open
ix) Hazardous (J) 25 30 40 directly to the exterior, interior open space or to an
open place of safety. Further, the provision or otherwise
4.5 Arrangement of Exits of alternative staircases shall be subject to the
4.5.1 Exits shall be so located that the travel distance requirements of travel distance being complied with.
on the floor shall not exceed the distance given in 4.7 Doorways
Table 22.
4.7.1 Every exit doorway shall open into an enclosed
4.5.2 The travel distance to an exit from the dead end stairway or a horizontal exit of a corridor or passageway
of a corridor shall not exceed half the distance specified providing continuous and protected means of egress.

4.7.2 No exit doorway shall be less than 1 000 mm in a) Residential buildings (dwellings) 1.0 m
width except assembly buildings where door width b) Residential hotel buildings 1.5 m
shall be not less than 2 000 mm. Doorways shall be c) Assembly buildings like auditorium, 2.0 m
not less than 2 000 mm in height. theatres and cinemas
4.7.3 Exit doorways shall open outwards, that is, away d) Educational buildings up to 30 m in 1.5 m
from the room, but shall not obstruct the travel along height
any exit. No door, when opened, shall reduce the e) Institutional buildings like hospitals 2.0 m
required width of stairway or landing to less than f) All other buildings 1.5 m
900 mm; overhead or sliding doors shall not be
installed. 4.9.7 The minimum width of tread without nosing
shall be 250 mm for internal staircase of residential
NOTE — In the case of buildings where there is a central
corridor, the doors of rooms shall open inwards to permit
buildings. This shall be 300 mm for assembly, hotels,
smooth flow of traffic in the corridor. educational, institutional, business and other buildings.
The treads shall be constructed and maintained in a
4.7.4 Exit door shall not open immediately upon a
manner to prevent slipping.
flight of stairs; a landing equal to at least the width of
the door shall be provided in the stairway at each 4.9.8 The maximum height of riser shall be 190 mm
doorway; the level of landing shall be the same as that for residential buildings and 150 mm for other buildings
of the floor which it serves. and the number shall be limited to 15 per flight.
4.7.5 Exit doorways shall be openable from the side 4.9.9 Handrails shall be provided at a height of
which they serve without the use of a key. 1 000 mm to be measured from the base of the middle
of the treads to the top of the handrails. Balusters/railing
4.7.6 Mirrors shall not be placed in exit ways or exit shall be provided such that the width of staircase does
doors to avoid confusion regarding the direction of exit. not reduce (see Fig. 1).
4.8 Corridors and Passageways 4.9.10 The number of people in between floor landings
in staircase shall not be less than the population on
4.8.1 Exit corridors and passageways shall be of width
each floor for the purpose of design of staircase. The
not less than the aggregate required width of exit
design of staircase shall also take into account the
doorways leading from them in the direction of travel
following:
to the exterior.
a) The minimum headroom in a passage under
4.8.2 Where stairways discharge through corridors and the landing of a staircase and under the
passageways, the height of corridors and passageways staircase shall be 2.2 m.
shall be not less than 2.4 m.
b) For building 15 m in height or more, access
4.8.3 All means of exit including staircases lifts lobbies to main staircase shall be through a fire/smoke
and corridors shall be adequately ventilated. check door of a minimum 2 h fire resistance
rating. Fire resistance rating may be reduced
4.9 Internal Staircases to 1 h for residential buildings (except hotels
4.9.1 Internal stairs shall be constructed of non- and starred hotels).
combustible materials throughout. c) No living space, store or other fire risk shall
open directly into the staircase or staircases.
4.9.2 Internal stairs shall be constructed as a self-
d) External exit door of staircase enclosure at
contained unit with an external wall of the building
ground level shall open directly to the open
constituting at least one of its sides and shall be
spaces or through a large lobby, if necessary.
completely enclosed.
e) The main and external staircases shall be
4.9.3 A staircase shall not be arranged round a lift shaft. continuous from ground floor to the terrace
4.9.4 Hollow combustible construction shall not be level.
permitted. f) No electrical shafts/AC ducts or gas pipes, etc,
shall pass through or open in the staircases.
4.9.5 No gas piping or electrical panels shall be Lifts shall not open in staircase.
allowed in the stairway. Ducting in stairway may be
g) No combustible material shall be used for
permitted if it is of 1 h fire resistance rating.
decoration/wall paneling in the staircase.
4.9.6 Notwithstanding the detailed provision for exits h) Beams/columns and other building features
in accordance with 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5, the following shall not reduce the head room/width of the
minimum width shall be provided for staircases: staircase.

All dimensions in millimetres.
FIG. 1 TYPICAL DETAIL FOR HANDRAIL /BLUSTERS OF A STAIRCASE
j) The exit sign with arrow indicating the way 4.10 Pressurization of Staircases (Protected Escape
to the escape route shall be provided at a Routes)
suitable height from the floor level on the wall 4.10.1 Though in normal building design,
and shall be illuminated by electric light compartmentation plays a vital part in limiting the
connected to corridor circuits. All exit way spread of fire, smoke will readily spread to adjacent
marking signs should be flush with the wall spaces through the various leakage openings in the
and so designed that no mechanical damage compartment enclosure, such as cracks, openings
shall occur to them due to moving of furniture around pipes ducts, airflow grills and doors, as perfect
or other heavy equipments. Further, all sealing of all these openings is not possible. It is smoke
landings of floor shall have floor indicating and toxic gases, rather than flame, that will initially
boards prominently indicating the number of obstruct the free movement of occupants of the
floor as per bye-laws. building through the means of escape (escape routes).
The floor indication board shall be placed on Hence the exclusion of smoke and toxic gases from
the wall immediately facing the flight of stairs the protected routes is of great importance.
and nearest to the landing. It shall be of size 4.10.2 Pressurization is a method adopted for protected
not less than 0.5 m × 0.5 m. escape routes against ingress of smoke, especially in
k) Individual floors shall be prominently high-rise buildings. In pressurization, air is injected
indicated on the wall facing the staircases. into the staircases, lobbies or corridors, to raise their
m) In case of single staircase it shall terminate pressure slightly above the pressure in adjacent parts
at the ground floor level and the access to of the building. As a result, ingress of smoke or toxic
the basement shall be by a separate staircase. gases into the escape routes will be prevented. The
The second staircase may lead to basement pressurization of staircases shall be adopted for high
levels provided the same is separate at rise buildings and building having mixed occupancy/
ground level by ventilated lobby with multiplexes having covered area more than 500 m2.
discharge points to two different ends 4.10.3 The pressure difference for staircases shall be
through enclosures. as under:

be resorted to. The use of pressurized and naturally
Building Pressure Difference
Height ventilated staircases in the same building may introduce
Reduced Emergency difficulties and hence shall be avoided. Under no
Operation Operation circumstances shall a pressurized staircase be
(Stage 1 of (Stage 2 of a connected by a corridor or lobby to an un-pressurized
a 2-Stage 2-Stage System staircase. Wherever pressurized staircase is to be
System) or Single connected to un-pressurized area, the two areas shall
Stage System) be segregated.
(Pa) (Pa)
Less than 15 m 8 50 4.11 External Stairs
15 m or above 15 50 An external staircase is desirable to be provided for
high rise buildings.
If possible, the same levels shall be used for lobbies
and corridors, but levels slightly lower may be used External stairs, when provided shall comply the
for these spaces if desired. The difference in following:
pressurization levels between staircase and lobbies (or 4.11.1 External stairs shall always be kept in sound
corridors) shall not be greater than 5 Pa. operable conditions.
4.10.4 Pressurization system may be of two types: 4.11.2 All external stairs shall be directly connected
a) Single-stage, designed for operation only in to the ground.
the event of an emergency, and 4.11.3 Entrance to the external stairs shall be separate
b) Two-stage, where normally a level of and remote from the internal staircase.
pressurization is maintained in the protected
4.11.4 Care shall be taken to ensure that no wall
escape routes and an increased level of
opening or window opens on to or close to an external
pressurization can be brought into operation
stairs.
in an emergency.
4.10.5 The normal air-conditioning system and the 4.11.5 The route to the external stairs shall be free of
pressurization system shall be treated as an integral obstructions at all times.
one, especially for a two-stage system. When the 4.11.6 The external stairs shall be constructed of non-
emergency pressurization is brought into action, the combustible materials, and any doorway leading to it
following changes in the normal air-conditioning shall have the required fire resistance.
system shall be effected:
4.11.7 No external staircase, used as a fire escape, shall
a) Any re-circulation of air shall be stopped and be inclined at an angle greater than 45° from the
all exhaust air vented to atmosphere; horizontal.
b) Any air supply to the spaces/areas other than
4.11.8 External stairs shall have straight flight not less
escape routes shall be stopped;
than 1 250 mm wide with 250 mm treads and risers
c) The exhaust system may be continued
not more than 190 mm. The number of risers shall be
provided:
limited to 15 per flight.
1) the positions of the extraction grills
permit a general air flow away from the 4.11.9 Handrails shall be of a height not less than
protected escape route entry; 1 000 mm and not exceeding 1 200 mm. There shall
be provisions of balusters with maximum gap of
2) the construction of the ductwork and fans
150 mm.
is such that, it will not be rendered
inoperable by hot gases and smoke; and 4.11.10 The use of spiral staircase shall be limited to
3) there is no danger of spread of smoke to low occupant load and to a building not exceeding 9 m
other floors by the path of the extraction in height.
system which can be ensured by keeping
A spiral stair case shall be not less than 1 500 mm in
the extraction fans running.
diameter and shall be designed to give adequate
4.10.6 The pressurization system can be headroom.
interconnected with the automatic/manual fire alarm
4.11.11 Unprotected steel frame staircase will not be
system for actuation.
accepted as means of escape. However, steel staircase
4.10.7 It will be desirable to have all the staircases in in an enclosed fire rated compartment of 2 h will be
a building pressurized, if pressurization system is to accepted as means of escape.

4.12 Horizontal Exits capacity and limiting dimensions except where
specified in 6.1 to 6.9 for special uses and occupancies.
4.12.1 The width of horizontal exit shall be same as
for the exit doorways. 4.14.2 The slope of a ramp shall not exceed 1 in 10.
In certain cases steeper slopes may be permitted but in
4.12.2 A horizontal exit shall be equipped with at least
no case greater than 1 in 8.
one fire/smoke door of minimum 1 h fire resistance,
of self-closing type. Further, it is required to have direct 4.14.3 For all slopes exceeding 1 in 10 and wherever
connectivity to the fire escape staircase for evacuation. the use is such as to involve danger of slipping, the
ramp shall be surfaced with approved non-slipping
4.12.3 For buildings more than 24 m in height, refuge
material.
area of 15 m2 or an area equivalent to 0.3 m2 per person
to accommodate the occupants of two consecutive 4.15 Fire Lifts
floors, whichever is higher, shall be provided as under:
4.15.1 Where applicable, fire lifts shall be provided
The refuge area shall be provided on the periphery of with a minimum capacity for 8 passengers and fully
the floor or preferably on a cantilever projection and automated with emergency switch on ground level. In
open to air at least on one side protected with suitable general, buildings 15 m in height or above shall be
railings. provided with fire lifts.
a) For floors above 24 m and Up to 39 m — 4.15.2 In case of fire, only fireman shall operate the fire
One refuge area on the floor immediately lift. In normal course, it may be used by other persons.
above 24 m.
4.15.3 Each fire lift shall be equipped with suitable
b) For floors above 39 m — One refuge area on
inter-communication equipment for communicating
the floor immediately above 39 m and so on
with the control room on the ground floor of the
after every 15 m. Refuge area provided in
building.
excess of the requirements shall be counted
towards FAR. 4.15.4 The number and location of fire lifts in a
NOTE — Residential flats in multi-storied building with building shall be decided after taking into consideration
balcony, need not be provided with refuge area, various factors like building population, floor area,
however flats without balcony shall provide refuge area compartmentation, etc.
as given above.
4.12.4 Where there is a difference in level between 4.16 Emergency and Escape Lighting
connected areas for horizontal exits, ramps, not more 4.16.1 Emergency lighting shall be powered from a
than 1 in 10 m slope shall be provided; steps shall not source independent of that supplying the normal
be used. lighting [see good practice [4 (17)].
4.12.5 Doors in horizontal exits shall be openable at Escape lighting shall be capable of:
all times from both sides.
a) Indicating clearly and unambiguously the
4.13 Fire Tower escape routes,
Fire towers are the preferred type of escape route for b) Providing adequate illumination along such
storeyed buildings and these shall be considered as the routes to allow safe movement of persons
safest route for escape. Their number, location and size towards and through the exits,
shall depend on the building concerned, and its c) Ensuring that fire alarm call points and fire-
associated escape routes. fighting equipments provided along the
escape routes can be readily located.
4.13.1 In high rise buildings with over 8 storeys or
24 m in height, at least one required means of egress 4.16.2 The horizontal luminance at floor level on the
shall preferably be a fire tower. centreline of an escape route shall be not less than
10 lux. In addition, for escape routes up to 2 m wide,
4.13.2 The fire towers shall be constructed of walls 50 percent of the route width shall be lit to a minimum
with a 2 h fire resistance rating without openings other of 5 lux.
than the exit doorways, with platforms, landings and
balconies having the same fire-resistance rating. 4.16.3 The emergency lighting shall be provided to
be put on within 1 s of the failure of the normal lighting
4.14 Ramps supply.
4.14.1 Ramps shall comply with all the applicable 4.16.4 Escape lighting luminaries should be sited to
requirements for stairways regarding enclosure, cover the following locations:

a) Near each intersection of corridors, b) Staircase and corridor lighting shall also
b) at each exit door, be connected to alternative supply. The
c) Near each change of direction in the escape alternative source of supply may be provided
route, by battery continuously trickle charged from
the electric mains; and
d) Near each staircase so that each flight of stairs
receives direct light, c) Suitable arrangements shall be made by
installing double throw switches to ensure that
e) Near any other change of floor level,
the lighting installed in the staircase and the
f) Outside each final exit and close to it, corridor does not get connected to two sources
g) Near each fire alarm call point, of supply simultaneously. Double throw
h) Near fire-fighting equipment, and switch shall be installed in the service room
j) To illuminate exit and safety signs as required for terminating the stand-by supply.
by the enforcing authority.
4.18 Fire Detection and Warning
NOTE — For the purposes of this clause ‘near’ is
normally considered to be within 2 m measured In buildings of such size, arrangement or occupancy
horizontally. where a fire may not itself provide adequate warning
4.16.5 Emergency lighting systems shall be designed to occupants, automatic fire detection and alarm
to ensure that a fault or failure in any one luminaire facilities shall be provided, where necessary, to warn
does not further reduce the effectiveness of the occupants early of the existence of fire, so that they
system. may escape, and to facilitate the orderly conduct of
fire exit drills.
4.16.6 The luminairies shall be mounted as low as
possible, but at least 2 m above the floor level. 4.18.1 The fire detection system shall be in accordance
with accepted standards [4(18)]. Guidelines for
4.16.7 Signs are required at all exits, emergency selection of various types of fire detectors for different
exits and escape routes, which should comply with
occupancies and their installation and maintenance
the graphic requirements of the relevant Indian
shall be in accordance with [4(19)].
Standards.
4.18.2 The requirements of fire detection and alarm
4.16.8 Emergency lighting luminaires and their fittings
systems are covered for each occupancy in Table 23
shall be of non-flammable type.
and under 6.1 to 6.9; attention is also drawn to such
4.16.9 It is essential that the wiring and installation of requirements in case of high rise buildings (15 m or
the emergency lighting systems are of high quality so more in height) as given in Annex C.
as to ensure their perfect serviceability at all times.
5 FIRE PROTECTION
4.16.10 The emergency lighting system shall be
capable of continuous operation for a minimum 5.1 Fire Extinguishers/Fixed Fire Fighting
duration of 1 h and 30 m even for the smallest Installations
premises. 5.1.1 All buildings depending upon the occupancy use
4.16.11 The emergency lighting system shall be well and height shall be protected by fire extinguishers, wet
maintained by periodical inspections and tests so as to riser, down-comer, automatic sprinkler installation,
ensure their perfect serviceability at all times. high/medium velocity water spray, foam, gaseous or
dry powder system in accordance with the provisions
4.17 Illumination of Means of Exit
of 5.1.2 to 5.1.9.
Staircase and corridor lights shall conform to the
5.1.2 These fire extinguishers/fixed installations shall
following:
be in accordance with accepted standards [4(20)]. The
a) The staircase and corridor lighting shall be typical requirements of fire extinguishers/wet riser/
on separate circuits and shall be independently down-comer installation and capacity of water storage
connected so that it could be operated by one tanks and fire pumps, etc shall be as specified in
switch installation on the ground floor easily Table 23. The requirements regarding size of mains/
accessible to fire fighting staff at any time risers shall be as given in Table 24. The typical
irrespective of the position of the individual arrangements of down-comer and wet riser installations
control of the light points, if any. It should be are shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The wet riser shall be
of miniature circuit breaker type of switch so designed for zonal distribution ensuring that unduly
as to avoid replacement of fuse in case of high pressures are not developed in risers and hose-
crisis; pipes.

FIG. 2 T YPICAL ARRANGEMENT OF DOWN-COMER FOR B UILDING ABOVE 15 m
BUT NOT E XCEEDING 30 m IN H EIGHT

FIG. 3 TYPICAL ARRANGEMENT OF WET RISER AND T OTAL SPRINKLER SYSTEM OF BUILDING
OTHER THAN APPARTMENT E XCEEDING 30 m IN HEIGHT

Table 23 Minimum Requirements for Fire Fighting Installations
(Clauses 4.18.2, 6.1.2, 6.2.3, 6.3.2, 6.4.3, 6.5.2, 6.5.2.1, 6.5.2.2, 6.5.2.3, 6.5.2.4, 6.5.2.5, 6.6.2, 6.7.2, 6.8.2 and 6.9.2)
Sl Type of Building Type of Installation Water Supply Pump Capacity

No. Occupancy (in l) (in l/min)
Fire Hose Dry Wet Down- Yard Automatic Manually Automatic Underground Terrace Pump Near At the
Extin- Reel Riser Riser Comer Hydrant Sprinkler Operated Detection Static Water Tank Underground Terrace
gusher (see System Electric and Alarm Storage Static Water Tank Level
Note 6) Fire Alarm System Tank Storage Tank with
Systems (Fire Pump) Minimum

with Minimum Pressure
Pressure of of
3.5 kg/cm2 2.0 kg/cm2
at
Terrace Level
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15)
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS (A)

a) Lodging or Rooming
Houses (A-1)
(see Note 1)
1) Less than 15 m in
height
i) Up to 15 rooms R NR NR NR NR NR R NR NR NR 5 000 NR NR
(see Note 2) (see Note 3)
ii) More than 15 and R R NR NR NR NR R NR NR NR 5 000 NR 450

up to 30 rooms (see Note 2) (5 000) (450)
iii) More than R R NR NR NR NR R R NR NR 10 000 NR 450

30 rooms (see Note 2) (see Note 5) (5 000) (450)
b) One or two Family NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR

Private Dwellings
(A-2)
(see Note 1)
35
Table 23 — Continued
36
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15)
c) Dormitories (A-3)
Apartment
Houses (A-4)
1) Less than 15 m R R NR NR NR NR R NR NR NR 5 000 NR 450

in height (see Note 2) (5 000) (450)
2) 15 m and above but R R NR NR R NR R R NR NR 25 000 NR 900

not exceeding 35 m (see Note 2) (see Note 7)
in height
3) Above 35 m but not R R NR R NR NR R R NR 75 000 5 000 (see Note 19) NR

exceeding 45 m in (see Notes (5 000)
height 2 and 8) (see Note 4)
4) Above 45 m in height R R NR R NR R R R NR 75 000 10 000 (see Note 20) NR

but not exceeding
60 m in height
5) Above 60 m R R NR R NR R R R R 100 000 25 000 (see Note 21) NR

in height
d) Hotels (A-5)
1) Less than 15 m
in height
i) Covered area not R R NR NR NR NR R R NR NR 5 000 NR 450

exceeding 300 m2 (see Note 2) (see Note 2) (see Note 3)
on each floor
ii) Covered area R R NR R NR NR R R R 10 000 for 10 000 (see Notes 5 NR

exceeding 300 m2 (see (see Note 2) every 500 m2 (see Note 2) and 19)
but not more Note 5) covered area
1 000 m2 on subject to
each floor minimum of
50 000
(see Note 5)
iii) Covered area R R NR R NR R R R R 100 000 10 000 (see Notes 9 NR

exceeding (see (see Note 10) (see Note 9) (see Note 2) and 19)
1 000 m2 on Note 9)
each floor

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15)
2) 15 m and above but R R NR R NR R R R R 150 000 20 000 (see Note 20) NR

not exceeding 30 m (see Note 10)
3) Above 30 m in R R NR R NR R R R R 200 000 20 000 (see Note 21) NR

height (see Note 10)
e) Hotels (A-6) R R NR R NR R R R R 200 000 20 000 (see Note 22) NR

(see Note 10)
EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS (B) (see Note 12)

1) Less than 15 m in height
i) Ground plus one R NR NR NR NR NR R NR NR NR 5 000 NR 450

storey (see Note 2) (see Note 3) (see Note 3)
ii) Ground plus two R R NR NR NR NR R NR NR NR 10 000 NR 450

or more storeys (see Note 2) (5 000) (450)
2) 15 m and above but not R R NR NR R NR R R NR NR 25 000 NR 900

exceeding 30 m in height (see Note 2)
INSTITUTIONAL BUILDINGS (C) (see Note 12)

a) Hospitals, Sanatoria
and Nursing Homes
(C-1)
with plot area up to
1 000 m2
i) Up to ground plus R R NR NR NR NR R R NR NR 2 500 NR NR

one storey, with (see Note 2) (2 500)
no beds (see Note 4)
ii) Up to ground plus R R NR NR R NR R R NR NR 5 000 NR 450

one storey with beds (see Note 2) (5 000) (450)
iii) Ground plus two R R NR NR R NR R R R NR 5 000 NR 450
or more storeys, (see Note 2) (5 000) (450)
with no beds (see Note 4) (see Note 4)
iv) Ground plus two or R R NR R NR NR R R R 50 000 5 000 (see Note 19) NR

more storeys, with (see Note 2) (5 000)
beds (see Note 4)
37
38
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15)
2) Less than 15 m in height R R NR R NR R R R R 1 00 000 10 000 (see Note 19) NR

with plot area more (see Note 2)
than 1 000 m2
3) 15 m and above but not R R NR R NR R R R R 100 000 20 000 (see Note 20) NR
4) Above 24 m and not R R NR R NR R R R R 150 000 20 000 (see Note 21) NR

b) Custodial (C-2), and

Penal and Plental (C-3)
1) Less than 10 m in
height
i) Up to 300 persons R R NR NR NR NR R R NR NR 10 000 NR 450 (900)
(see Note 2) (5 000) (see Note 4)
(see Note 4)
ii) More than 300 R R NR NR R NR R R NR NR 15 000 NR 450 (900)

persons (see Note 2) (5 000) (see Note 4)
(see Note 4)

not exceeding 15 m (see Note 2) (5 000)
in height (see Note 4)

not exceeding 24 m in (see Note 11)
height

not exceeding 30 m in (see Note 11)
height
ASSEMBLY BUILDINGS (D) (see Note 12)

a) Buildings
(D-1 to D-5)
i) Up to 300 persons R R NR NR R NR R R NR NR 10 000 NR 450

(see Note 2) (5 000) (450)

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15)
ii) More than R R NR NR R NR R R NR NR 15 000 NR 900

300 persons (see Note 2) (5 000)
(see Note 4)
2) Above 10 m but not R R NR R NR NR R R R 50 000 5 000 (see Note 20) 450

exceeding 15 m in height (see Note 2) (5 000) (450)
3) Above 15 m but not R R NR R NR R R R R 75 000 10 000 (see Note 20) NR

b) Multiplex D-6 R R NR R NR R R R R 200 000 20 000 (see Note 22) NR

(see Note 10)
c) D-7 For details see 6.4.8
BUSINESS BUILDINGS (E)
1) Less than 10 m in R R NR NR R NR R R NR NR 10 000 NR 450
height (see Note 2) (5 000) (450)
2) Above 10 m but not R R NR R NR NR R R R 50 000 5 000 (see Note 20) 450

exceeding 15 m in (see Note 2) (5 000) (450)
height (see Note 4) (see Note 4)
3) Above 15 m and up to R R NR R NR R R R R 75 000 10 000 (see Note 20) NR

24 m in height (see Note 11)
4) Above 24 m and up to R R NR R NR R R R R 100 000 20 000 (see Note 21) NR

30 m in height (see Note 10)
5) Above 30 m in height R R NR R NR R R R R 200 000 20 000 (see Note 22) NR

(see Note 10)
MERCANTILE BUILDINGS (F)
a) F-1 & F-2

(see Note 12)
i) Ground plus one R R NR NR R NR R NR NR NR 5 000 NR 450

storey, with total (see Note 2) (5 000) (450)
covered area not (see Note 4) (see Note 4)
exceeding 500 m2
39
40
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15)
ii) Ground plus one R R NR NR R NR R R NR NR 25 000 NR 900

storey and covered (see Note 2)
area exceeding
500 m2
iii) More than ground R R R NR R NR R R NR NR 5 000 NR 900

plus one storey (see Note 2) (5 000)
(see Note 4)
2) Above 15 m but not R R NR R NR NR R R R 100 000 10 000 (see Note 20) NR

exceeding 24 m in (see Note 11)
height

exceeding 30 m in (see Note 10)
height
b) Underground shopping R R NR R NR R R R R 150 000 10 000 (see Note 21) NR

complex (F-3) (see Note 10)
(see Note 13)
INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS (G) (see Note 14)

a) Low Hazard (G-1)
(see Note 15)
i) Built up area R NR NR NR NR NR R NR NR NR 5 000 NR 450

up to 100 m2 (see Note 2) (see Note 3) (see Note 3)
ii) Built up area more R R NR NR R NR R NR NR NR 5 000 NR 450

than 100 m2 and (see Note 2) (5 000)
up to 500 m2 (see Note 4)
iii) Built up area more R R NR R R R R NR R 100 000 10 000 (see Note 20) 450
than 500 m2 (see Note 7)
b) Moderate Hazard
(G-2) (see Note 14)
i) Built up area R R NR NR NR NR R NR NR NR 10 000 NR 450

up to 100 m2
ii) Built up area more R R NR NR NR NR R NR NR NR 10 000 NR 900
than 100 m2 and
up to 500 m2

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15)
iii) Built up area more R R NR R R R R R R 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 R R NR R R R R R R 100 000 20 000 (see Note 20) 900
than 1 000 m2 (see Note 7)
c) High Hazard (G-3)

(see Note 16)

i) Built up area R R NR NR NR NR R NR NR NR 5 000 NR 450
up to 50 m2
ii) Built up area more R R NR NR NR NR R NR R NR 5 000 NR 450

than 50 m2 and
up to 150 m2
iii) Built up area more R R NR R NR NR R NR R 25 000 10 000 (see Note 19) 450
than 150 m2 and
up to 300 m2
iv) Built up area more R R NR R NR R R R R 50 000 20 000 (see Note 19) 900
than 300 m2 and
up to 500 m2
v) Built up area more R R NR R R R R R R 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 R R NR NR NR NR R NR NR 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
i) Ground floor only R R NR R NR R R NR R 50 000 10 000 (see Note 20) 450
ii) Ground plus R R NR R NR R R NR R 75 000 10 000 (see Note 20) 450

one floor
41
Table 23 — Concluded
42
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15)
iii) More than ground R R NR R NR R R NR R 100 000 10 000 (see Note 20) 450
plus one floor
HAZARDOUS BUILDINGS (J) (see Note 17)
1) Up to 15 m in height
i) Single Storey R R NR NR NR R R R R Minimum NR (see Note 18) NR

Building 4 h fire
fighting
requirements
ii) More than one floor R R NR R R R R R R Minimum 50 000 (see Note 18) 900
building but not 4 h fire
exceeding 15 m fighting
requirements
R — Required
NR — 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 m2.
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 m2 then 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.

18 Pump capacity shall be based on the covered area of the building.
19 One electric and one diesel pump of capacity 1 620 l/min and one electric pump of capacity 180 l/min (see Fig. 4).
20 One electric and one diesel pump of capacity 2 280 l/min and one electric pump of capacity 180 l/min (see Fig. 4).
21 Two electric and one diesel pump of capacity 2 280 l/min and one electric pump of capacity 180 l/min (see Fig. 5).
22 Two electric and one diesel pump of capacity 2 850 l/min and one electric pump of capacity 180 l/min (see Fig. 5).
23 For buildings 45 m and above, the entire quantity of water for fire fighting purpose (as required in respective occupancy), if provided at the terrace level, the main pump sprinkler pump, jockey pump
and common pump need not be provided, however one electric fire pump of 900 LPM capacity with automatic operation is required to be provided.

43
FIG. 4 TYPICAL SYSTEM OF PUMPING WITH ONE ELECTRIC AND
ONE D IESEL FIRE PUMP

FIG. 5 TYPICAL SYSTEM OF PUMPING WITH T WO ELECTRIC,
ONE DIESEL FIRE PUMP

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
5.1.4 First-aid fire fighting appliances shall be at the rate of 2 250 l/min, if tank is in the
provided and installed in accordance with good practice basement or not approachable for the fire
[4(21)]. The fire fighting equipment and accessories engines.
to be installed in buildings for use in fire fighting shall 5.1.7 Automatic Sprinklers
be in accordance with the accepted standards contained
in [4(20)] and shall be maintained periodically so as Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in:
to ensure their perfect serviceability at all times. a) basements used as car parks or storage
5.1.5 In addition to wet riser or down-comer, first-aid occupancy, if the area exceeds 200 m2;
hose reels shall be installed on all the floors of buildings b) 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;
c) 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 d) 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
e) 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
consultation with the local fire brigade. f) godowns and warehouses, as considered
necessary;
The static storage water supply required for the above g) 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
total vehicular load of 45 T equally divided as a four h) dressing room, scenery docks, stages and
point load when the slab forms a part of pathway/ stage basements of theatres;
driveway. j) 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
discharging 2 250 l/min to a visible drain point from k) in hotels below 15 m, if covered area at each
which by a separate conduit, the overflow shall be floor is more than 1 000 m2;
conveyed to a storm water drain. m) false ceiling voids exceeding 800 mm in
height (see Note 2); and
a) To prevent stagnation of water in the static
water storage tank, the suction tank of the n) canteen provided in upper floors of D-1
domestic water supply shall be fed only and D-2 occupancies shall be sprinklered.
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

FIG. 6 T YPICAL ARRANGEMENT FOR PROVIDING COMBIND FIRE FIGHTING AND
DOMESTIC WATER STORAGE TANK

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 i) 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,
appropriate sprinklers/provisions shall be provided in expansion types, which can cover fire risks in oil
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

[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
NOTE — This provision shall not apply to occupancies A-2
stairway, or a fire escape or horizontal exit all so
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
5.3 Fire Extinguisher/Extinguishing System Using open the doors from inside. All bathroom door
Halon Alternatives locks or fasteners shall be designed to permit the
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:

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
may be permitted) provided that single exit 6.1.4 Additional Precautions
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
following provisions shall apply: 6.1.4.3 All kitchen exhaust fans, where provided, shall
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
permitted in (b) below. Exits and ways of 6.1.4.4 All wiring shall be done in accordance with
access thereto shall be so arranged that they Part 8 ‘Building Services, Section 2 Electrical
are accessible in at least two different Installations’, good practice [4(10)] and National
directions from every point in any open area, Electric Code.
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
measured along the natural path of travel. 6.1.4.6 Doors leading to rooms in which flammable
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

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
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
be provided: b) Classrooms may have only one exit not less
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
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.
6.2.4.3 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.

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
c) Ramps; shall be allowed to be stored and handled. The handling
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
institutions, and custodial institutions shall be the same Places of assembly in buildings of other occupancy,
as specified for hospitals, in so far as applicable. such as ballrooms in hotels, restaurants in stores and
Reliable means shall be provided to permit the prompt assembly rooms in schools, shall be so located,
release of inmates from any locked section in case of separated or protected as to avoid any undue danger to
fire or other emergency. the occupants of the place of assembly from a fire
originating in the other occupancy or smoke therefrom.
6.3.3.8 Wherever any inmates are confined in any locked
rooms or spaces, adequate guards or other personnel shall 6.4.3 Fire Detection/Extinguishing System
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
protection is provided. 6.4.4 Exit Facilities
6.3.3.10 All buildings or sections of buildings in penal 6.4.4.1 Every place of assembly, every tier or balcony,
and mental institutions used for manufacturing, storage and every individual room used as a place of assembly
or office purposes shall have exits in accordance with shall have exits sufficient to provide for the total
the provisions of the Code for those occupancies. capacity thereof as determined in accordance with 4.
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

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
6.4.4.2 Clear aisles not less than 1.2 m in width shall occupancy may use exits common to the place of
be formed at right angles to the line of seating in such assembly and the other occupancy, provided the
number and manner that no seat shall be more than seven assembly area and the other occupancy are considered
seats away from an aisle. Rows of seats opening on to separately, and each has exits sufficient to meet the
an aisle at one end only shall have not more than seven requirements of the Code.
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
not less than 900 mm high. a) Where necessary for ceremonial purposes, the
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

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
refrigerator type, large transformers or other service 6.4.7.1 Where boilers or central heating plants using
equipments subject to possible explosion shall not be liquid or solid fuel are located at grade level, these
located directly under or adjacent to the required exits. shall be separated from the remainder of the building
All such rooms shall be effectively cut off from other by a separating wall with openings protected as in 3.4.7
parts of the building and provided with adequate vents and 3.4.8.
to the outer air. 6.4.7.2 Gymnasiums, indoor stadiums and similar
6.4.6.6 All rooms or areas used for storage of any occupancies may have floors/running tracks of wood,
combustible materials or equipment, or for painting, cinder, synthetic or un-protected steel or iron.
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.

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
each platform in such a way so that most of the platform 6.4.8.5 Manual call box
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
is to be provided in each half of the concourse. Further, 6.4.8.6 Manual panel gas flooding
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 CO 2 cylinder. This
In addition, hydrants shall be provided in commercial required to be provided only in main power panels,
areas also. that is HT panel, main LT panel, main LT distribution
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
parking area. 6.4.8.7 External area of the station
6.4.8.3 Sprinklers A ‘two way/four way’ fire brigade inlet to be provided

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

They shall be provided in various areas as detailed hereunder:
Sl 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
and the exit requirements given in 4, the requirements Details of Fire Detection/Extinguishing
given in 6.5.2 to 6.5.5 shall be complied with. Occupancy System
6.5.2 Fire Detection/Extinguishing System E-1 Automatic fire alarm system {good
The requirements for occupancy sub-divisions as practice [4(17)] and [4(18)], and
specified in Table 23 and Annex C (for High Rise Table 23}.
Buildings) shall apply.

6.5.2.2 Occupancy sub-division E-2 6.5.3 Exit Facilities
Details of Fire Detection/Extinguishing 6.5.3.1 In the case of mezzanines or balconies open

Occupancy System to the floor below, or other unprotected vertical
a) Laboratory Fixed automatic CO2 fire openings between floors, the population of the
with delicate extinguishing system or mezzanine or other subsidiary floor for level shall be
instruments automatic fire alarm system added to that of the main floor for the purpose of
{good practice [4(18)] and determining the required exits, provided, however, that
[4(19)], and Table 23} in no case shall the total number of exit units be less
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
b) Space under false Automatic fire alarm system adequately separated from the rest of the building.
ceiling (floor) {good practice [4(18)] and 6.5.5 Exception and Deviation
[4(19)], and Table 23}
c) Space above false Automatic fire alarm system 6.5.5.1 Basements used only for storage, heating, any
ceiling and below {good practice [4(18)] and other service equipment shall conform to exit
false floor [4(19)], and Table 23} requirements for Group H occupancies in all respects.
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
CO2 fire extinguishing 6.6.1 In addition to the general requirements specified
installation in 3.4 for type of construction and occupancy and the
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.
Details of Fire Detection/Extinguishing 6.6.1.1 Mixed occupancy

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

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
6.6.4.1 Requirements specified in 6.5.4.1 shall be such arrangements are not practicable, the Authority
applicable to all Group F occupancies also. may, by special ruling, permit other exit arrangements
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
6.6.4.3 In self-service stores, no check-out stand or heights of ceiling curtain boards and roof ventilation
associated railings or barriers shall obstruct exits or are such as to minimize the possibility that employees
required aisles or approaches thereto. will be overtaken by the spread of fire or smoke within
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
point of danger in case of fire or other emergency, but 6.7.3.3 Additional precautions
no dead-ends in which persons might be trapped due a) 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
hazardous nature are pre-dominant, shall be considered b) The storage, use and handling of gasoline,
under Group J occupancy for the purpose of the Code. fuel oil and other flammable liquids shall
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
thereunder.
in 3.4 for the type of construction and occupancy group
and the exit requirements given in 4, the requirements c) Every boiler room or room below the first
given in 6.7.2 to 6.7.5 shall be complied with. floor containing a heating plant shall be
adequately separated from the rest of the
6.7.2 Fire Detection/Extinguishing System buildings.
The requirements for occupancy sub-divisions G-1 to d) 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)].

6.7.3.4 Exception and deviation 5) Industrial buildings of high hazard are
permitted only up to 15 m height.
a) 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
b) 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,
these may be permitted beyond the limits 6.8.2 Fire Detection/Extinguishing System
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
height. In addition to the provisions of 4, the following
c) The following exceptions shall apply to high requirements shall also be complied with.
hazard industrial occupancies: 6.8.3.1 Every building or structure used for storage
1) 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
2) From every point in every floor area, employed therein and in any room or space exceeding
there shall be at least two exits accessible 1 400 m2 gross area, or where more than 10 persons
in different directions; where floor areas may be normally present, at least two separate means
are divided into rooms, there shall be at of exit shall be available, as remote from each other as
least two ways of escape from every practicable.
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.
3) In addition to types of exits for upper
floors specified for Group G occupancies, 6.8.3.3 The following special provisions shall apply
slide escapes may be used as required to parking garages of closed or open type, above or
exits for both new and existing below ground, but not to mechanical parking facilities
buildings. where automobiles are moved into and out of storage
mechanically which are not normally occupied by
4) 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

and repair sections are effectively separated the grade is one storey or more lower at the
by separation walls. rear than at the street).
b) 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
c) 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
in closed garages shall be so arranged that no 6.8.3.5 Exits from mezzanine floors in aircraft storage
point in the area is more than 30 m from the or servicing areas shall be so arranged that the
nearest exit, or 45 m in the case of garages maximum travel to reach the nearest exits from any
protected by automatic sprinklers, distance point on the mezzanine shall not exceed 22.5 m. Such
being measured along the natural path of exits shall lead directly to a properly enclosed stairwell
travel. discharging directly to the exterior or to a suitably cut-
off area or to outside fire escape stairs.
d) 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.
e) 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
than a ramp on the same floor level or 45 m c) An exterior fire escape of the stair or basket
in the case of garages protected by automatic ladder type shall be provided from the roof
sprinklers. of the workshop to ground level or the roof
of an adjoining annexe with access from all
f) On floors below the street (either basement
floors above the first.
or outside underground garages) at least two
exits shall be provided, not counting any d) An exterior fire escape of either the stair or
automobile ramps, except that for garages basket ladder type shall be provided from the
extending only one floor level below the roof of each storage annexe to ground level.
street, a ramp leading direct to the outside may 6.8.4 Additional Precautions
constitute one required means of exit. In
garages below street level, exits shall be so Requirements specified in 6.7.3.3 shall apply to Group
arranged that no part of the area shall be more H occupancies also.
than 30 m from the nearest stair exit.
6.8.5 Exceptions and Deviations
g) If any gasoline pumps are located within any
closed parking garage, exits shall be so Every area used for the storage of hazardous
located that travel away from the gasoline commodities shall have an exit within 22.5 m of any
pump in any direction shall lead to an exit; point in the area where persons may be present or 35 m
with no dead-end in which occupants might where automatic sprinkler protection is provided.
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.

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
in Table 23 and Annex C (for High Rise Building) d) The use, handling, storage and sale of
shall apply. gasoline, fuel oil and other flammable liquids
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
hydrant system, wet risers and automatic fire alarm system
in accordance with appropriate legislation in
depending on the type of fire hazard involved. force.
e) All openings in exterior walls except wall
6.9.3 Exit Facilities vents shall be protected by a fire stop
Requirements specified in 4 and 6.7.3.4 (c) shall apply assembly as in 4 and they shall be fixed,
to Group J occupancies also. automatic or self-closing. Wall vents having
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 f) 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 g) 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.

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
Benzene 39.6 2.25 Cheese (Cheddar) 18.1 1.03
Butane 47.1 2.68 Cornmeal 14.1 0.80
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
Pentane 46.0 2.61 Acetone 29.7 1.69
Propane 47.3 2.69 Acetaldehyde 25.1 1.43
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
Casein 23.1 1.31 A-2 The typical values fire load density for arriving
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
Sl 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) 25
Common Solids ii) Residential (A-3 to A-5) 25
iii) Institutional and 25
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

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

Abrasive manufacturing premises Places of worship
Aerated water factories Pottery works
Agarbatti manufacturing premises Poultry farms
Analytical and/or Q.C. Laboratories Residential buildings (A-1 to A-4) (except hotels A-5)
Arecanut slicing and/or Betelnut factories Salt crushing factories/refineries stables
Asbestos steam packing and lagging manufacturers Sugar candy manufacturing
Assembly buildings small (D-4 and D-5) Sugar factories and refineries
Battery charging and service stations Tanneries
Battery manufacturing Umbrella assembling factories
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.
tube manufacturing Carpenters, wood wool and furniture makers
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

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 A)
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
complex, etc) Duplicating/stencil paper making
Mineral oil blending and processing Fire works manufacture
Museums, archieves, record rooms Foamed plastic and/or converting plants
Oil and leather cloth factories Godowns of warehouses (combustible/hazardous
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

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
B)
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,
c) 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
or above. d) The number of lifts in one row for a lift bank
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
non-combustible. e) Lift car door shall have a fire resistance rating
of half an hour.
C-1.2 The interior finish materials shall not have a flame f) 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 g) 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
pressurizing the staircase shall operate automatically h) Exit from the lift lobby, if located in the
with the fire alarm. The roof of the shaft shall be 1 m core of the building, shall be through a self-
above the surrounding roof. Glazing or glass bricks if closing smoke stop door of half an hour fire
used in staircase, shall have fire resistance rating of resistance.
minimum 2 h. j) 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 k) 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 m) Telephone or other communication facilities

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
n) 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.
p) 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.
q) 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
1) 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
2) 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’
3) 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
4) 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
5) In case of failure of normal electric provided at proper places.
supply, it shall automatically trip over to
alternate supply. For apartment houses, C-1.6.3 In multi-storey basements, intake ducts may
this changeover of supply could be done serve all basement levels, but each basement levels
through manually operated changeover and basement compartment shall have separate smoke
switch. Alternatively, the lift shall be so outlet duct or ducts. Ducts so provided shall have the
wired that in case of power failure, it same fire resistance rating as the compartment itself.
comes down at the ground level and Fire rating may be taken as the required smoke
comes to stand-still with door open. extraction time for smoke extraction ducts.
6) 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

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
the actuation of fire detectors. a) Service ducts and shafts shall be enclosed by
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.
The basement shall not be permitted below the ward block C-1.11 Refuge Area
of a hospital/nursing home unless it is fully sprinkled. Provisions contained in 4.12.3 shall apply for all
Building services such as electrical sub-stations, boiler buildings except multi-family dwellings, refuge area
rooms in basements shall comply with the provisions of not less than 15 m2 shall be provided on the external
of the Indian Electricity Act/Rules. walls.
C-1.6.6 If cut outs are provided from basements to C-1.12 Electrical services shall conform to the
the upper floors or to the atmospheres, all sides cut following:
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
C-1.7 Openable windows on external walls shall be materials having the same fire resistance as
fitted with such locks that can be opened by a fireman’s that of the duct. Low and medium voltage
axe. wiring running in shaft and in false ceiling
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;

d) 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
e) 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
f) 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
NOTE — If service room is located at the first basement,
following (see 4.16 and 4.17 for additional details):
it should have automatic fire extinguishing system. a) The staircase and corridor lighting shall be
g) 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
h) Suitable circuit breakers shall be provided at as to avoid replacement of fuse in case of
the appropriate points. crisis;
b) Staircase and corridor lighting shall also be
C-1.13 Gas supply shall conform to the following:
connected to alternative supply. The
a) 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, c) 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 d) 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
e) 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.
NOTE — For detailed information on gas pipe C-1.15 A stand-by electric generator shall be installed
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

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 g) 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 h) 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)].
a) A sub-station or a switch-station with oil filled j) Air ducts serving main floor areas, corridors,
equipment shall not be located in the building. etc, shall not pass through the staircase
The sub-station structure shall have separate enclosure.
fire resisting walls/surroundings and shall k) 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 m) 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.
C-1.17 Air-conditioning shall conform to the n) The vertical shaft for treated fresh air shall
following: be of masonry construction.
p) 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
as return air passage. q) The air-handling unit room shall not be used
for storage of any combustible materials.
b) The ducting shall be constructed of substantial
gauge metal in accordance with good practice r) Inspection panels shall be provided in the
[4(31]. main trunking to facilitate the cleaning of
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
sealed with materials having fire resistance s) No combustible material shall be fixed nearer
rating of the compartment. than 150 mm to any duct unless such duct is
d) Where duct crosses a compartment which is properly enclosed and protected with non-
fire rated, the ducts shall be fire rated for same combustible material (glass wool or spunglass
fire rating. Further depending on services with neoprene facing enclosed and wrapped
passing around the duct work, which may get with aluminimum sheeting) at least 3.2 mm thick
affected in case of fire temperature rising, the and which would not readily conduct heat.
ducts shall be insulated. t) 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, i) At the fire separation wall.

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.
2) 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
NOTE — For blowers, where extraction system on all floors, including basements, lift rooms, etc, in
and duct accumulators are used, dampers shall be accordance with good practice [4(21)] in consultation
provided. with the Authority.
3) Fire/smoke dampers (for smoke extraction
shafts) for buildings more than 24 m in C-3 FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
height. C-3.1 All buildings with heights of 15 m or above
For apartment In 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
For other On operation of smoke the local fire brigade is suitably equipped for dealing
buildings detection system and with fire in a building of 15 m in height or above and
with manual control. in the opinion of the Authority, such building does not
4) Automatic fire dampers shall be so constitute a hazard to the safety of the adjacent property
arranged as to close by gravity in the or occupants of the building itself.
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

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
working condition at all times, For guidelines for fire drills and evacuation procedures
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
buildings in the use of fire fighting The building shall be suitably compartmentalized so
equipments provided on the premises and that fire/smoke remain confined to the area where fire
keep them informed about the fire emergency incident has occurred and does not spread to the
evacuation plan, remaining part of the building.
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
less than 30 m. DECORATION/FURNISHING
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
usually designed to meet modern production D-2.1.1 The smoke and hot combustion products from
methods. a fire, being lighter than the surrounding air, tend to
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

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 m 2 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
D-2.1.8 Venting is particularly desirable in large area windward side of the roof.
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
above having floor areas exceeding 750 m2, irrespective D-2.1.19 Where roof vents are installed in a single-
of whether they are compartmentalized or not. storey building any neighbouring buildings,
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
meeting process needs. D-2.1.20 If vents are to be installed, the size, design,
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
D-2.1.11 It is difficult to determine precise venting of roof, process hazards, exposure hazard, etc.
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

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
openings to floor area for various occupancy D-2.4.1 The vents shall be automatic in operation,
classifications indicated: unless where specified in these provisions that they
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
D-2.3.3 The use of plain thin glass for venting shall simultaneous operation.
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
D-2.3.4 Where monitors or unit type vents are used, not delay their action.
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
for continuous 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 m2 and 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

occupancy, authorities having jurisdiction shall be substantially assist in early operation of automatic
consulted. sprinklers and vents.
D-2.5 Size, Spacing and Disposition of Vents D-2.6.2 They shall be of sheet metal or any other
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
highest point in each area to be covered. D-2.6.3 They shall be reasonably gas-tight, although
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
allow free and speedy removal of smoke and other D-2.6.4 They shall extend down from the roof/ceiling
combustion products in the event of fire. for a minimum depth of 2.2 m. Around specific
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
b) Moderate heat release content — 36 to 37 m curtained area shall be limited to 750 m2.
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
manual operation when desired. D-3.2 Basic Principle/Considerations
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 × 10 3 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.

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
pressure resisting wall. Such isolated processes or D-3.3 Types of Explosion Relief Vents
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
D-3.2.4 Where highly hazardous operations cannot be panels or movable fixed sash.
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
D-3.2.6 Fire can be expected to follow an explosion in property.
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
D-3.2.7 For a given material, the finer the particle size operations.
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
do much damage because of the longer duration of D-3.3.6 Doors and windows when used as explosion
their presence. Some dusts, such as magnesiusm, vents shall be installed to swing outwards. Doors shall
titanium and zirconium and several metal hydrides may have friction, spring or magnetic latches that will
react with water and ignite in some common inert function automatically to permit the door to open under
gases, such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide. slight internal pressure.
D-3.2.8 The maximum explosion pressure in a vented D-3.3.7 Movable sash shall be of the top or bottom
structure decreases as the size of the vent increases, but hinged or protected type. These shall be equipped with
is independent of the rupturing pressure of a diaphragm. a latch or friction device to prevent accidental opening
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
D-3.2.12 The degree of venting required is directly avert the worst effects of an explosion.
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

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 m 3 ,
connection between ductwork system for more than
machines and ovens of light construction: 1 000 cm2
one collector.
for each 0.3 m3 to 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.
D-3.4.10 Vents shall be of such size and design as to c) For lightweight construction such as
prevent rupture of the protected device or apparatus. prefabricated panels — 1 000 cm2 for each
1.5 m3 to 1.65 m3.
D-3.4.11 Skylights or monitors with movable sash that
will open outwards, or fixed sash containing panes of D-3.4.16.5 Large rooms or building over 700 m 3
glass or plastic that will blow out readily under pressure containing hazardous equipment comprising a large
from within, can be used to supplement wall vents or part of the entire volume of a room or building shall
windows, provided resistance to their displacement or be vented as generously as possible 1 000 cm2 for each
opening is kept as low as consistent with the 0.3 m3 to 1.05 m3.
requirements for structural strength. D-3.4.16.6 In order to obtain these ratios, the size of
D-3.4.12 Flexible plastic sheets when used for vent the building or room must be limited. For some
closures shall be installed in slotted frames in such a hazardous materials, such as hydrogen, acetylene,
way that pressure from within bulges the sheets and carbon disulphide, etc, these limits are extremely low.
releases them from the holding frame. D-3.4.17 Emphasis shall always be placed on
D-3.4.13 Fragile sheets made of plastic, when used segregating hazardous areas by means of firewalls or
for vent closures, shall be thin sheets that will crack or separating walls to prevent spread of fire.
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.

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
E-2 ALARMS shall not be above 2 m from the floor level.
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
E-4 SIGNS AND PLANS A sign shall be posted and maintained on each floor
within each stairway and on the occupancy side of the
E-4.1 Signs at Lift Landings stairway where required, indicating whether re-entry
A sign shall be posted and maintained in a conspicuous is provided into the building and the floor where
place on every floor at or near the lift landing in such re-entry is provided, in accordance with the
accordance with the requirements, indicating that in requirements given below:
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.

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
by the building management when the Fire Safety Plan E-8.3 Fire Safety Director
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
submitted to the fire brigade for approval. e) How is he notified when not at regular
location?
E-6 FIRE COMMAND STATION f) Normal working hours
A Fire Command Station shall be established in the g) Duties of Deputy Fire Safety Director
lobby of the building on the entrance floor. Such (see E-9.2)
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
A means of communication and fire alarm for use during each floor and/or tenancy?
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
E-8.2.1 Purpose d) How is he notified when at regular location?
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
case of fire or other emergency, in the least possible g) Duties of Building Evacuation Supervisor
time, to a safe area by the nearest safe means of egress; (see E-9.4).
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.

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
a) Frequency of drills
availability of the Fire Wardens, and see that up-to-
b) How conducted?
date organization charts are posted.
c) Participation: Who participated? How?
NOTE — If the number of Fire Wardens and Deputy Fire
d) Controls and supervision Wardens in the building is such that it is impractical to
e) 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
a) Location Warden or required number of Deputy Fire Wardens are not
b) 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
a) Signs at elevator landings, Floor diagrams
Command Station to supervise, provide for and
b) Floor numbering coordinate:
c) Stairway identification
a) Ensure that the Fire Department has been
d) Elevator identification
notified of any fire or fire alarm.
e) 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.
E-8.13 Building Information Form (see E-9.8). d) Reports on conditions on fire floor for
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.
b) Date when revised. E-9.1.9 Be responsible for the training and activities
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.

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.
1) 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 2) 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
E-9.3.2 Each Fire Warden and Deputy Fire Warden fire floor, they may be used, unless
shall be familiar with the Fire Safety Plan, the location directed otherwise.
of exits and the location and operation of any available 3) Elevators manned by trained building
fire alarm system. personnel or firemen may also be used.
4) 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
a) 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 5) 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 g) Ensure that an alarm has been transmitted.
before such personnel open the door to the
fire floor. E-9.3.4 Organization Chart for Fire Drill and
Evacuation Assignment
b) 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
c) 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
d) 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
e) 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
f) In the event that stairways serving fire floor evacuation, notify Fire Safety Director.

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
of fire and all are evacuated to safe areas. A search f) have a member designated as runner, who
must be conducted in the lavatories to ensure all are shall know the location of the nearest
out. Personnel assigned as searchers can promptly and telephone, and be instructed in its use. Such
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.
E-9.3.9 After evacuation, perform a head count to NOTE — A chart designating employees and their
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
control. It shall include the following information:
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.
a) report to the floor below the fire to assit in c) Fire Safety Director and Deputy Fire Safety
evacuation and provide information to the Director’s Name and Telephone Number.
Fire Command Station. d) Certificate of occupancy. Location where
b) after evacuations of fire floor, endeavour to posted, or duplicate attached.
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.

j) 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
k) Communications systems and/or walkie Safety plan.
talkie, telephones, etc.
E-9.10 Fire Safety Plan
m) 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
n) 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
p) Special extinguishing system, if any, contained in this Fire Safety Plan format is to be
components and operation. construed as all inclusive. All rules and other
q) Average number of persons normally employed requirements are to be fully complied with.
in building. Daytime and night time. E-9.11 Personal Fire Instruction Card
r) Average number of handicapped people in
building. Location. Daytime and night time. All the occupants of the building shall be given a
Personal Fire Instruction Card giving the details of the
s) 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
t) 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
unit; SEAL
4) Ventilation — with fixed windows, NAME OF THE ORGANIZATION
emergency means of exhausting heat and
smoke; ADDRESS OF THE ORGANIZATION
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
system; and FIRE WARDEN
8) Other pertinent building equipment. INSTRUCTIONS
u) 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
v) Storage and use of flammable solids, liquids operating instructions.
and/or gases.
2. You should read the operating instructions on
w) 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

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.
IF YOU DISCOVER A FIRE 4. Do not go to cloakroom.
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.
2. 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
IS No. Title (Part 1) : 1966 doors: Part 1 Plate, metal covered
and rolling type
(1) 3808 : 1979 Method of test for non-
combustibility of building (8) 12458 : 1988 Method of test for fire resistance
materials (first revision) test for fire stops
(2) 8757 : 1999 Glossary of terms associated (9) 1646 : 1997 Code of practice for fire safety
with fire safety (first revision) of buildings (general) :
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

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) (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
and alarm system (second 939 : 1977 Specification for snatch block
revision) for use with fibre rope for fire
brigade use (first revision)
(19) 636 : 1988 Non-percolating flexible fire
fighting delivery hose (third 940 : 1989 Specification for portable fire
revision) extinguisher, water type (gas
cartridge) (third revision)
884 : 1985 Specification for first-aid hose
reel for fire fighting (first 941 : 1985 Specification for blowers and
revision) exhauster for fire fighting
(second revision)
901 : 1988 Specification for couplings,
double male and double female 942 : 1982 Functional requirements for 275-
instantaneous pattern for fire l/min portable pump set for fire
fighting (third revision) fighting (second revision)
902 : 1992 Specification for suction hose 943 : 1979 Functional requirement for 680-
couplings for fire fighting l/min trailer pump for fire
purposes (third revision) brigade use (second revision)
903 : 1993 Specification for fire hose 944 : 1979 Functional requirement for
delivery couplings, branch pipe, 1800-l/min trailer pump for fire
nozzles and nozzle spanner brigade use (second revision)
(fourth revision) 947 : 1985 Functional requirement for
904 : 1983 Specification for two-way and towing tender for trailer fire
three-way suction collecting pump for fire brigade use (first
heads for fire fighting purposes revision)
(second revision) 948 : 1983 Functional requirement for water
905 : 1980 Specification for delivery tender, Type A, for fire brigade
breechings, dividing and use (second revision)
collecting, instantaneous pattern 949 : 1985 Functional requirement for
for fire fighting purposes (second emergency (rescue) tender for fire
revision) brigade use (second revision)

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
purposes (first revision) 5505 : 1985 Specification for multi-edged
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)

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
CO2 fire extinguishers (trolley 13849 : 1993 Specification for portable fire
mounted) (first revision) extinguisher dry powder type
(constant pressure)
8423 : 1994 Specification for controlled
percolating hose for fire fighting 14609 : 1999 Specification for ABC dry
(first revision) powder for fire fighting
8442 : 1977 Specification for stand post type 14933 : 2001 Specification for high pressure
water monitor for fire fighting fire fighting hose
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

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
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
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
commissioning of gaseous fire 4886 : 1991 Code of practice for fire safety
extinguishing systems of industrial buildings: Tea
factories (first revision)
(25) 13716 : 1993 Code of practice for fire safety
in hotels 6329 : 2000 Code of practice for fire safety
of industrial buildings: Saw
(26) 4963 : 1987 Recommendations for buildings
mills and wood works (first
and facilities for the physically
revision)
handicapped (first revision)
(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) :
Electrical installations (second libraries and archives buildings
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

12456 : 1988 Code of practice for fire 13694 : 1993 Code of practice for fire safety
protection of electronic data in iron and steel industries
processing installation 13716 : 1993 Code of practice for fire safety
12458 : 1988 Method of test for fire resistance of hotels
test of fire stops 14435 : 1997 Code of practice for fire safety
12459 : 1988 Code of practice for fire- in educational institutions
protection of cable runs 14689 : 1999 Code of practice for fire safety in
12777 : 1989 Fire safety — Flame spread of printing and publishing industry
products — Method for 14850 : 2000 Code of practice for fire safety
classification of museums
13045 : 1991 Code of practice for fire safety (30) 655 : 1963 Specification for metal air ducts
in industrial buildings: Floor (revised)
mills (31) 9583 : 1981 Emergency lighting units

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NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

1 SCOPE building immediately above the plinth level. The area

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY 7

8 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY 9

10 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY 11

12 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY 13

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

14 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

Load Bearing Non-load Bearing

Load Bearing Non-load Bearing

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY 15

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

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

Sl Nature of Construction and Materials Minimum Thickness (mm) of Protection

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

16 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

Nature of Construction and Materials Minimum Thickness (mm) of Protection for a

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY 17

Table 10 Reinforced Concrete Columns

Table 11 Concrete Beams

Table 12 Concrete Floors

18 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

ii) Reinforced concrete (continuous) Thickness 75 95 110 125 150 170

Table 14 Encased Steel Columns, 203 mm × 203 mm

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

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

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

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

20 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

Table 18 Timber Floors — Any Structurally Suitable Flooring of

3.3.3 Steel Construction of fire. This could be achieved by use of appropriate

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3.4.3.1 A building or portion of the building may be UL — Unlimited.

22 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

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26 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

Table 21 Occupants per Unit Exit Width 4.6 Number of Exits

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28 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

FIG. 1 TYPICAL DETAIL FOR HANDRAIL /BLUSTERS OF A STAIRCASE

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Sl Type of Building Type of Installation Water Supply Pump Capacity

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RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS (A)

ii) More than 15 and R R NR NR NR NR R NR NR NR 5 000 NR 450

iii) More than R R NR NR NR NR R R NR NR 10 000 NR 450

b) One or two Family NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR

1) Less than 15 m R R NR NR NR NR R NR NR NR 5 000 NR 450