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Fire Safety Measures in High-Rise Buildings

Q: How does the document propose fire safety management be conducted in building complexes, in terms of evacuation strategy and personnel roles?

Fire safety management in building complexes involves a structured approach to evacuation and personnel responsibilities. A Fire Safety Director is responsible for implementing a Fire Safety Plan, organizing a Fire Party, and ensuring its readiness, conducting fire drills, and designating Fire Wardens for each floor. During an emergency, the Fire Safety Director coordinates activities from the Fire Command Station, ensuring the evacuation plan is executed effectively . Fire Wardens oversee the evacuation of their assigned floors and communicate with the Fire Command Station to relay conditions and instructions .

Q: Identify and explain the roles of key personnel in executing a building’s fire safety strategy as outlined in the document.

Key personnel involved in executing a building’s fire safety strategy include the Fire Safety Director, Deputy Fire Safety Director, Fire Wardens, Deputy Fire Wardens, and the Building Evacuation Supervisor. The Fire Safety Director leads the implementation of the Fire Safety Plan, organizes the Fire Party, and manages drills and evacuation procedures. They are supported by the Deputy Fire Safety Director, who assumes these responsibilities in the director's absence . Fire Wardens and their Deputies coordinate occupant evacuation on individual floors and maintain contact with the Fire Command Station . The Building Evacuation Supervisor ensures evacuation processes are followed correctly, particularly outside normal working hours . Each role is crucial for effectively managing fire emergencies and minimizing risk to building occupants.

Q: How does the Fire Safety Plan mentioned in the document integrate fire drills and evacuation procedures to enhance occupant safety?

The Fire Safety Plan integrates fire drills and evacuation procedures by mandating regular drills that involve all building tenants, employees, and visitors, thus ensuring familiarity with evacuation routes and protocols. The Fire Safety Director is responsible for overseeing these exercises, ensuring they are well-coordinated and documented. The plan outlines the necessity for Fire Wardens and their Deputies to be trained in directing evacuations, notifying occupants, and maintaining communication with the Fire Command Station . The systematic implementation of these fire drills helps in identifying potential bottlenecks and reinforces the occupants' preparedness, thereby enhancing overall safety during actual emergencies .

Q: What are the principal factors that influence the fire exit designs in high-rise buildings according to the provided regulations?

The design of fire exits in high-rise buildings is influenced by factors such as occupancy type, building height, and expected number of occupants. Regulations require multiple exits with access from different directions on all floors, designed to avoid dead ends, to facilitate safe and rapid egress . Exits must accommodate the occupancy load and often include provisions such as slide escapes for upper floors. Additionally, exits should be designed with alternative paths of travel for enhanced safety during emergencies .

Q: What strategies are recommended for managing fire risks in buildings with mercantile occupancies?

In buildings with mercantile occupancies, the recommended strategies for managing fire risks include ensuring that all exits and aisles remain unobstructed by checkout stands, display stands, or other barriers, thereby maintaining clear paths of egress . Hazardous areas must be adequately segregated or protected to prevent fire spread. For open-air mercantile operations, arrangements should ensure free movement away from potential dangers, without dead-ends that could trap individuals . Additionally, if conducted under roofed areas, these should adhere to building codes applicable to mercantile structures, ensuring comprehensive safety measures are in place .

Q: What modifications to gymnasium floors and other sports areas in educational buildings are explicitly allowed, and how do these exceptions align with safety considerations?

The document allows gymnasiums, indoor stadiums, and similar facilities to use floors or running tracks made of wood, cinder, synthetic materials, or unprotected steel or iron, diverging from standard requirements for other areas due to their non-permanent occupancy and lower fire risk compared to enclosed spaces . These exceptions recognize the unique nature of sports facilities, where open space and temporary use reduce certain risks. However, all general safety and exit provisions still apply to ensure rapid egress if necessary . This alignment balances the practicality of using varied materials with the overarching need for occupant safety during emergencies.

Q: How are fire drills structured in terms of frequency and participation, and what are the supervisory controls in place to ensure their effectiveness?

Fire drills are structured to occur at regular intervals, ensuring that occupants become familiar with emergency procedures. Participation includes all building occupants, tenants, employees, and visitors, and it is monitored by the Fire Safety Director who oversees the exercises to ensure they are effective. Supervisory controls include detailed recording of drill activities and outcomes, checks on the participation levels, and the readiness of designated personnel, such as Fire Wardens, to execute their duties efficiently . These controls ensure that drills are not only conducted regularly but are also evaluated for effectiveness and improvements in emergency preparedness.

Q: What are the structural requirements for buildings categorized under Group B - Educational Buildings, specifically regarding exit and fire safety provisions?

Buildings intended for educational occupancy under Group B are not to be used for hazardous occupancy and must comply with several exit and fire safety provisions. These include ensuring that at least two separate exits are available on every floor, arranged to avoid pockets or dead ends where occupants might become trapped . Moreover, rooms with a capacity exceeding 45 persons must have at least two doorways, and exterior doors should be operable by panic bars or equivalent devices to ensure quick egress . The handling of hazardous substances, like volatile flammable liquids, is restricted to science laboratories, and each building must have an outside gas shut-off valve clearly marked .

Q: In the context of industrial buildings classified as Group G, what measures are suggested to deal with the large undivided floor areas used for activities such as aircraft assembly?

For industrial buildings with large undivided floor areas, such as those used for aircraft assembly, where the distance to the nearest outside wall with exit doors exceeds 45 meters, stairs leading to exit tunnels or overhead passageways should be provided. If these arrangements are impractical, the authority may permit alternative exit arrangements, provided there is complete automatic sprinkler protection and the ceiling and ventilation are designed to minimize the risk of occupants being overtaken by fire or smoke before reaching an exit .

Q: Discuss the specific fire hazard considerations required for storage buildings under the building code.

Storage buildings, classified as Group H occupancies, must address specific fire hazard considerations, including fire detection and suppression systems tailored to the materials stored. Water-reactive materials prohibit the use of automatic sprinklers; instead, suitable fire extinguishing systems coupled with automatic fire alarms are required . These buildings must have readily accessible exits that are not lockable while occupied, ensuring immediate escape during emergencies. Additionally, for storage areas larger than 1400 m2 or housing more than 10 people, at least two exits must be provided, as remote from each other as possible, to guarantee safety and compliance with egress requirements .

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)

31 views89 pages

Fire Safety Measures in High-Rise Buildings

Uploaded by

Rajanish Kumar Mishra

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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 staircase. Wherever pressurized staircase is to be
System 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
15m 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
4.11.1 External stairs shall always be kept in sound
(or 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
b) Two-stage, where normally a level of separate and remote from the internal staircase.
pressurization is maintained in the protected
escape routes and an increased level of 4.11.4 Care shall be taken to ensure that no wall
pressurization can be brought into operation opening or window opens on to or close to an
in an emergency. external stairs.
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
emergency pressurization is brought into action, the
non combustible materials, and any doorway leading
following changes in the normal air-conditioning
to it shall have the required fire resistance.
system shall be effected:
a) Any re-circulation of air shall be stopped and 4.11.7 No external staircase, used as a frre escape,
all exhaust air vented to atmosphere; shall be inclined at an angle greater than 45° from
the horizontal.
b) Any air supply to the spaces/areas other than
escape routes shall be stopped; 4.11.8 External stairs shall have straight flight not less
c) The exhaust system may be continued than 1 250 mm wide with 250 mm treads and risers
provided: not more than 190 mm. The number of risers shall be
1) the positions of the extraction grills limited to 15 per flight.
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
2) the construction of the ductwork and shall be provisions of balusters with maximum gap
fans is such that, it will not be rendered of 150mm.
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
the extraction fans running. A spiral stair case shall be not less than 1 500 mm in
diameter and shall be designed to give adequate
4.10.6 The pressurization system can be headroom.
interconnected with the automatic/manual fire alarm
system for actuation. 4.11.11 Unprotected steel frame staircase will not be
accepted as means of escape. However, steel
4.10.7 It will be desirable to have all the staircases in staircase in an enclosed frre rated compartment of 2
a building pressurized, if pressurization system is to h will be accepted as means of escape.

30 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

4.12 Horizontal Exits capacity and limiting dimensions except where
4.12.1 The width of horizontal exit shall be same as specified in 6.1 to 6.9 for special uses and
for the exit doorways. occupancies.

4.12.2 A horizontal exit shall be equipped with at least 4.14.2 The slope of a ramp shall not exceed 1 in 10.
one fire/smoke door of minimum 1 h fire resistance, In certain cases steeper slopes may be permitted but in
of self-closing type. Further, it is required to have no case greater than 1 in 8.
direct connectivity to the fire escape staircase for 4.14.3 For all slopes exceeding 1 in 10 and
evacuation. wherever the use is such as to involve danger of
4.12.3 For buildings more than 24 m in height, slipping, the ramp shall be surfaced with approved
refuge area of 15m2 or an area equivalent to 0.3 m 2 non-slipping material.
per person to accommodate the occupants of two
4.15 Fire Lifts
consecutive floors, whichever is higher, shall be
provided as under: 4.15.1 Where applicable, fire lifts shall be provided
with a minimum capacity for 8 passengers and fully
The refuge area shall be provided on the periphery of
automated with emergency switch on ground level. In
the floor or preferably on a cantilever projection and
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.
4.15.2 In case of fire, only fireman shall operate the fire
a) For floors above 24m and Up to 39m
lift. In normal course, it may be used by other persons.
One refuge area on the floor immediately
above 24m. 4.15.3 Each fire lift shall be equipped with suitable
b) For floors above 39m- 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 4.15.4 The number and location of fire lifts in a
towards FAR. building shall be decided after taking into
NOTE- Residential flats in multi-storied building consideration various factors like building
with balcony. need not be provided with refuge
area, however flats without balcony shall provide
population, floor area, compartmentation, etc.
refuge area as given above.
4.16 Emergency and Escape Lighting
4.12.4 Where there is a difference in level between
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
escape routes,
4.13 Fire Tower
b) Providing adequate illumination along such
Fire towers are the preferred type of escape route for routes to allow safe movement of persons
storeyed buildings and these shall be considered as the towards and throu$h the exits,
safest route for escape. Their number, location and size c) Ensuring that fire alarm call points and
shall depend on the building concerned, and its fire fighting equipments provided along
associated escape routes. the escape routes can e readily located.
4.13.1 In high rise buildings with over 8 storeys or 4.16.2 The horizontal luminance at floor level on the
24 m in height, at least one required means of egress centreline of an escape route shall be not less than
shall preferably be a fire tower. 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
with a 2 h fire resistance rating without openings other minimum of 5lux.
than the exit doorways, with platforms, landings and 4.16.3 The emergency lighting shall be provided to
balconies having the same fire-resistance rating. be put on within 1 s of the failure of the normal lighting
supply.
4.14 Ramps
4.16.4 Escape lighting luminaries should be sited to
4.14.1 Ramps shall comply with all the applicable
cover the following locations:
requirements for stairways regarding enclosure,
31
PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY
a) Near each intersection of corridors, b) Staircase and corridor lighting shall also
b) at each exit door, be connected to alternative supply. The
c) Near each change of direction in the escape alternative source of supply may be provided
route, by battery continuously trickle charged from
d) Near each staircase so that each flight of stairs the electric mains; and
receives direct light, c) Suitable arrangements shall be made by
installing double throw switches to ensure
e) Near any other change of floor level,
that the lighting installed in the staircase
f) Outside each final exit and close to it,
and the corridor does not get connected to
g) Near each fire alarm call point, two sources of supply simultaneously.
h) Near fire-fighting equipment, and Double throw switch shall be installed in
j) To illuminate exit and safety signs as required the service room for terminating the stand-
by the enforcing authority. by supply.
NOTE - For the purposes of this clause 'near'
4.18 Fire Detection and Warning
is normally considered to be within 2 m
measured horizontally. In buildings of such size, arrangement or occupancy
4.16.5 Emergency lighting systems shall be designed where a fire may not itself provide adequate warning
to ensure that a fault or failure in [Link] one luminaire to occupants, automatic fire detection and alarm
does not further reduce the effectiveness of the facilities shall be provided, where necessary, to warn
system. occupants early of the existence of fire, so that they
may escape, and to facilitate the orderly conduct of
4.16.6 The luminairies shall be mounted as low as
fire exit drills.
possible, but at least 2 m above the floor level.
4.18.1 The fire detection system shall be in
4.16.7 Signs are required at all exits, emergency
accordance with accepted standards [4( 18)].
exits and escape routes, which should comply with
Guidelines for selection of various types of fire
the graphic requirements of the relevant Indian
detectors for different occupancies and their
Standards.
installation and maintenance shall be in accordance
4.16.8 Emergency lighting luminaires and their fittings with [4(19)].
shall be of non-flammable type.
4.18.2 The requirements of fire detection and alarm
4.16.9 It is essential that the wiring and installation systems are covered for each occupancy in Table 23
of the emergency lighting systems are of high quality and under 6.1 to 6.9; attention is also drawn to such
so as to ensure their perfect serviceability at all times. requireme:'lts in case of high rise buildings (15 m or
4.16.10 The emergency lighting system shall be more in height) as given in Annex C.
capable of continuous operation for a minimum
5 FIRE PROTECTION
duration of 1 h and 30 m even for the smallest
premises. 5.1 Fire Extinguishers/Fixed Fire .Fighting
4.16.11 The emergency lighting system shall be well Installations
maintained by periodical inspections and tests so as to 5.1.1 All buildings depending upon the occupancy
ensure their perfect serviceability at all times. use and height shall be protected by fire
4.17 Illumination of Means of Exit extinguishers, wet riser, down-comer, automatic
sprinkler installation, high/medium velocity water
Staircase and corridor lights shall conform to the spray, foam, gaseous or dry powder system in
following: accordance with the provisions of 5.1.2 to 5.1.9.
a) The staircase and corridor lighting shall be 5.1.2 These fire extinguishers/fixed installations
on separate circuits and shall be independently shall be in accordance with accepted standards
connected so that it could be operated by one [4(20)]. The typical requirements of fire
switch installation on the ground floor easily extinguishers/wet riser/ down-comer installation and
accessible to fire fighting staff at any time capacity of water storage tanks and fire pumps, etc
irrespective of the position of the individual shall be as specified in Table 23. The requirements
control of the light points, if any. It should be regarding size of mains/ risers shall be as given in
of miniature circuit breaker type of switch so Table 24. The typical arrangements of down-comer
as to avoid replacement of fuse in case of and wet riser installations are shown in Fig. 2 and
crisis; Fig. 3. The wet riser shall be designed for zonal

3 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF

distribution ensuring that unduly high pressures
are not developed in risers and hose pipes.
AIR RELEASE VALVE

SLUCEANDNR
VALVE TERRACE TANK
FOR FIRE FIGHTING
I DOMESTIC SUPPLY

FIG. 2 TYPICAL ARRANGEMENT OF DowN-COMER FOR BUILDING ABOVE 15m

BUT NOT EXCEEDING 30 m IN HEIGHT

3 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF

33
PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY
I.._o_. H_. T-A-NK .H J
rr-=, - -= -= - -= . J-4-=----=...:::n
11 6 16 6 6 6 6 6
1"' r::n+-- 1 !i!i
--nJ
"' II : !i
ro= 16= 0= : = =n=r =F==np
J,.. ;
.D1 SINGLE HEAD
HP - HYDRANT PUMP I LANDING VALVE
MAIN ELECTRIC PUMP =
JP .. JOCKEY PUMP
DP - DIESEL PUMP
SP - SPRINKLER PUMP
SH - SUCTION HEADER
DH .. DLIVERY HEADER
R - PIPE TO RISER
Y - PIPE TO
YARD
HYDRANT PANEL

116 16 6 6 6 6 6 Iau J II
S = PIPE TO CABLE CONDUITE FOR
SPRINKLER HOOTER
SYSTEM CABLE CONDUiT FOR
AV - AIR VESSEL
!
iCV- iNSTALLATiON
CONTROL VALVE
.. II . I !! ::n MANUAL CALL BOX
cb 18
rr= . = = = = = = ==11m
If = n=,!!II _. HooTER
11 6 16 6 6 6 6 6 I H+--,i! 1111!! --{!] MANUAL cALL sox

l !il iiliii
- _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - - -=ttf--,-'illlllll r
r : : DE

J...rII
o o o1:lo 0 0 0 0 0 --,iii iiiiiiii
IIJ iiii iiiiiiii
TANK
FiRE FILLING
BRiGADE

FiRST FLOOR ,jj!c jill mum

F6
L:.J _

6_6 6
II 6 Ill
6 6 6 6--- T-ifliil!!iiiiii
:uumn

I rb_·..
=- .,_ _ G o r-m :L oP-.,_JltiJ:! :m F!RE AL RM PA"!EL W!

l1
TH BATTERY BACK-UP
- .... Yv;;:NT
AND [Link]

lI I 1
lun=- - rm-
it\ - - - - Ci-------B:FF;ml-
llllii---r-1
,
6 666666 ZONAL SPRiNKLER
6
I A ...n : cb- 18 TO DRAIN SUMP Ia! u- I ANNUNC!AT!ON Pfl "!EL
I I - I ......._..-- D .. - -- ..,. I
I
LUG FIRE
TANK

FIG. 3 TYPICAL ARRANGEMENT OF WET RISER AND TOTAL SPRINKLER SYSTEM OF BUILDING
OTHER THAN APPARTMENT EXCEEDING 30m IN HEIGHT
34
NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA
"
>
C Table 23 Minimum Requirements for Fire Fighting Installations
:; A 10,... ..- 1 ,
6.3.2, 6.4.3, 6.5.2, [Link], ,::;,,..,,.., ..::: .c' .., ..,
,.. ..... ....,
- ,...
[Link], 6.6.2, 6.7.2, 6.8.2 and 6.9.2)
..., r rJ
\ Ltuu es o. .
'+. o.l.L., O.L..-', v ..l•.£. , U.J.L..), O...[Link],

"
<'I rr............... r lln l lnn Type of [Link] .,..,........-...--J•• Pntnn rHn ritv
[TJ "' .a. pc ua ......................& '' AK:t UI'I'l) .................r ---
2> No. Occupancy (in I) (in
0
r
l:i1 Fire Hose Dry Wet Down- Yard Automatic Manually Automatic Underground Terrace Pump Near
At the
t-S Terrace
. Extin- Reel Riser iser Co mer Hydrant Sprinkler Operated Detection Static Water Tank Underground Tank Level
[,J cr11 hP:r (see System Electric and Alarm Storage Static Water
_J Fire Alarm System Tank Storage Tank with
.....
"""!
t:> ........ .......

t-S Note6)
'"'I Systems {Fire Pump) Minimum
- with Mini...rnum Pre-
ssure Pressure of of
"l .r;;: J,,..../,. .....2 ., Olrcdrm 2
Jo.J Jl'l.-6f.._..J..I.J,_ """''" ....b'-0£0

at
Terrace Level
( 1)
{ ,_1,\ ,.
( 4 .\ (5) {6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15)

t ,_\,
'"'
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS {A)

a) Lodging or Rooming
II-..· - I A 1\
[Link].:otl: \..M.-ILJ
I' --- l'II.T ............. I\
\_,)'t't:' l"'VLJ;. lJ

l) Less than 15m iu

height

i) Up to 15 rooms R NR lR NR un D
1--.:R l"',"R NR 5 O'JO NR
"1"'n"\'. .,
I'- -- liLT.......... "l'\ r ,....... l'll.r,......... 'l\
,vu..-
"" I.,.Se'C J."'VU:: ..:..) \_.)t:"t: ..J)

Art.n m
l,J"R J vuu
ii) More than 15 and R R NR NR NR NR R lR lR
(5 000) (450)
up to 30 rooms (see Note 2)
(see Note 4)
""" (see Note 4)

iii) More than R R NR NR NR NR R R NK NR iO 000 NK 450

30rooms (see Note 2) (see Note 5) (5 000) (450)
(see Note 4) (see Note 4)

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

Private Dwellin!:s
(A-2)
(see Note 1)

1M
t..ll
t.;:;
Table 23 - Continued

( I) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) ( 10) (I i i (i 2) (13) (14) (15)

c) Dormitories (A-3)
Apartmeni
Houses (A-4)

1) Less than 15 rn R R NR NR NR NR R NR NR NR 5000 NR 450

in height (see Note 2) (5 000) (450)
(see Note 4) (see Note 4)

2) 15m and above but R R NR NR R NR R R NR NR 25 000 NR 900

not exceeding 35 m (ueNote 2) (see Note 7)
in height

3) Above 35 m but not R R NR R NR NR R R NR 75000 5000 (see Nole 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 10000 (see Note 20) NR

but not exceeding
60 m in height

5) Abo ve60m R R NR R NR R R R R 100()()() 25000 (see Note 2 1) NR

in height

d) Hotels (A·5)

l) Less than 15m

in height

i) Covered area
znoi 1'<. R NR NR i'I"'R Ili'R R R NK NR 5 000 NR 450
> exceeding 300m2 (see Note 2) (see Note 2) (see Note 3)
... on each floor
z
0
> ii) Covered area R R NR R NR NR R R R 10 000 for 10000 (see Notes 5 NR
=
m
t
2
exceeding 300 (see (see Note 2) every 500m2 (see N ote 2) and 19)

§ but not more

I 000 m2 on
Note 5) covered area
subject to
21 each floor minimum of
50000
( '
..) . (see Note 5)

. ., iii) Covered area R R NR R NR R R R R 100000 10 000 (see Notes 9 NR

1:1 exceeding (see (see Note 10) (see Note9) (see Note 2) and 19)
0 1 000 rn2-on
'"'1 Not e 9)
each floor
;
"" !> Table 23 - Continued

" (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)
10)
( (I ) (12) (I:>) (14) (15)

- (see
2) 15 m and above but R R NR R NR R R R R 150000 20 000 Note 20) NR
n ot exceeding 30 m
'
(see Note 10)
l
... .
" l
h eight

>"
(see Note 10)

'
'7,
3) Above 30m in R R NR R NR R R R R 200000 2UUCXl (see Note 21) NR
0
5 Hotels (A-6) R R NR NR R R 200 (X)() 20000 (ue Note 22) NR
Cl'l e) R R
R
e:; (see Note 10)
l'l EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS (B) (see Note 12)

1) Less than 1 5 m in height

i) Ground plus one R NR NR NR NR NR R NR NR NR 5000 NR 450

storey (see Note 2) Note 3)
(see (see Note 3)

ii) Ground plu s two R R NR NR NR NR R NR NR NR 10000 NR 450

or more storeys (see Note 2) (5 000) (450)
(.ree Note 4) (see Note 4)

2) 15m and above but not R R NR NR R NR R R NR NR 25 000 NR 900

exceeding 30 min height (S!'!' Note 2)

INSTITUTIONAL BUILDINGS (C) (see Note 12)

a) Hospitals, Sanatoria
and Nursing
Homes (C-l)
1) Less than 15 m in height
with plot area u p to
I 000m2

i) Up to ground plus R R NR NR NR NR R R NR NR 2 50() NR NR

one storey, with (see Note 2) (2 500)
no beds (see Note 4)

ii) Up to ground plu s R R NR NR R NR R R NR NR 5 000 NR 450

one storey with beds (see Note 2) (5 000) (450)
{see Note 4) 1....... 1'\.T.n.t-.a A\
\,)(':(': l"'IVU...--r- J

iii) Ground plus t'.VO R R NR NR R NR R R R NR 5 000 NR 450

or more storeys, (see Note2) (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 50000 5 ()()() (see Note 19) NR
more storeys, with (see Note 2) (5 000)
w beds (see Note 4)
00 Table 23 -Continued

(I) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (LO) (II) (12) (13) (14) (15)
2) Less than i5 m in height
n
R NR R
Ln'>
R R R
with plot area more
" '"' (see Note 2)
R i00000 10000 (see Note 19) NR

than i000 m2

J) 15m and above but not R R NR R NR R R R R 100 000 20000 (see Note 20) NR
exceeding 24 min height (see Note l1)

4) Above 24 m and not R R NR R NR R R R R 150 000 20000 (see Note 21) NR

e [Link] 30 m in he-ight (see Note 1!)

b) Custodial (C·l), and

Penal and Pienta (C-3)
1)
Less than 10 m in
height
i) Up to 300 persons R R NR NR NR NR R R NR NR !0000 NR 450 (900)
(see Note 2) (5 000) (see Note 4)
(see l'!ote 4)

ii) More than 300 R R NR NR R NR R R NR NR 15000 NR 450 (900)

persons (see Note 2) (5 000) (see Note 4)
(see Note4)
2) D 0
10mand above but
" " NR R !\. R R 50000 5 000 (see Note 20) NR
not exceeding 15 m "
n
R
(5 000)
(see Note 2)
in height
(see Note 4)

3) 15m and above but R R NR R R R R R 75000 10000 (see Note 20) NR

not exceeding 24 m (see Note II)
z in
height
>
::l 4) 24 m and above but R R NR R NR R R R R 100 000 20000 (see Note 2 1) NR
not exceeding 30 m (see Note II
in
=
height )

I:'
ASSEMBLY BUILDINGS (D} (.<ee Note 12)
2! a) Bulldlngs
(D-1 toD-5)
("}
0 I) Less than 10 m in height
I:'
!"!
0 i) Up to 300 persons R R NR NR R NR R R NR NR 10000 NR 450
""' (see Note 2) (5 000)
(see Note 4)
(450)
(see r-{ote 4)
s:
Table 23 -Continued
!-3
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (IS)

ii) More than R R NR NR R NR R R NR NR 15 000 NR 900

300 persons (see Note 2) (5 000)
>z (see Note 4)

= 2) Above 10 m but not R R NR R NR NR R R R 50000 5000 (see Note 20) 450

exceeding 15m in height (see Note 2) (5 000) (450)
r;r:, (see Note 4) (see Note 4)
> 3) Above 15 m but not R R NR R NR R R R R 75000 10000 (see Note 20) NR
l!fj
exceeding 24 m in height (see Note 11)
!-3
<
4) Above 24 m but not R R NR R NR R R R R 100000 20000 (see Note 21) NR
exceeding 30 m in height (see Note l0)

b)
Multiplex D-6 R R NR R NR R R R R 200000 20000 (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 10000 NR 450
height (see Note 2) (5 000) (450)
(see Note 4) (see Note 4)

2)
Above 10m but not R R NR R NR NR R R R 50000 5000 (see Note 20) 450
exceeding 15 m in (see Note 2) (5 000) (450)
height (see Note 4) (see Note4)

3)
Above 15 m 8Jlclllp toR R NR R NR R R R R 75000 10000.. (see Note 20) NR
24 min height (see Note 11)

4)
Above 24 m and up to R R NR R NR R R R R 100 000 20000 (see Note 21) NR
30 m in heiglit (see Note 10)

5) Above 30 m in height R ,,"R Nit R NR R R R R. 200000 20000 (see Note 22) NR

(see Note 10)
MERCANTILE BUD...DINGS (F)
a)
F·l & F-Z
(see Note 12)

1)
Lesstban 15m in height
i)
Ground plus one R R NR NR R NR R NR NR NR 5000 NR 450
storey, with total (see Note 2) (5 000) (450)
covered area not . (see Note4) (see Note4)
exceeding 500 m2
(.,j.)
\
0
;.
.1
Table 23 -Continued
0
(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
2
500m

iii) More than ground R R R NR R NR R R NR NR 5000 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 ()()() 10000 (see Note 20) NR

exceeding 24 m in (see Note 11)
height

3) Above 24 m but not R R NR R NR R R R R 150000 10000 (see Note 21) NR

exceeding 30 min (see Note 10)
height

b) Underground shopping R R NR R NR R R R R 150000 10000 (see Note 21) NR

complex (F-3) (see Note 10)
(see Note 13)

INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS (G) (see Note 14)

a) Low Hazard {G-l)
(see Note 15)

i) Built up R NR NR NR NR NR R NR NR NR 5000 NR 450

area up to (see Note2) (see Note·3) (see Note 3)
100m2
ii) Built up area more R R NR NR R NR R NR NR NR 5000 NR 450
Q than 100m2 (see Note2) (5 000)
0 and up to (see Note4)
500m2
iii) Built up area more R . ,, '•
NR R R -R R NR R 100000 10000 (see Note 20) 450
than500mz (seeNote7)
1:1 b) Moderate Huard
(G-2) (see Note 14)

i) Built up area R R NR NR NR NR R NR NR NR 10000 NR 450

up to 100m2

fi ii) Built up area more R R NR NR NR NR R NR NR NR 10000 NR 900

than 100 mz and
upto500uf
Table 23 -Continued
1-
3
.a: (l) (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 20000 (see Note 20) 900
2
than 500 m and (see Note 7)
>- up to 1000 m
2

t""'
iv) Built up area more R R NR R R R R R R 100 000 20000 (see Note 20) 900
r:l:l than 1000m2 (see Note 7)
> c) High Hazard (G-3)
t (see Note 16)

i) Built up area R R NR NR NR NR R NR NR NR 5000 NR 450

2
up to 50m

ii) Built up area more R R NR NR NR NR R NR R NR 5000 NR 450

than 50 m_2 and
up to 150m2

iii) Built up area more R R NR R NR NR R NR R 25000 10000 (see Note 19) 450
2
than 150m and up
2
to 300m

iv) Built up area more R R NR R NR R R R R 50000 20000 (see Note 19) 900
than 300 m2 and
upto500 m2

v) Built up area more R R NR R R R R R R 100000 20000 (see Note 20) 900

than 500m2 (see Note 7)

STORAGE BUILDINGS (H) (see Note 17)

1)
Below 15 m in height R R NR NR NR NR R NR NR 25000 5000 (see Note 19) 450
and covered area less
2
than 250m

2) Below 15min height

and covered area more
2
than 250m

i) Ground floor only R R NR R NR R R NR R 50000 10000 (see Note 20) 450

ii) Ground p_lus R R NR R NR R R NR R 75000 10000 (see Note 20) 450

one floor

..;....
Table 23 -Concluded
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)
(8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15)

iii) More than ground R R NR R NR R R NR R 100 000 10000 (see Note 20) 450
plus one floor

HAZARDOUS BUILDINGS (J) (see Note 17)

1)
Up to 15 min height

i) Single Storey R R NR NR NR R R
Building R R Minimum NR (see Note 18) NR
4hfrre
fighting
requirements

ii) More than one floor R R NR R R R R R R Minimum 50000 (see Note 18) 900
building but not 4 h f:tre
exceeding 15 m fighting
requirements

R Required
NR Not Required
NOTES
1 Buildings abovel5 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 m 2 •
3 Required to be provided if basement area exceeds 200 m2•
4 Additional value given in parenthesis shali 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 '?
be Pf()Vided for buil th mors than one storey.
10 To btdnstalled in entire building. ·'·
11 To [Link] in aU floors at appropriate places and in consultation with local fire authorities.
12 [Link] 'above 30 Ill in heijlt not to be permitted for Group B, Group C, Group D and Group F occupancies.
13 All tlJ14erground shopping mjas should be fully air-conditioned.
14 :c #lllents 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
s .-[Link] consultation with the local fire authorities.
15 Buildings above II m in height not to be permitted for G-1 and G-2 occupancies.
in height not to be permitted for G-3 occupancies.
16 . Buildings above .15 m
17 Buildings above 15m in height not to be permitted for Group Hand 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 I 620 1/min and one electric pump of capacity 180 1/min (see Fig. 4).
20 One electric and one diesel pump of capacity 2 280 1/min and one electric pump of capacity 180 1/min (see Fig. 4).
21 Two electric and one diesel pump of capacity 2 280 1/min and one electric pump of capacity 180 1/min (see Fig. 5).
22 Two electric and one diesel pump of capacity 2 850 1/min and one electric pump of capacity 180 1/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.
LEGEND:-
F·1 ELECTRICAL FIRE
PUMP
F·2 DIESEL DRIVEN FIRE
PUMP
F-3 JOCKEY PUMP
PV PRESSURE VESSEL
FH FIRE HYDRANT
- FLEXIBLE
_,q._
VALVE
CONNECTION
NON RETURN VALVE
WIRING TO FN'
VALVE
EJOINT
FLOW SWITCH
r: TOSPmNKI..ERSSYSTEM

GR. FL.

ELEVATIONAL VIEW FIRE & SPRINKlER

FROM FIRE PlANT ROOM
SPRINKlER DRAIN PIPE
TO FIRE TANK

TO FIRE& FIRE WATER TANK-1

SPRINKLER SYSTEM --+414-4
(INTERNAL)
F·2

HYDRANT -------H
(EXTERNAL) F-3

FIREWATER TANK-2

. FIRE PUMP ROOM

PLAN

Fro. 4 TYPICAL SYSTEM oF PuMPING WITH ONE ELECTRIC AND

ONE DIESEL FIRE PUMP

44 NATIONAL BUH..DING CODE OF INDIA

LEGEND:·
F-1 DIESEL DRIVEN FIRE PUMP F-
2 EL. HYDRANT FIRE PUMP
F-3 JOCKEY
PUMP
F-4 EL. SPRINKLER PUMP
PV PRESSURE VESSEL
FH FIRE HYDRANT
lVE
-- FLEXIBLE
NON
CONNECTION
RETURN
VAlVE

SEC. FL.

DETAIL·'A'

ELEVATIONAL VIEW
IIHI -=it'KIINI\I.t:K RISER
FROM
ROOM
11:21 -!IPR!INKILER DRAIN
PIPE TO FIRE TANK

TO FIRE FIRE WATER TANK-1

SYSTEM
(INTERNAL)

TO EXTERNAL FIRE
HYDRANT(EXTERNAL)

TO SPRINKLER
SYSTEM
----- FIRE WATER TANK-2

FIRE PUMP ROOM

PLAN

FIG. 5 TYPICAL SYsTEM oF PuMPING WITH Two ELECTRIC,

ONE DIESEL FIRE PUMP

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 4

5.1.3 In situations where one occupancy is provided b) The static water storage tank shall be
with all the required fire protection arrangements but provided with a fire brigade collecting
due to proximity of unprotected buildings around, head with 4 number 63 mm diameter (2
causing exposure hazard to the protected building, the number 63 mm diameter for pump with
protected building walls facing the unprotected capacity 1400 1/min) instantaneous male
building shall be made of the requisite fire resistance
inlets arranged in a valve box at a suitable
rated materials or alternatively provided with water
point at street level and connected to the
curtain/drencher system which can be actuated, when
static tank by a suitable fixed pipe not less
necessary.
than 150 mm in diameter to discharge
5.1.4 First-aid fire fighting appliances shall be water into the tank when required at the rate
provided and installed in accordance with good practice of 2 250 1/min, if tank is in the basement
[4(21)]. The fire fighting equipment and accessories or not approachable for the fire 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 200m2 ;
hose reels shall be installed on all the floors of b) multi-level basements, covered upper floors
buildings of 15 min height or more and shall be in used as car parks, and for housing essential
accordance with accepted standards [4(22)]. The first- services ancillary to a particular occupancy
aid hose reel shall be connected directly to the or for storage occupancy, excluding any area
riser/down-comer main and diameter of the hose to be used for sub-station, A.C. plant and DG
reel shall not be less than 19 mm. set;
5.1.6 Static Water Storage c) . any room or other compartment of a building
Tanks exceeding 1 125 m2 in area except as in (g)
(see Note 1), if so advised by local authority;
A satisfactory supply of water for the purpose of fire
fighting shall always be available in the form of d) departmental stores or shops, if the
underground/terrace level static storage tank with aggregate covered area exceeds 500 m2 ;
capacity specified for each building with e) all non-domestic floors of mixed occupancy
arrangements or replenishment by mains of which constitute a hazard and are not provided
alternative source of supply at the rate of 1 000 with staircases independent of the remainder
1/min for underground static tank. When this is not of the buildings;
practicable, the capacity of static storage tank(s) f) godowns and warehouses, as considered
shall be increased proportionately in consultation necessary;
with the local fire brigade. g) on all floors of the buildings other than
The static storage water supply required for the above residential and educational buildings, if the
mentioned purpose shall entirely be accessible to the height of the building exceeds 15m (45 min
fire engines of the local fire service. Provision of case of group housing and apartments) (see
suitable number of manholes shall be made available Note 1);
for inspection, repairs, insertion of suction hose, h) dressing room, scenery docks, stages and
etc. The covering slab shall be able to withstand the stage basements of theatres;
total vehicular load of 45 T equally divided as a four j) in hotels, hospitals, industries low and
point load when the slab forms a part of pathway/ moderate hai!lrd mercantile buildings of
driveway. height 15m or above;
The domestic suction tank connected to the static k) in hotels below 15 m, if covered area at
water storage tank shall have an overflow capable each floor is more than 1 000 m2 ;
of discharging 2 250 1/min to a visible drain point m) false ceiling voids exceeding 800 mm in
from which by a separate conduit, the overflow height (see Note 2); and
shall be conveyed to a storm water drain.
n) canteen provided in upper floors of D-1
a) To prevent stagnation of water in the static and D-2 occupancies shall be sprinklered.
water storage tank, the suction tank of the
NOTES
domestic water supply shall be fed only
1 It is desirable that all high rise buildings should be
through an overflow arrangement to fully sprinklered irrespective of their height and
maintain the level therein at the minimum occupancy. If
specified capacity (see Fig. 6).
NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA
46
4 Nos. 0 63 mm
INLET

---
VVALVEBOX I I
/CABINET
I I
I
I I
L ...J

FIRE
FIGHTING
TANK
DOMESTIC WATER
SLOPE SUPPLY TANK (OTHER
THAN DRINKING WATER}

6A WITH NEGATIVE SUCTION

DOMESTIC WATER MANHOLE

TOWN MAIN
SUPPLY TANK (OTHER SUPPLY
THAN DRINKING WATER}

SEPARATION WALL
FIRE
FIGHTING
TANK
TO DOMESTIC
X PUMP SUCTION

SLUICE
VALVE

38 WITH POSITIVE SUCTION

Fro. 6 TYPICAL ARRANGEMENT FOR PROVIDING CoMBIND FIRE FIGHTING AND

DOMESTIC WATER STORAGE TANK

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 4

Table 24 Size of Rising Mains/Risers
(Clause 5.1.2)

Size of the
Type of Building Height of Building
Mains
(2) (3)
(1)

100 nun as single 1. Residential buildings (A)

outlet landing valves i)l) 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 15m
500m2
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

30m
-do- 3. Institutional buildings (C)
i) For hospitals and sanitorium
ii) For custodial institutions and mental 15m or above but not exceeding
institutions 30m 15m or above but not
exceeding 30m
-do- 4. Assembly buildings (D)

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

2
area not exceeding 500 m /floor (above 30 m, not to
-do- 5. Business buildings (E) be permitted)

-do- 6. Mercantile buildings (F) 15m or above but not exceeding 30m

15 m or above but not exceeding 30 m

-do- 7. Industrial buildings (G) (above 30m, not to be
-do- 8. All buildings classified under I(i) to (iv) permitted)

-do- 9. All buildings classified under 5 above with 15m or above but not exceeding
shopping area exceeding 500 m2 18m Above45m

-do- 10. All buildings classified under 1 (v) above Above 15m

150 nun with twin 11. Hotels

outlet landing valves Above 30 m and area exceeding 500

m2 Above 30m

-do- 12. All buildings classified under 2 and 3 above Above 30m
-do- 13. All buildings classified under 5 above Above 30m
-do- 14. All storage buildings (H) Above 10 m but not exceeding 15 m
-do- 15. All Hazardous buildings (J) Above 10m but not exceeding 15m

t) Buildings above 15 min height not permitted in case of high hazard industrial buildings.

selective sprinklering is adopted, there is a real danger of a fire Automatic high velocity water spray or emulsifying
starting on one of the lower unsprinklered floors gathering
momentum, spreading upwards from floor to floor through the system shall be provided for protection of indoor oil-
unsprinklered floor and reaching the first sprinklered floor as
a fully developed fire. In such an event, the sprinklers can be
rendered useless or ineffective.
2 Use of false ceiling voids for storage or as return air plenums
should be discouraged.
3 For areas having very high ceiling height and other special
function areas, where automatic sprinklers cannot be provided,
appropriate sprinklers/provisions shall be provided in
consultation with local fire authorities.

5.1.8 Automatic High Velocity Water Spray or

Emulsifying System

4 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF

cooled transformers as applicable in
accordance with C-1.16 and good practice
[4(23)].
5.1.9 Fixed Foam
Install(Jtion
Fixed foam generating system shall be provided
for protection of oil storage area for boilers with
its ancillary storage of furnace oils in basement.
Fixed foam installations can be low, medium or
high expansion types, which can cover fire risks
in oil storage areas generally. High expansion
foams are used for cable tunnels and other confmed
areas.
5.1.10 Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishing
System
Fixed carbon dioxide fire extinguishing
installation shall be provided in accordance with
good practice

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 4

[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 Rise Buildings) shall apply.
nature of the contents of the buildings/areas to be
protected. For some special fire risk/essential 6.1.3 Exit Facilities
applications, carbon dioxide may not be suitable and The capacity of any open mezzanine or balcony shall
it may be necessary to provide BCF be added to the capacity of the floor for the purpose of
(Bromochlorodifluoromethane)- Halon 1211 or determining the exit capacity.
BTM (Bromochlorotrifluoromethane) - Halon
1301 or some other identified substitutes. [Link] In addition to requirements specified for
occupancy sub-division A-2, the following shall be
However, the use of halons shall be discouraged, as provided for occupancy sub-division A-1:
halons are ozone depleting substances (ODS) and their
use is being phased out throughout the world. Every sleeping room above the street floor shall
have access to two separate means of exits, 'at
5.1.11 Fire fighting equipment shall be suitably least one of which shall consist of an enclosed
located and clearly marked by luminous signs. interior stairway, or a fire escape or horizontal
NOTE -This provision shall not apply to occupancies A-2 exit all so arranged as to provide a safe path of
and A-4 less than 15 m in height. travel to the outside of the building without
5.2 Fire Detection/Extinguishing System traversing any corridor or space exposed to an
unprotected vertical opening.
In buildings of such size, arrangement or occupancy
that a fire may not itself provide adequate warning to [Link] 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
of the building or street or grade level.. No room or
5.2.1 The fire detection and extinguishing system space shall be occupied which is accessible only by a
shall be in accordance with accepted standards ladder, folding stairs or through a trap door.
[4(18)]. Guidelines for selection of various types of
fire detectors for different occupancies shall be in Further the following provisions shall be made:
accordance with good practice [4(19)]. Addressable Ali locking devices, which would impede or
analog fire detection system shall be preferred. prohibit exit, such as chain type bolts, limited
opening sliding type locks and burglar locks,
5.2.2 The requirements of fire detection and alarm
which are not dis-engaged easily by quick
systems are also covered for each occupancy in 6.1
releasing catches, shall be prohibited. All closet
to 6.9; and for high rise buildings (15 m or more in
door latches shall be such that even children can
height) in Annex C.
open the doors from inside. All bathroom door
5.3 Fire Extinguisher/Extinguishing System locks or fasteners shall be designed to permit the
Using Halon Alternatives opening of the locked or closed door from the
outside in an emergency without the use of a
Provisions for certain fire extinguishers and extinguishing special key.
systems for fire protection which may be used as halon
alternatives, shall be in accordance in [4(25)]. [Link] For occupancy sub-division A-3, the following
provisions shall apply:
6 ADDITIONAL OCCUPANCY-WISE
All dormitories shall tmve exits so arranged that
REQUIREMENTS
from any sleeping room or open dormitory
6.1 Requirements of Residential Buildings (Group sleeping area, there shall be access to two
A) separate and distinct exits in different directions
with no common path of travel unless the room
6.1.1 In addition to the general requirements for the
or space is subject to occupancy by not more
type of construction and occupancy group specified
than 10 persons and has a door opening
in 3.4 and the exit requirements given in 4, the
directly to the outside of the building at street or
requirements 6.1.2 to [Link] shall be complied
grade level, or to an outside stairway in which
with. The capacity of any open mezzanine or balcony
case one means of exit may be accepted.
shall be added to the capacity of the floor below
for the purpose of determining exit capacity. [Link] For occupancy sub-division A-4, the following
provisions shall apply:
6.1.2 Fire Detection/Extinguishing System
4 requirements for occupancy sub-divisions A-1 to
The NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF
49

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

a) Every individual living unit covered by public and used only for heating equipment,
occupancy sub-division A-4 shall comply
with the requirement for occupancy sub
division A-2 in respect of exits.
b) Every living unit shall have access to at least
two separate exits, which are remote from
each other and are reached by travel in
different directions, except that a common
path of travel may be permitted for the first
6 m (that is a dead end corridor up to 6 m
long may be permitted) provided that
single exit may be permitted under any of
the conditions given under (c).
c) Any part of building lower than the grade
level shall have direct accessibility from
outside.
d) At least half of required exits shall discharge
direct to the outside of the buildings; any
other exit shall be the same as required for
hotels.
[Link] For occupancy sub-divisions A-5 and A-6, the
following provisions shall apply:
a) Not less than two exits, as remote from each
other as practiCable, shall be accessible
from every floor, including basements
occupied for hotel purpose, except as a
single exit as permitted in (b) below. Exits
and ways of access thereto shall be so
arranged that they are accessible in at least
two different directions from every point in
any open area, or from any room door.
b) Any room or section with an outside door at
street or grade level may have such outside
door as a single exit, provided no part of the
room or area is more than 15 m from the door
measured along the natural path of travel.
c) Provision of panic bars shall be provided in
the exits.
[Link].1 Where stairways or other exits serve two or
more upper floors, the same stairway or other exit
required to serve any one upper floor may also serve
other upper floors, except that no inside open
stairway or ramp may serve as a required egress
facility from more than one floor [see good practice
4(26)].
[Link] Basement Exits
a) Basements occupied for hotel purposes shall
have exits arranged in accordance with [Link].
b) Basement exits shall be sufficient to provide
for the capacity of the basement as determined
in accordance with 6.1.1. In no case shall there
be less than two independent basement exits.
c) Basement or sub-basements not open to the

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 2

storage and service operations (other than [Link] All rooms or areas of high hazard in
kitchens, which are considered part of the additions to those herein before mentioned, shall be
hotel occupancy) shall have exits segregated
appropriate to the actual occupancy, in
accordance with other applicable provisions
of the Code, or in case of mixed occupancy
where there may be doubt as to which other
section is applicable, such basements shall
have exits determined on the basis of lesser
exit capacity.

6.1.4 Additional
Precautions
[Link] Flammable liquids for household purposes
shall be kept in tightly stoppered or sealed
containers. For the limits of quantities of flammable
liquids to be allowed in various occupancies,
reference may be made to appropriate regulations.
[Link] No stove or combustion heater shall be
located directly under or immediately at the foot of
stairs or otherwise so located as to block escape
in case of malfunctioning of the stove or heater.
[Link] All kitchen exhaust fans, where provided,
shall be fixed to an outside wall or to a duct of
non combustible material, which leads directly to
the outside. The ducts must not pass through areas
having combustible materials.
[Link] All wiring shall be done in accordance
with Part 8 'Building Services, Section 2
Electrical Installations', good practice [4(10)]
and National Electric Code.
[Link] Where television is installed, all outdoor
antennae shall be properly grounded and
protected from lightning (see Part 8 'Building
Services, Section 2 Electrical Installations').
[Link] Doors leading to rooms in which
flammable liquids are stored or used shall be as
in 4.7. Such assembly shall be self-closing and
shall be posted with a sign on each side of the
door in 25 mm high block letters stating
-'FIREJ?OOR -KEEP CLOSED'.
[Link] Where a [Link] is provided or a
central heating plant is installecl, which uses solid
or liquid fuel, it shall be separated :from rest of the
building by a separation wall with allopenings
protected as in 3.4.7 and3.4.8.
[Link] Rooms containing high pressure boilers,
refrigerating machinery, transformers or other
service equipment subject to possible explosion
shall not be located directly under or adjacent to
exits. All such rooms shall be effectively cut off
from other parts of the building and shall be
provided with adequate vents to the outside air.

5 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF

or shall be protected as may be directed by the marked. The detailed requirements regarding safe
enforcing Authority where, in the opinion of the use 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
building. [Link] All exterior openings in a boiler room or
rooms containing central heating equipment, if
[Link] For detailed information regarding fire located below opening in another storey or if less
safety requirements for hazardous petroleum than 3 m from other doors or windows of the same
products, reference may be made to the Petroleum building, shall be protected by a fire assembly as
Act, 1934 and the Rules thereof. in 3.4.8. Such assemblies shall be fixed, automatic
or self-closing. Provisions of [Link] shall also apply
6.2 Requirements of Educational Buildings
to this group of occupancy.
(Group B)
6.2.1 In addition to the general requirements specified 6.2.6 Exception and Deviation
in 3.4 for the type of construction and occupancy group [Link] 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 [Link] shall be complied with. cinder, synthetic or unprotected steel or iron.
6.2.2 Buildings intended for educational occupancy [Link] In gymnasiums and in multi-purpose school
shall not be used for any hazardous occupancy. rooms having an area not greater than 300m2 , 25 mrn
6.2.3 Fire Detection/Extinguishing System 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
Rise Buildings) shall apply. [Link] A building, which will have only the first
floor and is accessible to not more than 20 pupils
6.2.4 Exit at any time, may be used for school purposes with
Facilities the following exceptions:
The capacity of any open mezzanine or balcony shall a) Exterior walls or parts of walls which are
be added to the capacity of the floor for the purpose of less than 900 mm from adjacent property
determining the exit capacity. lines shall have no openings therein.
In addition to the provisions in 4, the following shall b) Classrooms may have only one exit not less
be provided: than 900 mrn wide.
[Link] Exits, in accordance with 4 shall be so arranged 6.3 Requirements of Institutional Buildings
that at least two separate exits are available in every (Group C)
floor area. Exits shall be as remote from each other as
practicable and so arranged that there are no pockets 6.3.1 In addition to the general requirements specified
or dead ends of appreciable size in which occupants in 3.4 for the type of construction and occupancy group
may be trapped. and the exit requirements given in 4, the requirements
given in 6.3.2 to 6.3.5 shall be complied with.
[Link] Every room with a capacity of over 45 persons
in area shall have at least two doorways. 6.3.2 Fire Detection/Extinguishing System

[Link] Exterior doors shall be operated by panic The requirements for occupancy sub-divisions as
bars or some other panic hardware device, except that specified in Table 23 and Annex C (for High Rise
doors leading from classrooms directly to the Buildings) shall apply.
outside may be equipped with the same type of lock 6.3.3 Exit Facilities
as is used on classroom doors leading to corridor,
with no provision whatsoever for locking against In addition to the provisions of 4, the following
egress from the classroom. requirements shall be complied with.
[Link] In buildings or sections occupied by bed
6.2.5 Additional Precautions ridden patients where the floor area is over 280 m2,
[Link] 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
approved horizontal exits or exits from the first floor
[Link] Each building shall be provided with an (floor 2) of a building to the outside.
approved outside gas shut-off valve conspicuously
PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 2
[Link] Not less than two exits of one or more of the [Link] No combustible material of any kind shall be
following types shall be provided for every floor,
including basement, of every building or section:
a) Doors leading directly outside the building;
b) Stairways;
c) Ramps;
d) Horizontal exits; and
e) Fire tower.
[Link] All required exits that serve as egress from
hospital or infirmary sections shall be not less than
2 m in clear width including patient bedroom doors to
permit transportation of patients on beds, litters, or
mattresses. The minimum width of corridors serving
patients bedrooms in buildings shall be 2 400 mm.
For detailed information on recommendations for
buildings and facilities for the physically
handicapped, reference may be made to good practice
[4 (27)].
[Link] Elevators constitute a desirable
supplementary facility, but are not counted as
required exits. Patient lifts shall alse be provided
with enough room for transporting a stretcher trolley.
[Link] Any area exceeding 500 m2 shall be divided
into compartments by fire resistant walls.
[Link] Doors in fire resistant walls shall be. so
installed that these may normally be kept in open
position, but will close automatically. Corridor door
openings in smoke barriers shall be not less than 2
000 mm in width. Provision shall also be made for
double swing single/ double leaf type door.
[Link] Exits and other features for penal and mental
institutions, and custodial institutions shall be the
same as specified for hospitals, in so far as
applicable. Reliable means shall be provided to
permit the prompt release of inmates from any locked
section in case of fire or other emergency.
[Link] Wherever any inmates are confined in any
locked rooms or spaces, adequate guards or other
personnel shall be continuously on duty or
immediately available to provide for release of inmates
or for such other action as may be indicated in case of
fire or other emergency.
[Link] No building constructed in whole or in part of
combustible materials shall be used to confine inmates
in cells or sleeping quarters, unless automatic sprinkler
protection is provided.
[Link] All buildings or sections of buildings in penal
and mental institutions used for manufacturing, storage
or office purposes shall have exits in accordance with
the provisions of the Code for those occupancies.

6.3.4 Additional Precautions

5 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF

stored or used in any building or section thereof FacUities
used for institutional occupancy, except as
[Link] Every place of assembly, every tier or
necessary to normal occupancy and use of the
balcony, and every individual room used as a place of
building.
assembly shall have exits sufficient to provide for
[Link] Bare minimum quantities of flammable the total capacity thereof as determined in
material such as chloroform, ethyl alcohol, spirit, accordance with 4. Door width for assembly
etc shall be allowed to be stored and handled. The buildings shall not be less than 2 000 mm.
handling of such liquids shall not be permitted by
a) Every place of assembly of sub-division D-1
un-authorized persons. Bulk storage of these items,
will be governed by relevant rules and safe
practices.
6.3.5 Exceptions and
Deviations
It is recognized that in institutions or part of
buildings housing various types of psychiatric
patients, or used as penal and mental institutions, it
is necessary to maintain locked doors and barred
windows; and to such extent the necessary provision
in other sections of the Code requiring the keeping
of exits unlocked may be waived. It is also
recognized that certain type of psychiatric patients
are not capable of seeking safety without adequate
guidance. In buildings where this situation
prevails, reliable means for the rapid release of
occupants shall be provided, such as remote control
of locks, or by keying all locks to keys commonly
used by attendants.

6.4 Requirements of Assembly Buildings (Group

D)
6.4.1 In addition to the general requirements
specified in 3.4 for type of construction and
occupancy group and the exit requirements given in
4, the requirements given in 6.4.2 to [Link] shall be
complied with.

6.4.2 Mixed
Occupancy
Places of assembly in buildings of other
occupancy, such as ballrooms in hotels, restaurants
in stores and assembly rooms in schools, shall be
so located, separated or protected as to avoid any
undue danger to the occupants of the place of
assembly from a fire originating in the other
occupancy or smoke therefrom.
6.4.3 Fire Detection/Extinguishing
System
The requirements fonX:cupancy sub-divisions D-1
to D-5 as specified in T!tble 23 and Annex C (for
High Rise Buildings) shall apply.
NOTE - Canteens shall not be provided in
basements. If provided in the upper floors, it shall be
sprinklered.

6.4.4 Exit

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 2

shall have at least four separate exits as All displays or exhibits of combustible material or
remote from each other as practicable. construction and all booths and temporary
b) Every place of assembly of sub-division D- construction in connection therewith shall be so
2, shall have at least two separate exits as limited in combustibility or protected as to avoid
remote from each other as practicable and if any undue hazard of fire which might endanger
of capacity over 600 at least three exits shall occupants before they· have opportunity to use the
be provided with each exit not less than of available exits, as determined by the authority.
2 000 mm width.
[Link] Places of assembly in buildings of other
[Link] 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 assembly area and the other occupancy are
seven seats away from an aisle. Rows of seats opening considered separately, and each has exits sufficient
on to an aisle at one end only shall have not more than to meet the requirements of the Code.
seven seats. Under the conditions, where all these
[Link] Exits shall be sufficient for simultaneous
aisles do not directly meet the exit doors, cross-aisles
occupancy of both the places of assembly and other
shall be provided parallel to the line of seating so as to
parts of the building, unless the Authority determines
provide direct access to the exit, provided that not less
that the conditions are such that simultaneous
than one cross aisle for every 10rows shall be required.
occupancy will not occur.
The width of cross-aisles shall be minimum of 1m.
Steps shall not be placed in aisles to overcome [Link] For any place of assembly under sub-
differences in levels, unless the gradient exceeds 1 in division D-1, at least half the required means of exits
10. shall lead directly outdoors or through exit ways
completely separated from exits serving other parts of
[Link] The fascia of boxes, balconies and galleries
the building.
shall have substantial railings not less than 1 000 mm
high above the floor. The railings at the end of aisles [Link] For detailed information regarding cinema
extending to the fascia shall be not less than 1 100 mm buildings, reference may be made to good practice
high for the width of the aisle or 1 200 mm high at the [4(28)].
foot of steps. 6.4.5 Lighting
[Link] 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
[Link] No turnstiles or other devices to restrict the
flame lighting under such restrictions as
movement of persons shall be installed in any place of
are necessary to avoid danger of ignition of
assembly in such a manner as to interfere in any way
combustible materials or injury to
with the required exit facilities.
occupants.
[Link] In theatres and similar places of public b) Candles may be used on restaurant tables if
assembly where persons are admitted to the building securely supported on non-combustible bases
at a time when seats are not available for them and are and so located as to avoid danger of ignition
allowed to wait in a lobby or similar space until seats of combustible materials.
are available, such use of lobby or similar space shall
c) Open flame devices may be used on stages
not encroach upon the required clear width of exits.
where they are a necessary part of theatrical
Such waiting shall be restricted to areas separated from
performance, provided adequate precautions,
the required exit ways by substantial permanent
satisfactory to the Authority are taken to
partitions or fixed rigid railing not less than 105 em
prevent ignition of combustible materials.
high. Exits shall be provided for such waiting spaces
on the basis cif one person for each 0.3 m 2 of waiting 6.4.6 Additional Precautions
space area. Such exits shall be in addition to the exits
[Link] The decorations of places of assembly shall
specified for the main auditorium area and shall
be of non-flammable materials. Fabrics and papers used
conform in construction and arrangement to the general
for such purpose shall be treated with an effective
rules of exits given above. flame-retardant material. Stage settings made of
[Link] No display or exhibit shall be so installed or combustible materials shall likewise be treated with
operated as to interfere in any way with access to any fire retardant materials of Class 1 flame spread.
required exit, or with any required exit sign.
5 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF
[Link] Seats in places of public assembly,
accommodating more than 300 persons, shall
be

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 3

securely fastened to the floor, except as permitted [Link] The stage roof of every theatre using movable
in [Link]. 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
than 14 seats, the seats need not be fastened. floor by hand and also opening by fusible links or
[Link] Chairs not secured to the floor may be some other approved automatic heat/smoke actuated
permitted in restaurants, night clubs and other device, to give a free opening equal to at least one-
occupancies where the fastening of seats to the floor eighth the area of the floor of the stage.
may not be practicable, provided that in the area used [Link] The proscenium wall of every theatre using
for seating, excluding dance floor, stage, etc, there movable scenery of decorations shall have, exclusive
shall be not more than one seat for each 1.4 m 2 of of the proscenium opening, not more than two openings
floor area and adequate aisles to reach exits shall be entering the stage, each not to exceed 2 m2 and fitted
maintained at all times. with self-closing fire resistant doors.
[Link].1 Rows of seats between aisles shall have not [Link] Every place of assembly in which projection
more than 14 seats.
of motion pictures by light is made shall have the
[Link].2 Rows of seats opening on to an aisle at one projection apparatus enclosed in a fire-resisting fixed
end only shall have not more than 7 seats. booth in accordance with good practice [4(27)],
except that such booth shall not be required where
[Link].3 Seats without dividing arms shall have their no· nitrocellulose motion picture film is used.
capacity determined by allowing 450 mm per person.
[Link] Automatic smoke vents actuated by smoke
[Link] The spacing of rows of seats from back-to detectors shall be installed above the auditorium or
hack 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.
[Link] Rooms containing high pressure boilers,
refrigerating machinery other than domestic 6.4.7 Exception and Deviation
refrigerator type, large transformers or other service [Link] 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 shall be separated from the remainder of the building
exits. All such rooms shall be effectively cut off from by a separating wall with openings protected as in 3.4.7
other parts of the building and provided with and 3.4.8.
adequate vents to the outer air.
[Link] Gymnasiums, indoor stadiums and similar
[Link] 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
[Link] The underside of continuous steel deck grand
effectively cut off from assembly areas or protected
stands when erected outdoots 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
[Link] Every stage equipped with fly galleries, grid for Metro Stations '
irons and rigging for movable theatre type scenery,
shall have a system of automatic sprinklers over and [Link] Wet riser system
under such stage areas or spaces and auxiliary spaces, Main and diesel fire pump of 1 800 llmin capacity to
such as dressing rooms, store rooms and workshops, be provided to support 3 to 4 hydrants at a time.
and the proscenium opening shall be provided with a Jockey pump capacity shall be 180 llmin. Where it is
fire- resisting curtain, capable of withstanding a lateral possible to extend reliable DG supply to the fire
pressure of 4 kN/m 2 over the entire area. The curtain pump room without routing through the station
shall have an emergency closing device capable of building, the provision of diesel pump can be
causing the curtain to close without the use of power dispensed with and instead, two electric pumps may
and when so closed, it shall be reasonably tight against be provided out of which at least one should have
the passage of smoke. DG back-up. The jockey pump should also have DG

5 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF

back-up.

5 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF

[Link] Internal hydrant false ceiling giving due consideration to depth of
The internal hydrant is proposed to be provided with false ceiling/flooring. However, in concourse, the
2 number RRL hose pipes of 38 mm dia with 63 mm detectors below false ceiling may not be effective due
standard instantaneous coupling along with to heights/ cross ventilation and therefore may not
associated branch pipes and cabinet and a first aid be provided. In other areas, because of high
hose reel of 25 mm dia, length 45 m and fitted with heights and cross ventilations, detectors will not be
6.5 mm nozzle. effective and hence therefore can be dispensed. A
conventional detection system will suffice at a
Two internal hydrants are proposed to be provided on
normal station.
each platform in such a way so that most of the
platform is covered by hose. However, in case of [Link] Manual call box
necessity, the hose pipes from other hose cabinets can
Manual call box should be provided at a central place
be utilized for extending the length of fire hose pipe
on each platform (near emergency plunger) and at
for fire fighting, if need be. At the concourse level
least two on the concourse, on each sidewall.
minimum two hydrants will be provided. In station
When the concourse in two halves there should be
where the concourse is split into two halves at least
one manual call box on each side.
one hydrant is to be provided in each half ofthe
concourse. Further, in case the area is more than 2 [Link] Manual panel gas flooding
000 m2 , an additional first aid hose-reel point shall Electric panels should have provision of manual gas
be provided for every
flooding. Alternatively panels can be provided with
additional 1 000 linear heat sensing tubes with C02 cylinder. This
m2 .
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
One hydrant shall be provided at entry of each
other such major panels.
station at ground floor for providing the coverage
to the parking area. [Link] External area of the station
[Link] Sprinklers A 'two way/four way' fire brigade inlet to be
provided at ground level on each rising main for
Sprinklers are required to be provided only in the
hydrants/ sprinkles.
commercial areas, if any, in the station. The
commercial areas will be segregated from the station The 'Draw Off Connection' shall be provided on the
area through 2 h fire rated walls and doors. underground tank for fire brigade.
Additional sprinkler pumps are not required, as two
pumps already provided for hydrant system will take [Link] Water tank capacity
care of the sprinkler flow requirements. Capacity of fire tanks at stations without any
However, if such commercial areas in the premises of commercial development (Beverage stall/ATM!Florist/
stations are in isolated building separate from the Book stalls up to total250 m2 excluded) shall be 50
station building then the provision of sprinkler pump 000 litres.
and water tank capacities shall be as per this Code. However, at stations having commercial
The water storage and pumps may however be development, the fire tank capacity shall be 100 000
common. litres.
[Link] Detectors [Link] Portable fire extinguishers
Detectors are required to be provided only in areas For the purpose of standardization, the following
where there are false ceiling and false floor and areas portable extinguishers are, recommended:
of equipment rooms. Wherever there are false ceiling, a) Water C0 type 9 litres
2
the detectors should be provided both above and below b) CO fire extinguishers 4.5 kg
2

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY 55

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
3. Portable Extinguishers plunger.
One set of Water C02 anq C02 type on each platform at a central
CONCOURSE area.
1. Internal Hydrants
Two at each concourse. When concourse is in two parts then each
2. Additional first-aid reel point part should have at least one hydrant.
2
Additional first-aid reel point for every additional 1 000 m , if the
2
area is more than 2 000 m • Similarly, if the concourse is in two
parts then additional first aid reel point for every
2 2
3. Manual call box additional 1 000 m , if the area of the part is more than 1 000 m •
Two at each concourse. When concourse is in two parts then each
4. Portable Extinguishers part should have at least one.
Two sets at each concourse. When concourse is in two parts then
5. Detectors each part should have at least one set.
Above false ceiling where depth of false ceiling is greater than
EQUIPMENT ROOM AREAS 800 mm. Required in commercial areas also.
1. Internal Hydrants/first-aid reel
point The requirement shall get covered with platform/concourse.
2. Manual call box Additional first-aid reel point may be provided, if required.
One at a central place. When the equipment rooms are in two/more
3. Portable Extinguishers parts then each part should have one.
4. Detectors One set for each
room.
5. Response Indicator Above and below false ceiling and below floor giving due
6. Panel gas flooding consideration to depth of false ceiling/floor.
To be
provided.
EXTERNAL AREAS
To be provided for HT panel, main LT panel, main LT distribution
1. Hydrants One atand
board ground floorpower
essential at eachpanels
entry and
to station near major
other such staircase/DG
panels.
2. Two/four way fire brigade inlet room.
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)

[Link] Occupancy sub-division E-1 (except office
6.5.1 In addition to the general requirements buildings)
specified in 3.4 for type of construction and
occupancy group
and the exit requirements given in 4, the Buildings) Details of
requirements given in 6.5.2 to 6.5.5 shall be shall Occupancy
complied with. apply.
E-1
6.5.2 Fire Detection/Extinguishing System
The requirements for occupancy sub-divisions as
specified in Table 23 and Annex C (for High Rise

5 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF

Fire Detection/Extinguishing
System

Automatic frre alarm system {good practice

[4(17)] and [4(18)], and
Table 23}.

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 5

[Link] Occupancy sub-division E-2 6.5.3 Exit Facilities

Details of Fire Detection/Extinguishing [Link] In the case of mezzanines or balconies open

Occupancy System to the floor below, or other unprotected vertical
a) Laboratory Fixed automatic C02 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 C02 fire [Link] Not less than two exits shall be provided for
liquid extinguishing system every floor, including basements occupied for office
purposes or uses incidental thereto.
[Link] Occupancy sub-division E-3
6.5.4 Additional Requirements
Details of Fire Detection/Extinguishing
Occupancy [Link] The handling and use of gasoline, fuel oil and
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 [Link] 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 heating plant, which burns gas as a fuel shall be
b) Space under false [4(29)]}. adequately separated from the rest of the building.
ceiling (floor) Automatic fire alarm system 6.5.5 Exception and Deviation
{good practice [4(18)] and
c) Space above false [4(19)], and Table 23} [Link] Basements used only for storage, heating, any
ceiling and below Automatic fire alarm system other service equipment shall conform to exit
false floor {good practice [4(18)] and requirements for Group H occupancies in all
d) Electrical switch [4(19)], and Table 23} respects.
board Automatic fire alarm system 6.6 Requirements of Mercantile Buildings
{good practice [4(18)] and (Group F)
[4(19)], and Table 23} and
C02 fire extinguishing 6.6.1 Inaddition to the general requirements
installation specified in 3.4 for type of construction and
occupancy and the exit requirements given in 4, the
requirements given
[Link] Occupancy sub-division E-4 in [Link] to 6.6.5 shall be complied with.

Details of Fire Detection/Extinguishing [Link] 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
alternative fire extinguishing building except in the case of a single family unit
system (see 5.3) and/or where the 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
[Link] Occupancy sub-division E-5 Rise Buildings) shall apply.
also Table 23)
Details of Fire Detection!
Occupancy Extinguishing System
Broadcasting stations Automatic fire alarm system
based on smoke detectors
and sprinkler system (see
5 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF
the provisions of 4, complied with.
6.6.3 Exit Facilities
the following
[Link] In the case of mezzanines or balconies open
In addition to requirements shall be
to the floor below, or other un-protected vertical
openings between floors, the population or area of the

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 5

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
the required exits, provided, however, that in no case In addition to the provisions of 4, the following
shall the total number of exit units be less than that requirements shall be complied with.
required if all vertical openings were enclosed. [Link] Not less than two exits shall be provided for
[Link] At least two separate exits shall be accessible every floor or section, including basements used for
from every part of every floor, including basements; industrial purposes or uses incidental thereto.
such exits shall be as remote from each other as [Link] 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 outside wall where exit doors could be provided are
the 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
[Link] Requirements specified in [Link] 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
[Link] 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
[Link] 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 mrn of the floor level before they have time to
[Link] Open-air mercantile operations, such as reach exits, provided, however, that in no case may
open air markets, gasoline filling stations, roadside the distance of travel to reach the nearest exit exceed
stands for the sale of a farm produce and other 45 m where smoke venting is required as a condition
outdoor mercantile operations shall be so arranged for permitting distances of travel to exits in excess of
and conducted as to maintain free and unobstructed the maximum otherwise allowed.
ways of travel at all times to permit prompt escape
from any point of danger in case of fire or other [Link] Additional precautions
emergency, but no dead-ends in which persons might a) In any room in which volatile flammable
be trapped due to display stands, adjoining buildings, substances are used or stored, no device
fences, vehicles or other obstructions. generating a glow or flame capable of
[Link] If mercantile operations are conducted in igniting flammable vapour shall be installed
roofed-over areas, these shall be treated as mercantile or used. Such a room shall be provided with
buildings, provided canopies over individual small a suitably designed exhaust ventilation
stands to protect merchandise from the weather shall system (see Annex D). To ensure safety
not be constructed to constitute buildings for the from fire due to short circuit, faulty
purpose of the Code. electrical connection or some similar cause,
proper care shall be taken in designing
6.6.5 Exception and Deviation electrical installations in such room (see
Any mercantile occupancy, where goods of a highly Part 8 'Building Services, Section 2
hazardous nature are pre-dominant, shall be considered Electrical Installations').
under Group J occupancy for the purpose of the Code. b) The storage, use and handling of gasoline,
fuel oil and othttr flammable liquids shall
6.7 Requirements oflndustrial Buildings (Group not be permitted in any Group G occupancy
G) unless it complies with regulations
6.7.1 In addition to the general requirements specified pertaining to Petroleum Act, 1934 and Rules
in 3.4 for the type of construction and occupancy group thereunder.
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,
Rise Buildings) shall apply. reference may be made to good practice
PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 6
[4(23)].

5 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF

[Link] Exception and deviation emergency before they have time to
utilize exits to escape.
a) Basements used only for storage, heating or
other service equipment, and not subject to
industrial occupancy, shall have exits in
accordance with the requirements of Group
H occupancies.
b) The following exceptions shall apply to
special purpose industrial occupancies:
1) Exits need be provided only for the
persons actually employed; spaces not
subject to human occupancy because of
the presence of machinery or equipment
may be excluded from consideration.
2) Where unprotected vertical openings
are necessary to manufacturing
operations, these may be permitted
beyond the limits specified for
industrial occupancy, provided every
floor level has direct access to one or
more enclosed stairways or other exits
protected against obstruction by any fire
in the open areas connected by the
unprotected vertical openings or smoke
therefrom.
3) Industrial buildings of low and
moderate hazard are permitted only
up to 18 m height.
c) The following exceptions shall apply to high
hazard industrial occupancies:
I) Exits shall be so located that it will not
be necessary to travel more than 22.5 m
from any point to reach the nearest exit.
2) From every point in every floor area,
there shall be at least two exits
accessible in different directions; where
floor areas are divided into rooms, there
shall be at least two ways of escape
from every room, however small,
except toilet rooms, so located that the
points of access thereto are out of or
suitably shielded from areas of high
hazard.
3) In addition to types of exits for upper
floors specified for Group G
occupancies, slide escapes may be
used as required exits for both new
and existing buildings.
4) All high hazard industrial occupancies
shall have automatic sprinkler
protection or such other protection as
may be appropriate to the particular
hazard, including explosion venting for
any area subject to explosion hazard,
designed to minimize danger to
occupants in case of fire or other
PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 6
5) Industrial buildings of high hazard are
a) Where both parking and repair operations
permitted only up to 15 m height.
are conducted in the same building, the
6.7.4 For detailed information on fire safety of entire building shall comply with the
certain individual (specific) industrial occupancies requirements for Group G occupancies,
reference may be made to good practice [4(39)]. unless the parking
6.7.5 Fire protection considerations for venting
industrial occupancies shall be as given in Annex
D.

6.8 Requirements of Storage Buildings (Group

H)
6.8.1 In addition to the general requirements
specified in 3.4 for type of construction and
occupancy group and the exit requirements given
in 4, the requirements given in 6.8.2 to 6.8.5
shall be complied with.
6.8.2 Fire Detection/Extinguishing
System
The requirements for occupancy group H, as
specified in Table 23 and Annex C (for High
Rise Building) shall apply.
NOTE - Automatic sprinklers are prohibited where
water reactive materials are kept. Instead automatic fire
alarm system coupled with suitable fire extinguishing
systems shall be installed.

6.8.3 Exit
Facilities
In addition to the provisions of 4, the following
requirements shall also be complied with.
[Link] Every building or structure used for
storage and every section thereof considered
separately, shall have access to at least one exit so
arranged and located as to provide a suitable means
of escape for any person employed therein and in
any room or space exceeding 1 400 m2 gross area,
or where more than 10 persons may be normally
present, at least two separate means of exit shall be
available, as remote from each other as practicable.
[Link] Every storage area shall have access to at
least two means of exit, which can be readily
opened. This shall not be subject to locking so long
as any persons are inside and shall not depend on
power operation.
[Link] The following special provisions shall
apply to parking garages of closed or open type,
above or below ground, but not to mechanical
parking facilities where automobiles are moved
into and out of storage mechanically which are not
normally occupied by persons and thus require no
exit facilities. Where repair operations are
conducted, the exits shall comply with the
requirements of Group G occupancies in addition
to compliance with the following:
5 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF
and repair sections are effectively separated where
by separation walls.
b) Every floor of every closed parking garage
shall have access to at least two separate
means of exit, so arranged that from any point
in the garage the paths of travel to the two
means of exit shall be in different directions,
except that a common path of travel may be
permitted for the first 15m, from any point.
c) On the street floor, at least two separate exit
doors shall be provided, except that any
opening for the passage of automobiles may
serve as a means of exit, provided no door or
shutter is installed thereon. Street floor exits
in closed garages shall be so arranged that no
point in the area is more than 30 m from the
nearest exit, or 45 m in the case of garages
protected by automatic sprinklers, distance
being measured along the natural path of
travel.
d) On floors above the street, at least two means
of exit shall be provided, one of which shall
be an enclosed stairway. The other means of
egress may be a second exit of any of the
types, or in a ramp type garage with open
ramps not subject to closure, the ramp may
serve as the second means of exit.
e) Upper floor exits in closed garages shall be
so arranged that no point in the area shall be
more than 30 m from the nearest exit other
than a ramp on the same floor level or 45 m
in the case of garages protected by automatic
sprinklers.
f) On floors below the street (either basement
or outside underground garages) at least two
exits shall be provided, not counting any
automobile ramps, except that for garages
extending only one floor level below the
street, a ramp leading direct to the outside may
constitute one required means of exit. In
garages below street level, exits shall be so
arranged that no part of the area shall be more
than 30 m from the nearest stair exit.
g) If any gasoline pumps are located within any
closed parking garage, exits shall be so
located that travel away from the gasoline
pump in any direction shall lead to an exit;
with no dead-end in which occupants might
be trapped by fire or explosion at any
gasoline pump. Such exit shall lead to the
outside on the building on the same level, or
downstairs; no upward travel shall be
permitted unless direct outside exits are
available from that floor and any floor
below (as in the case of a basement garage

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 6

the grade is one storey or more lower protection is provided.
at the rear than at the street).
6.9 Requirements of Buildings for Hazardous
[Link] Exits from aircraft hangers (storage or Uses (Group J)
servicing areas) shall be provided at intervals of
not more than 45 m on all exterior walls of aircraft 6.9.1 In addition to the general requirements specified
hangers. There shall be a minimum of two exits in 3.4 for type of construction and occupancy group
serving each aircraft storage or servicing areas. and the exit requirements given in 4, the requirements
Horizontal exits through interior fire walls shall be given in 6.9.2 to 6.9.4 shall be complied with.
provided at intervals of not more than 30 m.
'Dwarf or 'smash' doors accommodating aircraft
may be used to comply with these requirements.
All doors designated as exits shall be kept
unlocked in the direction of exit travel while the
area is occupied.
[Link] Exits from mezzanine floors in aircraft
storage or servicing areas shall be so arranged
that the maximum travel to reach the nearest
exits from any point on the mezzanine shall not
exceed 22.5 m. Such exits shall lead directly to a
properly enclosed stairwell discharging directly
to the exterior or to a suitably cut off area or to
outside fire escape stairs.
[Link] The following special provisions shall
apply to grain elevators:
a) There shall be at least one stair tower
from basement to first floor and from the
first floor to the top floor of workhouse
which is enclosed in a dust-tight non-
combustible shaft.
b) Non-combustible doors of self-closing
type shall be proviqed at each floor
landing.
c) An exterior fire escape of the stair or
basket ladder type shall be provided
from the roof of the workshop to
ground level or the roof of an adjoining
annexe with access from all floors
above the first.
d) An exterior fire escape of either the
stair or basket ladder type shall be
provided from the roof of each storage
annexe to ground level.
6.8.4 Additional
Precautions
Requirements specified in [Link] shall apply to
Group H occupancies also.
6.8.5 Exceptions and
Deviations
Every .area used for the storage of hazardous
commodities shall have an exit within 22.5 m of
any point in the area where persons may be
present or 35 m where automatic sprinkler

6 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF

6.9.2 Fire Detection/Extinguishing System or permitted unless it is enclosed in a
The requirements for occupancy Group J, as specified flameproof enclosure. ·
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
NOTE - Hazardous buildings shall have vapour
liquids snail not be permitted in Group J
detectors/ explosion suppression systems/automatic occupancies unless such use, handling,
sprinklers, besides hydrant system, wet risers and storage and sale is in accordance with
automatic fire alarm system depending on the type of fire appropriate legislation in force.
hazard involved.
e) All openings in exterior walls except wall
6.9.3 Exit Facilities vents shall be protected by a fire stop
assembly as in 4 and they shall be fixed,
Requirements specified in 4 and [Link] (c) shall apply automatic or self-closing. Wall vents having
to Group J occupancies also. an area of not less than 100 cm2 each shall be
placed in the exterior walls near the floor line,
6.9.4 Additional Precautions
not more than 1 800 mrn 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
which shall be arranged and operated so as to
a) Each building where gas is employed for
produce a complete change of air in each room
any purpose shall be provided with an
every 3 min.
approved outside gas shut-off valve
conspicuously marked. The detailed f) Each machine in dry-cleaning establishments
requirements regarding safe use of gas shall which uses flammable liquid shall have an
be as specified in Part 9 'Plumbing adequate steam line or any other suitable
Services, Section 2 Gas Supply'. extinguishing agent directly connected to it,
so arranged as to have the agent automatically
b) Each boiler room or room containing a
released to the inside of each machine should
heating plant shall be separated from the rest
an explosion occur in the machine.
of the building by a separating wall.
g) Equipment or machinery which generates or
c) In any room in which volatile flammable
emits combustible or explosive dust or
substances are used or stored, no device
fibres shall be provided with an adequate
generating a spark, or glow flame capable of
dust collecting and exhaust system.
igniting flammable vapour shall be installed

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 6

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 Valoes of Common Materials
Ozokerite (wax) 43.3 2.46
Material Paper (average)
Calorific Value 15.4 Wood 0.88
(103 k.J/kg-1)Paraffin
1) wax 40.9Equivalent2.33
(kg/kg)
Pitch 33.0 1.88
Rubber 37.4 2.13(3)
(1) (2)
Straw 13.2 0.75
Tallows 37.6 2.14
Solid Fuels Tanbark 20.9 1.19
Anthracite 28.6 1.66 Tar(bi • 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 FoodltuJP
Peats 20.9 1.19 Barely l4.1 0.80
Sub-bituminous Coal 22.0 1.25 Bran ILO 0.63
Woods (hard or softwood) 17.6 1.00 Bread t.O 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
Ethane Flour 14.1 0.80
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
Paraffin Miscellaneous
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
Propylene Formaldehyde 17.6 1.00
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 ll 1 kJ is approximately equal to I Btu so the figures in the
Propyl Alcohol tables are also equivalent to Btu/kg.
31.9 1.81
Polymers
A-2 The typical values fire load density for arriving
Casein 23.1 1.31
Cellulose
at the classification of occupancy hazard is given in
16.5 0.94
Cellulose Acetate 17.8 1.01 Table 26 for guidance.
Polyethylene 48.4 2.75
Polypropylene
Table 26 Typical Values of Fire Load Density
48.4 2.75
Polystyrene 41.8 2.38 Sl BuDding Type Fire Load DeusUy (Expressed
Polyvinylchloride 20.9 1.19 No. as Wood Equiftleut
Polymethylmethacrylate 24.6 1.40 kg/mz
Polyurethane 35.2 2.00 (1) (2) (3)
Polyamide (nylon) 22.0 1.25
Polyester i) Residential (A-I and A-2) 25
22.0 1.25 ii)
Residential (A-3 to A-S) 25
Common Solids 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) Upto250
Flax 14.3 0.81 vii) Industrial (G) Up to 150
Furs and Skins 18.7 1.06 viii) Stomge and Hazatdous Upto500
Hair (animal) 20.9 1.19 (HandJ)
Leather 17.6 1.00

62 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

ANNEX B
(Clauses 3.1.8 and 3.1.11)
BROAD CLASSIFICATION OF INDUSTRIAL AND NON-INDUSTRIAL OCCUPANCIES
INTO DIFFERENT DEGREE OF HAZARD
B-1 LOW HAZARD OCCUPANCIES Office premises
Abrasive manufacturing premises Places of worship
Aerated water factories Pottery works
Agarbatti manufacturing premises Poultry farms
Analytical and/or Q.C. Laboratories Residential buiidings (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.
Carpenters, wood wool and furniture makers
tube manufacturing
Carpet and durries factories.
Electroplating works
Cashewnut factories
. Engineering workshops ,..
Chemical manufacturers (usmg raw materials having
Fruits and vegetables dehydrating and drying factories
F.P > 23°C)
Fruits products and condiment factories
Cigar and cigarette factories
Glass and glass fibre manufacturing
Coir factories
Godowns and warehouses (non-combustible goods)
Cold storage premises
Gold thread/gilding factories
Computer installations
Gum and/or glue and gelatine manufacturing Cork products manufacturing (coir, carpets, rugs and
Ice candy and ice-cream and ice factories tobacco) (hides and skin presses)
Ink (excluding printing ink) factories Dry cleaning, dyeing and laundries
Mica products manufacturing Electric sub-stations/distribution stations

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 6

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
Flour mills B-3 IDGH HAZARD OCCUPANCIES
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
hydrocarbons/inert gases) Coal, coke and charcoal ball and briquettes making
Man-made yam/fibre (except acrylic fibre/yam) Collieries, steel plants
Manure and fertilizer works (blending, mixing and Cotton seeds cleaning and delinting factories
granulating only) Cotton waste factories
Mercantile occupancies (departmental stores, shopping Distilleries
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
Open storage of flammable liquids (in drums, cans, etc) goods) (H)
Oxygen plants Grass, hay, f der and BHOOSA (chaff)
Paper and cardboard mills (except raw material yard) Hazardous occupancy buildings (J)
Piers, wharves, dockyards Industrial gas manufacturing (except halogenated
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/yam 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 qrdinary hazard)
Rubber tyres and tubes manufacturing
Oil mills
Shellac factories Oil extraction plants
Silk filiatures Oil terminals/depots
Soaps and glycerine factories PaintsNarnish 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

64
NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA
PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 6
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
B) with varying degrees of hazards, the competent authority
having jurisdictions shall be consulted to decide the level of
Ammonia and urea synthesis plants protections to be provided.

ANNEX C
(Clauses [Link], 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 -
15m IN HEIGHT OR ABOVE

C-1 GENERAL on top of the shaft and separated from the shaft
In addition to the general provisions given in this by the floor of the room.
Part, the Authority may insist on suitable c) Landing doors in lift enclosures shall have a
protection measures (see C-1 to C-11) in a building fire resistance of not less than 1 h.
15m in height or above. d) The number of lifts in one row for a lift
bank shall not exceed 4 and the total
C-2 CONSTRUCTION number of lifts in the bank (of two rows)
C-1.1 All materials of constructions in load bearing shall not exceed
elements, stairways and corridors and facades shall be 8. A wall of 2 h fire rating shall separate
non-combustible. individual shafts in a bank.
e) Lift car door shall have a fire resistance
C-1.2 The interior finish materials shall not have a
rating of half an hour.
flame spreadability rating exceeding Class 1 (see
[Link]). f) Collapsible gates shall not be permitted for
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
rating. the building, a positive pressure between 25
C-1.4 The staircase shall be ventilated to the and 30 Pa shall be maintained in the lobby
atmosphere at each landing and a vent at the top; the and a positive pressure of 50 Pa shall be
vent openings shall be of 0.5 m2 in the external wall maintained in the lift shaft. The mechanism
and the top. If the staircase cannot be ventilated, for pressurization shall act automatically
because of location or other reasons, a positive with the fire alarm; it shall be possible to
pressure 50 Pa shall be maintained inside. The operate this mechanically also.
mechanism for pressurizing the staircase shall h) Exit from the lift lobby, if located in the
operate automatically with the fire alarm. The roof of core of the building, shall be through a self
the shaft shall be 1 m above the surrounding roof. closing smoke stop door of half an hour fire
Glazing or glass bricks if used in staircase, shall resistance.
have fire resistance rating of 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
General requirements of lifts shall be as follows: basements shall be pressurized as in (g),
with self-closing door as in (h).
a) Walls of lift enclosures shall have a fire
rating of 2 h; lifts shafts shall have a vent at k) Grounding switch(es), at ground floor level,
the top of area not less than 0.2 m2 • shall be provided on all the lifts to enable
the fire service to ground the lifts.
b) Lift motor room shall be located preferably
m) Telephone or other communication facilities

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

65
shall be provided in lift cars for building of glass-fronted box adjacent to the lift at
30 m in height and above. Communication
system for lifts shall be connected to fire
control room for the building.
n) Suitable arrangements such as providing slope
in the floor of lift lobby, shall be made to
prevent water used during fire fighting, etc,
at any landing from entering the lift shafts.
p) A sign shall be posted and maintained on
every floor at or near the lift indicating that
in case of fire, occupants shall use the stairs
unless instructed otherwise. The sign shall
also contain a plan for each floor showing
the locations of the stairways.
Alternate source of power supply shall be
provided for all the lifts through a manually
operated changeover switch.
q) Fire Lifts- Following details shall apply for
a fire lift:
1) To enable fire services personnel to
reach the upper floors with the
minimum delay, one fire lift per 1 200
m2 of floor area shall be provided and
shall be available for the exclusive use
of the firemen in an emergency.
2) The lift shall have a floor area of not
less than 1.4 m2 • It shall have loading
capacity of not less than 545 kg (8
persons lift) with automatic closing
doors of minimum 0.8 m width.
3) The electric supply shall be on a
separate service from electric supply
mains in a building and the cables run
in a route safe from fire, that is, within
the lift shaft. Lights and fans in the
elevators having wooden paneling or
sheet steel construction shall be
operated on 24 V supply.
4) Fire fighting lift should be provided
with a ceiling hatch for use in case
of emergency, so that when the car
gets stuck up, it shall be easily
openable.
5) In case of failure of normal electric
supply, it shall automatically trip over
to alternate supply. For apartment
houses, this changeover of supply could
be done through manually operated
changeover switch. Alternatively, the
lift shall be so wired that in case of
power failure, it comes down at the
ground level and comes to stand-still
with door open.
6) The operation of a fire lift is by a simple
toggle or two-button switch situated in a

6 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF

the entrance level. When the switch resistance rating as the compartment itself. Fire
is on, landing call-points will rating may be taken as the required smoke
become inoperative and the lift extraction time for smoke extraction ducts.
will be on car control only or on a
C-1.6.4 Mechanical extractors for smoke venting
priority control device. When the
system from lower basement levels shall also be
switch is off, the lift will return to
provided. The system shall be of such design as to
normal working. This lift can be
used by the occupants in normal
times.
7) The words 'Fire Lift' shall be
conspicuously displayed in
fluorescent paint on the lift
landing doors at each floor level.
8) The speed of the fire lift shall be
such that it can reach the top floor
from ground level within 1 min.
C-1.6
Basements
C-1.6.1 Each basement shall be separately
ventilated. Vents with cross-sectional area
(aggregate) not less than 2.5 percent of the floor
area spread evenly round the perimeter of the
basement shall be provided in the form of grills,
or breakable stallboard lights or pavement
lights or by way of shafts. Alternatively, a
system of air inlets shall be provided at basement
floor level and smoke outlets at basement ceiling
level. Inlets and extracts may be terminated at
ground level with stallboard or pavement lights
as before, but ducts to convey fresh air to the
basement floor level have to be laid. Stallboard
and pavement lights should be in positions
easily accessible to the fire brigade and clearly
marked 'SMOKE OUTLET' or 'AIR INLET'
with an indication of area: served at or near the
opening.
C-1.6.2 The staircase of basements shall be of
enclosed type having fire resistance of not less
than 2 h and shall be situated at the periphery
of the basement to be entered at ground level
only from the open air and in such positions
that smoke from any fire in the basement shall
not obstruct any exit serving the ground and
upper stores of the building and shall
communicate with basement through a lobby
provided with fire resisting self closing doors of
1 h resistance. For travel distance see 4,5. If the
travel distance exceeds as given in Table 21,
additional staircases shall be provided at proper
places.
C-1.6.3 In multi-storey basements, intake ducts
may serve all basement levels, but each
basement levels and basement compartment
shall have separate smoke outlet duct or ducts.
Ducts so provided shall have the same fire
operate on actuation of heat/smoke sensitive detectors PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY
or sprinklers, if installed, and shall have a considerably
superior performance compared to the standard units.
It shall also have an arrangement to start it manually.
C-[Link] Mechanical extractors shall have an internal
locking arrangement, so that extractors shall continue
to operate and supply fans shall stop automatically with
the actuation of ftre detectors.
C-[Link] Mechanical extractors shall be designed to
permit 30 air changes per hour in case of ftre or distress
call. However, for normal operation, air changes
schedule shall be as given in [Link].
C-[Link] Mechanical extractors shall have an
alternative source of supply.
C-[Link] Ventilating ducts shall be integrated with
the structure and made out of brick masonry or
reinforced cement concrete as far as possible and
when this duct crosses the transformer area or
electrical switchboard, fire dampers shall be
provided.
C-1.6.5 Use of basements for kitchens working on gas
fuel shall not be permitted, unless air conditioned.
The basement shall not be permitted below the ward
block of a hospital/nursing home unless it is fully
sprinkled.
Building services such as electrical sub-stations, boiler
rooms in basements shall comply with the provisions
of the Indian Electricity Act/Rules.
C-1.6.6 If cut outs are provided from basements to
the upper floors or to the atmospheres, all sides cut
out openings in the basements shall be protected by
sprinkler head at close spacing so as to form a water
curtain in the event of a ftre.
C-1.7 Openable windows on external walls shall be
fitted with such locks that can be opened by a ftreman'
s axe.
C-1.8 All floors shall be compartmented with area
not exceeding 750 m2 by a separation wall with 2 h
ftre rating, for floors with sprinklers the area may
be increased by 50 percent. In long building, the
fire separation walls shall be at distances not
exceeding 40 m. For departmental stores, shopping
centres and basements, the area may be reduced to
500 m2 for compartmentation. Where this is not
possible, the spacings of the sprinklers shall be
suitably reduced. When reducing the spacing of
sprinklers, care should be taken to prevent spray from
one sprinkler impeding the performance of an
adjascent sprinkler head.
C-1.8.1 It is essential to make provisions for
drainage of any such water on all floors to prevent or
minimize water damage of the contents. The drain
pipes should be provided on the external wall for
drainage of water
from all floors. On large area floors several such
pipes may be necessary which should be spaced 30 67
m apart. Care shall be taken to ensure that the
construction of the drain pipe does not allow spread
of fire/smoke from floor to floor.

C-1.9 Service
Ducts/Shafts
a) Service ducts and shafts shall be enclosed
by walls of 2 h and doors of 1 h, fire
rating. All such ducts/shafts shall be
properly sealed and ftre topped at all floor
levels.
b) A vent opening at the top of the service
shaft shall be provided having between one-
fourth and one-half of the area of the shaft.
C-1.10 Refuse chutes shall have opening at least 1
m above roof level or venting purpose and they
shall have an enclosure wall of non-combustible
material with ftre resistance of not less than 2 h.
They shall not be located within the staircase
enclosure or service shafts, or air-conditioning
shafts inspection panel and doors shall be tight
fitting with 1h fire resistance; the chutes should be
as far away as possible from exits.

C-1.11 Refuge
Area
Provisions contained in 4.12.3 shall apply for all
buildings except multi-family dwellings, refuge area
of not less than 15 m2 shall be provided on the
external walls.
C-1.12 Electrical services shall conform to the
following:
a) The electric distribution cables/wiring
shall be laid in a separate duct. The duct
shall be sealed at every floor with non-
combustible materials having the same
fire resistance as that of the duct. Low
and medium voltage wiring running in
shaft and in false ceiling shall run in
separate conduits;
b) Water mains, telephone lines, intercom
lines, gaspipes or any other service line
shall not be laid in the duct for electrical
cables; use of bus ducts/solid rising mains
instead of cables is preferred;
c) Separate circuits for fire fighting pumps,
lifts, staircases and corridor lighting and
blowers for pressurizing system shall be
provided directly from the main switch
gear panel and these circuits shall be laid
in separate conduit pipes, so that fire in
one circuit will not affect the others. Such
circuits shall be protected at origin by an
automatic circuit breaker with its no-volt
coil removed. Master switches controlling
essential service circuits shall be clearly
labelled;
d) The inspection panel doors and any other installations, reference may be made to Part 9 'Plumbing
opening in the shaft shall be provided with Services, Section 3 Gas Supply'.
air-tight fire doors having fire resistance of
not less than 2 h;
e) Medium and low voltage wiring running in
shafts, and within false ceiling shall run in
metal conduit. Any 230 V wiring for lighting
or other services, above false ceiling, shall
have 660 V grade insulation. The false ceiling,
including all fixtures used for its suspension,
shall be of non-combustible material and shall
provide adequate fire resistance to the ceiling
in order to prevent spread of fire across
ceiling reference may be made to good
practice [4(29)];
f) An independent and well ventilated service
room shall be provided on the ground level
or first basement with direct access from
outside or from the corridor for the purpose
of termination of electric supply from the
licensees' service and alternative supply
cables. The doors provided for the service
room shall have fire resistance of not less
than 2 h;
NOTE- If service room is located at the first
basement, it should have automatic fire
extinguishing system.
g) If the licensees agree to provide meters on
upper floors, the licensees' cables shall be
segregated from consumers' cables by
providing a partition in the duct. Meter rooms
on upper floors shall not open into stair case
enclosures and shall be ventilated directly to
open air outside; and
h) Suitable circuit breakers shall be provided at
the appropriate points.
C-1.13 Gas supply shall conform to the following:
a) Town Gas/L.P. Gas Supply Pipes -Where
gas pipes are run in buildings, the same shall
be run in separate shafts exclusively for this
purpose and these shall be on external walls,
away from the staircases. There shall no
interconnection of this shaft with the rest of
the floors. LPG distribution pipes shall always
be below the false ceiling. The length of these
pipes shall be as short as possible. In the case
of kitchen cooking range area, apart from
providing hood, covering the entire cooking
range, the exhaust system should be designed
to take care of 30 m3 per minute per m 2 of
hood protected area. It should have grease
filters using metallic grill to trap oil vapours
escaping into the fume hood.
NOTE - For detailed information on gas pipe

6 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF

b) All wiring in fume hoods shall be of fibre retardant property.
glass insulation. Thermal detectors shall be
C-1.15 A stand-by electric generator shall be installed
installed into fume hoods of large kitchens
to supply power to staircase and corridor lighting
for hotels, hospitals, and similar areas
circuits, fire lifts, the stand-by fire pump, pressurization
located in high rise buildings.
Arrangements shall be made for automatic
tripping of the exhaust fan in case of fire.
If LPG is used, the same shall be shut off.
The voltage shall be 24 V or 100 V de
operated with external rectifier. The valve
shall be of the hand re-set type and shall be
located in an area segregated from cooking
ranges. Valves shall be easily accessible.
The hood shall have manual facility for
steam or carbon dioxide gas injection,
depending on duty condition; and
c) Gas meters shall be housed in a suitably
constructed metal cupboard located in a
well ventilated space, keeping in view the
fact that LPG is heavier than air and town
gas is lighter than air.
C-1.14 Illumination of Means of
Exit
Staircase and corridor lights shall conform to
the following (see 4.16 and 4.17 for additional
details):
a) The staircase and corridor lighting shall be
on separate circuits and shall be
independently connected so as it could be
operated by one switch installation on the
ground floor easily accessible to fire
fighting staff at any time irrespective of
the position of the individual control of the
light points, if any. It should be of miniature
circuit breaker type of switch so as to
avoid replacement of fuse in case of
crisis;
b) Staircase and corridor lighting shall also
be connected to alternative supply. The
alternative source of supply may be
provided by battery continuously trickle
charged from the electric mains;
c) Suitable arrangements shall be made by
installing double'throw switches to ensure
that the lighting installed in the staircase
and the corridor does notget connected to
two sources of supply simultaneously.
Double throw switch shall be installed in
the service room for terminating the stand-
by supply;
d) Emergency lights shall be provided in
the staircase and corridor; and
e) All wires and other accessories used
for emergency light shall have fire

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 6

fans and blowers, smoke extraction and damper f) Where plenum is used for return air
systems in case of failure of normal electric supply. passage,
The generator shall be capable of taking starting
current of all the machines and circuits stated above
simultaneously. Ifthe stand-by pump is driven by
diesel engine, the generator supply need not be
connected to the stand-by pump. Where parallel
HV/LV supply from a separate sub-station is
provided with appropriate transformer for
emergency, the provision of generator may be waived
in consultation with the Authority.
C-1.16 Transformers shall conform to the following:
a) A sub-station or a switch-station with oil filled
equipment shall not be located in the building.
The sub-station structure shall have separate
fire resisting walls/surroundings and shall
,necessarily be located at the periphery of the
floor having separate access from fire escape
stair case. The outside walls, ceiling, floor,
openings including doors and windows to the
sub-station area shall be provided with a fire
resisting door of 2 h fire rating. Direct access
to the transformer room shall be provided,
preferably from outside fire escape staircase.
b) The sub-station area needs to be maintained at
negative air pressures and area in sub-station
shall not be used as storage/dump areas.
c) When housed inside the building, the
transformer shall be of dry type and shall be
cut off from the other portion of premises
by walls/doors/cutout having fire
resistance rating of 4 h.
C-1.17 Air-conditioning shall conform to the
following:
a) Escape routes like staircases, common
corridors, lift lobbies, etc, shall not be used
as return air passage.
b) The ducting shall be constructed of substantial
gauge metal in accordance with good practice
[4(31].
c) Wherever the ducts pass through fire walls or
floors, the opening around the ducts shall be
sealed with materials having fire resistance
rating of the compartment.
d) Where duct crosses a compartment which is
fire rated, the ducts shall be fire rated for
same fire rating. Further depending on
services passing around the duct work,
which may get affected in case of fire
temperature rising, the ducts shall be
insulated.
e) As far as possible, metallic ducts shall be
used even for the return air instead of space
above the false ceiling.

7 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF

ceiling and its fixtures shall be of non
combustible material.
g) The materials used for insulating the duct
system (inside or outside) shall be of non
combustible materials. Glass wool shall not
be wrapped or secured by any material of
combustible nature.
h) Area more than 750 m 2 on individual floor
shall be segregated by a fire wall and
automatic fire dampers for isolation shall be
provided [see G)].
j) Air ducts serving main floor areas, corridors, etc,
shall not pass through the staircase
enclosure.
k) The air-handling units shall be separate for
each floor and air ducts for every floor shall
be separated and in no way inter-connected
with the ducting of any other floor.
m) If the air-handling unit serves more than one
floor, the recommendations given above shall
be complied with in addition to the conditions
given below:
1) proper arrangements by way of automatic
fire dampers working on smoke detector/ or
fusible link for isolating all ducting at
every floor from the main riser shall be
made.
2) When the automatic fire alarm operates,
the respective air-handling units of the air
conditioning system shall automatically be
switched off.
n) The vertical shaft for treated fresh air shall
be of masonry construction.
p) The air filters of the air-handling units shall
be of non-combustible materials.
q) The air-handling unit room shall not be used
for storage of any combustible materials.
r) Inspection panels shall be provided in the
main trunking to facilitate the cleaning of
ducts of accumulated dust and to obtain access
for maintenance of fire dampers.
s) No combustible material shall be fixed nearer
than 150 mm to any duct unless such duct is
properly enclosed and protected with non
combustible material (glass wool or spunglass
with neoprene facing enclosed and wrapped
with aluminimum sheeting) at least 3.2 mm thick
and which would not readily conduct heat.
t) Fire Dampers
1) These shall be located in conditioned air
ducts and return air ducts/passages at the
following points:
i) At the fire separation wall.

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 6

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
on every floor. of fire.
2) The dampers shall operate
automatically and shall simultaneously C-3 PROVISION OF FIRST-AID FIRE FIGHTING
switch off the air-handling fans. APPLIANCES
Manual operation facilities shall also be The first-aid fire fighting equipment shall be provided
provided. on all floors, including basements, lift rooms, etc, in
NOTE -For blowers, where extraction system accordance with good practice [4(21)] in consultation
and duct accumulators are used, dampers shall with the Authority.
be provided.
3) Fire/smoke dampers (for smoke C-4 FIRE ALARM
extraction shafts) for buildings more SYSTEM
than 24 m in 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 15m
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 shall be provided at the entrance in order to
arranged as to close by gravity in the
direction of air movement and to remain
tightly closed on operation of a fusible
link/smoke detector.
C-1.18 Provisions of boiler and boiler rooms shall
conform to Indian Boiler Act. Further, the following
additional aspects may be taken into account in the
location of boiler room:
a) The boilers shall not be allowed in sub
basement, but may be allowed in the
basements away from the escape routes.
b) The boilers shall be installed in a fire
resisting room of 4 h fire resistance rating,
and this room shall be situated on the
periphery of the basement. Catch-pits shall
be provided at the low level.
c) Entry to this room shall be provided with a
composite door of 2 h fire resistance.
d) The boiler room shall be provided with fresh
air inlets and smoke exhausts directly to the
atmosphere.
e) The furnace oil tank for the boiler, if located
in the adjoining room shall be separated by
fire resisting wall of 4 h rating. The entrance
to this room shall be provided with double
composite doors. A curb of suitable height

7 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF

constitute a hazard to the safety of the adjacent
property
or occupants of the building
itself.
C-3.1.1 Manually operated electrical fire alarm
system shall be installed in a building with one
or more call boxes located at each floor. The
call boxes shall conform to good practice [4(18)]
and [4(19)].
C-3.1.2 The installation of call boxes in hostels
and such other places where these are likely to be
misused shall as far as possible be avoided. Location
of call boxes in dwelling units shall preferably be
inside the building.

C-5 LIGHTNING PROTECTION OF

BUILDINGS
The lightning protection for buildings shall be
provided as given in Part 8 'Building Services,
Section 2 Electrical Installations'.

C-6 FIRE CONTROL

ROOM
For all buildings 15 m in Might or above and
apartment buildings with a height of 30 m and
above, there shall be a control room on the
entrance floor of the building with
communication system (suitable public address
system) to all floors and facilities for receiving
the message from different floors. Details of all
floor plans along with the details of fire fighting
equipment and installations shall be maintained
in the fire control room. The fire control room
shall also have facilities to detect the fire on any
floor through indicator boards connection; fire
detection and alarm systems on all floors. The
fire staff incharge of the fire control room

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 6

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-9 FIRE DRILLS AND FIRE
C-7 FIRE OFFICER FOR HOTELS, BUSINESS ORDERS
AND MERCANTILE BUILDINGS WITH HEIGHT
MORE THAN 30m Fire notices/orders shall be prepared to fulfil the
requirements of fire fighting and evacuation from the
C-6.1 A qualified Fire Officer with experience of not buildings in the event of fire and other emergency.
less than 3 years shall be appointed who will be The occupants shall be made thoroughly conversant
available on the premises. with their actions in the event of emergency, by
C-6.2 The Fire Officer shall: displaying fire notices at vantage points and also
through regular training. Such notices should be
a) maintain the fire fighting equipment in good displayed prominently in broad lettering.
working condition at all times,
b) prepare fire orders and fire operational plans For guidelines for fire drills and evacuation
and get them promulgated, procedures for high rise buildings, see Annex E.
c) impart regular training to the occupants of C-10COMPARTMENTATION
the buildings in the use of fire fighting
equipments provided on the premises and The building shall be suitably compartmentalized so
keep them informed about the fire that fire/smoke remain confined to the area where fire
emergency evacuation plan, incident has occurred and does not spread to the
d) keep proper liaison with city Fire Brigade, and remaining part of the building.
e) ensure that all fire precautionary measures are C-11 HELIPAD
observed at the times.
NOTE -Competent authority having jurisdiction may For high rise buildings above 60 min height, provision
insist on compliance of the above rules in case of for helipad should be made.
buildings having very large areas even if the height is
less than 30 m. C-12 MATERIALS FOR INTERIOR
DECORATION/FURNISHING
C-8 HOUSE
KEEPING The use of materials which are combustible in nature
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 [Link] (a) and 6.7.5)
FIRE PROTECTION CONSIDERATIONS FOR VENTING IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS

D-1 APPLICATION AND SCOPE b) Explosion relief vents.

D-1.1 The provisions given below are applicable
only to single storey industrial buildings (factories
and storage buildings) covering large floor areas
without sub-dividing/separating walls which are
usually designed to meet modern production
methods.
D-1.2 The requirements of fire and explosion venting
of industrial buildings, as dealt with in this section,
fall under two categories:
a) Smoke and fire venting, and

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 7

D-2 SMOKE AND FIRE
VENTING
D-2.1 The basic considerations for formulating
the design and other requirements for smoke
and·ftre vents are as given in D-2.1.1 to D-2.1.20.
D-2.1.1 The smoke and hot combustion products
from a fire, being lighter than the surrounding air,
tend to rise and on reaching the roof or ceiling
spread out (mushroom) on all sides and form a
layer which floats on top of the cold air beneath. In
the absence of vents, this layer becomes
progressively deeper until the whole building is
filled with hot smoky gases. The time consumed
for this to happen may be only a few

7 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF

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
D-2.1.3 The provision of properly designed and of the external walls may serve as vents for smoke and
suitably located vents in adequate number helps the hot gases, provided care is taken to ensure that they
speedy removal of smoke and hot gases, thereby are kept open at all times or are designed to open
preventing spread of fire, besides reducing risks of automatically in case of fire.
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
smoke. In addition, they facilitate fire fighting buildings because of their large size, where
operations, and minimize personal hazards to the sufficient air to sustain the fire at least in the
firemen. initial stages can be 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 namely, vertical and horizontal, vertical ventilation is
short, the venting devices installed shall be designed the one commonly adopted in the case of single
to operate in the early stage of the fire and must storey industrial buildings.
be automatic so as to ensure speed and efficiency in
their operation. D-2.1.15 Since 70 to 80 percent of heat produced in a
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
possible, preferably below approximately 150°C. D-2.1.16 Combustible roof linings shall be avoided,
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
sprinklers, where provided, should operate before the D-2.1.17 A wind blowing across a flat roof or a roof
operation of the vents; otherwise, venting may delay with a pitch under 40° produces a negative pressure,
sprinkler operation. that is, it tends to draw gases out of the building and so
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
hazardous operations. Automatic fire vents shall be
must equal at least the total area of the vents.
provided for all industrial occupancies (including
Ideally, the inlets shall be as close to the ground as
storage buildings) classified as medium hazard or
possible.
above having floor areas exceeding 750 m2, irrespective
of whether they are compartmentalized or not. D-2.1.19 Where roof vents are installed in a single
storey building any neighbouring buildings,
D-2.1.9 These provisions do not cover other aspects,
particularly those of more than one storey, will be
of ventilation (or lighting) designed for regulation of
subject to some degree of eJtposure hazard either
temperature within a building for personal comfort or
from flying birds or radiation, or both, as a result.
meeting process needs.
D-2.1.20 If vents are to be installed, the size, design,
D-2.1.10 Similarly, fire and smoke venting
number and disposition of the vents and the associated
requirements as given here under are also not applicable
roof screens/curtain boards have to be assessed after
to multi-storey buildings, as their requirements are
careful analysis of the various factors stated
different and more complex.
under D-2.1.11 above, as well as other related factors
D-2.1.11 It is difficult to determine precise venting like type of building construction, nature and height
requirements on account of the many variables of roof, process hazards, exposure hazard, etc.
involved. For instance, the rate of combustion varies
appreciably according to the nature, shape, size and D-2.2 Venting Area
D-2.2.1 The estimated requirements for ventilation

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 7

are

7 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF

largely based on the assumed build-up of the fire from dampers
the time of initial outbreak to the time of effective fire
fighting action by fire brigade.
D-2.2.2 The vent area required to be provided shall
be approximately proportional to the perimeter of the
fire area, because the entrained air forms the bulk of
the vented gases.
D-2.2.3 The effective area shall be the minimum cross
sectional area through which the hot gases must flow
out to the atmosphere.
D-2.2.4 No consideration shall be given to the
increased air movement obtained by power operated
fans, since it must be assumed that in the event of
fire, power will be interrupted, or fans damaged by
heat.
D-2.2.5 The total vent areas to be provided shall be
as per the following ratios of effective area of vent
openings to floor area for various occupancy
classifications indicated:
a) Low heat release content 1:150
(Sub-division G-1)
b) Moderate heat release content 1:100
(Sub-division G-2)
c) High heat release content 1:30 to I :50
(Sub-division G-3)

D-2.3 Types of Vents

D-2.3.1 Venting shall be accomplished by any of the
types such as monitors continuous gravity vents, until
type vents or sawtooth roof skylights.
D-2.3.2 Where monitor type vents are installed, wired
glass or metal panels shall be used only if the sash is
arranged to open automatically.
D-2.3.3 The use of plain thin glass for venting shall
be avoided on account of its unpredictable behaviour
during fire. However, if glass or other suitable plastic
sheet materials with early disintegration characteristics
are used, they should be designed for automatic
operation.
D-2.3.4 Where monitors or unit type vents are used,
the panels shall be hinged at the bottom and designed
to open automatically. Both sides of the vents shall be
designed to vent simultaneously to ensure that their
effectiveness at the time of fire is not in any way
impeded by wind direction.
D-2.3.5 Where movable shutters are provided
for continuous gravity vents, these shall open
automatically in the event of fire.
D-2.3.6 Unit type vents shall be of relatively small
area, ranging between 1 m2 and 9m2 , having light
weight metal frames and housing with hinged

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 7

which shall be designed for both manual and D-2.4.8 In case of any doubts regarding the types of
automatic operation. vents required to be installed for any particular
D-2.3.7 Sawtooth roof skylight shall be considered
as satisfactory for venting purposes only when
designed for automatic operation.
D-2.3.8 Likewise, exterior wall windows shall not
be reckoned as satisfactory means for venting of fire
gases and smoke in industrial buildings. However,
they may be reckoned as additional means of venting
when, they are located close to the eaves and are
provided with ordinary glass or movable sash
arranged for both manual and automatic operation.
D-2.3.9 Baffles shall not be installed inside vents,
as they greatly reduce the effective area for venting.

D-2.4 Vent
Operation
D-2.4.1 The vents shall be automatic in
operation, unless where specified in these
provisions that they shall be designed for both
manual and automatic operation.
D-2.4.2 The release mechanism shall be simple for
operation and independent of electrical power,
since electrical services may be interrupted by fire.
D-2.4.3 The automatic operation of vents shall
be achieved by actuation of fusible links or other
types of heat and smoke detectors, or by
interlocking with operation of sprinkler system or
any other automatic fire extinguishing system
covering the area. Following their release, the vents
shall be designed to open by a system of
counterweights and associated equipment utilizing
the force of gravity or spring loaded levers.
D-2.4.4 Automatic fire alarm system, where
installed, shall be coupled to the automatic vents
to ensure simultaneous operation.
D-2.4.5 Automatic sprinklers, where installed,
shall operate before the vents open in order to
avoid any likely delay in sprinkler operation.
However, heat actuated devices used for vent
release shall be suitably shielded from sprinkler
discharge so that water does not delay their action.
D-2.4.6 Premises where .height of roof apex is
10m or more or where the materials handled or
stored have high smoke producing characteristics,
in addition to fusible links, the vent release
mechanism shall be interlinked to smoke actuated
automatic fire detectors to ensure early operation of
vents.
D-2.4.7 Non-corrosive materials shall be used for
hinges, hatches and other related parts to ensure
long fail-safe operation of the vents.

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 7

occupancy, authorities having jurisdiction shall be substantially assist in early operation of automatic
consulted. sprinklers !lnd 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
D-2.5.1 Vents shall be correctly sited to ensure their
to 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
combustion products in the event of fire. roof/ceiling for a minimum depth of 2.2 m. Around
specific hazards, the depth shall be 4 m. Where
D-2.5.3 The minimum dimension for an effective vent
roof/ceiling height exceeds 15 m they shall extend
opening shall be not less than 1.25 m in any direction.
down to within 3 m of the floor. For pitched
D-2.5.4 The spacing of the individual vents shall be sawtoothed roofs, they shall extend down to truss
based on the principle that more number of well level dividing the roof into compartments.
distributed smaller vents are more effective than less
number of badly located larger vents. D-2.6.5 In moderate hazard occupancies, the distance
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 that they effectively aid in the venting of smoke and
m between centres, depending on the
hot gases through the automatic vents provided in each
severity 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
aids venting of hot gases. Wind blowing across a roof D-3.1 Industrial premises where combustible dusts
of pitch greater than 40° will draw gases out on the can accumulate or where flammable gases, vapours
leeward side, but oppose outward flow on the or mists in explosive concentrations may be present
windward side of the roof. are constantly exposed to explosion hazards.
Pressures developed by such explosions may be of
D-2.5.7 Low level inlets, with total area not less than the order of 7 x 105 Pa and ordinary buildings will
the total area of vents, shall be provided to permit not be able to withstand .the shock of such
outside air to be drawn in to aid automatic venting. pressures. Hence, such buildings require explosion
These inlets, which may be in the form of doors, relief vents for preventing structural damage.
windows or such other openings, shall be designed for
manual operation when desired. D-3.2 Basic Principle/Considerations

D-2.6 Roof Screens or Curtain Boards D-3.2.1 Most ordinary building walls will not
withstand a sustained internal pressure as great as
D-2.6.1 Industrial buildings with large areas and 6.9 x 103 Pa. Hence, explosion relief vents for
having no sub-division/separating walls limiting the buildings must be designed to operate at pressures
area of individual compartments to 750m 2 or less, well below those at which the building walls will
shall be provided with roof screens or curtain boards. fail.
These screens which extend from the roof D-3.2.2 There is a rise in pressure during an
downwards at specific intervals not only prevent explosion within an enclosure even with open,
lateral spread of heat and smoke in the event of unobstructed vents, and any delay in opening the
fire below, but venting devices increases that pressure.

74 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDJA.

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
properly vented and a device provided at the inlet of
or more of the following types, depending on
the collector which will prevent an explosion from
individual requirements as assessed by the
blowing back through the duct work and into the
Authority. Open or unobstructed vents, louvers,
building.
open roof vents, hanger type doors, building doors,
D-3.2.4 Where highly hazardous operations cannot be windows, roof or wall panels or movable fixed sash.
located outside of main buildings they shall be
D-3.3.2 The effect of external wind pressure or
segregated by pressure resisting walls and each such
suction on these devices shall be taken into
unit shall be ventilated outdoors. External walls may
consideration while designing and selecting the type
be of heavy construction if equipped with suitable vents
of vents, since wind pressures may reach over 2 x
or high weight panels which blow out easily.
1OS Pa in severe wind
D-3.2.5 Operations or equipment involving explosion storms.
hazards shall not be permitted in basements or areas
partially below grade. D-3.3.3 The type of vent for explosion relief for any
occupancy shall be selected with life safety as the
D-3.2.6 Fire can be expected to follow an explosion in primary aim followed by minimum damage to
most occupancies, so that any fixed fire extinguishing property.
equipment, like sprinklers, if installed, shall be such
that only the minimum damage is caused to it. D-3.3.4 Where large hanger type doors or metal
curtain doors in side walls are used as vents care shall
D-3.2.7 For a given material, the finer the particle size be taken to ensure that they are kept wide open
of the dust, the more violent is the explosion. Some during operations.
materials, such as aluminium powder, hydrogen, and
acetylene, are difficult to vent effectively due to the D-3.3.5 Where weather hoods are used to cover roof
rapid rate of pressure rise. Some slow burning vents, they shall be as light as possible and lightly
materials, such as coal dust in a confined space, may attached so as to enable them to be blown off quickly
do much damage because of the longer duration of when an explosion occurs.
their presence. Some dusts, such as magnesiusm, D-3.3.6 Doors and windows when used as explosion
titanium and zirconium and several metal hydrides may vents shall be installed to swing outwards. Doors shall
react with water and ignite in some common inert have friction, spring or magnetic latches that will
gases, such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide. function automatically to permit the door to open under
D-3.2.8 The maximum explosion pressure in a vented slight internal pressure.
structure decreases as the size of the vent increases, but D-3.3.7 Movable sash shall be of the top or bottom
is independent of the rupturing pressure of a diaphragm. hinged or protected type. These shall be equipped
D-3.2.9 The most effective vent for the release of with a latch or friction device to prevent accidental
explosion pressures is an unobstructed vent opening. opening due to wind action or intrusion. Such latches
or locks shall be well maintained.
D-3.2.10 Pressure required to rupture diaphragms of
the same area and material directly varies with the D-3.3.8 Fixed sash shall be set in place with very light
thickness of the material. wall anchorages, or, if right, shall be securely fitted
and glazed with plastic panes in plastic putty.
D-3.2.11 The slower the rate of pressure rise, the more
easily can the explosion be vented. D-3.3.9 Where the process is such that the whole of a
building or a room may be desirable to arrange for a
D-3.2.12 The degree of venting required is directly lightly constructed wall or roof to collapse and thus
proportional to the degree of explosion hazard. avert the worst effects of an explosion.
D-3.2.13 Experience has shown that most explosions D-3.4 Design, Size and Disposition of Vents
of dusts, vapours and gases do not involve a large
part of the total volume of the enclosure, and D-3.4.1 The required area of explosion vents shall
frequently occur near the upper or lower limits of the ordinarily depend on the expected maximum intensity
explosive range. Consequently, such explosions are of an explosion in the occupancy, the strength of the
relatively weak compared with the optimum. structure, the type of vent closure and other factors.
D-3.4.2 Venting shall be planned in such a manner
PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 7
as

7 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF

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
D-3.4.4 Where explosions are likely within duct and may be involved.
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
connection between ductwork system for more than D-[Link] Small enclosures of less than 30m3 ,
one collector. machines and ovens of light construction: 1 000
cm2 for each 0.3 m3 to 0.9 m3.
D-3.4.5 In large structures, the position of vents shall
be relative to the point of origin of explosion, when it D-[Link] For small enclosures of more substantial
can be determined. construction having reasonably high bursting strength:
1 000 cm2 for each 0.9 m 3 •
D-3.4.6 Where relatively slow explosions involving
coal dust, chlorinated solvents, etc, are involved, light, D-[Link] Fairly large enclosures of 30 to 700 m3,
hinged swinging panels may be preferred to diaphragm such as bins, silos, rooms, storage tanks, etc: 1 000
type of vents. cm2 for each 0.9 m3 to 1.5 m3 . In these cases, attempt
shall be made to the extent possible to predict the
D-3.4.7 Obstructions of any kind blocking the vents
likely point of origin of the explosion in relation to
from the risk covered shall be avoided, particularly the vent.
where risks of rapid violent explosions are present.
D-[Link] Large rooms and buildings over 700 m 3
D-3.4.8 Counter weights add to the inertia of the vents
containing hazardous equipment comprising a small
and so shall be avoided.
fraction of the entire volume:
D-3.4.9 Various relieving devices, including devices
a) For heavy reinforced concrete, walls -
actuated by detonators, shall start to open at as low a
100 cm2 for each 2.25 m 3 •
pressure as possible. They shall be of light construction,
so that full opening can be quickly attained.
b) For light reinforced concrete, brick or
wood construction - 1 000 cm2 for each
D-3.4.10 Vents shall be of such size and design as to 1.65 m3
prevent rupture of the protected device or apparatus. to 2.25 m3•
D-3.4.11 Skylights or monitors with movable sash that c) For lightweight construction such as
will open outwards, or fixed sash containing panes of prefabricated panels - 1 000 cm2 for
glass or plastic that will blow out readily under pressure each 1.5 m3 to 1.65 m3•
from within, can be used to supplement wall vents or D-[Link] Large rooms or building over 700 m 3
windows, provided resistance to their displacement or containing hazardous equipment comprising a large
opening is kept as low as consistent with the part of the entire volume of a room or building shall
requirements for structural strength. be vented as generously as possible 1 000 cm2 for
D-3.4.12 Flexible plastic sheets when used for vent each 0.3 m 3 to 1.05 m3•
closures shall be installed in slotted frames in such a
D-[Link] In order to obtain these ratios, the size of
way that pressure from within bulges the sheets and
the building or room must be limited. For some
releases them from the holding frame.
hazardous materials, such as hydrogen, acetylene,
D-3.4.13 Fragile sheets made of plastic, when used carbon disulphide, etc, thes-e limits are extremely
for vent closures, shall be thin sheets that will crack or low.
rupture under less pressure than single strength glass. D-3.4.17 Emphasis shall always be placed on
For this reason use of transparent or translucent plastic segregating hazardous areas by means of firewalls or
sheets is more advantageous instead of glass in window separating walls to prevent spread of fire.
sash.
D-3.4.18 Interior walls of light construction, such as
tile, shall be avoided in hazardous locations, since
they can cause injuries to personnel in the event
of an explosion.

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 7

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

In case of fire in a high rise building, safe evacuation to provide good legibility. The sign shall be at least
of its occupants may present serious problems unless 250 mm x 300 mm, where the diagram is also
a plan for orderly and systematic evacuation is prepared incorporated in it and 62.5 mm x 250 mm where the
in advance and all occupants are well drilled in the diagram is omitted. In the latter case, the diagram sign
operation of such plan. These guidelines are intended shall be at least 200 mm x 300 mm. The sign shall be
to assist them in this task. located directly above a call-button and squarely
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,
unless he has personal knowledge that such a report A sign shall be posted and maintained within each
has been made. No person shall make, issue, post or stair enclosure on every floor, indicating the number
maintain any regulation or order, written or verbal, that of the floor, in accordance with the requirements
would require any person to take any unnecessary given below.
delaying action prior to reporting such condition to The numerals shall be of bold type and at least 75
the fire brigade. mm high. The numerals and background shall be in
contrasting colours. The sign shall be securely
E-3 DRILLS
attached to the stair side of the door.
E-3.1 Fire drills shall be conducted, in accordance with
the Fire Safety Plan, at least once every three months E-4.3 Stair and Elevator Identification Signs
for existing buildings during the first two years. Each stairway and each elevator back shall be
Thereafter, fire drills shall Qe conducted at least once identified by an alphabetical letter. A sign indicating
every six months. the letter of identification shall be posted and
E-3.2 All occupants of the building shall participate maintained at each elevator landing and on the side
in the fire drill. However, occupants of the building, of the stairway door from which egress is to be
other than building service employees, are not required made, in accordance with the requirements given
to leave the floor or use the exits during the drill. below:

E-3.3 A written record of such drills shall be kept on The lettering on the sign shall be at least 75 mm high,
the premises for a three years period and shall be of bold type and of contrasting colour from the
readily available for fire brigade inspection. background. Such signs shall be securely attached.
E-4.4 Stair Re-entry Signs
E-4 SIGNS AND PLANS
A sign shall be posted and maintained on each floor
E-4.1 Signs at Lift Landings
within each stairway and on the occupancy side of
A sign shall be posted and maintained in a the stairway where required, indicating whether re-
conspicuous place on every floor at or near the entry is provided into the buildjng and the floor
lift landing in accordance with the requirements, where such re-entry is provided, in accordance with
indicating that in case of fire, occupants shall use the requirements given below:
the stairs unless instructed otherwise. The sign shall
The lettering and numerals of the signs shall be at
contain a diagram showing the location of the least
stairways except that such diagram may be omitted, 12.5 mm high of bold type. The lettering and
provided signs containing such diagram are posted in background shall be of contrasting colours and the
conspicuous places on the respective floor. signs shall be securely attached approximately 1.5 m
A sign shall read "IN CASE OF FIRE, USE STAIRS above the floor level.
UNLESS INSTRUCTED OTHERWISE". The lettering E-4.5 Fire command station shall be provided with
shall be at least 12.5 mm block letters in red and white floor plan of the building and other pertinent

7 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF

information relative to the service equipment of
the building.

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 7

E-5 FIRE SAFETY PLAN written programme for all occupants, to ensure prompt
E-5.1 A format for the Fire Safety Plan shall be as reporting of fire, the response of fire alarms as
given in E-8. designated, and the immediate initiation of ftre safety
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
building employees. d) How is he notified when at regular location?
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
the observance of these rules and the Fire Safety Plan g) Duties of Fire Safety Director (see E-9.1)
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
was approved, and the changes are such so as to require b) Regularly assigned employment -Title
amending the Fire Safety Plan, within 30 days after c) Regularly assigned location
such changes, an amended Fire Safety Plan shall be d) How is he notifted when at regular location?
submitted to the ftre 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 each floor and/or tenancy?
during fire emergencies shall be provided and b) Submit typical completed Organization Chart
maintained by the owner or person in charge of the for Fire Drill and Evacuation Assignment.
building.
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
c) Regularly assi ed location
E-8.2 Purpose and Objective
d) How is he notified when at regular location?
E-8.2.1 Purpose e) How is he notift when not at regular
To establish method of systematic, safe and orderly location?
evacuation of an area or building by its occupants in f) Normal working hours
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
sounding of alarms) as may have been provided for E-8.7 Fire Party
controlling or extinguishing fire and safeguarding of a) Submit a completed Organization Chart for
human life.
Fire Parties naming person in charge, and his
E-8.2.2 Objective title in the building.
b) Indicate standards of selection from
To provide proper education as a part of continuing building employees based on background
employee indoctrination and through a continuing and availability.
8 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF
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
their regular locations? such 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
Distribution of instructions to all tenants, tenents' training of a Fire Warden for each floor, and
employees and building employees (see E-9.6). sufficient Deputy Fire Wardens for each tenancy in
E-8.9 Evacuation Drills accordance with orders on the subject.
a) Frequency of drills E-9.1.6 Be responsible for a daily check for the
b) How conducted? availability of the Fire Wardens, and see that up-to
date organization charts are posted.
c) Participation: Who participated? How?
d) Controls and supervision NOTE- If the number of Fire Wardens and Deputy Fire
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
1) Adequate illumination Warden and Deputy Fire Wardens, when this method is used,
the Fire Safety Director shall make a spot check of several
2) Adequate communication to different floors each day.
mechanical equipment room and
E-9.1.7 Notify the owner or some other person
elevator control room on each floor
having charge of the building when any designated
3) Copy of Fire Safety Plan individual is neglecting his responsibilities
4) Copy of Building Information Form contained in Fire Safety Plan. The owner or the
5) Representative floor plans showing other person in-charge of the building shall bring the
location of signs, floor remote station, matter to the attention of the firm employing the
communications, etc. individual. If the firm fails to correct the condition,
the Fire Department shall be notified by the
E-8.11 Signs
owner/person in-charge of the building.
a) Signs at elevator landings, Floor diagrams
E-9.1.8 In the event of fire, shall report to the Fire
b) Floor numbering Command Station to supervise, provide for and
c) Stairway identification coordinate:
d) Elevator identification
a) Ensure that the Fire Department has been
e) Stair re-entry notified of any fire or fire alarm.
E-8.12 Fire Prevention and Fire Protection b) Manning of the Fire Command Station.
Programme (see E- 9.7). c) Direction of evacuating procedures as
E-8.13 Building Information Form (see E-9.8). provided in the Fire Safety Plan.
d) Reports on conditions on fire floor for
E-8.14 Representative Floor Plan (see E-9.9). information of File Department on their
E-8.15 Fire Safety Plan Prepared by (see E-9.10). arrival.
e) Advise the Fire Department Officer in-charge
a) Date when prepared.
in the operation of the Fire Command Station.
b) Date when revised.
E-9.1.9 Be responsible for the training and activities
E-9 DUTIES of the Building Evacuation Supervisor.
E-9.1 Fire Safety Director's Duties E-9.2 Deputy Fire Safety Director's Duties
E-9.1.1 Be familiar with the written Fire Safety Plan E-9.2.1 Subordinate to the Fire Safety Director.
providing for fire drill and evacuation procedure in
accordance with orders on the subject. E-9.2.2 Perform duties of Fire Safety Director in his
absence.
8 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF
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
The tenant or tenants of each floor shall, upon request smoke or that several floors above fire
of the owner or person in charge of buildings, make involve large numbers of occupants who
responsible and dependable employees available for must be evacuated, consideration may be
designation by the Fire Safety Director as Fire Warden given to using elevators in accordance
and Deputy Fire Wardens. with the following:
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
A Deputy Fire warden shall be provided for each Command Station that one bank is
tenancy. When the floor area of a tenancy exceeds unaffected by the fire.
700 m2 of occupiable space, a Deputy Fire Warden
2) If elevators do not service the fire
shall be assigned for each 700 m2 or part thereof. floor and their shafts have no openings
E-9.3.2 Each Fire Warden and Deputy Fire Warden on the fire floor, they may be used,
shall be familiar with the Fire Safety Plan, the location unless 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.
E-9.3.3 In the event of fire, or fire alarm the Fire 4) In the absence of a serviceable elevator,
Warden shall ascertain the location of the fire, and the Fire Warden shall select the safest
direct evacuation of the floor in accordance with stairway to use for evacuation on the
directions received and the following guidelines: basis of the location of the fire and any
information received from the Fire
a) The most critical areas for immediate Command Station. The Fire Warden
evacuation are the fire floor and floors shall check the environment in the stairs
immediately above. prior to entry for evacuation. If it is
Evacuation from the other floors shall be affected by smoke, alternative stair
instituted when instructions from the Fire shall be selected, and the Fire
Command Station or conditions indicate Command Station notified.
such action. Evacuation shall be via 5) The Fire Warden shall keep the Fire
uncontaminated stairs. The Fire Warden Command Station informed of the
shall try to avoid stairs being used by the means being employed for evacuation
Fire Department. If this is not possible, he by the occupants of his floor.
shall try to attract the attention of the Fire
g) Ensure that an alarm has been transmitted.
Department Personnel before such
personnel open the door to the fire floor. E-9.3.4 Organization Chart for Fire Drill and
b) Evacuation to two or more levels below the Evacuation Assignment
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
his location.
in each tenancy and on each floor of a tenancy
c) Fire Wardens and their Deputies shall see that that occupies more than one::floor and a copy shall
all occupants are notified of the fire, and that be in the possession of the Fire Safety Director.
they proceed immediately to execute the Fire
Safety Plan. E-9.3.5 Keep available an updated listing of all
d) The Fire Warden on the fire floor shall, personnel with physical disabilities who cannot use
as soon as practicable, notify the Fire stairs unaided. Make arrangements to have these
Command Station of the particulars. occupants assisted in moving down the stairs to two or
more levels below fire [Link] it is necessary to move
e) Fire Wardens on floors above the fire shall,
such occupants to a still lower level during the fire,
after executing the Fire Safety Plan, notify
move them down the stairs to the uppermost floor
the Fire Command Station of the means being
served by an uninvolved elevator bank and then remove
used for evacuation and any other particulars.
them the street floor by elevator. Where assistance is
f) In the event that stairways serving fire floor required for such evacuation, notify Fire Safety

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 7

Director.

8 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF

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
E-9.3.7 Ensure that all persons on the floor are notified Station for additional instructions.
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
efficiently perform this duty. member shall immediately upon receipt of
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 Ghart designating employees and
ensure that all regular occupants known to have their assignments shall be prepared.
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 Safety Plan shall be distributed to all tenants
the communication station on the floor, in order of the building by the building management
to maintain communication with the Fire when the Fire Safety Plan has been approved
Command Station and to receive and give by the Fire Commissioner.
instructions.
b) The applicable parts of the approved Fire
E-9.4 Building Evacuation Supervisor's Duties Safety Plan shall then be distributed by the
tenants to all their employees and by the
A building Evacuation Supervisor is required at all building management to all their building
times other than normal working or business hours employees.
when there are occupants in the building and there is c) All occupants of the building shall
no Fire Safety Director on duty in the building. participate and cooperate in carrying out the
E-9.4.1 He should be capable of directing the provisions 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
responsibility of the Building Evacuation Supervisor each floor area, including exit facilities,
shall be to man the Fire Command Station, and the fire extinguishers and house keeping
direction and execution of the evacuation as provided shall be developed. A copy of such plan be
in the Fire Safety Plan. The Building Evacuation submitted.
Supervisor's training and related activities shall be b) Provision shall be made for the monthly
under the direction of the Fire Safety Director in testing of communication and alarm
accordance with these rules, and the Fire Safety Plan. systems.
Such activities shall be subject to Fire Department
E-9.8 Building Information Form
control.
It shall include the following information:
E-9.5 Fire Party Duties
a) Building address .............Pin Code ..........
On receipt of an alarm for fire the Fire Party shall:
b) Owner or person in-charge of building
a) report to the floor below the fire to assit in - Name, Address and Telephone Number.
evacuation and provide information to the c) Fire Safety Director and Deputy Fire Safety
Fire Command Station. Director's Name and Telephone Number.
b) after evacuations of fire floor, endeavour to d) Certificate of occupancy. Location where
control spread of fire by closing doors, etc. posted, or duplicate attached.
c) attempt to control the fire until arrival of the e) Height, area, class of construction.
Fire Department, if the fire is small and f) Number, type and location of fire stairs and/
conditions do not pose a personal threat. or fire towers.
d) leave one member on the floor below the fire g) Number, type and location of horizontal exits
to direct the Fire Department to the fire or other areas of refuge.
location and to inform them of conditions.

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 8

h) Number, type, location and operation
of . elevators and escalators.

8 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF

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.
m) Standpipe system; size and location of risers, E-9.10 Fire Safety Plan
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
Certificate of Fitness and certificate number. alternative route for each zone, since under fire
Primary and secondary water supply, fire conditions one or more exits may not be usable. This
pump and areas protected. format is to be used in the preparation of the Fire
p) Special extinguishing system, if any, Safety Plan. Nothing contained in this Fire Safety
components and operation. Plan format is to be construed as all inclusive. All
q) Average number of persons normally rules and other requirements are to be fully complied
employed in building. Daytime and night with.
time.
r) Average number of handicapped people in E-9.11 Personal Fire Instruction Card
building. Location. Daytime and night time. All the occupants of the building shall be given a
s) Number of persons normally visiting the Personal Fire Instruction Card giving the details of
building. Daytime and night time. the floor plan and exit routes along with the
t) Service equipment such as: instruction to be followed in the event of fire. A
1) Electric power, primary, auxiliary; typical Personal Fire Instruction Card shall be as
follows:
2) Lighting, normal, emergency, type and
location; PERSONAL FIRE
3) Heating, type, fuel, location of heating
unit; INSTRUCTION CARD
4) Ventilation - with fixed SEAL
windows, emergency means of
NAME OF THE ORGANIZATION
exhausting heat and smoke;
5) Air-Conditioning Systems - ADDRESS OF THE ORGANIZATION
Brief description of the system,
NAME: ........................................................................ .
including ducts and floors serviced;
6) Refuse storage and disposal; DESIGNATION: ........................................................ .
7) Fire fighting equipment and FLOOR NO.: ............................................................... .
appliances, other than standpipe and
sprinkler system; and DATE: ......................................................................... .
8) Other pertinent building equipment. FIRE
u) Alterations and repair operations, if any, and
the protective and preventive measures WARDEN INSTRUCTIONS
necessary to safeguard such operations with
FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY YOU SHOULD
attention to torch operations.
KNOW
v) Storage and use of flammable solids, liquids
and/or gases. 1. Two push button fire alarm boxes are
w) Special occupancies in the building and the provided per floor. You should read the
proper protection and maintenance thereof. operating instructions.
Places of public assembly, studios, and 2. You should read the operating instructions
theatrical occupancies. on the body of the fire extinguishers
provided on your floor.
E-9.9 Representative Floor Plan
3. The nearest exit from your table.
A floor plan, representative of the majority or the floor 4. Your assembly point on ground floor (check
designs of the entire building, shall be at the Command with your Fire/Deputy Fire Warden).
Post, in the main lobby, under the authority of the Fire

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 8

5. FOR YOUR OWN PROTECTION
YOU SHOULD REPORT TO YOUR
FIRE/ DEPUTY FIRE WARDEN

8 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF

a) If any exit door/route is obstructed by 3. Evacuate if your Warden asks you to do so.
loose materials, goods, boxes, etc.
b) If any staircase door, lift lobby door does . IF YOU HEAR EVACUATION INSTRUCTIONS
not close automatically, or does not 1. Leave the floor immediately by the south/
close 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.
1. Break the glass of the nearest push button fire 5. Do not run or shout.
alarm and push the button. 6. Do not stop to collect personal belongings.
2. Attack the fire with extinguishers provided on 7. Keep the lift lobby and staircase doors shut.
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: Code of practice for
in the fulfillment of the requirements of the Code. The 1989 installation and maintenance of
standards listed may be used by the Authority as a guide internal fire hydrants and hose
in conformance with the requirements of the referred reels on premises (first
clauses in the Code. revision)
(7) 3614 Specification for fire check
IS No. Title (Part 1) : doors: Part 1Plate, metal
1966 covered and rolling type
(l) 3808: Method of test for non
1979 combustibility of building Method of test for fire
(8) 12458 : 1988 resistance test for fire stops
materials (first revision)
Code of practice for fire safety
Glossary of terms associated
(2) 8757 : 1999 (9) 1646: 1997 of buildings (general) :
with fire safety (first revision)
Electrical installations (second
7673: 1975 Glossary of terms for fire supplies and fire fighting
fighting equipment
(3) 15394 : 2003 Fire safety in petroleum refinery
and fertilizer plants -Code of
practice
(4) 8758 : 1993 Recommendations for fire
precautionary measures in the
construction of temporary
structures and PANDALS (first
revision)
(5) 3809 : 1979 Fire resistance test of structure
(first revision)
1641 : 1988 Code of practice for fire safety
of buildings (general): General
principles of fire grading and
classification (first revision)
15103 : 2002 Specification for fire resistant
steel
(6) 9668: 1990 Code of practice for provision
and maintenance of water

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 8

revision)
2309 : 1989 Code of practice for protection
of
building and allied
structures against lighting
(second revision)
(10) ................ Specification for fire dampers
for air conditioning ducts
(under preparation)
(11) 11360: 1985 Specification for smoke
detectors for use in
automatic electrical fire
alarm system
(12) 659: 1964 Safeey code for air-conditioning
(13) 1649: 1962 Code of practice for design and
construction of flues and
chimneys for domestic
heating appliances (first
revision)
1642: 1989 Code of practice for safety
of
buildings (general): Details
of construction (first
revision)
(14) 12777 : 1989Fire safety-flame-spread of
products Method
for classification

8 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF

IS No. Title purposes IS No.
(15) 1642 : 1989 (second
Code of practice for fire safety 906: 1988
revision)
of buildings (general): Details of
construction (first revision)
1643: 1988 Code of practice for fire safety 907: 1984
of buildings (general):
Exposure hazard (first revision)
1644: 1988 Code of practice for fire 908: 1975
safety of buildings (general):
Exit requirements and 909: 1992
personal hazard (first revision)
(16) 9457 : 1980 Safety colours and safety signs
12349 : 1988 Fire protection -Safety sign 910: 1980
12407: 1988 Graphic symbols for fire
protection plan
(17) 2175: 1988 Specification for heat 926: 1985
sensitive fire detectors for
use in automatic fire alarm 927 : 1981
system (second revision)
11360: 1985 Specification for smoke 928: 1984
detectors for use in automatic
electrical fire alarm system
(18) 2189: 1999 937: 1981
Code of practice for selection,
installation and maintenance
of automatic fire detection
and alarm system (second 939: 1977
revision)
(19) 636: 1988 Non-percolating flexible fire
fighting delivery hose (third 940: 1989
revision)
884: 1985 Specification for first-aid hose
reel for fire fighting (jirst 941: 1985
revision)
901 : 1988 Specification for couplings,
double male and double 942: 1982
female instantaneous pattern
for fire fighting (third
902: 1992 revision) 943: 1979
Specification for suction hose
couplings for fire fighting
903: 1993 purposes (third revision) 944: 1979
Specification for fire hose
delivery couplings, branch pipe,
nozzles and nozzle spanner 947: 1985
904: 1983 (fourth revision)
Specification for two-way and
three-way suction collecting
heads for fire fighting purposes 948: 1983
905: 1980 (second revision)
Specification for delivery
breechings, dividing and 949: 1985
collecting, instantaneous
pattern for fire fighting

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 8

Title econd revision)
Specification Specification for fire
for revolvihg bells
branch pipe (second
for fire revision)
fighting (third Specification for washers
revision) for water fittings for fire
Specification fighting purposes (second
for suction revision)
strainers, Specification for snatch
cylindrical type block for use with fibre rope
for fire fighting for fire brigade use (first
purpose (second revision)
revision) Specification for portable
Specification fire extinguisher, water
for fire type (gas cartridge) (third
hydrant, stand revision)
post type Specification for blowers
(second and exhauster for fire
revision) fighting (second revision)
Specification Functional requirements for
for 275- Vmin portable pump set
underground for fire fighting (second
fire hydrant: revision)
Sluice valve Functional requirement for
type (third 680- 1/min trailer pump for
revision) fire brigade use (second
Specification revision)
for combined Functional requirement for
key for hydrant, 1800-Vmin trailer pump for
hydrant cover fire briglfde use (second
and lower valve revision)
(second
Functional requirement for
revision)
towing tender for trailer fire
Specification pump for fire brigade use
for fireman's (first revision)
axe
Functional requirement for
(
water tender, Type A, for fire
s
e brigade use (second revision)
c Functional requirement for
o emergency (rescue) tender for
n fire brigade use (second
d revision)
r
e
v
i
s
i
o
n
)
Specification
for fire hooks
(
s

8 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF

IS No. Title IS No. Title
950: 1980 Functional requirements 4308: 1982 Specification for dry powder for
for water tender, Type B for fire fighting (jirst revision)
fire brigade use (second 4571 : 1977 Specification for aluminium
952: 1986 revision) extension ladders for fire
Specification for foghnozzle brigade use (jirst revision)
955: 1980 for fire brigade use (jirst
4643: Specification for suction
revision)
1984 wrenches for fire brigade use
Functional requirements for (jirstrevision)
dry power tender for fire-
Specification for dry powder for
957: 1967 brigade use (150 kg capacity)
(first revision)
4861: fighting fires in burning metals
1984 (jirst revision)
1941 Specification for control van
for fire brigade Specification for unlined flax
(Part 1):
1976 canvas hose for fire fighting
Functional requirements for 4927: (jirst revision)
electric motor sirens: Part 1 ac 1992
3 phase 50Hz, 415 V type Specification for delivery valve
2097: 1983 (second revision) for centrifugal pump outlets
(jirst revision)
Specification for foam making
4928: Specification for gas
2171: 1999 branch pipe (jirst revision) 1986 cartridges for use in fire
Specification for portable fire
extinguishers (second revision)
extinguishers, dry powder
(cartridge type) (third revision)
4947 :-A985
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
purposes (second revision)
(Part 2) : 1984 concentrate (compound) for
2546 : 1974 Specification for galvanized producing mechanical foam
mild steel fire bucket (first for fire fighting: Part 2
revision) Aqueous film forming foam
(AFFF)
2696: 1974 Functional requirements for (Part 3) : 1987 Fluoro protein foam
1 125 1/min light fire engine
5131: 1986 Specification for dividing
(jirst revision)
breeching with control, for fire
2745: 1983 Specification for non-metal brigade use (jirst revision)
helmet for firemen and civil
defence personnel (second 5290: Specification for landing valve
revision) 1993 (thir4 revision)
2871 : 1983 Specification for branch pipe, Specification for quick release
universal for fire fighting 5486: knife (jirst revision)
purposes (jirst revision) 1985
Specification for multi-edged
2878 : 2004 Specification for fire rescue axe (non-wedging)
extinguisher, carbon-dioxide 5505: (jirst revision)
type (portable and trolley 1985
Specification for hose-clamps
mounted) (third revision) and hose-bandages for fire
2930: 1980 Functional requirements for brigade use:
5612
3582: 1984 hose laying tender for fire brigade use (jirst revision)
Specification for basket strainers for fire fighting purposes

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 8

(cylindrical (Part 1) : 1977 Hose
type) (first clamps (jirst revision)
revision) (Part 2): 1977 Hose bandages
(jirst revision)
5714: 1981 Specification for
hydrant, stand
pipe
for
fire
fighti
ng
(first
revisio
n)

8 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF

IS No. Title IS No. Title
6026 : 1985 Specification for hand-operated
12717 : 1989 Functional requirements of fire
sirens (first revision)
fighting equipment -
6067 : 1983 Functional requirements for High capacity portable
water tender, Type 'X' for fire pumpset (1 100-1 600 1/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 and maintenance of external
(stored pressure) (first revision) hydrant system
8090: 1992 Specification for couplings, 13385 : 1992 Specification for fire
branch pipe, nozzle, used in extinguisher 50 capacity wheel
hose reel tubing for fire fighting mounted water type (gas
(first revision) cartridge)
8096 : 1992 Specification for fire beaters 13386 : 1992 Specification for 50 litre capacity
(first revision) fire extinguisher, mechanical
8149 : 1994 Functional requirements for twin foam type
C02 fire extinguishers (trolley 13849 : 1993 Specification for portable fire
mounted) (first revision) extinguisher dry powder type
8423 : 1994 Specification for controlled (constant pressure)
percolating hose for fire 14609: 1999 Specification for ABC dry
fighting powder for fire fighting
(first revision) 14933 : 2001 Specification for high pressure
8442 : 1977 Specification for stand post type fire fighting hose
water monitor for fire fighting 14951 : 2001 Specification for fire
9972: 1981 Specification for automatic extinguisher, 135 litre capacity
sprinkler heads mechanical foam type
10204 : 1982 Specification for portable fire 15051 : 2002 Specification for high pressure
extinguisher mechanical foam fire hose delivery couplings
type 15105 : 2002 Design and installation of
10460: 1983 Functional requirements for fixed automatic sprinkler fire
small foam tender for fire extinguishing system
brigade use 15220 : 2002 Specification for halon 1211 and
I0658 : 1999 Specification for higher halon 1301 -Fire
capacity extinguishing media for fire
dry powder fire extinguisher 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
extinguishing system
11070: 1984 Specification for bromo
chlorodifluoromethane (Halon- 15501 : 2004 Specification for gaseous fire
1211) for fire fighting extinguishing system- IG 541
extinguishing system
11101 : 1984 Specification for extended
branch pipe for fire brigade 15505 : 2004 Gaseous fire extinguishing
use systems -HCFC blend A
extinguishing systems
11108 : 1984 Specification for portable fire
extinguisher halon-1211 type 15506 : 2004 Specification for inert gaseous
total fire protection total
11360 : 1985 Specification for smoke flooding system -
detectors for use in automatic Argonite, IG 55 extinguishing
electrical fire alarm systems system
11833 : 1986 Specification for dry powder 15517 : 2004 Gaseous fire extinguishing
fire extinguisher for metal systems -HFC 227
fires (heptafluoro propane)
extinguishing system
86
NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

9 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF

IS No. Title IS No. Title
15519: Code of practice for water mist ginning and pressing (including
2004 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:
extinguishing system -IG Electrical generating and
100 extinguishing system distributing stations (second
15528: 2004 Gaseous fire extinguishing revision)
systems- Carbon dioxide, total 3058 : 1990 Code of practice for fire safety
flooding and local application of industrial buildings: Viscose
(sub-flour and in-cabinet), high rayon yarn and/or staple fibre
and low pressure (refrigerated) plants (first revision)
systems
3079 : 1990 Code of practice for fire safety
(20) 2190 : 1992 Code of practice for selection, of industrial buildings: Cotton
installation and maintenance textile mills (first revision)
of portable first-aid fire
3594: 1991 Code of practice for fire safety
extinguishers (third revision)
of industrial buildings:
(21) 884 : 1985 Specification for first-aid hose General storage and
reel for fire fighting (first warehousing including cold
15517: 2004 revision) storage (first revision)
Code of practice for inspection 3595 : 1984 Code of practice for fire safety
and maintenance of gaseous fire of industrial buildings: Coal
(22) 3034 : 1993 extinguishing systems pulverizers and associated
Code of practice for fire safety equipment (first revision)
of industrial buildings: Electrical 3836 : 2000 Code of practice for fire safety
generating and distributing
of industrial buildings: Jute
(23) 6382: 1984 stations (second revision)
mills (second revision)
Code of practice for design
4209 : 1987 Code of safety in chemical
and installation of fixed
laboratories (first revision)
carbon dioxide fire
extinguishing system (first 4226 : 1988 Code of practice for frre safety of
(24) 14609: 2001
revision) industrial buildings: Aluminium/
Magnesium powder factories
15493: 2004 Specification for dry powder
(first revision)
for fire fighting -Class ABC
fires 4886 : 1991 Code of practice for fire safety
of industrial buildings: Tea
(25) 13716: 1993 General requirement for
commissioning of gaseous fire factories (first revision)
extinguishing systems 6329 : 2000 Code of practice for fire safety
(26) 4963 : 1987
Code of practice for fire safety of industrial buildings: Saw
in hotels mills and wood works (first
revision)
Recommendations for
buildings and facilities for the
physically
handicapped (first revision)
of electronic data processing
(27) 4878 : 1986 Bye-laws for
installations
2726: 1988 construction of
(28) 12456 : 1988 cinema Code of practice for fire safety
buildings (first of buildings (general) :
revision) Electrical installations (second
Code of revision)
(29) 1646 : 1997
practice for Code of practice for fire safety
fire protection of industrial buildings: Cotton
9109:2000 Code of practice for fire
safety
of industrial buildings: Paint and
11457 varnish factories
(Part 1) : 1985 Code of practice for fire safety
of chemical industries: Part 1
Rubber and plastic
11460: 1985
Code of practice for frre safety
of libraries and archives
12349: 1988
buildings
12407: 1988
Fire protection -Safety signs
Graphic symbols for
fire
protection
plans

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE 8

IS No. Title IS No. Title
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 : 1988Method 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

88 NATIONAL BUH..DING CODE OF INDIA

Common questions