BNBC 4

Port 4
FlftC PROTECTION
Chapter 1
General Provisions
Chapter 2
Precautionary Requirements
Chapter 3
Means of Escape
Chapter 4
Equipment and In-built Facilities
Chapter 5
Specific Requirements for Various Occupancies
Appendices
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 4 FIRE PROTECTION
Chapter 1 General Provisions
1.1 SCOPE 4-1

1.2 TERMINOLOGY 4-1
1.3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 4-3
1.3.1 Height and Area Limitation 4-3
1.3.2 Open Space Requirement 4-3
1.3.3 Access Facilities for Fire Service 4-3
1.4 FIRE DRILL 4-3
1.5 FIRE TESTS AND FIRE RESISTANCE RATING 4-3
Chapter 2 Precautionary Requirements
2.1 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION 4-5

2.2 CLASSIFICATION OF CONSTRUCTION TYPES 4-5
2.3 FIRE ZONES 4-5
2.4 MIXED OCCUPANCY 4-6
2.5 OPENINGS IN SEPARATING WALL 4-6
2.6 SMOKE AND HEAT VENTS 4-6
2.7 ELECTRICAL, GAS AND HVAC SERVICES 4-7
2.8 SURFACE FINISHES 4-7
2.9 GLAZING 4-7
2.10 SKYLIGHTS 4-8
2.11 FIRE LIFTS 4-9
2.12 SPECIAL HAZARDS 4-9
2.12.1 Special Hazards in Occupancy A : Residential 4-9
2.12.2 Special Hazards in Occupancy B : Educational 4-9
2.12.3 Special Hazards in Occupancy C : Institutional 4-9
2.12.4 Special Hazards in Occupancy D : Health Care 4-9
2.12.5 Special Hazards in Occupancy E : Assembly 4-9
2.12.6 Special Hazards in Occupancy F : Business and Mercantile 4-10
2.12.7 Special I lazards in Occupancy G : Industrial 4-10
2.12.8 Special Hazards in Occupancy H : Storage 4-11
2.12.9 Special Hazards in Occupancy J: Hazards 4-11
Chapter 3 Means of Escape

3.1 SCOPE 4-13
3.2 COMPONENTS OF MEANS OF ESCAPE 4-13
3.3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 4-14
4-i
3.4 LOCATION AND ARRANGEMENT OF EXITS 4-14
3.5 OCCUPANT LOAD 4-14
3.5.1 Design Occupant Load 4-14
3.5.2 Fixed Seats 4-14
3.5.3 Maximum Occupant Load 4-14
3.5.4 Mezzanine Floors 4-14
3.5.5 Roofs 4-15
3.6 CAPACITY OF EXIT COMPONENTS 4-15
3.7 CORRIDORS AND PASSAGEWAYS 4-16
3.8 ASSEMBLY AISLES 4-16
3.9 DOORWAYS 4-17
3.10 STAIRWAYS 4-17
3.11 RAMPS 4-18
3.12 HORIZONTAL EXITS 4-18
3.13 SMOKE PROOF ENCLOSURES 4-18
3.14 NUMBER OF EXITS 4-19
3.15 LENGTH OF TRAVEL 4-19
3.16 MEANS OF EXIT SIGNS AND ILLUMINATION 4-20
3.17 EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR OCCUPANCY A : RESIDENTIAL 4-20
3.17.1 A1 Detached Single Family Dwelling 4-20
3.17.2 A2 Flats or Apartments 4-20
3.17.3 A3 Mess, Boarding Houses, Dormitories and Hostels 4-21
3.17.4 Minimum Standard Housing 4-21
3.17.5 A5 Hotels and Lodging Houses 4-21
3.18 EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR OCCUPANCY B : EDUCATIONAL 4-21
3.19 EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR OCCUPANCY C : INSTITUTIONAL 4-21
3.20 EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR OCCUPANCY D : HEALTH CARE 4-22
3.21 EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR OCCUPANCY E : ASSEMBLY 4-22
3.22 EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR OCCUPANCY F : BUSINESS 4-22
AND MERCANTILE
3.23 EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR OCCUPANCY G : INDUSTRIAL 4-22
3.24 EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR OCCUPANCY H : STORAGE 4-22
3.25 EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR OCCUPANCY J: HAZARDOUS .4-23
Chapter 4 Equipment and In-built Facilities
4.1 SCOPE 4-25

4.2 FIRE PROTECTION PLUMBING 4-25
4.2.1 Water Requirement for Interior Fire protection 4-25
4.2.2 Water Sources for Fire Protection 4-25
4.2.3 Design Consideration for Standpipe and Hose System 4-28
4.2.4 Design Consideration for Sprinkler System 4-32
4.2.5 Water Supply for Fire Protection in Tall Building 4-34
4.2.6 Fire Pump 4-34
4.2.7 Inspection, Testing and Maintenance 4-35 i
4-ii
4.3 FIRE PROTECTIVE SIGNALLING OR FIRE ALARM SYSTEM 4-37
4.4 AUTOMATIC FIRE AND SMOKE DETECTION SYSTEM 4-37
4.5 FOAM EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM 4-38
4.6 CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM 4-38
4.7 HALOGENATED EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM 4-38
4.8 DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM 4-38
4.9 WET CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM 4-38
4.10 PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER 4-39
Chapter 5 Specific Requirements for Various

Occupancies
5.1 SCOPE 4-41

5.2 OCCUPANCY A : RESIDENTIAL 4-41
5.2.1 Occupancy A1 : Detached Single Family Dwelling 4-41
5.2.2 Occupancy A2 : Flats and Apartments 4-41
5.2.3 Occupancy A3 : Mess, Boarding House and Hostels 4-41
5.2.4 Occupancy A4 : Minimum Standard Housing 4-42
5.2.5 Occupancy A5 : Hotels and Lodging Houses 4-42
5.3 OCCUPANCY B : EDUCATIONAL 4-42
5.4 OCCUPANCY C : INSTITUTIONAL 4-42
5.4.1 Occupancy CI: Institution for Care of Children 4-42
5.4.2 Occupancy C2: Custodial Institution for the 4-42
Physically Capable
5.4.3 Occupancy C3 : Custodial Institution for the 4-42
Physically Incapable
5.5 OCCUPANCY D : HEALTH CARE FACILITIES 4-42
5.5.1 Occupancy D1 : Normal Medical Facilities 4-42
5.5.2 Occupancy D2 : Emergency Medical Facilities 4-42
5.6 OCCUPANCY E : ASSEMBLY 4-42
5.6.1 Occupancy El : Large Assembly with Fixed Seats 4-42
5.6.2 Occupancy E2 : Small Assembly with Fixed Seats 4-42
5.6.3 Occupancy E3 : Large Assembly without Fixed Seats 4-42
5.6.4 Occupancy E4 : Small Assembly without Fixed Seats 4-43
5.6.5 Occupancy E5 : Sports Facilities 4-43
5.7 OCCUPANCY F : BUSINESS AND MERCANTILE 4-43
5.7.1 Occupancy F1 : Offices 4-43
5.7.2 Occupancy F2 : Small Shops and Markets 4-43
5.7.3 Occupancy F3 : Large Shops and Markets 4-43
5.7.4 Occupancy F4 : Garages and Petrol Stations 4-44
5.7.5 Occupancy F5 : Essential Services 4-44
5.8 OCCUPANCY G : INDUSTRIAL 4-44
5.8.1 Occupancy G1: Low Hazard Industries 4-44
5.8.2 Occupancy G2 : Moderate Hazard Industries 4-44
4-iii
5.9 OCCUPANCY H : STORAGE 4-44
5.9.1 Occupancy HI : Low Fire Risk Storage 4-44
5.9.2 Occupancy H2 : Moderate Fire Risk Storage 4-44
5.10 OCCUPANCY J: HAZARDOUS 4-44
5.11 OCCUPANCY K : MISCELLANEOUS 4-44
Appendices
Appendix A Guidelines for Fire Drill and Evacuation 4-46

Procedure for High Rise Buildings
Appendix B Fire Protection Considerations for Venting in 4-52
Industrial and Storage Buildings
Appendix C Detailed Guidelines for Selection and 4-57
Sitting of Fire Detection System
Appendix D Special Requirements of Buildings More 4-60
than 20 Metre High
4-iv
i
CHAPTER 1]
General Provisions
1.1 SCOPE
ThfSiKaSSrf SS1^33?SSS^
requirements of fire protection, precautionary requirements for resisting a fire, means of escape
requirements, equipment and in-built facilities required for fire fighting, and fire fighting arrangements
required for various occupancy groups.
1.2 TERMINOLOGY
This section provides an alphabetical list of the terms used in and applicable to this part of the Code. In case
of any conflict or contradiction between a definition given in this section and that in Part 1, the meaning
specified in this part shall govern for interpretation of the provisions of this part.
ALARM CONTROL UNIT : It consists of a circuit, controls, relays, switches and associated system which
receive signals from alarm initiating devices and transmit to alarm signalling devices.
ALARM INITIATING DEVICE: An equipment operated manually or automatically which, when activated,
initiates an alarm through an alarm signalling device.
ALARM SIGNAL : Siignals of audible or visual nature or both, indicating the existence of a fire condition.
Audible devices may be bells, horns, chimes, speaker or similar devices.
ALARM SIGNAL DEVICE : The equipment that produces the alarm signal.
ALARM SYSTEM : It is a combination of compatible devices, which when activated with necessary electrical
energy can produce an alarm in the event of fire.
ALARM ZONE : It describes a defined area of the building or buildings for alarm initiating locations.
ANNUNCIATOR : Equipment capable of indicating the zone or area of a building from which an alarm has
been initiated or the location of such devices and the operational condition of alarm circuit of the system.
Part 4 4-1
Fire Protection
Part 4
Fire Protection
AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTING AND ALARM SYSTEM : These include all types of fire detecting and
alarm signalling devices which activate themselves during a fire without manual intervention. The
equipment/devices include temperature sensitive fuses, thermostat, fluid filled tubes and electronic devices
wnicn can detect a fire and transmit automatic alarm signals.
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM : The system consists of an array of pipe works fitted with fusible
solder or glass bulb in a predetermined temperature fed from town main, elevated private reservoir, gravity
tank, pressure tank or automatic pump supply and other connecting equipment which operate
automatically by sensing the heat of fire and discharge water to extinguish it. These devices also actuate an
audible alarm automatically.
AUTOMATIC HIGH VELOCITY WATER SPRAY : This system applies water in the form of a conical spray
consisting of droplets of water discharged at high velocity tnrough specially designed projectors to
extinguish fire by emulsification, cooling and smothering. High velocity system is used for the protection of
medium and heavy oils or similar flammable liquids.
CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM : This installation consists of a group of one or more
cylinders of carbondioxide, interconnected by a manifold and feeding into a system of high pressure
distribution pipework fitted with special discharge nozzles.
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL: Any material which burns and enhances the magnitude of fire.
%
DOWN COMER : See WET RISER-CUM-DOWN COMER STANDPIPE SYSTEM.
DRY-CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM : This system consists of specially designed pipe works and
discharge nozzles linked to the dry powder containers and COz cylinders which are automatically/
manually operated in case of fire.
DRY RISER : A dry riser is a vertical pipe which is normally kept empty of water, fitted with outlets at
various floor levels in the building. It is not connected to a water supply, but is charged when required, by
means of fire pumps.
FIRE EXIT : A continuous and unobstructed means of escape to a public way, which includes doors,
corridors, stairway, aisles, gates, balconies, ramps, horizontal exits, fireproof enclosures etc.
FIRE RESISTANCE RATING : It denotes the property of a building construction material and/or
construction itself and is expressed as a period of time during which the materials/constructions are (a)
resistant to collapse due to fire, (b) resistant to flame penetration and (c) resistant to excessive temperature
rise on the unexposed surface.
FIRE SEPARATION : Horizontal or vertical fire resistance rated assembly of materials having protected
openings or a clear area around a building for the purpose of preventing the spread of fire.
FIRE TOWER : These are open to outer air staircases separated from any building which can be approached
from various floors of a building by connecting corridors, landings or lobbies and are separated from the
floor area and main staircase by fire resisting doors.
FIRE WALL : A fire resistance rated wall having protective openings, which is constructed from the g round
level to at least lm above the roof of a building to restrict the spread of a fire.
FOAM EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM : This system operates automatically/manually to extinguish special
fires. It consists of several types, of which pump operated mechanical foam type, self contained pressurised
type and pre-mixed foam types are commonly used.
HALOGENATED EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM : This system consists of distribution of pipe works and
specially designed nozzles which are sited strategically around the fire risk zone. The chemicals are kept
under pressure and released automatically/manually in case of fire. At present only B.T.M. (HALON-1301)
is internationally recommended for fixed system.
HORIZONTAL EXIT : An escape system which connects a floor horizontally with an adjacent structure at or
near the same level.
ROOF EXIT: The exit which opens at the roof and is accessible from the ground level.
SMOKE DETECTOR : A devise capable of sensing visible or invisible particles produced during
combustion.
TRAVEL DISTANCE : The travel distance of an escape route from a location within the building.
VENTILATION : Natural or mechanical intake of fresh air from outside and removal of trapped air of an
enclosed space.
4-2
Chapter 1
General Provisions
VENT (FIRE): A ssystem which activates itself automatically during a fire or can be activated manually to
release the heat ana smoke generated by the fire and prevents lateral spread of fire and smoke.
WET-CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM : A system where a solution of water and potassium carbonate
and/or potassium acetate based chemical forms the extinguishing agent.
WET RISER-CUM-DOWN COMER STANDPIPE SYSTEM: Wet riser consists of an array of pipes installed
vertically in a building with outlets (landing valves) at various levels throughout the building containing
permanently charged water at a specified pressure for fire fighting purposes.
'Down comer' is similar in function to that of a Wet Riser which is constructed as vertical piping, but is
supplied with water from a tank on the roof or at intermediate levels.
1.3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
The provisions of this section shall specify the general requirements in respect of height and area limitations,
protect'It fron?potential fire hazards. ^ ^
1.3.1 Height and Area Limitation

The height and area limitations of all buildings and structures shall be governed by the occupancy group
classification, Floor Area Ratio and type of construction, which are specified in Sec1.8 of Part 3.
1.3.2 Open Space Requirement
For the purpose of applying the provisions of open space requirements of a building at its side, rear and
front, Sec 1.7, Part 3of this Code snail be followed.
1.3.3 Access Facilities for Fire Service

The access facilities for fire service vehicles and engines shall meet the following requirements.
1.3.3.1 Fire appaaratus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of 4.5 m and the minimum vertical
clearance shall be 5m. The width and vertical clearance of fire apparatus access roads may be increased
when in the opinion of the fire authority, the clearances are not adequate to provide fire apparatus access.
1.3.3.2 Fire apparatus access roads having a dead end longer than 30 m from the main road shall be
provided with appropriate provisions for turning around of the fire apparatus.
1.3.3.3 The fire apparatus access road shall be marked by an approved sign.
1.4 FIRE DRILL
Fire drills based on fire order shall be arranged to train the occupants of a building in fire fighting and
evacuation. The occupants shall be made thoroughly conversant with fire order, fire fighting and evacuation
procedures in the event of an emergency.
The guidelines of fire drill and evacuation procedure are given in Appendix A.
1.5 FIRE TESTS AND FIRE RESISTANCE RATING
The fire resistance rating of individual building construction components shall be determined by standard
materials testing procedure as detailed below.
1.5.1 The fire resistance ratings of building assemblies and structural elements shall be determined in accordance
with ASTME 119.
1.5.2 The construction materials which are intended to be classified as noncombustible shall be tested in
accordance with ASTM E 136.
1.5.3 Flame resistance rating of all materials used for interior finish and trim shall be tested in accordance with
ASTM E 84.
1.5.4 The fire door assemblies shall conform to the test requirements of ASTM E 152.
1.5.5 The fire windows and fire shutters shall meet the test requirements of ASTM E 163.
1.5.6 The fire resistance rating of structural elements, which are widely used in Bangladesh, are provided in
Table 4.1.1 below, as a guideline. These ratings shall be used unless tests conducted in accordance with the
above indicate higher fire resistance ratings, in which case the higher values may be used.
Bangladesh National Building Code 4-3

Part 4
Fire Protection
Table 4.1.1
Fire Resistance Rating of Common Construction Elements
Structural Element Fire Resistance Rating

L SOLID WALLS
a. 75 mm thick walls of clay bricks 0.75 hour
b. 125 mm thick walls of clay bricks 1.5 hours
c. 250 mm thick walls 5.0 hours
2. RC WALLS
a. 150 mm thick RC wall 3.0 hours
b. 200 mm thick RC wall 4.0 hours
c. 250 mm thick RC walls 5 hours
d. 300 mm thick RC walls 6 hours
3. R£SLA&$
a. 100 mm RC slabs with 13 mm cover 1 hours
over reinforcement
b. 150 mm RC slabs with 19 mm cover 2.5 hours
over reinforcement
c. 200 mm RC slabs with 19 mm cover 3.75 hours
over reinforcement
d. 250 mm RC slabs with 25 mm cover 5.0 hours
over reinforcement
4. RC COLUMNS (1:2:4)
a. 250 mm x 250 mm with 25 mm cover 3.0 hours
over reinforcement
b. 300 mm x 300 mm with 25 mm cover 4.0 hours
over reinforcement
c. 400 mm x 400 mm with 25 mm cover 6.0 hours
over reinforcement
d. 400 mm x 400 mm with 50 mm cover 8.0 hours
over reinforcement
Related Appendix
Appendix A Guidelines for Fire Drill and Evacuation Procedure for High Rise Buildings
4-4
I
r
CHAPTER
2.1 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION

All buildings shall be classified according to their use or by considering the character of their occupancy. For
the purpose of this Code, the occupancy classification groups shall be as follows:
Occupancy A Residential
Occupancy B Educational
Occupancy C Institutional
Occupancy D Health Care
Occupancy E Assembly
Occupancy F Business and Mercantile
Occupancy G Industrial
Occupancy H Storage
Occupancy J Hazardous
Occupancy K Miscellaneous
The details of occupancy classification of buildings are provided in Sec 2.1 of Part 3.
2.2 CLASSIFICATION OF CONSTRUCTION TYPES
All buildings and structures to be constructed, altered and/or extended in height or area shall be classified
in any one or in a combination of the following three construction types:
Type 1 Highest degree of fire resistance
Type 2 Intermediate degree of fire resistance
Type 3 Lowest degree of fire resistance
The types of construction are based on fire resistance of construction elements, which are detailed in Sec 3.1
of Part 3.
Part 4 4-5
Fire Protection
Part 4
Fire Protection
2.3 FIRE ZONES

The fire zones shall divide the development areas of a city, township or municipality into three distinct areas
based on the inherent fire hazards of the buildings to be constructed and the degree of safety desired for the
occupancy group accommodated therein.
2.4 MIXED OCCUPANCY
Mixed Occupancy shall be allowed only when the occupancies are separated by fire resistant walls as
specified in bee 2.3 of Part 3. Mixing of occupancy group J (Hazardous occupancy) with other groups shall
not be allowed.
2.5 OPENINGS IN SEPARATING WALL
2.5.1 The openings in occupancy separation wall shall conform with the provisions set forth in Sec 2.3.3, Part 3.
2.5.2 Openings in fire separating walls and floors shall not exceed the approved limit and the opening shall be of
protective type ana conform to the approved provisions.
2.5.3 Fire separating walls shall not have opening exceeding 11.2 m2 in area and the aggregate width of all
openings at any floor level shall not exceed 25 per cent or the length of the wall. When the entire first storey
floor area on both the sides of a fire separating wall are covered Dy automatic fire suppression system, the
maximum allowable opening may be doubled with a minimum distance of 0.9 m between adjacent
openings.
2.5.4 Doors and other openings in Type 1 construction (opening in a separating wall) shall be limited to 5.6 m2 in
area with a maximum height of 2.75 m and width of 2.1 m. Wall openings shall be protected with approved
fire resisting means like fire doors or steel rolling shutters conforming to approved standards. All openings
in floors shall be protected by vertical enclosures extending above and below such openings. Walls of sucn
opening enclosure shall have at least 2 hours fire resistance rating.
2.5.5 Openings of service lines like cables, electrical wirings, telephone cables, plumbing fixture etc. shall be
protected by enclosures having a fire resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Medium or low voltage
electrical wire running through shaft or ducts shall be either armoured or cased within metal conduits.
2.5.6 All openings in the separating walls and doors shall be provided with minimum 2 hours fire resistance
assemblies in Type 3 construction.
2.6 SMOKE AND HEAT VENTS
2.6.1 Smoke and heat vents shall be installed in single storeyed windowless buildings, underground structures,
factories with large floor spaces and other areas of restricted ventilation.
2.6.2 Where exit access travel distance is more than 25 m, smoke and heat vents shall be constructed in
accordance with the provisions of this Code.
2.6.3 The vent area and spacing of the vents shall comply with Table 4.2.1.
Table 4.2.1
Smoke and Heat Vent Size and Spacing
Use group Hazard Condition Vent Area to Floor Max Spacing of

Area Ratio Vent Centres
Occupancy G1 Low Hazard 1:100 30 m
Occupancy G2 Moderate hazard 1:75 20 m
Occupancy HI Low Hazard 1:100 30 m
Occupancy H2 Moderate Hazard 1:75 20 m
Occupancy J1 High Hazard 1:30 15 m
Occupancy J2 High Hazard 1:30 15 m
Occupancy K1 Low Hazard 1:100 30 m
2.6.4 Closures of natural draft, smoke and heat vents shall be installed in such a way that fire service personnel
can open it easily during a fire.
2.6.5 Smoke and heat vents on roof or ceiling or wall shall normally be kept open. In case of closed vents,
automatic activation of the openings by heat-responsive device rated at 38°C to 104°C above ambient shall
be a requirement. The releasing mechanism shall be capable of opening the vent fully when the vent is
exposed to a time-temperature gradient that reaches an air temperature of 260° within 5 minutes. The vents
shall also be capable of being opened by manual operation.
4-6
Chapter 2
2.6.6 Venting requirements for Industrial and Storage Buildings are given in Appendix B.
2.7 ELECTRICAL, GAS AND HVAC SERVICES
2.7.1 The requirements of the electrical, HVAC and gas services shall meet the provisions of Chapters 2, 3 and 8
respectively of Part 8.
2.72 Air-conditioning and ventilation systems shall be installed and maintained in such a manner that the fire,
fumes or smoke do not spread from one floor or area of fire to other parts of a building through the ducts or
vents.
2.7.3 Properly designed fire dampers shall be installed within the air-conditioning and ventilation ducts, which
II automatically close the flow of air in case of fire.
2.7.4 For large assembly areas, department stores and hotels with more than 100 rooms in a single block, effective
means for preventing circulation of smoke through the air-conditioning ducts shall be installed. Such means
shall consist of approved photo-electric or other smoke sensing control devices, as the fuses and dampers
may not function during early state of a fire due to insufficient heat.
2.8 SURFACE FINISHES
2.8.1 Plastic, wood or other flammable materials used to trim and cover the interior and exterior facade of a
building structure have the potential of generating smoke and toxic fumes during a fire and have the
potentiality of changing the nature of fire due to its ignitability as fuel.
2.8.2 The fire susceptibility of various types of surface finishes are determined in terms of the rate of spread of fire
(ASTM E 84-87). Based on the rate of spread of fire, the surface finish materials shall be classified into
3 classes:
Class I Surfaces of low flame spread: Flame does not effectively spread more than 300 mm in the first
1.5 minutes with an ultimate value of 600 mm.
Class II Surfaces of medium flame spread: Flame does not spread effectively more than 300 and 850 mm
in the first 1.5 and 10 minutes respectively.
Class III Surfaces of rapid flame spread: Flame spreads effectively more than 300 and 850 mm in the first
1.5 and 10 minutes respectively.
2.8.3 Interior finish of walls and ceilings shall have a flame spread rating not greater than those in Table 4.2.2 for
various occupancy classes.
2.9 GLAZING
2.9.1 Buildings of construction Type 1, 2 and 3 shall use any one of the following types of glazing (covered under
Sec 2.9.2 and 2.9.3) using wire glass and square formed by electro-copper. Building of construction Type 3,
may use hardwood sashes or frames or both.
Table 4.2.2
Acceptable Flame Spread Rating Classes of Interior Finish
Use Group Vertical Exits Corridors Rooms or

and Passage Providing Enclosed
wr Exit Access Areas
A1 - Detached single family dwelling UT UT
A2 Flats or Apartments I I
A5 - Hotels and lodging Houses I I
B Educational I I
CI & - Institutional, Residential & I III*
C2 Custodial
C3 Institutional - Incapacitated I I
C4 Institutional - Restrained I I
D Health Care I 1
El Large assembly with fixed seats I I
E2 Small assembly with fixed seats I 1
E3 Large assembly without fixed seats I I
E4 Small assembly without fixed seats I I
F Business & Mercantile I II
G Industrial I II
H Storage III HI
I Hazardous I u
* Class II may be adopted in case the area is covered by automatic fire suppression system.
III

Part 4
Fire Protection
2.9.2 Wired Glass Panels

Wired glass panels shall comply with the following requirements :
a) Thickness of the glass shall not be less than 6 mm.
b) Embedded wire netting mesh in the glass shall not be more than 25 mm mesh.
c) The sashes or frames or both shall be entirely made up of iron or any other approved metal. The frame
shall be securely fixed into the wall (except panels of internal doors).
d) Setting of the panels of glass shall be achieved by rebates or grooves of not less than 6 mm width or
depth keeping due allowance for expansion. The glass shall be secured to the frame by hard metal
fastenings. Lead, cement or putty may be used for weather proofing.
f) Where wired glass panels are labeled as protective openings, they shall conform to the size limitations
shown in the Table 4.2.3.
Table 4.2.3
Size limitations of Wire Glass Panels
Fire Rating/Opening Max Height in Max Width in Max Area in

m m m2
3 hours (not permitted)

I*! hour door in exterior walls
(not permitted)
hour fire rating 0.85 0.25 0.065
-j hour fire rating 1.4 1.4 0.85

Fire windows 1.4 1.4 0.85
2.9.3 Electro-copper Glazing

Electro-copper glazing shall comply with the following requirements:
a) Thickness of the glass shall not be less than 6 mm.
b) Not more than 0.4 m2 of square glass shall be formed by electro-copper glazing in sectional lights.
c) The sashes or frames or both shall be entirely made up of iron or any other approved metal. The frame
shall be securely bolted into the wall (except panels and internal doors).
d) Setting of the panels of glass shall be achieved by rebates or grooves of not less than 6 mm width or
depth keeping due allowance for expansion. The glass shall be secured to the frame by hard metal
fastenings. Lead, cement or putty may be used for weather proofing.
2.9.4 Wall openings more than 5 m2 shall not be deemed to be of effectively protected by wired glass or electro-
copper glazing.
2.9.5 Wired glass or electro-copper glazing not exceeding 0.85 m2 in area shall be allowed provided it is cased in
hard metal and secured to the frames by hard metal hinges not exceeding 60 mm apart and by fastening at
top, centre and bottom.
2.10 SKYLIGHTS
2.10.1 Wired glasses used in skylights shall comply with the following requirements:
a) Thickness of the glass snail not be less than 6 mm;
b) Wire netting mesh embedded in the glass shall not be more than 25 mm square;
c) The glazing shall be cased in frame of continuous metal divided by bars 750 mm apart centre to centre.
The frame and bars shall be iron or other approved metal (or of hard wood covered with sheet metal).
The
- l.j glass shall be secured to the frame by hard metal fastenings. Lead, cement or putty may be used for
weather proofing.
2.10.2 Skylight openings more than 5 m2 shall not be deemed to be effectively protected by wired glass.
4-8
Chapter 2
2.11 FIRE LIFTS
2.11.1 Fire lifts shall be used in buildings more than 20 metre in height. Fire lifts, where used shall be fully
automated from the ground level with approved wiring and switches and shall have a minimum capacity
of 8 persons.
2.11.2 Fire lifts may be operated by the inmates of the buildings except during fire. During fire, only firemen shall
operate such lifts.
2.11.3 Fire lifts shall be equipped with approved intercommunication (including two way voice communication)
with the fire command station or control room on the ground floor lobby or the building.
2.11.4 Number and location of fire lifts in a building shall be decided on the basis of total occupant load, floor area
and compartmentation. ,
2.12 SPECIAL HAZARDS
The various occupancy groups are exposed to fire hazard of different nature and intensity, which are
detailed below under different occupancy classes.
2.12.1 Special Hazards in Occupancy A : Residential

a) Flammable liquids used for domestic purposes shall be kept adequately sealed in approved containers
at all times.
b) Stoves and heaters using open flame or otherwise shall be so located as not to create any obstruction on
the escape route in case of fire. Such appliances shall not be located directly on or near the foot of stairs.
c) Exhaust fans used in kitchens shall be placed on a peripheral wall of the building or to a duct connected
directly to outside and shaft be made of noncombustible material. The duct shall not pass through
combustible materials.
d) Doors leading into a room containing flammable liquids shall be provided with self closing devices.
Appropriate signs identifying the storage materials and requesting the users to keep the door closed
shall be marked on both sides of the door.
e) All outdoor television antenna shaft be properly grounded and protected against lightning.
f) Rooms containing boiler using liquid or solid fuel shaft be separated from the main building by
appropriate separation waft witn all its openings protected as per provisions detailed in Sec 2.3 of Part
3 and Sec 2.5 of this Chapter.
g) Rooms containing high pressure boilers, refrigerating machinery, transformers or such other equi[3ment
o not
block the means of escfpe. Such rooms shaft be effectively segregated from the main occupancy area
and shall be provided with adequate venting to outside.
h) Areas or rooms within the building identified as hazardous occupancy shall be protected or segregated
by appropriate separation wall or by other approved means as directed by the Authority.
2.12.2 Special Hazards in Occupancy B: Educational
a) Rooms or areas containin g volatile
" flammable
"" liquids shaft be separated from the adjoining areas in
accordance with Sec 2.3 of Part 3 and Sec 2.5 of this chapter.
b) Gas pipeline entering any building shaft be equipped with shutoff valves outside the building with
conspicuous marking clearly delineating the location. (See Chapter 8 of Part 8).
c) The exterior openings of boiler rooms shaft be adequately protected by fixed, automatic or self closing
fire assemblies.
2.12.3 Special Hazards in Occupancy C : Institutional
Permit shaft not be granted for storage or handling of any hazardous material, except for normal use in
amounts not exceeding the exempted amounts specified in Chapter 2 of Part 3, in a building or part thereof
classified as Occupancy C.
2.12.4 Special Hazards in Occupancy D : Health Care
Storage of volatile flammable liquids such as chloroform, ethyl alcohol, mentholated spirit etc. shaft be
stored in safe storage and no unauthorized person shall be allowed to handle such liquids.
2.12.5 Special Hazards in Occupancy E : Assembly
a) All materials used for decorative purposes in buildings of Occupancy E shall be noncombustible. If
fabric and papers are used for decorative purposes those shall be treated with flame resistant
chemicals/materials.

Part 4
Fire Protection
b) Assembly buildings primarily meant for theatrical, operatic or cinematic performances shall have the
seats securely fastened to the floor with exceptions as permitted in 2.12.5 (c) below. All seats in
balconies ana galleries shall be securely fastened to the floor except boxes with level floor and less than
14 seats.
c) Seats not fixed to the floor shall be permitted in restaurants and such other places provided that 1.25 m2
of floor space is allotted for every seat excluding dancing floor and stage. Adeq uate aisles shall be
maintained at all times to reach exits without obstruction wnen such occupancies are in use.
i) Not more than 14 seats shall be allowed in one row between aisles.
ii) 50 per cent of seats in a row shall have one opening of an aisle.
hi) Capacity of seats without dividing arms shall be calculated at the rate of 450 mm per person.
iv) The minimum space between rows of seats shall be 850 mm and space between the back of one
seat and the front of the seat immediately behind shall not be less than 350 mm measured
between plumb lines.
v) Rooms and parts of a building containing high pressure boilers, refrigerating machinery, large
adjacent to the defined exit route. Such rooms'sha^l be effectively cut off from the rest of the
building and connected to open air through approved ducts or openings.
e) Rooms or parts of a building used for storage of combustible materials such as paints or other items
shall be effectively cut off from main assembly building or protected by approved automatic sprinkler
system. Such areas shall be away from staircases.
f) Stages having such facilities as fly galleries, gridirons and rigging shall be covered by an automatic
sprinkler system above and below such stage areas or spaces: Auxiliary spaces such as dressing rooms,
store rooms, and workshops and the proscenium opening shall be effectively covered by fire resistant
"curtains capable of withstanding a lateral pressure of 4 kN/m2. The curtain shall be equipped with self
closing emergency device and when closed shall be tight enough to prevent spread of smoke.
g) Stage roof above every theatre using movable scenery or motion picture screen constructed of highly
combustible materials shall be fitted with ventilators in or above it. The ventilators shall be openable
from the stage floor manually or by fusible links or some approved automatic heat actuated device to
give an opening to sky with an area of one-eighth the area of the stage.
h) In theaters not protected by automatic fire sprinklers, the proscenium wall using movable scenery of
decorations shall be provided with maximum of two openings to enter the stage and each opening
shall not be of more than 2 m2.
i) Film projection apparatus shall be enclosed within fire resistant enclosures.
j) Auditoriums of theaters and cinemas shall be installed with vents on roof having vent area equal to
•^jth the floor area including balconies and galleries, boxes and tiers. Larger numbers of smaller vents
shall be preferable over smaller number of larger vents.
2.12.6 Special Hazards in Occupancy F: Business and Mercantile
a) Exit aisles or approaches in self-service stores shall not be obstructed by placing check out stand with
associated railings or barriers on its passage.
b) All operations in open air markets, petrol filling stations, road side stands for sale of farm products etc.
shall be so conducted that unobstructed access to exits are always maintained.
2.12.7 Special Hazards in Occupancy G : Industrial

a) No apparatus generating flames capable of igniting flammable vapour shall be permitted within a room
of part of a building using or storing volatile flammable liquid. Rooms or parts of a building using or
storing such flammable liquid shall be covered by exhaust ventilation system.
b) Boiler rooms and areas containing heating plants shall be effectively segregated from the rest of the
occupancy.
<0 Adequate protective measures shall be taken against hazards associated with distribution and use of
electricity and gas in accordance with the provisions of Chapters 2 and 8 of Part 8.
d) Automatic sprinkler or other protections like installation of vents shall be made in all buildings of
Occupancy G2 (Moderate Hazard Industries).
4-10
Chapter 2
e) The machine layout shall be congenial to safe fire practice.

2.12.8 Special Hazards in Occupancy H : Storage
a) No apparatus generating flames capable of igniting flammable vapour shall be permitted within a room
or part of a building using or storing volatile flammable liquid. Rooms or parts of a building using or
storing such flammable liquid shall be covered by exhaust ventilation system.
b) Boiler rooms and areas containing heating plants shall be effectively segregated from the rest of the
occupancy.
c) Adequate protection shall be taken against hazards associated with distribution and use of electricity
and gas in accordance with the provisions of Chapters 2 and 8 of Part 8.
d) Automatic sprinkler or other protections like installation of vents shall be made in all buildings of
Occupancy H2 (Moderate Fire Risk Storage).
2.12.9 Special Hazards in Occupancy J : Hazardous
a) Equipment, machinery and operations emitting combustible volatile substances shall be protected with
dry chemical, foam or CO2 fire extinguishing system.
b) Dry cleaning machines using flammable liquids shall be directly connected to a steam line.
Arrangements shall be so made that in case of explosion, steam will be automatically released inside
each machine.
c) Except wall vents, all openings in extension walls shall be protected by fixed, automatic or self closing
fire assemblies. Wall vents shall be placed near the floor line having openings not less than 0.01 m2 each
and distance between two successive vents shall not be more than 1.8 m. Power driven exhaust fans for
ventilation in every building shall be so arranged and operated that a complete change of air is affected
every 3 minutes.
d) Gas inlet pipes shall be fitted with gas shutoff valves outside the building and marked conspicuously
for ready recognition.
e) Rooms containing boiler or heating plant shall be effectively separated from the main building by a
separating wall.
f) Devices capable of generating spark and glow flame that can ignite gasoline vapour, shall not be
installed or permitted in rooms where volatile flammable liquids are used or stored unless the area is
enclosed with a flame-proof enclosure.
Related Appendix
Appendix B Fire Protection Considerations for Venting in Industrial and Storage Buildings

Part 4
Fire Protection
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4-12
CHAPTER
Means of Escape
3.1 SCOPE
The provisions of this section shall control the design, construction and arrangement of building
components to provide a reasonably safe means of escape therefrom. Buildings shall be evacuated during
any repair or alteration works unless the existing means of escape and fire protection system are
continuously maintained or other exit and protection measures are taken to provide an equivalent degree of
safety.
3.2 COMPONENTS OF MEANS OF ESCAPE
3.2.1 A means of escape shall be a continuous and unobstructed way of exit travel from any point in a building to
a street, the roof of a building or a designated area of refuge. Tne path of travel along a means of escape may
consist of three parts : (a) the exit access, (b) the exit, and (c) the exit discharge. That portion of the means of
escape which leads to the entrance of an exit and is included in the measure of travel distance to reach an
exit shall be termed the exit access. The exit itself shall be considered to be that portion of the means of
escape which is protected from the area of incidence and provides a safe path to the exit discharge. The
discnarge shall comprise any portion of the travel between the termination of exit and the exterior or
area of refuge.
3.2.2 The parts of the means of escape may consist of any of the following exit components :
a) A doorway, corridor or passage leading to an exterior or interior staircase, smoke proof and fireproof
enclosure, ramp, balcony, fire escape or combination thereof, having direct access to the street, the roof
of a building or any designated refuge area which affords safety from fire or smoke from the area of
incidence;
b) A horizontal exit from the affected building to an adjoining building or an area of refuge at the same
level which provides safety from fire and smoke from the area of incidence and the areas
communicating therewith.
3.2.3 Lifts, escalators and moving walks shall not be regarded as components of means of escape.
Part 4 4-13
Fire Protection
Part 4
Fire Protection
3.3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

3.3.1 uate exit facilities to
3.3.2 An exit shall at no time be used for any purpose that would interfere with its use as a means of escape.
3.3.3 Exits and exit access corridors shall not be used as supply or return air ducts.
3.3.4 Where changes in elevation not exceeding 300 mm exist in exits or exit access corridors, ramps shall be used.
At exterior doors not required to be used by handicapped or aged people, a maximum step down of 200
mm shall be permitted.
All exits shall be clearly visible and exit access corridors and passages leading to the exit shall be marked
and signposted to guide the occupancy traffic. Exit signs in pubic places used during the hours of darkness
and those in areas reauired to have more than one exit or exit access shall be illuminated in accordance with
the provisions of Sec 1.5 of Part 8.
3.3.5 The owner or lessee of all new and existing buildings shall be responsible for the safety of all occupants. If in
any existing building, the exit facilities are deemed inadequate in view of the requirements of this Code, the
. Authority may order additional provisions to be incorporated in the building in order to minimize hazard
to life of the occupants.
3.4 LOCATION AND ARRANGEMENT OF EXITS
3.4.1 All exits shall be easily discernible and accessible from the areas served by them.
3.4.2 Exit from any room or space shall not open into an adjoining or intervening room or area except where such
adjoining room or area is an accessory to the area served, is not a hazardous occupancy and provide a direct
escape to the designated exit area.
3.4.3 No portion of an exit route shall pass through a room that may be subject to locking or be intervened by a
door that may be locked when the building is occupied.
3.4.4 All assembly buildings shall front on at least one street on which the main exit discharge shall be located.
The main entrance to an assembly building shall also serve as the main exit capable of providing escape for
at least one-half of the total occupant loaa. For assembly buildings having more than one levels or floors
each level shall be provided with additional exits capable of providing escape for at least two-thirds of the
occupant load served by that level.
3.4.5 All exits shall be so located and arranged that they provide continuous and unobstructed means of escape to
the exterior of the building leading to a street or to other designated areas of refuge.
3.5 OCCUPANT LOAD
3.5.1 Design Occupant Load
The occupant load for which the exit facilities are to be provided shall be established by the largest number
computed by the provisions of (a), (b) and (c) below :
a) The actual number of occupants for whom the area served by the exits is designed;
b) Number of occupants computed at the rate of one occupant per unit of floor area as prescribed in
Table 4.3.1.
c) The number of occupants in any area as computed by the provisions of (a) or (b) above plus the number
similarly computed for all spaces that discharge through tnis space in order to gain access to the exit.
3.5.2 Fixed Seats
The occupant load for an assembly or educational area having fixed seats shall be determined by the seating
capacity of the area. For fixed seats without dividing arms, the capacity shall be taken as one person for
every 500 mm of seat.
3.5.3 Maximum Occupant Load
The occupant load calculated as above need not exceed one person per 0.3 m2 of usable floor space.
3.5.4 Mezzanine Floors
The occupant load of a mezzanine floor discharging through a floor below shall be added to the receiving
floor's occupant load.
4-14
I
Chapter 3
Means of Escape
3.5.5 Roofs
Roofs used as assembly, educational or other areas of human occupancy shall be provided with exit facilities
for the required occupant load.
3.6 CAPACITY OF EXIT COMPONENTS
The capacity of means of exit shall be adeauate for the occupant load of the area served thereby. The
required width of each exit component shall be computed on the basis of the exit width per occupant
prescribed in Table 4.3.2, subject to the minimum width of each such component specified in Sec 3.7,3.8, 3.9,
3.10,3.11 and 3.12.
Table 4.3.1
Occupant Load for Various Occupancies
Occupancy Unit of Floor Area

in m2 per Occupant
A Residential 18 gross
B Educational
class room 2 net (see also Sec 3.5)
preschool 3.5 net
C Institutional 12 gross
D Health Care
In patient areas 15 gross
Out-patient areas 10 gross
E Assembly
with fixed seats See Sec 3.5
without fixed seats 0.7 net
standing space only 0.3 net
with table and chairs 1.5 net
F Business and Mercantile
Office space 10 gross
Shopping/sales area 3 gross
G Industrial 10 gross
H Storage 30 gross
J Hazardous 10 gross
Table 4.3.2
Required Exit Width per Occupant
Buildings without Sprinkler Buildings th oroughly Sprinkled

Occupancy System (mm per person) (mm per person
Stairways Ramps & Doors Stairways Ramps & Doors
Corridors Corridors
A Residential
B Educational 8 5 4 5 4 4
F1,F2, Business &
F4 Mercantile
G Industrial
H Storage
C1,C2, Institutional 10 5 4 5 5 4
C3
C4 Institutional 8 5 4 8 5 4
D Health Care 25 18 10 15 12 10
E Assembly
F3 Business and 10 7 5 7 5 5
Mercantile
Hazardous 8 5 4 8 5 4

Part 4
Fire Protection
3.7 CORRIDORS AND PASSAGEWAYS

3.7.1 Direct route of access to required exits shall be provided through continuous passageways, corridors or
aisles which are maintained free of obstructions. As far as practicable, occupants commencing exit travel at
I * .« • * 1 1« 1 1 « . ». « .• # .« .
of travel.
• . ^ .
any point alon] no exit door is available shall not exceed 10 m.

The length of a
3.7.2 The minimum required width of corridors and passageways shall be determined on the basis of the
occupant load in accordance with the provisions of Sec 3.6, but it shall not be less than the most restrictive of
the following:
a) 1.1 m where serving an occupant load of more than 50.
b) 0.9 m where serving an occupant load of 50 or less.
c) 2.4 m in Health Care buildings (Occupancy D) where movement of beds is necessary.
d) 1.8 m in Educational buildings (Occupancy B) where the occupant load is more than 150.
3.7.3 The width of exit corridors and passageways shall not be less than the aggregate of the required width of
doors leading from them towards the exterior.
3.7.4 The minimum clear height of the corridors and passageways shall not be less than 2.4 m.
3.7.5 All exit access corridors shall have a fire resistance rating of 1 hour or more.
3.7.6 Door assemblies opening on to the exit access corridors shall be fire doors having a fire resistance rating of
at least 20 minutes when tested in accordance with ASTM E152 without the hose stream test.
3.8 ASSEMBLY AISLES
3.8.1 Assembly buildings which contain seats, tables, equipment or displays shall be provided with aisles, free of
obstructions, leading to the exit.
3.8.2 Exit access aisles may be level or ramped with slopes not exceeding 1 in 8. The clear width of level or
ramped aisles shall be obtained at the rate of 5 mm per person, subject to the minimum specified in Sec 3.8.4.
3.8.3 When stepped aisles are provided the minimum tread depth shall be 275 mm. The required width per
person shall be obtained from the following expressions, subject to the minimum specified m Sec 3.8.5.
For aisles with handrails,
width = 7 + 0.04 (R -175) mm per person;
For aisles without handrails,
width = 9+ 0.04 (R -175) mm per person;
in which R = 175, for rise up to 175 mm, ana R = the rise, for rise greater than 175 mm.
The rise shall not be less than 100 mm nor more than 200 mm.
3.8.4 The minimum width of level or ramped aisles shall be as specified below :
Seats on both sides of the aisle 1m
Seats on one side of the aisle 0.9 m
3.8.5 The minimum width of stepped aisles shall be as specified below : •
Seats on both sides of the aisle 1.2 m
Seats on one side of the aisle 1m
3.8.6 The minimum clear gap between rows, measured as the clear horizontal distance between the back of the
row ahead and the nearest projection of the row behind shall be 300 mm. For chairs having automatic or
self-rising seats, the measurement shall be made with the seats in the raised position; for non-automatic
seats the measurement shall be taken with the seats in the down position.
3.8.7 For rows of seats served by aisles or doorways at both ends, the number of seats per row shall not exceed
100. The minimum clear gap between rows shall be increased beyond 300 mm specified in Sec 3.8.6 by
7 mm for each seat in excess of 15, but the clear gap need not exceed 550 mm.
3.8.8 For rows of seating served by an aisle or doorway at only one end of the row, the path of travel shall not
exceed 10 m from any seat to the aisle or doorway. The minimum clear gap between rows shall be increased
beyond 300 mm specified in Sec 3.8.6 by 15 mm for each seat in excess of 7, but the clear gap need not exceed
mm.
4-16
Chapter 3
Means of Escape
3.9 DOORWAYS
3.9.1 Each occupant of a room or space shall have access to at least one exit or exit access door. The occupant load
per exit door and the travel distance up to that door shall not exceed the values specified in Table 4.3.3.
3.9.2 Where either the occupant load or the travel distance exceeds the values specified in Table 4.3.3, at least two
exit doors shall be provided.
3.9.3 The width of a doorway shall not be less than 1 m and the height not less than 2 m.
3.9.4 No sliding or hanging door shall be used as a means of exit.
3.9.5 All exit access doors shall be of a side-swinging type. When the occupant load exceeds 50, or in a hazardous
occupancy, the doors shall swing outward from the room or in the direction of travel. Swinging of the door
shall not constrict the width of the corridor below 0.9 m measured at the most critical position.
3.9.6 Exit doorways shall not open directly on a flight of stairs. A space of width not less than the width of the
doorway shall be maintained immediately outside the doorway. The space shall be at the same level as that
of the floor the door serves.
Table 4.3.3
Maximum Occupant Load and Travel Distance for Spaces with One Exit Door
Occupancy Maximum Maximum Travel

Occupant Load Distance (m)
A Residential
C Institutional 12 23
D Health Care
B Educational
E Assembly
F Business & Mercantile 50 23
G Industrial
H Storage 30 30
1 Hazardous 5 8
3.9.7 Revolving doors shall not be used as a means of exit in assembly, educational or institutional buildings or in
spaces with an occupant load of 200 or more. In all other cases revolving doors shall not constitute more
than half of the total required exit door width. No power operated revolving door that cannot be operated
• manually in the event or power failureshall be permitted.
3.9.8 All exit doors shall be openable from the side they serve without the use of a key.
3.10 STAIRWAYS
3.10.1 The required width of exit stairways shall be computed in accordance with the provisions of Sec 3.6, but it
shall not be less than the minimum widths specified in Table 4.3.4.
Table 4.3.4
Minimum Widths of Exit Stairways
ccupancy Minimum Width of Stairway (m)

A Residential
Al, A2 1.0
A3, A5 1.5
A5 0.75
B Educational
Occupant load up to 150 1.5
Occupant load more than 150 2.0
E Assembly
El, E3, E5 2.0
E2, E4 1.5
All others 1.5
I"
Part 4
Fire Protection
3.10.2 The least dimension of landings and platforms in exit stairways shall not be less than the required width of
stairway, except that the landing between two stair flights in a straight run shall not be required to be wider
than 1.2 m in tne direction of travel.
3.10.3 The rise and tread dimensions and the headroom requirements shall conform to the provisions Sec 1.12.5 of
Part 3.
3.10.4 Spiral and winding stairways shall be permitted as an element of a means of escape only within a dwelling
unit and from a mezzanine floor not more than 25 m2 in area. The minimum width of all such stairways
shall be 650 mm with each tread having a minimum depth of 200 mm at a distance of 300 mm from tne
narrower end. All treads shall be identical. The rise shall not be more than 225 mm with a permissible
tolerance of 5 mm between adjacent risers and 10 mm between the largest and the smallest risers.
3.10.5 Stairways serving as means of escape shall have continuous guards and handrails on both sides. Where the
width of the stair exceeds 2.2 m, intermediate handrails shall be provided so that no point on the stair is
farther than 1 m from the handrails.
3.10.6 All exit stairways shall be constructed of materials that conform to the fire resistance requirements of the
type of construction of the building, except that solid wooden handrails shall be permitted for all types of
construction.
3.10.7 An exit stairway shall not be built around a lift shaft unless the enclosure of the lift shaft is solid and made
of a material with fire resistance rating required for the type of construction of the building.
3.10.8 Exterior staircases used as fire escapes shall not be considered as a means of exit, unless they lead directly to
the ground, are separated from the building interior by fire resistive assemblies or walls and are constructed
of noncombustible materials.
3.11 RAMPS
3.11.1 The minimum width of exit ramps shall not be less than that required for corridors by Sec 3.7.
3.11.2 The slope of an exit ramp shall not exceed 1 in 8, but for slopes steeper than 1 in 10 the ramp shall be
surfaced with approved non-slip material or finished such as to effectively prevent slipping.
3.11.3 Guards or handrails shall be provided on both sides of ramps having slope steeper than 1 in 15.
3.12 HORIZONTAL EXITS
3.12.1 The connection between an area of the building which the horizontal exit serves and the area of refuge or
another building shall be provided with protected openings in 2 hour fire resistance rated walls, or by open
air balcony or bridge.
3.12.2 The horizontal exit shall be protected from the area of incidence by self closing type fire door.
3.12.3 The width of a horizontal exit shall not be less than 1 m.
3.12.4 The slope of the horizontal exit shall not exceed 1 vertical in 10 horizontal. No steps shall be used in
horizontal exits.
3.12.5 Where the horizontal exit serves as an exit from only one side, all doors shall swing in the direction of
escape travel. Where exit from both sides may be required, the doors shall have two leaves opening in
opposite directions, or there shall be adjacent doors opening in opposite directions. The doors shall be
openable at all times when the building is occupied without the use of a key.
3.12.6 The discharge area of a horizontal exit shall be either public spaces or private to the occupants of the
building. The capacity of the area of refuge or building on the refuge side shall be computed as the
minimum net floor area excluding stairways, shafts etc. The required capacity of refuge shall be 0.28m2 per
occupant. In the case of patients confined to bed in hospitals and clinics etc., the required capacity of refuge
shall be 2.8m2 per bed.
3.13 SMOKE PROOF ENCLOSURES
3.13.1 A smoke proof enclosure shall consist of an interior stairway conforming to Sec 3.10 and an exterior balcony
or a ventilated vestibule.
3.13.2 All exit stairways serving occupants located more than 23 m above the ground shall be protected by a smoke
proof enclosure.
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Chapter 3
Means of Escape
3.13.3 There shall be access to the stairways from every storey by way of a vestibule or an open balcony. The
minimum width of a vestibule shall not be less than 1.1 m nor less than the width of the corridor leading to
the vestibule. The minimum length of a vestibule in the direction of escape travel shall be 1.8 m.
3.13.4 The minimum fire resistance rating of the walls separating the smoke proof enclosure from the area of
incidence shall be 4 hours with no openings other than the required fire doors for exit.
3.13.5 All doors in smoke proof enclosure shall be self closing type or they shall be fitted with automatic closing
devices triggered by the fire detection system installed at the floor side entrance to the enclosure. The
activation offire detection system at any door in any floor shall activate the automatic door closers of all the
doors at all levels of the smoke proof enclosure.
3.13.6 When access to the stairway is through a vestibule instead of an open exterior balcony, the vestibule shall
have adequate natural ventilation. Each vestibule shall have a minimum area of opening of 1.5 m2 in an
exterior wall facing a courtyard, street or public way wider than 6 m.
3.14 NUMBER OF EXITS
3.14.1 The requirements of the number of exits specified in this subsection shall apply to buildings of all occupancy
groups unless a more restrictive requirement for any occupancy is provided in Chapter 5, Part 4 or
elsewhere in this Code.
3.14.2 Only one means of exit shall suffice for the buildings specified in Table 4.3.5 provided that they do not
have more than one floor below the level of exit discharge.
3.14.3 For all other buildings the required number of exits shall depend on the occupant load as specified below :
Occupant load 500 or less Minimum 2 exits

Occupant load 501 to 1000 Minimum 3 exits
Occupant load more than 1000 Minimum 4 exits
Table 4.3.5
Buildings Served by One Means of Exit
Occupancy Maximum Other Restrictions

Number of Storeys
All 1 Maximum occupant load 100 and maximum travel
distance 25 m
A1 2 Maximum occupant load 30
A2 6 Maximum 12 dwelling units
A3 4 Maximum 50 occupants per floor and maximum travel
distance 25 m
A4 6 Maximum 50 occupants per floor and maximum travel
distance 25 m
A5 2 Maximum occupant load 50
B, C 2 Maximum occupant load 200
D 2 Maximum occupant load 50
F, G, H 2 Maximum occupant load 100 and maximum travel
distance 25 m
3.14.4 All buildings more than 6 storeys or 20 m in height and all buildings having a floor area larger than 500 m2
on each floor, used as educational, institutional, assembly, industrial, storage or hazardous occupancy or a
mixed occupancy involving any of these, shall have a minimum of two staircases. The staircases shall 1be of
the enclosea type and shall lead directly to the exterior or the designated area of refuge.
3.15 LENGTH OF TRAVEL
3.15.1 Exits shall be arranged in such a manner that the travel distance from any point in the area served shall not
exceed the following values :
Occupancy A, B, C, D, E, J 25m
Occupancy F, H 30 m
Occupancy G 45 m
3.15.2 Wherever more than one exit are required in a building they shall be placed as remote as possible from each
other. As far as practicable, exits snail be arranged in such a manner as to provide refuge to a person
irrespective of the direction of travel from any point in the area served.

Part 4
Fire Protection
3.16 MEANS OF EXIT SIGNS AND ILLUMINATION
3.16.1 All required means of exit or exit access in buildings or areas requiring more than one exit shall be
signposted. The signs shall be clearly visible at all times, where necessary supplemented by directional
signs. All exit doors shall be clearly marked for easy identification.
3.16.1.1 Location : Exit signs shall be installed at stair enclosure doors, horizontal exits and other required
exits from the storey. When two or more exits are required from a room or area, exit signs shall be installed
at the required exits from the room or area and where otherwise necessary to clearly indicate the direction of
escape.
Exceptions:
1. Main exterior exit doors which obviously and clearly are identifiable as exits need not be signed when approved by
the Building Official.
2. Exit sigas are not required for buildings of Occupancy A1 and individual units of A2.
3. No sign is needed for exits from rooms or areas with an occupant load of less than 50 when located within CI, C2 or
C3 Occupancy.
3.16.1.2 Graphics : The colour and design of lettering, arrows and other symbols on exit signs shall be in
high contrast with their background. Words on the signs shall be at least 150 mm high with a stroke of not
less than 20 mm.
3.16.1.3 Illumination : Signs shall be internally or externally illuminated by two electric lamps or shall be of
an approved self-luminous type. When the luminance on the face of an exit sign is from an external source,
it shall have an intensity of not less than 5.0 foot-candles from either lamp. Internally illuminated signs shall
provide equivalent luminance.
3.16.1.4 Source of Power : Supply of power to one of the lamps for exit signs shall be provided by the
premises' wiring system. Power to the other lamp shall be from storage batteries or an on-site generator set
and the system shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 2, Part 8.
3.16.1.5 Floor-level Exit Signs : For floor-level exit signs additional approved low-level exit signs which
are externally or internally illuminated, or self-luminous, shall be provided in all interior exit corridors
serving guest rooms of hotels in Occupancy A5. The bottom of the sign shall be less than 150 mm or more
than 200 mm above the floor level. For exit doors, the sign shall be on the door or adjacent to the door with
the closest edge of the sign within 100 mm of the door frame.
3.16.1.6 Amusement Building Exit Marking : Approved exit direction marking and exit signs shall be
provided. Approved low-level exit signs and directional marking shall be located not more than 200 mm
above the walking surface and at the exit path.
3.16.2 All exit signs shall be illuminated at night, or during dark periods within the area served, in accordance with
the provisions of Sec 1.5.1, Part 8
3.16.3 The means of exit and exit access in buildings requiring more than one exit shall be equipped with artificial
lighting. The lighting facilities shall satisfy the requirements of Sec 1.5.2, Part 8.
3.17 EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR OCCUPANCY A : RESIDENTIAL
In Addition to the general exit requirements specified in Sec 3.3 through 3.16 residential buildings shall
satisfy the particular exit requirements specified in this section.
3.17.1 A1 Detached Single Family Dwelling

3.17.1.1 Every sleeping room in a detached single family dwelling having more than two bedrooms shall
have at least one exit door directly leading to the building's means of exit or the exterior. In addition, every
sleeping room in the ground, first and second floors snail have an emergency escape route through an
openable window or door in accordance with the requirements of Sec 2.5.3.2 of Part 3.
3.17.1.2 Rooms having access to it only by removable ladder, folding stair or trap door shall not be used as
a habitable room.
3.17.1.3 All locking devices shall be prohibited should it impede or obstruct exit, such as chain type bolts,
limited opening sliding type locks and burglar locks which do not disengage easily by quick-release catches.
All closet door latches shall be such that all occupants including children can manipulate and open it from
inside.
3.17.1.4 Basement shall not be used to accommodate habitable rooms.
3.17.2 A2 Flats or Apartments

3.17.2.1 All dwelling units of occupancy A2 shall comply with the exit requirements specified for
occupancy Al.
4-20
Chapter 3
Means of Escape
3.17.2.2 Basement of such buildings with floor level not more than 2.5 m below the formation level may
house a heating plant, incinerator room or such other hazardous occupancy, provided that the access to the
basement is only from the exterior of the building.
3.17.2.3 At least half of the required exits shall discharge directly to the outside of the building.
3.17.3 A3 Mess, Boarding Houses, Dormitories and Hostels

The dwelling units of occupancy class A3 shall comply with the exit requirements specified under Sec 3.17.1
and 3.17.2 above.
3.17.4 Minimum Standard Housing

Provisions specified for occupancy A1 and A2, as detailed in Sec 3.17.1 and 3.17.2 above shall be complied
with.
3.17.5 A5 Hotels and Lodging Houses

3.17.5.1 All floors including the basement shall have access to at least two exit points located as remote as
possible.
3.17.5.2 The exits shall be linked with a common lobby or open area, so that the occupants may choose any
of the two travel paths in case of emergency.
3.17.5.3 Single exit shall be permitted where the rooms open directly to the street or a grad e level and the
travel distance from any point of the building to the exit is not more than 15 m.
3.17.5.4 Habitable rooms in basements shall have at least two independent exits.
3.17.5.5 Basements, which are not open to public and used for storage or as electro-mechanical room or for
other service operation shall have exit appropriate for that particular use in accordance with the provisions
of this Code.
3.18 EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR OCCUPANCY B : EDUCATIONAL
In addition to the general exit requirements specified in Sec 3.3 through 3.16, educational buildings shall
satisfy the following exit requirements.
3.18.1 There shall be at least two separate exits on every floor of the building and the exits shall be as far apart as
possible.
3.18.2 There shall not be any dead end pockets in the circulation corridors and on the exit route.
3.18.3 Rooms having capacity of accommodating 100 persons shall have two doorway and such doorways shall
provide access to separate exits or shall open to a passageway leading to separate exits in opposite direction.
3.18.4 The door locks of classroom shall be of simple type so that the occupants can operate the locks easily during
emergency.
3.19 EXIT REQUIREMENT FOR OCCUPANCY C : INSTITUTIONAL

In addition to the provisions set forth in Sec 3.3 through 3.16, institutional buildings shall satisfy the
following exit requirements.
3.19.1 At least two exits shall be provided for every floor. The exits may be of one or more of the following types.
a) Doors leading directly outside the building
b) Stairways
c) Ramps
d) Horizontal exits
3.19.2 Revolving doors shall not be considered as an exit.
3.19.3 The exits of custodial and penal and mental institutions shall have a minimum clear width of 1.5 m and the
corridors serving the inmates shall have a minimum width of 2.4 m.
3.19.4 The elevators and lifts shall not be counted as exits.

3.19.5 The fire doors and smoke barriers shall be kept open during normal operation but shall close automatically
during emergency. Provisions of manual closing of fire or smoke door during emergency shall be provided.
3.19.6 Reliable means shall be provided to permit prompt release of inmates from any locked section in case of fire
or other emergency. Adequate number of guards and other personnel shall be continuously on duly to
evacuate the inmates from penal and mental institutions during emergency.

Part 4
Fire Protection
3.20 EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR OCCUPANCY D : HEALTH CARE

In addition to the provisions set forth in Sec 3.3 through 3.16, health care facilities shall satisfy the
requirements as detailed in Sec 3.19 above.
3.21 EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR OCCUPANCY E : ASSEMBLY
In addition to the general requirements specified in Sec 3.3 through 3.16, assembly buildings shall satisfy the
particular exit requirements specified in this section.
3.21.1 Large assembly buildings with fixed seats (Occupancy El) shall have at least four separate exits located as
remote from each other as possible.
3.21.2 Small assembly buildings with fixed seats (Occupancy E2) shall have at least two separate exits located as
remote as possible from each other. If the capacity of assembly exceeds 600 persons, at least three exits shall
be provided.
3.21.3 Assemblies of Occupancy E3, E4 and E5 shall have at least two means of exits leading directly to the street or
leading to a corridor or open space having access to exits in two independent and different direction.
3.21.4 For fixed seat assemblies, clear width of aisles shall not be less than 1.2 m and no seats shall be seven seats
away from the aisles. Cross-aisles for every 10 rows of seating shall be provided to facilitate direct access to
the exit. Steps shall not be provided in aisles, unless the gradient exceeds 1 in 10.
3.21.5 Balconies, galleries, fascia of boxes shall be provided with railings not less than 650 mm high above the
floor.
3.21.6 No turnstile or other devices to restrict the movements of persons shall be installed in assembly areas.
3.21.7 In theatres and similar places, the waiting lobby shall be designed in such a way that it does not encroach
the required width of exit. The exits of theatres, auditorium etc. shall be designed in such a way that these
may serve the people inside the theatre or auditorium and the people waiting in the lobby simultaneously at
the time of emergency.
3.21.8 Display of exit signs shall be placed in such a way that it does not interfere with the access of any exit. No
mirror shall be placed adjacent to exit way as it may confuse the direction of exits.
3.21.9 The interior finish of lobby, exit corridor and exit shall be of a noncombustible material.
3.22 EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR OCCUPANCY F: BUSINESS AND MERCANTILE
In addition to the general requirements as specified in Sec 3.3 through 3.16, business and mercantile
buildings shall meet the requirements of this section.
3.22.1 At least two exits shall be provided for every floor including the basement of a business and mercantile
building.
3.22.2 The occupancy of mezzanine floor, balconies, open floor space etc., which are linked with the main business
or mercantile building shall be taken into consideration for determining the exit requirements.
3.23 EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR OCCUPANCY G : INDUSTRIAL
In addition to the provisions specified in Sec 3.3 through 3.16, industrial buildings shall meet the
requirements specified in this section.
3.23.1 At least two exits shall be provided for each floor including basement of an industrial building.
3.23.2 For very large industrial buildings like aircraft assembly hanger, jute and textile mills etc., additional means
of exit shall be provided so that tthe travel distance from any work area to exit point does not exceed 30 m.
3.24 EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR OCCUPANCY H : STORAGE
In addition to the general requirements as specified in Sec 3.3 through 3.16, storage facilities shall satisfy the
requirements detailed in this section.
3.24.1 All structures which are used as storage and have more than 1400 m2 of floor area or where more than 10
persons are normally present shall have at least two separate means of exit.
3.24.2 During operational hours, the door locks of a storage building shall be kept in such a way that these can be
unlocked easily during a fire or emergency.
4-22
r Chapter 3
Means of Escape
3.24.3 The parking garages shall have at least two separate means of exit.
3.24.4 Exits from aircraft hangers shall be provided at intervals of not more than 45 m on all exterior walls and
there shall be a minimum of two exits for each aircraft storage or servicing area.
3.24.5 For grain or other silos, there shall be at least one dust proof, noncombustibie tower connecting all the floors.
Self closing noncombustibie door shall have to be provided at each floor landing.
3.24.6 An exterior basket type ladder shall be provided form the roof of workhouse to ground level.
3.25 EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR OCCUPANCY J : HAZARDOUS
The exit requirements for hazardous occupancy shall be those specified in Sec 3.3 through 3.16. Exits in such
occupancy shall also meet the requirements of Sec 3.23.

UBiStt
Part 4
Fire Protection
4-24
CHAPTER 4
4.1 SCOPE
The provisions of this chapter shall control the design, installation and management of equipment and in-
built facilities required for fire fighting within a building and its premises. The regulations of this chapter
shall be applicable for all buildings (whether the system will be required by the Code or by owner's request)
and the provisions stated herein snail not cover the fire fighting requirements outside the building premises.
4.2 FIRE PROTECTION PLUMBING
4.2.1 Water Requirement for Interior Fire Protection
The minimum quantity of water for sprinkler and hose use within the building according to their occupancy
classification shall be in accordance with Table 4.4.1 or on the basis of the hydraulic design of the system.
4.2.2 Water Sources for Fire Protection
Water required for interior fire protection of a building shall be supplied from one or a combination of the
following sources.
4.2.2.1 Direct Connection to Water Main : For continuous water supply (public water supply system or
independent system only for fire protection) with sufficient quantity and pressure to feed fire fighting
equipments during peak demand period, direct connection of fire fighting system to the water main may be
4.2.2.2 Roof Gravity Tanks : For :r supply system with ir iu; or pressure during peak
demand period but with sufficient .ure to feed roof tank, a ivii ;hall be provided to feed
fire fighting equipments (Fig 4.4.2).
4.2.2.3 Storage Tank : For water supply system with inadequate pressure to feed fire fighting equipments
or roof gravity tank, the building premises snail have a ground (or underground) tank to store water for fire
fighting and one of the combinations shown in Fig 4.4.3,4.4.4 and 4.4.5 shall be adopted.
Part 4 4-25
Fire Protection
Part 4
Fire Protection
Rool manifold
iTT
-— Stair Tower
Roof
Valve
E
l
Hose station with 38 mm

Standpipe 75 mm (1.5 nominal) hose
minimum connection
•
h
Non-return valves
Check valves
Siamese connection-i
E
Water main with

sufficient pressure
and How
n ~G Basement
Fig. 4.4.1 Typical Diagram for Standpipe and Hose System

Connected Directly to the Water Main
Table 4.4.1
Fire Protection Flow Requirements
uilding Type Sprinkler System Standpipe and hose Duration**

(l/min.)* System (minute, min.)
(l/min.)*
Light hazard-1 1000 1000 30
Light hazard- II 1900 1900 50
Ordinary hazard-1 2650 1900 75
Ordinary hazard - II 3200 1900 75
Ordinary hazard - III 4800 1900 75
Notes:
* Values will be for one riser serving floor area of 1000 m2.
» » These durations shall be for a building up to the height of 51 m. For greater height of 51-102 m and above
102 m, the duration will be 1.25 times and 1.5 times of the specified values respectively.
Light hazard -1 Occupancy groups, Al, A2, A4
Light hazard - II Occupancy groups, A3, A6, A7, A8, B, C, D, E2, E4, E7, F1 & F2
Ordinary hazard -1 Occupancy groups, El, E3, E5, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, G1 & G4
Ordinary hazard- II Occupancy groups, G2 & HI
Ordinary hazard- III Occupancy groups, G3 & H2
Extra hazard Occupancy group, j - pressure and flow requirement for this group shall be determined
by Fire Department but shall not be less than required value for Ordinary hazard-Ill
4-26
Chapter 4
T 1 Domestic water supply

DomesficTiserve
Fire reserve
Fire header
B
4
h
+
•
Siamese connection •
•
Water main
Fig. 4.4.2 Typical Diagram of Gravity Roof Tank With

Adequate Domestic and Fire Reserve
The system only for fire fighting purpose may be designed with automatic fire^>umj3 as shown in Fig^4.4.3.
manually controlled pump as shown in Fig 4.4.1! The pressure tank with automatic^fire pump and
compressor may be used for supplying water to the fire fighting equipments as shown in Fig 4.4.5 ana 4.4.6.
The location of pressure tank snail be such that it will provide the required pressure at the highest fire
fighting equipment.
The water stored in storage tank for fire fighting operation shall not be used for other purposes (see
Fig 4.4.7).
The ground storage tank shall be easily accessible to fire engine of Fire Department. In absence of space
available for fire engine, the cover slab of ground storage tank shall be designed to withstand a vehicular
load of local fire engine.
4.2.2.4 Individual Water Sources : In absence of public water supply system, the building premises shall
have individual water sources specified in Sec 6.19 of Part 8. The individual water sources with adequate
yield during peak demand period will serve as a fire service ground tank as shown in Fig 4.4.3, 4.4.4 and
4.4.5. Otherwise, the water snail the individual sources shall have to be stored in a storage tank specifie
Sec 4.2.2.3.
-
Part 4
Fire Protection
b
-4
b
"E
Siamese connection —
acessible to fire engine
b
Water main
e
Ground tank
•
Automatic fire pump
Fig. 4.4.3 Typical Diagram for Fire Protection with Ground

Tank and Automatic Fire Pump
4.2.3 Design Considerations for Standpipe and Hose System

4.2.3.1 The fire protection system shall be designed for their effective use either by amateur or trained fire
fighting personnel or both.
4.2.3.2 All standpipes in standpipe system shall be sized so that they will provide a minimum flow
specified in Table 4.4.1. In standpipe system with more than one standpipe, the supply piping shall be sized
for the minimum flow specified in Table 4.4.1 for the first standpipe plus 1000 litre per minute for each
additional standpipe. The total number of such additional stanapipes shall not be more than 8. All
standpipe risers shall be connected through a gate valve with a main of size equal to that of the largest riser.
4.2.3.3 The minimum pressure for standpipes supplying a 50 mm or larger hose shall be at least 300 kPa.
For standpipe supplying first aid hose (38 mm nominal) may have a minimum pressure of 200 kPa.
4.2.3.4 The size (diameter) of standpipes for various building height may be as shown in Table 4.4.2 or
hydraulically designed to provide the required flow (Sec 4.2.3.2) ana pressure (Sec 4.2.3.3) at the topmost
outlet.
4.2.3.5 The water supply reauired for combined system (for partial automatic sprinkler and Fire
Department hose) shall be calculated in accordance with Sec 4.2.3.2 plus an amount equal to the
hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand or 550 litre per minute for light hazard occupancy groups or 1900
litre per minute for ordinary hazard occupancy groups.
4-28
Chapter 4
Fire header
1=1 Domestic water supply
Domestic~7es§r e
Fire reserve
b*
+
•
b
6
+
Siamese connection
accessible to lire
engine •
Water main or
indvidual water
supply
Ground tanlT
0
00
b
— Manually controlled pump
Fig. 4.4.4 Typical Diagram of Ground and Gravity Roof

Tank with Adequate Domestic and Fire Reserve
4.2.3.6 The size of combined system shall be at least 150 mm or hydraulically designed to provide the
required flow (Sec 4.2.3.5) and pressure.
4.2.3.7 The standpipe shall be located in noncombustible enclosure such that it will be able to provide hose
stream to the most remote area of the floor served.
Table 4.4.2
Standpipe Sizes
No. of Storeys building Height Size of Standpipe

(m) (mm)
Up to 5 Up to 17 75*
to 10 Up to 33 100
to 20 33 to 63 150
20 to 54 63 to 165 200
This size may be used only for occupancy groups Al, A2 and A4
4.2.3.8 The hose shall be connected to the standpipe within 1.5 m from the floor. Hose stations shall be
easily accessible for inspection and testing.

Part 4
Fire Protection
b
•
•
Pre»sure lank al-
a suitable location 1
b
- Pressure Tank
Water main or
indviOual water supply
Gro^td tanf'
b
Siamese connection
accessible to lire enfline
Automatic fire pump
Fig. 4.4.5 Typical Diagram with Pressure Tank and

Automatic Fire Pump
4.2.3.9 The hose connection to a standpipe for large stream shall be at least 100 mm nominal and that of
small stream may be 63 mm or 50 mm on each floor. The size of first aid hose shall be 38 mm nominal. The
hose length shall inot be more than 30 m.
4.2.3.10 The static pressure in standpipe shall not exceed 650 kPa at hose outlet. Where pressure reducing
valves are used, the design of pressure reducing valve shall be so that the pressure with the following
stream shall not exceed 650 kPa .
4.2.3.11 Different piping materials and fittings for standpipe system presented in Tables 4.4.3 and 4.4.4 shall
conform to the standard or one of the standards cited against them. The standard requirements for other
ma terials not provided in these tables shall be subject to the approval of the Authority.
4.2.3.12 The standpipe riser shall be supported at the top and at the lowest level. The riser shall also be
provided with support at the alternate level in between top and bottom level of the standpipe riser. The
support shall be of adequate strength to support the water-filled pipe load and an additional load of 110 kg.
standpipe shall have hangers with a spacing not more than 5m. The hangi;er shall be able to
ive times the weight of the water-filled pipe and an additional load of 110 kg.
4-30
Chapter 4
r Preassure relief valve
£>}-©-
Check valve
Bypass fine
L Supply fo wafer
distribution system
Inflow
\y
o
Gate valve
e
1—Drain pipe
Support
L -Pump
Compressor
Fig. 4.4.6 Details of a Pressure Tank System
Table 4.4.3
Piping for Standpipe System
ateria! standard
Copper Tube ASTM B75, ASTM B88
Copper and Copper-Alloy Tube ASTM B251
Steel Pipe ASTM A55, ASTM A120, ASTM A135

Wrought Steel or Iron ANSI B36.10
Table 4.4.4
Standpipe Fittings
Material Standard
Cast Iron ANSI 616.1, ANSI B16.4
Copper ANSI B16.18, ANSI B16.22
Malleable Iron ANSI B16.3
Steel ANSI B16.5, ANSI B16.9, ANSI B16.ll,

ANSI B16.25, ASTM A234
4.2.3.13 There shall be Siamese connection to the standpipe or to the delivery pipe of the gravity roof
storage tank. The Siamese connection shall be easily accessible to fire engine.
4.2.3.14 The system shall be provided with adequate drainage piping to discharge under pressure. The
drain pipe shall not discharge into sanitary sewer.
4.2.3.15 All control valves shall be designed to withstand the pressure specified in Sec 4.2.7.2a.

Part 4
Fire Protection
•—Vent pipe
From water main
or Individual water
supply source or Manhole cover
ground storage tank 1
(in case ol roof tank)
£
Over flow pipe
Domoslic reserve
Fire reserve
8^ To domestic water
supply pipe
• Drain valve
8 ^ ~ To fire fighting
equipment
Fig. 4.4.7 Typical Diagram of Storage Tank (Ground or Overhead)

with Domestic and Fire Reserve (construction shall be in
accordance with section 6.7.2 in Part 8)
4.2.4 Design Consideration for Sprinkler System

4.2.4.1 The pipe schedule sizing to supply different number of sprinklers for their different uses may be
in accordance with Tables 4.4.5 and 4.4.6.
4.2.4.2 Each sprinkler shall serve a maximum ceiling area specified in Table 4.4.7 for different types of
building according to their uses.
4.2.4.3 The recommended pressure for sprinkler system will be 100 kPa. The location of gravity storage f
tank to serve sprinkler system shall be at least 10 m above the top most line of sprinklers.
4.2.4.4 Water supply pipings and fittings for sprinkler system shall conform to the standard or one of the
standards cited against them in accordance with Tables 4.4.4 and 4.4.8. The standard requirements for other
pipe materials not provided in these tables shall be subject to the approval of the Authority.
4.2.4.5 The sprinkler system shall be provided with adequate support or made flexible to prevent pipe
breakage during earthquake.
4.2.4.6 The hanger in sprinkler system shall be designed to carry a load equal to five times the weight of
the water-filled pipe plus an addition load of 110 kg.
The support shall be designed to support a load equal to the weight-filled pipe plus and additional load of
110 kg.
4-32
Chapter 4
Table 4.4.5
Size of Water Supply Steel Pipe to Sprinklers
Pipe Size No. of Sprinkler No. of Sprinkler No. of Sprinkler

mm (inch) nominal Connection for Light Connection Ordinary Connection Ordinary
Hazard* Hazard * Extra Hazard *
25(1) 2 2 1
32(l*) 3 3 2
38(1*) 5 5 5
50(2) 10 .10 8
63 (2*) 30 20 15
75(3) 60 40 27
88 (3*) 100 65 40
100(4) . NL** 100 . 55
125(5) 160 90
150(6) 275 150
200(8) 400"* 225***
* Definition of these terms are given in Table 4.4.1.
•• No limit.
One sprinkler system riser or combined system riser shall serve the floor area not more than 4850 m2 for
light and ordinary hazardous occupancy and 2325 m2 for extra hazardous occupanr"
Table 4.4.6
Size of Water Supply Copper Pipe to Sprinklers
Pipe Size No. of Sprinkler No. of Sprinkler No. of Sprinkler

mm (inch) nominal Connection for Light Connection Ordinary Connection Ordinary
Hazard* Hazard * Extra Hazard *
25(1) 2 2 1
32 Mi 3 3 2
38 (14) 5 5 5
50(2) 12 12 8
63 to) 40 25 20
75(3) 65 45 30
88(31) 115 75 45
100(4) NL" 115 65

125(5) 180 100
150(6) 300 170
200(8) *»»
- Definition of these terms are given in Table 4.4.1.
»» No limit
"* One sprinkler system riser or combined system riser shall serve the floor area not more than 4850 m2 for
light and ordinary hazard occupancy and 2325 m2 for extra hazard occupancy

I 2
Part 4
Fire Protection
Table 4.4.7
Ceiling Area for a Sprinkler
Building Type Light Hazard ** Ordinary Hazard ** Extra Hazard **

Area, m2 Area, m2 Area, m2
Roof or Floor on Trusses, 20(4.5*) 12(4.5*) 8.4(3.5*)
Girders or Beam
With High Piling *** 9.3(3.5*) 8.4(3.5*)
Open Wood Joists 12(4.5*) 12(4.5*) 8.4(3.5*)
With High Piling *** 9.3(3.5*) 8.4(3.5*)
Other Type of Construction 15.6(4.5*) 12(4.5*) 8.4(3.5*)
With Hign Piling 9.3(3.5*) 8.4(3.5*)
Notes:
* Maximum distance in m between sprinklers and between line of piping.
• * The definitions of these terms are given in Table 4.4.1.
• » • Storage facilities which permit closely piled materials over 4.5 m or materials on rack over 3.6 m.
Table 4.4.8
Piping for Sprinkler System
Material Standard
Copper and Copper-Alloy ASTM B32, ASTM B75
ASTM B88, ASTM B25
Steel ANSI B36.10, ASTM A53

ASTM A120, ASTM A 135, ASTM A795
4.2.4.7 There shall be Siamese connection to the sprinkler system located outside the building and
accessible to the Fire Department connection.
4.2.4.8 All risers shall be connected through a gate valve with a main of size equal to that largest riser.
4.2.4.9 The sprinkler system shall be provided with adequate drainage arrangement. The drain pipe shall
not discharge into sanitary sewer.
4.2.4.10 All control valves and fittings shall be able to withstand the pressure specified in 4.2.7.2b.
4.2.5 Water Supply for Fire Protection in Tall Building
The quantity, sources and mode of water supply in tall building shall be in accordance with Sec 4.2.1 and
4.2.2. in tall buildings fittings and equipments for fire fighting may be subject to excessive pressure. Pressure
on fire fighting equipments (Sec 4.2.3.10) in tall building shall be reduced by one or a combination of the
following methods:
a) Water Supply Zones with Automatic Fire Pump : The building shall be divided into different water
supply zones so that the fire fighting equipment will serve witnin their maximum allowable limit of
pressure (Fig 4.4.8). Separate automatic fire pump or combination of pressure tank and automatic pump
shall be installed for supplying water to the fire righting equipments in each zone.
b) Water Supply Zones with Intermediate Gravity Tank : The building shall be divided into different
water supply zones in accordance with 4.2.5a. Each water supply zones shall be provided with separate
gravity overhead tank and manually operated pump (Fig 4.4.9). The fire fighting equipments in each
water supply zone shall be supplied with water from their respective overhead gravity tanks.
c) Using Pressure Reducing Device : The water required by fire fighting equipments shall be supplied
from roof gravity tank (Fig 4.4.10). Pressure on different fire fighting equipments shall be reduced by
using pressure reducing vmves (Fig 4.4.10).
4.2.6 Fire Pump

The fire pump shall be so designed that it shall satisfy the required pressures and flow for fire fighting
equipments at the highest and most remote part of the protected premises during their peak demand hour
or for pressure tank or for roof storage tank. The pump shall be housed in a readily accessible position in a
building of non combustible construction. The pump shall be adequately protected against mechanical
damage.
A manually controlled pump may be used to feed water into gravity overhead tank with fire reserve. There
shall be provision for standby fire pump driven by a compression ignition (diesel) engine or electric pump
with own generator.
4-34
Chapter 4
~E
~5
Zone 2
~E
HE
~E
~5 \n
~B
"B
Zone 1
high!
~E —67m
Siamese connection
accessible to the
fire engine
~E
Water main or
individual water
*+
supply
1=1
* &
Ground tank
m Siamese connection
accessible to fire engine
Automatic fire pump
Fig. 4.4.8 Typical Diagram for Fire Protection in Different

Water Supply Zones of a Tall Building
The fire fightinêcûipments directly fed by fire pump shall be designed with automatic fire pump. Once the
seconds after starting. There shall be'provision'for manual starting^The'pump shall be compression ignition
type or electricity driven with own generator. Where priming is necessary, automatic priming equipment
shall be provided to ensure priming with water at all times. The fire pump shall not be used for other
purpose.
4.2.7 Inspection, Testing and Maintenance
4.2.7.1 Inspection : All pipings and equipments shall be inspected for satisfactory supports (in accordance
with Sec 6.13 in Part 8 of this Code) and protection from damage and corrosion. All outlets shall be free from
obstruction.
4.2.7.2 Testing : Fire protection plumbing system or part thereof shall be tested and approved after
installation by the Authority.
a) Testing of Standpipe System : The system shall be tested for a pressure 25% in excess of the highest
working pressure for at least 2 hours. The system shall be able to maintain above test pressures. The
system shall be also be tested for the required flow at the highest outlet.

I
Part 4
Fire Protection
I Domestic water supply

* I
Domestic reserve .
Fire reserve [—Fire supply
t=±
~E
"E
Zone 2
~E
Domestic reserve B
-ire reserve
~E
"E
^ — Domestic
pi water suply
~E
Zone 1
hight
~E =67m
Fire supply
Siamese connection
accessible to the
fire engine ~E
Water main or
Individual water
supply 1=1 >—*+ E
Ground tank
HP Siamese connection
accessible to fire engine
—Manually controlled pump
Fig. 4.4.9 Typical Diagram for Fire Protection in Different Water

Supply Zones with Gravity Tanks of a Tall Building
b) Testing of Sprinkler System : This system shall be tested for at least 2 hours for a pressure of 1000 kPa
or at 350 kPa in excess of normal working pressure when normal working pressure will be more than
650 kPa. The system shall be able to maintain above test pressures. The system shall also be tested for
the required flow at the highest outlet.
nee
C> pu%P3 cSmi" E performance
characteristics fall below more than 10 per cent of the supplier's test characteristic curve or as specified
for the fire protection water supply system.
4.2.7.3 Maintenance : The system shall be maintained for safe operating conditions and tested at least
once a year.
4-36
Chapter 4
— i
Domestic reserve
r Domestic water supply
t—i—
Fire reserve 1 r Fire supply
r~B
=67m
~B
"E
~E
+B
Pressure
reducing valve
»•
Siamese connection -
accessible to the
lire engine
Water main or
individual water
supply
i
i
Ground tank
e-
a
—Pump
Fig. 4.4.10 Typical Diagram for Fire Protection with Pressure

Reducing Valves in Tall Building
4.3 FIRE PROTECTIVE SIGNALLING OR FIRE ALARM SYSTEM

Fire protective signalling or fire alarm system, where required by the Code, shall specify plans and clearly
delineate the locations and number of all alarm-initiating devices and alarm-indicating appliances. The plan
shall also provide details of all equipment to be used, proposed zoning, list of auxiliary control functions,
location of the control panel and enunciators and a complete sequence or operation for the system.
Fire protective signalling or fire alarm system, wherever required and installed shall be maintained in full
operating condition.
4.4 AUTOMATIC FIRE AND SMOKE DETECTION SYSTEM
The installation of automatic fire and smoke detection system shall be a necessity when the size,
arrangement and occupancy of a building become such that a fire itself can not provide adequate warning to
its occupants.

/
Part 4
Fire Protection
The automatic fire and smoke detection system shaLl include, spot or line type heat sensitive detectors and
optical, ionized or chemical sensitive type of smoke detectors. A guideline for selection and siting of fire
detection system is provided in Appendix C.
4.5 FOAM EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM
4.5.1 General
Foam extinguishing system shall be of an approved type and shall be installed in accordance with the
provisions of this Code. The foam extinguishing system is designed to discharge fire suppressive foam
concentrates over the area to be protected.
4.5.1.1 A foam extinguishing system shall be automatically actuated during a fire with provision of
manual actuation.
4.5.1.2 Warning sign and discharge alarm system shall be provided with the foam extinguishing system,
which shall be actuated during the use of the system.
4.5.1.3 The system shall be provided for protection of boiler rooms with its ancillary storage of furnace oils
in basement and other areas where hazardous liquids are stored.
4.6 CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM
4.6.1 General
Carbon dioxide extinguishing system shall be of an approved type and shall be installed as per provisions of
this Code. The system supplies CO2 from a pressurized vessel through fixed pipes and nozzles.
4.6.1.1 The system is used where water or foam cannot be used for fire extinguishing because of the
special nature of the contents within the building or areas to be protected.
4.6.1.2 The system shall be automatically actuated and shall be equipped with manual actuation devices as
well.
4.6.1.3 Warning signs and discharge alarm shall be provided where persons are likely to be trapped in an
area made hazardous by carbon dioxide discharge.
4.7 HALOGENATED EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM
4.7.1 General
Halogenated extinguishing system shall be of an approved type and shall be installed in accordance with
the provisions of this Code. The system comprise pipes, nozzles and halogenated chemical container under
pressure.
4.7.1.1 When carbon dioxide extinguishing systems are not proved suitable for special fire risk zones,
halogenated extinguishing system shall be installed. The system shall be automatically actuated during a
fire and shall be equipped with manual actuation devices as well.
4.7.1.2 Warning sign and discharge alarm shall be provided where persons are likely to be trapped in an
area made hazardous by halogenated hydrocarbons.
4.8 DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM
4.8.1 General
Dry chemical extinguishing system shall be of an approved type and shall be installed in accordance with
the provisions of this Code and manufacture's instruction.
4.8.1.1 The system shall be automatically actuated during a fire and shall be equipped with manual
actuation device as well.
4.8.1.2 Warning signs and discharge alarm shall be provided where persons are likely to be exposed to dry
chemical discharge.
I
4.8.1.3 The dry chemical agent of the system shall be nontoxic.

4.9 WET CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM
4.9.1 General
A wet chemical system is a solution of water and potassium carbonate or acetate based chemical which
forms the extinguishing agent. The system shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of this Code
and manufacturer's installation instruction.
4.9.1.1 The system shall be automatically actuated during a fire and shall be equipped with manual
actuation device as well.
4-38
Chapter 4
4.9.1.2 In case of wet chemical range hood extinguishing system, label of an approved agent shall be
affixed.
4.9.1.3 Warning signs and discharge alarm shall be provided where persons are likely to be exposed to
wet chemical discharge.
4.10 PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
4.10.1 General
Potable fire extinguisher shall be of an approved type and shall be installed as per manufacturer's
instruction.
4.10.1.1 Portable fire extinguisher shall be installed in private and public buildings as per specification and
requirements of BDS 825 :11991 (BDS 825 : 91).
4.10.1.2 The portable extinguisher shall be placed near the path of exit travel and it shall be easily
accessible.
4.10.1.3 Fire hazard areas of a building like kitchen, public area, storage, electrical distribution point etc.
shall be installed with portable fire extinguishers.
Related Appendix
Appendix C Detailed Guidelines for Selection and Siting of Fire Detection System
r-y-K?.
v:»'-• •
J
Part 4
Fire Protection
4-40
CHAPTER
Specific Requirements for

Various Occupancies
5.1 SCOPE
The provisions of this chapter shall control the installation of fire detection and fixed fire fighting
arrangement in low rise buildings of different occupancy groups. The term 'Lowrise Building' shall include
all structures which are not taller than 20 m from tne finished ground level and do not have more than six
floors.
The fire detection and fire fighting arrangement required for highrise buildings are specified in Appendix D.
5.2 OCCUPANCY A: RESIDENTIAL
In addition to the general provisions covered under Chapter 4, the following requirements for lowrise
buildings shall be complied with.
5.2.1 Occupancy A1: Detached Single Family Dwelling
Fire detection and fixed fire fighting arrangements shall not be required.
5.2.2 Occupancy A2 : Flats and Apartments
5.2.3 Occupancy A3 : Mess, Boarding House and Hostels
For buildings upto 2 storey height, fire detection and fixed fire fighting arrangements shall not be required.
Buildings having 3 floors or above and having floor area less than 300m2 shall not require fire detection and
fixed fire fighting arrangements. But if the floor area of such building is more than 300m2 per floor having
central corridor with rooms on both sides, manually operated electric fire alarm system shall be provided
along with portable fire extinguishers.
Part 4 4-41
Fire Protection
Part 4
Fire Protection
5.2.4 Occupancy A4,: Minimum Standard Housing

5.2.5 Occupancy A5 : Hotels and Lodging Houses
For building upto 2 storey height, fire detection and fixed fire fighting arrangements shall not be required.
Buildings having more than 2 floors or having an area of more than 300m2 per floor, shall be provided with
manually operated electric fire alarm system. Portable fire fighting appliances shall be kept as per
instruction of the authority.
5.3 OCCUPANCY B: EDUCATIONAL
In addition to the general provisions specified in Chapter 4, the following requirements for Occupancy B
shall be complied with.
5.3.1 Educational buildings upto 2 storey height and having less than 100m2 floor area per floor shall not require
fixed fire detection and fire fighting arrangements.
5.3.2 Educational buildings having more than 2 storey shall be provided with manually operated electric fire
alarm system.
5.3.3 Portable fire fighting appliances shall be kept as per instruction of the concerned authority.
5.4 OCCUPANCY C: INSTITUTIONAL
The following provisions shall be complied with for lowrise institutional buildings.
5.4.1 Occupancy CI: Institution for Care of Children
Fire detection and fixed fire fighting arrangements shall not be required. Portable fire fighting appliances
shall be kept as per instruction of the concerned authority.
5.4.2 Occuipancy C2 : Custodial Institution for the Physically Capable
Fire ,detection and fixed fire fighting arrangements shall not be required. Portable fire fighting appliances
shall be kept as per instruction of the concerned authority.
5.4.3 Occupancy C3 : Custodial Institution for the Physically Incapable
Manually operated electric fire alarm system shall be installed. Portable fire fighting appliances shall be kept
as per instruction of the concerned authority.
5.5 OCCUPANCY D: HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
In addition to the general provisions, as detailed under Chapter 4, the following requirements shall be
complied with.
5.5.1 Occupancy D1: Normal Medical Facilities
Manually operated electric fire alarm system and/or automatic fire alarm system shall be installed in the
duty room, so that the duty personnel receive the fire warning well in advance. Requirements of manual or
automatic fire alarm system or both shall be decided and approved by the appropriate authority. Portable
fire fighting appliances shall be kept as per instruction of the concerned authority.
5.5.2 rrgency Medical Facilities
The requirements shall include the installation of manually operated electric fire alarm system a
automatic fire alarm system as per Sec 5.5.1 above. Portable fire fighting appliances shall be kept
instruction of the concerned authority.
5.6 OCCUPANCY E: ASSEMBLY
The special requirements for Occupancy E shall include the following.
5.6.1 Occupancy El: Large Assembly with Fixed Seats
All auditorium, corridor, green rooms and canteen attached to assembly buildings shall be fitted with
automatic fire alarm system and the performing stage shall preferably be covered by an automatic sprinkler
system. Portable fire fighting appliances shall be kept as per instruction of the concerned authority.
5.6.2 Occupancy E2 : Small Assembly with Fixed Seats
Shall comply with the requirements laid down in Sec 5.6.1 above.
5.6.3 Occupant^ E3 : Large Assembly without Fixed Seats
Automatic fire alarm system shall be provided. Portable fire fighting appliances shall be kept as per
instruction of the concerned authority.
4-42
Chapter 5
Specific Requirements for Various Occupancies
5.6.4 Occupancy E4: Small Assembly without Fixed Seats

Requirements specified in Sec 5.6.3 shall be complied with.
5.6.5 Occupancy E5: Sports Facilities

Manually operated electric fire alarm system shall be provided. Portable fire fighting appliances shall be
kept as per instruction of the concerned authority.
5.7 OCCUPANCY F: BUSINESS AND MERCANTILE
In addition to the general provisions covered under Chapter 4, the following requirements for Occupancy F
5.7.1 Occupancy F1: Offices
i) Office buildings less than 2 storey No provision required except portable fire
high and 500 m2 floor area extinguishers.
ii) Office buildings more than 2 storey Manually operated electric fire alarm system shall
high or floor area more than 500m2 be provided along with portable fire extinguishers
iii) Other mercantile buildings more Automatic fire alarm system required along with
than 2 storey high and more than portable fire extinguishers.
500m2 in floor area
iv) Laboratories with precision Automatic fire alarm system and fixed automatic
instruments CO2 fire extinguishing system shall be provided in
addition to portable fire extinguishers.
v) Buildings dealing with flammable Automatic foam or C02or dry chemical fire
liquids extinguishing system required along with portable
fire extinguishers.
vi) Solvent storage in office Automatic foam or CO2 or dry chemical fire
extinguishing system required along with portable
fire extinguishers.
vii) Computer installation Automatic fire alarm system and fixed CO2 or
fixed vaporising liquid fire extinguishing system
required along with portable fire extinguishers.
viii) Electrical switch board room/sub Automatic fire alarm and/or fixed CO2 or fixed
station vaporising liquid fire extinguishing syst em shall
be installed along with portable fire extinguishers.
ix) Space under false ceiling Automatic fire alarm system shall be installed.
5.7.2 Occupancy F2 : Small Shops and Markets
i) Whole sale establishments, Automatic sprinkler or automatic fire alarm
warehouses, transport booking system shall be provided along with portable fire
establishments extinguishers.
h) Other premises (other than shops, Automatic fire alarm system shall be provided
stores, markets etc.) along with portable fire extinguishers.
5.7.3 Occupancy F3 : Large Shops and Markets
i) Shopping arcade with central Automatic fire alarm system and portable fire
corridors open to sky extinguishers shall be provided
ii) Shopping complex under covered Automatic fire alarm and venting system, fixed
roof with areas more than 500m2 and portable C02 fire extinguisher shall be
on each floor installed. Provision for portable fire pump with
relevant accessories and conservance or water shall
be provided along with trained personnel.
iii) Underground shopping complex Automatic fire alarm, sprinklers and fixed and
portable CO2 fire extinguisher shall be installed.
5.7.4 Occupancy F4 : Garages and Petrol Stations

i) Petrol pump station, automobile Fixed wall hung C02 or dry chemical fire
garages extinguisher shall be provided or arrangements
shall be made as directed by the authority.
yin, • —-
Part 5
Part 4
Fire Protection
ii) Aircraft hangars Foam or dry chemical or C02 Fire extinguishers

shall be installed.
5.7.5 Occupancy F5 : Essential Services
Automatic fire alarm system and automatic fire sprinkler shall be provided along with portable fire
extinguishers.
5.8 OCCUPANCY G: INDUSTRIAL
In addition to the general provision covered under Chapter 4, the following requirements for Occupancy G
5.8.1 Occupancy G1: Low Flazard Industries
Manually operated electric fire alarm system shall be installed along with portable fire extinguishers.
5.8.2
Occupancy G2 : Moderate Hazard Industries
a) Area upto 750 m2 shall be installed with automatic fire alarm system along with portable fire
extinguishers.
b) Area above 750 m2 shall be fitted with Automatic sprinkler and /or automatic fire alarms system along
with portable fire extinguishers.
5.9 OCCUPANCY H: STORAGE
In addition to the general provisions covered under Chapter 4, the following requirements for Occupancy H
5.9.1 Occupancy HI: Low Fire Risk Storage
Manually operated electric fire alarm system shall be installed. Depending on the typ e of materials to be
stored, other detection and fire fighting system shall be provided as per direction of thee Authority.
5.9.2 Occupancy H2 : Moderate Fire Risk Storage
Automatic fire alarm system shall be installed. Depending on the type of stored materials other fire
detection and fire fighting arrangement shall be provided as per direction of the Authority.
5.10 OCCUPANCY J: HAZARDOUS
In addition to the general provisions covered under Chapter 4, the following requirements for the
occupancy group shall be complied with.
All hazardous occupancies shall be installed with Automatic Fire Alarm and Sprinkler System. C02 or foam
or dry chemical extinguishing system shall be installed as per direction of the Authority.
5.11 OCCUPANCY K: MISCELLANEOUS
Fire detection and fire fighting arrangements shall be installed as and where directed and approved by the
Authority.
Related Appendix
Appendix D Special Requirements of Buildings more than 20 Metre High
4-44
Appendices
T
APPENDIX A Guidelines for Fire Drill and Evacuation Procedure for High Rise Buildings
APPENDIX B Fire Protection Considerations for Venting in Industrial and Storage Buildings
APPENDIX C Detailed Guidelines for Selection and Siting of Fire Detection System
APPENDIX D Special Requirements of Buildings more than 20 Metre High
Part 4 4-45
Fire Protection
Part 4
Fire Protection
Appendix A
Guidelines for Fire Drill and Evacuation Procedure for High Rise Buildings
A1 INTRODUCTION
The following guidelines are provided to enable safe evacuation of the occupants of a high rise building in
case of fire or any other emergency.
A2 FIRE REPORTING
Any occupant within the occupancy discovering a fire, heat or smoke, shall forthwith report the incident to
the fire brigade directly or through the ground command station, if there be any. Reporting of emergency
situation to fire brigade should not be unnecessarily delayed by any person by way of making, issuing,
posting or maintaining any regulation or order, written or verbal, to that effect.
A3 FIRE DRILLS
A 3.1 Fire drill shall be conducted quarterly (4 times a year) in existing buildings as detailed under the Fire Safety
Plan (Sec A 4.7 and A 4.8 below) for the first two years from the data of enforcement of this Code. For new
buildings, the period of 2 years shall be counted from the beginning of occupancy of the building. After this
initial period of 2 years, fire drill shall be conducted twice a year in all buildings.
A 3.2 All occupants of the buildings shall participate in the fire drill and the building service employees including
fire warden and his/her staff shall actively help the inmates in the process of drill. However, the very ola,
convalescent patients or otherwise incapacitated inmates are not obliged to actively take part in the exercise,
except the fire warden and his staff and family members of such person shall chalk out a clear plan as to
how to evacuate in a real emergent situation with such incapacitated persons.
A 3.3 A record of such drills shall be kept in writing for at least 3 years for the inspection of fire brigade whenever
called for.
A4 SIGNS AND FLOOR PLANS
A 4.1 A sign shall be posted and maintained in front of the landing area of lifts on all floors so conspicuously and
in such size ana colour (sign reference may be given) that occupants may not miss the same, which shall
direct the occupants to use stairs and not lifts during emergencies/fires, it not directed otherwise and shall
also contain a floor plan with exact location of the stair ana the relative position between the sign and the
stair. Such posting in front of the landing area of lifts shall be omitted only if such signs are posted on all
floors and some other area conspicuously located with the same message inscribed on it.
The
.... si
sign shall be written in Bangla, English translation of which reads "USE STAIRS IN CASE OF FIRE
UNLESS OTHERWISE INSTRUCTED". The lettering shall be at least 25 mm in red on white background, the
ro'
shall be at least 250x300 mm. When two signs are used, one for the notice and the other for floor plan, the
sizes shall at least be 60 x 300 mm and 200 x 300 mm respectively. The sign/signs may be posted directly
above the call button of the lift or any other conspicuous location securely attached to the surface of the wall.
The top of the sign shall not be more than 2 metres above floor level.
A 4.2 Signs Depicting Floor Number

A sign shall be posted and maintained on each stair enclosure preferably on the wall of the intermediate
landing which in actual fact shall be half storey more or less than the actual indicating the floor number. The
number shall be at least 75 mm square and in Bangla. The number and background shall be in contrasting
colours, e.g. black on a white background.
A 4.3 Stair and Elevator Identification

Each stair and Elevator shall be identified by an alphabet in Bangla and posted with a sign and securely
placed preferably on the wall of the stair side of the lift door from which egress is to be made. The letters
shall be 75 mm square and shall be painted on a contrasting background e.g. black on a white background.
A 4.4 Stair re-entry Provision

A sign shall be posted and maintained on each floor within stairway and on the occupancy side of the
stairway where required, indicating whether re-entry is provided into the building and the floor where such
re-entry is provided. The lettering and numbers of the signs shall be at least 25 mm high on a contrasting
backgrround and shall be posted securely at least 1.5 m above the floor.
A 4.5 Command Station

Command station on the ground floor shall be provided with a detailed floor plan of the entire building
including detailed locations of all first aid fire fighting equipment and other pertinent information.
Command stations shall be adequately illuminated.
4-46
J
Appendices
A 4.6 Two way Communications and Fire Alarm

A two way communication system between each floor and the command station on the lobby of the
entrance floor shall be provided and maintained by the owner of the building. Similarly fire alarm on each
floor and the command station shall be fitted and maintained.
A 4.7 Fire Safety Plan
A fire safety plan shall be developed in line with the details elaborated under A 4.8 and must have the
approval of the local Fire Department regarding its adequacy.
A 4.7.1 Once the plan is accorded after approval by the Fire Department, the plan shall be distributed to all the
tenants of the building by the building management, (be it a committee or a cooperative) including the
employees of the tenants and employees of the management.
A 4.7.2 If the building is owned by an individual or a single corporate body and the owner or right holding
member/members of the corporate body are residing in the building, shall be equally subject to fire safety
plan applicable to other tenants.
A 4.7.3 All major changes in the safety plan shall be promptly reported to Fire Department for their approval.
A 4.8 Fire Safety Plan
Fire Safety Plan elaborates the purpose and objective of the plan with details of personnel and their duties
and fire drilling and evacuation plan.
A 4.8.1 Fire Safety Plan starts with the location, address of the building with telephone number and details of any
other communication facilities available within the building.
A 4.8.2 Pu roose of the plan is to delineate details of systematic safe and orderly evacuation of a p
building
ildine by
bv its
its occupants
occupants in
in case of fire/emergency in the shortest possible time to a safe area tnroug
safe means of egress."It also details out the use of in-built facilities of fire warning and fire fighting like fire
alarm, first aid nose etc. to safeguard the lives of the inmates of the building.
A 4.8.3 Objective of the plan is to provide continued education to the inmates and the fire command personnel and
keep the people oriented to the in-built equipment in readiness to act in the event of fire. The pla n shall be
rehearsed through fire drill and the written plans containing instruction shall be updated if needed and use
of the in-built equipment along with initiating fire safety procedure to safeguard life in case of fire until the
fire brigade arrives.
A 4.8.4 Fire command crew may be composed of personnel like Fire Safety Director, Deputy Fire Safety Director,
Fire Wardens and Deputy Fire Wardens. Number of these people shall be dependent on the size and
number of inmates living within the building.
A 4.8.4.1 a) Fire Safety Director: The plan shall contain the name, whether employed by a fire security firm or
directly employed by the management, assigned regular location, how to contact him at his/her regular
location, how to contact him/her if not at regular location during normal working hours.
b) Qualifications and experience: Depending on the size and complexity of the building, the Director shall
be a person of proven capability, having good training and schooling with adequate experience in
dealing with fire. Preference may be given to retired Fire Department personnel.
c) Duties of Fire Safety Director shall primarily include but not be limited to the following.
i) Shall be well conversant with the written fire safety plan for the fire drill and evacuation
procedures.
ii) Shall be in charge of selecting qualified building service employees for the fire command and
, engage in organizing, training and supervising the works of command crew.
iii) Shall be responsible to conduct fire and evacuation drill.
iv) Shall be responsible for the availability and state of preparedness of fire command crew during
emergencies.
v) Shall be responsible for the assignment and training of Fire Warden on floor supported by
adequate number of Deputy Fire Wardens as detailed out in the fire safety plan.
vi) Shall be responsible for the day to day supervision of the warden and his deputies and the state
of alertness of the crew. When the number of crew of Warden and Deputy Wardens become such
that it becomes impractical for the Director to check them directly during the working hours, the
"Warden
_ or Deputy Warden shall intimate the Director for the persons not available for some
length of time, so that he may provide substitute during such period of absence. Nonetheless the
Director shall spot check any number of floors as he wishes or time permits. An up to date
organization chart shall be displayed at appropriate locations.

Part 4
Fire Protection
vii) Cases of negligence to duties on the part of members of his crew shall be taken up by him and he
shall rectify the situation by appropriate measures as far as he has been empowered under the
fire safety jplan, failing which he shall notify the matter to the owner or the management of the
building. The owner or the management on their part shall take up the matter with the fire
security firm or if employed directly shall deal with the matter directly. If the person/persons
is/are employed by a firm, and the firm fails to correct the situation, the owner/management
shall notify the matter to the Fire Department to take disciplinary action against the firm.
viii) In the event of fire/emergency he/she shall be in charge of fire command station and shall
supervise, guide and coordinate activities such as ensuring that the Fire Department has been
notified of fire or fire alarm, direct the evacuation procedure as detailed in the fire safety plan,
manning the fire command station, appraise the Fire Department about the spot of fire on their
arrival, advise the Fire Department officer in charge of the operation.
A 4.8.4.2 a) Deputy Fire Safety Director: The fire safety plan shall contain the details of Deputy Fire Safety Director
similar to the details mentioned under the Director A 4.8.4.1(a).
b) Qualification and experience shall also be similar to those of the Director excepting that he may be less
experience than the Director and covered under A 4.8.4.1 (b).
c) Duties of the Deputy Fire safety Director shall be similar to those mentioned under A 4.8.4.1(c) except
that he shall receive command from the Director for execution and shall assume the role of Director in
his absence.
A 4.8.4.3 a) Fire Warden and Deputy Fire Wardens: The fire safety plan shall contain their names on the
organization chart for the floors they have been assigned against. The entire organization chart shall be
kept updated in the command station for fire drill and evacuation assignment.
b) Tenant or tenants of each floor upon request by the owner or in-charge of the building shall assign and
make available dependable and trustworthy person/persons under their employee at the disposal of
the Director to act as Wardens, Deputy Wardens. They shall undergo basic fire fighting and evacuation
training by the Director or his deputy.
c) Each floor of a building shall be under the command of a Fire Warden and each tenant under a Deputy
Fire Warden for the safe evacuation of inmates in the case of fire. When the floor area of a tenant
exceeds 700 m2 a Deputy Fire Warden shall be assigned for each 700 m2 or part thereof.
i) Each Fire Warden and Deputy Fire Warden shall be conversant with the fire safety plan. They
must be well acquainted with fire exits and location and operation of fire alarms.
ii) In case of fire or fire alarm, the Fire Warden and Deputies shall ascertain location of fire and
unfold evacuation procedure as directed from the command station and to the following general
guides.
1. The most critical area for immediate evacuation would be the fire floor and the floors above.
Evacuation from other floors shall be initiated if so commanded by the ground command
station or the situation indicates to be so. Evacuation should be carried out via stairs not
influenced by fire and fire warden shall try to carry out the operation using stair other then
the ones used by the Fire Department personnel. If this become impossible, the wardens
before opening door to the fire floor shall sought advice from the Fire Department
personnel.
2. Evacuation to two or more floors below the fire floor should be adequate. He/She shall
continuously keep the ground command station informed of his/her location.
3. Ensure that fire alarm has been transmitted.
4. Fire Wardens and their deputies shall ensure that all the inmates are intimated of the
excegency and shall immediately proceed with the evacuation exercise detailed under Fire
Safety Plan.
5. Fire Warden shall keep the ground station informed of the step being taken by him/her.
6. Similarly Fire Warden above fire floor shall notify the command station of the means being
taken by him/her or any other special feature after unfolding Fire Safety Plan.
7. If and when stairways serving fire floor/floors above become useless by the presence of fire,
smoke, fumes, in several floors above and when fire engulfs a considerable number of
inmates then use of elevators shall be considered in accordance with the followings:
4-48
Appendices
If the elevator serving the floor to be evacuated also serves the fire floor, the lifts shall
not be used. If there are more than one lift bank, however, the lift/lifts in the other bank
may be used if notified by the ground command station that one may use such lift/lifts.
If the lifts do not serve the fire floor or lift shaft has no opening on the fire floor, they
may be used if not otherwise instructed by the command station.
Elevators taken over by trained in-house person or Fire Department personnel may be
used.
In absence of unaffected available lift/lifts. Fire Warden shall decide to use the safest
stairway for evacuation based on considerations/information available on the floor and
any other instruction received from ground command. Before entering the stairway
with the evacuees, the Fire Warden shall be sure about the environment within the
stairway by personal inspection and in case of adverse environment consider using an
alternate stairway and shall notify the ground command accordingly.
The Fire Warden shall keep the ground command informed of the means adopted by
him during the evacuation process.
A 4.8.4.4 a) Building Evacuation Supervisors: A Building Evacuation Supervisor shall be available at all times other
than normal working hours when the Fire Safety Director or his Deputy are not available within the
building.
b) Building Evacuation Supervisor shall be a person capable of directing the evacuation procedure of
occupants within the buildings as detailed in the Fire Safety Plan.
c) During fire/emergencies, his primary function shall be to take over command of the ground station and
to direct and execute the evacuation process as laid down in the plan.
Building Evacuation Supervisor shall be trained by the Director and shall be under his command for all
evacuation purposes. His activities shall be controlled and governed by the clauses in Fire Safety Plan and
shall be subject to scrutiny of the Fire Department.
A 4.8.4.5 Fire Party: If, in the opinion of the Fire Safety Director and endorsed by the Fire Department that the
number of Wardens and Deputy Wardens are inadequate, a Fire Party shall be raised from among the
employees of the tenants ana the management who shall be acting as help to regular in-house fire fighting
force in the event of fire and follow the same work schedule and function in the same manner as
Wardens/Deputy Warden.
A 4.8.5 Organization Chart for Fire Drill and Evacuation Assignment
a) An organization chart clearly delineating assignment attributed to designated employees shall be
prepared as per Fire Safety Plan and posted to all tenants and in very conspicuous location/locations on
each floor. A copy of the chart shall be in possession of the Fire Safety Director.
b) An updated list shall be continuou y made available witlrthe Director, his Deputy and Fire Wardens
and their deputies for all the isabled occupants unable to move without aid in the stairs.
u i in the Fire Safety Plan to have these inmates assigned in moving
down "the stairs two or more floors below fire floor. If it becomes necessaiy to move them still further
down the stair, help may be sought of the elevator bank unaffected by fire and evacuated safely to
ground floor. In case any extra assistance is needed, the Director shall be notified.
c) During fire or fire drill exercise, Fire Wardens shall be using arm band or such other identification.
d) During fire on the fire floor it is to be ensured that all inmates are notified and are evacuated to safe
area. A rush search shall be carried out including lavatories that all the inmates have been covered arid
the person in charge of this operation shall be trained in accomplishing this task fast and flawless.
e) Persons not available on duty as per organization chart shall be promptly replaced as per contingency
plan detailed in the Fire Safety Plan.
f) On completion of evacuation operation, a head count shall be carried out of all the regular occupants
known to have occupied the floor evacuated.
g) Immediately on receipt of the alarm, the Fire Wardens shall take position near the two way
communication station on the floor, so that he/she can maintain continuous contact with the ground
command and receive instructions.
A 4.8.6 Instruction to Inmates of the Building: Once the Fire Safety Plan has been approved by the Fire Department,
the applicable portion of the plan shall be distributed to all the tenants and the management of the building
who in turn shall pass it on tne their respective employees. All the occupants shall actively participate am
cooperate in carrying out the provisions of Fire Safety Plan.

Part 4
Fire Protection
A 4.8.7 Fire Prevention and Protection Program:. A Plan for periodic formal inspection of each floor shall be
developed in respect of exit facilities, fire extinguishers and good house keeping. Reports of such inspection
shall be carefully maintained for inspection of Fire Department. The Plan shall have provision for monthly
testing of two way communication and fire alarm system.
A 4.8.8 Detailed Building Information: A form shall be maintained for the benefit of all concerned with fire hazard
of the building and shall contain the following basic information.
a) Building address in adequate details about its location.
b) Name, Address and telephone number of the owner (corporate body or individual) and the person in
charge of the building.
c) Name address and telephone number if any, of the Fire Safety Director and his Deputy.
d) Certificate of occupancy.
e) Height, area, construction class (details of various load and non-load bearing elements).
f) Number, type and location of fire stairs and/or fire towers.
g) Number, type and location of horizontal exits or other refuge areas.
h) Number, type location and operation of elevators and escalators (if any).
i) Locations of fire alarm - floorwise and central.
j) Communication System (telephone, walkie talkie).
k) Size and location of stand pipe system, gravity or pressure tank, fire pump and the name and
qualifications of the person or persons in charge of the facilities.
1) Automatic fire sprinkler system, primary and secondary water supply system and the area or areas
being protected along with the name and qualification of the person or persons in charge.
m) Any other fire extinguishing system, their location, efficacy and other pertinent details.
n) Average number of employed persons by day and night.
o) Average number of disabled persons visiting the building by day and night.
p) Average number of outsiders visiting the building by day and night.
wer,
other means of emergency exhaust facilities of smoke and heat, air-conditioning system including floor
coverage and ducting, refuse disposal facilities, any other fire fighting equipment, any other service
facilities available.
r) Measures taken or to be taken for addition, alteration and repair of any aspect within the buildings.
s) Information on flammable solids, liquids and gases if used and stored within the building premises.
t) In mixed occupancy, complete details of such occupancies and their special needs to be covered during
fire or emergencies.
A 4.8.9 Floor plan of entire building with floors having different configuration showing locations of fire fighting
facilities shall be kept under the command of Fire Safety Director with a copy to Fire Department.
A 4.8.10 In developing Fire Safety Plan, evaluation of all the individual floor layout, total occupancy load on each
floor, number and kinds of exits available, zoning of the floor by area and occupancy shall be taken into
consideration, careful evaluation of occupant movements and the most expeditions routes to exit and
alternate routes shall be identified and taken into consideration.
A 4.8.11 Personal Fire Instruction Card: All the occupants of the building shall be supplied with a personal Fire
Instruction Card containing details of the floor plan and exit routes as well as instruction to be followed
during fire. Instructions may contain the following either in Bangla or both in Bangla and English.
4-50
Appendices
A4.8.11.1 English Text of Instruction

a) Safety First
Push button fire alarm boxes (number is mentioned here) are provided on your floor. Please read
the operating instruction posted on them.
Please read the operating instructions on the body of the fire extinguisher provided in your floor.
Nearest exit from your flat is shown in this plan (plan to be provided here).
Assemble on the ground floor at the location indicated on the following plan. For clarification,
contact the Warden or Deputy Warden, (plan of assembly point in ground floor to be provided
here)
b) For personal and collective safety, notify the Warden/Deputy Warden in case.
Exit route and/or door are obstructed by dumping of boxes or such other loose materials.
Staircase door, lift lobby doors do not close automatically or completely.
Push button fire alarm or fire extinguisher are obstructed or damaged or seem to be out of order.
c) If you Discover a Fire
Break the glass and push the button of the nearest fire alarm and call the fire service.
With assistance from the floor Warden if needed, fight fire with the in-built facilities on your floor.
Evacuate, if so instructed by the Warden
d) When you hear Evacuation Instructions

Immediately leave the floor taking the nearest staircase.
Report to your Warden on reaching the predetermined assembly point outside the building.
Try not to use lifts.
Avoid going to cloak room.
Refrain from running or shouting, do not get panicked.
Do not waste a moment collecting personal belongings.
Keep the lift lobby and staircase doors shut.
A4.8.11.2 Bangla Text of Instruction
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Part 4
Fire Protection
Appendix B
Fire Protection Considerations for Venting in Industrial and Storage Buildings
B.l SCOPE
B 1.1 This appendix covers venting requirements in industrial buildings. Provisions contained herein shall be
applicable to single storey factory and storage facilities requiring large floor areas without dividing walls
and enclosures.
This annex does not cover fire and smoke venting requirements for tall buildings.
B 1.2 Venting requirements in industrial buildings arespecified in this appendix under two heads as follows :
a) Smoke and fire venting
b) Explosion venting
B2 SMOKE AND FIRE VENTING
B 2.1 The following provisions shall be complied with for fire and smoke venting.
B 2.1.1 The combustion product of fire including smoke, being lighter than surrounding air tend to accumulate
near the high point of a structure and tend to spread out in all directions to form a floating layer on top of a
relatively cool air below. In absence of vent, the hot floating layer progressively become deeper and the
whole occupancy is engulfed with smoking hot gases. Time needed to reach this stage may be only a few
minutes depending on the type of materials on fire, storage conditions of the materials involved etc.
B 2.1.2 Convection current of air always help lateral spread of fire once the hot gases reach the roof.
B 2.1.3 Adequate number of vents, properly designed and judiciously placed, can disperse the smoke and hot g.1st-:.
to atmosphere, thereby prevents spread of fire, as well as reduces risk of explosion from unburnt gases.
B 2.1.4 Time needed for accumulation of hot gases and smoke within the structure being very short, it is imperative
that the venting devices are to be so designed and installed that they operate automatically at the earliest
sign of fire, sensed through smoke and heat detectors.
B 2.1.5 The smoke and fire venting system shall be so designed and installed as to keep the temperature of the
combustion product as low as possible, preferably below 150°C.
B 2.1.6 Venting systems are complement any of the to fire extinguishing system. Where automatic sprinklers are
installed as fire extinguishing system, the sprinklers snail operate before the vent system comes into
operation.
B 2.1.7 It is obvious that the smoke venting is easier than cleaning smoke once the structure has been filled with it.
B 2.1.8 Apart from large area factory and storage, venting may be considered essential for windowless buildings,
and storage buildings classified as medium hazard or above, with floor areas in excess of 750 m2. This
provision is mandatory irrespective of whether a large area is compartmentalized or not.
B 2.1.9 Determination of precise venting requirements is difficult, as variables like rate of combustion vis-a-vis
nature, shape, size and packaging of tne combustible materials as well the size, height and disposition of the
stacks of materials are involved with it.
B 2.1.10 Industrial buildings having floor area less than 750 m2 and which is rated as low hazard industry, may use
conventional ventilators fitted high above near the eaves of the external walls as vents for smoke ana hot
gases, provided opening of the ventilators can be ensured at all times or are designed to open automatically
in case of fire.
B 2.1.11 Because of the large volume of air present in the large industrial buildings, it is most unlikely that the
closure of doors and windows shall eventually extinct the fire.
B 2.1.12 It is usually the vertical and not horizontal ventilation that is adopted in the single storey industrial
buildings.
B 2.1.13 Heat produced in fire being 70 to 80 per cent connective in nature, suitable arrangements shall be
incorporated in the vent system for early outflow of heat to atmosphere to contain fire spread.
B 2.1.14 To minimize venting problems use of combustible roof linings shall be avoided.
B 2.1.15 Wind produces a negative pressure when blowing across a flat roof or a roof with a pitch under 40°.
Negative pressure tend to draw gases out of the structure, thereby aids venting of hot gases and smoke.
4-52
Appendices
Conversely when the pitch is more than 40°, gases will be drawn inside and will oppose outward flow on
the windward side of the roof.
B 2.1.16 To achieve full efficienicy in vents total area of cold air inlets into the buildings should be at least equal to
total areas of all vents. 1Ideally the inlets should be as close to the ground as possible.
B 2.1.17 When vents are installed, the size, design, number and disposition and associated roof screen or curtain
boards shall be carefully assessed.
B 2.2 Venting area requirements for ventilation are estimated largely on the basis of assumed time needed
between the build up of fire from the initial outbreak to the time of effective taking over by the fire brigade.
B 2.2.1 Because the entrained air forms the bulk of the vent gases, it is natural that the vent area required to be
provided shall be proportional to the perimeter of the fire area.
B 2.2.2 The effective area shall be the minimum cross-sectional area through which the hot gases must flow out to
atmosphere.
B 2.2.3 Increased air movement generated by power operated fans shall be disregarded in deciding venting area
because it is assumed that in the event of fire power will be disrupted and/or fan damaged.
B 2.2.4 Effective vent opening shall be different for different occupancies but shall be proportional to the floor area.
The ratios of total vent areas to be provided to the floor area are as shown below:
a) Low hazard industry 1:150
b) Moderate hazard industry 1:100
c) Hazardous occupancy 1:30 to 1:50
B 2.3 Venting shall be accomplished by any of the types, such as monitors, continuous gravity type, unit type or
sawtooth roof skylights.
B 2.3.1 Wire glass or metal panels shall be used in monitor type vents only if arrangements can be made for its
automatic opening.
B 2.3.2 Use of plain thin glass shall be avoided because of its doubtful behaviour during fire. However, if glass or
other early disintegrating suitable plastic materials are used, they should be designed for automatic
operation.
B 2.3.3 In monitor or
Both leaf of the
effectiveness during fire.
B 2.3.4 Moveable shutters in continuous gravity vents shall be designed to open automatically in case of fire.
B 2.3.5 Unit type vents shall be relatively small ranging between 1 and 9 m2 in area, have light weight metal frames
B 2.3.6 Roof skylight shall be satisfactory for venting only if designed for automatic operation.
B 2.3.7 Exterior wall windows alone in industrial buildings shall not be accepted as satisfactory means of venting,
but may be reckoned as additional means of venting when located close to the eaves ana are provided with
ordinary glass or movable section arranged for both manual and automatic operation.
B 2.3.8 Because of substantial reduction in the effective venting area, baffles shall not be installed inside vents.
B 2.4 Vents shall be automatic in operation unless where designed specifically for both manual and automatic
operation.
B 2.4.1 The release mechanism shall be simple in operation and shall not be dependent on electric power for
operation, as power operation may be disrupted during fire.
B 2.4.2 The automatic operation of vents can be achieved by actuation of fusible links or other heat or smoke
detectors or by interlacing with the operation of sprinkler system or any other automatic fire extinguishing
system covering the area. The vents can be so designed as to open by counterweights utilizing the force of
gravity or spring loaded level following its release.
B 2.4.3 For simultaneous operation automatic fire alarm and automatic vent system shall be coupled.
B 2.4.4 Vents and automatic sprinklers
s where installed together, sprinkler shall go into operation first before vents
open, in order to avoia delay in sprinkler operation. Heat actuated devices, if used for vent release, shall be
properly covered from water spray or sprinkler which might delay their action.

Part 4
Fire Protection
B 2.4.5 To ensure vent opening, release mechanism shall not only be joined to fusible links but also with smoke
actuated automatic fire detectors, where the height of roof apex of the occupancy is 10 m or more or the
materials handled or stored have high smoke producing characteristics.
B 2.4.6 Materials used in hinges, hatches and other related parts in vents shall be noncorrosive in nature for long
trouble free operation.
B 2.5 Vents shall be properly sited, always as far as possible at the highest point in each area to be covered.
B 2.5.1 As far possible vents shall be sited right on top of the probable risk area to be protected to ensure free and
speedy removal of smoke and other combustion product.
B 2.5.2 Minimum vent opening shall not be less than 1250 mm in any direction.
B 2.5.3 Vent spacing shall be designed considering the fact that higher number of smaller vents are better than
smaller number of large vents.
B 2.5.4 Maximum spacing of vents shall be as follows:
a) Low hazard occupancy 45 m between centres
b) Moderate hazard occupancy 36 m between centres
c) Hazardous occupancy 22.5 to 30 m between centres
B 2.5.5 In deciding location of the vents on roof Sec B 2.1.15 shall be adhered to as far as possible.
B 2.6 Industrial buildings having large floor area without separating or subdivision walls shall be
compartmentalized with the aid of roof screen or curtain boards. The curtains are extended from the roof
downward at specific intervals preventing lateral spread of heat and smoke in the event of fire.
B 2.6.1 Curtain board materials shall be heavy sheet metal or any other noncombustible material capable of
withstanding damage by heat or impact.
B 2.6.2 The curtain boards shall be reasonably gas-tight, although small openings for passage of pipes conduits etc.
may be permitted.
B 2.6.3 They shall extend at least up to 2200 mm from the downside of roof. Sites of special hazard shall be
enclosed by roof curtains extending down to 400 mm. They shall extend down to a height of 300 mm from
the floor wnere the roof/ceiling exceeds 15m or more.
B 2.6.4 In moderate hazard occupancies the distance between the screens shall not exceed 75m and enclosed areas
(compartmentalized) shall not exceed 4500 m2.
B 2.6.5 In high hazard occupancies the distance between the screen shall not exceed 30m and enclosed area shall be
limited to 750 m2.
B 2.6.6 The enclosed roof area shall be so spaced and disposed as to create an effective area for disposing off smoke
and hot gases of combustion.
B 2.6.7 In buildings provided with sprinklers, the screens shall preferably be so located as to coincide with unit
areas of sprinkler system.
B3 EXPLOSION RELIEF VENTS
B 3.1 Explosior. relief vents shall be provided in industrial premises where combustible dusts, flammable gases,
vapours or mists in concentrations capable of initiating an explosion are present and constantly keep the
premises under the threat of explosion hazards. Magnitude of pressure developed may range around 7x10s
N/m2 and ordinary buildings will not be able to withstand shock that will be produced from such
explosion. Such buildings shall be fitted with explosion relief vents to prevent structural damage.
B 3.1.1 Most ordinary buildings will not be able to stand under a sustained internal pressure of 7x10s N/m2.
Consequently the vents snail be so designed as to operate at a pressure much below the pressure at which
the walls shall crumble down.
B 3.1.2 Pressures rises with an explosion within an enclosure, even when vents are open and unobstructed. As a
result any delay in opening venting devices further increase the pressure.
B 3.1.3 It is possible to isolate hazardous operations and equipment outside of buildings with a p ressure resisting
wall which will reduce risk of structural damage. Such operations and equipment may be housed in a single
storey building having appropriate venting facilities ana a device to absorb explosion shock from blowing
through the duct back to the building.
4-54
Appendices
B 3.1.4 Sometimes it may not be possible to house hazardous operations and equipment outside of the building, in
which case the separation from other parts and equipment shall be achieved by pressure resisting walls and
such units shall be ventilated outdoors. If suitable vents are integrated, external walls may be of heavy
construction or of heavy panel which may be blown off easily.
B 3.1.5 No hazardous equipment or operations shall be permitted to be located in the basement or partially
underground structure.
B 3.1.6 Explosion hazards usually are accompanied by fire. Fixed fire fighting equipment like automatic sprinklers,
if installed, shall be such that minimum damage is caused to it.
B 3.1.7 Maximum pressure in a vent structure decreases with increase in the size of vent but is independent of
rupture pressure of the diaphragm.
B 3.1.8 Unobstructed vent opening is the most effective pressure release vent structures.
B 3.1.9 Pressure required to rupture diaphragms of the vent areas and material varies directly with the thickness of
the material.
B 3.1.10 The extent of venting required directly varies with the degree of explosion hazard.
B 3.1.11 It has been established from experience that explosion from dusts, vapours and gases do not involve the
entire column of the enclosures, rather concentrates in the upper and lower part of tne explosion range. As a
result such explosions are relatively weak compared to an optimum situation where tne concentration of
such matters spread all over the explosion range.
B 3.1.12 Unrestricted rectangular vents are equally effective as square vents of the same area.
B 3.1.13 The finer the dust particle size the more violent is the explosion for a given material. Due to very fast rise in
pressure it is difficult to effectively vent such materials as aluminium powder, hydrogen and acetylene.
Slow burning dust in confined space may cause much damage because of longer duration of pressure. Some
dusts may even react with some inert gases such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide and ignite.
B 3.2 Explosion relief vents may be provided with open or unobstructed vents, louvers, open roof vents, hanger
type doors, building doors, windows, roof or wall panels or marble/fixed sash. Any or more than one of
tnese may be adopted depending on individual situations and requirements as decided by the Authority.
B 3.2.1 Suction of external wind pressure shall be taken into consideration while designing and type of vents since
wind pressure may reach up to 2 x 105 N/m2 in severe wind storms.
B 3.2.2 Selection of explosion relief vent for any occupancy shall be based on two considerations, safety to lives of
inmates and minimum damage to property.
B 3.2.3 When large hanger type doors or metal curtain doors in sidewalls are used as vents it has to be ensured that
they are open during operation of the related machinery or equipment.
B 3.2.4 Roof vents covered with weather hoods shall be as light as possible and attached lightly, so that it is easily
blown off as and when an explosion occurs.
B 3.2.5 Doors and windows used as explosion vents shall be so fixed as to open outward. Doors shall be fitted with
friction, spring or magnetic, latches that function automatically at the slight increase in internal pressure.
B 3.2.6 Placed at the top or bottom, the hinged or projected movable sash shall be eauipped with latch or friction
device to prevent accidental opening due to wind action or intrusion. Such latches >or locks shall be well
maintained.
B 3.2.7 Fixed sash shall be set with light anchorage in the wall or when the anchorage is tight shall be fitted with
plastic glazing in plastic putty.
B 3.2.8 In worst scenario or case where a whole building or an entire room is involved, it may be desirable to have
the entire structure constructed with light wall and roof to collapse and thus prevent the worst effect of
explosion.
B 3.4 Area requirement depend ordinarily on the expected maximum intensity or an explosion, the strength of the
structure, the type of vent closure and other factors.
B 3.4.1 Venting shall be so planned as to prevent injury to inmates and damage to enclosure. In populated locations,
substantial ducts or diverts shall be provided to channelize the blast towards a pre-determined direction.
B 3.4.2 When ducts are used, they shall be of such strength as to withstand the maximum expected explosion
pressure.

Part 4
Fire Protection
B 3.4.3 If explosion are probable within the duct, they shall be equipped with diaphragm to rupture at
predetermined locations. The duct system shall not be physically connected to more than one collector.
B 3.4.4 In large structures the location of vents shall be relative to the point of explosion as it may be very difficult
to pinpoint location of explosion.
B 3.4.5 Light, hinged scrounge type panels shall be preferred over diaphragm type in slow explosion involving coal
dust, chlorinated solvents etc.
B 3.4.6 Particularly in case of rapid explosion hazard, vent blocking or obstruction shall be meticulously avoided.
B 3.4.7 Counter weights inducing inertia to vents shall be avoided.
B 3.4.8 Venting devices actuated by detonators shall open at as low pressure as possible and shall be of light
construction, so that full opening can be quickly achieved.
B 3.4.9 Vents shall be so sized and designed as to prevent rupture of the protected device.
B 3.4.10 Skylight with moveable sash that opens outward or fixed sash having panes of glass or plastic that blow out
readily under pressure from within can be used to supplement wall vents or windows, provided their
resistance to opening or displacement may be kept as low as possible consistent with structural requirement
of the building.
B 3.4.11 Flexible plastic sheets in slotted frames may be used for vent closure in such manner as to budge and be
relieved off the frame when subject pressure from within.
B 3.4.12 This transparent or translucent plastic sheets that crack or rupture under less pressure than single strength
glass are preferred materials for vent closure or window sash.
B 3.4.13 For equivalent explosion pressure release, larger closed vents will be required compared to open vents.
B 3.4.14 More generous venting shall be provided for small enclosures like that of a machine or equipment room
based on the following considerations:
Vent opening per unit Types of volumes of Examples Remarks

Volume of enclosure enclosures
a) 100 cm2/0.3 to 0.9m3 Small enclosures of less Machines and ovens of
than 30m3 light construction
b) 100 cm2/0.9m3 Small enclosures More sturdy construc
tion having reasonably
high bursting pressure
cj 100m2/0.9 to 1.5m3 Fairly_large enclosure 30 to Bins, Silos, Rooms Important to try
. _
700m "3 Storage tanks and predict point
of origin of explo
sion in relation to
vent location.
d) i) 100 cm2/2.25 m3 Large rooms or buildings Small fraction of space of
over 700m3 Enclosure with the large enclosure
heavy reinforce concrete, occupied oy hazardous
walls equipment/machinery
ii) 1000 cm2/1.65 to Light reinforced concrete
2.25 m3 brick or wood construction
iii) 1000 cm2/1.5 to Light weight construction,
1.65 m3 pre fabricated panels
B 3.4.15 As far as possible hazardous areas shall be segregated be means of fire walls or party walls to prevent
spread of n:ire.
B 3.4.16 Use of tile or such other light construction materials shall not be permitted in hazardous locations because of
its potential to cause injuries to inmates in case of explosion.
4-56
Appendices
Appendix C
Detailed Guidelines for Selection and Siting of Fire Detection System
CI GENERAL
This appendix provides a guideline for selection and siting of equipment for fire detection in buildings.
C2 CHOICE OF FIRE DETECTORS
Fire detectors may respond to any one manifestations of combustions such as heat generation, smoke and
flames. No single detector is able to meet the need of all types of fires and all types of occupancies. As such,
based on needs arising out of various situations and occupancies, judicious selection is extremely important
for the reduction of fire hazards.
C 2.1 Heat Detectors
"Point" or "Spot" type detectors are actuated by heat at layer adjacent to it over a limited area. "Line" type
detectors are sensitive to the effect produced by heated gas along any portion of the detector line. Both the
types operate on two broad principles: one, tne heat sensitive elements is actuated by temperature rising
beyond a predetermined level; while the second system is actuated by predetermined rate of rise of
temperature.
C 2.2 Smoke Detectors
Three types of smoke detectors are commonly used. First type is actuated bv absorption or scattering of
visible or near-visible light by combustion product and known as "optical detector'. The second type is
actuated by the production on ionization current within the detector and referred to as "ionization detector".
The third type is sensitive to carbon monoxide or other products of combustion and is known as "chemically
sensitive detector".
C 2.3 Flame Detectors
Flame detectors are sensitive to radiation emitted by flames.
C3 APPLICATION
Since both heat, smoke and flame are produced during a fire, detectors responding to all these are accepted
as general purpose detectors.
C 3.1 Fixed temperature heat detectors are suitable for use where ambient temperatures are high and or may rise
and fall rapidly over a short period.
C 3.2 Rate of Rise Heat Detectors
These are suitable for use where ambient temperatures are low and/or may rise over a wide range slowly.
Abnormally sharp rise in temperature during a fire actuates this alarm. As such it cannot be used with
confidence where ambient temperatures reaches in the neighborhood of 40°C, but are best used where
ambient temperatures are in the range of about 40°C.
C 3.3 Smoke Detectors
In general, these should be used at places where ambient temperature varies between 0° to 35°C.
C 3.4 Optical Smoke Detectors
Invisible smoke from a clear burning shall not actuate the such detectors. But they respond quickly where
smoke is optically dense and as such suitable for use in dust free clean atmosphere. Over a period of time,
due to dust and dirt, the sensitive surface of photo sensitive element and/or executor lamp of optical
detectors may loose its efficiency and as such optical detectors should be cleaned and maintained regularly.
C 3.5 Ionization Chamber Smoke Detector
These respond quickly to invisible smoke of clear burning, but may not respond to fire producing dense
smoke. Tnese can be used in dust free, humidity controlled area. Smoke and other fumes, dust including
slow accumulated and disturbed aerial dust, fibre, steam and condensation produced by normal p rocesses
and vehicle engines may cause false alarm. Warehouses exposed to fast air flows can also cause false alarm.
Burning of polyvinyl chloride will not sensitize the detector in time and may provide late warning or no
warning at all.
C 3.6 Chemically Sensitive Smoke Detectors
Chemically coated sensitive elements react to carbon monoxide or other products of combustion present in
smoke. Dust or moisture adversely affects the sensitive elements and are not very suitable for residential
use.
C 3.7 Smoke detectors are not naturally suitable in places where the production process produces smokes. Other
suitable types need to be used.

Part 4
Fire Protection
C 3.8 Application of flame detectors are restricted due to the fact that all combustions do not necessarily
accompany flame and that clear line of sight is desirable as radiation from flames travel in straight lines for
actuation of sensitive element. As supplement to heat and smoke detectors, flame detectors may be used.
C4 SITING OF DETECTORS
C 4.1 Every portion of building should be covered and all effectively enclosed spaces should be considered
separately based on the limits of spacing for types of detectors concerned.
C 4.2 Rooms divided into sections by walls, partitions or storage racks, as in libraries and archives, arching up to
300 mm to the ceiling or goods stacked in defined areas shall have detectors for each section of passageway.
C 4.3 Hoist, elevators and similar openings, windows, doors, ventilators and inlet ducts of an air-conditioning
system shall be covered by detector within 1.5 m at the top for every 2 m of their width or part thereof.
C 4.4 Detectors shall be installed at the centre of each inlet to the return duct of an air-conditioning system.
Detectors shall be installed 2 m apart if the inlet is continuous or oblong.
C 4.5 Staircases shall be covered by detectors on each floor, and all lantern lights shall be covered by detectors.
C 4.6 Spacing of detectors shall be reduced up to 75 per cent from the standard spacing in case of ceilings with
waffle having depth between 200 and 500 mm and up to 50 per cent with depths above 500 mm. Where
detectors are installed in the ridges of the waffle, each waffle shall be treated as an independent
compartment.
C 4.7 Ceiling intersected by beams more than 250 mm in depth, each bay shall be considered as separate
compartment and detectors shall be installed considering each bay an independent compartment.
C5 HEIGHT CONSIDERATION
Coverage provided by the sensitive detectors fall sharply as the height above floor level increases, generally,
where roof height exceeds 9 m, heat sensitive detectors become ineffective.
C6 SITING OF THE SENSITIVE DETECTORS (POINT OR SPOT TYPE)
C 6.1 Distance from Ceiling

When positioned, heat sensitive elements shall be placed between 25 and 150 mm from the ceiling or
underside of roof.
C 6.2 Spacing of Detectors

Depends on probable hazards in relation to occupancy and shall have to be approved by the fire authority.
C 6.3 When ceiling are crossed by beams, girders or other structural elements of 250 mm or more in depth to form
compartments, detectors shall be placed in each compartment.
C 6.4 Single Truss and North Light Roofs
One row of detectors shall be sited along the apex of each roof or bay. Space of this row of detectors and
other detectors headed to cover the area shall be determined from the designed requirement and approved
by the authority.
C 6.5 Floor Openipg

At least one detector shall be suitably positioned within 1.5 m of hoists, elevators, stairways, wall holes and
similar openings to the floor above.
C 6.6 Lantern Lights
Fixed temperature type detectors shall be used in lantern which shall be protected from direct sun light as
the combination of solar and internal heating cause rapid temperature variation.
C 6.7 Heated Areas within Building

Only fixed temperature type detectors shall be used in areas like kitchen, boiler room, furnace, room etc.
where sudden temperature rise may take place. If ambient temperature is likely to exceed 40°C, detector's
nominal operating temperature may need to be increased. However the maximum operating temperature
setting should not exceed 117°C.
C 6.8 Vibration and Rapid Temperature Change

Detectors covering hoist apertures may be subject to vibration and may experience rapid temperature
change and thus shall be fitted with fixed temperature fusible alloy fuses.
4-58
Appendices
C7 SITING OF HEAT SENSITIVE DETECTORS (LINE TYPE)

The same principle as those applicable for point detectors may be followed for line type heat sensitive
detectors.
C8 SITING OF SMOKE SENSITIVE DETECTORS
C 8.1 Once on fire, a building accumulates the greatest concentration of visible and invisible smoke at the highest
points of enclosed areas. Smoke detectors are usually sited here. The detectors shall be as mounted as to
place the sensing elements between 25 and 100 mm from the underside of roof.
C 8.2 Area coverage by individual detectors are same as that of heat detectors but the maximum distance between
two detectors may be 20 per cent more than that recommended for heat detectors. Actual spacing depends
on airflow pattern in protected area.
C 8.3 Area coverage of smoke detectors is dependent on many factors. The following aspects shall be taken into
considerations in the design of detectors.
a) When a big room or space to be protected is divided into section by walls, partition or storage racks
including Dook stacks in libraries and archives, each section or passageway shall be protected
separately. Additional rows of detectors shall be provided at the rate of one per 2 metre or part thereof.
The detectors being not more than 3m apart in each row, shall be staggered.
b) Any area of a building provided with mechanical ventilation system results in more than 10 air changes
per hours, which causes dilution of smoke and a definite air flow pattern is established. In such cases
ventilation inlet and exhaust openings shall be covered by additional detectors.
c) Additional detectors may become necessary to cover smaller extract ducts, windows, ventilations and
other openings. In rooms with high rate of air change, additional detectors may be necessary to cope
with air flow pattern and dilution of combustion product.
d) Detectors shall be installed within 1.5 m of duct to monitor inlet duct.
e) Detector shall be installed in the centre of inlet of return air duct. Where place above the false ceiling is
used as return air duct, the opening to return air shall have a detector every 2 m or part thereof of its
length within 250 mm of the opening.
f) In most buildings mechanical ventilation do not run continuously. The detectors shall, thus, be so sited
as to detect fire irrespective of mechanical ventilators are in operation or not.
g) Warm air naturally concentrates under ceiling and in the apex of pitched roofs. Sometimes this warm
air creates what is known as heat barrier acting as an effective barrier to the products of combustion.
This results in small fire producing little or no appreciable changee in I ambulant
l.L environment. The
combustion products from such a fire will spread out below the heat barrier in the same way as they do
beneath the ceiling or an apex of a pitched roof. Siting of detectors should be arranged to take this into
account.
h) Factors capable of establishing temporary or permanent effects on detector's siting shall be borne in
mind while designing the system and include the following:
i) Various forms of overhead heating
ii) Exhaust air from air cooling equipment blowing out into the room or factory area
iii) Deep beams
iv) Roofs and ceiling of unusual shape
v) Building with ground areas above 10 m and up to 30 m in height
vi) Staircases
vii) Canteen and Restaurants
viii) Plant Rooms
ix) Ambulant air currents
,i
Part 4
Fire Protection
Appendix D
Special Requirements of Buildings more than 20 Metre High
D1 GENERAL
This appendix specifies the special requirements for the fire protection in buildings more than 20 m in
height.
D2 CONSTRUCTION
D 2.1 Construction of all load bearing components like stairways, corridors and facades shall be of
noncombustible materials.
D 2.2 Internal staircase walls shall be made of bricks or reinforced concrete with a minimum of 2 hour fire rating.
D 2.3 The crown and landings of a staircase shali be ventilated to atmosphere with 0.5 m2 openings in the external
walls and crown. Because of difficult location or other compelling reasons, if it becomes impossible to
ventilate the staircase, a positive pressure of 50 pa shall be maintained inside the staircase by any approved
means. Pressure sensitive Automatic Fire Alarm System shall be installed in the staircase. Stair roof shall be
1 m above the surrounding roof level. Use of glazing or fire bricks in the stair shall not be permitted.
D 2.4 Materials used for inner finish shall be restricted to Class 1 rating of flame spreadability.
D3 LIFTS
Lifts installed in tall buildings shall comply with the following requirements over and above those listed
under Chapter 5, Part 8.
D 3.1 Walls enclosing the lift core shall have a fire resistance rating of 2 hours. Lift shaft shall have a top vent area
of not less than 0.2 m2.
D 3.2 The room containing the motor operating the lift shall preferably be placed at the roof of the lift core and
shall be separated from the rest of the lift core by a floor wall having same fire rating as that of the lift core
walls.
D 3.3 Landing doors in lift core shall have at least half an hour fire resistance rating.
D 3.4 Not more than 4 independent lifts can be assembled together in one liftbank core and the core walls of
individual lifts shall have a fire resistance rating of at least 2 hour.
D 3.5 Lift car doors shall have a fire resistance rating of at least 1 hour.
D 3.6 For lift in tall buildings above 20 m in height, collapsible gates shall not be permitted. Instead solid doors of
fire resistance rating equal to that of Sec A 3.5 shall be installed.
D 3.7 When lifts are located in a central core location of building, exits from lift lobby shall be through a self
closing smoke door of half an hour fire resistance.
D 3.8 Lifts shall not normally serve the basement.
D 3.9 Grounding switch of the lifts hall be provided at ground floor level so that fire personnel can bring the lifts
to ground level at the time of emergency.
D 3.10 Telephone or other voice communications facilities may be provided in lifts installed in buildings of 26m or
more in height. The communication system, in such cases shall be connected to ground command :station.
D 3.11 Appropriate slope in floor shall be provided to avoid water entering the lift shaft during fire fighting.
D 3.12 Suitable signs shall be erected and maintained at appropriate positions on all floors of a highrise building
showing the floor plan and exit stairways. Cautions regarding use of lifts during a fire shalfbe inscribed in
the signs.
D4 FIRE LIFTS
D 4.1 One or more lifts shall be exclusively designed and maintained for the use of firemen is case of emergency.
The lifts shall be so designed and maintained as to be able to reach upper floors and are directly accessible to
every dwelling or lettable floor space on each floor by fire personnel.
D 4.2 The lift or lifts shall have a load carrying capacity of 545 kg (8 persons) with a minimum floor area of 1.4 m2
and auto close doors.
4-60
Appendices
D 4.3 Power supply of the fire lift shall be separated from the main source supplying the building.
D 4.4 In case of power failure from normal supply, it shall be so designed as to trip automatically to alternate
supply of power. In tall apartment complexes such tripover couia be accomplished by manually operated
changeover switch. Other alternative could be an electric wiring which shall oe so designed as to bring the
lift car to ground level with door open in case of power failure.
D 4.5 Fire lifts shall be operated on a two-button switch system. Two button switch is placed adjacent to the lift at
floor level and kept in a glass covered box. When the switch is on landing call points become inoperative
and the lift is controlled from the car. When the switch is off the lift returns back to normal operation and
can be used by occupants at normal times.
D 4.6 On landing doors at each floor, the sign "FIRE LIFT" shall be painted conspicuously in such sizes as to be
easily noticeable by occupants or users of the lift.
D 4.7 Irrespective of height lift speed shall be such as to reach the top floor from ground level in 1 minute.
D5 SERVICE DUCTS
If there is any service duct, they shall comply with the following provisions.
D 5.1 Services ducts, if any, shall be enclosed by a 2 hour rated fire walls and doors. Ducts having area more than
1 m2 shall be closed at each floor. level except the passage of pipes etc. across the floors. The passage gaps of
pipes, cables etc. shall be suitably sealed.
D 5.2 A vent opening at the crown of the service shaft shall be provided with an opening, the size of which shall
be between 25 and 50 per cent of the duct area.
D 5.3 Air-conditioning or other service shafts shall be located as far away as possible from the exits of a building.
D6 REFUSE CHUTES
Refuse chutes shall be enclosed by wall of fire resistance rating of at least 2 hours and shall extend at least 1
m above roof level and shall be open to atmosphere. Chutes in no case shall be located within the staircase
enclosure. Inspection panels and aoors to refuse chutes shall be at least 1 hours fire resistance rating.
D7 REFUSE AREA
Except multi-family dwelling, all other buildings shall incorporate provision of refuge area on the external
walls as cantilever projection or any other suitable manner. Refuge area shall not be less than 15 m2 at the
heights mentioned below:
a) Floors between 20 and 26 m One refuge area on the floor immediately above 20 m.
b) Floors above 26 m One refuge area on the floor immediately above 26 m and then
one refuge area per five floor above 26 m.
D8 BASEMENTS
D 8.1 Each basement shall be inde pendently ventilated. Venting shall be achieved by grills, breakable stall board
lights or pavement lights or by way of shafts of aggregates having cross-sectional area of not less than 2.5
per cent of floor area spread evenly around the perimeter of the basement. Alternatively air flow inlet at
floor level and smoke outlet at ceiling level may be provided. Inlets and extracts may be terminated at
ground level with stall boards and pavement light, but ducts for conveyance of fresh air to floor shall have
to be laid. Stall boards and pavement lights shall be so positioned as to be easily accessible by fire brigade
personnel.
D 8.2 Basement staircase shall be encased and placed near the outer edge of the basement with materials of
2 hours fire resistance. The stair shall be entered at the ground level from open air so that the smoke from a
fire in the basement shall not obstruct any exit serving the ground and upper floors . Communication with
the basement in case of emergency shall be maintained through a lobby provided with a fire resisting self
closing door of 1 hour fire resistance. Additional staircases shall be provided at appropriate locations if
travel distance exceeds 20 m.
D 8.3 Single intake duct may serve all the floors of a multi-storey basement, but separate smoke outlet duct or
ducts shall be provided for each basement or basement compartment.
D 8.4 For lower basement floors, mechanical extractors for smoke venting shall be provided. The system shall
operate automatically by heat sensitive elements or sprinklers. Devices with manual operation may also be
installed. The following features shall also be considered.

Part 4
Fire Protection
a) Ventilatin ducts shall be constructed with the brick masonry or cement concrete work as far as
possible. Fire dampers shall be provided when these ducts cross the transformer or electrical switch
board areas.
b) Kitchen using gas, departmental stores and shops shall not be allowed to operate in basement or sub-
basement.
c) Openable windows on external walls shall be fitted with such locks which can be opened by fire man
axe.
d) Floor area exceeding 750 m2 shall be compartmented by fire separation walls having 2 hours fire rating.
Floor areas provided with sprinklers may be increased by 50 per cent. In long buildings distance
between fire walls shall not exceed 40 m.
D9 BUILDING SERVICES
Building services in tall buildings shall comply with the following provisions.
D 9.1 Air-conditioning shall conform to the following:
a) Escape passageways like staircases, common corridors, lift lobbies shall not be used as return air
passage.
b) Gauge metal of thickness and quality approved by the authority shall only be used in ducting.
c) Openings exerted by the passage of ducts across fire walls or floors shall be properly sealed with fire
resisting materials like vermicunte concrete or asbestos fibre materials.
d) Duct insulation (inside and outside) materials shall be of noncombustible nature (such as glasswool)
which shall not be wrapped or secured around the duct by any material of combustible nature.
e) Metallic ducts shall be used as far as possible instead of using the space above false ceiling as return air
passage.
f) Individual floor areas more than 750m2 shall be partitioned for isolation by fire walls and automatic fire
dampers.
g) Air ducts serving main floor areas and corridors shall not pass through the staircase enclosure.
h) Air handling units and ducts shall be independent for each floor and there shall be no interconnection
of ducts between floors.
i) In case of air handling units serving more than one floor, the system shall comply with the following
provisions, in addition to the conditions mentioned above.
1. Individual floors shall be isolated from the main riser by incorporating automatic fire dampers
working on fusible link.
2. Respective air handling units of air-conditioning system shall automatically be switched off as soon
as t he automatic fire alarm become active.
j) Treated fresh air conveyance through the vertical shaft shall be of masonry construction.
k) Ceiling and its fixtures shall be of noncombustible materials when these will be used as return air
passage.
1) The air filters of the air handling units shall be of noncombustible materials,
m) Air handling equipment room shall not store any combustible material.
n) To have access to main fire dampers and for cleaning the duct of accumulated dusts, the main air duct
trunk shall be fitted with appropriate inspection panels of tight fitting nature.
D 9.2 Fire Dampers
Fire dampers shall be located in the line of air-condition ducts and return air ducts or passage in the
following places:
a) At the fire separation wall,
b) Where ducts or passages entre the central vertical shaft,
c) Where the ducts pass through floors, and
d) At the inlet of supply air ducts and the return air duct of each compartment in every floor.
4-62
Appendices
D 9.2.1 Auto-operation dampers shall come into operation when air handling fans shall switch off. Devices with
manual operations shall also be made available. Blowers using extraction and dust accumulation system
shall be provided with dampers.
D 9.2.2 w „ ,'artment
houses, non-ventilated lobbies and corridors shall be covered by smoke dampers operated by fus'ible link
and also manual control. In other buildings operation of dampers shall be manual in nature.
D 9.2.3 Operated by fusible link, automatic fire dampers shall be so arranged as to be closed by gravity in the
direction of air movement and shall remain tightly closed.
D 10 GAS SUPPLY
D 10.1 Gas supply in tall buildings shall be from city gas main or L.P gas and shall conform to the provisions
detailed in Chapter 8, Part 8.
D 10.2 Gas pipe lines shall run in exclusive shafts on external walls and shall be away from staircase. These shafts,
shall be exclusive for each floor. L.P. gas distribution pipes in shortest possible run shall always be below
false ceiling. Entire cooking range area in the kitchen shall be covered by an exhaust system of 50 mm2/
per m2 of hood projected area. The hood shall be fitted with metallic grease filter to trap oil vapour of the
fume.
D 10.3 Power line wiring in the fume hood shall be in fibre glass insulation. Kitchens for hotels, hospitals or such
other places in high rise buildings shall have heat detectors fixed in fume hood which will automatically
cutoff LP gas and trip off exhaust fan in case of fire. Actuation of the devices shall be by 24v or lOOv DC
with external rectifier.
D 11 BOILER LOCATION AND BOILER ROOMS
The following provisions shall be complied with for location and housing of boilers.
Dll.l Boilers shall be allowed to be installed in basement away from escape route but shall not be allowed in sub-
basement.
D 11.2 Boiler room shall be situated on the periphery of the basement and shall have a 4 hour fire resistance wall.
Floor shall be sloped to a catch pit.
D 11.3 For fresh air supply to the boiler room, it shall be fitted with air inlets and smoke exhaust system directly
open to the atmosphere.
D 11.4 Entry to boiler room shall be through a 2 hour fire resistance composite door.
D 11.5 Furnace oil for boiler, if stored in oil tank in an adjacent room, shall be separated by a 4 hour fire resistance
wall. Entrance to this room shall be controlled by double composite doors. To prevent spread of accidental
spillage of furnace oil, a suitable curb shall be erected at the entrance door opening.
D 11.6 For the convenience of Fire Department personnel to work with foam from outside the building, suitable
foam inlet facilities shall be in built on the external wall.
D 12 STAIRCASE AND CORRIDOR LIGHTS
Staircase and corridor lights shall comply with the following provisions.
D 12.1 The staircase and corridor lighting shall be connected to a separate independent circuit so that at times of
emergency the fire fighting personnel can operate the same from an easily accessible location on the ground
floor disregarding individual control of lignt points. The circuit shall be equipped with a miniature circuit
breaker type of switch.
D 12.2 To avoid connection to two sources >of supply at the same time, lighting installed in the staircase and
corridor shall be suitably mounted on: a double throw switch. To terminate standby supply, double throw
switch shall be installed in the service room.
D 12.3 Staircase and corridor lighting shall also be connected with an alternate supply.
D 12.4 Staircase and corridors shall be provided with emergency lights.

Part 4
Fire Protection
D 13 ELECTRICAL SERVICES
Electrical Services shall confirm to the following provisions.
D 13.1 The electric distribution cables and wiring shall run through separate ducts. The duct shall be sealed with
noncombustible materials at every floor level having the same fire resistance rating of that of the duct. Low
and medium voltage wiring running in shafts and false ceiling shall run in separate conduits.
D 13.2 The duct carrying the electric cable shall not contain any other services like water mains, telephone lines,
intercom lines, gas pipes etc.
D 13.3 Electric power supply to water pumps, lifts, staircases, corridor lighting and blowers to keep pressure
system running shall directly be provided through main switch gear panel. Power lines shall be laid in
separate conduit pipes, so that fire in one circuit will not affect the others. Master switch circuit elements
shall be clearly labeled.
D 13.4 Openings and inspection panel doors in the shaft shall be fitted with air-tight fire doors having fire rating of
at least 2 hours.
D 13.5 Medium and low voltage power lines in the shaft and within false ceiling shall run within metal conduits.
220v wiring for lighting and other services above false ceiling shall have a 660v grade insulation. The false
ceiling and all the materials and fixtures used its suspension snail be of noncombustible materials.
D 13.6 Electricity supply from the public authority and alternate supply cables shall lead to an independent well
ventilated room on the ground floor for the purpose of termination for eventual distribution into the
building. The door fitted in the service room shall be at least 2 hours fire resistance rated.
D 13.7 If the power authority agrees to install meters on upper floors, the authority and consumer cable lines shall
'be segregated by a partition in the duct. Meter rooms on upper floors shall not open on staircase and shall be
directly ventilated to open air outside.
D 14 STANDBY GENERATOR
The standby generator shall comply with the following.
D 14.1 A standby electric generator shall be installed to supply power for staircase and corridor lighting, fire lifts,
standby fire pump, pressurization fans and blowers, smoke extraction and damper systems in case of failure
of normal electricity supply.
D 14.2 The generator shall be capable of taking starting currents of all the machines and circuits stated above
simultaneously.
D 14.3 When the standby pump is connected to diesel engine for supply of power, the pump may be withdrawn
from standby generator supply.
D 14.4 For emergency, if supply is available from a separate sub-station with appropriate transformer, the
provision of generator may be waived with the approval of power authority.
D15 TRANSFORMER
Transformers shall conform to the following provisions.
D 15.1 Without proper oil drainage arrangement, a sub-station or a switch station along with accompanying
machines having more than 2000 litres oil shall not be located in the basement of tne building in normal
circumstances. Transformers, when housed below ground level, shall be housed in the first basement in a
separate 4 hour rated room located on the periphery of the basement floor. The entrance to this room shall
have a fire resisting door of 2 hour fire rating. To prevent spread of accidental spillage of oil, a suitable curb
shall be erected at the door opening. Direct access preferably from outside shall be provided to the
transformer room. Switch gears and transformer bays shall be separately housed with a 4 hour fire rated
wall in between.
D 15.2 When housed in basement, transformer rooms shall be equipped with automatic high velocity water spray
system.
D 15.3 When a transformer is housed in complete segregation by a 4 hour fire rated wall all around and has direct
access from outside, the transformer room may be protected by COz (carbon dioxide), BCF (Bromo-
chlorodifuoromethane) or BTM (Bromo-triflouromethane) fixed system.
D 15.4 When the transformer is on the ground level, the room shall be completely segregated from rest of the
premises by 4 hour fire rated walls all around.
4-64
Appendices
D 15.5 Oil filled transformers shall not be housed above ground level.
D 15.6 Where aggregate oil capacities of all machines do not exceed 200 litre, they shall be provided with a catch
pit. When the aggregate capacity exceeds 200 litre, an RCC tank capable of holding the entire need shall be
provided at lower level to collect the oil from catch pit in case of emergency. The connection between catch
pit and tank shall be of noncombustible construction and provided with a flame arrester.
D 16 FIRST AID FIRE FIGHTING APPLIANCES
First aid fire fighting appliances shall be provided on all floors, basements, lift room etc. as required by the
authority. Location and distributions of fire fighting appliances shall also be as required by the authority.
D 17 FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
Fire alarm system shall comply with the following provisions.
D 17.1 All buildinigs with a height of more than 20 m shall be equipped with manually operated electrical fire alarm
system ana automatic fire alarm system. Offices and apartment buildings between 20 and 26 m in height,
however, may be exempted from installing automatic fire alarm system, if they do not pose threat towards
safety of adjacent buildings and inmates of the buildings itself are safe in the opinion of the authority.
D 17.2 Manually operated electrical alarm system shall be installed in a building with single or multiple call boxes
located on each floor and shall conform to:
a) location of call boxes shall be decided after careful review of the floor plan so that all the occupant can
approach to any one of the call box without having traveled more than 22.5 m
b) Usually call boxes shall be of the type having no moving parts, but in case they have, they are to be
approved by the authority to ensure timely function. Usual boxes shall be "break glass" type and the act
of breaking the glass shall constitute fire-alarm transmission to the command station.
c) All call boxes shall be wired in a closed circuit to a control panel in the command station which clearly
indicates the origin or location of the alarm. The circuit shall be equipped with a rechargeable battery
with capacity for full normal working load for 2 days. The circuit may be connected to an alternate
source of supply.
d) The call boxes shall be installed 1 m above the floor on the corridor or passage so that they are easily
visible, yet do not obstruct the safe means of egress at times of emergency.
e) The call boxes are installed to actuate single or multiple sounders so that all inmates can hear the alarm.
D 18 COMMAND STATION
All buildings above 26 m in height shall have a command station on the entrance lobby with suitable p ublic
address system having communication to all floors as well as facilities to receive messages from all floors.
The command station shall be equipped with detailed floor plans along with clearly demarcated locations
of fire detection and fighting devices and through the panel Doard able to detect fire alarm from any floor.
The command station shall be manned with properly trained personnel having responsibility of
maintenance and operating fire fighting facilities within the building.
D 19 CARETAKER/FIRE OFFICER
All residential, business, hotels, and other buildings having height more than 53 m shall keep standby one
trained fire officer round the clock. He shall be responsible tor:
a) Maintaining fire fighting equipment in good working condition all the time.
b) Layout fire orders and operational plans.
c) Impart training to inmates of the building in handling available equipment and keep them informed of
fire crisis and evacuation plan.
d) Keep contact with local fire authority.
D 20 HOUSE KEEPING
To reduce or minimize fire hazard, good house keeping within and outside shall be strictly maintained by
the occupants and owner of the building.

Part 4
Fire Protection
D 21 FIRE DRILLS
Fire notices or orders shall be prepared in fulfilment of the requirements for fire fighting and evacuation in
case of fire or other emergency. Such notices and orders shall be so displayed as to make the occupants well
conversant with needed action in the event of emergency. Details of fire drill are specified in Appendix A.
4-66

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Port 4

PART 4 FIRE PROTECTION

Chapter 1 General Provisions

1.1 SCOPE 4-1

Chapter 2 Precautionary Requirements

2.1 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION 4-5

Chapter 3 Means of Escape

Chapter 4 Equipment and In-built Facilities

4.1 SCOPE 4-25

Chapter 5 Specific Requirements for Various

5.1 SCOPE 4-41

Appendix A Guidelines for Fire Drill and Evacuation 4-46

1.3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1.3.1 Height and Area Limitation

1.3.3 Access Facilities for Fire Service

1.4 FIRE DRILL

Bangladesh National Building Code 4-3

Structural Element Fire Resistance Rating

2.1 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION

2.3 FIRE ZONES

2.4 MIXED OCCUPANCY

2.5 OPENINGS IN SEPARATING WALL

2.6 SMOKE AND HEAT VENTS

Use group Hazard Condition Vent Area to Floor Max Spacing of

2.7 ELECTRICAL, GAS AND HVAC SERVICES

2.8 SURFACE FINISHES

Use Group Vertical Exits Corridors Rooms or

Bangladesh National Building Code 4-7

2.9.2 Wired Glass Panels

a) Thickness of the glass shall not be less than 6 mm.

Fire Rating/Opening Max Height in Max Width in Max Area in

3 hours (not permitted)

hour fire rating 0.85 0.25 0.065

-j hour fire rating 1.4 1.4 0.85

2.9.3 Electro-copper Glazing

2.11 FIRE LIFTS

2.12 SPECIAL HAZARDS

2.12.1 Special Hazards in Occupancy A : Residential

Bangladesh National Building Code 4-9

2.12.7 Special Hazards in Occupancy G : Industrial

e) The machine layout shall be congenial to safe fire practice.

Bangladesh National Building Code 4-11

This page is intentionally left blank.

3.3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

3.6 CAPACITY OF EXIT COMPONENTS

Occupancy Unit of Floor Area

Buildings without Sprinkler Buildings th oroughly Sprinkled

Bangladesh National Building Code 4-15

3.7 CORRIDORS AND PASSAGEWAYS

any point alon] no exit door is available shall not exceed 10 m.

3.9.4 No sliding or hanging door shall be used as a means of exit.

Occupancy Maximum Maximum Travel

ccupancy Minimum Width of Stairway (m)

Bangladesh National Building Code 4-17

3.14 NUMBER OF EXITS

Occupant load 500 or less Minimum 2 exits

Occupancy Maximum Other Restrictions

Bangladesh National Building Code 4-19

3.16 MEANS OF EXIT SIGNS AND ILLUMINATION

3.17 EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR OCCUPANCY A : RESIDENTIAL

3.17.1 A1 Detached Single Family Dwelling

3.17.2 A2 Flats or Apartments

3.17.3 A3 Mess, Boarding Houses, Dormitories and Hostels

Building Type Light Hazard Ordinary Hazard Extra Hazard **