MODULE IV

Selection and distribution of portable extinguishers(for class A and B fires) and other fire
protection equipments and systems for different occupancy classification as per NBC;
Planning of fixed fire fighting installation for different occupancy classification-Sprinkler
system, total flooding system, CO2 system; foam system.

Fire training and education – Arson – Fire safety audits – Risk assessment – Fire
insurance – Fire Investigation

Reference :

1. V. K. Jain – Fire Safety in Buildings

2. BIS – National Building Code – Part IV, Fire Protection
3. T. Z Harmathy - Fire Safety – Science and engineering
4. Ref: 1. Fire Insurance Policies of Public Sector insurance companies
5. 2. AIFT (TAC) Regulations
6. 3. Ch.14 of “Electrical Safety, Fire Safety Engineering and Safety
Management” by Rao & Saluja
7. 4. “Fire Insurance Under writing” ie 54, Insurance Institute of India.

5.1 TRAINING AND EDUCATION

A fire safety plan for orderly and systematic evacuation is to be prepared in advance and
all occupants are to be well drilled in the operation of such plans for a safe evacuation of
buildings, particularly in case of high-rise buildings.

The fire safety plan should be aimed at providing proper education / training for all
occupants to ensure the following
 Prompt reporting of fire
 The response of fire alarms as designated
 The immediate initiation of fire safety procedures to safe guard life and
 Contain fire until the arrival of the fire brigade

Appendix F, Clause 8 of the NBC, Part IV, Fire Protection, provides “Fire Safety Plan”
format for high rise buildings.

The Fire Safety plan shall be approved by Chief Fire Officer and the applicable part of
the approved fire safety plan shall be distributed to all employees in the building.

The fire safety plan shall be amended when there are changes from the conditions, based
on which it was approved (due to change in occupancy, change in physical arrangement
of building, change of staff, etc.)
The training and education to employees shall be carried out by way of
 Fire evacuation drill
 Employee training program, which shall include
o Fire prevention training
o Evacuation training
o Fire safety training
o
In general, the Training and Education should cover the following aspects/areas

a. Sources of fire – Materials/ products, furnishings and house hold articles; their
susceptibility to catch fire, sustain and spread of fire, toxicity of smoke generated,
explosivity, etc.
b. Fire hazard, causes and precautions – human negligence, children, wrong practices or
habits.
c. Knowledge of alarm system – Location, method of operation, familiarization of alarm
sound
d. First-aid fire fighting facilities, fixed fire fighting installations and their operations
e. Response incase of fire emergency - what to do and what not to do
f. Standing orders formulated by the in-house fire force of the building or society and
method of calling fire service
g. Information to be provided to the fire brigade – Exact place of fire, material involved,
caller’s name and telephone number
h. Emergency evacuation plan and map, fire drill

The training need of the inhabitants and visitors of the premises has to be assessed and
accordingly training aids are to be organized (such as program schedule, equipments,
tools, trainers / instructors, etc). Hands-on practice should be given to familiarize
everyone in proper action and operation of facilities for fire fighting. The effectiveness of
training provided shall be evaluate by way of feed-back information and if required, re-
training shall be organized.

It must be noted that education and training are effective only in buildings of “captive
occupancy” (Where most of the occupants are permanent inhabitants). In buildings of
“transient occupancy like hotels, business buildings & commercial buildings where most
of the occupants are visitors, education and training or fire drill are not practical.

5.2 ARSON

Arson is defined as the burning of property with malafide intention ( IS 8757 – 1978 ).

Statistics show that the percentage of fire occurrence due to human errors is high in case
of building fire and the fires due to malicious or intentional causes ( arson ) are increasing
at an alarming rate all over the world. Compared to accidental fires, the material damage
and loss of life may be more in malicious fires ( arsons )
2.1 Motives for Arson
Motives for arson may be
 Vandalism ( malicious destruction or damage to property )
 Revenge / Spite( Grudge )
 Profit
 Mental Instability / Pyromania ( obsessive desire to set fire to things )
 Concealing another crime
 Violence / Terrorism

The target of arsonists can be public sector property, warehousing and storage premises,
Industrial/commercial premises, schools, places of worship, Homes, Farms, etc.

Statistics shows that the majority of arson cases are the result of mental instability or
group mentality of indiscipline.

2.2 Controlling of Arson Fires

The number of fires due to arson can be controlled by three ways

2.1 By changing the attitude and behaviour of society

The reason for arson is mostly due to the general breakdown of law and order and due to
the general demise of national character. So, the attitude and behaviour of society needs
to be changed as the ultimate cure. To effect such changes in people’s attitude and
behaviour requires new thinking and new programs from Government, Political and
Religious bodies. However, this is a long term approach and one cannot expect any
immediate change in the society.

2.2.2 Action by the Government, regional bodies and local community

Government and Regional Bodies, fire services, etc. can form Local task forces that can
coordinate with government officials to combat arson.

2.2.3 By the management action plan

The management of the organization has to find out, to the extent possible, the possible
reason for arson and then establish preventive methods by way of establishing action
plans against arson. This provides an effective and speedy solution in controlling arson.

2.3 Action Plan Against Arson

A five point action plan has been identified to control arson fire

1. Discourage unauthorized entry onto the site

 Discourage unauthorized entry onto the site by the use of display boards,
robust fence or hedge.
Make sure fences, walls and gates are high enough and strong enough to deter
entry. Fence shall not provide cover to the arsonist ( against the vision of
passers-by and neighbours)
Provide continuous security lighting, particularly for yards, etc
Have patrols at random ( to avoid a recognized pattern )

2. Prevent unauthorized entry into the building.

Keep points of entry to a minimum and supervise them. The movement of

visitors within your premises should be controlled. Encourage staff to check
up on unfamiliar faces
Weakest points of entry into a building are doors and windows. Door frame
construction should be of good quality with solid core door without lower
panels which may easily be forced. Keep windows and doors in good repair.
Restrict access to roof and upper floors. Deep recesses ( space in a wall ) are
vulnerable. – lighting should be sufficient at these places.
Whenever any building or shed is left unattended its doors and windows
should be locked.

Install an intruder alarm in particularly vulnerable areas and where the

provision of adequate physical protection is difficult.
Monitor through CCTV system

3. Reduce the opportunity for an offender to start a fire

If an arsonist intent on causing damage is unable to enter the premises then the
opportunity to light a fire on outside of the building is often exploited.

Gaps beneath doors shall be as small as possible and sealed where practicable(
to stop lighted paper being pushed under them).
Remove all combustible waste and materials from open yards or at least to an
area well clear of buildings and perimeter fences( away by at least 8 meter ),
or store them within locked skips or shelters
Lock away in separate stores all hazardous goods such as flammable liquids
and gas cylinders when not in use and at the end of each working day.
Immobilize petrol and diesel pumps.
Sheds and other storage facilities should be sited at least 8.0 meters from the
main building- prevent fire spread.
Waste bins should not be fixed to the walls or under a roof made of
combustible material. Refuse containers shall be secured by a locking system
to prevent them being moved against the building.
Letter boxes should have sheet metal containers fitted on the inside( to contain
fire from lighted paper )

4. Reduce the scope for potential fire damage

 Should a fire be started, either deliberately or accidentally, it is important that
its effects are minimized by containing the fire to a limited area, or ensuring
high value contents are protected.
- Proper planning – compartmentation, fire walls, fire screens, fire
doors, etc.
- Automatic fire detection systems; combined detection and
extinguishing system

5. Reduce subsequent losses and disruption resulting from a fire by

preparing a disaster recovery plan

Recognition should be given to the provision of the most appropriate form of

extinguishing medium as well as their availability– water, foam, CO2 , etc.
Evacuation and fire Training

2.4 Typical Characteristics of Fire Due to Arson

Following are some of the characteristics associated with arson and a judicious
investigation can reveal whether the fire is due to arson.
Multiple origin of fire ; the point of origin is in an area where there is no ignition
potential
Use of accelerants such as gasoline, kerosene, turpentine, etc., - detectable by
odor, pour pattern by chemical analysis. – Dogs are used to sniff.
The findings of deliberately arranged fire load; finding of timers and incendiary
devices ( substance or device designed to cause fire )
Buildings or residences which are missing personnel items that normally would
be present; Buildings or residences with extra items not normally present or which
are out of context.
Very high burning temperature in areas where the fire load is, to all respect, very
ordinary; Unnatural fire pattern
Tampering with fire protection and alarm systems; heating and A/c equipments
(to enhance fire spread) ; utility systems
Difference in the colour of ash – some chemical must have been used

3.0 FIRE SAFETY AUDITS

The object of such audit is to minimize fire loss. It is conducted by experts, in

consultation with operation and technical services staff. Fire safety audit reveals the
strength and weakness of the system and helps to take measures fire prevention as
well as fire protection. An objective evaluation and planning can ensure the expected
fire protection in a cost effective manner. A check list will help the management and their
fire safety staff to assess their standard of housekeeping.
There can be two types of safety audits, namely internal and external audits. The
methodology of internal fire safety audit, in general includes the following steps

1. Decide the frequency of audit

2. Decide the scope / objectives and the duration of audit
3. Form a multi-disciplinary audit team
4. Prepare checklists for a foolproof fire safety audit
5. Preparation before site visits
6. Inspect site and collect objective evidence
7. Inspect documents / procedure/ data/ records, etc.
8. Discussion with key personnel
9. Preparation of audit report
10. Preparation of standards/ by-laws for the fire prevention / protection of the
building under audit
11. Implementation of the recommendations made based on the audit
12. Follow up action and evaluation.

The above methodology is a detailed and broad set of guidelines on safety audit
methodology. The extent of its applicability to fire in any building depends on the size
and character of occupancy of the building whose fire safety audit is required to be done.

3.1 Objectives of Fire Safety Audit

1. Identify design / operational deficiencies which have the potency of causing

fire
2. Check whether fire fighting installations are in good maintenance
3. Check compliance of technical and statutory requirements
4. Check for proper house-keeping and security
5. Prepare guidelines for safe operation or use of the building
6. Check for the training provided, the preparedness for emergency and disaster
management or the emergency action plan

Various components examined during a fire safety audit are

1. Fire policy of the management or owner

2. Layout and design of the building and plant
3. Character of occupancy / nature of use of the building
4. available emergency action plan
5. available fire fighting facility
6. Operating and maintenance procedure
7. Fire training
8. Availability of fire force to supplement the fire fighting facilities of the
building
9. Tie-up arrangement with neighbouring industries or building complexes or
societies
10. Fire records / registers
 11. Security system against arson and terrorism

The chains of activities, cold and hot, are examined in all possible complex combinations
likely to occur during the process. In case of buildings of various occupancy classes, the
possible source of fire and propogational behaviour of smoke and fire typical of the
design and construction of the building are examined exhaustively. The type of fire and
its chance of occurrence from past experience and expert literature are tabulated.
Necessary preventive methodology and its effectiveness for each type of fire situation are
incorporated in the plan of action. The existing fire protection provisions are vetted by
experts vis-à-vis what are required adequately. Finally, improvements are suggested and
implemented.

4.0 FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

Risk Assessment (RA) study involves identification and quantification of risk based on
various scientifically established mathematical models.

The objective of fire risk assessment is to bring down the potential for harm ( or
hazard ) to human life, property and environment as well as the likelihood of its
occurrence to an acceptable level.

4.1 Need for Fire Risk Assessment

Fire risk assessment is required, in general, in the event of the following

 An increase in the number of accidents and magnitude

 For an increased public awareness
 For an increased Govt. awareness and control
 Expansion of plants in size and complexity
 When the initial assumptions and design basis requires review
 When codes and practices need to be augmented
 When Plant modification and procedural changes need assessment
 A chang in the environment outside the plant premises

By carrying out Fire Risk Assessment, the following benefits can be achieved, which
ultimately leads to an increased profitability.

 An improved awareness of hazard

 Improved reliability
 Reduced hazard consequence
 More effective emergency plan
 Better society acceptance
 Higher employee morale
 Easier clearance from statutory bodies

4.2 Fire Risk Assessment

The Fire Risk Assessment involves, in general, the following steps
 Identification of the hazards involved.
 Analysis of the consequence of hazard
 Evaluation of the probability of occurrence
 Assessment / Quantification of the risk involved ( for the property and for
the people) within and outside the area / plant
 Formulation of emergency plan
 Conduct of safety audit
The input Data for RA include
Process details and detailed design properties
Process flow diagram
Control loops
Operating manual
Plot plan
Past accident data
Material balance
Inventory of major storage
Physical and chemical properties of all the materials /chemicals handled
Failure data of equipments
Meteorological data
Population data

4.2.2 Hazard identification

Statistics related to circumstances leading to fires in buildings used for dwelling reveal
that people are directly involved in the initiation of majority of fires. Human errors are
mainly responsible for enhancing the damaging effects of some fires. Risk of initiation of
fire is the cumulative chances of occurrences of fire due to various causes. The
identification of hazard can be made
 By carrying out an Inventory analysis or
 By Calculating Fire & Explosion Index
In first case, the materials are inspected for their hazard potential based on different
identified parameters. Here, a checklist may be prepared and audit is conducted to
identify the obvious hazard.

For the calculation of fire and explosion index, the loss potential of all the units in the
process is assessed based on defined standards and indices

4.2.2 Hazard assessment and evaluation

Hazard assessment and evaluation can be carried out by

 Qualitatively using HAZOP techniques ( Hazard and Operability Techniques )

 HAZAN – Hazard analysis techniques
 Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) - based on the probabilistic analysis and
Event Tree Analysis (ETA)
 Dispersion Analysis / Toxic Dispersion models
 Determining Radiation Effects

4.2.3 Consequence analysis

Consequence analysis deals with the quantification of hazard in terms of damage

potential and risk severity. Risk of various possible consequences of a fire depends on the
character of occupancy, type of construction, fire protection provisions, and degree of
coordinated action. In addition to these, the time, location and source of fire too have
impact on the consequences.

There are various consequences of a fire like loss of life, loss of property, propagation of
fire to neighbouring structures, hazard of toxic gas release, hazard to on going traffic,
hazard to service lines like gas, electric supply line, water supply mains, etc. , explosion,
structural collapse, injuries and burns of various degrees, etc.. Every such consequence
has a corresponding probability of occurrence or frequency based on statistics.

Consequence calculations are generally carried out using empirical and semi empirical
models developed by detailed study of past accidents or based on the experimental
observations.

5.0 INVESTIGATION OF FIRE

Fire investigation is done for different purposes by different agencies such as

Police department
Fire department
Explosive department or any other statutory authority
Insurance agency
In-house agency

The basic activities in any fire investigation include

1. Formation of an investigation team

2. Preparation of investigation plan and objectives
3. Preparation of a detailed description of the fire
4. Accumulation of relevant facts
5. Collection of evidences from the site of fire such as ashes, un-burnt or
half burnt objects or materials of significance
6. Collection of evidences from eye-witnesses
7. investigation of the facts in issue
8. analysis of the causes
9. study of the system, operation and behavioral aspects relevant to the
causation of fire
 10. identification of the most probable causes with percentage probabilities of
each probable cause
11. Drawing up of recommendations to eliminate recurrence of similar fire
hazard.

5.1 Aids to Accident diagnosis

The fire damaged zone / area is to be visited as soon as possible and evidence are tobe
collected before the debris is removed. All possible clues as to the history of the fire
should be carefully recorded – such as position and condition of glass, steel and non-
ferrous metals; melting and charring of any surviving plastics; charring of wood, fabrics;
colour of ash, etc.

Forensic laboratories can help in revealing presence of explosive chemicals used in arson
fires. (Forensics has primarily three areas such as chemistry, Biology and Toxicology.
The area under chemistry deals with arson, fire investigation and accident reconstruction)
If any inflammable materials have been used to cause fire, it can be ascertained by a
prompt forensic analysis by forensic experts. Evidence of eye-witnesses is vital
information in the fire investigation..

Identification of the source of ignition should be the primary objective of investigation of

fire. In this regard, the observation made at the site, that is, the charred remains of wood,
if any , are very helpful. For example, the depth of wood charring is proportional to the
duration of burning and most wood burn at the rate of 35 mm / hour ( approximately). So,
if the time of extinguishments is known, the depth of char at various locations can give an
important clue for identification of probable origin of fire. This example of wood can be
applied to any other materials where behaviour under fire is comprehensively known.

Physical properties of various combustible materials, such as fire temperature, also

become an important factor for investigation. Fire temperatures of materials such as
wood, plastics, solvents, etc. is approximately 1000 °C. Pure copper melts at 1080 °C.
Hence, usually copper wires survive usual building fires. If copper heads are found
around electrical equipment, it may indicate an electrical spark fire.

The condition of structural steel frame after the fire sometimes provides useful evidence
of severity of fire. Iron and steel have high melting points of the order of 1300-1500 °C.
However, steel loses its strength at approximately 570 °C and gets completely distorted.
Alloys of aluminium have relatively low melting points of 660 °C. Hence there is a
possibility that most of the aluminium products will melt in fire.

The magnitude of explosion observed could be a useful guide for determining the
probable cause of the explosion accident. There are two types of fuel-assisted air
explosions namely “deflagration” and “detonation”. Generally, if an explosion is of
deflagration type and takes place due to combustion of hydrocarbon and air, the pressure
rise is approximately 8 times the atmospheric pressure where as in detonation type
explosion, the pressure rise could be 20 times the atmospheric pressure. The complete
combustion process of deflagration occurs in fraction of a second ( 1/300 th of a second )
and that of detonation occurs almost instantaneously. Normally detonation occurs in
pipeline type configuration. Detonation has a tendency of shattering the structure in to
fragments. The surrounding materials may be torn apart and the ignition point may be far
apart. Fire caused following an explosion will be evident from the tell-tale signs left.

5.2 Accident Investigation Process

Various activities / steps involved in an accident investigation process include

1. The team of experts to be quickly chosen

2. Brief survey or overview within 1 hour
3. Set objectives, sub-objectives of the investigation team. Delegate specific
responsibilities and establish a time-frame.
4. Pre-incident facts and facts during the fire to be gathered
5. Post-incident facts and matters to be collected – Photographs taken, relevant facts
recorded on the spot.
6. Research and analysis
7. Discussion, conclusions and recommendations
8. Preparation of report
( for further study, refer manual of firemanship” book 12, part 5, chapter 14, “ fire
investigation” )

FIRE INSURANCE

Following types of policies are available against fire during various stages:

1. Transit Policy
2. Civil works Policy
3. Storage and erection all risk policy
4. Operation and Maintenance Risk Policy
5. Personal Accident Policy

The insurance policy should be appropriate in terms of nature of risk, magnitude of loss,
duration, legal liability, etc. The premium amount and frequency are decided considering
all the above aspects on a statistical basis. Any policy has to be extended before its expiry
to avoid risks during the period of change over.

Claim Procedure

In case of a fire, following steps are to be followed to file a claim

- a first information report (FIR) has to be lodged with Police and Fire Brigade
immediately.
- With a copy of the FIR, send a report the Insurance Company by
phone/facsimile/letter.
- Lodge the claim indicating the approximate loss or damages.
- The insurance company then deputes a surveyor to assess the loss on-the-spot.

The entitlement and amount of claim are settled by the Insurer based on the terms and
conditions of the policy or the contract of insurance. The insured may approach the
appropriate court if he is not satisfied with the settlement or if he does not receive the
compensation in reasonable time.

Various records like stores report, Erection records, Testing & Commissioning records,
Log books, maintenance records, records of upkeep of fire fighting facilities, etc are
perused by the Insurance Company on a regular basis for revision of premium and for
investigation of fire to ascertain the compliance of the regulations set forth in the
insurance contract.

Insurance Premium is considerably reduced by sound fire protection system in place as

per All India Fire Tariff (AIFT) Building Regulations framed by the Tariff Advisory
Committee (TAC) which is now merged in the Insurance Regulatory and Development
Authority (IRDA).

Fire Extinguishing Appliances Discount:

For building of superior construction discounts are allowed on the fire insurance tariffs:
(called FEA discounts)

1. a) Installation of hand appliances and distribution of the same

as per fire protection Manual 2.5% discount
b) Internal hose reels installed as per the manual 2.5% discount

2. a) Mobile Mechanically driven Fire engines & Trailer Pumps 5% discount

b) Hydrant System in the compound 1.5% discount
c) Mutual Aid discount 5% discount

The total discount is limited to 10%. Godown and Warehouses are not entitled for
discounts in 1(a) and (b) because those are internal appliances which cannot be used
effectively in case of a fire.

Minimum Premium

1. Dwellings, offices, hotels, shops, etc Rs.30=00

2. Tiny sectors, SSI’s (Small Scale Industries Rs.15=00
3. Others Rs.50=00

Short Period Insurance

These are insurance policies for periods less than a year like 10 days, 1 month, 2
months… These are suitable for transits and construction fires. Usually these are
temporary and not extendable without accounting for higher rates in long term policies.

Sum Insured (SI)

The maximum amount payable under any item of insurance in case of loss equal to or
exceeding the sum. SI is the upper ceiling of compensation the premium largely depends
on the SI.

Special Types of Policies

Reinstatement Value Policy

The basis of loss settlement under a standard fire insurance policy is the value of the
property lost at the time of place of fire. However, in case of damage to buildings, the
cost of reinstatement may be higher than the value of the property. Under a reinstatement
value policy, the insurer agrees to pay the cost of reinstatement or replacement of the
property of the same kind. Although the rate of premium may not be higher for this
policy the insured must keep the Sum Insured (SI) sufficiently high so that the
replacement cost in the worst fire should not exceed the SI.

Declaration Policy: (for warehouse)

Under a standard Fire Policy, the SI proposed is based on the value of a fixed volume of
stocks. Any increase of decrease in the value of stocks requires alteration in the SI. This
is a cumbersome process considering frequent fluctuation of stocks in godowns. This
policy is based on the declared stock subject to market fluctuation. A number of godown
can be covered under one policy. The minimum SI should be Rs.30 lakhs in one or more
location and Rs.15 lakhs in at least one of the location.

Floating Policy

This is required where the insured is unable to declare separate values at separate
locations. The policy covers in a single SI. Stocks which fluctuate between different
locations. Floating policy is not applicable for buildings since it is an immovable
property.

Package Covers

There are three types of package covers available under fire policy ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’. Fire
Policy ‘A’ covers all 9 possible calamities like fire, lightning, explosion,
riot/strike/malicious/terrorist damage, Rail/road accident, aircraft/any other aerial
damage, FST (flood, storm, tempest damage), subsidence/landslide and earthquake.
Policy ‘B” and ‘C’ do not cover the last three damages. But fire risk is covered by all
three policies. Policy ‘A’ and ‘B’ cover buildings upto 22m high (dwellings, offices,
hotels, shops, stores, etc.). Policy ‘C’ is for godown, warehouses, industries.

Consequential loss

This fire policy indemnifies the insured’s loss of profit which he would have otherwise
got had the fire not occurred.

High Rise Buildings (above 22m in height)

The basic rate of premium is based on occupancy. Additional rate for every additional
height of 3m or part thereof is 2.5%. If fire place/boiler rooms are not adequately
segregated 10% extra premium is charged. Where the building is centrally air conditioned
with air conditioning ducts passing from storey to storey an extra premium of 20% is
loaded. But if the AC ducts do not pass from storey to storey the loading is only 5% of
the basic rates. Discounts are available for favourable features and long term policies like
10 year cover.

SELECTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

SELECTION OF EXTINGUISHERS

Suitability of different extinguishers for different classes of fires are presented in table 1
of IS 2190 and the same is reproduced as Table 1

Table 1: Suitability of Different Types of Extinguishers for Different

Classes of Fires.

Annexure B of IS 2190 provides general recommendations with respect to the type and
size of extinguishers to be installed for various occupancy classifications. The same
details are reproduced as table 2 and 3.
 Table: 2 Recommendations for Installation of Fire Extinguisher

Table: 2 Recommendations For Installation of Fire Extinguisher (Continued…)

Table : 2 Recommendations For Installation of Fire Extinguisher (Continued…)
Table 3 : Recommended Scale of Equipment to be Installed
DISTRIBUTION OF PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Portable fire extinguishers are useful only at the early stages of a fire and hence their
immediate availability to extinguish a fire is to be ensured while locating extinguishers.

Since extinguishers are available in different shapes and have different method of
operation, it is important to ensure, as far as possible, that similar type of extinguishers
are provided in a single occupancy or in a building. This will help to have an effective
use of extinguisher in an emergency and reduces the training effort, particularly when
large number of occupants is to be trained.

Extinguishers are to be placed in conspicuous positions and shall be readily accessible for
immediate use in all parts of occupancy.

In general, extinguishers are to be placed as near as possible to exits or stair landings,

without hindering the escape route.

Extinguishers are to be sited in such a way that it is not necessary to travel more than
15m from the site the fire to reach an extinguisher.

Wall mounted extinguishers are to be placed on supporting walls or in wooden, metal,

plastic cabinets in such a way that their bottom is 1.0 m above ground level.

Extinguishers should not be placed in such a position where it is likely to gain heat from
the surrounding equipment or process.

A plan showing the location of extinguisher, means of access and other useful
information must be framed and displayed near the entrance to the premises (preferably
at the security gate or reception office) and at other suitable places.

All extinguishers are to be tested at specified interval. Two types of tests are to be carried
out on extinguishers, namely,
1. Hydraulic test and
2. Performance test.

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS OF INTERNAL FIRE HYDRANTS ON

PREMISES

Internal fire hydrants are intended to provide means of delivering considerable quantities
of water to extinguish or to prevent the spread of fire. Only fire brigade or other trained
personnel are expected to operate the hydrants.

Internal fire hydrant system require the following installations

1. Static or terrace water tank
2. Rise mains, down-comer mains, or external mains
 3. Fire fighting pumps
4. Other components such as landing valves (internal fire hydrant), hose
reels, branch pipes, etc.

The type and capacity of water tank required for fire fighting depends on the occupancy
classification and its details are given in Table 1 of IS 3844:1989 (or in Table 23 of NBC
Part-IV).

In general, static water tank should be designed and constructed with domestic tank
wherever possible.

Underground tanks should not be deeper than 3.5 m and its bottom shall have a slope of
1:100. At the lowest part of the sump, there should be a 1.0m deep sump of size 1.0m x
2.0 m. The sump side shall preferably at the front side (to have easy access to lower
suction hose).

Pump house located inside the building (either in basement or in floor one) should be
separated from rest of the building with wall having a minimum FRR of 2 hours and shall
have a fire door with minimum 1 hour FRR. Pump house in basement shall have a forced
mechanical ventilation system. Minimum head room of pump house shall be 2.75m.

Separate starter control panel with auto-manual changeover shall be provided (in the
pump house) if both electric and diesel pumps are installed. An interlocking device shall
also be installed to prevent operation of both electric and diesel pump simultaneously.

Terrace pump shall have pressure switch in the down-comer so as to start pumping when
a pressure drop is sensed in the down-comer. There shall be an additional manual push
button starter at the starter control panel located at the ground/first floor level.

Dry-riser system could be installed in Group A building, where building height is

between 15m and 24m and where water supply is immediately available from UG water
storage tank/town’s water mains. Rising main shall have
 2 way inlet valve without non-return valve at ground level, 1.0m above
ground
 Air releasing valve at top level
 Drain valve at bottom
 Single head landing valve at all floor landing/staircase enclosure

Wet riser system shall be installed in such a way that it is not farther than 30m from any
point in the area covered by the hydrant and further that the rising main should not be
more than 50m apart in horizontal. Wet riser system shall have
 Landing valves, hose reel, hose, branch pipe, etc. at all floor level
 Pressure differential switch to activate pump automatically
 Fire service inlet valve with gate and non-return valve at ground level
 Collecting heads with 63 mm inlet – 2 nos. for rising main of 100 mm ID
and 4 nos. for 150 mm ID rising main
Down-comer system shall have
 Single headed landing valve at each floor level
 Hose reel at each floor level

Rising mains/down-comer shall be

 100 mm size single outlet or 150 mm size twin outlet (depends on
occupancy type)
 of galvanized iron type
 Located within the lobby approach staircase or within the stair case
enclosure and without causing hindrance to the evacuation path.

Landing valves at each floor shall

 be located at 1.0 m to 1.2m height from floor level
 have an operating pressure of 0.50 MPa (5.5 kg/cm2)
 have a reducer connected to lower the pressure to 0.50 MPa, if
required(pump pressure may be higher than the operating pressure at
lower floors of tall building).

Fire hose should be of sufficient length to carry water from the nearest source of water
supply to the most distant point in the area covered by a hydrant, by the normal route of
travel. Single headed internal hydrants shall
 be 63mm in diameter
 have a total length not less than 30m, either single length or in two lengths
of not more than 15m each with coupling.
 have branch pipe connected to its end

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS OF HOSE REELS

First aid hose reels shall be provided in all buildings with height more than 15m in
height. Hose reel shall be
 Directly taken from wet riser by means of a 37mm socket and pipe, to
which hose reel is attached.
 Sited at each floor level, staircase, lobby, or mid landing
 Of such length that no part of the floor so protected is more than 6m away
from the nozzle when the hose reel is fully extended

PLANNING AND INSTALLATION OF FIXED AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER

SYSTEM

Main elements of a sprinkler system are shown in figure 1.

The size of pipe required in the system up to the design point (on the distribution pipe) is
arrived at based on standard tables. The pipe works upstream of design point is sized
based on the principle of hydraulics.
 Fig. Main Elements of a Sprinkler System

PLANNING FOR THE SPRINKLER SYSTEM

Occupancies are classified based on the potential risks for the purpose of design of
sprinkler system as

 Light Hazard Class

 Moderate hazard Class
 High Hazard Class
 Storage hazards

Different types of sprinkler system available include

a. Conventional pattern
b. Spray pattern
c. Ceiling or flush pattern
d. Concealed pattern and
e. Side wall pattern
The selection of sprinkler type depends on the type of hazard and is according the table
given below (Table 34 of IS 15105)

The minimum density of water required and corresponding Assumed Maximum Area of
Operation (AMAO) for various classes of risks are specified in Table 3 to 5 of IS
15105:2002. As an example, the requirements for roof/ceiling sprinklers for light,
Moderate and High Hazard risk are given in Table .

Table : Minimum Density of water required and AMAO for Light, Moderate and
High Hazard (Process) Risk at Roof/Ceiling Sprinklers

The pressure and flow requirements at the installation valve in the case of light and
moderate hazard are as given in table

Table : Pressure and flow requirements for Low and Moderate hazard class

Hazard Class Pressure at the level of Installation Rate of water

valve (Bar) discharge in pipe
(L/min.)
Light 2.2 bars + static pressure equivalent to
 the height of highest sprinkler above “C” 225
gauge
2.0 bars + static pressure equivalent to
the height of highest sprinkler above “C” 1800
Moderate gauge
1.5 bars + static pressure equivalent to
the height of highest sprinkler above “C” 2100
gauge

The running pressure at the design point at the level of the highest sprinkler in case of
high hazard installation is given in tables 6 to 9 of IS: 15105:2002.

Piping

The pipes used from the pump house to the installation valve are normally laid under
ground/ in masonry culverts with removable cover. Underground pipes may be laid at
least 1.0m below the ground level.

All piping shall be capable of withstanding a pressure of 1.5 times the maximum
working pressure for two hours.

Sprinkler pipes shall not be embedded in concrete floors or ceilings of any building.

Distribution/Range pipes should not be supported from ceiling sheathing or cladding or

from any other associated suspension system.

Hangers should not be welded or fastened directly to the pipe work

Support spacing of pipes and range pipes shall be as per the standards (IS: 15105:2002)

SPRINKLER SPACING, ARRANGEMENTS AND LOCATION

Spacing and arrangements of sprinkler depends the class of hazard and for further details,
clause 11of IS 15105 shall be referred.

Minimum spacing between sprinkler heads is 2.0m except in places where the heat
sensitive elements of the sprinkler can be protected from wetting of the operation of the
adjoining sprinkler by suitable baffles.

Typical arrangements of sprinkler and its spacing are given in IS 15105 and the same is
reproduced here.
SIDE WALL SPRINKLER SYSTEM FOR LOW HAZARD

SIDE WALL SPRINKLER SYSTEM FOR LOW HAZARD

CEILING SPRINKLER SYSTEM FOR ORDINARY HAZARD
 CEILING SPRINKLER SYSTEM FOR ORDINARY HAZARD

CEILING SPRINKLER SYSTEM FOR ORDINARY HAZARD

In general, a clear space of 0.50 m shall be maintained below the deflector of

the sprinkler head. As far as possible sprinklers are to be located away from
columns

The location of sprinkler with respect to building and its various structural
elements such as roofs, ceilings, beams, columns, etc. are given in clause
11.4 to 11.13 of IS 15105.