I N D E X

0.

PREFACE

1.

SUBMISSION OF PLANS

2.

APPLICATION FOR DISCOUNTS

3.

INSPECTION STAFF

4.

INTERNAL APPLIANCES

5.

FIRE ENGINES AND TRAILER PUMPS

6.

HIGH RISE BUILDINGS

7.

FIRE HYDRANT SERVICE

8.

HYDRANT PROTECTION OF COTTON GIN & PRESS FACTORIES

9.

MUTUAL AID SCHEME

10.

APPENDIX I

11.

APPENDIX II

12.

APPENDIX III

13.

APPENDIX IV

14.

APPENDIX V

15.

APPENDIX VI

16.

INTERNAL GUIDELINES

**********

FIRE PROTECTION MANUAL

PREFACE
The First Edition of this Manual was issued by the Calcutta Fire Insurance
Association in 1906 and was brought up-to-date and re-issued in 1930. The third,
fourth and fifth Editions were published jointly by the Insurance Associations of
India and Pakistan in 1948, 1950 and 1953 respectively to provide for the needs of
the whole of the areas controlled by these Associations. The subsequent sixth,
seventh and eighth Editions were published by the Fire Sectional Committees of
Calcutta, Bombay, Delhi and Madras Regional Councils of the Insurance
Associations of India. In the ninth Edition published in 1982, amendments and
additions were effected to bring the provisions in line with current thinking on fire
protection techniques and to encourage installation of fixed fire extinguishing
appliances/alarm systems in relatively low hazard risks on the one hand and
tighten requirements for design of systems suitable for high hazard risks such as
Petroleum Refineries, Petrochemical and Fertiliser Plants on the other hand,
which, world-wide experience has indicated, need copious quantities of water
and other extinguishing media. In this tenth Edition an effort has been made to
further update and streamline the regulations.
The Manual should prove of value to factory owners and their technical personnel
when dealing with matters relating to fire extinguishing appliances and also
constitute a handy book of reference to Insurance officials.
The maintenance of fire extinguishing appliances in an efficient state and
familiarisation with all details of operations is essential if the maximum benefit is
to be derived in the emergency of an outbreak of a fire.

The Manual incorporates long experience of fire protection engineering both in

India and elsewhere in the world. Compliance of the rules will not only obtain
appropriate discount in the fire insurance premium but will also instil feeling of
security that the presence of an efficient fire-fighting equipment should engender.
Direct loss from fire and the resultant wastage is always serious but the indirect
loss and the resultant dislocation of business is often much more serious.
The Regional Offices of Tariff Adv. Committee maintain an inspection staff of
qualified engineers, specialists in fire protection and prevention engineering
and practice in all its aspects. The services of this staff are available to make
recommendations and carry out inspections in keeping with the nature of
work. (All references to Committee or staff thereof in this preface and in the
body of the Manual apply to the Committee controlling the territory within
which the risk is situated).
The Manual initially deals with portable appliances and small bore hose reels,
which are considered as first-aid appliances. The regulations regarding trailer
pumps are covered next. The last part is devoted to fixed external protection in the
form of a hydrant system which is considered the backbone of the entire firefighting operations as it fights fires of serious proportions in all classes of risks
and continues to do so even in the event of a collapse of the buildings/structures
protected. High-rise buildings which have become a common feature of modern
society present inherent fire hazard as fire brigades are often helpless in the face of
fires in such structures and are unable to save human lives and fight fires
effectively with traditional methods. A separate section has, therefore, been
devoted for prescribing the specialised type of protection required by these
structures.
In case it is desired to install any appliances, which are not covered by this
manual, assistance and advice may be obtained from the inspection staff
maintained by the Regional Offices.
Wherever reference to any Indian Standard appears in this Manual, it should be
taken as a reference to its latest version.

******************
FIRE PROTECTION MANUAL
REQUIREMENTS REGARDING SUBMISSION OF PLANS:
Plans for submission to the Committee shall be drawn up in accordance with
the following requirements: 1.1.

Plans shall be clear, contain all required details including scale and point
of Compass and shall be dated.

1.2.

Plans of new installations shall show the entire Compound; all buildings
therein, with their door and window openings, and the boundary walls.
Buildings under construction and future extension envisaged shall be
indicated by dotted lines. Plans of extensions to approved existing
installations need not show the rest of the compound but sufficient
details shall be given of the existing installations in correlation to the
extension, to enable the Committees Inspection Staff to check the plans
and offer comments. In case of storeyed buildings, drawings submitted
shall include plans of each storey together with sectional elevations.
The locations and details of fire access staircases together with the
arrangements of hydrants on their landings shall also be shown. Further,
a Table showing List of Blocks protected as per Committees rules
should be given.

1.3.

Material: Plans shall be on White paper or Ammonia paper or Ferro

Prussiate paper.

1.4.

Plans shall generally be prepared in accordance with IS: 696, shall not
exceed 850 x 1200 mm in size and shall be drawn to a scale not
exceeding 1:500 or 1:1000. In the case of very large compounds with
more than one risk, it is advisable to submit separate plans for each risk
with a key showing the relative situation of the various risk etc. in the
compounds.

1.5.

Signs -

1.5.1 Pucca walls to be shown by double lines, doors and windows being
clearly marked.
W
D

1.5.21

Iron or other non-masonry walls to be shown by a thin line and nature

of Construction indicated.

1.5.3 Perfect Party Walls (PPW) to be indicated by the sign T at each

end of the wall, or have the letters PPW alongside or across them at
regular intervals and marked in distinctive colour.

1.5.4 Fireproof doors and/or Shutters to be marked as follows Single Fireproof Door and/or Shutter SFD
Double Fireproof Doors and/or Shutters DFD
1.5.5 Elevated fire service tanks to be shown hatched and their capacity and
height of base above the highest roof to be stated.

N.B. In case of multipurpose elevated tanks, the capacity reserved for

sprinkler installation to be indicated instead of the total capacity.
1.5.6 Sky lights to be marked Sky Lights or " SL".
1.5.7 Boiler to be shown by a rectangular figure marked Boiler.

BOILER

1.5.8 Hydrant Mains to be shown by a red line; the diameter, length and
number of pipes being marked alongside and specials and reducers to
be clearly indicated.
. . . . . mm LENGTH OF ___ M EACH
1.5.9 Hydrant Heads to be shown by red circles not less than 3 mm in
diameter and marked SH. Double Hydrant to be indicated by double
circles and marked DH.

1.5.10Water Monitors to be shown by a circle with an oblique arrow

through it and marked, WM

WM
1.5.11Cut-off valves to be marked/drawn across the mains.

1.5.12Sprinkler and Hydrant pumps to be clearly marked and the capacity

and head to be indicated in each case.
1.5.13Pump(s) suction piping to be shown dotted and diameter indicated.

1.5.14Surface fire service Water tanks and reservoirs to be shown to scale

and average depth indicated.

1.5.15Sprinkler trunk mains to be shown by a blue line, the sizes being

marked alongside.
. . . . . . mm SPK MAIN
1.5.16Fire alarm bells to be shown by blue circles and marked FAB.
F.A.B
1.5.17

Sprinklered blocks to be marked S

1.5.18Oil, solvent, acid and other chemical tanks to be drawn to scale and
suitably marked.
1.5.19Open storage areas to be clearly shown by hatched outlines and
marked Open Storage Site for.

1.5.20Electric cable(s) for the fire pump(s) to be shown in green

line(s)_________________

******** *

2. PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED IN THE CASE OF APPLICATION

FOR DISCOUNTS:
The sanction of discounts off insurance premiums shall necessarily
follow consideration by the Regional Office (TAC) all details of the risk
including manufacturing processes involved and the protective appliances to
be installed in order to ensure that the Standards laid down have been fully
observed. To prevent confusion or disappointment, definite rules for
procedure have been laid down as follows: 2.0

2.12 Proposals for the installation of appliances shall be submitted to the

Regional Office (TAC) by the Leading Office on the risk and shall
comprise2.1.12Material specifications of equipment and components of the
installation,
indicating
the
name
of
manufacturers,
Standards/Specifications and name of approving authority, if any.

2.1.22In the case of internal appliances, details of the areas of the various
compartments, their occupation and the quantities and types of
appliances proposed.
2.1.32In the case of sprinkler and hydrant installation, fully dimensioned
plans in duplicate as called for in Item 1.
2.1.42In addition to the above, the following details would be necessary in
the case of hydrant installation a)

(I) Drawings showing layout of the entire hydrant system,

incorporating type of joints, details of pump and its prime mover.
Another table giving the details of single headed and double
headed hydrants, internal hydrants, fire escape hydrants, no. of
hose pipes (15 m and 7.5 m length) and branch pipe with nozzles
including 10 % spares, mode of distribution of those pipes and
total equivalent no. of hydrants should be included. There should
be a table showing the percentage of various pipe diameters used
in the systems.

a)

II) Typical sectional elevation drawing showing the height,

dimensions etc. of the stand post for single headed hydrant, double
headed hydrants, monitors specifying diameter of nozzle, riser
mains and landing valve of riser mains of FEH, Cut-Off valve
chambers in plan and elevation should be incorporated.

a)

III) In case of blocks having upper floors, separate upper floors

plans showing the locations, fire escape hydrants (FEH) and
staircases, sectional elevational drawings of the escape staircase;
Riser main and location of landing valve of FEH should be
submitted, preferably along with, civil construction (architects)
drawings of individual blocks
N.B. In the case of storeyed blocks, floor area of each floor, with
particulars of fire proof shutters of fireproof door and nearest
machinery, wired glass windows etc. to be marked.

b)

Layout of pump house showing clearly the suction, delivery and

priming (if any) arrangements along with full scale drawing of
pump, motor, diesel engine, DG Control panel, MCC for electric
driven pumps, Valves etc.

c)

Details of water storage tanks giving particular of

compartmentation and jack-well, details of inflow and particulars
of tapings for other purposes, if any with water reservoir capacity
RCC or steel lined or un-lined, combined process water or
exclusive fire water reservoir should be given.

d)

Sub-station location in relation to other blocks if the pump is

electrically driven. If the substation is attached to any other
building, the details of segregation from adjoining buildings,
indicating transformer room, LT, HT, location of change-overswitch, DG Room etc.

e)

Plans of Sub-Station showing thickness of internal walls and

equipment layout along with single line schematic diagram of the
pump from the main substation to the Fire Pump room along
with tapping, circuit breaker and switch fuse units.

f)

Route of cable from Sub-Station to fire pump house.

g)

Schematic circuit line diagram showing power supply inside the

fire pump room.

h)

Legend explaining the various symbols used shown should be

given.

2.22 Discounts will be considered only if all hand appliances and their
accessories as well as all components of hydrant, sprinkler and other fire
protection systems are of a type and make, approved by the Tariff
Advisory Committee.
2.32 No discounts will be considered for a sprinkler or hydrant system
unless the same has been hydraulically tested with trenches open atleast

once during the course of installation by the Committee's Inspectorate,

and found in order. Further, site engineer of the Installing Contractor
should maintain progress record with protocol duly signed by
representative of the client and him.
2.42 The prior submission of proposals to the Committee before the work
is commenced, is essential, to ensure that the installation will conform to
the Committees requirements but does not dispense with the procedure
laid down hereafter for application for the sanction of discounts.
2.52 Application for discounts shall be submitted on special forms
provided for the purpose by the Committee and shall comprise:
2.5.12Application by the Leading Office (Appendix I)
2.5.22Guarantee by the Insured (Appendix II)
2.5.3 Schedule of Appliances (Signed by Insured) (Appendix III)
2.6In every case, a plan of the premises prepared in accordance with the
requirements indicated in 1.1 to 1.5 shall accompany any application
for a discount for fire extinguishing appliances and, in the case of
sprinkler and/or hydrant installations, Installing Engineers detailed
'As Erected working drawings are essential.
N.B. A Certificate of Completion from the installing Engineers stating
the pressure to which the installation(s) has been subjected and giving
the date(s) from which it was in complete working order should also
be submitted. Further, progress record with protocol duly signed by
client, installing contractor and/or project consultants should be
submitted.
2.7Even in the case of extensions to an existing service, a complete set of
forms and plants detailed in 2.5 and 2.6 above shall be submitted.

2.8Applications, which relate to discounts for appliances other than

hydrants, shall also be accompanied by a plan of the premises showing
the layout and distribution of appliances.
2.9No application for discount can be entertained until the relative
appliances are complete, in position, ready for use and fully operative.
An appropriate discount or allowance will be sanctioned by the
Committee from the date of the completed application, (in accordance
with 2.5 and 2.6 above) subject to the appliances being found in order
on inspection by the Committees Inspectorate. In the event of the
installation being found incomplete or defective, the discount will be
with held (or withdrawn if already notified) until the detects have been
rectified to the satisfaction of the Committee.
2.10 No allowance shall be made for Fire Extinguishing Appliances until
notified by the Committee either by letter or circular, and then, with
effect only from the date specified in such notification.
2.11 Discounts sanctioned solely on account of installation of internal
appliances will be valid for a period of four years only; hence fresh
applications, accompanied by the report of the Engineers of the
Insurance Company (as per Appendix IV) shall be submitted every
four years.
2.12 Proposals for the installation of appliances not specifically covered by
these rules shall first be submitted to the Committee for approval.
2.13 Offices and the insured are requested not to change block numbers as
this naturally affects the Committees records and causes confusion. If
block numbers have to be changed, the Committee shall be notified at
once.
2.14 Discounts sanctioned for installation of appliances shall normally
stand withdrawn in the event of a strike or lockout in the premises for
duration of seven days or more. For this reason, it is imperative that
the Committee be apprised as soon as a strike or lockout is declared.

********

3.

COMMITTEE'S INSPECTION STAFF:

3.1The Committee undertakes, as far as possible, the periodical inspection of
all premises in which fire extinguishing appliances, entitling the risk to
special discounts or ratings for such appliances, are installed.
For this purpose, the Committees Inspection Engineers shall have the right
of access to the premises of the Insured at any time with or without giving
any prior notice.
3.2The Primary duty of the Inspectors is to report to the Committee on the
condition and efficiency of the appliances installed as well as to ensure the
regulations are being observed. They will, however, give help and advice in

the maintenance of the appliances and on matters pertaining to fire

protection and prevention.
3.3The attention of the Inspecting Engineers shall be drawn, during their visits,
to any changes effected since the previous inspection or to any contemplated
extensions and alterations to the existing services. This procedure does not,
however, dispense with the necessity of advising the Insurance Company or
Companies interested on the risk of any changes, which affect the plan of
the risk or the details of the appliances, recorded with Committee.

****** ***

4. INTERNAL APPLIANCES 4. Internal appliances generally consist of hand appliances (first aid appliances)
and hose reels.
4.1

HAND APPLIANCES -

4.1.1

GENERAL

4.1.1.1

Hand appliances comprise buckets and extinguishers.

4.1.1.2

ALL APPLIANCES INCLUDING EXTINGUISHER REFILLS AND

FOAM COMPOUND SHALL BE IN CAPACITIES INDICATED IN
THE RELEVANT INDIAN STANDARDS SPECIFICATION AND
SHALL BEAR ISI CERTIFICATION MARK. (Accessories including
extinguisher refills shall also be ISI marked) BUCKETS SHALL BE OF
ROUND BOTTOM TYPE.

4.1.1.3

The usefulness of these appliances is limited, as it is entirely dependent

upon the presence of persons having knowledge to operate them.
Everything depends, however, on the speed with which they are brought
into use as they are essentially First-Aid equipment, only meant for
attacking small fires in their incipient stages and are not intended to deal
with large outbreaks of fires.

4.1.1.4

Since a variety of shapes and/or methods of operation of fire

extinguishers can at times lead to confusion and as failure to operate the
extinguishers properly in the first instance results in failure to quench the
fire, it is recommended that extinguishers installed in any one building or
single occupancy be similar in shape and appearance and have the same
method of operation as far as possible.

4.1.1.5

It is recommended that an indicator board showing the number of

buckets and extinguishers installed in each department be provided over
or near the main entrance to the department. This will enable the person

in charge of the appliances to ascertain at a glance if any appliances are

missing.
4.1.1.6

It is advisable to provide conspicuous location indicators of a suitable

type for all extinguishers, particularly those located in large
compartments.

4.1.2

SELECTION OF HAND APPLIANCES:

4.1.2.1

Various types of hand appliances are available but all are not equally
effective on all kinds of fires. For this reason, the nature of contents of a
building, the processes carried out therein and the types of fires, which
may occur, shall be taken into consideration while selecting fire
appliances.

4.1.2.2

The different types of fires and appliances suitable for use on them are as
under
Class

Combustibles

Hand
Appliances

Fires in Ordinary
combustibles
(Wood, Vegetable
fibres,
rubber,
plastics,
Paper
and the likes).

Gas
expelled
Water
and
Antifreeze type
extinguishers
and
Water
Buckets.

Fires
in
flammable
liquids,
paints,
grease, solvents
and the likes.

Chemical Extinguishers
of
Carbon dioxide
type and Dry
Powder type and
Sand Buckets.

Fires in Gaseous
substances under
pressure
and
liquefied gases.

Chemical Extinguishers
of
Carbon di oxide
and Dry Powder
type.

Fires in reactive
chemicals, Active
metals and the
likes.

Special type of
Dry
Powder,
Extin-guishers
and
sand
buckets

N.B - WHERE THE ENERGISED ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENTS ARE

INVOLVED IN A FIRE, THE NON-CONDUCTIVITY OF THE
EXTINGUISING MEDIA IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE AND ONLY
EXTINGUISHERS EXPELLING DRY POWDER OR CARBON-DIOXIDE (WITHOUT METAL HORN) SHOULD BE USED. ONCE THE
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT IS DE-ENERGISED EXTINGUISHERS
SUITABLE FOR CLASS A, B AND C, MAY BE USED SAFELY.
4.1.3

REQUIREMENTS OF HAND APPLIANCES -

4.1.3.1

Procedure -

The minimum number of fire extinguishers needed to protect a property shall

be determined as outlined below a) For any property, basic protection shall be appliances suitable for Class A
fires, Since Class A fires are of universal character. The number of
extinguishers shall be determined according to rule 4.1.3.2.
b) For occupancies where Class B fires are anticipated, a suitable number of
appliances determined by rule 4.1.3.2 shall be replaced by appliances as per
table under rule 4.1.3.4.
c) For occupancies where fires of C & D types are anticipated, the Committee
may recommend appropriate extinguishers.

4.1.3.2

One 9-litre water/sand bucket shall be provided for every 100 sq. m of
the floor area or part thereof and one 9-litre water type extinguisher shall
be provided to six buckets or part thereof with a minimum of one
extinguisher and two buckets per compartment of the building.
N.B. In the case of Cotton Gin and Press factories, the supply of hand
appliances shall be doubled that indicated above.

4.1.3.3

Buckets may be dispensed with for occupancies other than Cotton Gin
and Press factories, provided the supply of extinguishers is one- and-ahalf times that indicated above in case of Light Hazard Occupancies and
double that indicated above in case of other occupancies.
Note: For categorisation of occupancies refer rule 7.2

4.1.3.4

Acceptable replacements for water buckets and water type extinguishers

in occupancies where Class B fires are anticipated.

Acceptable
replacemen
t

WATER
BUCKETS
For
For
one
two
bucke bucke
t
ts

Dry Sand

1
3
bucket bucket

Water type
Extinguish
ers
For each 9
litre
Extinguish
er

---

Carbon-diOxide
Extinguisher
s
(IS: 2878)

03
Kg.

09 Kg

09 Kg

Dry Powder 02 Kg
05 Kg
05
Extinguisher
Kg
(IS: 2171)
(In one or more
extinguishers)
Note- Any combination of the various appliances referred to above may
be employed.
4.1.3.5

For electrical equipments, it would be necessary to provide extinguishers

as under

4.1.3.5.1

For rooms containing electrical transformers, switchgears, motors

and/or electrical apparatus only, not less than two 2 Kg dry powder
or carbon dioxide type of extinguishers shall be provided within 15
m of the apparatus.

4.1.3.5.2

Where motors and/or other electrical equipments are installed in

rooms other than those containing such equipments only, one 5 Kg
dry powder or carbon di oxide extinguisher shall be installed within
15 m of such equipments in addition to the requirement of rules
4.1.3.2 and 4.1.3.4 for this purpose, the same extinguisher may be
deemed to afford protection to all apparatus within 15 m thereof.

4.1.3.5.3

Where electrical motors are installed on platforms, one 2 Kg dry

powder or carbon di oxide extinguisher shall be provided on or
below each platform.

In the case of long platform with a number of motors, one

extinguisher shall be accepted as adequate for every three motors on
the common platform.
NB- the above requirement will be in addition to the requirements of
rules 4.1.3.2 and 4.1.3.4
4.1.3.6

If in the premises, fires of class C and D are also likely to occur, the
appropriate extinguishers and the number of such extinguisher will be
decided by the Committee, in view of the special nature of occupancies.

4.1.3.7

Under special conditions, wheeled type of extinguishers may be installed

with the prior approval of the Committee.

4.1.3.8

The appliances shall be so distributed over the entire floor area, that a
person has to travel not more than 15 m to reach the nearest appliance.
Example - The following example will illustrate the method of
determining the number of fire extinguishers required to give adequate
protection for a given property.
Risk:

Light Engineering Workshop (Light Hazard).

Area:

315 m x 112 m. i.e. 35,300 sq. m.

Types of Fires:
i)

ii)

Class `A' fire due to normal combustibles.

Class `B' fire due to existence of Spray Painting process and
storage of flammable liquids.

Number of appliances:
i)

Basic Protection 353 Buckets and

59 Water type Extinguishers OR

90 Water types Extinguishers, if buckets are dispensed with.
ii)

For Class B fires 2 Water type Extinguishers are replaced by 2

Dry Powder Extinguishers.

iii)

For electrical equipments 6 Dry Powder Extinguisher are

provided. Thus the final number of Extinguishers is:
Water type
88
Dry Powder type
Total
96

08

4.1.4

Selection of Sites for the Installation of Hand Appliances:

4.1.4.1

When selecting sites for hand appliances due consideration shall be

given to the nature of the risk to be covered. Appliances shall be placed
in conspicuous position and shall be readily accessible for immediate use
in all parts of the occupancy. It should always be borne in mind while
selecting sites that hand appliances are intended only for use on incipient
fires and their value may be negligible if the fire is not extinguished or
brought under control in the early stages.

4.1.4.2

Generally, hand appliances shall be placed as near as possible to exits or

staircase landings. Wherever possible, advantage shall be taken of
normal routes of escape by placing appliances in positions where they
can readily be seen by persons following the natural impulse to get out
of danger. It is not advisable to place appliances at the end of rooms
remote from exits unless they are necessary to cover a particular hazard
there.

4.1.4.3

Buckets shall be placed at convenient and easily accessible locations

either on hangers or on stands. In the case of textile mills, it is strongly
advised that a bucket be slung at the end of each spinning and roving
frame.

4.1.5

Maintenance of Hand Appliances:

4.1.5.1

General

4.1.5.1.1

It is important that hand appliances are always kept in their proper

positions and if temporarily removed for repairs, are immediately
replaced. In order to ensure this, all concerns shall arrange to
provide at least one man, preferably a pump man, whose duty is to
see that the fire buckets are filled with water and the extinguishers
are in efficient working order and that all appliances are in their
correct positions.

4.1.5.1.2

It is recommended that in case the paint of any hand appliance gets

chipped off or gets faded; it shall be repainted to prevent it from rust
and corrosion.

4.1.5.2

Buckets:

4.1.5.2.1

Fire buckets shall not be used for any purpose other than that for
which they are intended, and shall always be kept full of water/sand.

4.1.5.2.2

To prevent breeding of mosquitoes and to comply with rules of local

bodies, the water in fire buckets shall be refilled every week and
treated with sapon creosote or phenyl in suitable quantities to just
discolour the water.

4.1.5.2.3

All buckets shall be refilled with clean water or sand, as the case
may be, immediately after use.

4.1.5.2.4

Spare buckets to the extent of 10 % of the total number installed on

the premises, subject to a maximum of 50, shall always be kept in
store.

4.1.5.3

Extinguishers:

4.1.5.3.1

Spare charges to the extent of 10 % of the total number of

extinguishers installed, with a minimum of two shall always be kept
in stock for each type of extinguisher and be readily available.

4.1.5.3.2

Once a week, the extinguisher shall be checked to ensure that all

movable parts are working properly, that the plunger is in fully
extended position, that the nozzle is not obstructed in any way and
that there is no leakage of the extinguishing medium from the glands
and nozzles. The extinguishers shall be cleaned superficially and
the brass parts polished. The nozzle outlet and vent holes in the
threaded portion of the cap shall be checked for clogging.

4.1.5.3.3

Once a month, extinguishers of the Carbon Dioxide type shall be

weighed. If the weight recorded for any extinguisher is less than 90
% of the weight of the fully charged extinguisher as marked on the
body, the extinguisher shall be sent for recharging.

4.1.5.3.4

Half the total number of water type of extinguishers and one-fifth of

the total number of Dry Powder Extinguishers installed in the
premises shall be subjected to an operation test annually.
Advantage shall be taken of this test to impart training in the use of
extinguishers, to the staff employed on the premises where the
extinguishers are located.
N.B. Extinguishers, which have been used in a fire during a period
of six months preceding the tests, need not be taken for testing.

4.1.5.3.5

Extinguishers installed in the premises shall be subjected to a

hydraulic test as specified in IS: 2190 and at such intervals as laid
down therein. Extinguishers found leaking or distorted shall be
rejected. Under no circumstances shall such extinguishers be welded
and reused.
N.B. The hydraulic test shall be certified by the manufacturer(s) of
the appliance(s) or the factory Chief Engineer or the Factory Fire
OR SAFETY OFFICER or the service contractors.

4.2

4.1.5.3.6

A record of the operation and hydraulic tests shall be maintained,

which shall be open to examination by the Committees inspection
staff.

4.1.5.3.7

The operating instructions of the extinguishers shall not be defaced

or obliterated. In case the operating instructions are obliterated or
have become illegible due to passage of time, fresh transfers of the
same shall be obtained from the manufacturers of the appliances and
affixed to the extinguishers.

Small Bore Hose Reels:

(This sort of protection is not deemed suitable for buildings/compartments
containing electrical apparatus only or in respect of buildings/ compartments
in which flammable liquids are stored and/or used)

4.2.1

HOSE REELS SHALL NORMALLY BE CONNECTED TO THE

GENERAL
WATER
SUPPLY
PIPELINES
OF
THE
PLANT/PREMISES.

4.2.2

The number and distribution of hose reels shall be such that the whole of
each floor is protected and that no part of the floor is more than 6 m.
distant from a hose nozzle when the hose is fully extended.

4.2.3

The hose reel shall be such as will enable not less than 22.5 litres of
water to be discharged per minute through a nozzle of not more than
6.35 mm. internal diameter.

4.2.4

Hose shall be of reinforced rubber not less than 19 mm. and not more
than 32 mm. internal diameter.

4.2.5

Hose lengths shall not exceed 36.50 m.

************

5.

MECHANICALLY DRIVEN FIRE ENGINES AND TRAILER PUMPS

5.1Application:
5.1.1

This method of protection will be accepted on its own merits for the
protection of blocks/facilities (other than open storage) in light and
ordinary hazard occupancies. Even in these occupancies buildings, which
have the highest point of the roof not exceeding 20 meters, shall only be
deemed to be protected.

5.1.2

For effective application, mobile engines and/or trailer pumps shall be

sited at convenient locations from where they can be speedily moved to
any portion of the compound in the event of a fire and for this purpose

adequate vehicular arrangements shall be available for towing trailer

pumps.
.25Personnel:
In order to qualify for recognition, a fire fighting squad in accordance with
rules 7.9.1 to 7.9.10 shall be maintained on the premises round the clock.
5.3

Equipment:

5.3.1

Trailer pumps and motor fire engines shall comply with the relevant Indian
Standards Specification or equivalent foreign specification and carry the
requisite number and type of fittings and accessories specified in such
standards. Besides, each trailer pump shall be provided with 12 lengths of
15 m long hosepipes of 63 mm diameter and six branch pipes with nozzles
of 18 mm diameter. For each motor fire engine, eighteen hosepipes each
15 m long and 63 mm diameter and nozzles of 18 mm shall be provided
along with nine branch piupes.

5.3.2

The capacities of individual trailer pumps and motor fire engine shall not
be less than
Trailer Pump

Motor
Engines

5.3.3

30 litres per second at 5.6

kg./sq. cm.

Fire 30 litres per second at 7.0

kg./sq. cm.

The number of appliances required shall not be less than that laid down
hereunder -

a)

Light
Hazard

1trailer pump for every

7,000 m2 of total built up

b)

Occupancie
s

area of protected process

and storage blocks subject
to a maximum of 3

Ordinary
Hazard
Occupancie
s

1trailer pump for every

5,000 Sq. m. of total built
up area of protected process
and storage blocks subject
to a max. 4

N.B. - One motor fire engine could be provided as substitute for two trailer
pumps. Portable fire pump sets (1,100-1,600 l/min.) Can also be accepted
treating such units as equivalent to one trailer pump of 1,800 l/min provided
these sets conform to IS: 12717-1989.
5.3.4

For storeyed structures, in addition to the trailer pumps and/or motor fire
engines, dry risers of size conforming to N.B. 4 under rule 7.5.10 shall be
installed with hydrant outlets at each floor level and double male
instantaneous inlets at ground level to serve as connections for the trailer
pumps in the event of a fire. The hydrants for the upper floors shall be
installed on landings of access staircases complying with rule 7.6.15 and a
hose box containing two lengths of hose of 7.5 m (or 25 ft.) each and one
nozzle shall be provided alongside each of the upper floor hydrants.
The number of risers per building and correspondingly the number of
access staircases shall depend on the floor area of upper storeys and for
this purpose the requirement of rule 7.6.15 shall apply.
N.B. Where it is not possible to fully comply with the provisions of rule
7.6.15, reference shall be made to the Committee.

5.4

Water Supply:

5.4.1

The water supply to be drawn upon by trailer pumps or motor fire engines
shall be available in static tanks of at least 45,000 litres capacity so located
that no part of a protected building lies beyond 100 m. of the tank(s).

N.B. 1. In the case of storeyed buildings, the tank shall not be more than
50 m. from any part of the building.
N.B. 2. Provision shall be made for indicating the capacity of the tanks for
various depths.
5.4.2

One static tank shall be provided for buildings with light hazard occupancy
and two for buildings with ordinary hazard occupancy. (Tank shall be so
located as to give easy access to the fire brigade).
N.B. The same tank(s) shall be considered as the source of water supply
for all detached buildings where no part of the building(s) lies beyond 100
m. of the tank. The above distance shall be reduced to 50 m. in the case of
storeyed buildings.

5.4.3

Double-headed hydrants or water plugs of 100 mm diameter fitted to the

pressurised general water service main of the premises may be considered
as an alternative to static tank provided that:
a)

The water-pressure constantly maintained in the main is not less than

0.7 kg./cm2.

b)

The size of the main is at least 100 mm.

c)

For light hazard occupancy, one double- headed hydrant or one 100 mm
water plug is so located that no part of the building is beyond 100 m
thereof. For ordinary hazard occupancy, two double- headed hydrants
or two 100 mm water plugs are located as above.

N.B. In the case of storeyed buildings, the above distance shall be reduced
to 50 m.
d)

The pumping capacity of the general water supply is not less than the
aggregate pumping capacity of the trailer pumps and/or motor fire
engines.

e)

6.

The storage of general water supply is in excess of 1,00,000 litres.

HYDRANT PROTECTION OF HIGH RISE BUILDINGS (NONINDUSTRIAL)

.16Introduction 6.1.1

A building, the highest floor of which is more than 22 M above the

surrounding pavement level, shall be considered as a high-rise building.

6.1.2

The rules are applicable to all types of buildings with non-industrial

occupancies such as Residential Hotels, Mercantile/ Business/Office
buildings, apartments etc.

6.1.3

In case of Buildings situated in slopping terrain, reference shall be made to

the Committee in advance with full particulars.

.26Hydrant Protection (at ground or yard levels) 6.2.1

The ground level protection with hydrants on terminal mains will be

acceptable, provided the plinth area of the building to be protected is less
than 750 m2. The location of the hydrants at ground level as well as the
layout of the hydrants system shall, otherwise, comply with various
provisions under Section 7 of this manual.

6.2.2
In case of buildings having a plinth area in excess of 750 m 2, the
location of the hydrants at ground level as well as the layout of the hydrant
system shall be governed by the appropriate provisions under Section 7.6

of this manual. The Committee reserves its right of insisting on water

monitors in place of few hydrants if deemed necessary.
6.2.3
Orifice plates of suitable design shall be provided in the landing
valves, where necessary, to limit the operating pressures within 7 kg/cm2.
6.2.4
Except where impracticable, all hydrant outlets shall be situated 1.0
m above ground level.
6.3Hydrant Protection - at various upper/lower (basement) levels
Access staircase
6.3.1.1 Design for a new building shall include provisions for adequate access
staircases and lifts to provide efficient means of escape and facilities for
fire fighting.
6.3.1

6.3.1.2

One lobby approach staircase along with fire lift shall be provided for
every 1,000 m2 of floor area of each storey/level (including basements).
Normally a minimum of two such staircases shall be required but in case
the area of each storey is less than 500 m2, one staircase is acceptable.

6.3.1.3

The lobby approach staircase shall be of non-combustible construction.

At least 50 % of total numbers of staircases required (with a minimum of
one) shall be so located that one of their enclosing walls be an external
wall of the building.

6.3.1.4

Doors at the entrances of both the lobby approach access staircases and
fire lifts shall be provided with self-closing, smoke-tight doors having
one-hour fire resistance. This arrangement will enable escape and fire
fighting to be effected more efficiently.
NOTE: If the staircases and the fire lifts are located in the core of the
building, a positive pressure of 50 Pa or 20 Pa in excess of pressure in the
lobby whichever is higher, shall be maintained within the former as an
alternative to the above provision.

6.3.1.5

6.3.2

The fire lifts shall be controlled by the fire brigade recall from the
concourse level and shall not respond to other calls after the fire brigade
key has been activated. The cable supplying power to the lift motor shall
pass through routes of negligible fire risk.

Wet Risers -

6.3.2.1

Wet riser(s) is/are a pipe or a number of pipes, permanently charged with

water under pressure, rising through the full height of the building.

6.3.2.2
6.3.2.3

The wet risers shall be located within the lobby approach staircases.

The diameter of the riser pipes shall not be less than 150 mm anywhere.
One or two landing valves shall be connected to the riser pipe at each
storey/level. In case of excessive pressures in hydrant outlets at lower
levels, orifice plates of suitable design shall be provided in the landing
valves, where necessary, to limit the operating pressure to 7 kg/cm2.

6.4Hose Pipes and Nozzles

6.4.1

Sufficient length of hose, subject to a minimum of two lengths of 15 M

each with couplings attached, shall be provided for use in case of each
hydrant point on risers. In addition, one nozzle of 20 mm size fitted to a
branch pipe shall also be provided. To avoid water damage, it is advisable
to have reinforced rubber-lined hoses for use with internal hydrants. (IS636)

6.4.2

The number of hose pipes provided near external yard hydrants shall be
such that no part of the floor is more than 15 M from a hose nozzle when
the hose is fully extended and connected to hydrant landing valve.

6.4.3

Hoses, nozzles and branch pipes shall be kept adjacent to the hydrant
outlet, in wall boxes or recesses in the walls specially designed to blend
architecturally with the buildings, if so desired. All other requirements
relating to the appurtenances shall be as per the provisions under Section
7.7 of this Manual.

6.5Pumping Arrangements
6.5.1

Each wet hydrant installation shall be supplied with water by an auto-start

pumping set. A stand-by pump set of identical pumping capacity having a
different prime mover shall also be provided.

6.5.2

Pumps shall have capacities of 38 Litres. per seconds (137 m 3 per hour) or
47 Litres. per second (171 m3 per hour) and the head generated at the rated
discharge shall be such that a minimum pressure of 3.5 Kg/cm2 will be
available at the highest landing valve in the premises.

6.5.3

The suction, delivery and priming arrangements for the pump shall comply
with provision under Section 7.4.1 of this Manual.

6.5.4

Jockey pump(s) shall be installed in addition to the main pump set(s). The
pressure setting for the pump(s) shall be such that it cuts in approximately
at 0.35 Kg/cm2 below the normal system pressure and cut out at normal
system pressure. The main fire pump(s) shall be arranged to cut in
approximately at 1 Kg/cm2 below the normal system pressure and shall be
capable only of manual shut down at churn pressure.

6.5.5

The power supply to the fire pump(s) shall be independent of all other
supplies within the premises. In other words even when the power supply
to the entire premises is switched off, the supply to the fire pump(s) and
other essential equipment shall remain uninterrupted.

6.5.6

Pump room shall be normally located detached in the compound of the

building and shall preferably be 6 m away from the building. Where it is
not feasible the pump room can be located inside the building provided it
is segregated from the remainder of the building in accordance with
Committees regulations and access to the pump room from the out side of
the building shall be either direct or through a passage which has no
openings other than to the pump room.

6.5.7

The pumping installation for the high rise installations shall conform to
anyone of the following methods to avoid undesirably high pressures in
the riser mains -

a)

Two pumps, one having a low head connected to the riser feeding the
lower storeys and the other having a higher head connected to the risers
feeding the upper storeys, shall be installed.

b)

A multistage multi-outlet pump shall be installed, separate outlets being

connected to the riser feeding the lower storeys and those feeding the
upper floors. (See figure 1 and 2)

N.B. - For buildings over 60 M in height, hydrant system may either be

designed as above or may be divided into pressure zones. For each zone
the water supply for the fire protection would be designed to have pressure
within the normal operating ranges and zones of eight to ten storeys would
be adequate with a check valve in each zone to prevent the transmission of
pressure to the zone below (each zone shall have a height of 20 m to 25 m)
In each zone of fire protection piping, there shall be a gravity or pressure
tank supply. This shall be supplemented by a fire pump to provide
required flow in the zone. The fire pump shall not be used to fill gravity or
pressure tank.
This should be filled from domestic water lines. In this arrangement, the
pump in the lowest zone takes suction from suction tank located at ground
floor whereas pumps in other zones take suction from the gravity/pressure
tanks in the respective zone (See. Fig. 3)
N.B.1: - In addition to the above system, a gravity tank of 25,000 litres
capacity shall be provided on the top of the building and it shall be
connected to the pump delivery through a non-return valve.
N.B.2 - The pump controls can be located with the pump in each zone. It
can also be provided at the ground floor depending upon the suitability and
practicability of the particular building in question.
6.6

Water Source -

6.6.16Effective

capacity of fire fighting tank (See rule No. 7.3) shall not be less
than 2 hrs. aggregate pumping capacity for buildings less than 60 m in
height. The tank capacity shall, however, be increased to 3 hrs. pumping
capacity for buildings having height 60 m and above. The tanks shall be
constructed in two independent but interconnected compartments as per
rule 7.3 of this Manual.
The fire tank must be in two compartments with a baffle wall in between
not going right down to the base of the tank. This arrangement will ensure
proper circulation of the firewater and prevent stagnation. (See figure
below).

6.6.26The

storage tank shall be provided with a 150 mm fire brigade pumping

connection to discharge at least 2,275 Litres per minute into the tank. This
connection shall not be taken directly into the side of the storage tank, but
arranged to discharge not less than 150 mm above the overflow level of the
tank. The connection shall be fitted with stop valve in a position approved
by the committee in advance. An overflow connection discharging to a
visible drain point shall be provided from the storage tank.

6.6.3

The fire brigade connection shall be fitted with four numbers of 63 mm

instantaneous inlets in a glass fronted wall box at a suitable position at
street level, so located as to make the inlets accessible from outside of the
building. The size of the wall box shall be adequate to allow hose to be

connected to the inlets, even if the door cannot be opened and the glass has
to be broken. Each box shall have fall of 25 mm towards the front at its
base and shall be glazed with wired glass with "FIRE BRIGADE INLET"
painted on the inner face of the glass in 50 mm size block letters.
6.6.4

6.7

In addition to the emergency fire brigade connection to the storage tank, a

150 mm connection shall be taken from the four 63 mm instantaneous
inlets direct to each hydrant riser so that the fire brigade may pump to the
hydrants in the event of hydrant pumps being out of the commission. The
connection direct to each riser shall be fitted with a sluice and reflux valve
each.

Fire Fighting Staff

6.7.16A

fire fighting squad consisting of security and maintenance personnel

under the command of a trained fire chief, conversant with the fire control
system of the premises, shall be available. Further, the public fire brigade
shall also be acquainted with what is being installed in the premises and
how the protection systems operate. For this purpose, details of the
arrangements for fire fighting systems and the layout plan incorporating
the position of the existing fire protection system shall be forwarded to the
local fire brigade for their information and necessary action.

6.7.26As

the efficiency of the wet riser system depends on the manner and speed
at which they are brought into use, a squad consisting of trained personnel
and fire pimp man shall be maintained on the premises round the clock.
The number of personnel for the squad shall necessarily depend upon the
size of the building but in no case shall be less than four trained persons
(excluding officer in charge on duty and pump man) be available at
anytime during the day or night.

6.7.3

A public address system shall be provided on each floor including the

control room in order to enable security and fire fighting staff to give
evacuation instructions to the occupants in case of fire. Evacuation drills
shall be arranged periodically.

6.7.4

A metal strip of 25 mm x 3 mm section shall be provided in the staircase

enclosure running throughout the height of the building to facilitate
transmission and reception of fire messages through walkie-talkie sets
used by brigade personnel. The strip shall be electrically insulated from
the ground.

6.7.5

A plan of the risk giving floor-wise details of all fire extinguishing

appliances and water supplied shall be displayed in the pump house as well
as in the room of the security/fire officer who is in charge of the
appliances.

*************

7.

HYDRANT SERVICE Installation of Hand Appliances as per the Committees Regulations is a

prerequisite for any occupancy, other than storage occupancy, to be entitled to
allowance for this system.
7.1

GENERAL -

7.1.07The

following Regulations are not applicable to High-Rise Buildings, the

highest floor of which is more than 22 m above the surrounding ground
level or to Cotton Gin and Press Factories, for which reference may be
made to Sections 6 and 8 respectively.

7.1.1
A well designed and well laid hydrant service is the backbone of the
entire fire fighting equipment as it fights fires of serious proportions in all

classes of risks and continues to be in full operation even if part(s) of

affected buildings and/or structures have collapsed, and also keeps cool all
adjoining properties, thereby minimising the exposure hazards.
7.1.27The

advantages of providing for possible future extensions in any scheme

of hydrant protection is often overlooked. A comparatively small extension
with its attendant friction losses may overload a main so seriously as to
necessitate replacement by one of larger size and the small additional
initial cost of mains of somewhat larger capacity than immediate
requirements may call for, often leads to ultimate economy.

7.1.37All

components of the hydrant system shall be of a type and make

approved by the Tariff Advisory Committee.

7.1.47The

standards laid down in this Manual represent the accumulated

experience of many years but even when a hydrant service is designed and
laid in accordance with these standards, its efficiency in fire fighting will
ultimately depend upon the rapidity with which it is brought into action
and the ability with which its effort is directed.

7.1.57The

maintenance of an installation is equally vital and the importance of

organised wet drills at regular intervals, which ensure that each man carries
out his allotted duties in the shortest possible time cannot be too strongly
emphasised. (Please see rule 7.10 in this connection).

7.27 CLASSIFICATIONS

OF OCCUPANCIES -

7.2.07As

the water supply, pumping capacity and other features of the hydrant
system depend not only on the size of the risk but also on its fire growth
and spread potentialities, the risks are to be categorised under the
following classes for the purpose of hydrant system design:
N.B. For categorisation of occupancies not listed hereunder reference shall
be made to the Regional Offices.

7.2.17LIGHT

HAZARD OCCUPANCIES:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.

Abrasive Manufacturing Premises

Aerated Water Factories
Agarbatti Manufacturing
Aluminium/Zinc and Copper Factories
Analytical and/or Quality Control Laboratories
Asbestos Steam Packing & Lagging Manufacturers.
Battery Charging/Service Station
Battery Manufacturing
Breweries
Brick Works
Canning Factories
Cardamom Factories
Cement Factories and/or Asbestos Products Manufacturing.
Ceramic Factories and Crockery and Stoneware Pipe Manufacturing.
Cinema Theatres (including Preview Theatres)
Clay Works
Clock and Watch Manufacturing
Clubs
Coffee Curing & Roasting Premise
Computer installations (Main Frame)
Condensed Milk Factories, Milk Pasteurising Plant and Dairies.
Confectionery Manufacturing
Dwellings
Educational and Research Institutes
Electric Generating Houses (Hydel)
Electric Lamps (Incandescent & Fluorescent) and TV Picture Tube
Manufacturing.
Electric Sub-Station/Distribution Station.
Electro Plating Works.
Electronic and/or Computer Equipments Assemble and Manufactures
Empty Containers Storage Yard
Engineering Workshops.
Fruits and Vegetables Dehydrating/Drying Factories.
Fruit Products and Condiment Factories.
Glass & Glass Fibre Manufacturing.
Godowns and Warehouses Storing non-combustible Goods.
Green houses

37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.

Gold Thread Factories/Gilding Factories.

Gum and/or Glue and Gelatine Manufacturing.
Hospitals including X-ray and other Diagnostic Clinics.
Ice Candy and Ice-cream Manufacturing.
Ice Factories.
Ink (excluding Printing Ink) Factories
Laundries.
Libraries.
Mica Products Manufacturing.
Office Premises.
Places of worship
Pottery Works.
Poultry Farms.
Residential Hotels, Cafes & Restaurants.
Salt Crushing Factories and Refineries.
Stables.
Steel Plants (other than Gas based)
Sugar Candy Manufacturing.
Sugar Factories and Refineries.
Tea Blending and Tea Packing Factories
Umbrella Assembling Factories
Vermicelli Factories.
Water Treatment/Water Filtration Plants and Water Pump House.

7.2.27ORDINARY HAZARD
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

OCCUPANCIES:

Airport and other Transportation Terminal Building.

Areca nut slicing and/or Betel nut Factories.
Atta and Cereal Grinding.
Bakeries.
Beedi Factories.
Biscuit Factories.
Bobbin Factories.
Bookbinders, Envelopes & Paper bag Manufacturers.

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.

Bulk Storage
Cable manufacturing
Camphor Boiling
Candle Works.
Carbon Paper/Typewriter Ribbon Manufacturers.
Cardboard Box Manufacturing.
Carpenters, Wood wool & Furniture Manufacturers.
Carpet and Drugget Factories.
Cashew nut Factories.
Chemical Manufacturing.
Cigar and Cigarette Factories.
Coffee grinding premises
Coir, Factories,
Coir Carpets, Rugs and Tobacco, Hides and Skin Presses
Cold storage premises.
Cork products manufacturing
Dry Cleaning, Dyeing, Laundries.
Electric Generating stations (other than Hydel)
Enamelware Factories.
Filter & Wax paper Manufacturing.
Flour Mills.
Garages.
Garment Makers
Ghee Factories (other than vegetable)
Godowns & Warehouses (others).
Grain and/or Seeds Disintegrating and/or Crushing Factories.
Grease Manufacturing.
Hat and Topee Factories.
Hosiery, Lace, Embroidery & Thread Factories.
Incandescent Gas Mantle Manufacturers,
Industrial Gas Mfg. Including halogenated hydrocarbon gases
Linoleum Factories.
Man-made Yarn/Fibre Manufacturing (Except Acrylic)
Manure and Fertiliser Works. (Blending, Mixing and granulating only)
Mercantile Occupancies (Dept. Stores, Shopping Complexes / Malls)
Mineral Oil Blending and Processing.
Museums.

46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.

Oil & Leather Cloth Factories.

Oil Terminals/Depots other than those categorised under High hazard A
Oxygen Plants.
Plywood Manufacturing/Wood Veneering Factories.
Paper & Cardboard Mills.
Piers, wharves, dockyards.
Plastic Goods Manufacturing.
Printing Press Premises.
Pulverising and Crushing Mills.
Rice Mills.
Rope Works.
Rubber Goods Manufacturing.
Rubber Tyres & Tubes Manufacturing
Shellac Factories.
Shopping Complexes (underground)
Silk Filatures and cocoon stores.
Spray painting
Soaps and Glycerine Factories.
Starch Factories
Steel Plants (Gas Based)
Tanneries/Leather Goods Manufacturers.
Tank farms other than those categorised under high
hazard
'A'.
Textile Mills.
Tea Factories.
Telephone Exchanges.
Theatres and Auditoriums
Tobacco (Chewing) and Pan-masalla Making.
Tobacco Grinding and Crushing.
Tobacco Redrying Factories.
Woollen Mills.

7.2.37HIGH

HAZARD OCCUPANCIES:

SUB-CATEGORY (A)
1.

Aircraft Hangers

2.
3.

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.

Aluminium/Magnesium Powder Plants

Bituminised Paper and/or Hessian Cloth Manufacturing including Tar
Felt Manufacturing.
Cotton Waste Factories
Coal and/or Coke and/or Charcoal Ball Briquettes Manufacturing.
Celluloid Goods Manufacturing.
Cigarette Filter Manufacturing.
Cinema Films & T.V. Production Studios
Collieries.
Cotton Seed Cleaning or De-linting Factories.
Distilleries.
Duplicating and Stencil Paper Manufacturing.
Fire-works Manufacturing.
Foamed Plastics Manufacturing and/or Converting Plants.
Grass, Hay, Fodder & Bhoosa (chaff)
Pressing Factories.
Jute mills & jute presses
LPG Bottling Plants (Mini)*
*

19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.

Bottling plants having total inventory not exceeding 100 MT of

LPG and also bottling a total quantity of not exceeding 20 MT of
LPG per shift of 8 hrs.

Match Factories.
Man Made Fibres (Acrylic fibres/yarn making)
Mattress and Pillow Making.
Metal or Tin Printers (where more than 50 % of floor area is occupied
as Engineering Workshop; this may be taken as Ordinary Hazard Risk)
Oil Mills
Oil Extraction Plants (other than those forming part of ghee factories &
oil refining factories.)
Oil Terminals/Depots handling flammable liquids having flash point of
32o C and below.
Paints & Varnish Factories.
Printing Ink Manufacturing.
Saw Mills.
Sponge Iron Plants.

30.
31.
32.
33.
34.

Surgical Cotton Manufacturers

Tank Farms storing flammable liquids having flash point of 32 o C and
below.
Tarpaulin & Canvas Proofing Factories.
Turpentine & Rosin Distilleries.
Tyre Retreading and Resoling Factories.

SUB-CATEGORY (B)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.3

Ammonia and Urea Synthesis Plants.

CNG Compressing and Bottling Plants
Explosive Factories.
LPG Bottling Plants (Other than Mini)
Petrochemical Plants.
Petroleum Refineries.

WATER SUPPLY -

7.3.1
Water for the hydrant services shall be stored in an easily accessible
surface/underground lined reservoir or above ground tanks of steel
concrete or masonry. The effective capacity of the reservoir above the low
water level (defined hereunder), or above the top of the pump casing (in
case of flooded suction) if the same is higher than the low water level, for
the various classes of occupancies and size of hydrant installations shall be
as indicated in the table 1.
NOTES
1. The low water level is a point atleast three times the diameter of the
suction pipe above the draw-off point. (See figs.4, 5 and 6)
2. Large natural reservoirs with water capacity exceeding 10 times the
aggregate water requirements of all Fire Pumps therefrorm may be left
un-lined.
7.3.27Reservoirs

of and over 2,25,000 litres capacity shall be in two

interconnected equal compartments to facilitates cleaning and repairs.

7.3.37The

size of the firewater sump shall be such that the smaller side is at least
equivalent to six times the diameter of the largest suction pipe. The
suction pipe (s) shall be located along the central longitudinal axis of the
sump and the positioning of the pipes shall be such that no pipe is within a
distance of twice its own diameter from another suction pipe or from the
wall of the sump.

7.3.4

Where the Fire pump(s) draw water from the reservoir under suction lift
conditions the two compartments shall be connected to a common sump
through sluice or gate valves. The suction arrangement of the Fire pump
(s) shall be as indicated in rule 7.4.1.8, 7.4.1.9, 7.4.1.10 and 7.4.1.12
hereunder.

7.3.5

In case of dual purpose reservoirs catering to fire water and general water
requirements the general water pumps shall draw their supply from a
separate sump which shall be connected only to the fire water sump, the
interconnection being so located that the effective quantity (as defined
above) of water available in the reservoir for fire water requirements
below the level of the interconnection is atleast equivalent to the quantities
indicated in Table 1. Incoming mains shall be connected to Fire water
Compartments and only overflow of fire water compartments should go to
process.

7.3.6

Where the reservoir provides positive suction for the fire pump(s) in terms
of the note under rules 7.4.1.11, tapping shall be taken from both the
compartments and shall be connected through sluice valves to a common
suction header. The pumps, in turn, shall draw their suction from the
common header through sluice valves. In case of dual purpose reservoirs
catering to fire water and general water requirements, the tapping for the
general water pumps shall be taken at a higher level such that the capacity
of the reservoir between the low water level as defined heretofore (or the
top of the fire pump casing in case it is higher than the low water level)
and the general water tapping is at least equivalent to the requirements
indicated in Table 1.
TABLE - 1

NATURE OF
RISK

1.

Light
Hazard

CAPACITY OF STATIC
STORAGE EXCLUSIVELY
RESERVED FOR
HYDRANT SERVICE.
Not less than 01 hours
aggregate pumping capacity
with a minimum of 1,35,000
litres.

2.

Ordinary
Hazard

Not less than 2 hours

aggregate pumping capacity.

3.

High
Hazard (A)

Not less than

aggregate
pumping capacity

4.

High
Hazard (B)

Not less than 4 hour's

aggregate pumping capacity

hours

NOTES
1.

The capacity of the reservoir for ordinary and high hazard class occupancies
may be reduced by the quantum of inflow [of one hour in case of ordinary
hazard, 90 minutes in case of high hazard (A) and two hours in case of high
hazard (B) occupancies), from a reliable sources (other than town's main)
having prior approval of the committee, but in no case shall the reservoir
capacity be less than 70 % of that mentioned above.

2.

In case of light hazard class occupancies the minimum capacity of the

reservoir shall be increased to 2,25,000 litres if the highest floor of the
building is more than 15 m above the surrounding ground level.

3.

A higher capacity of reservoir than that required as per Table 1 may be

stipulated by the Committee where considered necessary.

7.47 PUMPS:
7.4.1

GENERAL

7.4.1.1

Pumps shall be exclusively used for fire fighting purposes, be of a type

approved by the Committee, and shall be a) Quadruple acting reciprocating steam pumps Or
b) Electric Motor or Steam Turbine driven centrifugal pumps Or
c) Compression Ignition Engine driven centrifugal pumps Or

d) Vertical Turbine Submersible pumps.

7.4.1.2

Pumps shall be direct-coupled, except in the case of engine-driven

Vertical Turbine Pumps wherein gear drives conforming to approval
standard of Factory Mutual system or right angled gear drive class no.
1338 hall be used.
Belt-driven pumps shall not be accepted.

7.4.1.3

Parts of pumps like impeller, shaft sleeve, wearing ring etc. shall be of
non-corrosive metal preferably of brass or bronze or stainless steel.
Where seawater is used or where the quality of water necessitates the use
of special metals/alloys, the use of such metals or alloys shall be insisted.

7.4.1.4

The capacity of the pump(s) would depend on whether or not tapping(s)

for
water
spray
and/or
foam
protection
for
tanks/spheres/bullets/plants/other facilities is (are) taken from the
hydrant service. In case there is no tapping from the hydrant service, the
capacity of the pump shall be as per rule 7.4.1.4.1 hereunder. However,
where the water demand for water spray and/or foam protection as per
rules 7.4.1.4.2, 7.4.1.4.3, 7.4.1.4.4, 7.4.1.4.5 and 7.4.1.4.6 is in excess of
that required for the hydrant system, the pumping capacity shall be based
on the higher water demand.

7.4.1.4.1

The capacity for hydrant service shall be determined by the class of

occupancy and size of installation as per Table 2 hereunder:
TABLE - 2
DELIVERY
PRESSURE
AT PUMP

NUMBER OF
HYDRANTS

PUMP
CAPACITY
LPS/(M3/HR)

NATU
RE OF
RISK

1.

Lig
ht
Haz
ard

i)

Not
exceeding 20

27 (96)

5.6*

ii)

Exceeding
20 but not
exceeding 55

38 (137)

iii)

Exceeding
55 but not
exceeding 100

47 (171)

iv)

Exceeding 47 (171)
100 **
plus 47
(171) for
every
additional
125
hydrants
or
part
thereof.

7/8.8

NOTES
*1.

The pump delivery pressure will need to be 7 kg/cm 2 if the highest floor of
the risk is at a height exceeding 15 m above the surrounding ground level.

**2.

Where the systems are hydraulically designed as per NB 2 & NB 3 below

rule 7.5.10. The total pumping capacity need not be greater than 190 (683)
irrespective of the number of hydrant points.

Ordin
ary
Hazar
d

DELIVERY
PRESSURE
AT PUMP

2.

PUMP
CAPACITY
LPS/(M3/HR)

NATUR NUMBER OF
E OF
HYDRANTS
RISK
i)

Not
exceeding
20

38 (137)

ii)

Exceedi
ng 20 but
not
exceeding
55

47 (171)

iii)

Exceedi
ng 55 but
not
exceeding
100

76 (273)

iv)

Exceedi
ng 100 **

76 (273)
plus 76
(273) for
every
additional
125
hydrants
or
part
thereof.

7/8.8

**N.B: Where the systems are hydraulically designed as per NB 2 & NB 3 of

rule 7.5.10, the total pumping capacity need not be greater than 302 (1092)
irrespective of the number of hydrant points.

High
Hazard
(A)

DELIVERY
PRESSURE
AT PUMP

3.

NUMBER
OF
HYDRANTS

PUMP
CAPACITY
LPS/(M3/HR)

NATURE
OF RISK

i)

Not
exceeding
20

47 (171)

ii)

Exceed
ing 20 but
not
exceeding
55

76 (273)

7/8.8

iii)

Exceed 114 (410)

ing 55 but
not
exceeding
100

7/8.8

iv)

Exceed 114 (410)

ing 100
plus 114
(410) for
every
additional
125
hydrants
or
part
thereof.

7/8.8/10.
5

4.

High
Hazard
(B)

i)

Not
exceeding
20

Two of
47 (171)

ii)

Exceed
ing 20 but
not
exceeding
55

TWO of
76 (273)

7/8.8

iii)

Exceed TWO of
ing 55 but 114 (410)
not
exceeding
100

7/8.8

iv)

**Exce TWO of
eding 100 114 (410)
plus
ONE of
114 (410)
for every
additional
200
hydrants
or
part
thereof.

** This provision will apply only in cases where the hydrant service has been
hydraulically designed as per NB3 (b) under rule 7.5.10.
NOTES -

1.

In case of High Hazard (B) risks where the aggregate pumping capacity
required in terms of the above Table or of rules 7.4.1.4.2, 7.4.1.4.4, 7.4.1.4.5
and 7.4.1.4.6 hereunder exceeds 1,640 m3/hr., larger capacity pumps are
acceptable provided the capacity of the largest pump does not exceed 25 % of
the aggregate installed pumping capacity is disrupted when any pump is inoperative.

2.

In case of High Hazard occupancies, the pump delivery pressure shall be 7

Kg/cm2 if the highest floor of the risk is at a height exceeding 15 m above the
surrounding ground level.

3.

In case of Oil Refineries, Petrochemical complexes or other risks where

double headed hydrants are used throughout the risk so that the total number
of hydrants (counting a double headed hydrant as two hydrants) is about
double the number of hydrants required as per the general requirements of
this Manual, a double headed hydrant may be regarded as a single hydrant
only.

7.4.1.4.2

Where storage tanks containing flammable liquids are protected by a

medium velocity water spray system tapped from the hydrant service, the
water requirements of the spray system shall be calculated for tanks
located in a common dyke which have the largest aggregate shell surface
area at a rate of 10 litres /minute/m 2 of tank shell surface area except
where the system has been designed to comply with the provisions
contained in N.B 4 under rule 7.6.19 (mandatory protection) in which case
the rate of flow can be reduced to 3 lpm/m2).
Even in the case of tanks located in separate dykes, the shell surface area
of all tanks located within a distance of 15 m (or the diameter of the larger
tank if the same is more than 15m) shall be aggregated and the water
demand of such cluster of tanks shall be calculated at the rate of flow
indicated in the foregoing paragraph.
The water requirement of the spray system worked out as above shall then
be loaded for supplementary hose stream protection as under

Where the largest tank in, in a

dyke, has a diameter i)

Upto 10 m

ii)

More than 10 m and 2,250 LPM

upto 20 m

iii)

Over 20 m

1,150 LPM

3,400 LPM

If the total water requirement for spray protection and hose stream
protection for storage tanks worked out as above exceeds the requirements
of the hydrant service as per Table 2, the pumping capacity shall be
equivalent to the former.
7.4.1.4.3

Where storage tanks are protected by a fixed foam system connected to

the hydrant service, water requirement for the foam system shall be
equivalent to that required by the largest protected tank at a rate of 5
litres/minute/m2 of liquid surface area for fixed roof tanks and 12.2
lpm/m2 of rim seal in case of floating roof tanks.
Other conditions regarding supplementary hose stream protection,
pumping capacity etc., would remain the same as for water spray
protection.

7.4.1.4.4

Where spheres/bullets are protected by a medium velocity water spray

system tapped from pressurised hydrant service, water requirements of the
spray system shall be determined as under Taking into consideration the configuration of bullets/sphere, the one
which has the largest number of other bullets/spheres within R +15 M of
the centre thereof shall be selected. The water demand shall then be
worked out at the rate of 10 L/min/M 2 of the aggregate shell surface area
of the bullet/spheres concerned and all bullets/spheres within R + 15 M of
the centre thereof.

Water application may be reduced to 5 LPM/M 2 where the bullets/Spheres

coated with approved passive materials providing fire resistance of at least
2 hours.
The water requirement of the spray system worked out as above shall then
be loaded for supplementary hose stream protection as under Water capacity of
Bullets/
Spheres (m3)
Upto
including 50 m3

Supplementary
hose stream
protection (LPM)

and

1,750

Above 50 m3 and
upto 150 m3

2,250

Above 150 m3

4,500

If the total water requirement for spray protection and hose steam protection
for spheres/bullets worked out as above exceeds the requirements of the
hydrant service as per Table 2, the pumping capacity shall be equivalent to
the former.
Note: For design criteria of medium velocity water spray system reference
shall be made to committee's rules for water spray system.
7.4.1.4.5

Where the plants and other facilities are protected by medium velocity
water spray systems, tapped from hydrant service, water requirement of
the spray system shall be determined as per Committee's rules for water
spray systems. Water requirements of the spray systems worked out as
above shall then be loaded by 4,500 LPM for supplementary hose
stream protection.

If the total water requirement for spray protection and hose stream
protection worked out as above exceeds the requirements of the hydrant
service as per Table 2, the pumping capacity shall be equivalent to the
former.
7.4.1.4.6

Where transformers are protected by high velocity water spray system

tapped from hydrant system, water requirements of the spray system
shall be determined as per Committee's rules for water spray system.
Water requirement of the spray system worked out as above shall then
be loaded by 1,750 LPM for supplementary hose stream protection.
If the total water requirement for spray protection and hose stream
protection worked out as above exceeds the requirements of the hydrant
service as per Table 2, the pumping capacity shall be equivalent to the
former.

7.4.1.4.7

Where plants and other facilities are protected by sprinkler system

tapped from the pressurised hydrant service, water requirement of the
sprinkler system shall be determined as per the Committees rules for
sprinkler system.
If the total water requirement for sprinkler system exceeds the
requirement of the hydrant service as per Table 2, the pumping capacity
shall be equivalent to the former.

7.4.1.5

Pumps shall be capable of furnishing not less than 150 % of rated

capacity at a head of not less than 65 % of the rated head. The shut-off
head shall not exceed 120 % of rated head in the case of horizontal
pumps and 140 % in the case of vertical turbine type pumps.

7.4.1.6

Each pump shall be provided with a plate giving, in the case of

centrifugal pumps, the delivery head, capacity and the number of
revolutions per minute and in the case of reciprocating pumps, the
diameter of the steam cylinders and water plungers and the length of
stroke as also the ratios of the effective aggregate areas of the suction
and the delivery valves to the area of the water plungers.

7.4.1.7

In case of electrically driven pumps it is recommended that compression

ignition engine driven stationary pump of similar capacity be installed
as a standby and vice versa. However, where the hydrant service
consists of more than one pump, not more than half the total number
(total number + 1 in case of odd number) of pumps shall have prime
movers of one type.
(The above provision is not applicable to systems commissioned before
1982).
Notwithstanding the above, if power to motorised fire pumps is obtained
from two sources, one of which is a captive generating plant located in a
block either 6 m away from all surrounding buildings, where this is not
feasible, segregated from adjoining building in a manner indicated in
rule 7.4.3.1 more than half the total number of pumps may be of the
electrically driven type.

7.4.1.8

Each fire service pump shall be provided with an independent suction

pipe without any sluice or cut-off valves therein, unless the pump is
situated below the level of the water supply in which case sluice or cutoff valves would be essential.
Where the water supply has fibrous or equally objectionable matter in
suspension or mud and/or sand liable to cause accumulation in the
installation, suction pipe(s) shall be installed in a jack well fed through a
culvert from the main water supply. At the supply end of the culvert, a
sluice or gate valve shall be provided.
NOTE - The suction pipe shall be connected to the pump inlet through
an eccentric reducer to avoid air pockets.

7.4.1.9

The diameter of the suction pipe shall be such that the rate of flow of
water through it does not exceed 90 m. per minute when the pump is
delivering at its rated discharge. If, however, the pump is situated below
the level of its water supply, the diameter of the suction pipe/header
shall be based upon a rate of flow not exceeding 120 m. per minute.

7.4.1.10

Where the pump is to operate under suction lift conditions, the Net
Positive Suction Head (NPSH) available at site shall be 0.50 m in excess
of the actual value required at 150 % of the duty point as per the
manufacturers curve of the pump.
NOTE For the purpose of the above, NPSH available at site shall be
computed by deducting the sum of the static lift (measured from the
low water level, defined in rule 7.3, upto the centre line of the pump)
and friction loss in the suction pipe and fittings from atmospheric
pressure.

7.4.1.11

Fire Pumps in High Hazard (B) category occupancies shall be provided

with positive suction and automatic starting devices capable of
sequential starting of the pumps. The pumps shall be connected to
audible alarm such as hooter or a siren located in a prominent place
outside the pump house. Where there is a central fire station in the
premises, additional alarm point shall also be provided in the fire
station.
The pumping arrangement shall also incorporate Jockey Pumps to take
care of system losses. The capacity of the Jockey Pumps shall neither
be more than 5 % of the installed pumping capacity nor less than 3 %
thereof (with a minimum of 10.8 m3/hr.) unless the aggregate installed
pumping capacity is in excess of 820 m3/hr, in which case the capacity
of the Jockey Pump (s) shall be not less than 25 m 3/hr plus 1 % of the
installed pumping capacity in excess of 820 m 3/hr. Installation of Jockey
Pumps also helps to prevent hydraulic surges.

7.4.1.12

In the case of Light, Ordinary and High Hazard (A) category

occupancies, when the pump is above the level of its water supply, there
shall be a foot valve and a `priming' arrangement, the latter consisting of
a tank (having a capacity at least three times that of the suction pipe
from the pump to the foot valve subject to a minimum of 1000 litres)
connected to the delivery side of the pump by a metal pipe having a
minimum internal diameter of 100 mm with a stop valve and a non
return valve therein of the same size.

A reliable independent filling arrangement and a level indicator shall be

provided for the priming tank and, wherever feasible, a continuous
overflow arrangement shall be provided in order to ensure that the tank
is always full. It is recommended that for pumps taking suction from a
stored water supply, a vortex plate shall be installed at entrance to the
suction pipe.
Wherever circumstances permit, the pumps shall preferably be fixed
below the level of the water supply (positive suction). If the pumps are
automatic in action, they shall necessarily be so fixed. However, if the
priming arrangements are such as to ensure that the suction pipe shall be
automatically maintained full of water notwithstanding a serious leakage
therefrom (the pump being automatically brought into action to
replenish the priming tank should the latter be drawn upon at a greater
rate than the rate at which it is fed from any other source), positive
suction may not be insisted. In such cases, the capacity of the priming
tank need not exceed 450 litres and the diameter of the priming pipe
need not exceed 50 mm. Jockey Pump(s) of capacity indicated in rule
7.4.1.11 shall, nevertheless, be provided in systems where the main
pumps are automatic in action.
Where pump(s) are automatic in action they shall be connected to
audible alarm such as hooter or siren located in a prominent place
outside the pump house. Where there is a central fire station in the
premises, additional alarm point shall also be provided in the fire
station.
NOTE - For the purpose of rules 7.4.1.8, 7.4.1.9, 7.4.1.11 and 7.4.1.12 a
pump shall be considered as having positive suction only if the quantity
of water in the reservoir above the low water level (see N.B. under rule
7.3) or the top of the pump casing, whichever is higher is equivalent to
the requirements of Table 1.
7.4.1.13

Each pump shall be provided with a non-return valve and a sluice valve
on the delivery side, the sluice valve being installed on the upstream
side of the non-return valve. A pressure gauge shall also be provided
between the pump and the non-return valve. The size of the non-return

valve and cut off (sluice) valve shall not be less than the size of the
initial delivery pipe and, in no case, less than the delivery outlet of the
pump. Further, as Butterfly Valves can create turbulence adversely
affecting the pump performance no Butterfly valve shall be installed
on the suction side.
7.4.1.14

When the premises are also protected by sprinkler installation having

elevated tank(s) as one of the main sources of water supply, and where
the arrangement for filling the tank(s) is taken from the hydrant service,
the connection shall be taken directly from the pump to the top of the
tank (through a stop valve) and not through the hydrant mains. (See fig.
below)

7.4.1.15

Pumps shall not be installed in open. The pump rooms shall normally
have brick/concrete walls and non-combustible roof, with adequate
lighting, ventilation and drainage arrangements.
The pump room shall be so located as to be both easily accessible and
where any falling masonry and the like from other buildings occasioned
by fire or other cause, cannot damage the pump room. Normally, pump
rooms shall be located 6 m away from all surrounding buildings and
overhead structures. Where this is not feasible the sides of the pump
room falling within 6 m of the surrounding buildings shall be blank
masonry walls of 355 mm thickness and the roof of the pump room shall
be of RCC. Likewise, when the pump room is attached to a building a

perfect party wall complying with the committee's regulations shall be

constructed between the pump room and the attached building, the roof
of the pump room shall be of RCC construction at least 100 mm thick
and access to the pump room shall be from the outside. In no case shall
the pump from be sited within a building occupied for any other
purpose.
N.B. for High Hazard (B) occupancies, in addition to the above
provisions, the pump room shall be located 30 m clear of all equipment
where flammable fluids having flash point below 65 o C are handled
and/or stored and 15 m clear of pipes/pipe racks (of other than water.).
This provision shall, however, not apply to systems commissioned
before 1982.
7.4.2

STEAM DRIVEN PUMPS -

7.4.2.1

The capacity of steam driven pumps shall be based on the economical

speed recommended by the makers, and the pumps shall be provided
with a suitable air vessel, steam and water pressure gauges. The
working parts of the water ends shall be of non-corrosive metal.

7.4.2.2

Pumps shall not be used for boiler feeding or any other purpose, except
for filling the elevated sprinkler tank(s).

7.4.2.3

There shall be at least two boilers connected to the pump, out of whom
one shall be under pressure at all times.

7.4.2.4

Steam at a pressure of 4.2 kg/cm2 or more if specified by the makers

shall be available at the pump at all times.

7.4.2.5

The ratio of the area of the steam cylinders to water cylinders shall not
be less than 2.5 to 1.

7.4.2.6

A relief valve of adequate size shall be fitted on the delivery side of the
pump and set at a pressure of not more than 1 kg/cm2 above the
delivery pressure of the pump, and if of weight and lever type, the
weight, when set, shall be secured and locked in that position.

7.4.2.7

The diameter of the suction pipe shall in no case be less than that of the
pump plungers.

7.4.2.8

The steam pipe to the pump shall not traverse ground not under the
control of the owner of the installation, nor a public roadway.

7.4.3

ELECTRICALLY DRIVEN PUMPS -

7.4.3.1

The sub-station(s) and/or D.G. house(s)-supplying power to the fire

pump(s) shall be of incombustible construction and shall be located at
least 6 m away from all surrounding buildings. Where this is not
feasible, all door and window openings of the surrounding buildings
within 6 m of the sub-station(s) and/or D.G. house(s) shall be protected
by single fireproof doors and 6 mm thick wired glasses in steel
framework respectively.
Like-wise, roof eaves, if any, of the
surrounding buildings falling within 6 m of the sub-station(s) and/or
D.G. house(s) shall be cut and wall raised as a parapet. The above
provisions shall also apply when the sub-station(s) and D.G. house(s)
are within 6 m of each other.
Where the sub-station(s) and/or D.G. house(s) are attached to buildings,
perfect party walls complying with the Committee's regulations shall be
constructed to segregate the sub-station(s) and/or D.G. house(s) from
the attached buildings and where the attached building is storeyed, the
roof of the sub-station(s) and/or D.G. house(s) shall be of R.C.C.
construction of at least 100 mm thickness.
Transformer cubicles inside these sub-stations shall be separated from
H.T. and L.T. cubicles and from each other by blank walls of
bricks/stone/concrete blocks of 355 mm thickness or of R.C.C of 200
mm with door openings, if any therein, protected by single fireproof
doors complying with the Committee's regulations. The sub-station(s)
and D.G. house(s) shall also be separated from each other as above.

Transformers installed outdoors, which are supplying power to fire

Pump(s), shall also be located atleast 6 m away from all surrounding
buildings (including sub-station(s) and/or D.G. house(s). Where this is
not feasible all door and window openings of the building(s) [including
sub-station(s) and/or D.G. house(s).] within 6 m of the transformer shall
be protected by single fireproof doors and 6mm thick wired glasses in
steel framework respectively. Likewise, roof eaves of the building(s)
falling within 6 m of the transformer shall be cut and wall raised as a
parapet. Baffle walls of bricks/stone/concrete blocks of 355 mm
thickness or of R.C.C. of 200 mm thickness shall be constructed
between two transformers and these walls shall be extended horizontally
600 mm beyond the extremities of the transformers and vertically 600
mm above the highest point of the transformers.
NOTES
1.

Where oil capacity of the individual transformer is larger than 5,000

litres separating walls must be provided in between the transformers
and a clear distance as per the following table shall be maintained
between the transformers and the substation
OIL CAPACITY OF
INDIVIDUAL
TRANSFORMER

CLEAR
SEPARATING
DISTANCE
(m)

5,000 to 10,000 litres

8.0

2.

7.4.3.2

Above 10,000 upto

20,000 litres

10.0

Above 20,000 upto

30,000 litres

12.5

Over 30,000 litres

15

For High Hazard (B) occupancies, substation(s) supplying power to

the fire pump(s) shall, in addition to complying with the above
provisions, be located 30 m clear of all equipment where flammable
fluids having flash point below 65o C are handled and/or stored.

Electric supply feeder (s) to sub-station(s) supplying power to fire pump

shall as far as possible, consist of armoured cables buried underground
which shall not pass under any building or permanent structures.
If the feeders are laid inside an underground cable duct/ gallery, they
shall be placed in a corner of the duct/gallery and shall be isolated from
other cables in the duct/gallery by means of fire bricks/sand
packing/other suitable passive protection of at least an hour fire
rating.
Under extenuating circumstances, where it is not feasible to lay the
feeders underground, the Committee may permit overhead feeders
provided they do not fall within a horizontal distance of A)

15 m of any process buildings/plant or

tanks containing flammable liquids.
Or

B) ) 6 m of any other building or tanks

containing non-flammable liquids or
of storage in open.

7.4.3.3

NOTE: in case of high hazard (B) occupancies, all substations (except

main receiving station in the route of the electrical supply to the fire
pump (s) which receive power by overhead feeders shall be provided
with two sets of feeders which, apart from conforming with the above
distance provisions, shall be run along two different routes in such a
way that failure of more than one route due to a single mishap would be
only a remote possibility.
A direct feeder without any tappings shall be laid from the sub-station to
the pump house. The feeder shall consist of an armoured cable buried
underground and shall not pass under any building or permanent
structure.
The cable run inside the substation from the breaker upto its point of
burial or entry into cable duct/gallery shall be provided with suitable
passive protection of at least an hour fire rating.
If the feeder is laid inside an underground cable duct/gallery, it shall be
placed in a corner of the duct/gallery and shall be isolated from other
cables in the duct/gallery by means of fire bricks/sand packing/other
suitable passive protection of at least an hour fire rating.
Under extenuating circumstances, where it is not feasible to lay the
feeders underground, the committee may permit overhead feeders
provided they do not fall within a horizontal distance of
A)

15 m of any process buildings/plant or

tanks containing flammable liquids.
Or

B)

6 m of any other building or tanks

containing non-flammable liquids or
of storage in open.

NOTE - In case of High Hazard `B' occupancies if the feeder to the fire
pump (s) is not buried underground, two sets of feeder shall be provided
which shall

A)

conform to
provisions

the

above

distance

B)

be run along two different routes in

such a way that failure of more than
one route due to a single mishap
would be only a remote possibility.

7.4.3.4

Sufficient spare power shall always be available to drive pumping set(s)

at all times throughout the year.

7.4.3.5

The electric supply to the pumping set(s) shall be entirely independent

of all other equipment in the premises i.e. even when the power
throughout the entire premises is switched off, the supply to the pump
shall continue to be available un-interrupted. This can be achieved by
taking the connection for the pump(s) from the incoming side of the
main L.T breaker. However, in cases where two or more transformers
and/or sources of supply are connected to a common bus bar the
connection may be taken through the bus bars. (See figures below)

7.4.3.6

The fire pump circuit shall be protected at the origin by an automatic

circuit breaker so set as to permit the motor to be overloaded during an
emergency to the maximum limit permissible by the manufacturers.
Further, the under voltage release/`no volt coil of the circuit breaker
shall be removed.

N.B - Where cable lengths are long enough to warrant back-up

protection, the Committee may insist on provision of such a protection.
7.4.3.7

It is recommended that telltale lamps, which would continuously glow

when power is available to the fire pump(s) circuit, be provided and
fixed in a prominent position, both in the substation and in the pump
room.

7.4.3.8

Where there is more than one source of power for the operation of
pumping set(s) every electrical circuit shall preferably be so designed as
to ensure that when necessary, the set(s) will continue to operate without
the manual operation of an emergency switch.

7.4.3.9

The pumping set(s) shall be securely mounted on a robust bedplate, if of

the horizontal type, and shall be free from vibration at all variations of
load.

7.4.3.10

The rating and design of motors and switchgears shall conform to the
relevant Indian Standards Specification. The motor shall be of
continuous rating type and its rating shall be at least equivalent to the
horsepower required to drive the pump at 150 % of its rated discharge.
(See rule 7.4.1.5)

7.4.3.11

The motor shall be of totally enclosed type or drip proof type, the latter
having their air inlets and outlets protected with meshed wire panels to
exclude rodents, reptiles and insects.

7.4.3.12

The motors shall be wound for Class B insulation preferably for Class E
and the windings shall be vacuum impregnated with heat and moisture
resisting varnish and preferably glass fibre insulated to withstand
tropical conditions.

7.4.3.13

Motors wound for high tension supplies shall have a suitable fixed
warming resistance to maintain the motor windings in a dry condition at
all times and particularly under monsoon conditions. The resistance
shall be connected to the lighting or other equivalent circuit.

7.4.3.14

Heating apparatus shall also be provided, when necessary, for medium

tension motors where they are located below ground level, in order to
maintain the motor windings in a dry condition. Adequate drainage
arrangements shall also be provided in the pump house in such cases.

7.4.3.15

The incoming cable to the fire pump room shall terminate in an isolating
switch fuse unit incorporating HRC fuses and where necessary provided
with a distribution system.

7.4.3.16

The starting switchgear for the fire pumps shall be suitable for direct on
line starting but other alternative arrangements are subject to prior
approval. It shall also incorporate an ammeter with a clear indication of
the motor full load current.
N.B. Remote controlled starting arrangements are subject to prior
approval of the Committee.

7.4.3.17

Cables for motors and switchgear shall be armoured or be enclosed in

heavy gauge screwed steel conduit according to conditions.

7.4.3.18

It is recommended that equipment throughout be painted fire red (Shade

No. 536 as per IS: 5) and suitably marked for identification.

7.4.3.19

Necessary spare parts including a set of fuses (in a glass-fronted box)

shall be kept in readiness at all times in the pump house.

7.4.3.20

The wiring in all installations shall be done in accordance with the rules
for Electrical Installations 1998 issued by the Tariff Advisory
Committee.

7.4.4

PETROL OR MOTOR SPIRIT ENGINE DRIVEN PUMPS:

(ACCEPTED ONLY WHERE INSTALLED PRIOR TO 1976):

7.4.4.1

The pump room shall be artificially heated, if necessary, so as to prevent

its temperature from falling below 4.5 C at any time.
NOTES -

1.

Low-pressure hot water, steam or hot air apparatus or electric

radiators only shall be used. If electric radiators are used, the Tariff
Advisory Committee shall approve the same.

2.

Vapour-proof incandescent electric lighting shall be used for the

pump house. Naked lights are not permitted.

3.

Switches in connection with electric lighting or heating shall be

located outside the pump room, but if this is not practicable, they
shall be of flame-proof type conforming to the relevant Indian
Standards Specification (IS : 5571)

7.4.4.2

The engine shall be fitted with dual ignition (magneto and accumulator
with coil with separate sparking plugs to each), which shall be so
arranged that the engine may be worked on either ignition
independently.

7.4.4.3

The magneto shall be of the high-tension type.

7.4.4.4

A voltmeter shall be provided and so arranged that the voltage of the

accumulator or battery can be ascertained at will.

7.4.4.5

Except in cases where an independent electric supply is readily

available the engine shall be fitted with and shall work a small low
voltage dynamo, from which the accumulator can be recharged when
necessary while the engine is running on the magneto.

7.4.4.6

The conductors from the magneto and accumulator to the sparking plugs
shall be run in metal tubes to protect them against injury.

7.4.4.7

The opening to the atmosphere from the induction pipe shall be fitted
with a flame trap.

7.4.4.8

The engine shall be governor controlled.

7.4.4.9

The following spare parts shall be kept readily to hand -

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)

One complete set of piston rings for each cylinder,

Two high tension sparking plugs for each cylinder.
Two valves suitable for inlet or exhaust complete with springs,
cotters and washers,
One complete filter for petrol pump feed with cork gasket
Two springs for each spring used in the engine,
One complete set of cylinder head and other gaskets.

7.4.4.10

The engine shall be so arranged that, if necessary, it may be readily and

immediately started by one person.

7.4.4.11

The petrol or motor spirit tank from which the engine is fed shall be
fitted with a gauge glass or suitable indicator (which shall be protected
against mechanical injury) showing the quantity of petrol or motor spirit
contained therein.
The tank shall have a holding capacity sufficient to run the engine at full
load for about 24 hours.
All joints in the petrol piping shall be brazed.

7.4.4.12

There shall be kept on hand at all times sufficient petrol or motor spirit
to run the engine at full load for about 24 hours.

7.4.4.13

The reserve supply of petrol or motor spirit shall be stored in a safe

position, away from the pump house.

7.4.4.14

Petrol or motor spirit only shall be used. The use of other substance,
such as paraffin, shall not be allowed.

7.4.4.15

A written declaration shall be given by the insured that the following

conditions will be strictly complied with a)

The engine shall be tested twice a week for atleast 10 minutes each
time.

b)
c)

d)
e)

The temperature of the pump room shall be maintained not less than
4.5oC (or 40o F) at all times.
The minimum quantity of petrol or motor spirit required as stated in
7.4.4.12 shall be maintained in a safe position away from the pump
house.
Motor spirit only shall be used for driving the engine.
Spare parts as required in 7.4.4.9 shall be kept readily to hand.

7.4.5

COMPRESSION IGNITION ENGINE DRIVEN PUMPS

7.4.5.1

PUMP ROOM:
The Pump Room shall be artificially heated, if necessary, to maintain
the temperature of the room above 10o C. Adequate ventilation shall be
provided for the air required for aspiration and to limit the temperature
rise in the room to 10o C above the ambient temperature when the
engine is on full load.

7.4.5.2

ENGINE:

7.4.5.2.1

The Engine shall be a)

of the compression ignition mechanical direct injection type,

capable of being started without the use of wicks, cartridges, heater
plugs or ether, at an engine room temperature of 7 oC and shall
accept full load within 15 seconds from the receipt of the signal to
start.

b)

Naturally aspirated, supercharged or turbo-charged and either air or

water-cooled. In the case of charge air cooling by means of a beltdriven fan or of a belt driven auxiliary water pump there shall be
multiple belts such that should half the belts break, the remaining
belts would be capable of driving the fan or pump.

c)

Capable of operating continuously on full load at the site elevation

for a period of six hours.

d)

provided with an adjustable governor to control the engine speed

within 10% of its rated speed under any condition of load upto the
full load rating. The governor shall be set to maintain rated pump
speed at maximum pump load.

e)

provided with an in-built tachometer to indicate R.P.M. of the

engine.

7.4.5.2.2

Any manual device fitted to the Engine that could prevent the engine
starting shall return automatically to the normal position.

7.4.5.2.3

Engines, after correction for altitude and ambient temperature, shall

have bare engine horsepower rating equivalent to the higher of the
following two values
a)

20 % in excess of the maximum brake horsepower required to drive

the pump at its duty point.

b)

The brake horsepower required driving the pump at 150 % of its

rated discharge.

NOTE: In the case of engines guaranteed by the manufacturers as

capable of being overloaded by 10% at the rated speed for one hour in
any period of 12 hours consecutive running, the value under (b) above
may be considered as 10% lower than the horse power required to drive
the pump at 150 % of its rated discharge.
7.4.5.2.4

The coupling between the engine and the pump shall allow each unit to
be removed without disturbing the other.

7.4.5.3

COOLING SYSTEM:
The following systems are acceptable a)

Cooling by water from the discharge of fire pump (taken off prior to
the pump discharge valve) direct into the engine cylinder jackets via

a pressure reducing device to limit the applied pressure to a safe

value as pacified by the engine manufacturer. The outlet connection
from this system shall terminate atleast 150 mm above the engine
water outlet pipe and be directed into an open tundish so that the
discharge water is visible.
b)

a heat exchanger, the raw water being supplied from the fire pump
discharge (taken off prior to the pump discharge valve) via a
pressure-reducing device, if necessary, to limit the applied pressure
to a safe value as specified by the engine manufacturer. The raw
water outlet connection shall be so designed that the discharged
water can be readily observed. The water in the closed circuit shall
be circulated by means of an auxiliary pump driven from the engine
and the capacity of the closed circuit shall not be less than that
recommended by the engine manufacturer. If the auxiliary pump is
belt driven there shall be a multiple belt so that should half the belts
break, the remaining belts shall be capable of driving the pump.

c)

a frame or engine mounted air cooled radiator with a multiple

fan belt driven from the engine. When half the belts are broken the
remaining belts shall be capable of driving the fan. The water in the
closed circuit shall be circulated by means of an auxiliary pump
driven by the engine and the capacity of the closed circuit shall be
not less than that recommended by the engine manufacturer.

d)

direct air cooling of the engine by means of multiple belt driven fans.
When half the belts are broken the remaining belts shall be capable
of driving the fan.

NOTE: In case of systems described in (b) (c) & (d) above a failure
actuated audio-visual alarm shall be incorporated.
7.4.5.4

AIR FILTRATION:
The air intake shall be fitted with a filter of adequate size to prevent
foreign matter entering the engine.

7.4.5.5

EXHAUST SYSTEM:
The exhaust shall be fitted with a suitable silencer and the total
backpressure shall not exceed the engine maker's recommendation.
When the exhaust system rises above the engine, means shall be
provided to prevent any condensate flowing into the engine.

7.4.5.6

ENGINE SHUT-DOWN MECHANISM:

This shall be manually operated and return automatically to the starting
position after use.

7.4.5.7

FUEL SYSTEM:

7.4.5.7.1

FUEL:
The engine fuel oil shall be of quality and grade specified by engine
makers. There shall be kept on hand at all times sufficient fuel to run the
engine on full load for six hours, in addition to that in the engine fuel
tank.

7.4.5.7.2

FUEL TANK:
The fuel tank shall be of welded steel constructed to relevant Indian or
Foreign Standard for Mild Steel Drums. The tank shall be mounted
above the engine fuel pump to give gravity feed unless otherwise
recommended by the manufacturer. The tank shall be fitted with an
indicator showing the level of the fuel in the tank. The capacity of the
tank shall be sufficient to allow the engine to run on full load for
CLASS OF HAZARD
Light Hazard
Ordinary Hazard
High Hazard (A)

CAPACITY
2 Hours
4 Hours
6 Hours

High Hazard (B)

8 Hours

NOTE: where there is more than one compression ignition engine

driven pump set there shall be a separate fuel tank and fuel feed pipe for
each engine.
7.4.5.7.3

FUEL FEED PIPES:

Any valve in the fuel feed pipe between the fuel tank and the engine
shall be placed adjacent to the tank and it shall be locked in the open
position. Pipe joints shall not be soldered and plastic tubing shall not be
used.

7.4.5.7.4

AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT The following shall be provided a)

b)
c)
d)
e)

7.4.5.8

A sludge and sediment trap

A fuel level gauge
An inspection and cleaning hole.
A filter between the fuel tank and fuel pump mounted in an
accessible position for cleaning.
Means to enable the entire fuel system to be bled of air. Air relief
cocks are not allowed; screwed plugs are permitted.

STARTING MECHANISM:
Provision shall be made for two separate methods of engine starting
viz.a)

Automatic starting by means of a battery powered electric starter

motor incorporating the axial displacement type of pinion, having
automatic repeat start facilities initiated by a fall in pressure in the
water supply pipe to the sprinkler and/or hydrant installation. The
battery capacity shall be adequate for ten consecutive starts without
recharging with a cold engine under full compression.

b)

Manual starting by i)
ii)

Crank handle, if engine size permits Or

Electric starter motor.

NOTE: The starter motor used for automatic starting may also be used
for manual starting provided there are separate batteries for manual
starting.
7.4.5.9

BATTERY CHARGING:
The means of charging the batteries shall be by a 2-rate trickle charger
with manual selection of boost charge and the batteries shall be charged
in position. Where separate batteries are provided for automatic and
manual starting the charging equipment shall be capable of trickle
charging both the batteries simultaneously. Equipment shall be
provided to enable the state of charge of the batteries to be determined.

7.4.5.10

TOOLS:
A standard kit of tools shall be provided with the engine and kept on
hand at all times.

7.4.5.11

SPARE PARTS:
The following spare parts shall be supplied with the engine and kept on
hand a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)

Two sets of fuel filters, elements and seals.

Two sets of lubricating oil filters, elements and seals.
Two sets of belts (where used)
One complete set of engine-joints, gaskets and hoses,
Two injector nozzles,
One complete set of piston rings for each cylinder,
One inlet valve and one exhaust valve

7.4.5.12

ENGINE EXERCISING:
The test shall be for a period of at least five minutes each day. Where
closed circuit cooling systems are used the water level in the primary
system shall be checked at the time of carrying out each test and, if
necessary, water shall be added during the course of the test procedure.

7.4.5.13

A written declaration shall be given that the following conditions will be

strictly complied with a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

To test the engine at least once a week.

To maintain the temperature of the engine room at not less than 4.5
deg. C at all times.
To maintain the minimum quantity of fuel oil required as desired in
these clauses.
To use a good grade of fuel oil equivalent in quality to that specified
by the engine maker.
To keep on hand the spare parts required as specified in 7.4.5.11.

7.5

MAINS:

7.5.1

The hydrants mains shall normally be laid underground or in masonry

culverts with removable covers of incombustible construction and shall
be of any one of the following types a)

Cast Iron double flanged pipes conforming to the following

standards TYPE OF PIPES

CLASS
OF
PIPES

IS
CODE

Horizontally Cast Iron

Pipes

IS:
7181

Vertically Cast Iron

Pipes

IS:
1537

Centrifugally
Cast
(Spun) Iron Pipes

IS:
1536

N.B. In case of vertically cast pipes, where the nominal diameter of the
pipes exceeds 300 mm or where the pump delivery pressure exceeds 7kg/sq. cm2, Class `B' pipes would be necessary.
b)

Centrifugally Cast (Spun) Iron Class `A Pipes with Tyton Joints

(Rubber gasketed)

c)

Wrought or mild steel pipes (galvanised or un-galvanised) of

Medium grade conforming to IS: 1239 or IS: 3589 having welded
joints and coated and wrapped as per IS: 10221. (MS pipes may be
allowed for extension of existing systems which are laid with CI
pipes with prior approval of the Committee.) Haliday Testing for
Wrapping and Coating is essential.
At least 10 % of all the welded joints shall be rediographically tested
and half of the joints radiographed shall be the field joints.

d)

Un-plasticized PVC Class 4 pipes conforming to IS 4985 and

HDPE pipes conforming to IS: 4984.
N.B. These pipes are permitted for use in Light Hazard Occupancies
for underground mains only.

7.5.2

Underground CI Mains shall be laid such that the top of the pipe is not
less than one metre below the ground level and masonry or equivalent
supports shall be provided at regular intervals. As far as possible MS
Steel pipes shall also be laid 1m below ground level.

NOTES

7.5.3

1)

Where applicable, Radiography Test Certificate and films for welded

joints of mild steel pipes and Haliday Test Certificate for coating and
wrapping of underground mild steel pipes shall be submitted before
the final inspection. Haliday Testing may preferably be carried by
flexible and detachable ring probe, which will enable the entire 360o
of the surface of the pipe to be scanned.

2)

In case of poor soil conditions, it may be necessary to provide

continuous masonry or equivalent supports.

Mains above ground shall be medium grade wrought or mild steel

(galvanised or un-galvanised) conforming to IS: 1239 or IS: 3589 with
welded, threaded or flanged joints, adequately supported at regular
intervals on masonry or RCC stools or pedestals and not on pipe racks.
The spacing of supports shall be 3.5 m for 80, 100 and 125 mm dia.
pipes, 5m for 150, 200 and 250 mm dia pipes and 7 m for above 250
mm dia pipes.
Pipes shall be run at least 6 m away from the face of the buildings and
open storage areas in case of Light and Ordinary Hazard Occupancies
and 15 m. in case of High Hazard Occupancies.

7.5.4

Mains shall not be laid under buildings. Where, however, circumstances

necessitate laying of mains under buildings, prior permission of the
Committee shall be obtained and the portion of mains falling under the
buildings shall be laid in masonry trenches with removable covers and
cut-off valves shall be provided at points of entry and exit. As far as
possible, mains shall not be laid under large open storages, railroads and
roads carrying heavy traffic.

7.5.5

The mains shall not traverse ground that is not under the control of the
owner of the installation nor under a public roadway. The Tariff
Advisory Committee may, at their discretion, relax this requirement in
extenuating circumstances.

7.5.6

The system shall be capable of withstanding for two hours a pressure

equivalent to 150 % of the maximum working pressure. While hydrotesting inclusion of cut-off valves in the mains to be tested should be
avoided.

7.5.7

All boltholes in flanges shall be drilled. The drilling of each flange shall
be in accordance with the relevant Indian Standards.

7.5.8

Flanges shall be faced and have jointing of rubber insertion or asbestos

compound.

7.5.9

Fittings installed underground shall be of cast iron `heavy' grade

conforming to IS: 1538 or BS: 1641 whereas those installed above
ground shall normally be of `Medium' grade wrought steel or mild steel
conforming to IS: 1239 Part II or malleable iron fittings conforming to
IS: 1879, parts I to X.

7.5.10

Mains shall be laid in rings (excepting as specified to N.B 4 below) and

their sizes shall be as per Tables 3 & 3A but the size of the initial pipe
shall not, in any case, be less than the internal diameter of the delivery
outlet of the pump.
TABLE 3
(FOR LIGHT HAZARD OCCUPANCIES)
NO. OF
HYDRANTS IN
THE WHOLE
SYSTEM

SIZE
OF MAINS
(MM)

% AGE OF ALL
MAINS
INCLUDING
TERMINAL
MAINS AND
RISERS *

1 to 20

100

100 %

21 to 55

125
110

45 %
55 %

56 to 100

125
100

60 %
40 %

TABLE - 3 A
(FOR ORDINARY HAZARD OCCUPANCIES)
NO. OF
HYDRANTS IN
THE WHOLE
SYSTEM

SIZE
OF MAINS
(MM)

% AGE OF ALL
MAINS
INCLUDING
TERMINAL
MAINS AND
RISERS *

01 to 05

100

100 %

06 to 20

125
100

40 %
60 %

21 to 55

150
125
100

20 %
35 %
45 %

56 to 100

150
125
100

25 %
40 %
35 %

Exceeding
100

See NB 3 (a) and 3 (b)

hereunder

* 80 mm diameter terminal and/or riser mains shall be taken as 100 mm

diameter mains for this purpose.
NOTES 1)

In calculating the number of hydrants in the system, a double headed

hydrant shall be counted as two, a fixed monitor of 63 mm size
having nozzle bore of 32 mm shall be counted as three, a fixed
monitor of 75 mm size having nozzle bore of 38 mm shall be
counted as four and a fixed monitor of 100 mm size having nozzle
bore of 45 mm as six hydrant points.
In case of Oil Refineries, Petrochemical complexes or other risks,
where double headed hydrants are used throughout the system so that
the total number of hydrants (counting a double headed hydrant as
two hydrants) is about double the number of hydrants required as per
the general requirements of this Manual, a double headed hydrant
may be regarded as a single hydrant only.

2)

For High Hazard occupancies, the hydrant system shall be

hydraulically so designed that when half the aggregate pumping
capacity is being discharged at the farthest/hydraulically most remote
point and the other half in the most vulnerable area enroute, a
minimum running pressure of 5.25 kg/sq. cm is available at the
former point and the rate of flow of water does not exceed 5
m/second anywhere in the system.
In case the hydraulically most remote point is the area determining
the fire pump capacity, the entire aggregate pumping capacity shall
be considered as being discharged at this point at a minimum running
pressure of 5.25 kg/cm2 and the hydrant system shall be so designed
that the rate of flow of water does not exceed 5 m/second anywhere
in the system.
In case the hydraulically most remote point happens to be, pressure
requirement at this point can be restricted to 3.5 kg/cm2. However

pressure available at the high hazard area immediately preceding the

ordinary/light hazard area must be 5.25 kg/sq. cm.
3)

4)

For Light and Ordinary Hazard Occupancies having more than 55

points, either of the following methods may be followed a)

The hydrant service be constituted of single or more than one

inter-connected hydrant systems, each with its individual pump
set according to Table 2 and water supplies equivalent to the
aggregate requirements of the number of pump sets installed.

b)

A single hydrant system may be installed provided, it is

hydraulically designed (where the highest hydrant is located more
than 20 m above ground level, pre calculated systems shall not be
accepted) as per the parameters indicated in N.B. 2 above, except
that minimum running pressure shall be 3.5 kg/sq. cm. Instead of
5.25 kg/sq. cm (minimum diameter of the pipe used in the ring
mains shall however not be less than 100 mm).

In the case of riser mains in storeyed buildings and in locations

where it is not feasible to lay a ring main, a terminal main may be
provided, but in no case shall the number of hydrants on such
terminal mains exceed 5.
A terminal main of 80 mm diameter shall not feed more than one
hydrant, that having a diameter of 100 mm shall not feed more than
two hydrants, that having a diameter of 125 mm shall not feed more
than three hydrants and a main of 150 mm shall not feed more than
five hydrants.
The Committee may, at their discretion, permit more than five
hydrants on riser mains of storeyed structures.

5)

In case of systems designed on the basis of pressure loss

calculations, the piping routes selected along with nodal point
commemorating with the pressure loss calculation sheets should be
distinctly marked in the drawing.

7.5.11

Cut-off (Isolating) valves are necessary to obtain the best possible

pressure at the seat of fire as they enable a damaged portion of the
installation to be isolated whilst full pressure is available throughout the
remainder. These valves are distributed according to the general layout
of the installation and not according to fixed rules. For this reason, the
proposed position of these valves shall have the prior approval of the
Committee.
Cut-off valves shall conform to IS: 780, PN 1.0/IS: 2906, Class 2 or
AP9600 in case of Cast Steel Valves of class 150.
NOTES 2
1. In case of system having working pressure in excess of 7 kg/cm PN1.6 rating would be necessary for valves conforming to IS: 780 and
Class 3 for those conforming to IS: 2906. Cast Steel valves of class
150 are, however, acceptable irrespective of the working pressure of
the system.
2.

Other types of valves like rising spindle valves may be used, subject
to prior approval of the Committee.

3.

Butterfly valves also can be accepted subject to the condition that the
valves of diameter exceeding 150 mm shall necessary be of gear
operated.

7.5.12

All cut-off valves shall be of the right-hand type and enclosed in

properly constructed surface box, at least 1 m2 so as to allow for broken
joints being easily remade. The top of the surface box shall be 80 mm
above ground level, except where it is locate on a road. Valve wheels
shall have an arrowhead engraved or cast thereon showing direction for
turning `open' and `close'.

7.5.13

It is recommended that the position of the surface box be indicated by

an iron plate painted `fire red' with distinct lettering. Such plates shall
also show the `open' and `close' direction as cast or indicated on the
valves and the serial no. of the sluice valve also should be indicated.

7.5.14

In case of installations in earthquake prone zones, some form of flexible

couplings approved by the Committee shall be used for jointing
purposes.

7.6

HYDRANTS/FIXED MONITORS:

7.6.1

Water shall be available immediately to all hydrants/fixed monitors at

all times, with all cut-off valves being kept open. Before final inspection
the hydrant system shall be flushed thoroughly.

7.6.2

Connections for any purpose other than fire fighting are not permitted
from the hydrant/fixed monitor/stand post or from any portion of the
hydrant service.

7.6.3

Except where impracticable, all hydrant outlets shall be situated 1 m.

above ground level.

7.6.4

The stand posts shall be 80 mm in diameter for single headed hydrants.

100 mm for double-headed hydrants and monitors of 63 mm or 75 mm
size and 150 mm for monitor of 100 mm size. It is recommended that
stand posts be painted `fire red' (shade No.536 as per IS:5) and
numbered for easy identification.

7.6.5

Permission to install hydrants below ground level will be given in very

special cases only. Where such permission has been given, the hydrants
shall be properly enclosed in a surface box of cast iron or masonry 750
mm square and 80 mm above ground level, the top of he hydrant outlet
being not more than 80 mm below the top of the box.

7.6.6

Only oblique hydrants conforming to IS: 5290 of Type A with outlets

angled towards ground shall be used. The hydrant couplings shall be of
gun metal/stainless steel of the instantaneous spring-lock (female) type
of 63 mm diameter and valves shall be of the screw down type.
Branch pipe/nozzle of monitor shall be of gun metal/ stainless steel.

N.B - Orifice plates of suitable design may be provided for hydrants

where the pressure exceeds 7 kg. /cm2.
7.6.7

Double-headed hydrant shall consist of two separate landing valves. A

single control valve will not be permitted.

7.6.8

Hydrants shall be easily accessible, storage of any kind on or around the

hydrant being prohibited. Where hydrants are situated in remote
locations, they shall be approachable by means of paved pathways.

7.6.9

Hydrants located in situations where they are likely to be damaged by

vehicular traffic shall be suitably protected on all sides against possible
damage.

7.6.10

Hydrants shall be located bearing in mind the attendant fire hazards at

the different sections of the premises to be protected and so as to give
most effective service. They shall be so distributed as to provide
protection for the buildings on all sides and need not necessarily be
equidistant from each other.
Advantage shall be taken of convenient door and/or window openings to
place hydrants so that only a minimum length of hose is required to
reach the openings through which fire may be attacked. In case of
continuous blank walls, suitable provision shall be made on the walls
near hydrant posts for easy access inside the premises.

7.6.11

At least one hydrant post shall be provided for every 60 m of external

wall measurement in case of Light Hazard Occupancy, for every 45 m in
case of Ordinary Hazard Occupancy and every 30 m of external wall
measurement or perimeter of unit battery limit in case of High Hazard
Occupancy.
Measurements shall be calculated on the total length of walls of all
buildings/perimeter of all battery limits to be protected except in the
case of opposite buildings (other than those of High Hazard category)
within 22.5 m of each other, where the measurement of the shorter
opposing wall may be omitted.

Further, all hydrants and monitors should be serially numbered.

NOTE: Notwithstanding the above, hydrants protecting utilities and
miscellaneous buildings in High hazard risks may be spaced at 45 m.
7.6.12

No building shall be deemed to be protected by a hydrant unless such

hydrant is within 15 m of the building. Where any part of a building is
normally used for storage purpose or where hazardous processes are
carried out, there shall be two single or one double headed hydrant
within 15 m of the building, the layout being such that two jets of water
can be played simultaneously on the highest point of the roof.
In case of Buildings/Plants occupied for High Hazard process or
storages, the above-specified distance may be increased to 22.5 m.
In case of buildings having roofs other than RCC, it is advisable to
provide hydrants at the roof level along with access staircases in order
to fight the fire by breaking open the roofs, if necessary.

7.6.13

Hydrant heads shall be positioned at distances not less than 2 m from

the face of the building or edge of the storage plot to be protected except
in the case of high hazard occupancies wherein the hydrant heads shall
be located not less than 7.5 m from the face of the building, edge of the
storage plot or from the plant battery limits.

7.6.14

In case where, owing to the size or layout of the building, or building

being divided by internal walls, any point within the building is at a
distance of more than 45 m from an external fire hydrant, an internal
hydrant system shall be provided so that no portion of the floor is more
than 45 m from an external hydrant or 30 m from an internal hydrant.
In case of large switchyards, where it is not feasible to lay internal
hydrants, alternate hydrants may be replaced by monitors of suitable
size.

N.B: Distance of 45 m indicated above shall be increased to 60 m for

light hazard occupancies and reduced to 30 m for high hazard
occupancies.
7.6.15

In case of storied buildings, satisfactory access shall be provided to all

parts of each floor by means of incombustible internal or external
staircases. Normally, a minimum of two such staircases will be needed
per compartment, but in case the area of the compartment exceeds 2,000
sq. m., an additional staircase shall be provided for every additional
1,500 sq. m. or part thereof. On the other hand, if a compartment has a
floor area of less than 500 sq. m., one access staircase shall be
acceptable. The access staircases shall be so located that, as far as
possible, no part of each floor is more than 30 m from the nearest
staircase. Where it is not possible to locate the staircase in the aforesaid
manner, the Committee may suggest alternative methods for protection
of such large upper floors. External access staircases shall be open to
sky.
The staircases shall conform to the following -

7.6.15.1

Internal staircases shall be so located that atleast one of its enclosing

walls is an external wall of the building. A door opening shall be
provided in this external wall at ground floor level. The enclosing walls
shall be of brick work atleast 230 mm thick or reinforced concrete
atleast 100 mm thick carried through and atleast 450 mm above the roof
of the building, unless the roof is of jack arch or reinforced concrete
construction in which case the walls need be carried upto the roof only.
Every opening from the staircase to any portion of the building or to a
roof used as a floor shall be fitted with a single fireproof door.
N.B: The above rule will not apply to buildings, the upper floors of
which are occupied by offices, air washer plants, rest rooms, cloak
rooms, canteen and the like.

7.6.15.2

External staircases without side covering need not have openings at

each floor level protected by single fireproof doors. However, if

external staircases are enclosed, they shall be considered equivalent to

internal staircases.
NOTE: There shall be no equipment within 2 m of the staircases and/or
its landings.
7.6.15.3

Staircases shall be not less than 750 mm clear width with treads not less
than and risers not more than 200 mm and under not circumstances shall
the staircase have an inclination of more than 60 degrees to the
horizontal.
NOTE: Iron rung ladders or spiral staircases shall not be acceptable.

7.6.15.4

In the case of enclosed staircases, all windows therein falling within 3 m

of any other openings in the building shall normally be protected by
wired glass in steel framework in accordance with the Committee's
regulations. Conversely, in the case of open-sided staircases, window
and door openings of the building falling within 3 m of the staircase
shall normally be protected by wired glass in steel framework and single
fireproof door respectively in accordance with the Committee's
regulations.
NOTE: The latter part of this rule shall not apply to buildings, which are
essentially open sided.

7.6.15.5

Exits to the access staircases shall always be kept open during working
hours. During non-working hours, the exits may be locked from the
staircase side only. Locks of all exits shall have one master key, which
shall be available either at the main gate, or any other prominent and
easily accessible location known to the fire fighting personnel.
Alternatively, the key shall be kept in a glass-fronted box or in the hose
box on the staircase landing.

7.6.15.6

A hydrant shall be provided on every floor landing which shall not be

less than 1.5 m x 1 m. The mains feeding the landing hydrants shall be
provided with a cut-off valve at ground level (also see N.B.4 under rule
7.5.10 and rule 7.7.3.3)

7.6.16

Specific requirements for provisions of monitors in plant areas -

7.6.16.1

Tall columns, structure, towers and equipment where it may not be

possible to provide access staircases with hydrants on landing thereof as
per rule 7.6.15, will be considered as protected by hydrants at ground
level, provided they are less than 15 m in height. When the height
exceeds 15 m, the concerned hydrants shall be replaced by monitors.

7.6.16.2

Alternate hydrants for protection of loading unloading bays, rail/truck

gantries shall be replaced by water/foam monitors.

7.6.17

PROTECTION OF BASEMENTS:

7.6.17.1

Staircases/ramps shall provide access to all parts of the basement

directly from the outside of the building at ground level. The number
and location of the staircases/ramps shall be such that no part of the
basement is more than 45 metres from the nearest staircase/ramp.

7.6.17.2

It is recommended that the staircase/ramp be provided with emergency

lighting facilities. Where maintenance of illumination depends upon
changing from one energy source to another, there shall be no
appreciable interruption of illumination during changeover. Where
emergency lighting is provided by means of electric generator, a delay
of not more than 10 seconds shall be permitted for changeover.
Emergency lighting facilities shall be arranged to maintain proper
illumination for a period of one-and-a-half hours in the event of lighting
failures.
The Emergency lighting system shall be so arranged as to provide
sufficient illumination automatically in the event of any interruption of
normal lighting.

7.6.17.3

One landing valve shall be provided for each staircase/ramp at each

basement level in addition to the provision of a hydrant at the ground
level.

7.6.17.4

Proper drainage facility shall be provided to drain the fire-fighting water

out of the basement.

7.6.18

Storage of material in the open shall be protected as under Metals,

Metallic goods,
Machinery and
other
nonhazardous
storage

One single hydrant for

every 60 m of storage
periphery located beyond
2 m but within 15 m of
storage area.

Coal or Coke

One single hydrant for

every 45 m of storage
periphery located beyond
2 m but within 15 m of
storage area.

Other storages

One double hydrant for

every 45 m of the storage
periphery located beyond
2 m, but within 22.5 m
of storage area.

NOTES 1.

In the case of open storage areas of following materials, at least 50 %

of hydrant shall be replaced by fixed monitors having nozzle bore of
38 mm diameter if the individual stack height is more than 6 m and
total storage exceeds 5,000 tonnes BAMBOO, BAGASSE, GRASS/HAY AND TIMBER

2.

7.6.19

Where hydrants/monitors located along one longer side of a storage

area are more than 90 m from those along the other longer side,
reference shall be made to the committee.

Hydrants for the protection of combustible/flammable liquid storage

tanks shall be located beyond 15 m, but within 35 m of tank shell as
specified below DIAMETER
OF TANK

NO. OF
HYDRANTS

Tanks upto 10 m One double headed or

dia.
two single headed
hydrants.
Tanks above 10 Two double headed or
m but upto 20 m four single headed
dia.
hydrants.
Tanks above 20 Three double headed
m dia.
or six single headed
hydrants.
NOTES 1.

In case tanks are located more than 22.5 m from the dyke walls, one
double hydrant or two single hydrants shall be replaced by a 38 mm
monitor. (Every alternate monitor should be a foam monitor and a
minimum of one such foam monitor should be provided)

2.

For the tanks located more than 45 m from the dyke walls, in
addition to the monitor(s), the tanks shall be protected by Fixed
Foam/Medium Velocity Water Spray System (Manual/Automatic)
complying with the Committee's rules.

3.

Hydrants/Monitors shall not be installed within dyked enclosures nor

can the hydrant main pass through it.

4.

Floating roof storage tanks and floating-cum-fixed storage tanks

exceeding 30m in diameter and fixed roof storage tanks containing
products having flash point below 32o C shall be considered as
hydrant protected only if, supplementary medium velocity water
spray system or fixed/semi fixed foam system (either automatic or
manually operated) conforming to regulations is also provided.
In case of foam system, there shall be additional protection by water
spray system in the form of a ring along the top edge of the vertical
face of the tank. Other than dispensing with additional rings, the
supplementary water spray protection shall comply with Committees
regulations.

7.6.20

5.

Insulated tanks shall also be provided with M.V. Water Spray

Protection.

6.

No water spray protection is required for ammonia spheres/tanks.

7.

Cryogenic storage tanks and double walled tanks shall be treated on

par with the insulated tanks. However, metallic roof of the double
walled tanks (RCC or otherwise) will need to be protected with M.V.
Water Spray System (mandatory) at a rate of 3 lpm/m 2 for the roof
portion only.

8.

Adequate provision shall be made to promptly and effectively

dispose off all liquids from the fire areas during operation of fire
protection systems in such areas.

For protection of spheres/bullets, hydrants/monitors shall be located

beyond 15 m but within 35 m of the shell of the spheres/bullets. The
number of hydrants/monitors shall be governed by the water capacity of
the bullets/spheres as specified hereunder -

WATER
CAPACITY

NO. OF HYDRANTS

Upto 50 m3

Three single hydrants

(or one single + Two
double
headed
hydrants)

Above 50 m3
but upto 150
m3

One monitor + two

single (or one double
headed hydrants)

Above 150 m3

Two monitors + four

single hydrants (or two
double
headed
hydrants)

NOTES
1.

Supplementary protection of bullets/spheres by medium velocity

water spray system (either automatic or manually operated)
conforming to regulations is mandatory.

2.

Hydrant/monitor shall not be installed within dyked/-fenced

enclosures nor can hydrant mains pass through such enclosures.

7.7

HOSE PIPES AND NOZZLES -

7.7.1

In the case of yard hydrants, hose pipes and nozzles shall be installed
either in central hose stations which shall be of the type illustrated in
figure no. 12 (which enables the condition and quantity of hose,
nozzles, etc. to be checked over at a glance and ensures that other useful
equipment is ready at hand in the event of a fire) or near each hydrant in
glass fronted hose boxes of suitable design.

N.B. Locations and number of hose stations will depend upon several
factors such as fire loads, accessibility and positions of watch posts.
Prior approval of the Committee shall, therefore, be obtained regarding
locations of the hose stations before they are constructed.
7.7.2

In case of hydrants on upper floors or internal hydrants, hosepipes and

nozzles shall necessarily be installed near each hydrant in glass fronted
hose boxes of suitable design.

7.7.3

REQUIREMENTS OF HOSE PIPES:

7.7.3.1

If hose is kept in central hose stations, for each of the first ten hydrants
in the compound of the premises (a double headed hydrant counting as
two except where they are provided as a standard practice throughout
the system), two lengths of hose 15 m each and an additional 15 m
length for each hydrant in excess of ten, shall be provided.
NOTE: In case of system having more than 55 hydrant outlets, the total
number of hose lengths required may be limited to 55 plus 20 percent of
the number of hydrant outlets in excess of 55. Where a fire engine is
maintained on the premises manned by a whole time fire brigade, the
number of hose, pipes required (including those on the engine) would be
55 plus 10 percent of the number of outlets in excess of 55.

7.7.3.2

If hose is kept in hose boxes alongside hydrants, each box shall contain
two lengths of 15 m each.

7.7.3.3

For use with each hydrant on staircase landing or with each internal
hydrant, two lengths of hose 7.5 m shall be provided. In case of
basement hydrants, two lengths of hose 15 m shall be provided.

7.7.3.4

All hoses shall be of 63 mm diameter of either of the following types i)

Unlined flax canvas complying with Indian Standard IS: 4927.

ii)

Rubber lined woven-jacketed complying with Type A

(Reinforced Rubber lined) of Indian Standards IS: 636.

iii)

Controlled Percolation type complying with Indian Standards IS:

8423.

7.7.3.5

Ordinary rubber lined woven-jacketed hose complying with the

specification of Type B of Indian Standards IS: 636 may be permitted to
be used in lieu of the above upto a maximum of 50 % of the total hose
requirements of the hydrant system.

7.7.3.6

All couplings shall be of the instantaneous spring-lock type and the

nozzles shall be of not less than 16 mm in diameter, nor more than 25
mm in diameter except in case of high hazard occupancies where the
maximum nozzle diameter may be 32 mm subject to the approval of the
Committee. All couplings, branch pipes and nozzles shall be of
gunmetal or stainless steel and shall otherwise comply with IS: 903,
1984.

7.7.3.7

Hose shall be attached to the coupling (other than of ferrule type) in the
following manner Each half of the coupling shall have two 5 mm diameter holes drilled in
the tail. The hose shall be first fixed to the tail of the coupling with
copper rivets then served or bound with 1.5 mm galvanised mild steel or
copper wire for a length of 50 mm which will extend to the outer ends
of the grooving on the coupling tail over the galvanised mild steel or
copper wire a leather or equally protective band shall be bound with
four strands of 1.12 mm galvanised mild steel or copper wire at each
end of the band. The protective band shall be carried beyond the tail of
the coupling to prevent leaking.
Copper wire, if used, shall be softened before being used.
Couplings attached to the hose otherwise than by copper rivets shall not
be accepted, as they are apt to become dislodged under pressure.

7.7.3.8

Spare hose to the extent of 10 percent of the above requirements, with a

minimum quantity of 30 m shall be always kept readily available. Such
spare hose shall also be in 15-m lengths, readily attached to couplings.
NOTE: In calculating the number of lengths of hose required under the
above scale, any fraction of a number shall be counted as one.

7.7.3.9

It is recommended that a system of marking and numbering hose be

arranged so that the various lengths are easily recognisable.

7.7.3.10

In central hose stations and hose boxes a tin containing a set of spare
rubber rings packed in french chalk shall be kept.

7.7.3.11

Central hose stations and hose boxes shall be so arranged that hose is
not exposed to the sunrays.

7.7.3.12

All central hose stations or hose boxes, when provided with locks shall
have one master key which shall be available either at the main gate or
any other prominent and easily accessible location known to the fire
fighting personnel.

7.7.4

REQUIREMENTS OF NOZZLES:

7.7.4.1

The number of nozzles to be provided shall be equivalent to half the

number of hose pipes installed on the premises.

7.7.4.2

In locations where a jet of water directed from a normal type nozzle is

likely to cause more harm than good or where a gentle spray of water is
essential for the extinguishment of a fire, a fog type or a spray type of
nozzle complying with IS: 2871 shall be used.

7.7.4.3

Spare nozzles to the extent of 10 % of the above requirements, with a

minimum of two, shall always be kept readily available.

7.8

FOAM COMPOUND:
Foam systems shall conform to NFPA 11 and 11A, 16A and/or relevant
BIS specifications-IS: 12835 or LPC rules for Foam Systems. The stock

of foam compound to be maintained shall be equivalent to at least two

times the requirement of the tank needing maximum quantity of foam.
Foam Compound shall be chemically neutral (PH 6.5 to 7.5)
7.9

FIRE FIGHTING PERSONNEL:

7.9.1

As the efficiency of a hydrant service and/or of internal appliances

depends upon the manner and speed with which they are brought into
use and the ability with which the effort is directed, a squad consisting
of watch and ward personnel, fire pump men and departmental
supervisors and/or operatives trained in the operation of the fire service
shall be maintained on the premises round the clock. The number of
personnel constituting the squad shall necessarily depend upon the size
of the risk, but in no case shall be less than eight trained persons be
available at any time during the day or night. Minimum number of
trained persons required may be further reduced to six in case of
automatic pressurised hydrant systems.

7.9.2

Squad leaders shall preferably be recognised government institution

trained and their usefulness would be considerably enhanced if they
reside on the premises.

7.9.3

Squad personnel shall be provided with clothing and equipment

including helmets, belts and boots, preferably gumboots.

7.9.4

A muster roll showing the duties allocated to each member of the

brigade shall be prepared and copies supplied to each squad leader as
well as pasted in convenient places throughout the premises, so as to be
quickly available for reference in case of emergency.

7.9.5

Practice drills shall take place weekly and it is a condition of the

approval by the Committee to the discount for hydrant service that wet
drills shall be carried out at intervals of not more than a fort-night and
that the entire squad on duty shall turn out during the visits of the
committees Inspectors.
During wet drills, hydrants (including those of upper floors), hose pipes
and nozzles, shall be taken into use in rotation so that the efficacy of

7.9.6

these appliances would be automatically checked and any defects

observed, set right.
7.9.7

A register shall be kept as per Appendix V showing details of all

practices and defects, if any, reported in the installation. This register
shall be open to examination by the Committees Inspectorate.

7.9.8

The services of the pump man (see 7.10.1.1.1) could be profitably

utilised for the maintenance of all fire fighting appliances (including
hand appliances - See 4.1.5.1.1). He shall also be thoroughly conversant
with the locations of all appliances, particularly of hydrant cut-off
valves so that in an eventuality he would be of assistance to the
factorys fire brigade or the Towns fire brigade.

7.9.9

Keys of all doors in the factory premises shall always be available at the
main gate.

7.9.10

It is recommended that fire pump room(s) and the main gate(s) of all
factory premises be connected to all manufacturing sections through the
internal telephone system. Telephones interlinked to this system may
also be put up in proper cubicles at convenient locations near godown
ranges and other strategic points. This would effect saving of valuable
time in an emergency to alert the fire fighting personnel and the pump
man.

7.10

MAINTENANCE:

7.10.1

PUMPS:

7.10.1.1

GENERAL:

7.10.1.1.1

A trained pump man (see 7.9.8) shall be available on all shifts and at all
hours of the day and night to operate the pumps as and when required.

7.10.1.1.2

Pump sets shall be run for atleast five minutes every day.

7.10.1.1.3

The level of water in the priming tank shall be checked daily to ensure
that the foot valve of the pump is not leaking.

7.10.1.1.4

All pump glands shall be maintained in efficient working condition and

the packing renewed as required to maintain efficiency.

7.10.1.1.5

Suction and delivery valves shall be examined once every six months,
particularly where sand or other objectionable matter is liable to be
drawn through the pump suction.

7.10.1.1.6

All working parts shall be kept clean and lightly oiled as cleanliness
greatly adds to efficiency. Any necessary repairs shall be put in hand
and carried out immediately.

7.10.1.2

STEAM PUMPS:

7.10.1.2.1

The steam cylinders of pumps shall always be kept warm and efficient
draining arrangements provided.

7.10.1.2.2

A minimum of two sets of piston and bucket rings shall be provided.

7.10.1.2.3

Small parts such as snifting valves, cushioning valves and petcocks

shall have special attention because faults in these valves cause the
pump to knock badly and lose efficiency.

7.10.1.3

ELECTRICALLY DRIVEN PUMPS:

7.10.1.3.1

The bearing grease cup shall be checked once every week and refilled
with fresh grease, if necessary.

7.10.1.3.2

Starter contacts shall be cleaned once every week.

7.10.1.3.3

Insulation resistance of pump motor circuit shall be examined once

every six months and record of results shall be maintained.

7.10.2 MAINS:

7.10.2.1

Hydrant mains shall be tested once a fortnight with a pump delivering

at its maximum pressure, with all hydrant valves closed and, thereafter,
a running test with two or more hose lines each 30 m long operating
shall be carried out. This checks the efficiency of the pump as well as
the tightness of the hydrant mains (See Rule 7.9 also).

7.10.2.2

All cut-off valves shall be operated and oiled, if necessary, once a

month.

7.10.2.3

Cut-off valves shall be thoroughly overhauled annually to remove

sludge and other foreign matter collected in the valve seating.

7.10.3

HYDRANTS:

7.10.3.1

All hydrants shall be examined systematically once a week to ensure

that valves and spring catches are maintained in good condition and all
brass parts polished.

7.10.3.2

Spare washers shall be kept for hydrant valve seats.

7.10.3.3

It is recommended that the painting of standpoints be carried out

annually.

7.10.4

HOSE PIPES AND NOZZLES:

7.10.4.1

All hose boxes/hose stations shall be inspected externally once every

week to ensure that the equipment installed therein is intact. Further,
the hose boxes/hose stations shall be cleaned internally and externally
once a month.

7.10.4.2

When the hose gets worn out at the tail end of the coupling(s), it is
permissible to cut the end(s) of the hose. However should the lengths
of the hose after cutting(s) fall below 90 percent of its original, i.e. 15
m or 7.5 m the hose shall be discarded.

7.10.4.3

A Hose Register shall be kept showing the history of each length.

Information such as date purchased, date brought into use, date cut (if

reduced in length), is useful and a column shall be provided for remarks

by the Committees Inspectors to whose inspection the Hose Register
shall be open.
7.10.4.4

Any hose becoming inefficient through use, neglect or from any other
cause, shall be discarded.

7.10.4.5

Fire protection hose shall not be used for purposes other than fire
protection and drill. All concerns are advised to keep a supply of cheap
hose for watering paths, washing out or filling boilers, etc. Such hose
shall not be mixed with fire protection hose but kept in an entirely
separate place.

7.10.4.6

It is recommended that hose couplings and branch pipes be polished

once a fortnight.

7.11

Considerable diversity of practice has been noticed in the attention paid

to the drying and storing of hose and the following suggestions in this
connection shall be carried out:
After use, hose to be thoroughly washed in clean water and then
thoroughly dried. A rack or some similar contrivance atleast 10 m high
to be provided so that, after cleaning, hose may be suspended to
drain and dry evenly.
This is to be done in the shade and not in the sunshine so that the hose
is evenly dried inside and out. Care to be exercised that it is not
removed until it is thoroughly dry in all places. The hose to be then
thoroughly brushed with a hard bristle or wire brush, and re-rolled, care
being taken to choose a dry and clean place whereon to roll it; and
replace in the boxes or hose stations.
Care to be taken after washing that the hose does not touch the ground,
where it might be soiled.
Hose to be rolled up evenly and carefully, the female or spring coupling
end being in the centre. In this manner the spring clips, when grasped

one in each hand, form a `reel and the hose can be quickly run out in
the event of fire. OR ALTERNATIVELY
The hose to be doubled in the centre of its length and rolled up evenly
from the fold. Both the Male and Female couplings will then be on the
outside of the roll. This permits the nozzle being attached to the hose
while being stored in readiness for use, and the hose runs out without
twisting.
7.11

MEASURES TO BE TAKEN WHERE THE INSTALLATION IS

FOR ANY REASON TEMPORARILY INOPERATIVE:

7.11.1

Where the installation is expected to remain inoperative for a period

exceeding 24 hours, prior sanction shall be obtained from the
Committee.

7.11.2

If any component of the hydrant system is to be replaced for any reason

whatsoever, the entire system shall not be rendered inoperative but the
particular section only shall be isolated by closing the necessary cut-off
valves. If, however, it is not possible to complete the replacement
before nightfall, the cut-off valves shall not be left closed overnight.
Instead, blank flanges shall be provided at the point where the
component has been removed so that the entire system, other than the
component, which has been removed, would
remain operative
through the night.

7.11.3

Only one compartment of the reservoir shall be emptied out at a time of

cleaning or repair work.

7.11.4

If the foot valve of the suction line is removed for cleaning/repairs, it

shall, as far as practicable, be replaced before nightfall.

7.11.5

If the pump is expected to be inoperative for more than 72 hours, every

effort shall be made to connect the service water supply to the hydrant
system for the duration the pump is inoperative.

7.11.6

If the hydrant service is to be extended, the extended portion shall be

first laid and, thereafter, the connection between the existing system and
the extension shall be carried out expeditiously, so that the entire system
is not left inoperative overnight.

7.12

SPECIAL DISPENSATIONS FOR ELECTRICAL GENERATING

STATIONS, THERMAL/GAS BASED POWER PANTS.

7.12.1

WATER SUPPLY:
i)

The fore bay supplying water to the thermal power station fed by
canals from perennial water sources like rivers, rivulets, dams etc.
may be accepted as firewater reservoir provided the availability of 2
hours pumping capacity is ensured.

ii)

The cooling water pond (s) may also be accepted as firewater

reservoir provided the availability of 2 hours pumping capacity is
ensured.
NOTE: Cooling water basins shall not be acceptable as equivalent to
cooling water ponds.

7.12.2

PUMPS:
The pump duties shall be generally selected as per Table 2 under Rule
No.7.4.1.4.1 of FP Manual. However, where situation warrants, higher
capacity pumps not exceeding 410 m3/hr and 88 m head may be
acceptable. In order to achieve the minimum pressure of 3.5 Kg./cm2 at
higher elevation, booster pump(s) with a capacity of 137 m 3/Hr., having
requisite rated head may be acceptable.
NOTES
1.

The booster pump shall be regarded as a pressure-compensating

device only.

7.12.3

2.

A higher capacity booster pump may be stipulated by the Committee

where considered necessary.

3.

Booster pump shall be located at ground level only. Electrically

driven booster pump(s) shall in addition to the normal supply be
connected to the emergency power supply also.

ABOVE GROUND HYDRANT MAINS:

In case of practical difficulties in maintaining the stipulated distance
from the face of the building in case of above ground over head mains,
warranted under demanding circumstances in specific areas, for
example between Boiler House and TG Building and between
Transformer and T.G. Building, the same may be permitted provided
the mains installed in such areas form part of sub-ring only.

7.12.4

STAIRCASES
FOR
HOUSE/MILL BAY:

STOREVED

TG

HALL/BOILER

The staircase shall be distributed as far as possible along four sides of

the building. The number of staircases shall be such that no part of such
floor is more than 45 m from the nearest staircase.
At least 50 % of the number of staircases thus arrived at shall conform
to Rules 7.6.15.1, 7.6.15.2 and 7.6.15.3. The remaining staircases shall
be preferably located along the periphery of the building, but need not
necessarily be separated as per regulations.
7.12.5

RULE 7.7.3.3 REQUIREMENT OF

T.G.HALL/BOILLER HOUSE/MILL BAY:

HOSE

PIPES

IN

For use with each hydrant on staircase landing two lengths of hoses 15
m each and a nozzle with attached branch pipe shall be provided in hose
box alongside each landing valve.

+++++++++

8.

HYDRANT PROTECTION OF COTTON GIN & PRESS FACTORIES

8.18

RESERVOIR:
The construction and location of the reservoir shall be as indicated in
rule 7.3. The effective capacity (above the level of the foot valve seat)
shall be equivalent to 2 hours installed pumping capacity.

8.28

PUMPS:

8.2.1

Pumps shall be direct-coupled. However, existing belt-driven pumps

may be accepted at the discretion of the Committee.

8.2.2

The Pumps shall be capable of delivering not less than 19 LPS at a head
of 70 m. Where, however, the number of hydrants in the system exceeds
55; the pump capacity shall be not less than 38 litres/second.

8.2.3

The pump shall be so located as to be both easily accessible and where

any falling masonry and the like from other buildings, occasioned by
fire or other cause, cannot damage the pump room. The pump room
shall be located 6 m away from all surrounding buildings, overhead
structures and storages in the open.

8.2.4

Rules 7.4.1.6, 7.4.18, 7.4.1.9 and 7.4.1.12 shall be complied with.

8.2.5

Electric supply to the fire pump shall comply with rule 7.4.3.
NOTE: In case of steam-driven pump, adequate steam supply to drive
the pump at its duty shall be constantly maintained during the whole of
the working season.

8.3

MAINS:

8.3.1

Mains shall be of Cast Iron, galvanised iron or mild steel and be laid
underground.

8.3.2

The mains shall be laid in loops around the Gin & Press houses.

8.3.3

All loops and feeder mains shall be of 100 mm bore but branch mains
may be of 80 mm bore.
- The Committee may insist on larger sized mains where deemed
necessary.

8.4

HYDRANTS:

8.4.1

Rules 7.6.3, 7.6.4, 7.6.6, 7.6.7, and 7.6.8 shall be complied with.

8.4.2

Location of the hydrants shall be as under -

8.4.2.1

There shall be a minimum of three hydrants within 3 m of Gin house

and of Press house.

8.4.2.2

There shall be minimum of two hydrants within 15 m of Godown or

sheds used for storing cotton or Kappas.

8.4.2.3

For open storage, hydrants shall be distributed in such a way that any
portion of the storage is protected by atleast two hydrants at a distance
not exceeding 35 m.
N.B. If the compounds are only partially used for storage of cotton
and/or kappas, the owner shall declare the area he proposes for storage
for determining the fire protection thereof.
In this case, the portion reserved for storage shall be demarcated by a
wired fencing and a plan thereof shall be lodged with the Committee.

8.5

HOSE PIPES AND NOZZLES:

One 63 mm diameter hosepipe of 15 m length and one nozzle of 20 mm

diameter with its attached branch pipe shall be provided in a suitable
hose box alongside each hydrant.
8.6

FIRE-FIGHTING STAFF:
A minimum of six trained personnel shall be available at all times.
Apart from the above, three night watchmen shall also be available on
the premises.
++++++++++

9.

MUTUAL AID SCHEME

SCOPE: (Meant for plants other than petrochemical plants, petroleum
Refineries and LPG Bottling Plants).
MEMBERSHIP

9.1

Membership should be of two or more industrial plants, warehouses and

public utilities.
GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE:

9.2

The coverage shall be as follows Not exceeding 16 kM. for Light Hazard risks
b) Not exceeding 12 kM for Ordinary hazard risks
c) Not exceeding 10 kM for High hazard (A) risks
a)

If the concerned risks are of different categories, least of the distances

must be considered.

N.B. Add 4 km to actual distances for each of the Railway Crossing

encountered.
9.3

SECRETARIAT AND COMMUNICATION.

9.3.1

There shall be a full time permanent Secretary having a back ground

in fire fighting relevant to the types of industries included in the
scheme with a permanent office and necessary staff.

9.3.2

The member industries should mutually evolve an effective liaison

and communication system.

9.3.3

Direct Telephone/Radio Communication/wired alarm/siren system be

provided subject to prior approval of the Committee. Call procedures
be laid down and frequent trials with such systems would be
necessary.

9.4

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS FIRE FIGHTING REQUIREMENTS

9.4.1

A hydrant system supplemented by First Aid Appliances

conformity with the FP Manual.

9.4.2

Stock of foam compound as per the provisions of Rule 7.8 of F P

Manual if the occupancy of the risk warrants use of foam and will
comply with the requirements of NFPA-11, 1998.

9.4.3

Not less than 8 trained persons must be available in any shift out of
which 4 shall be full-time fire fighting personnel.

9.4.4

Fire Explosion accidents must be fully investigated by the member

units and their findings which might be fruitful and effective in
preventing a recurrence should be made available to other members,
which would benefit all plants without interfering with anyone plants
autonomy.

9.5

ADDITIONAL CAPACITY FOR MUTUAL USE:

installed in

In the event of outbreak of fire, the members of mutual laid scheme

should be able to supplement in the shortest possible time, the
resources of the affected plant, to the extent given below 9.5.1

Mobile fire fighting capacity by a motor fire engine of 400 gpm

capacity at 7 kg/cm2.

9.5.2

In case the occupancy of any one of the signatories to the scheme

warrants the application of foam compound shall be provided to the
extent of 25 % of the requirements of such plant.
N.B. In case, the occupancy of more than one risk warrants, the use of
foam, the stock to be maintained shall be 25 % of the requirement of
the risk needing larger stock of foam.

9.6

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

9.6.1

Fire explosion safety of the plant and extensions should preferably be

checked every six months, but at least annually using an audit system
and utilising check lists where appropriate.

9.6.2

Practice drills should be arranged once in three months (each time in

different units) to familiarise those concerned with the actions
expected of them, and at the same time testing the equipment available
in each unit.

9.6.3

Deployment of personnel to an affected plant from other members of

the scheme should not be subject to any constraints arising out of staff
problems.

9.7

INTERCHANGEABILITY OF EQUIPMENT

9.7.1

To the extent possible, individual plants should follow such standard

in the purchase of equipment to have free Interchangeability. Where
this is not practical, suitable adapter pieces must be kept in readiness
for hooking of un-interchangeable equipment.

9.7.2

Each risk should maintain a sensible policy and not strip itself of
equipment, which it might need in the case of trouble in its own
property which may be simultaneous with a disaster elsewhere.
+++++++++++ +

APPENDIX I
The Secretary,
Tariff Adv. Committee
New Delhi
Dear Sir,
APPLICATION FOR FIRE EXTINGUISHING
APPLIANCES (S) DISCOUNT

(Risk)
Please sanction, as from date of receipt by you of this application, a Discount of.
% for the following Extinguishing Appliances :Applying to Buildings (The occupation floor wise and block Nos. of each building must be clearly
stated).
I/We enclose plan of the risk with all details marked thereon.
I/We certify that to the best of my/our knowledge and belief the appliances
referred to have been installed in strict accordance with the rules of the Committee
and I/We also certify that the Plan submitted is drawn up in accordance with the
Committee's Rules and is correct and up-to-date.
I/We also certify that a copy of the Plan exact in every detail, is available for the
Committee's Inspector's use at the Mill (or premises above referred to).
I/We enclose full particulars of the appliances available together with letter of
Guarantee signed by the Assured.
I am (We are),
Yours faithfully
_____________________________________________________________
For use of the Committee only.
Date received:
Date inspected:
Inspector's comments:
Discount sanctioned:
Date of Minutes
Reference Number:

Inspector

APPENDIX II
The Secretary,
Regional office
Dear Sir,
GUARANTEE REGARDING FIRE EXTINGUISHING APPLIANCES
In consideration of your Committee granting a Discount for the Fire Extinguishing
Appliances detailed on attached/signed form which we have installed in
the.............................. situated at . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .
I/We hereby engage ourselves -1.

To maintain and upkeep the said appliances in efficient working order and
where such appliances and Committees Rules require the upkeep of a trained
Fire Brigade, to maintain such Brigade to its full numbers in an efficient state.

2.

To advise the Committee and first obtain permission should at any time it be
necessary to close down supply to pumps or in any way render the appliances
out of operation for repairs, overhaul, etc.

3.

Not to extend, alter or demolish protected Buildings or to erect new Buildings

in the compound of the premises without supplying the Committee with a
revised plan or revising the plan filed with the Committee.

4.

To keep at the above-described premises a copy, exact in every detail, of the

plan supplied to your Committee, same to be available to the Committee's
Inspector during his visits of inspection.

5.

Not
to re-number (or
re-letter) Buildings, Compartments, etc., as
recorded on the plan filed with the Committee without advising the Committee
of such revision.
I am (We are),
Yours faithfully,

Note: All communications to the Committee must be through the Leading Office
on the risk.
The Space for the use of the Committee only,
Date from which sanctioned
Reference Number
Remarks
Minutes of

APPENDIX III
DETAILS OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS APPLIANCES
AVAILABLE AT _____________________________
of Risk)

(Name

DETAILS OF BUCKETS, EXTINGUISEHRS AND HAND

APPLIANCES
Extinguishers/Hand
Pumps

De Are Numb
ptt
a
er
.
(sq.
of
m) Buck
Manufac
ets
Num Typ Cap
turer's
ber
e
.
Name

SMALL BORE HOSE REELS 1.

2.

Name of manufacturer
Material Diameter and Length

3.
4.

Diameter of Nozzle
Source of Supply - State whether a non stop supply is
available
Dept.

Size
(Lengt
hx
Breadt
h)

Numb
er of
Reels

WATER SUPPLY (IES) A. Underground Reservoir -

1.

Capacity in litres.

2.

Whether lined or not

3.

Division
if
any
interconnections
between them

4.

Capacities (in litres) of

connected
tanks
(elevated or otherwise)

and

Maximum
distance of
any point of
the room from
nearest hose
reel.

a)
b)
c)

d)

Net effective capacity

available
for
fire
pumps

5.

Sources of inflow to the

underground
reservoir
whether lakes, rivers,
wells, town's mains etc.

6.

Aggregate inflow in litres

per minute (with nipple
position
of
inflow,
overflow
and
normal
water level.

7.

In case of inflow from

town's mains, indicate
size of inflow pipe and
size of meter, and also
state whether the supply
is
continuous
of
intermittent.

B. Elevated Sprinkler Tank(s).

1.

Number of tanks.

2.

3.

C.

Capacities in litres and

height in metre of base
from ground level
Height
in
highest
building.

metre
of
Sprinklered

Pressure Tank(s)

1.

Location of tank.

2.

Capacity in litres

3.

4.

Quantity
of
water
contained in litres.
Air Pressure.

PUMP (S).

A.

Hydrant Pump(s)
details)
1.
2.

3.

(Full Nameplate

Type(s)
Make(s) and year(s) of
manufacture.
General Specifications:
a)

Capacity (Lit. /Min.)

b)

c)

4.

Sizes of suction and

delivery pipes

Details of steam pump(s)

if applicable a)

b)

c)

d)

e)

5.

Pressure
gauge,
reading at delivery
stops value (Kg/cm2).

Diameter of steam and

water cylinders and
length of stroke.
No. of
minute.

strokes

per

Diameter of steam
pipe
and
pressure
available at pump end
No. of steam boilers in
the
battery
and
working pressure
Size of
valve
delivery
at which

water relief
on
pump
and pressure
it is set.

Details
of
electrically
driven
pump(s)
if
applicable a)

Diameter
impeller.

of

pump

b)

c)
d)

e)

Material of which the

impeller is made.
Speed in RPM
H.P. and Voltage of
driving motor, type of
enclosure and class of
winding
insulation,
Motor full load current.
Details
supply i)

ii)

6.

of

electric

Plan
showing
locations of
pump
house
and
transformer
substation and table for
control
logic
of
pumps.
Circuit diagram of
electric supply to
the fire pump(s)
with incoming cable,
automatic
circuit
breaker,
starting
switchgear, position
of voltage release
coil etc.

Details of Petrol, Motor

spirit or Compressionignition Engine Driven
Pump(s) if applicable -

a)

b)

c)

d)

e)

f)

B.

Diameter
impeller

of

pump

Material of which the

impeller is made
Speed
and
Horse
Power of the engine
driving pump(s)
Method of starting the
engine.
Quantity in litres of
fuel contained in the
tank and that stored in
the premises.
Location and details of
batteries,
battery
charger and diesel
engine control panel.

SPRINKLER PUMP (S)

1.
2.

3.

Type(s)
Make(s) and year(s) of
manufacture
General Specifications:
a)
b)

Capacity (Lit./min.)
Pressure
gauge
reading at delivery
stop valve (Kg.cm2).

c)

4.

Details
of
steam
pump(s), if applicable a)

b)

c)

d)

e)

5.

Sizes of suction and

delivery pipes.

Diameter of steam and

water cylinders and
length of stroke.
No. of
minute.

strokes

per

Diameter of steam
pipe
and
pressure
available at pump end.
No. of steam boilers in
the
battery
and
working pressure.
Size of
valve
delivery
at which

water relief
on
pump
and pressure
it is set

Details
of
electrically
driven
pump(s),
if
applicable a)

b)

Diameter
impeller

of

pump

Material of which the

impeller is made.

c)
d)

e)

Speed in R.P.M.
H.P. and Voltage of
driving motor, type of
enclosure and class of
winding insulation.
Details
supply i)

ii)

6.

of

electric

Plan
showing
locations of direct
feeder, pump house
and
transformer
sub-station.
Circuit diagram of
electric supply to
the fire pump(s)
with incoming cable,
ACB and automatic
starting mode.

Details of Petrol, Motor

Spirit or Compression
Ignition Engine Driven
Pump(s), if applicable a)

b)

c)

Diameter
impeller.

of

pump

Material of which the

impeller is made
Speed
and
House
Power of the engine
driving pump(s).

d)

e)

7.

8.

Method of starting the

engine.
Quantity in litres of
fuel contained in the
tank and that stored in
the
premises.

Make
and
type
automatic regulator.

of

What is the pressure at

the level of the highest
sprinkler
when
the
50mm. waste valve is
fully open?

HYDRANT MAINS
1.

2.

3.

4.

Type of underground and/or

overhead
mains
with
method of jointing.
Internal diameter of ring
main.
Internal
diameter
terminal mains.

To what pressure have the

pipes been tested

HYDRANTS
1.

of

Type and Make.

2.

3.

4.
5.

6.

No.
of
hydrants

single-headed

No.
of
hydrants.

double-headed

No. of upper floor hydrants.

Type and diameter of stand
pipes a)

Single headed.

b)

Double headed.

Are all the coupling interchangeable?

HOSE
1.
2.

3.

4.

5.
6.

Material and Diameter.

Manufacturer's Name and
Guarantee
for
bursting
pressure.
No. of lengths of 15 m and
7.5 m respectively.
At what pressure the hose
has been
tested by the
insured.
Where is hose kept?
No. of branch pipes and
nozzles
and
their

diameters.
SPRINKLER INSTALLATION
1.

2.

3.

No. of installation valves

and departments served by
each valve.
Total
load
on
installation valve.

each

Type, make and fusing

temperature of the sprinkler
heads used.

FIRE FIGHTING PERSONNEL

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Is the pump man always on

duty?
Minimum number of trained
personnel available at any
time
for
fire
fighting
purposes.
Are any means employed to
ensure
night
watchman
going around the risk at
regular intervals?
Is there a muster-book for
fire drills?
How is fire alarm given to
fire fighting personnel?

TESTING OF APPLIANCES

1.

How often are the following

tested and/or examined a)

b)

c)

d)

1.

Sprinkler
tank
and
backpressure Valves.
Sprinkler and/or hydrant
pumps
and
their
accessories.
Sprinkler
valves.

installation

Hydrant installation and

valves.

Is a record of all tests and

defects found maintained?

LOCAL FIRE BRIGADE

1.

2.

3.

How far is the nearest city

fire brigade?
How can a communication
be sent to city fire brigade?
Are the city fire brigade
officers familiar with the
risk?

Dated
Signature..........
(Form to be signed by the Owner of the Premises).

.....20.

APPENDIX - IV
CERTIFICATE FROM INSURER'S ENGINEER
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

I hereby confirm that I have verified the portable Fire

Extinguishing Appliances installed at the above risk and found
them to be in accordance with the enclosed list. I also confirm
that the distribution is generally
in accordance
with the
Committee's requirements, and
that the appliances are well
maintained and are being periodically hydro tested as per IS:
2190.

Yours faithfully,

APPENDIX - V
FIRE DRILLS REGISTER
Sr. No. ______________
___________
Signa
ture
of
Signa
ture
of
Rema
rks/
Defec
Durati
on of
Opera
Serial
Nos.
of
Type
of
Drill
Name and designation of persons
attending the drills
1.

Date :

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

NOTE Squad personnel shall be provided with clothing and

equipment including helmets confirming to IS: 2745 or IS: 2925,
belts and boots preferably gun boots.

APPENDIX - VI
TABLE SHOWING PRESSURES OF WATER IN
Kg/cm2 FOR EVERY METRE IN
HEIGHT UPTO 60 m
Height
in
metres

Pressur
e in
Kg./cm2

Height
in
meters

Pressur
e in
Kg./cm2

0.1

15

1.5

0.2

20

2.0

0.3

25

2.5

0.4

30

3.0

0.5

35

3.5

0.6

40

4.0

6
7
8

0.7
0.8

0.9

10

1.0

45
50
55
60

4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0

NOTE: - In applying this table the height of the Highest Sprinkler

above the Pressure Gauge must be ascertained and the pressure
to be allowed for such height will be obtained by reference to the
table. For example, if the gauge records a pressure of 4.25
Kg./cm2, and the highest sprinkler is 28 m above the gauge, there
will be a pressure of, say, 1.45 Kg./cm 2 on the highest sprinkler.

Internal Guidelines :
For the sake of uniform interpretation of rules and practices the
following will b included in the Internal Guidelines which will be
prepared separately.
1) Rules 7.4.1.11 & 7.4.1.12 :
Pumps are not permitted normally to have partly positive
(flooded) suction and partly negative suction. But under special
circumstances such arrangement may be permitted with prior
approval of the Committee, in case of combined process and fire
water reservoirs and exclusive fire water reservoirs where at least
80% of water level would enable positive suction and remaining

20% negative suction. In all such cases priming tank also shall
be provided.
2) Rule 7.2 - Classification of Occupancies :
Piers, Wharfs and Jetties - to be classified normally under ordinary
hazard category unless Category III of list of hazardous materials
are handled.
3) Rule 7.4.1.4.1 Table 2 : Ordinary Hazard :
In case of new systems where the number of hydrants is
expected to be between 100 and 150; and where further
extension of the system beyond 150 hydrants is not anticipated,
a single pump of 410 m3/hr capacity at 7/8.8 Kgs./cm2 may be
permitted.
Likewise in case of old installations where the
system is extended beyond 100 hydrants but not exceeding 150
hydrants; and where further extension beyond 150 hydrants is
not anticipated, an additional pump of 171 M3/hr. at 7 Kgs./Cm2
may be permitted.

4) Rule 7.4.1.4.2 :
Where spray system/sprinkler system is provided for the
protection of equipment/plant the water demand of such a
system should be worked out and compared to the water demand
of tanks of 10 M, 20 M and beyond 20 M dia.
and he
supplementary hose stream protection indicated for the
equivalent tank diameter shall be provided.

5) Taking underground pipes in Hume Pipes at road crossings

It is recommended to provide semi-circular hume pipes for cast
iron pipes at road crossings. No such protection is required for
underground MS pipes at road crossings.
6) Item 5 : Hydrant Protection for Cryogenic
Storage Tanks and Double Walled Storage Tanks:
The M.V. Water Spray Protection (mandatory) for he roof of the
cryogenic storage tanks and double walled storage tanks at a
rate of 3 LPM/M2 will entitle the risk only to hydrant discount. If
additional discount for spray system is also required, then density
shall be 10 LPM/M2.
7)
Mild steel stand post may be accepted even in
cases where underground mains are of Cast iron.
8) In cases where requirements of low water level cannot be
complied with orifice plate can be installed at entrance of the
suction pipe.
9) Note 2 below rule 7.3 applies to lined reservoirs also.
10) NB2 below rule 7.6.18
Where hydrant/monitors located along one longer side
of a storage area are more than 90 m from those along the other
longer side, monitors having jets of longer reach may be
accepted.