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 fire-fighting 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

1.5.2

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.

1.5.10

Water Monitors to be shown by a circle with an oblique

arrow through it and marked, WM

WM
1.5.11

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

1.5.12

Sprinkler and Hydrant pumps to be clearly marked and

the capacity and head to be indicated in each case.

1.5.13

Pump(s) suction piping to be shown dotted and diameter

indicated.

1.5.14

Surface fire service Water tanks and reservoirs to be

shown to scale and average depth indicated.

1.5.15

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

being marked alongside.
. . . . . . mm SPK MAIN

1.5.16

Fire alarm bells to be shown by blue circles and marked

FAB.
F.A.B

1.5.17

Sprinklered blocks to be marked S

1.5.18

Oil, solvent, acid and other chemical tanks to be drawn to

scale and suitably marked.

1.5.19

Open storage areas to be clearly shown by hatched

outlines and marked Open Storage Site for.

1.5.20

Electric 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:
2.0
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: 2.1 Proposals for the installation of appliances shall be submitted
to the Regional Office (TAC) by the Leading Office on the
risk and shall comprise2.1.1

Material specifications of equipment and components of

the installation, indicating the name of manufacturers,
Standards/Specifications and name of approving
authority, if any.

2.1.2

In the case of internal appliances, details of the areas of

the various compartments, their occupation and the
quantities and types of appliances proposed.

2.1.3

In the case of sprinkler and hydrant installation, fully

dimensioned plans in duplicate as called for in Item 1.

2.1.4

In 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.
2.2 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.
2.3 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.
2.4 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.
2.5 Application for discounts shall be submitted on special forms
provided for the purpose by the Committee and shall
comprise:
2.5.1

Application by the Leading Office (Appendix I)

2.5.2

Guarantee by the Insured (Appendix II)

2.5.3

Schedule of Appliances
(Appendix III)

(Signed

by

Insured)

2.6 In 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.
2.7 Even 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.
2.8 Applications, 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.
2.9 No 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:

3.1 The 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.
3.2 The 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.
3.3 The 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
extinguishers.

comprise

buckets

and

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,
Extinguishers and sand
buckets

N.B - WHERE THE ENERGISED ELECTRICAL

EQUIPMENTS ARE INVOLVED IN A FIRE, THE NONCONDUCTIVITY OF THE EXTINGUISING MEDIA IS OF
UTMOST IMPORTANCE AND ONLY EXTINGUISHERS
EXPELLING DRY POWDER OR CARBON-DI-OXIDE

(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-a-half 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
replacement

WATER
BUCKETS

Water type
Extinguishers
For each 9 litre
Extinguisher

For one
bucket

For two
buckets

Dry Sand

1 bucket

3 bucket

---

Carbon-di-Oxide
Extinguishers

03 Kg.

09 Kg

09 Kg

02 Kg

05 Kg

05 Kg

(IS: 2878)

Dry Powder
Extinguisher
(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
Dry Powder type
Total

4.1.4

88
08
96

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.
4.1.5.3.6 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.

4.2 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

5.1 Application:
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.
5.2 Personnel:
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 pipes.
5.3.2 The capacities of individual trailer pumps and motor fire engine
shall not be less than
Trailer Pump

30 litres per second at 5.6 kg./sq. cm.

Motor Fire Engines

30 litres per second at 7.0 kg./sq. cm.

5.3.3 The number of appliances required shall not be less than that laid
down hereunder Light
Hazard
Occupancies

1trailer pump for every 7,000 m2 of

total built up area of protected process
and storage blocks subject to a
maximum of 3

b) Ordinary Hazard
Occupancies

1trailer pump for every 5,000 Sq. m. of

total built up area of protected process
and storage blocks subject to a max. 4

a)

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: 127171989.
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)

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

litres.

6.

HYDRANT PROTECTION OF HIGH RISE BUILDINGS (NONINDUSTRIAL)

6.1 Introduction 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 highrise building.
6.1.2 The rules are applicable to all types of buildings with nonindustrial 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.
6.2 Hydrant 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.
6.3 Hydrant Protection - at various upper/lower (basement) levels
6.3.1 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.
6.3.1.2 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 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.
6.3.2 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 The wet risers shall be located within the lobby approach
staircases.
6.3.2.3 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.
6.4 Hose 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 rubberlined hoses for use with internal hydrants. (IS-636)
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.
6.5 Pumping 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 m3
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/cm 2
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 6.6.1 Effective 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).

6.6.2 The 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 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.
6.7 Fire Fighting Staff
6.7.1 A 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.
6.7.2 As 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 7.1.0 The 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.
7.1.2 The 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.
7.1.3 All components of the hydrant system shall be of a type and
make approved by the Tariff Advisory Committee.
7.1.4 The 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.
7.1.5 The 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).
7.2 CLASSIFICATIONS OF OCCUPANCIES 7.2.0 As 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.
7.2.1 LIGHT 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.

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)

26. Electric Lamps (Incandescent & Fluorescent) and TV

Picture Tube Manufacturing.
27. Electric Sub-Station/Distribution Station.
28. Electro Plating Works.
29. Electronic and/or Computer Equipments Assemble and
Manufactures
30. Empty Containers Storage Yard
31. Engineering Workshops.
32. Fruits and Vegetables Dehydrating/Drying Factories.
33. Fruit Products and Condiment Factories.
34. Glass & Glass Fibre Manufacturing.
35. Godowns and Warehouses Storing non-combustible Goods.
36. Green houses
37. Gold Thread Factories/Gilding Factories.
38. Gum and/or Glue and Gelatine Manufacturing.
39. Hospitals including X-ray and other Diagnostic Clinics.
40. Ice Candy and Ice-cream Manufacturing.
41. Ice Factories.
42. Ink (excluding Printing Ink) Factories
43. Laundries.
44. Libraries.
45. Mica Products Manufacturing.
46. Office Premises.
47. Places of worship
48. Pottery Works.
49. Poultry Farms.
50. Residential Hotels, Cafes & Restaurants.
51. Salt Crushing Factories and Refineries.
52. Stables.
53. Steel Plants (other than Gas based)
54. Sugar Candy Manufacturing.
55. Sugar Factories and Refineries.
56. Tea Blending and Tea Packing Factories
57. Umbrella Assembling Factories
58. Vermicelli Factories.
59. Water Treatment/Water Filtration Plants and Water Pump
House.

7.2.2 ORDINARY 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.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.

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.
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)

42. Manure and Fertiliser Works. (Blending, Mixing and

granulating only)
43. Mercantile Occupancies (Dept. Stores, Shopping Complexes
/ Malls)
44. Mineral Oil Blending and Processing.
45. Museums.
46. Oil & Leather Cloth Factories.
47. Oil Terminals/Depots other than those categorised under
High hazard A
48. Oxygen Plants.
49. Plywood Manufacturing/Wood Veneering Factories.
50. Paper & Cardboard Mills.
51. Piers, wharves, dockyards.
52. Plastic Goods Manufacturing.
53. Printing Press Premises.
54. Pulverising and Crushing Mills.
55. Rice Mills.
56. Rope Works.
57. Rubber Goods Manufacturing.
58. Rubber Tyres & Tubes Manufacturing
59. Shellac Factories.
60. Shopping Complexes (underground)
61. Silk Filatures and cocoon stores.
62. Spray painting
63. Soaps and Glycerine Factories.
64. Starch Factories
65. Steel Plants (Gas Based)
66. Tanneries/Leather Goods Manufacturers.
67. Tank farms other than those categorised under high
hazard 'A'.
68. Textile Mills.
69. Tea Factories.
70. Telephone Exchanges.
71. Theatres and Auditoriums
72. Tobacco (Chewing) and Pan-masalla Making.
73. Tobacco Grinding and Crushing.
74. Tobacco Redrying Factories.
75. Woollen Mills.
7.2.3 HIGH HAZARD OCCUPANCIES:
SUB-CATEGORY (A)

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.

Aircraft Hangers
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)*
* 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.
Surgical Cotton Manufacturers
Tank Farms storing flammable liquids having flash point of
32o C and below.
Tarpaulin & Canvas Proofing Factories.
Turpentine & Rosin Distilleries.

34. Tyre Retreading and Resoling Factories.

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

Ammonia and Urea Synthesis Plants.

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

7.3 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.

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

interconnected equal compartments to facilitates cleaning and
repairs.
7.3.3 The 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 Firewater
Compartments and only overflow of firewater 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

CAPACITY OF STATIC STORAGE

EXCLUSIVELY RESERVED FOR
HYDRANT SERVICE.

1.

Light Hazard

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

pumping capacity

hours

aggregate

4.

High Hazard (B)

Not less than 4 hour's aggregate pumping

capacity

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.

7.4 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 enginedriven 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

Light
Hazard

DELIVERY
PRESSURE AT
PUMP DISCHARGE
AT RATED CAPACITY (KG/CM2)

1.

NUMBER OF
HYDRANTS

PUMP CAPACITY
LPS/(M3/HR)

NATURE
OF RISK

Not exceeding

27 (96)

5.6*

ii)

Exceeding 20
but not exceeding 55

38 (137)

iii)

Exceeding 55
but not exceeding
100

47 (171)

i)
20

iv)

Exceeding 100
**

47 (171) 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/cm2 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.

Ordinar
y Hazard

DELIVERY
PRESSURE AT
PUMP DISCHARGE
AT RATED CAPACITY (KG/CM2)

2.

NUMBER OF
HYDRANTS

PUMP CAPACITY
LPS/(M3/HR)

NATURE
OF RISK

i)

Not
exceeding 20

38 (137)

ii)

Exceeding
20 but not
exceeding 55

47 (171)

iii)

Exceeding
55 but not
exceeding 100

76 (273)

iv)

Exceeding
100 **

76 (273) plus
76 (273) for
every
additional
125
hydrants or

7/8.8

part thereof.

**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)

i)

Not
exceeding 20

47 (171)

ii)

Exceeding
20 but not
exceeding 55

76 (273)

7/8.8

iii)

Exceeding
55 but not
exceeding 100

114 (410)

7/8.8

114 (410) plus

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

7/8.8/10.5

iv)

Exceeding
100

4.

High
Hazard (B)

DELIVERY
PRESSURE AT
PUMP DISCHARGE
AT RATED CAPACITY (KG/CM2)

3.

NUMBER OF
HYDRANTS

PUMP CAPACITY
LPS/(M3/HR)

NATURE OF
RISK

i)

Not
exceeding 20

Two of 47
(171)

ii)

Exceeding
20 but not
exceeding 55

TWO of 76
(273)

7/8.8

iii)

Exceeding
55 but not
exceeding 100

TWO of 114
(410)

7/8.8

iv)

**Exceedin
g 100

TWO of 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 in-operative.

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/m2 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

1,150 LPM

ii)

More than 10 m and upto 20 m

2,250 LPM

iii)

Over 20 m

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/M2 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)
1.

Supplementary hose
stream protection (LPM)

Upto and including 50

1,750

Above 50 m3 and upto

2,250

Above 150 m3

4,500

m3
2.
3

150 m
3.

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 cut-off 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 m3/hr plus 1
% of the installed pumping capacity in excess of 820 m3/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 65o 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 substation(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.

2.

7.4.3.2

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

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 nonflammable 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 nonflammable 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 the above distance provisions

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 uninterrupted. 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 backup 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 glassfronted 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) One complete set of piston rings for each cylinder,
b) Two high tension sparking plugs for each cylinder.
c) Two valves suitable for inlet or exhaust complete with
springs, cotters and washers,
d) One complete filter for petrol pump feed with cork gasket
e) Two springs for each spring used in the engine,
f) 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)
b)
c)
d)
e)

The engine shall be tested twice a week for atleast 10

minutes each time.
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 10 o C. Adequate
ventilation shall be provided for the air required for
aspiration and to limit the temperature rise in the room to 10 o
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 7oC 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 belt-driven 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)
High Hazard (B)

CAPACITY
2 Hours
4 Hours
6 Hours
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) To test the engine at least once a week.

b) To maintain the temperature of the engine room at not
less than 4.5 deg. C at all times.
c) To maintain the minimum quantity of fuel oil required as
desired in these clauses.
d) To use a good grade of fuel oil equivalent in quality to
that specified by the engine maker.
e) 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 7-kg/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 ungalvanised) 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
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.

7.5.3

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 hydro-testing 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)

SIZE
OF MAINS
(MM)

NO. OF
HYDRANTS
IN THE
WHOLE
SYSTEM

% AGE OF ALL MAINS

INCLUDING TERMINAL
MAINS AND RISERS *

1 to 20

100

100 %

21 to 55

125
100

45 %
55 %

56 to 100

125
100

60 %
40 %

TABLE - 3 A
(FOR ORDINARY HAZARD OCCUPANCIES)
SIZE
OF MAINS
(MM)

NO. OF
HYDRANTS
IN THE
WHOLE
SYSTEM

% 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 light/ordinary hazardous, 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) 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).
4) 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 1. In case of system having working pressure in excess of 7
kg/cm2 PN- 1.6 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 storeyed 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 firefighting 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
non-

One single hydrant for every 60 m

of storage periphery located
beyond 2 m but within 15 m of

hazardous storage

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 dia.

One double headed or two

single headed hydrants.

Tanks above 10 m but

upto 20 m dia.

Two double headed or four

single headed hydrants.

Tanks above 20 m dia.

Three double headed 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.

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/m2 for the

roof portion only.
8.

7.6.20

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

7.9.6

so that the efficacy of 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 m3/Hr., having
requisite rated head may be acceptable.
NOTES

7.12.3

1.

The booster pump shall be regarded as a pressurecompensating device only.

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 HOSE

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

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

8.1

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.
8.2

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.
N.B. - 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).
9.1

MEMBERSHIP

Membership should be of two or more industrial plants,

warehouses and public utilities.
9.2

GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE:
The coverage shall be as follows a) 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
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
REQUIREMENTS

FIRE

FIGHTING

9.4.1

A hydrant system supplemented by First Aid Appliances

installed in 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:

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 uninterchangeable 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 _____________________________
Risk)

(Name of

DETAILS OF BUCKETS, EXTINGUISEHRS AND HAND APPLIANCES

Extinguishers/Hand Pumps
Deptt.

Area
(sq.m)

Number
of Buckets

Number

Type

Cap.

Manufacturer's
Name

SMALL BORE HOSE REELS -

1.
2.
3.
4.

Name of manufacturer
Material Diameter and Length
Diameter of Nozzle
Source of Supply - State whether a non stop supply is available

Dept.

Size
(Length x
Breadth)

WATER SUPPLY (IES) -

Number
of Reels

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

A. Underground Reservoir -

1. Capacity in litres.
2. Whether lined or not
3. Division if any and interconnections
between them

4. Capacities (in litres) of connected tanks

(elevated or otherwise)

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.

Capacities in litres and height in metre of

base from ground level

3.

Height in metre of highest Sprinklered

building.

C. Pressure Tank(s)

1.

Location of tank.

2.

Capacity in litres

3.

Quantity of water contained in litres.

4.

Air Pressure.

PUMP (S).
A. Hydrant Pump(s) (Full Nameplate details)
1.

Type(s)

2.

Make(s) and year(s) of manufacture.

3.

General Specifications:
a) Capacity (Lit. /Min.)
b) Pressure gauge, reading at delivery
stops value (Kg/cm2).
c) Sizes of suction and delivery pipes

4.

Details of steam pump(s) if applicable a) Diameter of steam and water

cylinders and length of stroke.
b) No. of strokes per minute.

c) Diameter of steam pipe and pressure

available at pump end
d) No. of steam boilers in the battery
and working pressure
e) Size of water relief valve on pump
delivery and pressure at which it is
set.
5.

Details of electrically driven pump(s) if

applicable a) Diameter of pump impeller.
b) Material of which the impeller is
made.
c) Speed in RPM
d) H.P. and Voltage of driving motor,
type of enclosure and class of
winding insulation, Motor full load
current.
e) Details of electric supply -

6.

i)

Plan showing locations of

pump house and transformer
sub-station and table for control
logic of pumps.

ii)

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

Compression-ignition
Engine
Driven
Pump(s) if applicable a) Diameter of pump impeller
b) Material of which the impeller is

made
c) Speed and Horse Power of the
engine driving pump(s)
d) Method of starting the engine.
e) Quantity in litres of fuel contained in
the tank and that stored in the
premises.
f)

B.

Location and details of batteries,

battery charger and diesel engine
control panel.

SPRINKLER PUMP (S)

1.

Type(s)

2.

Make(s) and year(s) of manufacture

3.

General Specifications:
a) Capacity (Lit./min.)
b) Pressure gauge reading at delivery
stop valve (Kg.cm2).
c) Sizes of suction and delivery pipes.

4.

Details of steam pump(s), if applicable a) Diameter of steam and water

cylinders and length of stroke.
b) No. of strokes per minute.
c) Diameter of steam pipe and pressure
available at pump end.
d) No. of steam boilers in the battery
and working pressure.
e) Size of water relief valve on pump
delivery and pressure at which it is

set
5.

Details of electrically driven pump(s), if

applicable a) Diameter of pump impeller
b) Material of which the impeller is
made.
c) Speed in R.P.M.
d) H.P. and Voltage of driving motor,
type of enclosure and class of
winding insulation.
e) Details of electric supply -

6.

i)

Plan showing locations of

direct feeder, pump house and
transformer sub-station.

ii)

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) Diameter of pump impeller.
b) Material of which the impeller is
made
c) Speed and House Power of the
engine driving pump(s).
d) Method of starting the engine.
e) Quantity in litres of fuel contained in
the tank and that stored in the
premises.

7.

Make and type of automatic regulator.

8.

What is the pressure at the level of the

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

HYDRANT MAINS
1.

Type of underground and/or overhead mains

with method of jointing.

2.

Internal diameter of ring main.

3.

Internal diameter of terminal mains.

4.

To what pressure have the pipes been tested

HYDRANTS
1.

Type and Make.

2.

No. of single-headed hydrants

3.

No. of double-headed hydrants.

4.

No. of upper floor hydrants.

5.

Type and diameter of stand pipes a) Single headed.

b) Double headed.

6.

Are all the coupling inter-changeable?

HOSE
1.

Material and Diameter.

2.

Manufacturer's Name and Guarantee for

bursting pressure.

3.

No. of lengths of 15 m and 7.5 m respectively.

4.

At what pressure the hose has been

tested

by the insured.
5.

Where is hose kept?

6.

No. of branch pipes and nozzles and

diameters.

their

SPRINKLER INSTALLATION
1.

No. of installation valves and departments

served by each valve.

2.

Total load on each installation valve.

3.

Type, make and fusing temperature of the

sprinkler heads used.

FIRE FIGHTING PERSONNEL

1.

Is the pump man always on duty?

2.

Minimum number
available at any
purposes.

3.

Are any means employed to ensure night

watchman going around the risk at regular
intervals?

4.

Is there a muster-book for fire drills?

5.

How is fire alarm given to fire fighting

personnel?

of trained personnel
time for fire fighting

TESTING OF APPLIANCES
1.

How often are the following tested and/or

examined a) Sprinkler tank and backpressure Valves.
b) Sprinkler and/or hydrant pumps and their
accessories.
c) Sprinkler installation valves.

d) Hydrant installation and valves.

1.

Is a record of all tests and defects found

maintained?

LOCAL FIRE BRIGADE

1.

How far is the nearest city fire brigade?

2.

How can a communication be sent to city fire

brigade?

3.

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

Name and designation of persons attending the drills

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

Signature
of Works
Manager

5.

Signature
of Fire
Marshall

4.

Remarks/
Defects
observed
if any

3.

Duration of
Operation
of
Pumps

2.

Serial Nos.
of Hydrants
Operated
Type of Drill
Dry or Wet

1.

Date :
Sr. No. ______________
___________

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

Pressure in
Kg./cm2

Height in
meters

Pressure 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

0.7

45

4.5

0.8

50

5.0

0.9

55

5.5

10

1.0

60

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./cm2 on the highest sprinkler.