Bye laws fire

Building Bye-Laws & Codes of Practices
Ar. Rameez R. Gazi
Dept. of Architecture
School of Technology, NEHU

Building Bye – Laws … FIRE
18-May-17 Ar. Rameez R. Gazi, Dept. of Architecture 2
Key components to be carefully checked during the outbreak of a fire:
Designing building keeping in mind the safe and timely evacuation
of building occupants,
Judicious material selection to resist/retard fire,
Designing an indigenous/local fire fighting system ,
Leaving ample setbacks to barrier free movement of emergency
vehicles,
Laying fire service lines to assist fire tenders to recharge or

Fire and Life Safety – National Building Code of India
3.1 Buildings shall be classified as :
ø Residential,
ø Educational,
ø Institutional,
ø Assembly,
ø Business,
ø Mercantile,
ø Industrial,
ø Storage, and
ø Hazardous
in groups and sub-divisions as classified in Part 4 „Fire and Life Safety‟
of the Code.

Duties and Responsibilities

4.1.1 Design Team
In building projects, various aspects like form; space planning;
aesthetics; fire and life safety; structural adequacy; plumbing services;
lighting and natural ventilation; electrical and allied installations; air
conditioning, heating and mechanical ventilation; acoustics, sound
insulation and noise control; installation of lifts and escalators; building
automation; data and voice communication; other utility services
installations; landscape planning, design and development; urban
planning; etc. need to be kept in view right at the concept stage. The
project requiring such multi-disciplinary inputs need a coordinated
approach among the professionals for proper integration of various
design inputs.

4.1.1 Design Team
For this, and to take care of the complexities of multi-disciplinary
requirements, a design team of professionals from the required
disciplines shall be constituted at the appropriate stage. Here, it is
desirable that the multi- disciplinary integration is initiated right from the
concept stage. The team shall finalize the plan. The composition of the
team shall depend on the nature, magnitude and complexities of the
project. Design is an evolutionary and participatory process, where
participation of the owner constitutes a very important input at all stages,
and the same shall be ensured by the design team.

5.2 The following considerations, as may be applicable to the project,
may be considered during planning, notwithstanding the other
relevant aspects specifically prescribed in concerned Parts/Sections
of this Code; these considerations in general are with the objective
of addressing important issues like environmental protection,
energy conservation, cultural issues, creating barrier free built-
environment, safety aspects, etc., all of these leading towards
sustainable development, and have to be applied with due regard
to the specific requirements of size and type of project:
20) Interlinking of fire alarm system, fire protection system, security
system, ventilation, electrical systems, etc.

7. Operation, Maintenance, De- Commissioning And Deconstruction
7.2 The operation and maintenance team shall be responsible for
preparation/application of operation and maintenance manual,
and draw maintenance schedule/ frequencies and guidelines for
maintenance personnel. Apart from the specific provisions laid
down in concerned Parts/Sections of the Code, the following, as
may be applicable to the project concerned, shall additionally be
taken into account:
a) Periodic validation of buildings by competent professionals through
inspection of the buildings in respect of structural safety and safety
of electrical and other installations and ensuring that all fire safety
equipment/systems are in proper working condition.

Provisions in the National Building Code

A-4 PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY
It covers the requirements for fire prevention, life safety in relation to fire,
and fire protection of buildings. It also specifies occupancy-wise
classification, constructional aspects, egress requirements and
protection features that are necessary to minimize danger to life and
property from fire.
A-6.8 Section 8 Glass and Glazing
c) Selection of glass in buildings, subject to wind loading, seismic
loading and special considerations for fire rated glass and related
materials.

A-10.2 Section 2 Signs and Outdoor Display Structures
It covers the requirements with regard to public safety, structural safety and fire safety
of all signs and outdoor display structures.
SECTION 3 PERMIT AND INSPECTION
11 DEVELOPMENT/BUILDING PERMIT
11.1 Permit Required
11.1.3 Specific approvals shall be obtained from Airports Authority of India,
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Fire Services
Department, Pollution Control Board, designated authorities under Factories
Act/Cinema Regulation Act, Urban Arts Commission, designated Coastal
Regulation Zone Authority, Archaeological Survey of India, Heritage
Committee and any such other authority as may be applicable. Approval of
Fire Services Department shall be required for buildings of height 15 m or
above and for such other buildings/special buildings referred to in Part 4 .Fire
and Life Safety. of the Code.

Points to check

12.2.5.1 Building plan for high rise/special buildings
For all high rise buildings which are 15 m or more in height and for
special buildings like educational, assembly, institutional, business,
mercantile, industrial, storage and hazardous and mixed
occupancies with any of the aforesaid occupancies having covered
area more than 500 m2 (see also Part 4 'Fire and Lift Safety„ of the
Code), the building sanction shall be done in two stages. In case of
important projects and projects having high complexity and
sensitivity, the Authority may get the design, drawings and details of
such buildings peer reviewed/proof checked before approving the
same.

Stage 1 : Planning clearance (21 Points to check)
The following additional information shall be furnished/ indicated in the
building plan in addition to the items given in 12.2.5 as applicable:
1) Access to fire appliances/vehicles with details of vehicular turning
circle and clear motor-able access way around the building;
2) Size (width) of main and alternative staircases along with balcony
approach, corridor, ventilated lobby approach;
4) Location and size of fire lift;
5) Smoke stop lobby/door, where provided;
8) Refuge area, if any;

Stage 1 : Planning clearance (21 points to check)
The following additional information shall be furnished/ indicated in the building plan in
addition to the items given in 12.2.5 as applicable:
9) Details of building services . Air conditioning system with position of fire
dampers, mechanical ventilation system, Electrical services, boilers, gas
pipes, etc.;
10) Details of exits including provision of ramps, etc., for hospitals and special
risks;
11) Location of generator, transformer and switchgear room;
12) Smoke exhauster system, if any;
13) Details of fire alarm system network;
14) Location of centralized control, connecting all fire alarm systems, built-in-fire
protection arrangements and public address system, etc.;

Stage 1 : Planning clearance (21 points to check)
The following additional information shall be furnished/ indicated in the
building plan in addition to the items given in 12.2.5 as applicable:
15) Location and dimensions of static water storage tank and pump room
along with fire service inlets for mobile pump and water storage tank;
16) Location and details of fixed fire protection installations such as sprinklers,
wet risers, hose-reels, drenchers, etc; and
17) Location and details of first-aid firefighting equipment/installations.
18) Features relating to accessibility for the elderly and persons with disabilities,
shall be in accordance with 13 of Part 3 . Development Control Rules and
General Building Requirements. of the Code for the designated buildings
and areas.

Important Definitions

Important definitions with respect to Fire Fighting
2.37 Fire Separation
The distance in meters measured from the external wall of the
building concerned to the external wall of any other building on the site,
or from other site, or from the opposite side of a street or other public
space for the purpose of preventing the spread of fire.
3.6 Fire Safety
Buildings shall be so planned, designed and constructed as to ensure
fire safety and this shall be done as per Part 4 'Fire and Lift Safety' of the
Code

13.2.7 Area of Rescue Assistance
Building space directly adjoining, and visible from, a main vertical
evacuation route, robustly and reliably protected from heat, smoke and
flame during and after a fire, where people can temporarily wait with
confidence for further information, instructions, and/or rescue
assistance, without obstructing or interfering with the evacuation travel
of other building users.
NOTE - “Robust” means structurally hardened and resistant to mechanical damage during
the fire and for a period of time afterwards, that is, the cooling phase.

2.4 Automatic Fire Detection and Alarm System
A system comprising components and sub-systems required for
automatically detecting smoke, heat or fire initiating an alarm and other
actions as appropriate. This system also includes manually operated
electronic fire alarm (MOEFA) system.
2.10 Down-comer
An arrangement of firefighting within the building by means of down-comer
pipe connected to terrace tank through terrace pump, gate valve and non
return valve and having mains not less than 100 mm internal diameter with
landing valves on each floor/landing. It is also fitted with inlet connections at
ground level for charging with water by pumping from fire service
appliances and air release valve at roof level to release trapped air inside.

2.11 Dry Riser
An arrangement of firefighting within the building by means of vertical
rising mains not less than 100 mm internal diameter with landing valves
on each floor/landing which is normally dry but is capable of being
charged with water usually by pumping from fire service appliances.
2.20 Fire Barrier (or Fire Resisting Barrier)
A fire barrier is a vertically or horizontally aligned member such as a wall
or a fire curtain, or a floor. These may be with discontinuities created by
openings with a specified fire resistance rating, where such members
are designed and constructed with a specified fire resistance rating to
limit the spread of fire that also restricts the movement of smoke.

2.21 Fire Compartment
A space within a building that is enclosed by fire barrier or fire resistant
walls on all sides, including the top and bottom.
2.22 Fire Door and Fire Door Assembly
Any combination of fire door, frame, hardware and other accessories
that together provide a specific fire resistant rating to the opening in
terms of its stability, integrity and insulation properties, when installed in
the openings in fire separation walls. Fire door is a component of fire
door assembly.

Means of access

4.6 For high rise buildings and special buildings (see Part 4 'Fire and Lift Safety' of the
Code), the following additional provisions of means of access shall be ensured:
a) The width of the main street on which the building abuts shall not be less than 12 m
and one end of this street shall join another street not less than 12 m in width.
b) The road shall not terminate in a dead end; except in the case of residential
building, up to a height of 30 m.
c) The approach to the building and open spaces on all its sides shall be not less than
6 m in width, and a turning radius of minimum 9 m shall be provided for fire tender
movement of fire tenders weighing up to 45 tonnes. The same shall be hard surface
capable of taking the mass of fire tender, weighing up to 45 tonnes minimum.
For heavier fire tenders, the minimum width, turning radius and the hard surface
capable of taking the fire tender loads shall be as per the requirement laid down
by the Fire Department. The layout for the open space for fire tender movement
shall be done in consultation with the Chief Fire Officer of the city, which shall be
kept free of obstructions and shall be motor-able. The compulsory open spaces
around the building shall not be used for parking.

4.6 For high rise buildings and special buildings (see Part 4 'Fire and Lift
Safety' of the Code), the following additional provisions of means of
access shall be ensured:
d) The main entrance to the plot shall be of adequate width to allow
easy access to the fire engine and in no case shall it measure less
than 6 m. The entrance gate shall fold back against the compound
wall of the premises, thus leaving the exterior access way within the
plot free for movement of fire tender. If the main entrance at the
boundary wall is built over, the minimum clearance shall be 4.5 m.

4.6.1.4 Requirements for fire tender movement
a) Buildings having height more than 15 m above ground level shall
necessarily be accessible by fire tender, as follows:
i. For buildings having floor area less than 10 000 m2, fire tenders
shall have access to at least one-third of the perimeter of
building which shall be minimum 6.0 m wide and having 9.0 m
turning radius.
ii. For buildings having floor area more than 10 000 m2, fire engine shall
have an access to at least to half of the perimeter of building
which shall be minimum 6.0 m wide and having 9.0 m turning
radius.

4.6.1.4 Requirements for fire tender movement
b) If podium is not accessible by fire tender, the podium may be such
that it is not extended beyond the building footprint to an extent
more than 11.0 m on the side where fire tender access is provided.
Such restriction shall not apply in case podium is accessible by fire
engine.
c) Minimum 6.0 m driveway width and 9.0 m width at turning shall be
available for fire tender movement all around the podium.
9.2.1 Unlimited Areas
The minimum fire separation on all sides of buildings of unlimited areas
and of Type 1 construction shall be 9 m.

Points to be considered during conception to completion of a building
by every concerned individuals:
1. Public buildings should be equipped with fire protected lift shafts,
lobbies, and staircases for easy rescue assistance.
2. Escalators and travelators should be located with due consideration
to the location of emergency exits and alternate means of access for
easy rescue assistance.
3. If fire and safety related, all controls should be intuitive and obvious
to use. Wherever, fire extinguishers are provided, one fire extinguisher
should have a maximum weight of 5 kg or 6 liters or even less.
4. Fire alarm calls should be located between 1000 mm and 1100 mm
above floor level.

Bye laws fire

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