Ppendices: Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D

Appendices
APPENDIX A Guidelines for Fire Drill and Evacuation Procedure for High Rise Buildings
APPENDIX B Fire Protection Considerations for Venting in Industrial and Storage Buildings
APPENDIX C Detailed Guidelines for Selection and Siting of Fire Detection System
APPENDIX D Special Requirements of Buildings more than 20 Metre High
Part 4 4-1
Fire Protection
Part 4
Fire Protection
Appendix A
Guidelines for Fire Drill and Evacuation Procedure for High Rise Buildings
A1 INTRODUCTION
The following guidelines are provided to enable safe evacuation of the occupants of a high rise building in
case of fire or any other emergency.
A2 FIRE REPORTING
Any occupant within the occupancy discovering a fire, heat or smoke, shall forthwith report the incident to
the fire brigade directly or through the ground command station, if there be any. Reporting of emergency
situation to fire brigade should not be unnecessarily delayed by any person by way of making, issuing,
posting or maintaining any regulation or order, written or verbal, to that effect.
A3 FIRE DRILLS
A 3.1 Fire drill shall be conducted quarterly (4 times a year) in existing buildings as detailed under the Fire Safety
Plan (Sec A 4.7 and A 4.8 below) for the first two years from the data of enforcement of this Code. For new
buildings, the period of 2 years shall be counted from the beginning of occupancy of the building. After this
initial period of 2 years, fire drill shall be conducted twice a year in all buildings.
A 3.2 All occupants of the buildings shall participate in the fire drill and the building service employees including
fire warden and his/her staff shall actively help the inmates in the process of drill. However, the very old,
convalescent patients or otherwise incapacitated inmates are not obliged to actively take part in the exercise,
except the fire warden and his staff and family members of such person shall chalk out a clear plan as to
how to evacuate in a real emergent situation with such incapacitated persons.
A 3.3 A record of such drills shall be kept in writing for at least 3 years for the inspection of fire brigade
whenever called for.
A4 SIGNS AND FLOOR PLANS
A 4.1 A sign shall be posted and maintained in front of the landing area of lifts on all floors so conspicuously and
in such size and colour (sign reference may be given) that occupants may not miss the same, which shall
direct the occupants to use stairs and not lifts during emergencies/fires, if not directed otherwise and shall
also contain a floor plan with exact location of the stair and the relative position between the sign and the
stair. Such posting in front of the landing area of lifts shall be omitted only if such signs are posted on all
floors and some other area conspicuously located with the same message inscribed on it.
The sign shall be written in Bangla, English translation of which reads "USE STAIRS IN CASE OF FIRE
UNLESS OTHERWISE INSTRUCTED". The lettering shall be at least 25 mm in red on white background.
the sign should be so written as to provide good legibility. When floor plan with stair location is shown, the
sign shall be at least 250x300 mm. When two signs are used, one for the notice and the other for floor plan,
the sizes shall at least be 60 x 300 mm and 200 x 300 mm respectively. The sign/signs may be posted directly
above the call button of the lift or any other conspicuous location securely attached to the surface of the
wall. The top of the sign shall not be more than 2 metres above floor level.
A 4.2 Signs Depicting Floor Number

A sign shall be posted and maintained on each stair enclosure preferably on the wall of the intermediate
landing which in actual fact shall be half storey more or less than the actual indicating the floor number. The
number shall be at least 75 mm square and in Bangla. The number and background shall be in contrasting
colours, e.g. black on a white background.
A 4.3 Stair and Elevator Identification
4-2
Appendices
Each stair and Elevator shall be identified by an alphabet in Bangla and posted with a sign and securely
placed preferably on the wall of the stair side of the lift door from which egress is to be made. The letters
shall be 75 mm square and shall be painted on a contrasting background e.g. black on a white background.
A 4.4 Stair re-entry Provision

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

Command station on the ground floor shall be provided with a detailed floor plan of the entire building
including detailed locations of all first aid fire fighting equipment and other pertinent information.
Command stations shall be adequately illuminated.
Bangladesh National Building Code 4-3

Part 4
Fire Protection
A 4.6 Two way Communications and Fire Alarm

A two way communication system between each floor and the command station on the lobby of the
entrance floor shall be provided and maintained by the owner of the building. Similarly fire alarm on each
floor and the command station shall be fitted and maintained.
A 4.7 Fire Safety Plan

A fire safety plan shall be developed in line with the details elaborated under A 4.8 and must have the
approval of the local Fire Department regarding its adequacy.
A 4.7.1 Once the plan is accorded after approval by the Fire Department, the plan shall be distributed to all the
tenants of the building by the building management, (be it a committee or a cooperative) including the
employees of the tenants and employees of the management.
A 4.7.2 If the building is owned by an individual or a single corporate body and the owner or right holding
member/members of the corporate body are residing in the building, shall be equally subject to fire safety
plan applicable to other tenants.
A 4.7.3 All major changes in the safety plan shall be promptly reported to Fire Department for their approval.
A 4.8 Fire Safety Plan

Fire Safety Plan elaborates the purpose and objective of the plan with details of personnel and their duties
and fire drilling and evacuation plan.
A 4.8.1 Fire Safety Plan starts with the location, address of the building with telephone number and details of any
other communication facilities available within the building.
A 4.8.2 Purpose of the plan is to delineate details of systematic safe and orderly evacuation of a part or whole of the
building by its occupants in case of fire/emergency in the shortest possible time to a safe area through the
safe means of egress. It also details out the use of in-built facilities of fire warning and fire fighting like fire
alarm, first aid hose etc. to safeguard the lives of the inmates of the building.
A 4.8.3 Objective of the plan is to provide continued education to the inmates and the fire command personnel and
keep the people oriented to the in-built equipment in readiness to act in the event of fire. The plan shall be
rehearsed through fire drill and the written plans containing instruction shall be updated if needed and use
of the in-built equipment along with initiating fire safety procedure to safeguard life in case of fire until the
fire brigade arrives.
A 4.8.4 Fire command crew may be composed of personnel like Fire Safety Director, Deputy Fire Safety Director,
Fire Wardens and Deputy Fire Wardens. Number of these people shall be dependent on the size and
number of inmates living within the building.
A 4.8.4.1 a) Fire Safety Director: The plan shall contain the name, whether employed by a fire security firm or
directly employed by the management, assigned regular location, how to contact him at his/her regular
location, how to contact him/her if not at regular location during normal working hours.
b) Qualifications and experience: Depending on the size and complexity of the building, the Director shall
be a person of proven capability, having good training and schooling with adequate experience in
dealing with fire. Preference may be given to retired Fire Department personnel.
c) Duties of Fire Safety Director shall primarily include but not be limited to the following.
i) Shall be well conversant with the written fire safety plan for the fire drill and evacuation
procedures.
ii) Shall be in charge of selecting qualified building service employees for the fire command and
engage in organizing, training and supervising the works of command crew.
iii) Shall be responsible to conduct fire and evacuation drill.
4-4
Appendices
iv) Shall be responsible for the availability and state of preparedness of fire command crew during
emergencies.
v) Shall be responsible for the assignment and training of Fire Warden on floor supported by
adequate number of Deputy Fire Wardens as detailed out in the fire safety plan.
vi) Shall be responsible for the day to day supervision of the warden and his deputies and the state
of alertness of the crew. When the number of crew of Warden and Deputy Wardens become such
that it becomes impractical for the Director to check them directly during the working hours, the
Warden or Deputy Warden shall intimate the Director for the persons not available for some
length of time, so that he may provide substitute during such period of absence. Nonetheless the
Director shall spot check any number of floors as he wishes or time permits. An up to date
organization chart shall be displayed at appropriate locations.
vii) Cases of negligence to duties on the part of members of his crew shall be taken up by him and he
shall rectify the situation by appropriate measures as far as he has been empowered under the
fire safety plan, failing which he shall notify the matter to the owner or the management of the
building. The owner or the management on their part shall take up the matter with the fire
security firm or if employed directly shall deal with the matter directly. If the person/persons
is/are employed by a firm, and the firm fails to correct the situation, the owner/management
shall notify the matter to the Fire Department to take disciplinary action against the firm.
viii) In the event of fire/emergency he/she shall be in charge of fire command station and shall
supervise, guide and coordinate activities such as ensuring that the Fire Department has been
notified of fire or fire alarm, direct the evacuation procedure as detailed in the fire safety plan,
manning the fire command station, appraise the Fire Department about the spot of fire on their
arrival, advise the Fire Department officer in charge of the operation.
A 4.8.4.2 a) Deputy Fire Safety Director: The fire safety plan shall contain the details of Deputy Fire Safety Director
similar to the details mentioned under the Director A 4.8.4.1(a).
b) Qualification and experience shall also be similar to those of the Director excepting that he may be less
experience than the Director and covered under A 4.8.4.1 (b).
c) Duties of the Deputy Fire safety Director shall be similar to those mentioned under A 4.8.4.1(c) except
that he shall receive command from the Director for execution and shall assume the role of Director in
his absence.
A 4.8.4.3 a) Fire Warden and Deputy Fire Wardens: The fire safety plan shall contain their names on the
organization chart for the floors they have been assigned against. The entire organization chart shall be
kept updated in the command station for fire drill and evacuation assignment.
b) Tenant or tenants of each floor upon request by the owner or in-charge of the building shall assign and
make available dependable and trustworthy person/persons under their employee at the disposal of
the Director to act as Wardens, Deputy Wardens. They shall undergo basic fire fighting and evacuation
training by the Director or his deputy.
c) Each floor of a building shall be under the command of a Fire Warden and each tenant under a Deputy
Fire Warden for the safe evacuation of inmates in the case of fire. When the floor area of a tenant
exceeds 700 m2 a Deputy Fire Warden shall be assigned for each 700 m2 or part thereof.
i) Each Fire Warden and Deputy Fire Warden shall be conversant with the fire safety plan. They
must be well acquainted with fire exits and location and operation of fire alarms.
ii) In case of fire or fire alarm, the Fire Warden and Deputies shall ascertain location of fire and
unfold evacuation procedure as directed from the command station and to the following general
guides.

Part 4
Fire Protection
1. The most critical area for immediate evacuation would be the fire floor and the floors above.
Evacuation from other floors shall be initiated if so commanded by the ground command
station or the situation indicates to be so. Evacuation should be carried out via stairs not
influenced by fire and fire warden shall try to carry out the operation using stair other then
the ones used by the Fire Department personnel. If this become impossible, the wardens
before opening door to the fire floor shall sought advice from the Fire Department
personnel.
2. Evacuation to two or more floors below the fire floor should be adequate. He/She shall
continuously keep the ground command station informed of his/her location.
3. Ensure that fire alarm has been transmitted.
4. Fire Wardens and their deputies shall ensure that all the inmates are intimated of the
excegency and shall immediately proceed with the evacuation exercise detailed under Fire
Safety Plan.
5. Fire Warden shall keep the ground station informed of the step being taken by him/her.
6. Similarly Fire Warden above fire floor shall notify the command station of the means being
taken by him/her or any other special feature after unfolding Fire Safety Plan.
7. If and when stairways serving fire floor/floors above become useless by the presence of fire,
smoke, fumes, in several floors above and when fire engulfs a considerable number of
inmates then use of elevators shall be considered in accordance with the followings:
- If the elevator serving the floor to be evacuated also serves the fire floor, the lifts shall
not be used. If there are more than one lift bank, however, the lift/lifts in the other bank
may be used if notified by the ground command station that one may use such
lift/lifts.
- If the lifts do not serve the fire floor or lift shaft has no opening on the fire floor, they
may be used if not otherwise instructed by the command station.
- Elevators taken over by trained in-house person or Fire Department personnel may be
used.
- In absence of unaffected available lift/lifts, Fire Warden shall decide to use the safest
stairway for evacuation based on considerations/information available on the floor and
any other instruction received from ground command. Before entering the stairway
with the evacuees, the Fire Warden shall be sure about the environment within the
stairway by personal inspection and in case of adverse environment consider using an
alternate stairway and shall notify the ground command accordingly.
- The Fire Warden shall keep the ground command informed of the means adopted by
him during the evacuation process.
A 4.8.4.4 a) Building Evacuation Supervisors: A Building Evacuation Supervisor shall be available at all times other
than normal working hours when the Fire Safety Director or his Deputy are not available within the
building.
b) Building Evacuation Supervisor shall be a person capable of directing the evacuation procedure of
occupants within the buildings as detailed in the Fire Safety Plan.
c) During fire/emergencies, his primary function shall be to take over command of the ground station
and to direct and execute the evacuation process as laid down in the plan.
4-6
Appendices
Building Evacuation Supervisor shall be trained by the Director and shall be under his command for all
evacuation purposes. His activities shall be controlled and governed by the clauses in Fire Safety Plan and
shall be subject to scrutiny of the Fire Department.
A 4.8.4.5 Fire Party: If, in the opinion of the Fire Safety Director and endorsed by the Fire Department that the
number of Wardens and Deputy Wardens are inadequate, a Fire Party shall be raised from among the
employees of the tenants and the management who shall be acting as help to regular in-house fire fighting
force in the event of fire and follow the same work schedule and function in the same manner as
Wardens/Deputy Warden.
A 4.8.5 Organization Chart for Fire Drill and Evacuation Assignment

a) An organization chart clearly delineating assignment attributed to designated employees shall be
prepared as per Fire Safety Plan and posted to all tenants and in very conspicuous location/locations
on each floor. A copy of the chart shall be in possession of the Fire Safety Director.
b) An updated list shall be continuously made available with the Director, his Deputy and Fire Wardens
and their deputies for all the disabled occupants unable to move without aid in the stairs.
Arrangement shall be made in detail in the Fire Safety Plan to have these inmates assigned in moving
down the stairs two or more floors below fire floor. If it becomes necessary to move them still further
down the stair, help may be sought of the elevator bank unaffected by fire and evacuated safely to
ground floor. In case any extra assistance is needed, the Director shall be notified.
c) During fire or fire drill exercise, Fire Wardens shall be using arm band or such other identification.
d) During fire on the fire floor it is to be ensured that all inmates are notified and are evacuated to safe
area. A rush search shall be carried out including lavatories that all the inmates have been covered and
the person in charge of this operation shall be trained in accomplishing this task fast and flawless.
e) Persons not available on duty as per organization chart shall be promptly replaced as per contingency
plan detailed in the Fire Safety Plan.
f) On completion of evacuation operation, a head count shall be carried out of all the regular occupants
known to have occupied the floor evacuated.
g) Immediately on receipt of the alarm, the Fire Wardens shall take position near the two way
communication station on the floor, so that he/she can maintain continuous contact with the ground
command and receive instructions.
A 4.8.6 Instruction to Inmates of the Building: Once the Fire Safety Plan has been approved by the Fire Department,
the applicable portion of the plan shall be distributed to all the tenants and the management of the building
who in turn shall pass it on the their respective employees. All the occupants shall actively participate and
cooperate in carrying out the provisions of Fire Safety Plan.
A 4.8.7 Fire Prevention and Protection Program: A Plan for periodic formal inspection of each floor shall be
developed in respect of exit facilities, fire extinguishers and good house keeping. Reports of such inspection
shall be carefully maintained for inspection of Fire Department. The Plan shall have provision for monthly
testing of two way communication and fire alarm system.
A 4.8.8 Detailed Building Information: A form shall be maintained for the benefit of all concerned with fire hazard
of the building and shall contain the following basic information.
a) Building address in adequate details about its location.
b) Name, Address and telephone number of the owner (corporate body or individual) and the person in
charge of the building.
c) Name address and telephone number if any, of the Fire Safety Director and his Deputy.
d) Certificate of occupancy.

Part 4
Fire Protection
e) Height, area, construction class (details of various load and non-load bearing elements).
f) Number, type and location of fire stairs and/or fire towers.
g) Number, type and location of horizontal exits or other refuge areas.
h) Number, type location and operation of elevators and escalators (if any).
i) Locations of fire alarm – floorwise and central.
j) Communication System (telephone, walkie talkie).
k) Size and location of stand pipe system, gravity or pressure tank, fire pump and the name and
qualifications of the person or persons in charge of the facilities.
l) Automatic fire sprinkler system, primary and secondary water supply system and the area or areas
being protected along with the name and qualification of the person or persons in charge.
m) Any other fire extinguishing system, their location, efficacy and other pertinent details.
n) Average number of employed persons by day and night.
o) Average number of disabled persons visiting the building by day and night.
p) Average number of outsiders visiting the building by day and night.
q) Locations, types and capacities of other service facilities like primary and standby electric power,
normal and emergency lighting arrangement, heating with fuel (if any), ventilation with fixed
windows, other means of emergency exhaust facilities of smoke and heat, air-conditioning system
including floor coverage and ducting, refuse disposal facilities, any other fire fighting equipment, any
other service facilities available.
r) Measures taken or to be taken for addition, alteration and repair of any aspect within the buildings.
s) Information on flammable solids, liquids and gases if used and stored within the building premises.
t) In mixed occupancy, complete details of such occupancies and their special needs to be covered during
fire or emergencies.
A 4.8.9 Floor plan of entire building with floors having different configuration showing locations of fire fighting
facilities shall be kept under the command of Fire Safety Director with a copy to Fire Department.
A 4.8.10 In developing Fire Safety Plan, evaluation of all the individual floor layout, total occupancy load on each
floor, number and kinds of exits available, zoning of the floor by area and occupancy shall be taken into
consideration, careful evaluation of occupant movements and the most expeditions routes to exit and
alternate routes shall be identified and taken into consideration.
A 4.8.11 Personal Fire Instruction Card: All the occupants of the building shall be supplied with a personal Fire
Instruction Card containing details of the floor plan and exit routes as well as instruction to be followed
during fire. Instructions may contain the following either in Bangla or both in Bangla and English.
4-8
Appendices
A4.8.11.1 English Text of Instruction

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

- Report to your Warden on reaching the predetermined assembly point outside the building.
- Try not to use lifts.
- Avoid going to cloak room.
- Refrain from running or shouting, do not get panicked.
- Do not waste a moment collecting personal belongings.
- Keep the lift lobby and staircase doors shut.
A4.8.11.2 Bangla Text of Instruction
k) sb¥hfg∞ ynrhp…h Úfwhzn
- Úyu ulhw suk¥ sLfku fqwhr xØ lhghfnh ahfC/ er bjbMhrybyQ xfØr \pfr flKh uUj pfR fzfn ynn/
- ayg¶ynb¥hpk xØ yk Bhfb bjbMhr krfu Mw fs uUj xfØr ghfw flKh ahfC/
- ahpnhr P‚jht fUfk bhifr fbr√fnhr rhÅh ei nkSflhw fqfK ynn/ (eKhfn nkªh Uhkfb)/
- ah©n lhgfl nYfcr ulhw nkflShw ynfq¥ySu ≤hfn sbhi smfbu Mfbn/ ahpnhr k…¥bj sµpfk¥
ybÅhyru zhnfu Mfl owhfd¥n-er shfU fxhghfxhg kr√n/
K) ahpnhr o sbhr ynrhp…hr znj ynm¶ylyKu ybXw©flh ahpnhfqr owhfd¥n&fdpvyt

owhfd¥nfk zhnhn
- fkhn QrfNr mhlpË q£hrh xyq clhcflr pfU ybG¶ Gft Uhfk/
- ysøyR ykLbh ylPflftr qrzh xyq xUhxUBhfb bÆ nh Mw/
- suk¥ sLfku o ayg¶ynb¥hpk xØ xyq afkfzh Uhfk, fBfÌ xhw ykLbh fkhfnh bhQhr khrfN ahpnhr
nhghflr bhifr cfl xhw/
g) ah©n lhgfu fqKfli
- suk¥ sLfku bhzhfnhr bhfkªr køhc fBfÌ fbhuhm ytpvn ebL Phwhr shyB¥fs Kbr yqn/
- ahpnhr owhfd¥fnr sMhwuhw ahpnhr elhkhw lhghfnh ah©n fnBhfnhr xfØr shMhfxj ah©n fnBhfu
sfc¿ Mn/
- owhfd¥fnr ahfqS mu elhkh ujhg kr√n/

Part 4
Fire Protection
G) elhkh ujhfgr ahfqS fpfli, ahpnhr k…¥bj
- sbfcfw khfCr ysøyR bjbMhr kfr nYfc cfl xhn/

- nYfc smfbu Mbhr zhwghw fpøHfC owhfd¥fnr shfU fxhghfxhg kr√n/
- ylPflt bjbMhr krfbn nh/
- mhlpfËr ©qhm ykLbh phwKhnh bjbMhr krfbn nh/
- axUh fChthCvyt krfbn nh bh ahuLkg∞≤ Mfbn nh/
- ynfzr mhlpË shfU fnbhr fc¿h krfbn nh/
- ysøyRGr o ylPflftr qrzh bÆ rhKvn/
4-10
Appendices
Appendix B
Fire Protection Considerations for Venting in Industrial and Storage Buildings
B.1 SCOPE
B 1.1 This appendix covers venting requirements in industrial buildings. Provisions contained herein shall be
applicable to single storey factory and storage facilities requiring large floor areas without dividing walls
and enclosures.
This annex does not cover fire and smoke venting requirements for tall buildings.
B 1.2 Venting requirements in industrial buildings are specified in this appendix under two heads as follows :
a) Smoke and fire venting
b) Explosion venting
B2 SMOKE AND FIRE VENTING
B 2.1 The following provisions shall be complied with for fire and smoke venting.
B 2.1.1 The combustion product of fire including smoke, being lighter than surrounding air tend to accumulate
near the high point of a structure and tend to spread out in all directions to form a floating layer on top of a
relatively cool air below. In absence of vent, the hot floating layer progressively become deeper and the
whole occupancy is engulfed with smoking hot gases. Time needed to reach this stage may be only a few
minutes depending on the type of materials on fire, storage conditions of the materials involved etc.
B 2.1.2 Convection current of air always help lateral spread of fire once the hot gases reach the roof.
B 2.1.3 Adequate number of vents, properly designed and judiciously placed, can disperse the smoke and hot gases
to atmosphere, thereby prevents spread of fire, as well as reduces risk of explosion from unburnt gases.
B 2.1.4 Time needed for accumulation of hot gases and smoke within the structure being very short, it is
imperative that the venting devices are to be so designed and installed that they operate automatically at the
earliest sign of fire, sensed through smoke and heat detectors.
B 2.1.5 The smoke and fire venting system shall be so designed and installed as to keep the temperature of the
combustion product as low as possible, preferably below 150oC.
B 2.1.6 Venting systems are complement any of the to fire extinguishing system. Where automatic sprinklers are
installed as fire extinguishing system, the sprinklers shall operate before the vent system comes into
operation.
B 2.1.7 It is obvious that the smoke venting is easier than cleaning smoke once the structure has been filled with it.
B 2.1.8 Apart from large area factory and storage, venting may be considered essential for windowless buildings,
underground structures and hazardous occupancies. Automatic fire vents shall be provided in all industrial
and storage buildings classified as medium hazard or above, with floor areas in excess of 750 m2. This
provision is mandatory irrespective of whether a large area is compartmentalized or not.
B 2.1.9 Determination of precise venting requirements is difficult, as variables like rate of combustion vis-a-vis
nature, shape, size and packaging of the combustible materials as well the size, height and disposition of
the stacks of materials are involved with it.
B 2.1.10 Industrial buildings having floor area less than 750 m2 and which is rated as low hazard industry, may use
conventional ventilators fitted high above near the eaves of the external walls as vents for smoke and hot
gases, provided opening of the ventilators can be ensured at all times or are designed to open automatically
in case of fire.

Part 4
Fire Protection
B 2.1.11 Because of the large volume of air present in the large industrial buildings, it is most unlikely that the
closure of doors and windows shall eventually extinct the fire.
B 2.1.12 It is usually the vertical and not horizontal ventilation that is adopted in the single storey industrial
buildings.
B 2.1.13 Heat produced in fire being 70 to 80 per cent connective in nature, suitable arrangements shall be
incorporated in the vent system for early outflow of heat to atmosphere to contain fire spread.
B 2.1.14 To minimize venting problems use of combustible roof linings shall be avoided.
B 2.1.15 Wind produces a negative pressure when blowing across a flat roof or a roof with a pitch under 40o.
Negative pressure tend to draw gases out of the structure, thereby aids venting of hot gases and smoke.
Conversely when the pitch is more than 40o, gases will be drawn inside and will oppose outward flow on
the windward side of the roof.
B 2.1.16 To achieve full efficiency in vents total area of cold air inlets into the buildings should be at least equal to
total areas of all vents. Ideally the inlets should be as close to the ground as possible.
B 2.1.17 When vents are installed, the size, design, number and disposition and associated roof screen or curtain
boards shall be carefully assessed.
B 2.2 Venting area requirements for ventilation are estimated largely on the basis of assumed time needed
between the build up of fire from the initial outbreak to the time of effective taking over by the fire brigade.
B 2.2.1 Because the entrained air forms the bulk of the vent gases, it is natural that the vent area required to be
provided shall be proportional to the perimeter of the fire area.
B 2.2.2 The effective area shall be the minimum cross-sectional area through which the hot gases must flow out to
atmosphere.
B 2.2.3 Increased air movement generated by power operated fans shall be disregarded in deciding venting area
because it is assumed that in the event of fire power will be disrupted and/or fan damaged.
B 2.2.4 Effective vent opening shall be different for different occupancies but shall be proportional to the floor area.
The ratios of total vent areas to be provided to the floor area are as shown below:
a) Low hazard industry 1:150

b) Moderate hazard industry 1:100
c) Hazardous occupancy 1:30 to 1:50
B 2.3 Venting shall be accomplished by any of the types, such as monitors, continuous gravity type, unit type or
sawtooth roof skylights.
B 2.3.1 Wire glass or metal panels shall be used in monitor type vents only if arrangements can be made for its
automatic opening.
B 2.3.2 Use of plain thin glass shall be avoided because of its doubtful behaviour during fire. However, if glass or
other early disintegrating suitable plastic materials are used, they should be designed for automatic
operation.
B 2.3.3 In monitor or unit type vents, the panels shall be hinged at the bottom and designed to open automatically.
Both leaf of the vent shall be designed to vent simultaneously disregarding wind direction and ensure their
effectiveness during fire.
B 2.3.4 Moveable shutters in continuous gravity vents shall be designed to open automatically in case of fire.
4-12
Appendices
B 2.3.5 Unit type vents shall be relatively small ranging between 1 and 9 m2 in area, have light weight metal frames
and housed with hinged dampers. They shall be designed for both automatic and manual operation.
B 2.3.6 Roof skylight shall be satisfactory for venting only if designed for automatic operation.
B 2.3.7 Exterior wall windows alone in industrial buildings shall not be accepted as satisfactory means of venting,
but may be reckoned as additional means of venting when located close to the eaves and are provided with
ordinary glass or movable section arranged for both manual and automatic operation.
B 2.3.8 Because of substantial reduction in the effective venting area, baffles shall not be installed inside vents.
B 2.4 Vents shall be automatic in operation unless where designed specifically for both manual and automatic
operation.
B 2.4.1 The release mechanism shall be simple in operation and shall not be dependent on electric power for
operation, as power operation may be disrupted during fire.
B 2.4.2 The automatic operation of vents can be achieved by actuation of fusible links or other heat or smoke
detectors or by interlacing with the operation of sprinkler system or any other automatic fire extinguishing
system covering the area. The vents can be so designed as to open by counterweights utilizing the force of
gravity or spring loaded level following its release.
B 2.4.3 For simultaneous operation automatic fire alarm and automatic vent system shall be coupled.
B 2.4.4 Vents and automatic sprinklers where installed together, sprinkler shall go into operation first before vents
open, in order to avoid delay in sprinkler operation. Heat actuated devices, if used for vent release, shall be
properly covered from water spray or sprinkler which might delay their action.
B 2.4.5 To ensure vent opening, release mechanism shall not only be joined to fusible links but also with smoke
actuated automatic fire detectors, where the height of roof apex of the occupancy is 10 m or more or the
materials handled or stored have high smoke producing characteristics.
B 2.4.6 Materials used in hinges, hatches and other related parts in vents shall be noncorrosive in nature for long
trouble free operation.
B 2.5 Vents shall be properly sited, always as far as possible at the highest point in each area to be covered.
B 2.5.1 As far possible vents shall be sited right on top of the probable risk area to be protected to ensure free and
speedy removal of smoke and other combustion product.
B 2.5.2 Minimum vent opening shall not be less than 1250 mm in any direction.
B 2.5.3 Vent spacing shall be designed considering the fact that higher number of smaller vents are better than
smaller number of large vents.
B 2.5.4 Maximum spacing of vents shall be as follows:

a) Low hazard occupancy 45 m between centres
b) Moderate hazard occupancy 36 m between centres
c) Hazardous occupancy 22.5 to 30 m between centres
B 2.5.5 In deciding location of the vents on roof Sec B 2.1.15 shall be adhered to as far as possible.
B 2.6 Industrial buildings having large floor area without separating or subdivision walls shall be
compartmentalized with the aid of roof screen or curtain boards. The curtains are extended from the roof
downward at specific intervals preventing lateral spread of heat and smoke in the event of fire.
B 2.6.1 Curtain board materials shall be heavy sheet metal or any other noncombustible material capable of
withstanding damage by heat or impact.

Part 4
Fire Protection
B 2.6.2 The curtain boards shall be reasonably gas-tight, although small openings for passage of pipes conduits etc.
may be permitted.
B 2.6.3 They shall extend at least up to 2200 mm from the downside of roof. Sites of special hazard shall be
enclosed by roof curtains extending down to 400 mm. They shall extend down to a height of 300 mm from
the floor where the roof/ceiling exceeds 15m or more.
B 2.6.4 In moderate hazard occupancies the distance between the screens shall not exceed 75m and enclosed areas
(compartmentalized) shall not exceed 4500 m2.
B 2.6.5 In high hazard occupancies the distance between the screen shall not exceed 30m and enclosed area shall be
limited to 750 m2.
B 2.6.6 The enclosed roof area shall be so spaced and disposed as to create an effective area for disposing off smoke
and hot gases of combustion.
B 2.6.7 In buildings provided with sprinklers, the screens shall preferably be so located as to coincide with unit
areas of sprinkler system.
B3 EXPLOSION RELIEF VENTS
B 3.1 Explosion relief vents shall be provided in industrial premises where combustible dusts, flammable gases,
vapours or mists in concentrations capable of initiating an explosion are present and constantly keep the
premises under the threat of explosion hazards. Magnitude of pressure developed may range around 7x105
N/m2 and ordinary buildings will not be able to withstand shock that will be produced from such
explosion. Such buildings shall be fitted with explosion relief vents to prevent structural damage.
B 3.1.1 Most ordinary buildings will not be able to stand under a sustained internal pressure of 7x105 N/m2.
Consequently the vents shall be so designed as to operate at a pressure much below the pressure at which
the walls shall crumble down.
B 3.1.2 Pressures rises with an explosion within an enclosure, even when vents are open and unobstructed. As a
result any delay in opening venting devices further increase the pressure.
B 3.1.3 It is possible to isolate hazardous operations and equipment outside of buildings with a pressure resisting
wall which will reduce risk of structural damage. Such operations and equipment may be housed in a single
storey building having appropriate venting facilities and a device to absorb explosion shock from blowing
through the duct back to the building.
B 3.1.4 Sometimes it may not be possible to house hazardous operations and equipment outside of the building, in
which case the separation from other parts and equipment shall be achieved by pressure resisting walls and
such units shall be ventilated outdoors. If suitable vents are integrated, external walls may be of heavy
construction or of heavy panel which may be blown off easily.
B 3.1.5 No hazardous equipment or operations shall be permitted to be located in the basement or partially
underground structure.
B 3.1.6 Explosion hazards usually are accompanied by fire. Fixed fire fighting equipment like automatic sprinklers,
if installed, shall be such that minimum damage is caused to it.
B 3.1.7 Maximum pressure in a vent structure decreases with increase in the size of vent but is independent of
rupture pressure of the diaphragm.
B 3.1.8 Unobstructed vent opening is the most effective pressure release vent structures.
B 3.1.9 Pressure required to rupture diaphragms of the vent areas and material varies directly with the thickness of
the material.
4-14
Appendices
B 3.1.10 The extent of venting required directly varies with the degree of explosion hazard.
B 3.1.11 It has been established from experience that explosion from dusts, vapours and gases do not involve the
entire column of the enclosures, rather concentrates in the upper and lower part of the explosion range. As a
result such explosions are relatively weak compared to an optimum situation where the concentration of
such matters spread all over the explosion range.
B 3.1.12 Unrestricted rectangular vents are equally effective as square vents of the same area.
B 3.1.13 The finer the dust particle size the more violent is the explosion for a given material. Due to very fast rise in
pressure it is difficult to effectively vent such materials as aluminium powder, hydrogen and acetylene.
Slow burning dust in confined space may cause much damage because of longer duration of pressure.
Some dusts may even react with some inert gases such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide and ignite.
B 3.2 Explosion relief vents may be provided with open or unobstructed vents, louvers, open roof vents, hanger
type doors, building doors, windows, roof or wall panels or marble/fixed sash. Any or more than one of
these may be adopted depending on individual situations and requirements as decided by the Authority.
B 3.2.1 Suction of external wind pressure shall be taken into consideration while designing and type of vents since
wind pressure may reach up to 2 x 105 N/m2 in severe wind storms.
B 3.2.2 Selection of explosion relief vent for any occupancy shall be based on two considerations, safety to lives of
inmates and minimum damage to property.
B 3.2.3 When large hanger type doors or metal curtain doors in sidewalls are used as vents it has to be ensured that
they are open during operation of the related machinery or equipment.
B 3.2.4 Roof vents covered with weather hoods shall be as light as possible and attached lightly, so that it is easily
blown off as and when an explosion occurs.
B 3.2.5 Doors and windows used as explosion vents shall be so fixed as to open outward. Doors shall be fitted with
friction, spring or magnetic, latches that function automatically at the slight increase in internal pressure.
B 3.2.6 Placed at the top or bottom, the hinged or projected movable sash shall be equipped with latch or friction
device to prevent accidental opening due to wind action or intrusion. Such latches or locks shall be well
maintained.
B 3.2.7 Fixed sash shall be set with light anchorage in the wall or when the anchorage is tight shall be fitted with
plastic glazing in plastic putty.
B 3.2.8 In worst scenario or case where a whole building or an entire room is involved, it may be desirable to have
the entire structure constructed with light wall and roof to collapse and thus prevent the worst effect of
explosion.
B 3.4 Area requirement depend ordinarily on the expected maximum intensity or an explosion, the strength of the
structure, the type of vent closure and other factors.
B 3.4.1 Venting shall be so planned as to prevent injury to inmates and damage to enclosure. In populated
locations, substantial ducts or diverts shall be provided to channelize the blast towards a pre-determined
direction.
B 3.4.2 When ducts are used, they shall be of such strength as to withstand the maximum expected explosion
pressure.
B 3.4.3 If explosion are probable within the duct, they shall be equipped with diaphragm to rupture at
predetermined locations. The duct system shall not be physically connected to more than one collector.

Part 4
Fire Protection
B 3.4.4 In large structures the location of vents shall be relative to the point of explosion as it may be very difficult
to pinpoint location of explosion.
B 3.4.5 Light, hinged scrounge type panels shall be preferred over diaphragm type in slow explosion involving coal
dust, chlorinated solvents etc.
B 3.4.6 Particularly in case of rapid explosion hazard, vent blocking or obstruction shall be meticulously avoided.
B 3.4.7 Counter weights inducing inertia to vents shall be avoided.
B 3.4.8 Venting devices actuated by detonators shall open at as low pressure as possible and shall be of light
construction, so that full opening can be quickly achieved.
B 3.4.9 Vents shall be so sized and designed as to prevent rupture of the protected device.
B 3.4.10 Skylight with moveable sash that opens outward or fixed sash having panes of glass or plastic that blow out
readily under pressure from within can be used to supplement wall vents or windows, provided their
resistance to opening or displacement may be kept as low as possible consistent with structural requirement
of the building.
B 3.4.11 Flexible plastic sheets in slotted frames may be used for vent closure in such manner as to budge and be
relieved off the frame when subject pressure from within.
B 3.4.12 This transparent or translucent plastic sheets that crack or rupture under less pressure than single strength
glass are preferred materials for vent closure or window sash.
B 3.4.13 For equivalent explosion pressure release, larger closed vents will be required compared to open vents.
B 3.4.14 More generous venting shall be provided for small enclosures like that of a machine or equipment room
based on the following considerations:
Vent opening per unit Types of volumes of Examples Remarks

Volume of enclosure enclosures
a) 100 cm2/0.3 to 0.9m3 Small enclosures of less Machines and ovens of
than 30m3 light construction
b) 2
100 cm /0.9m 3 Small enclosures More sturdy construc-
tion having reasonably
high bursting pressure
c) 100m2/0.9 to 1.5m3 Fairly large enclosure 30 to Bins, Silos, Rooms Important to try
700m3 Storage tanks and predict point
of origin of explo-
sion in relation to
vent location.
d) 2
i) 100 cm /2.25 m 3 Large rooms or buildings Small fraction of space
over 700m3 Enclosure with of the large enclosure
heavy reinforce concrete, occupied by hazardous
walls equipment/machinery
ii) 1000 cm2/1.65 to Light reinforced concrete
2.25 m3 brick or wood construction
iii) 1000 cm /1.5 to Light weight construction,
2
1.65 m3 pre fabricated panels
B 3.4.15 As far as possible hazardous areas shall be segregated be means of fire walls or party walls to prevent
spread of fire.
B 3.4.16 Use of tile or such other light construction materials shall not be permitted in hazardous locations because
of its potential to cause injuries to inmates in case of explosion.
4-16
Appendices

Part 4
Fire Protection
Appendix C
Detailed Guidelines for Selection and Siting of Fire Detection System
C1 GENERAL
This appendix provides a guideline for selection and siting of equipment for fire detection in buildings.
C2 CHOICE OF FIRE DETECTORS
Fire detectors may respond to any one manifestations of combustions such as heat generation, smoke and
flames. No single detector is able to meet the need of all types of fires and all types of occupancies. As such,
based on needs arising out of various situations and occupancies, judicious selection is extremely important
for the reduction of fire hazards.
C 2.1 Heat Detectors

"Point" or "Spot" type detectors are actuated by heat at layer adjacent to it over a limited area. "Line" type
detectors are sensitive to the effect produced by heated gas along any portion of the detector line. Both the
types operate on two broad principles: one, the heat sensitive elements is actuated by temperature rising
beyond a predetermined level; while the second system is actuated by predetermined rate of rise of
temperature.
C 2.2 Smoke Detectors

Three types of smoke detectors are commonly used. First type is actuated by absorption or scattering of
visible or near-visible light by combustion product and known as "optical detector". The second type is
actuated by the production on ionization current within the detector and referred to as "ionization detector".
The third type is sensitive to carbon monoxide or other products of combustion and is known as "chemically
sensitive detector".
C 2.3 Flame Detectors

Flame detectors are sensitive to radiation emitted by flames.
C3 APPLICATION
Since both heat, smoke and flame are produced during a fire, detectors responding to all these are accepted
as general purpose detectors.
C 3.1 Fixed temperature heat detectors are suitable for use where ambient temperatures are high and or may rise
and fall rapidly over a short period.
C 3.2 Rate of Rise Heat Detectors

These are suitable for use where ambient temperatures are low and/or may rise over a wide range slowly.
Abnormally sharp rise in temperature during a fire actuates this alarm. As such it cannot be used with
confidence where ambient temperatures reaches in the neighborhood of 40oC, but are best used where
ambient temperatures are in the range of about 40oC.
C 3.3 Smoke Detectors

In general, these should be used at places where ambient temperature varies between 0o to 35oC.
C 3.4 Optical Smoke Detectors

Invisible smoke from a clear burning shall not actuate the such detectors. But they respond quickly where
smoke is optically dense and as such suitable for use in dust free clean atmosphere. Over a period of time,
due to dust and dirt, the sensitive surface of photo sensitive element and/or executor lamp of optical
detectors may loose its efficiency and as such optical detectors should be cleaned and maintained regularly.
C 3.5 Ionization Chamber Smoke Detector

These responds quickly to invisible smoke of clear burning, but may not respond to fire producing dense
smoke. These can be used in dust free, humidity controlled area. Smoke and other fumes, dust including
4-18
Appendices
slow accumulated and disturbed aerial dust, fibre, steam and condensation produced by normal processes
and vehicle engines may cause false alarm. Warehouses exposed to fast air flows can also cause false alarm.
Burning of polyvinyl chloride will not sensitize the detector in time and may provide late warning or no
warning at all.
C 3.6 Chemically Sensitive Smoke Detectors

Chemically coated sensitive elements react to carbon monoxide or other products of combustion present in
smoke. Dust or moisture adversely affects the sensitive elements and are not very suitable for residential
use.
C 3.7 Smoke detectors are not naturally suitable in places where the production process produces smokes. Other
suitable types need to be used.
C 3.8 Application of flame detectors are restricted due to the fact that all combustions do not necessarily
accompany flame and that clear line of sight is desirable as radiation from flames travel in straight lines for
actuation of sensitive element. As supplement to heat and smoke detectors, flame detectors may be used.
C4 SITING OF DETECTORS
C 4.1 Every portion of building should be covered and all effectively enclosed spaces should be considered
separately based on the limits of spacing for types of detectors concerned.
C 4.2 Rooms divided into sections by walls, partitions or storage racks, as in libraries and archives, arching up to
300 mm to the ceiling or goods stacked in defined areas shall have detectors for each section of passageway.
C 4.3 Hoist, elevators and similar openings, windows, doors, ventilators and inlet ducts of an air-conditioning
system shall be covered by detector within 1.5 m at the top for every 2 m of their width or part thereof.
C 4.4 Detectors shall be installed at the centre of each inlet to the return duct of an air-conditioning system.
Detectors shall be installed 2 m apart if the inlet is continuous or oblong.
C 4.5 Staircases shall be covered by detectors on each floor, and all lantern lights shall be covered by detectors.
C 4.6 Spacing of detectors shall be reduced up to 75 per cent from the standard spacing in case of ceilings with
waffle having depth between 200 and 500 mm and up to 50 per cent with depths above 500 mm. Where
detectors are installed in the ridges of the waffle, each waffle shall be treated as an independent
compartment.
C 4.7 Ceiling intersected by beams more than 250 mm in depth, each bay shall be considered as separate
compartment and detectors shall be installed considering each bay an independent compartment.
C5 HEIGHT CONSIDERATION
Coverage provided by the sensitive detectors fall sharply as the height above floor level increases, generally,
where roof height exceeds 9 m, heat sensitive detectors become ineffective.
C6 SITING OF THE SENSITIVE DETECTORS (POINT OR SPOT TYPE)
C 6.1 Distance from Ceiling

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

Depends on probable hazards in relation to occupancy and shall have to be approved by the fire authority.
C 6.3 When ceiling are crossed by beams, girders or other structural elements of 250 mm or more in depth to form
compartments, detectors shall be placed in each compartment.

Part 4
Fire Protection
C 6.4 Single Truss and North Light Roofs

One row of detectors shall be sited along the apex of each roof or bay. Space of this row of detectors and
other detectors headed to cover the area shall be determined from the designed requirement and approved
by the authority.
C 6.5 Floor Opening

At least one detector shall be suitably positioned within 1.5 m of hoists, elevators, stairways, wall holes and
similar openings to the floor above.
C 6.6 Lantern Lights

Fixed temperature type detectors shall be used in lantern which shall be protected from direct sun light as
the combination of solar and internal heating cause rapid temperature variation.
C 6.7 Heated Areas within Building

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

Detectors covering hoist apertures may be subject to vibration and may experience rapid temperature
change and thus shall be fitted with fixed temperature fusible alloy fuses.
4-20
Appendices
C7 SITING OF HEAT SENSITIVE DETECTORS (LINE TYPE)
The same principle as those applicable for point detectors may be followed for line type heat sensitive
detectors.
C8 SITING OF SMOKE SENSITIVE DETECTORS
C 8.1 Once on fire, a building accumulates the greatest concentration of visible and invisible smoke at the highest
points of enclosed areas. Smoke detectors are usually sited here. The detectors shall be as mounted as to
place the sensing elements between 25 and 100 mm from the underside of roof.
C 8.2 Area coverage by individual detectors are same as that of heat detectors but the maximum distance between
two detectors may be 20 per cent more than that recommended for heat detectors. Actual spacing depends
on airflow pattern in protected area.
C 8.3 Area coverage of smoke detectors is dependent on many factors. The following aspects shall be taken into
considerations in the design of detectors.
a) When a big room or space to be protected is divided into section by walls, partition or storage racks
including book stacks in libraries and archives, each section or passageway shall be protected
separately. Additional rows of detectors shall be provided at the rate of one per 2 metre or part thereof.
The detectors being not more than 3m apart in each row, shall be staggered.
b) Any area of a building provided with mechanical ventilation system results in more than 10 air changes
per hours, which causes dilution of smoke and a definite air flow pattern is established. In such cases
ventilation inlet and exhaust openings shall be covered by additional detectors.
c) Additional detectors may become necessary to cover smaller extract ducts, windows, ventilations and
other openings. In rooms with high rate of air change, additional detectors may be necessary to cope
with air flow pattern and dilution of combustion product.
d) Detectors shall be installed within 1.5 m of duct to monitor inlet duct.
e) Detector shall be installed in the centre of inlet of return air duct. Where place above the false ceiling is
used as return air duct, the opening to return air shall have a detector every 2 m or part thereof of its
length within 250 mm of the opening.
f) In most buildings mechanical ventilation do not run continuously. The detectors shall, thus, be so sited
as to detect fire irrespective of mechanical ventilators are in operation or not.
g) Warm air naturally concentrates under ceiling and in the apex of pitched roofs. Sometimes this warm
air creates what is known as heat barrier acting as an effective barrier to the products of combustion.
This results in small fire producing little or no appreciable change in ambulant environment. The
combustion products from such a fire will spread out below the heat barrier in the same way as they do
beneath the ceiling or an apex of a pitched roof. Siting of detectors should be arranged to take this into
account.
h) Factors capable of establishing temporary or permanent effects on detector's siting shall be borne in
mind while designing the system and include the following:
i) Various forms of overhead heating

ii) Exhaust air from air cooling equipment blowing out into the room or factory area
iii) Deep beams
iv) Roofs and ceiling of unusual shape
v) Building with ground areas above 10 m and up to 30 m in height
vi) Staircases
vii) Canteen and Restaurants
viii) Plant Rooms

Part 4
Fire Protection
ix) Ambulant air currents
4-22
Appendices
Appendix D
Special Requirements of Buildings more than 20 Metre High
D1 GENERAL
This appendix specifies the special requirements for the fire protection in buildings more than 20 m in
height.
D2 CONSTRUCTION
D 2.1 Construction of all load bearing components like stairways, corridors and facades shall be of
noncombustible materials.
D 2.2 Internal staircase walls shall be made of bricks or reinforced concrete with a minimum of 2 hour fire rating.
D 2.3 The crown and landings of a staircase shall be ventilated to atmosphere with 0.5 m2 openings in the external
walls and crown. Because of difficult location or other compelling reasons, if it becomes impossible to
ventilate the staircase, a positive pressure of 50 pa shall be maintained inside the staircase by any approved
means. Pressure sensitive Automatic Fire Alarm System shall be installed in the staircase. Stair roof shall be
1 m above the surrounding roof level. Use of glazing or fire bricks in the stair shall not be permitted.
D 2.4 Materials used for inner finish shall be restricted to Class I rating of flame spreadability.
D3 LIFTS
Lifts installed in tall buildings shall comply with the following requirements over and above those listed
under Chapter 5, Part 8.
D 3.1 Walls enclosing the lift core shall have a fire resistance rating of 2 hours. Lift shaft shall have a top vent area
of not less than 0.2 m2.
D 3.2 The room containing the motor operating the lift shall preferably be placed at the roof of the lift core and
shall be separated from the rest of the lift core by a floor wall having same fire rating as that of the lift core
walls.
D 3.3 Landing doors in lift core shall have at least half an hour fire resistance rating.
D 3.4 Not more than 4 independent lifts can be assembled together in one liftbank core and the core walls of
individual lifts shall have a fire resistance rating of at least 2 hour.
D 3.5 Lift car doors shall have a fire resistance rating of at least 1 hour.
D 3.6 For lift in tall buildings above 20 m in height, collapsible gates shall not be permitted. Instead solid doors of
fire resistance rating equal to that of Sec A 3.5 shall be installed.
D 3.7 When lifts are located in a central core location of building, exits from lift lobby shall be through a self
closing smoke door of half an hour fire resistance.
D 3.8 Lifts shall not normally serve the basement.
D 3.9 Grounding switch of the lifts hall be provided at ground floor level so that fire personnel can bring the lifts
to ground level at the time of emergency.
D 3.10 Telephone or other voice communications facilities may be provided in lifts installed in buildings of 26m or
more in height. The communication system, in such cases shall be connected to ground command station.
D 3.11 Appropriate slope in floor shall be provided to avoid water entering the lift shaft during fire fighting.

Part 4
Fire Protection
D 3.12 Suitable signs shall be erected and maintained at appropriate positions on all floors of a highrise building
showing the floor plan and exit stairways. Cautions regarding use of lifts during a fire shall be inscribed in
the signs.
D4 FIRE LIFTS
D 4.1 One or more lifts shall be exclusively designed and maintained for the use of firemen is case of emergency.
The lifts shall be so designed and maintained as to be able to reach upper floors and are directly accessible
to every dwelling or lettable floor space on each floor by fire personnel.
D 4.2 The lift or lifts shall have a load carrying capacity of 545 kg (8 persons) with a minimum floor area of 1.4 m2
and auto close doors.
D 4.3 Power supply of the fire lift shall be separated from the main source supplying the building.
D 4.4 In case of power failure from normal supply, it shall be so designed as to trip automatically to alternate
supply of power. In tall apartment complexes such tripover could be accomplished by manually operated
changeover switch. Other alternative could be an electric wiring which shall be so designed as to bring the
lift car to ground level with door open in case of power failure.
D 4.5 Fire lifts shall be operated on a two-button switch system. Two button switch is placed adjacent to the lift at
floor level and kept in a glass covered box. When the switch is on landing call points become inoperative
and the lift is controlled from the car. When the switch is off the lift returns back to normal operation and
can be used by occupants at normal times.
D 4.6 On landing doors at each floor, the sign ''FIRE LIFT'' shall be painted conspicuously in such sizes as to be
easily noticeable by occupants or users of the lift.
D 4.7 Irrespective of height lift speed shall be such as to reach the top floor from ground level in 1 minute.
D5 SERVICE DUCTS
If there is any service duct, they shall comply with the following provisions.
D 5.1 Services ducts, if any, shall be enclosed by a 2 hour rated fire walls and doors. Ducts having area more than
1 m2 shall be closed at each floor level except the passage of pipes etc. across the floors. The passage gaps of
pipes, cables etc. shall be suitably sealed.
D 5.2 A vent opening at the crown of the service shaft shall be provided with an opening, the size of which shall
be between 25 and 50 per cent of the duct area.
D 5.3 Air-conditioning or other service shafts shall be located as far away as possible from the exits of a building.
D6 REFUSE CHUTES
Refuse chutes shall be enclosed by wall of fire resistance rating of at least 2 hours and shall extend at least 1
m above roof level and shall be open to atmosphere. Chutes in no case shall be located within the staircase
enclosure. Inspection panels and doors to refuse chutes shall be at least 1 hours fire resistance rating.
D7 REFUSE AREA
Except multi-family dwelling, all other buildings shall incorporate provision of refuge area on the external
walls as cantilever projection or any other suitable manner. Refuge area shall not be less than 15 m2 at the
heights mentioned below:
a) Floors between 20 and 26 m One refuge area on the floor immediately above 20 m.
4-24
Appendices
b) Floors above 26 m One refuge area on the floor immediately above 26 m and then
one refuge area per five floor above 26 m.
D8 BASEMENTS
D 8.1 Each basement shall be independently ventilated. Venting shall be achieved by grills, breakable stall board
lights or pavement lights or by way of shafts of aggregates having cross-sectional area of not less than 2.5
per cent of floor area spread evenly around the perimeter of the basement. Alternatively air flow inlet at
floor level and smoke outlet at ceiling level may be provided. Inlets and extracts may be terminated at
ground level with stall boards and pavement light, but ducts for conveyance of fresh air to floor shall have
to be laid. Stall boards and pavement lights shall be so positioned as to be easily accessible by fire brigade
personnel.
D 8.2 Basement staircase shall be encased and placed near the outer edge of the basement with materials of
2 hours fire resistance. The stair shall be entered at the ground level from open air so that the smoke from a
fire in the basement shall not obstruct any exit serving the ground and upper floors. Communication with
the basement in case of emergency shall be maintained through a lobby provided with a fire resisting self
closing door of 1 hour fire resistance. Additional staircases shall be provided at appropriate locations if
travel distance exceeds 20 m.
D 8.3 Single intake duct may serve all the floors of a multi-storey basement, but separate smoke outlet duct or
ducts shall be provided for each basement or basement compartment.
D 8.4 For lower basement floors, mechanical extractors for smoke venting shall be provided. The system shall
operate automatically by heat sensitive elements or sprinklers. Devices with manual operation may also be
installed. The following features shall also be considered.
a) Ventilating ducts shall be constructed with the brick masonry or cement concrete work as far as
possible. Fire dampers shall be provided when these ducts cross the transformer or electrical switch
board areas.
b) Kitchen using gas, departmental stores and shops shall not be allowed to operate in basement or sub-
basement.
c) Openable windows on external walls shall be fitted with such locks which can be opened by fire man
axe.
d) Floor area exceeding 750 m2 shall be compartmented by fire separation walls having 2 hours fire
rating. Floor areas provided with sprinklers may be increased by 50 per cent. In long buildings
distance between fire walls shall not exceed 40 m.
D9 BUILDING SERVICES
Building services in tall buildings shall comply with the following provisions.
D 9.1 Air-conditioning shall conform to the following:

a) Escape passageways like staircases, common corridors, lift lobbies shall not be used as return air
passage.
b) Gauge metal of thickness and quality approved by the authority shall only be used in ducting.
c) Openings exerted by the passage of ducts across fire walls or floors shall be properly sealed with fire
resisting materials like vermiculite concrete or asbestos fibre materials.
d) Duct insulation (inside and outside) materials shall be of noncombustible nature (such as glasswool)
which shall not be wrapped or secured around the duct by any material of combustible nature.

Part 4
Fire Protection
e) Metallic ducts shall be used as far as possible instead of using the space above false ceiling as return air
passage.
f) Individual floor areas more than 750m2 shall be partitioned for isolation by fire walls and automatic fire
dampers.
g) Air ducts serving main floor areas and corridors shall not pass through the staircase enclosure.
h) Air handling units and ducts shall be independent for each floor and there shall be no interconnection
of ducts between floors.
i) In case of air handling units serving more than one floor, the system shall comply with the following
provisions, in addition to the conditions mentioned above.
1. Individual floors shall be isolated from the main riser by incorporating automatic fire dampers
working on fusible link.
2. Respective air handling units of air-conditioning system shall automatically be switched off as
soon as the automatic fire alarm become active.
j) Treated fresh air conveyance through the vertical shaft shall be of masonry construction.
k) Ceiling and its fixtures shall be of noncombustible materials when these will be used as return air
passage.
l) The air filters of the air handling units shall be of noncombustible materials.
m) Air handling equipment room shall not store any combustible material.
n) To have access to main fire dampers and for cleaning the duct of accumulated dusts, the main air duct
trunk shall be fitted with appropriate inspection panels of tight fitting nature.
D 9.2 Fire Dampers
Fire dampers shall be located in the line of air-condition ducts and return air ducts or passage in the
following places:
a) At the fire separation wall,

b) Where ducts or passages entre the central vertical shaft,
c) Where the ducts pass through floors, and
d) At the inlet of supply air ducts and the return air duct of each compartment in every floor.
D 9.2.1 Auto-operation dampers shall come into operation when air handling fans shall switch off. Devices with
manual operations shall also be made available. Blowers using extraction and dust accumulation system
shall be provided with dampers.
D 9.2.2 For smoke extraction, smoke dampers shall be installed in building of 26 m or more in height. In apartment
houses, non-ventilated lobbies and corridors shall be covered by smoke dampers operated by fusible link
and also manual control. In other buildings operation of dampers shall be manual in nature.
D 9.2.3 Operated by fusible link, automatic fire dampers shall be so arranged as to be closed by gravity in the
direction of air movement and shall remain tightly closed.
D 10 GAS SUPPLY
D 10.1 Gas supply in tall buildings shall be from city gas main or L.P gas and shall conform to the provisions
detailed in Chapter 8, Part 8.
4-26
Appendices
D 10.2 Gas pipe lines shall run in exclusive shafts on external walls and shall be away from staircase. These shafts,
shall be exclusive for each floor. L.P. gas distribution pipes in shortest possible run shall always be below
false ceiling. Entire cooking range area in the kitchen shall be covered by an exhaust system of 50 mm2/
per m2 of hood projected area. The hood shall be fitted with metallic grease filter to trap oil vapour of the
fume.
D 10.3 Power line wiring in the fume hood shall be in fibre glass insulation. Kitchens for hotels, hospitals or such
other places in high rise buildings shall have heat detectors fixed in fume hood which will automatically
cutoff LP gas and trip off exhaust fan in case of fire. Actuation of the devices shall be by 24v or 100v DC
with external rectifier.
D 11 BOILER LOCATION AND BOILER ROOMS
The following provisions shall be complied with for location and housing of boilers.
D 11.1 Boilers shall be allowed to be installed in basement away from escape route but shall not be allowed in sub-
basement.
D 11.2 Boiler room shall be situated on the periphery of the basement and shall have a 4 hour fire resistance wall.
Floor shall be sloped to a catch pit.
D 11.3 For fresh air supply to the boiler room, it shall be fitted with air inlets and smoke exhaust system directly
open to the atmosphere.
D 11.4 Entry to boiler room shall be through a 2 hour fire resistance composite door.
D 11.5 Furnace oil for boiler, if stored in oil tank in an adjacent room, shall be separated by a 4 hour fire resistance
wall. Entrance to this room shall be controlled by double composite doors. To prevent spread of accidental
spillage of furnace oil, a suitable curb shall be erected at the entrance door opening.
D 11.6 For the convenience of Fire Department personnel to work with foam from outside the building, suitable
foam inlet facilities shall be in built on the external wall.
D 12 STAIRCASE AND CORRIDOR LIGHTS
Staircase and corridor lights shall comply with the following provisions.
D 12.1 The staircase and corridor lighting shall be connected to a separate independent circuit so that at times of
emergency the fire fighting personnel can operate the same from an easily accessible location on the ground
floor disregarding individual control of light points. The circuit shall be equipped with a miniature circuit
breaker type of switch.
D 12.2 To avoid connection to two sources of supply at the same time, lighting installed in the staircase and
corridor shall be suitably mounted on a double throw switch. To terminate standby supply, double throw
switch shall be installed in the service room.
D 12.3 Staircase and corridor lighting shall also be connected with an alternate supply.
D 12.4 Staircase and corridors shall be provided with emergency lights.

Part 4
Fire Protection
D 13 ELECTRICAL SERVICES
Electrical Services shall confirm to the following provisions.

D 13.1 The electric distribution cables and wiring shall run through separate ducts. The duct shall be sealed with
noncombustible materials at every floor level having the same fire resistance rating of that of the duct. Low
and medium voltage wiring running in shafts and false ceiling shall run in separate conduits.
D 13.2 The duct carrying the electric cable shall not contain any other services like water mains, telephone lines,
intercom lines, gas pipes etc.
D 13.3 Electric power supply to water pumps, lifts, staircases, corridor lighting and blowers to keep pressure
system running shall directly be provided through main switch gear panel. Power lines shall be laid in
separate conduit pipes, so that fire in one circuit will not affect the others. Master switch circuit elements
shall be clearly labeled.
D 13.4 Openings and inspection panel doors in the shaft shall be fitted with air-tight fire doors having fire rating of
at least 2 hours.
D 13.5 Medium and low voltage power lines in the shaft and within false ceiling shall run within metal conduits.
220v wiring for lighting and other services above false ceiling shall have a 660v grade insulation. The false
ceiling and all the materials and fixtures used its suspension shall be of noncombustible materials.
D 13.6 Electricity supply from the public authority and alternate supply cables shall lead to an independent well
ventilated room on the ground floor for the purpose of termination for eventual distribution into the
building. The door fitted in the service room shall be at least 2 hours fire resistance rated.
D 13.7 If the power authority agrees to install meters on upper floors, the authority and consumer cable lines shall
be segregated by a partition in the duct. Meter rooms on upper floors shall not open on staircase and shall
be directly ventilated to open air outside.
D 14 STANDBY GENERATOR
The standby generator shall comply with the following.
D 14.1 A standby electric generator shall be installed to supply power for staircase and corridor lighting, fire lifts,
standby fire pump, pressurization fans and blowers, smoke extraction and damper systems in case of failure
of normal electricity supply.
D 14.2 The generator shall be capable of taking starting currents of all the machines and circuits stated above
simultaneously.
D 14.3 When the standby pump is connected to diesel engine for supply of power, the pump may be withdrawn
from standby generator supply.
D 14.4 For emergency, if supply is available from a separate sub-station with appropriate transformer, the
provision of generator may be waived with the approval of power authority.
D 15 TRANSFORMER
Transformers shall conform to the following provisions.
D 15.1 Without proper oil drainage arrangement, a sub-station or a switch station along with accompanying
machines having more than 2000 litres oil shall not be located in the basement of the building in normal
circumstances. Transformers, when housed below ground level, shall be housed in the first basement in a
separate 4 hour rated room located on the periphery of the basement floor. The entrance to this room shall
have a fire resisting door of 2 hour fire rating. To prevent spread of accidental spillage of oil, a suitable curb
shall be erected at the door opening. Direct access preferably from outside shall be provided to the
4-28
Appendices
transformer room. Switch gears and transformer bays shall be separately housed with a 4 hour fire rated
wall in between.
D 15.2 When housed in basement, transformer rooms shall be equipped with automatic high velocity water spray
system.
D 15.3 When a transformer is housed in complete segregation by a 4 hour fire rated wall all around and has direct
access from outside, the transformer room may be protected by CO2 (carbon dioxide), BCF (Bromo-
chlorodifuoromethane) or BTM (Bromo-triflouromethane) fixed system.
D 15.4 When the transformer is on the ground level, the room shall be completely segregated from rest of the
premises by 4 hour fire rated walls all around.

Part 4
Fire Protection
D 15.5 Oil filled transformers shall not be housed above ground level.
D 15.6 Where aggregate oil capacities of all machines do not exceed 200 litre, they shall be provided with a catch
pit. When the aggregate capacity exceeds 200 litre, an RCC tank capable of holding the entire need shall be
provided at lower level to collect the oil from catch pit in case of emergency. The connection between catch
pit and tank shall be of noncombustible construction and provided with a flame arrester.
D 16 FIRST AID FIRE FIGHTING APPLIANCES
First aid fire fighting appliances shall be provided on all floors, basements, lift room etc. as required by the
authority. Location and distributions of fire fighting appliances shall also be as required by the authority.
D 17 FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
Fire alarm system shall comply with the following provisions.
D 17.1 All buildings with a height of more than 20 m shall be equipped with manually operated electrical fire
alarm system and automatic fire alarm system. Offices and apartment buildings between 20 and 26 m in
height, however, may be exempted from installing automatic fire alarm system, if they do not pose threat
towards safety of adjacent buildings and inmates of the buildings itself are safe in the opinion of the
authority.
D 17.2 Manually operated electrical alarm system shall be installed in a building with single or multiple call boxes
located on each floor and shall conform to:
a) location of call boxes shall be decided after careful review of the floor plan so that all the occupant can
approach to any one of the call box without having traveled more than 22.5 m
b) Usually call boxes shall be of the type having no moving parts, but in case they have, they are to be
approved by the authority to ensure timely function. Usual boxes shall be "break glass" type and the act
of breaking the glass shall constitute fire alarm transmission to the command station.
c) All call boxes shall be wired in a closed circuit to a control panel in the command station which clearly
indicates the origin or location of the alarm. The circuit shall be equipped with a rechargeable battery
with capacity for full normal working load for 2 days. The circuit may be connected to an alternate
source of supply.
d) The call boxes shall be installed 1 m above the floor on the corridor or passage so that they are easily
visible, yet do not obstruct the safe means of egress at times of emergency.
e) The call boxes are installed to actuate single or multiple sounders so that all inmates can hear the alarm.
D 18 COMMAND STATION
All buildings above 26 m in height shall have a command station on the entrance lobby with suitable public
address system having communication to all floors as well as facilities to receive messages from all floors.
The command station shall be equipped with detailed floor plans along with clearly demarcated locations
of fire detection and fighting devices and through the panel board able to detect fire alarm from any floor.
The command station shall be manned with properly trained personnel having responsibility of
maintenance and operating fire fighting facilities within the building.
D 19 CARETAKER/FIRE OFFICER
All residential, business, hotels, and other buildings having height more than 53 m shall keep standby one
trained fire officer round the clock. He shall be responsible for:
a) Maintaining fire fighting equipment in good working condition all the time.
4-30
Appendices
b) Layout fire orders and operational plans.
c) Impart training to inmates of the building in handling available equipment and keep them informed of
fire crisis and evacuation plan.
d) Keep contact with local fire authority.
D 20 HOUSE KEEPING
To reduce or minimize fire hazard, good house keeping within and outside shall be strictly maintained by
the occupants and owner of the building.

Part 4
Fire Protection
D 21 FIRE DRILLS
Fire notices or orders shall be prepared in fulfilment of the requirements for fire fighting and evacuation in
case of fire or other emergency. Such notices and orders shall be so displayed as to make the occupants well
conversant with needed action in the event of emergency. Details of fire drill are specified in Appendix A.
4-32

Ppendices: Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D

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Ppendices: Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D

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Appendices

APPENDIX D Special Requirements of Buildings more than 20 Metre High

A4 SIGNS AND FLOOR PLANS

A 4.2 Signs Depicting Floor Number

A 4.3 Stair and Elevator Identification

A 4.4 Stair re-entry Provision

A 4.5 Command Station

Bangladesh National Building Code 4-3

A 4.6 Two way Communications and Fire Alarm

A 4.7 Fire Safety Plan

A 4.8 Fire Safety Plan

iii) Shall be responsible to conduct fire and evacuation drill.

Bangladesh National Building Code 4-5

3. Ensure that fire alarm has been transmitted.

A 4.8.5 Organization Chart for Fire Drill and Evacuation Assignment

a) Building address in adequate details about its location.

Bangladesh National Building Code 4-7

f) Number, type and location of fire stairs and/or fire towers.

g) Number, type and location of horizontal exits or other refuge areas.

i) Locations of fire alarm – floorwise and central.

j) Communication System (telephone, walkie talkie).

n) Average number of employed persons by day and night.

p) Average number of outsiders visiting the building by day and night.

A4.8.11.1 English Text of Instruction

c) If you Discover a Fire

d) When you hear Evacuation Instructions

- Immediately leave the floor taking the nearest staircase.

A4.8.11.2 Bangla Text of Instruction

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g) ah©n lhgfu fqKfli

Bangladesh National Building Code 4-9

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- sbfcfw khfCr ysøyR bjbMhr kfr nYfc cfl xhn/

B2 SMOKE AND FIRE VENTING

Bangladesh National Building Code 4-11

a) Low hazard industry 1:150

B 2.5.4 Maximum spacing of vents shall be as follows:

Bangladesh National Building Code 4-13

B3 EXPLOSION RELIEF VENTS

Bangladesh National Building Code 4-15

B 3.4.7 Counter weights inducing inertia to vents shall be avoided.

Vent opening per unit Types of volumes of Examples Remarks

1.65 m3 pre fabricated panels

Bangladesh National Building Code 4-17

C2 CHOICE OF FIRE DETECTORS

C 2.1 Heat Detectors

C 2.2 Smoke Detectors

C 2.3 Flame Detectors

C 3.2 Rate of Rise Heat Detectors

C 3.3 Smoke Detectors

C 3.4 Optical Smoke Detectors

C 3.5 Ionization Chamber Smoke Detector

C 3.6 Chemically Sensitive Smoke Detectors

C6 SITING OF THE SENSITIVE DETECTORS (POINT OR SPOT TYPE)

C 6.1 Distance from Ceiling

C 6.2 Spacing of Detectors

Bangladesh National Building Code 4-19

C 6.4 Single Truss and North Light Roofs

C 6.5 Floor Opening

C 6.6 Lantern Lights

C 6.7 Heated Areas within Building

C 6.8 Vibration and Rapid Temperature Change