UNIT 3-FIRE SAFETY

Fire safety refers to precautions that are taken to prevent or reduce the likelihood of a fire that may result
in death, injury, or property damage, alert those in a structure to the presence of an uncontrolled fire in
the event one occurs, better enable those threatened by a fire to survive in and evacuate from affected
areas, or to reduce the damage caused by a fire. Fire safety measures include those that are planned
during the construction of a building or implemented in structures that are already standing, and those
that are taught to occupants of the building.

Threats to fire safety are referred to as fire hazards. A fire hazard may include a situation that increases
the likelihood a fire may start or may impede escape in the event a fire occurs.

Portable Fire Fighting Equipment-(write short notes on portable

equipment-2010)
Portable firefighting equipment includes fire blankets and fire extinguishers. They are generally a
requirement of most non-private premises as they offer a trained person the opportunity to extinguish a
small fire at its early stages, or may be used to create a safe means of escape from a more serious
situation.

Fire blankets are only used once – a smoky, greasy fire blanket is no good at all for putting over a fire.

Fire extinguishers are basically extinguishant filled pressurized pumps. They are machines and as such
should be chosen for their quality and reliability. If such a device is properly maintained and cared for it
will give good service for many years.
A fire extinguisher, flame extinguisher or simply an extinguisher, is an active fire protection device
used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. It is not intended for use on an
out-of-control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user (i.e., no escape route,
smoke, explosion hazard, etc.), or otherwise requires the expertise of a fire department. Typically, a fire
extinguisher consists of a hand-held cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent which can be
discharged to extinguish a fire
There are two main types of fire extinguishers: stored pressure and cartridge-operated. In stored
pressure units, the expellant is stored in the same chamber as the firefighting agent itself. Depending on
the agent used, different propellants are used. With dry chemical extinguishers, nitrogen is typically used;
water and foam extinguishers typically use air. Stored pressure fire extinguishers are the most common
type. Cartridge-operated extinguishers contain the expellant gas in a separate cartridge that is punctured
prior to discharge, exposing the propellant to the extinguishing agent. This type is not as common, used
primarily in areas such as industrial facilities, where they receive higher-than-average use. They have the
advantage of simple and prompt recharge, allowing an operator to discharge the extinguisher, recharge it,
and return to the fire in a reasonable amount of time. Unlike stored pressure types, these extinguishers
use compressed carbon dioxide instead of nitrogen, although nitrogen cartridges are used on low
temperature (-60 rated) models. Fire extinguishers are further divided into handheld and cart-mounted,
also called wheeled extinguishers. Handheld extinguishers weigh from 0.5 to 14 kilograms (1.1 to 31 lb.),
and are hence, easily portable by hand. Cart-mounted units typically weigh more than 23 kilograms
(51 lb.). These wheeled models are most commonly found at construction
sites, airport runways, heliports, as well as docks and marinas.

Standard Fire extinguishers

DCP, foam and water extinguishers are available in:

> 1.5kg
> 2.5kg
> 4.5kg
> 9kg
> 25kg
> 50kg

CO² extinguishers are available in:

> 2kg
> 5kg
Wheeled fire extinguishers

Wheeled fire extinguishers are specifically designed and built for the protection of hazardous areas
where large fires could occur. They combine high mobility and single-person operation with increased
flow rate, discharge times and ranges. They are available as both mobile and stationary units

A table showing the type to be used under different circumstances

Wet riser and dry riser systems- (2011- explain with sketches)
(2011-december-differentiate between dry and wet riser systems)
What are dry and wet risers systems used for?
Dry/wet risers are intended for the use of the Fire Service to provide a readily available means of
delivering considerable quantities of water to extinguish or to prevent the spread of fire. If your fire risk
assessment concludes that you may need the intervention of the Fire Service to fight a fire, you must
ensure that your riser systems or hydrants are working properly. Before installation of dry or wet rising
mains, the local Authority and Fire Officer must be consulted to ascertain their exact requirements .
What is the difference between dry riser and wet riser? (Dry/wet risers are often called Rising Mains)
Dry riser: system of valves and pipework which enables the Fire Service to pump water on to upper floors
of a building.
Wet riser: system of valves and pipework which are kept permanently charged with water

Where do we find dry/wet risers?

Dry risers will be found:
• In buildings over 18 meters above ground level.
• In low level buildings where there are excessive distances from entrances (60m)
Wet risers will be found in buildings over 30 meters aboveground level.

What does a dry/wet riser system look like?

Typical dry/wet risers contain the following components:
• Large vertical pipe of 100 mm diameter that can run internally or externally to the building
• Twin inlet connection at street level boxed in a steel cabinet with glazed door for dry riser only
• Outlet valves at each landing
• Automatic air release valve at the highest point to provide automatic bleeding of air from the system
when it is filled with water
• pump for wet riser only

Wet Riser System

Wet risers are a form of internal hydrant for the fireman to use and are always charged with water. Wet risers are only
required for building where the topmost floor is higher than 30.5 meters above the fire appliance access level.

Wet riser system comprises duty fire pumps with standby pump discharging into riser pipe with landing valves at each
level and to jet at the fire. A jockey pump is usually provided to maintain system pressure.
A typical wet riser installation is shown as below.

Components of a wet riser system:

• Valves
• Pipework
• Seals
• Strap
 • Padlock
• Earthing
• Cabinet locks
• Pressure test at inlet
• Pressure test at outlet
• Non return valves
• Drain down system

FOR AUTOMATIC WET RISER SYSTEM

1 Basis of design:
Building height: 16.00 mtrs.

No. of floors : (G + 4).

No. of wet risers : 1

No.of Yard hydrants: 4

2. Fire pumpsets:1.Main electrical pump

2. Standby engine pump

3. Pressurization pump

3. Sequence of operation : -
All starting of the main fire pump & stand by engine pump shall be automatic through operation of
the pressure switches and these two pumps are to be stopped manually. The operating pressure of
the system is 7 Kg /sq.cm. When there is a slow fall of pressure due to leakage of water the
pressurization pump will start automatically on receiving signals from the pressure switch. When the
pressure of the system builds up to normal value the pressurization pump will stop automatically.
During the operation of any hydrant valve, the sudden pressure drop will trigger the main electrical
pump to start to maintain the operating pressure. If the main pump fails due to mechanical failure or
failure of electrical supply, the control panel locks out the main pump, and initiate the starting
operation of the engine pump set after a preset time delay. Even if this fails to start or fails to deliver
adequate pressure, the system gives an audiovisual alarm and indication at the control panel.

Wet Riser System-in high rise buildings-(April 2011)

The wet riser system described below is a typical installation in a high-rise building. It is used to supply
water from the wet riser water tank, through wet riser pipes, distributed to each floor, and ending at the
canvas hoses and hose reels.
The pipes supplying water to the hoses are pressurized all the time. Three pumps supply the water from
the tank to the hoses. The pumps are the duty pump, the stand-by pump, and the jockey pump. Pressure
switches along the pipe control the starting of each pump.
The wet riser canvas hoses are located at each lift lobby. Each canvas hose has a diameter of 65 mm
and a length of 30 m. When the hoses are in use, the pressure at each floor is controlled by landing
valves that return excess pressurized water back to the wet riser tank through drain pipes.
The hose reels are also located at each lift lobby. Each hose reel has a diameter of 25 mm and a length
of 30 m. Pressure reducers are installed at the end of each wet riser pipe to supply a lower pressured
water to hose reels.
When the valves of the hoses are opened, pressurized water will shoot out through the nozzles of the
hoses. The pressure in the piping will drop. The pressure switches at the pump room will sense the drop
in pressure and the pumps will start to pressurize the pipe again. A typical system for a high-rise building
is described below. The pressures are monitored at the pump room to control the pumps.

Jockey Pump
The first pump to start will be the jockey pump. The controlling pressure switch is set to start the pump at
a pressure of 150 psi and stop it when the pressure reaches 230 psi.

If a small leak exist in the wet riser piping - either on the wet riser or hose reel - the pump will start in
order to compensate for the leak.

Duty Pump
If the pressure drops below 125 psi, this means a wet riser landing valve or a hose reel gate valve has
been opened. The pressure switch that senses this set pressure activates and starts the duty pump.

Stand-by Pump
If for any reason the pressure continues to drop below 125 psi, it means either the duty pump has not
started or is not available (under repair...etc.). The stand-by pump then takes over the function that is not
performed by the duty pump. The stand-by pump is set to cut-in at 95 psi.
Once the water flow is not needed any more the pressure builds up in the piping network. The duty or
stand-by pumps stops after the cutout pressure is reached at 220 psi.
The jockey pump continues to run until the system pressure reaches its cutout pressure of 230 psi.
For a low building, the system will be less complicated. However, the purpose of supplying water to the
fire fighting hoses is maintained.

Dry riser system

A dry riser is a main vertical pipe intended to distribute water to multiple levels of a building or structure
as a component of the fire suppression systems.

The pipe is maintained empty of water. The dry riser is the opposite of a "wet riser" or "wet standpipe"
system where the pipes are kept full of water for manual or automatic fire fighting operations. Dry risers
have to access fire engine within 18 m of the dry riser inlet box. Dry risers in occupied buildings have to
be within a fire resistant shaft, usually one of a building's fire escape staircase enclosures.

Depending on regional nomenclature, the term "dry riser" may refer to a standpipe, intended to provide
water to fire hose connections, or a vertical main pipe in an automatic dry pipe fire sprinkler system. A dry
standpipe comprises a fire department connection, e.g. Storz, which is an external access point at ground
level through which water can be pumped from the fire department's fire engine pump to firefighters' fire
hose attachments on each floor, whereas a dry pipe fire sprinkler system is a network of pipes connected
to fixed sprinklers inside a building, which are full of air until one of the sprinklers is triggered.
 ---a typical wet riser system

Sprinkler system (April 2011-write short notes on sprinkler systems)

(Discuss about sprinkler system and where would u propose it)

(2010-explain sprinkler system)

(May-2010)

(June-2010)

A fire sprinkler system is an active fire protection measure, consisting of a water supply system,
providing adequate pressure and flow rate to a water distribution piping system, onto which fire
sprinklers are connected. Although historically only used in factories and large commercial buildings,
systems for home and small building are now available at a cost-effective price. Fire sprinkler systems are
extensively used worldwide, with over 40 million sprinkler heads fitted each year. In buildings completely
protected by fire sprinkler systems, over 99% of fires were controlled by fire sprinklers alone

Operation

Each closed-head sprinkler is held closed by either a heat-sensitive glass bulb or a two-part metal link
held together with fusible alloy. The glass bulb or link applies pressure to a pip cap which acts as a plug
which prevents water from flowing until the ambient temperature around the sprinkler reaches the design
activation temperature of the individual sprinkler head. In a standard wet-pipe sprinkler system, each
sprinkler activates independently when the predetermined heat level is reached. Because of this, the
number of sprinklers that operate is limited to only those near the fire (in reality, normally one or two will
activate), thereby maximizing the available water pressure over the point of fire origin. This also
minimizes the water damage to the building.

A sprinkler activation will do less damage than a fire department hose stream, which provide
approximately 900 liters/min (250 US gallons/min). A typical sprinkler used for industrial manufacturing
occupancies discharge about 75-150 liters/min (20-40 US gallons/min). However, a typical Early
Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) sprinkler at a pressure of 50 psi (340 kPa) will discharge
approximately 100 gallons per minute. In addition, a sprinkler will usually activate between one and four
minutes, whereas the fire department typically takes at least five minutes to arrive at the fire site after
receiving an alarm, and an additional ten minutes to set up equipment and apply hose streams to the fire.
This additional time can result in a much larger fire, requiring much more water to extinguish.

Automatic Sprinkler Systems-(2011 explain automatic sprinkler systems)

(2010-explain with a neat sketch)

The automatic sprinkler systems is the most widely used fire protection system today and
have been used to protect lives and property since the late1800’s. They are used
in warehousing & distribution centers, schools, aviation & military facilities , power
generation applications , commercial & leisure premises, plants, residential and
many others. Consist of

• sprinkler heads arranged to automatically distribute water directly to the fire

• Water supplied through a system of piping

Two types of sprinklers coverage

• Complete sprinkler coverage-protects the entire building

• Partial sprinkler coverage-protects only certain areas like high hazard areas, escape routes etc.

System fundamentals

• Sprinklers
• Sprinkler Design
• Sprinkler Storage
• Control Valves
• Water Flow Alarms
• Water Supply
• Fire Department Connection
There are 5 main types of sprinkler system:

Wet-Pipe Sprinkler Systems are the most common type of system used. The pipe work is
constantly charged with water and when the sprinkler head activates water discharges
from the sprinkler heads immediately. These systems are appropriate for permanently
heated buildings.

Dry-pipe sprinkler installations are appropriate for app lications either where there is a
danger of the water in the pipes freezing or in situations where there may be temperatures
above about 70 degrees c. In a dry -pipe system the pipework downstream of the
installation control valve is charged with air which is under sufficient pressure to prevent
the entry of water into the delivery pipe work. Once the first sprinkler head operates the
compressed air escapes through the head, the control valve opens to allow water to flow
into the system pipework.

With Dry-pipe systems there is a time delay in releasing the air from the system before
water discharges from the sprinkler heads. For this reason Dry -pipe systems are limited in
size, generally to half the size of a wet -pipe system, and in some cases require more fl ow
and pressure from the water supplies to cater for more sprinkler heads operating before
water is discharged. For this reason consideration should be given to other means of frost
protection, such as trace heating and lagging the sprinkler pipework.

Alternate Wet & Dry Pipe Systems are just that. They operate as either type and allow
the premises occupier to protect the premises with a wet -pipe installation in the summer
and a dry-pipe installation in winter. The same conditions on the size of the system and
the water supplies apply here as for the Dry -system

Tail End Alternate or Tail End Dry -Pipe Systems are basically wet pipe installations in
which apart of the system, the tail end (in conditions, for example, where it is liable to
freeze), is dry or alternate wet & dry

Pre-action Sprinkler Systems are primarily considered either where the accidental
discharge of water due to mechanical damage to a sprinkler head or pipe is of prime
concern or, where a dry -pipe system need to be primed to avoid the delay s in operation,
size of system and water supply considerations outlined above. The system operates in
conjunction with an electrical fire detection system. Operation of the detection system will
open the pre-action control valve and prime the system with w ater. A type 1 Pre-action
control valve will not open if a sprinkler head alone operates or is damaged .
Fire hydrant
A fire hydrant is an active fire protection measure, and a source of water provided in most urban,
suburban and rural areas with municipal water service to enable firefighters to tap into the municipal
water supply to assist in extinguishing a fire. Buildings near a hydrant may qualify for
an insurance discount since firefighters should be able to more rapidly extinguish a fire on the insured
property.

Operation
The user attaches a hose to the fire hydrant, then opens a valve on the hydrant to provide a powerful flow
of water (the pressure varies according to region and depends on various factors including the size and
location of the attached water main). This user can attach this hose to a fire engine, which can use a
powerful pump to boost the water pressure and possibly split it into multiple streams. One may connect
the hose with a threaded connection, instantaneous "quick connector" or a Storz connector. A user should
take care not to open or close a fire hydrant too quickly, as this can create a water hammer which can
damage nearby pipes and equipment. The water inside a charged hose line causes it to be very heavy
and high water pressure causes it to be stiff and unable to make a tight turn while pressurized. When a
fire hydrant is unobstructed, this is not a problem, as there is enough room to adequately position the
hose.

Most fire hydrant valves are not designed to throttle the water flow; they are designed to be operated full-
on or full-off. The valving arrangement of most dry-barrel hydrants is for the drain valve to be open at
anything other than full operation. Usage at partial-opening can consequently result in considerable flow
directly into the soil surrounding the hydrant, which, over time, can cause severe scouring. Where a hose
has a closed nozzle valve, or connects to a fire truck or closed gate valve, one must always attach the
hose to the hydrant before opening the hydrant's main valve.

Construction
In areas subject to freezing temperatures, only a portion of the hydrant is above ground. The valve is
located below the frost line and connected by a riser to the above-ground portion. A valve rod extends
from the valve itself up through a seal at the top of the hydrant, where it can be operated with the
proper wrench. This design is known as a "dry barrel" hydrant, in that the barrel, or vertical body of the
hydrant, is normally dry. A drain valve underground opens when the water valve is completely closed; this
allows all water to drain from the hydrant body to prevent the hydrant from freezing.

In warm areas, hydrants are used with one or more valves in the above-ground portion. Unlike with cold-
weather hydrants, it is possible to turn the water supply on and off to each port. This style is known as a
"wet barrel" hydrant.

Both wet- and dry-barrel hydrants typically have multiple outlets. Wet barrel hydrant outlets are typically
individually controlled, while a single stem operates all the outlets of a dry barrel hydrant simultaneously.
Thus, wet barrel hydrants allow single outlets to be opened, requiring somewhat more effort but
simultaneously allowing more flexibility.

A typical dry-barrel hydrant has two smaller outlets and one larger outlet. The larger outlet is often a Storz
connection if the local fire department has standardized on hose using Storz fittings for large diameter
supply line. The larger outlet is known as a "steamer" connection (because they were once used to supply
steam powered water pumps), and a hydrant with such an outlet may be referred to as a "steamer
hydrant" although this usage is becoming archaic. Likewise, an older hydrant without a steamer
connection may be referred to as a "village hydrant."

Piped gas supply or cooking gas supply

Service mains:

1. outside distributor main

2. Interconnecting main

3. Inner main distribution pipe

4. Riser

5. Service connection (from gas meter)

Service connection (from gas meter):

1. Gas meter

Nominal gas consumption

Curb cock (main cock)

Water bag

2. Equipment

Kitchen stove

Boilers

Auxiliary gas cocks

3. Flue Gas

Chimney

Draft diverter

Chimney Body
Interconnecting pipe network:

• Each estates has to have its own interconnecting pipe network,

• Smallest Diameter of the interconnecting network is : DN25,
• The highest pressure of the interconnecting pipe is 0.1 bar
• Gas pipe can pass room where the elevation is higher than 1.7m
• In garage interconnecting pipe cannot pass
• Not allowed to build any types of gas network in: sleeping room, living room, larder, toilet, in any
non ventilable room,

Not allowed to build any types of pipe network in

• Chimney
• Under the building (or basement),
• In floor or ceiling
• In suspended floor or ceiling
• In toilets in cold storage rooms in storage rooms(larder)

Service connection (after the gas meter):

• The highest pressure is 0.1 bar

• The pipe network cannot be driven through in other properties, in common properties
 • The pipe network cannot be driven through in Class „A”, and Class „B” fire danger areas, in car
storage areas, in the rooms of gas equipment which has bigger consumption than 116kW, Switch
gear rooms or cabinets where voltage higher than 0.4kV
• Smallest diameter of the service connection is DN15

It is possible to place gas meter with keeping a following circumstances

• Outside and outside walls-Mechanical protection and temperature correction

• In staircase, common rooms-Closed and ventilated cabinet
• In basement
o Non corrosive,
o waterproofing, plastering
o min 1.7m elevation,

Gas meter cannot be placed:

• In bathroom, in toilet
• In living areas (Dining room, sleeping rooms etc.)
• In garage,
• Switch gear rooms or cabinets where voltage higher than 0.4kV
• Rooms which classified in A or B fire class
• In boiler rooms

Safety distances:

• From any gas equipment: 1m

• Any hot pipe, ducks etc.: 0.5m
Cooking gas distribution in buildings
Building occupancy code and fire grouping-never asked
• Assembly (Group A) - places used for people gathering for entertainment, worship, and eating or
drinking. Examples: churches, restaurants (with 50 or more possible occupants), theaters, and
stadiums. Group A is divided into five sub groups:
A-1 Buildings with fixed seating, intended for production and viewing of the performing arts or
motion pictures (theaters).
A-2 Buildings intended for food and/or drink consumption (restaurants).
A-3 Buildings intended for worship, recreation or amusement and other assembly uses not
otherwise classified.
A-4 Buildings intended for viewing of indoor sporting events and activities with spectator seating
(stadiums).
A-5 Buildings intended for participation in or viewing outdoor activities (arenas).

• Business (Group B) - places where services are provided (not to be confused with mercantile,
below). Examples: banks, insurance agencies, government buildings (including police and fire
stations), and doctor's offices.
• Educational (Group E) - schools and day care centers up to the 12th grade.
 • Factory (Group F) - places where goods are manufactured or repaired (unless considered "High-
Hazard" (below)). Examples: factories and dry cleaners.
• High-Hazard (Group H) - places involving production or storage of very flammable or toxic
materials. Includes places handling explosives and/or highly toxic materials (such
as fireworks, hydrogen peroxide, and cyanide).
• Institutional (Group I) - places where people are physically unable to leave without assistance.
Examples: hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons. In some jurisdictions, Group I may be used to
designate Industrial.
• Mercantile (Group M) - places where goods are displayed and sold. Examples: grocery stores,
department stores, and gas stations.
• Residential (Group R) - places providing accommodations for overnight stay (excluding
Institutional). Examples: houses, apartment buildings, hotels, and motels.
• Storage (Group S) - places where items are stored (unless considered High-Hazard). Examples:
warehouses and parking garages.
• Utility and Miscellaneous (Group U) - others. Examples: water towers, barns, towers.

Type of fire class

Fires that involve flammable solids such as wood, cloth, rubber, paper, and some types Class
of plastics. A

Fires that involve flammable liquids or liquefiable solids such Class

as petrol/gasoline, oil, paint, some waxes & plastics, but not cooking fats or oils B

Class
Fires that involve flammable gases, such as natural gas, hydrogen, propane, butane
C

Class
Fires that involve combustible metals, such as sodium, magnesium, and potassium
D

Fires that involve any of the materials found in Class A and B fires, but with the
introduction of an electrical appliances, wiring, or other electrically energized objects in Class
the vicinity of the fire, with a resultant electrical shock risk if a conductive agent is used E1
to control the fire.

Fires involving cooking fats and oils. The high temperature of the oils when on fire far Class
exceeds that of other flammable liquids making normal extinguishing agents ineffective. F
Smoke management in case of fire in high rise buildings (2011)
Most modern building codes define a high-rise structure as a building greater than 75 feet in height from
the lowest level of fire department vehicle access to the highest occupiable floor. When fires occur in
high-rise structures, the responding firefighters are faced with many challenges. Because of the unique
aspects of high-rise buildings, routine fire tactics, including ventilation, can become very difficult.
Responding fire personnel must be familiar with fixed smoke management systems as well as options for
positive-pressure ventilation (PPV) to ensure the safety and effectiveness of fire ground operations .
FIXED SMOKE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Some modern high-rise structures are provided with fixed smoke management systems. These systems
are designed to provide a tenable environment for safe egress for building occupants. As stated in the
2009 International Building Code (IBC) Section 909.1, these systems are not intended for assistance in
fire suppression and overhaul activities. Although not designed for use in fire suppression and overhaul,
fixed smoke control systems can be used in conjunction with other fire ground tactics to effectively
manage smoke, heat, and other products of combustion.
On the upper floors of a typical high-rise, most smoke management systems use the pressurization
method of smoke control. In most cases, the system is designed to provide a negative pressure on the
fire floor. This negative pressure is obtained by exhausting the corridor (or major path of egress) on the
fire floor. Activation of the smoke-control equipment is provided through a zoned sprinkler system,
engineered smoke detection systems, or manual activation at the system's control panel.
Another type of fixed smoke management system uses what is referred to as the "exhaust method" to
manage smoke. This type of system is commonly used in covered malls, atria, or other large spaces.
These systems are designed with the intent of maintaining the smoke layer a minimum of six feet above
the highest walking surface. This is achieved by using large mechanical fans near the ceiling to exhaust
smoke from the space. These systems also use mechanical fans to provide supply or "makeup" air.

POSITIVE-PRESSURE VENTILATION
For the fire service to provide the same level of protection that a fixed stairwell pressurization system
does, it requires thinking beyond the current use of ventilating and examining the fan's ability to
pressurize. When a structure is pressurized and a vent is provided, the PPV fan creates a residual
pressure inside the structure that is higher, forcing the flow to the lower pressure outside. The increased
pressure provided by the fan works with the increased pressure created by the fire and combines the
natural and mechanical ventilation forces to speed up the ventilation process.
This same principle can be used to ventilate a stairwell or a hallway, but it leaves the section of the
stairwell or hallway between the fire and the top of the stairwell or remainder of the hallway full of smoke
and hot gases continually until no more smoke and hot gases are being supplied by the fire. The residual
pressure provided by the PPV fan slows the amount of smoke coming into the area to be protected
because there is less of a pressure gradient leading into this area, but smoke and hot gases are still
entering this space. Fresh air forced in by the fan mixes with the smoke and hot gases as it travels past
the fire and out of the vent. This dilutes the toxicity of the smoke and cools the hot gases but does not
eliminate the problem of a contaminated stairwell or hallway.
PPV fans used without a vent are able to create an elevated static pressure. The static pressure can be
used against the increased pressure created by the fire. The fire wants to naturally ventilate out of the fire
floor or room and into the stairwell or hallway, which has a lower pressure. If the static pressure created
by the fan is greater than the pressure created by the fire, then no smoke will flow into the stairwell or
hallway.

Fire safety in building-nbc standards-November 2010-(June 2010)

Fire Escapes or External Stairs:

a) Fire escape shall not be taken into account while calculating the number of staircases for a building.

b) All fire escapes shall be directly connected to the ground.

c) Entrance to the fire escape shall be separate and remote from internal staircase.
d) The route to fire escape shall be free of obstructions at all times except the doorway leading to the fire
escape which shall have the required fire resistance.

e) Fire escape shall be constructed of non-combustible materials.

f) Fire escape stairs shall have straight flight not less than 125 cm wide with 25 cm treads and risers not
more than 19 cm.

g) Handrails shall be at a height not less than 100 cm.

h) Fire escape staircase in the mercantile, business, assembly, hotel buildings above 24 m. height shall
be a fire tower and in such a case width of the same shall not be less than the width of the main
staircase. No combustible material shall be allowed in the fire tower.

Spiral Stairs

a) The use of spiral staircase shall be limited to low occupant load and to a building height 9 m.

b) A spiral stair shall not be less than 150 cm in diameter and shall be designed to give the adequate
headroom.

Staircase Enclosures

a) The external enclosing walls of the staircase shall be of the brick or the R.C.C. construction having fire
resistance of not less than two hours. All enclosed staircases shall have access through self-closing door
of one-hour fire resistance. These shall be single swing doors opening in the direction of the escape. The
door shall be fitted with the check action door closers.

b) The staircase enclosures on the external wall of the building shall be ventilated to the atmosphere at
each landing.

c) Permanent vent at the top equal to the 5% of the cross sectional area of the enclosure and openable
sashes at each floor level with area equal to 1 to 15% of the cross sectional area of the enclosure on
external shall be provided. The roof of the shaft shall be at least 1 m. above the surrounding roof. There
shall be no glazing or the glass bricks in any internal closing wall of staircase. If the staircase is in the
core of the building and cannot be ventilated at each landing, a positive of 5-mm. w.g. by an electrically
operated blower/blowers shall be maintained.

d) The mechanism for pressurizing the staircase shaft shall be so installed that the same shall operate
automatically on fire alarm system/sprinkler system and be provided with manual operation facilities.
Ramps

a) Ramps of slope of not more than 1 in 10 may be substituted for and shall comply with all the applicable
requirements of all required stairways as to enclosure capacity and limiting dimensions. Larger slopes
shall be provided for special uses but in no case greater than 1 in 8. For all slopes exceeding 1 in

10 and where the use is such as to involve danger of slipping, the ramp shall be surfaced with approved
non-slipping material.

b) The minimum width of the ramps in the Hospitals shall be 2.4 m. and in the basement using car
parking shall be 6.0 m.

c) Handrails shall be provided on both sides of the ramp.

d) Ramp shall lead directly to outside open space at ground level or courtyards of safe place.

e) For building above 24.0 m. in height, access to ramps from any floor of the building shall be through
smoke fire check door.

f) In case of nursing homes, hospitals etc. area exceeding 300 sq m. at each floor one of the exit facility
shall be a ramp of not less than 2.4 m. in width

Fire Lift

Following details shall apply for a fire lift in addition to above requirements:

a) To enable fire service personnel to reach the upper floors with the minimum delay, one or more of the
lifts shall be so designed so as to be available for the exclusive use of the fireman in an emergency and
be directly accessible to every dwelling/lettable floor space on each floor.

b) The lift shall have a floor area of not less than 1.4 sq.mt. It shall have a loading capacity of not less
than 545 kg. (8 persons lift) with automatic closing doors.

c) The electric supply shall be on a separate service from electric supply mains in a building and the
cables run in a route safe from fire that is within a lift shaft. Lights and fans in the elevator having wooden
paneling or sheet steel construction shall be operated on 24-volt supply.

d) In case of failure of normal electric supply, it shall automatically switch over to the alternate supply. For
apartment houses, this changeover of supply could be done through manually operated changeover
switch. Alternatively, the lift should be so wired that in case of power failure, it comes down at the ground
level and comes to stand still with door open.
e) The operation of a fire lift shall by a single toggle of two-button switch situated in a glass-fronted box
adjacent to the lift at the entrance level. When the switch is on landing; call points will become inoperative
and the lift will be on car control only or on a priority control device. When the switch is off, the lift will
return to normal working. This lift can be used by the occupants in normal times.

f) The words 'F1RE LIFT' shall be conspicuously displayed in fluorescent paint on the lift landing doors at
each floor level.

g) The speed of the fire lift shall be such that it can reach to the top floor from ground level within one
minute.

Fire Dampers

a) These shall be located in air ducts and return air ducts/passages at the following points:

o At the fire separation wall.

o Where ducts/passages enter the central vertical shaft.
o Where the ducts pass through floors.
o At the inlet of supply air duct and the return air duct of each compartment on every floor.

b) The dampers shall operate automatically and shall simultaneously switch off the air- handling fans.
Manual operation facilities shall also be provided. .

c) Fire/smoke dampers (for smoke extraction shafts) for building more than 24 m. in height. For apartment
houses in non-ventilated lobbies /corridor operated by detection system and manual control sprinkler
system. For other buildings on operation of smoke/ heat detection system and manual control/sprinkler
system.

d) Automatic fire dampers shall be so arranged so as to close by gravity in the direction of air movement
and to remain tightly closed on operation of a fusible link.

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Electrical Services shall conform to the following:

a) The electric distribution cables/wiring shall be laid in a separate duct shall be sealed at every floor with
non-combustible material having the same fire resistance as that of the duct. Low and medium voltage
wiring running in shaft and in false ceiling shall run in separate conduits.

b) Water mains, telephone wires, inter-com lines, gas pipes or any other service lines shall not be laid in
ducts for electric cables.

c) Separate conduits for water pumps, lifts, staircases and corridor lighting and blowers for pressuring
system shall be directly from the main switch panel and these circuits shall be laid in separate conduit
pipes, so that fire in one circuit will not affect the others. Master switches controlling essential service
circuits shall be clearly labeled.

d) The inspection panel doors and any other opening in the shaft shall be provided with airtight fire doors
having fire resistance of not less than 1 hour.

e) An independent and well-ventilated service room shall be provided on the ground floor with direct
access from outside or from the corridor for the purpose of termination of electrical supply from the
licenses service and alternative supply cables. The doors provided for the service room shall have fire
resistance of not less than 1 hour

f) MCB and ELCB shall be provided for electrical circuits.