IS 1642 : 1989 ( Rdkmd 1991)

Indian Standard

FIRE SAFETY OF BUILDINGS (GENERAL):DETAILS OF CONSTRUCTIONCODE OF PRACTICE

/ First Revision )
_~~ ~_

First Reprint OCTOBER 1998 UDC 699.812 : 11

@ BIS 1990

BUREAU
MANAK
March 1990

OF

INDIAN

STANDARDS
ZAFAR MARG

BHAVAN,

9 BAHADUR SHAH NEW DELHI 110002

Price Group 7

Fire Safety Sectional Committee, BDC 36

FOREWORD This Indian Standard ( First Revision j was adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards on 20 June 1989, after the draft linalized by the Fire Safety Sectional Committee had been approved by the Civil Engineering Division Council. The technical interpretation of fire safety of buildings is to convey the tire resistance of buildings in The fire grading of the building itself terms of hours when subjected to a fire of known intensity. enables the correct amount of storage and class of materials, or appropriate fire load to be apportioned for that particular application; the converse also holds good, thus, a building being required to accommodate a particular fire load for a given period would require the shell or fabric materials and construction to be designed accordingly. Loss of life in tires is mainly due to smoke and hot gases being inhaled by occupants before actural Smoke and hot gases flames have devclopcd to a serious degree within the room concerned. The spread through doorways and ventilators which are normally impossible to keep closed. are essential requircmenls for lire safety in so far as materials and details of construction concerned, arc that the flamr smoke and hot gases should not spread so rapidly as to give the occupants insufficient time to escape. Should a fire occur, the construction should not further tend to spread the fire. In order to reduce spread of fire, it is necessary that: a) the fire should not spread rapidly from one room to another through the floors, partitions between rooms, and particularly between rooms and passages and staircases, that is, the structural elements should have adequate fire resistance; and b) the naterials which are exposed to possible ignition, that is, wall and ceiling linings should not easily ignite, nor should the iire spread rapidly over the surface of the materials. With a view to cover these aspects, this standard dealing with details of construction was first formulated in 1960. This revision has been based on useful information collcctcd as a result of research in the country and abroad over the past 23 years. The provisions given in this standard are those which are necessary at the time of construction of building new or addition or alterations for adopting fire safety measures. The provisions are applicable for all types of buildings including high rise buildings ( above 15 m in height ). I& standard does not include othrr fire sarcty measures required to be adopted in the buildings of various occupancica in respect ot provision of first-aid, fire fightingmeasurzs. alarm and extinguishing systems, operation of tire lifts, ctc; demils of which arc covered in relevant lndian Standards formulated/under formultitioo for each type of occupancy. For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this standard is complied with, the final value, observed or calculated, expressing the result of a test or analysis, shall be rounded ofi in accordance with 1S 2 : 1960 Rules for rounding 017numerical values ( revj& j. The number of significant places retained in the rounded off value should be the same as that of the specified value in this standard.

IS 1642: 1989

Indian Standard

FIRE SAFETY OF BUILDINGS (GENERAL):DETAILS OF CONSTRUCTIONCODE OF PRACTICE

( First Revision )
1 SCOPE

1.1This standard lays down the essential requirements of fire safety of buildings with respect to details of construction.
2 REFERENCES The following Indian Standards adjuncts to this standard:
IS No. Title

the opposite side of street or other public space to the building for the purpose of preventing the spread of fire. 3.3 Fire Resisting Wall The wall, either load bearing or non-load bearing. capable of specifying the criteria of fire resistance ( see 3.2 ) with respect to collapse, penetration and excessive temperature rise. 3.4 Separating Wall The wall provides complete separation of one building from another or part of a building from another part of the same building to prevent any communication of fire or any access or heat transmission to wall itself which may cause or assist in the combustion of materials of the side opposite to that portion which may be on fire. 3.5 Venting Fire The process of iuducting heat and smoke to leave a building as quickly as possible by such paths that lateral spread of fire and heat is checked, fire figh!ing operations are facilitated and minimum fire damage is caused. 4 TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION 4.0 General The design of any building and the type of materials used in its construction are important factors in making the building resistant to a complete burn-out and in preventing the rapid spread of fire, smoke or fumes, which may otherwise contribute to the loss of lives and property. 4.1 The types of construction according to fire resistance are classified into four categories, namely, Type I, Type 2, Type 3 and Type 4 The fire resistance ratings for construction. various types of construction for structural and non-structural members should be as given in Table 1. 4.2 For buildings above 15 m in height noncombustible materials should be used for construction and the internal walls of staircases should be of brick work or reinforced concrete or any other material of construction with min-i mum of 2 hours rating. The walls for the 1

are necessary

IS IS

655 : 1963 Specification for metal air ducts for blower and 941 : 1985 Specification exhauster for fire fighting (second
revision )

IS

IS

1s IS

1644 : 1988 Code of practice for fire safety of buildings ( general ) : Exit personal and requirements hazard (jet revision ) 1646: 1982 Code of practice for fire safety of buildings ( general ) : Electrical installation (first revision ) 3809 : 1979 Fire resistance test of structure
( jirst

revision )

for fire-resistant 435s : 1977 Specification brattice cloth ( jirst revision ) IS 12459 : 1988 Code of practice for fire protection of cable runs IS 12777 : 1989 Fire safety - Flame spread of products - Methods for classification 3 TERMINOLOGY
3.0 For

the purpose of this standard, definition of various terms will be as under.

the

3.1 Fire Resistance Ability of an element of building construction, component for structure to fulfil, for a stated stability, fire period of time, the required integrity and/or thermal insulation and/or other expected duty in a standard fire resistance test ( see 1s 3809 : 1979 ). 3.2 Fire Separation The distance in metres measured from any other building on the site, or from other site or from

I!3 1642 : 1989

chimney shall be of Type 1 or Type 2 construction depending upon whether the gas temperature is above 200 C or less. 4.3 The fire resistance of an element of structure or combination of elements is determined from one of the following three methods. The fire test is done according to IS 3809 : 1979. Information as established by research data ( see Note ). W Direct application of the results of fire resistance test on an element of structures. On the basis for calculating the fire 4 resistance of a structural element. ( This method is not applicable to columns or walls. )

a>

NOTE - In the absence of research data available in this country, the data as arrived by Building Research Establishment ( UK ) ( see Guidelines for the Construction of Fire Resisting Structural Elements ) has been adopted in this standard. Thercfcrc, while using this data it may be ensured that the specification of material of construction are same as adopted in this Report. However, as and when data from indigenous source is available, the same.will be incorporated in the standard.

5 WALLS
5.1 The fire ratings of some types of constructions

for walls ( see Note below 4.3 ) are given in Tables 2 to 7. The specifications of materials should be so selected as to give these ratings.

Table i

Fire Resistance

Ratings of Structural Elements ( in Hours )

( Clu~ses 4.1 atrd 5.10 )

SI

No.

r---

Structural Element _*-.----____,

Type of Construction ~~~-~~~~_~___ Type 1 Type 3 Type 2

Type 4

Exterior

walls: less than 3.7 m i) Bearing ii) Non-bearing i) Bearing ii) Non-bearing i) Bearing ii) Non-beariug

a) Fire separation

b) Fire separation of 3.7 m or more but less than 9 m c) Fire separation Fire walls Fire separation assemblies fire check doors ) ( like of 9m or more

2 f*
4 1 4 4 2 2 1

8, 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 least 2 1) lb 1) li I9 1

2 I 2

I
2 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 1

Fire enclosures of exitways, exitway hallways, and stairways Shaft other than exitways elevator hoistways Exitway access corridors Vertical spaces Dwelling Non-load separation of tenant

unit separation b-earing partitions i) Supporting more than one floor _ii) -Supporting one floor only iv) Supporting a roof only

t1 At
4 3 3

half

lan 2 1 1 1 1 1 1

hour: 2 1 1

Interior bearing walls, bearing partitions,columns, girders, trusses ( other than roof trusses ) and framing

10 II 12

Structural

members

support walls including walls i) 5 m or less in height to lowest member ii) More than 5 m but less than 6.7 m in height to lowest member iii) 67 m or more in height to lowest member

Floor construction Roof construction

IS 1642 : 1989 Table 2 Masonry Walls: Solid ( Required to Resist Fire from One Side at a Time ) ( Clause 5.1)
Nature of Constructioo and Materials Minimum Thickness (mm), Excluding any Finish, for a Fire Resistance (Hours ) of -1 1 Reinforced* cement concrete 120 (25) 150 Load Bearing *---__-7 3 2 (i$ 6: -

_-I_-_--A--__
4 240 (25) 150 150 150 I50 1

Non-Load 2

Bearing 3 4

It
140 (25) 175

2 Unreinforced cement concrete 3 No-fines concrete with: a) I3 mm cementlsand or gypsum/sand b) ;fa;; hghtwelght aggregate gypsum 4 Bricks of clay: a) Without finish b) With 13 mm lightweight gypsum plaster 5 Bricks of sand lime: a) Without finish b) With 13 mm lightweight gypsum plaster 6 Blocks of concrete: a) Without finish b) With 13 mm lightweight gypsum plaster c) ya;it_ mm cement/sand

150 150 100 90

150 150 170 90 170 90 140 90 100 125 75 90 75

150 150 170 IO0 170 100 150 100 140 I40 75 100 100

aggregate

90 90

100 90 100 90 100 90

100 90 100 90

170 100 190 100

170 100 190 100

75 7.5 75 75 75 75 75 90 :0

aggregate

;x
90 SO

100 90 100 75 SO 75 75 75 63

aggregate or gypsum/

100 90

loo

lo0

90 75 90 75 63 75 63

7 Blocks of lightweight concrete: a) Without finish b) With 13 mm lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster c) With 13 mm cementisand or gypsum/ sand 8 Blocks of aerated concrete: a) Without finish b) With 13 mm lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster

90 90

100 90

100 90

140 100

I50 100

75 50 75

100 90

100 IO0

140 100

180 150

50

*Walls containing at least 1 percent of vertical reinforcement. ( ) Minimum thickness of actual cover to reinforcement.

Table 3

Masonry Walls: Hollows (Required to Resist Fire from One Side at a Time) (Clause 5.1 )

Nature of Construction and Materials

Minimum Thickness ( mm ), Excluding any Finish, for a Fire Resistance ( Hours ) of

r-----------h---___________

__---1 1 Bricks of clay: a), Without finish b) With 13 mm lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster 2 Bjocks of concrete: a) Without finish b) With 13mm cement/sand or gypsum! sand c) With 13 mm lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster 3 Blocks of lightweight concrete: a) Without finish b) Wi;i 13 mm cement/sand or gypsum/ c) With 13 mm lightweight gypsum plaster aggregate

Load Bearing ____l!, 2 3 170 100

~ 4

r ---___ :

Non-Load Bearing -h_-______~ 1 1: 2 3 100 75 125 125 90 100 90 125 I25 90

170 100

170 170

200 170

200 170

75 75 90 90

170 100 140 140 100 100 100 75

170 100

200 170

190

200

200

75

125 140 140 90

125 150 140 100

100

100

100

;: 63

75 90 63

7: 75

IS 1642 : 1989 Table 4 Framed Construction, Load Bearing ( Required to Resist Fire from One Side at a Time ) ( Clause 5.1 )
Nature of Construction and Materials/ Timber Studs at Centres not Exceeding 600 mm, Faced on Each Side with 1 Plasterboard layers with joints staggered, joints in outer layer taped and filled - Total thickness for each face 3 One layer of 127 mm plasterboard aggregate gypsum plaster 3 Metal lath and plaster, thickness with a finish of lightweight of plaster: 22 13 Minimum Thickness ( mm ) of Protection for a Fire Resistance of 1 h

25 13

a) Sanded gypsum plaster ( metal lathing grade ) b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster

Table 5

Framed Construction, Non-Load Beariug ( Required to Resist Fire from One Side at a Time ) ( Clause 5.1 )

Nature of ronstrurtion and Materials/Steel or Timber Frame at Centres not Exceeding 600 mm, Facings on Botb Sides of

Stud Construction

Minimum Thickness ( mm ) of Protection for a Fire Resistance of

A) Dry lining with materials fixed direct to studs ( without plasrer finish ): I One layer of plasterboard with taped and filled joints 2 Two layers of plasterboard with joints staggered, joints in outer layer taped and filled - Total thickness for each face 3 One layer of asbestos insulating board with transverse joints backed by fillers of asbestos insulating board not less than 9 mm thick, or by timber 4 One layer of wood wool slabs 5 One layer of chipboard or of plywood B) Lining with materials fixed direct to studs, with plaster finish: 1 Plasterboard of thickness: a) yniitinot less than 5 mm gypsum plaster] b) Tj;:hnot C) Wet finish: 1 Metal lath and plaster, thickness of plaster: a) Sanded gypsum plaster b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster Timber or steel Timber Steel 13 19 :: 25 less than 13 mm gypsum plaster i 1 Timber or steel 12.7 Timber or steel Timber or steel Timber Steel 127 19 25

1;

Timber Timber or steel

25 18

9.5

Table 6

Framed External Walls Load Bearing ( Required to Resist Fire from One Side at a Time ) ( Clause 5.1 )

Nature of Construction and Materials Timber studs at centres not exceeding 600 mm with internal linings of 1 Plasterbord layers with joints in outer layer taped and filled, total thickness of plasterboard

Minimum Thickness ( ium ) of Protection for a Fire Resistance of 1 II

31

IS 1642 : 1989 Table 7A Framed External Walls Non-Load Bearing Required to Resist Fire Only from Inside the Building ( Clause 5.1 ) Nature of Construction and Materials Minimum Thirkness ( mm ) of Protection
for a Modified Fire Resistance of _~_--_~ -- ----_ 3h th lh lth 2h 4h

Steel frame with an external cladding of non-combustfble sheets ( excluding sheet steel ), with a steel supporting framework and internal lining of:

1 Metal lath and plaster, thickness of plaster:

a) Sanded gypsum plaster ( metal lathing grade ) b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster Two layer of plasterboard with joints staggered joints in outer layer taped and filled - Total thickness Plasterboard of thickness: a) With not less than 5 mm gypsum plaster finish b) With not less than 13 mm gypsum plaster finish C) With not less than 10 mm lightweight aggregate gypsum platser One layer of asbestos insulating board with Jransverse joints backed by fillers of asbestos. msulating board not less than 9 mm thick, or by timber One layer of wood/wool slabs without finish One layer of compressed straw building slabs: a) Without finish b) Wjth not less than 5 mm gypsum plaster finish Aerated concrete blocks Bricks of clay: a) Without finish b) With not less than 13 mm lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster 13 10 21 13 13 32 15 15 15 19

127 95 9.5
9 9

4 5 6

12

12

12

12

50 50 50 75 50 50 15 63 90 75 63 90 75 15 100 90 100 1C3 90

7 8

Table 7B

Framed External Walls Non-Load Bearing Required to Resist Fire Only from Inside the Building ( Cluwe 5.1 )

Nature of Construction and Materials

Minimum Thickness ( mm ) of Prot:rtion to Provide Sufficient lnsulation to L\<hicave a Modified Fire Resistance of up to 4 h

B) Steel frame with an external cladding of sheet steel fully lapped, steel bolted andfixed 10 steel sheeting rails, wirh timber or steel supporting framework und internal lining of:

I Metal lath and plaster. thickness of plaster: a) Sanded gypsum platter ( metal lathing grade )
b) Lightweight aggregate gvpsum plaster 2 One layer of plasterboard with joints taped and filled 3 Plasterboard of thickness, with not less than 5 mm gypsum plaster ,finish 4 One layer of asbestos insulating board with transverse joints backed by fillers of asbestos insulating board no! less than 9 mm thick, or by timber 5 One layer of wood/wool slabs 6 One layer of compressed straw building slabs 7 One layer of chipboard or of plywood 8 Aerated concrete blocks 9 Bricks of clay 10 Any internal decorative lining with a cavity fill independently supported and retained in position of mineral fibre insulating material ( excluding glass ) at a density of 48 kg/m3

13 I0 12.7 9.5 9 25 50 18 50 75 50

1s 1642 : 1989 Table 7C Framed Walls Non-Load Bearing Required to Resist Fiie Only from Inside the Building ( Clause 5.1 )
Nature of Construction and Materials Minimum Thickness ( mm ) of Protection for a Fire Resistance of I$ II

1 ilasterboard

not less than j.5 mm thick, finished with: g> psum plaster 13 10

a) Gypsum plaster b) Lightweight aggregate 2 Plasterboard

not less than 127 mm thick, finished with: 10

10

a) Gypsum plaster bj Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster 3 One layer of asbestcs insulating board with transverse joints backed by fi!lers of ashes!os insulating board not less than 9 mm thick, or by timber

12

5.2 The separating walls should be carried through the roof to a height of at least 60cm above except in the case of reinforced brick/ concrctc slab roof where it should be bonded flash ,with a top level of the slab. At the time cjf designing openings, particular attention should be paid to all such factors as will limit fire spread through these openings. Every opening in the wall should be protected by fire resisting doors having the fire rating of not less than 1 hour. Similar protection should also be done in other openings like rope races, motor alley ways, staircases. etc. of rating not less than 2 hours. However, for Types 1, 2. 3 construction, a doorway or opening in a separating wall of any floor should be limited to 5.6 1112 in area with a maximum height of 2.75 m al:d maximum width of 2 m. 5.3 When building(s) and/or c;mpartment(s) are separated by separating wall(s) and there is a rerand~!/z 011 one or more sides of such building(s) and/or compartment(s), it is necessary that the separating wall should be built out across the verandulz and be carried through the roof of the building(s) and/or the same; otherwise compartment(s) should be regarded as having internal communication and, therefore, subject to danger of spread of fire. 5.4 When opening in walls are provided to allow cable, etc, the space around cables and the wall should be protected according to the provision given in IS 12459 : 1988. However, such space in case of openings provided to allow plumbing/ gas,/stc~am pipes and similar services should be sealed with iii!er material of fire rating not less than that of the walls in which these are situated. 5.5 Where openings are permitted, they should not exceed three-fourths of the area of the wall in case of an external wall. 6

5.6 A separating wall should be supported in a vertical line by a similar separating wall through all storeys below. The separating wall should be carried and bonded to the floor of appropriate fire-resisting construction. 5.7 When a separating wall runs parallel to the axis of the north light opening or gabled roof, the screen wall should be carried through, and 60 cm above the top of the north light opening except in cases where the screen wall becomes of such a height that horizontal distance between the north light opening and the roof of the adjoining building and/or compartment or between two sloping faces of the two consecutive roofs at the level of the top of the screen wall, is at least 6 m. If, however, the separating wall is at right angles to the axis of the north light opening or the gabled roof, the saw tooth? gaps should be bricked up and screen wall extended above the ridge of the north light or the gabled roof. 5.8 All separating walls should be built out to extend 15 cm beyond the eaves of the roof so as to effectively cut off the roofs of the parts so separated. The eaves should be cut away on each side of this extension of the separating wall. If there is an opening on both sides of the separating wall within 3 m of the wall, those on one side should be bricked up to full thickness of wall, or an alternative should be provided with fire resisting doors of fire rating not less than of 2 hours for walls of 4 hours rating and 1 hour for other rating. 5.9 Common wooden roof members (trusses, joists and purlins) should not pass through the separating walls but they may be embedded therein provided they do not extend more than 22.5cm into wall and are separated from the similar roof member in the adjoining building by at least 11 cm or solid wall material.

X31642:1989
is used for separating sections or rooms of a building but is not expected to have a fire resistance equa1 to any of the values. In fact, in practice it should not be considered otherwise than structure of light dimension and strenwith the purpose for which gth consistent it is used. The minimum fire rating of the partition is given in Table 1. 6 COLUMNS AND BEAMS of some types of construction

5.10Partition

are given in Tables 8, 9, 12 and 13 ( see Note The specifications of materials below 4.3 ). should be so selected as to give these ratings.

7 FLOORS

AND

ROOFS

7.1 The fire ratings of some types of construction

is given in Tables 10, 11, 14, 15, and 16. The specifications of materials should be so selected so as to give these ratings.

6.1 The fire ratings

Table 8

Reinforced

Concrete

Columns

( Cfuuse 6.1 ) Nature of Construction and Materials Minimum Dimensions ( mm ), Excluding any Finish,
r ______th for a Fire Resistance of -__-p__lh

l$h 250 30 200 25

140 25

2h 300 35 200 25
160 25

3h 400 35 300 30
200 25

-T 4h 450 35 350 35
240 25

1 Fully exposed 2 50 percent exposed 3 One face exposed

Width Cover Width Cover

Thickness Cover

150 20 125 20
100 20

200 25 160 25
120 25

Table 9

Concrete

Beams

( Clause 6.1 )
Nature of Construction and Materials Minimum Dimensions ( mm ), Excluding any Finish, for a Fire Reshtance of --..--h-_----_----~ C-- +h lh l&h 2h 3h 4h Width Cover Width Cover > Width Cover Width Cover 80 20 80 20 100 25 80 20 120 30 SO 20 120 40 100 30 150 40 120 35 150 55 120 40 200 60 150 50 200 70 150 55 240 70 280 80 240 70 280 90 240 80

1 2 3 4

Reinforced Reinforced Prestressed Prestressed

concrete concrete concrete concrete

( simply supported ( continuous )

200
60 240 80 200 70

( simply supported ( continuous )

Table 10

Concrete

Floors

( Clause 7.1 )
Nature of Construction and Materirtls Minimum Dimensions (mm ), Excluding any Finish, for a Fire Resistance of h-_---_____ P-2h 3h 4h lh lbh th 75 I5 75 15 95 20 95 20 110 25 110 125 35 125 25 150 45 is0 35 170 55 170 45

1 Reinfoiced 2 Reinforced

concrete concrete

( simply supported ( continuous )

Thickness Cover Thickness Cover

20

1s 1642 : 1989 Table 11 Concrete Floors: Ribbed Open Sofflt ( CIuuYe 7.1 )
Nature of Construction and Materials
r

Minimum Dimensions ( mm ), Excluding any Finish, for a Fire Resistance of A lhh 2h 3h 4h G lh 70 75 15 70 ?5 15 90 90 25 90 80 20 105 110 35 105 90 115 125 45 115 110 35 135 150 55 135 125 45 150 175 65 150 150 55

1 Reinforced

concrete

( simply supported

Thickness Width Cover Thickness Width Cover

Reinforced

concrete

( continuous

Table 12

Encased Steel Cohnns,

203 mm

x 203 mm ( Protection Applied on Four Sides )

( Clause 6.1 )
Nature of Construction and Materials Minimum Thickness (mm ) of Protection for a Fire Resistance of r~--__-h-___, lh 2h 3h 4h 14 h

A)

Hollow protection ( without an air cavity over thejlanges ): 1 *Metal lathing with trowelled lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster 13 15 20 32

2 Plasterboard with 1.6 mm wire binding at 100 mm pitch, finished with lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster not less than the thickness specified: a)9-5 mm plasterboard b) 19 mm plasterboard 3 Asbestos insulating boards, thickness of board: 19 25 38 or sand lime, reinforced in every 50 60 50 12 50 60 50 19 50 60 50 60 75 75 50 100 10 10 15 13 20

a) Single thickness joints

of board, with 6 mm cover fillets at transverse

b) Two layers, of total thickness 4 Solid bricks of clay, composition horizontal joint, unplastered 5 Aerated concrete blocks

6 Solid blocks of lightweight concrete Hollow protections ( with an air cavity over the flanges ) B) C) Asbestos insulating board screwed to 25 mm asbestos battens Solid protections 1, Concrete, not leaner than 1 : 2 : 4 mix ( unplastered not assumed ):

a) Concrete b) Concrete

to be load bearing, reinforced+

25 50 25

25 50 25

25 50 25

50 75 40

75 75 60

assumed to be load bearing

2 Lightweight concrete, not leaner than 1 : 2 : 4 mix ( unplastered) concrete not assumed to be load bearing, reinforcedt *so fixed or designed, as to allow full penetration for mechanical bond.

*Reinforcement shall consist of steel binding wire not less than 2.3 mm in thickness, or a steel mesh weighing not less than 05 kg/m*. In concrete protectlon, the spacmg of that reinforcement shall not exeed 200 mm in any direction.

IS 1642 : 1989 Table 13 Encased Steel Beams, 406 mm x 176 mm ( Protection Applied on Three Sides ) ( Clause 6.1 )
Nature of Construction and Materials Minimum Thickness ( mm ) of Protection for a Fire Resistance of A__._---_---\ r----l;h 2h 3h 4h lh th

A) HoIlow protection

( without an air cuvity beneath the lower flange ): 1 *Metal lathing with trowelled lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster ( metal lathing grade ) 2 Plasterboard with 1.6 mm wire bindingt at 100 mm pitch, finished with lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster not less than the thickness specified: a) 9.5 mm plasterboard bJ 19 mm plasierboard 3 Asbestos insulating board, thickness of board: a) Single thickness of board, with 6 mm cover fillets at transverse joints h) Two layers, of total thickness

13

13

15

20

25

10 10

10 10

15 13

20

19

25 38 50

B) Hollow protection ( with an air cuvity below the lower Jkige ): 1 Asbestos insulating board screwed to 25 mm asbestos battens C) Solid protection: 1 Concrete, not leaner than 1 : 2 : 4 mix ( unplastered ): a) Concrete not assumed to be load bearing, reinforcedt b) Concrete assumed to be load bearing 2 Lightweight concrete not leaner than 1 : 2 : 4 ( mix ) unplastered

12

:; 25

*So fixed, or designed, as to allow full penetration for mechanical bond. +Where wire binding cannot be used, expert advice should be sought regarding alternative .methods of support to enable ihe lower edges of the plasterboard to be fixed together and to the lower flange, and for the top edge of the plasterboard to be held in position. meinforcement shall consist of steel binding wire not less than 2.3 mm in thickness or a steel mesh weighing not less than 0.5 kg/m*. In concrete protection, the spacing of that reinforcement shall not exceed 200 mm in any direction. gconcrete not assumed to be load bearing, reinforced.

Table 14

Timber Floors - Tongued and Grooved Boarding, or Sheets of Tongued and Grooved Plywood or Wood Chipboard, of not Less than 21 mm Fished Thickness ( Clause 7.1 )
Nature of Construction and Materials Minimum Thickness (mm) of Protection for a Fire Resistance of _---A__.-_ lh 2h ih 15

37 mm ( minimlrm ) timber joists with a ceiling of:

Timber lathing and plaster, plaster of thickness Metal lathing and plaster, thickness of plaster: a) Sanded gypsum plaster ( metal lathing grade) b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster One layer of plasterboard with taped and filled joints Two layers of plasterboard with joints staggered, joints in outer layer taped and filled total thickness One layer of plasterboard not less than 9.5 mm thick, finished with: a) Gypsum plaster b Sanded gypsum plaster c) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster One layer of plasterboard not less than 127 mm thick, finished with: a) Gypsum plaster b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster One layer of asbestos insulating board with any transverse joints backed by fillets of asbestos insulating board pot less than 9 mm thick, or by timber

::
12-7 19 5 ::

13

25

31

10
9 12

IS1642:1989
Table 15 Timber Floors - Tongued and Grooved Boarding, or Sheets of Tongued and Grooved Plywood or Wood Chipboard, of not Less than 15 mm Finished Thickness ( Clause 7.1 j
Nature of Construction and Materials Minimum Thickness (mm j of Protection for a Fire Resistance of _----c---T
of:

37 mm ( minimrrm

) timber joists

wirh a ceiling

l;h 15

Ih

2h

1 Timber lathing and plaster, plaster of thickness 2 Metal lathing and plaster, thickness of plaster for:

a) Sanded gypsum plaster ( metal lathing grade ) b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster
3 One layer of plasterboard

15
13 13 25

with taped and filled joints with joints staggered, joints in outer layer taped not less than 9.5 mm thick, finish with:

12.7 22 31

4 Two layers of plasterboard and filled total thickness 5 One layer of plasterboard a) Gypsum plaster

5 15 13 5 10 9 joints. 12*

b) Sanded gypsum plaster c) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster 6 One layer of plasterboard not less than 12.7 mm thick, finished with:

a) Gypsum plaster b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster 7 One layer of asbestos insulating board. with any transverse joints backed by fillets of asbestos insulating board not less than 9 mm thick, or by timber *Finished on top with 25 mm minimum thick glass fibre or mineral wool laid beetween

Table 16

Timber Floors -

Any Structurally Suitable Flooring of Timber or Particle Boards ( Clause 7.1 )

Nature of Construction

and Materials

Minimum Thickness (mm ) of Protection for a Fire

37 mm (

minimum

) timber joists

with a

ceiling of:

Resistance r-__h____~ th 15

of Ih

1 Timber lathing and plaster, 2 Metal lathing and plaster,

plaster of thickness thickness of plaster for:

a) Sanded gypsum plaster ( metal lathing grade ) b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster 3 One layer of plasterboard 4 TWO layers of plasterboard and filled total thickness with joints taped and filled and backed by timber with joints staggered, joints in outer layer taped

15 13 127 25 between 5

19

Two layers of plasterboard, each not less than 9.5 mm thick, joints boards staggered and outer layer finished with gypsum plaster One layer of plasterboard not less than 9.5 mm thick, finished with:

a) Sanded gypsum plaster b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster One layer of plasterboard not less than 12.7 mm thick, finished with:

13 15

a) Sanded gypsum plaster b) Lightweight aggregate gypsum plaster One layer of asbestos insulating board with any transverse joints backed fillets of asbestos insulating board not less than 9 mm thick, or by timber by

I5 13 12

10

IS 1642: 7.2 In case of a building more than 15 m in height, all iloors should be compartmented with area not cxcceding 751) m2 by a separation wall with 2 hours fire rating, for floors having provision of sprinklers. The area may be increased bv 50 percent. In long buildings, the fire separation walls should be at distance not For departmental exceeding 40 m. stores, shopping centres and similar occupancies, the area may be reduced to 500 m2. Where this is not possible provision of the sprinklers should be kept with appropriate spacing. 7.3 A surface covering of non-combustible and non-toxic material should be laid directly on the Wood flooring may be laid incombustible floor. directly on such surface covering, or directly on such floor provided that in either case there is no intervening space and that any wood fillets for affixing such flooring is bedded not more than 2.5 cm in the non-combustible floor. 7.4 In the case of building poses, the floor surface above, in addition, it should the ground level or the whichever is higher, and the doors. 7.5 An opening through with the following: used for storage purshould conform to the be at least 15 cm above level of the door sills should slant towards a floor should comply

:1989

a skylight or window glazed should be provided above the roof of the building. Alternatively, if the roof of the building is used as a floor. it should comply with (d), and this should also apply for any furnace or motor chamber communicating with the staircase or hoist enclosure. 7.6 Linings or false ceilings should not be permissible in buildings and in situations, where permitted, such additions should not detract in anyway from minimum fire rating of half an hour. In some cases, requiring provision of skylights, monitor lights or north lights in the roofs and where thrse are necessary. the glazings should be of glass in metal frames fcr lire rating of half an hour minimum. 7.7 Composite roofs may be used over 3s addition to the roofs of bui!dings as a weathcrproofing, but should not be considered as a roof in itself. that is, without the sunport of a noncombustible construction beneath, unless it is of not less than half an hour fire resistance. 8 AIR-CONDlTIONENG 8.1 Air-conditioning systems should be so installed and maintained as to minimize the danger of spread of fire, smoke or fumes thereby from one floor or lire area to another, or from outside into any occupied building or structure. 8.2 Air-conditioning systems circulating air to more than one floor area should be provid-. ed with dampers designed to close automatically in case of fire and thereby prevent spread of tire or smoke. Such a system should also be provided with automatic controls to stop fans in case of fire, unless arranged to remove smoke from a fire, in which case these should be designed to remain in operation. 8.3 Air-conditioning system serving large places of assembly ( over 1000 persons ), large departmental stores or hotels with over 100 rooms in a single block should be provided with elTective means for preventing circulation of smoke through the system in the case of a lire in air filters or from other sources drawn into the system even though there is insufficient heat to heat sensitive devices controlling actuate fans or dampers. Such means should consist of approved effective smoke sensitive controls. 8.4 Air-conditioning following: should conform to the

At the time of designing openings particular attention should be paid to all such which will limit fire spread factors through these openings.
Whm opening in floors are provided to allow cabie, etc, the space around cable and the floor should be protected according to th eprovision given in IS 12459 : 1988. However, such space in case of openings to allow plumbing/gas/steam provided pipes and similar services should be sealed with filler material of fire rating not less than 1 hour.

Openings for steam, gas and/or water pipes and electrical conduits, whether of iron or earthenware, should have a radial clearance, to allow for any heat expansion, not greater than 3 mm. The enclosure for staircases and hoists should be cons;ructcd entirely of brick, concrete or of reinforced concrete or similar material of construction having 2 hours rating. Every opening from the enclosure on to a roof used as floor or to any other part of the building should be fitted with a fire resistant door of rating not less than 1 hour. If any storey a roof should 45 cm staircase or hoist extends to the top of a building the roof of which is not used as a floor, the enclosing walls be carried through and at least abcvc the reef of the building and 11

a) 3 Cl

Escape routes like staircases, common corridors, lift lobbies, etc, should not be used as return air passage. The metal ducting should be constructed of in accordance with IS 655 : 1963. the ducts pass through fire walls the opening around the ducts

Wherever or floor,

IS 1642: 1989 with fire resisting should be sealed materials of same rating as of walls/floors. lator-cum-exhaust requisite grading which in addition to the of fire rating be easily openable.

4
e)

As far as possible, metallic ducts should be used even for the return air instead of space above the false ceiling. The material used for insulating the duct system ( inside or outside ) should be of flame resistant ( see IS 4355 : 1977 ) and non-conductor of heat. Area more than 750 m* on individual floor should be seggregated by a fire wall and automatic tire dampers for isolation should be provided. case of more than one floor, arrangement by way of automatic fire dampers for isolating by ducting at every floor from the main should be made. Where plenumus used for return air passage, ceiling and its fixtures and air filters of the air handling units should be flame resistant [ see 8.4 (e)]. Inspection panels should be provided in the main trunking. Nocombustible material should be fixed nearer than 15 cm to any duct unless such ducting is properly enclosed and protected with The fire dampers flame resistant material. should be located in conditioned air ducts and return air ducts passages at the following points which will operate automatically and are simultaneously switch off air handling fans: i) at the fire separation ii) where ducts/passages vertical shaft, iii) where the and ducts pass wall, enter the central through floor,

9.2 Smoke venting facilities, where required for safe use of exits in windowless buidings, underground structures, large area factories, departmental store, domestic dwelling, theatres, cinemas, lecture halls, etc, or *here required should be automatic in action. 9.3 Natural draft smoke venting should utilize roof vents or vents in walls at or near the ceiling level; such vents should be normally open, or if closed, should be designed for automatic opening in case of fire, by release of heat smoke sensitive elements, breakage of glass, or melting of plastic under the influence of heat; or by other approved

f1

g> In

means. 9.4 Where

smoke venting facilities are installed for purposes of exit safety, these should be adequate to prevent dangerous accumulation of smoke during the period of time necessary to evaluate the area served, using available exit facilities with a margin of safety to allow for unforeseen contingencies.

9.5 The discharge apertures of all natural draft smoke vents should be so arranged as to be readily susceptible to. opening by fire service personnel. 9.6 Power operated may be substituted ( see IS 941 : 1985 ). smoke exhausting systems for natural draft vents

9.7 In case of buildings

iv) at the inlet of supply air duct and the return air duct of each compartment on every floor. In case of buildings more than 24 m in height in non-ventilated lobbies corridors. smoke extraction shaft should be provided. The automatic tire damper should bc so arranged so as to close by gravity in a direction of movement and to remain tightly closed upon operation. 9 SMOKE AND FIRE VENTING

more than 15 m in height the staircase should be ventilated to the atmosphere at each landing and a vent at the top, the vent openings should be 0.5 m in the external wail and top. If the staircase cannot be ventilated because of location or other reasons, the provision shoul~i be made for pressurization ( 50 Pa ) to be separated automatically with the fire alarm. The roof of the shaft in the latter case should bc 1 m above the surrounding roofs. Glazing or glass bricks should not be used in the staircase. DUCTS

10 SERFJCE

10.1 Service ducts should be enk,losed by wails and doors ( if any ) of 2 hours fire rating; if ducts are larger than 1 m3 the floor should sea] them, but provide suitable openings for the pipes to pass through, with the gaps sealed. 10.2 A vent opening at the top of the service shaft should be provided between one-fourth and one-half of the area of the shaft. 11 BASEMENTS 11.1 Each basement should be separately venti1,ated. Vents with cross-sectional area ( aggregate. ) not less than 2.5 percent of the floor area spread evenly round the perimeter of the basement should be provided in the form of grills or breakable stallboard lights or pavement lights or 12

9.1 Provision has to be made for venting which allows escape of hot gases and smoke release by accidental burning of combustible material stored OT are being processed inside a building, and will give ample time for all the inmates to escape before the roof collapses either in part or whoiiy Provisions in this regard are in the event of fire. essential for industrial buildings; details of which The are covered in a separate Indian Standard. provision in regard to the domestic buildings are The form of vent should be a ventigiven in 9.2.

IS 1642 : 1989

by way of shafts. Alternatively, a system of air inlets should be provided at basement floor level and, smoke outlets at basement ceiling level. Inlets and extractors may be terminated at ground level with stallboard or pavement lights as before, but ducts to convey fresh air to the basement floor level have to be laid. Stallboard and pavement lights should be in positions easily accessible to the fire brigade and clearly marked &SMOKE OUTLET, or AIR INLET with an indication of area served at or near the opening. of basements should be of enclosed type having fire resistance of not less than 2 hours and should be situated at the periphery of the basement to be entered at ground level only from the open air and in such positions that smoke from any fire in the basement should not obstruct and exit serving the ground and upper storeys of the building and should communicate with basement through a lobby provided with fire resisting self-closing doors of I hour fire resistance. If the travel distance exceeds 18.50 n, additional staircases should be provided at proper placer. 11.3 In multi-level basements, intake ducts may serve aI1 basement levels, but each basement and basement compdrtment should have separate smoke outlet duct or ducts. Mechanical extractors for smoke venting ( see IS 941 : 1985 ) from low basement levels should also be provil ded, with provision of automatic operation of system actuation of heat/smoke sensitive detectors or sprinklers and also manully. Mechanical extractors should have an inter-locking arrangement, so that extractors should continue to operate and supply fans should stop automatically with the actuation of fire detectors. Mechanical extractors should be designed to permit 30 air changes per hour in case of tire or distress call. However, for normal operation, only 28 air changes should be maintained. Mechanical extractors should have an alternative source of supply. Ventilating ducts should be integrated with the structure and made out of brick masonry or RCC as far as possible and when this duct crosses the transformer area or electrical switch board, fire dampers should be Basement/sub-basement should not provided. be used for storage, cooking purposes, garrage and shops unless provision is made for sprinkler system. If cut-outs are provided from basements to the upper floors or to the atmosphere all sides of the cut-out openings in the basements should be protected by automatic spray in the event of a fire. 12 CHIMNEYS 12.1 Over and above the provisions given in 4.2, the following previsions should be followed: a) A clearance of at least 4 cm between the outer surface of the chimney and any adjacent combustible material forming 13
11.2 The staircase

part of chimney.

wall

lining

enclosing

the

b) The

tire resistance of any structure surrounding a flew or flew pipe should be not less than that for external walls. In the case of flew pipe there should be an air space between it and the surrounding structure of sufficient width to permit access to the pipe for inspection and repair. room or an enclosed roof space it should be protected by structure having a fire resistance equal to the external walls.

C) When a flew pipe passes though any other

d) The chimney excluding the pot should be

carried to a minimum height of 1 m above the highest point of its junction with the roof.

4 The outlet

of a flew from domestic appliance having a roof covering should be at least 2.5 m in a horizontal plain from the roof of any structure built upon the roof or at least 0.6 m higher than any ridge within 2.5 m.

f j If the roof covering is not fire resistant,

no flew outlet should be lower than the ridge for the highest point of the roof or less than 1 m above any ridge within 25 m. roof covering which is not fire resistant, it shall be guarded by a suitable iron or metal thimble extending not less than 22.5 cm above and below roof tionstruction and of a size to provide not less than 15 cm clearance on all sides of chimneys. AND LIFTS

g> Where a metal chimney passes through a

13 STAIRCASES

13.1 Staircases The details with regard to the provisions of staircases have been given in IS 1644 : 1988. 13.2 Lifts 13.2.1 The general requirements sion of lifts should be as follows: for the provi-

a) Walls of lifts and enclosures should have

a fire rating of 2 hours; lift shaft should have a vent at the top of area not less than O-2 m2. motor room should be located preferably on top of the shaft and separated from the shaft by the floor of the room. doors in lifts and enclosures should have a fire resistance of not less than 1 hour.

-9 Lift

cl Landing

IS 1642 : 1989
..

4 The number of lifts in one lift tank should

with suitable railings: a) For floors above 24 m and up to 39 m one refuse area on the floor immediately above 24 m. b) For Eoor above 39 m - one refuse area on the floor immediately above 39 m and so on after every 15 m. 15 REFUSE CHUTES 15.1 Refuse chutes should have an enclosure wall of non-combustible material with fire resistance of not less than 2 hours. They shall not be located within the staircase enclosure or service shafts, or air-conditioning shafts. Inspection panel and doors should be tight fitting with 1 hour fire resistance; the chutes should be as far away as possible from exits. 16 DRAINAGE 16.1 It is essential to make provision for drainage of any such water on all floors to prevent or minimize water damage of the contents. The drain pipe should be provided on the external wall for drainage of water from all floors. On large area floors several such pipes may be necessary which should be spaced 30 m apart. The pipe should conform to relevant Indian Standards. 17 ELECTRICAL SERVICES to

not exceed 4. Individual shafts in a bank should be separated by a wall of 2 hours fire rating. tance rating of not less than 1 hour.

e) Lift care door should have a fire resisf > Collapsible gates should not be used for g) In opening other than the lift lobby door
lifts and should have doors with fire resistance of at least 1 hour.

in the lobby enclosure wall should also have the minimum fire resistance of one hour.

h) Exit from the lift lobby, if located in the

core of the building should be to a selfclosing stop door of minimum 1 hour fire rating. to the basement.

j) Lifts should not normally communicate k) Suitable arrangements, such as providing

slope in the floor of lift lobby should be made to prevent water used during fire fighting, etc, on any landing from entering the lift shaft.

m) The sign should be oosted and maintained at every floor at or near the lift indicating that in case of fire occupants should use the stairs unless instructed otherwise. The sign should also contain a plan for each floor showing the location of staircase. 13.2.2 Fire Lifts 13.2.2.1 Where applicable, fire lifts should be provided with a minimum capacity for 8 passengers with floor area of not less than I.4 m2 and fully automated with emergency switch on the ground level. In general, building over 15 m in height should be provided with fire lifts. Each fire lift should be equipped with suitable intercommunication equipment communicating with the control room on the ground floor of the building. The number and location of fire lifts in a building should be decided after taking into consideration various factors like building, population, floor. areas, section of building ( comparmentation ), etc. The words fire lift should be conspicously displayed in illuminous paint on the lift landing door at each floor level. 14 kEFUSE AREA 14.1 In case of buildings more than 24 m in height, refuse area of 15 ms or an area equal to 0.25 ms per person to accommodate the occupants of two consecutive floors, whichever is higher, should be provided as under. Refuse area should be provided on the peripheri of the floor and open to air at least on one side protected 14

17.1 The electrical services should conform the following ( see also IS 1646 : 1982 ):

a) The

electric distribution cables/wiring should be laid in a separate duct. The duct should be sealed at every alternative floor with non-combustible materials having the same fire resistance as that of the duct. Low and medium voltage wiring running in shaft and above false ceiling should run in separate conduits. Water mains, telephones lines, inter-corn lines. gas pipes or any other service line should not be laid in the duct for electric cables. The inspection pane1 doors and any other opening in the shaft should be provided with fire doors having fire resistance of not less than 1 hour.

Medium and low voltage wiring running in shafts, and within false ceiling should run in metal conduit. Any 230 V wiring for lighting or other services above false ceiling should have 660 V grade insulations. The false ceiling including all fixtures used for its suspension should be of non-combustible material.An independent and well-ventilated service room should be provided on the

IS 1642 : ground Boor with direct access from outside or from the corridor for the purpose of termination of electric supply from the liccnsecs service and alternative supply cables. The doors provided for the service room shou!d have fire resistance of not less than 2 hours. 18 FINISHES

1989

decor should be such that the flame spread rating should not be more than the values given in 18.3 to 18.6 and in addition should not generate toxic smoke/fumes. 18.3 Susceptibility to fire of various wall surfaces is determined in terms spread ( see IS 12777 : 1989 ). types of of -flame

18.3.1 In case of buildings more than 15 m in 18.1 There are certain aspects. aPPlicable to height, the interior finish material should not particular occupancies Only. which may affb ha& rating exceeding Class 1. the spread of fire. smoke or fumes and thus the safe evacuation of the building in case of fire. 18.3.2 The situation under wh;ch materials falling Some such aspects are as follows: into various classes should be used in building construction is given below: a) Interior finish and decoration; b) Seating. aisles, railings place of assembly; and turnstiles in Class 1 May be used in any situation Class 2 May be used in any situation, except on walls, facade of the building and ceilings of staircases and corridors Class 3 Should be used only in living rooms and bedrooms ( but not in rooms on the roof) and only as a lining to solid walls and partitions. Not on staircases or corridors or facade of the building

c) Service equipment and storage facilities in buildings other than storage buildings; and d) Hazards jection cinemas. on stage, in waiting spaces, booths, etc, in theatres proand

18.2 The use of flammable surface finishes on wall< ( including external facade of the building ) and ceilings affects the safety of the occupants of a building. Such finishes tend to spread the the structural elements fire and even though mai be adequately fire resistant, serious danger to life may result. It is, therefore, essential to have adequate precautions to minimize spread of flame on wall, facade of building and ceiling surfaces. Any materials used for various surfaces and

NOTE

- Panelling ( lining ) should be permitted in a

limited area.

It should not be permitted in a vestibule.

18.3.3 When frames, walls, partitions or floors are lined with combustible materials the surfaces on both sides of the material should conform to the appropriate class.

15

Bureau of Indian Standards 131s is a statutory institution established under the Bureau offndian harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and attending to connected matters in the country. Copyright BlS has the copyright of all its publications. No part of these publications may be reproduced in any form without the prior permission in writing of BIS. This does not preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the standard, of necessary details, such as symbols and sites, type or grade designations; Enquiries relating to copyright be addressed to the Director (Publications), BIS. Review of Indian Standards Amendments are issued to standards as the need arises on the basis of comments. Standards are also reviewed periodically; a standard along with amendments is reaffirmed when such review indicates that no changes are needed; if the review indicates that changes arc needed, it is taken up for revision. Users of Indian Standards should ascertain that they are in possession of the latest amendments or edition by referring to the latest issue of BIS Handbook and Standards: Monthly Additions. This Indian Standard has been developed from Dot : No. BDC 36 (4208)

Sfandards Act, 1986 to promote

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Amendments Amend No.

Issued Since Publication Text Affected

Date of Issue

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