This code outlines fire safety protocols tailored for industrial structures functioning as tea processing factories. It delivers detailed instructions on construction norms, fuel systems, electrical setups, storage methods, and firefighting facilities to mitigate fire risks within tea production sites. The standard is vital for professionals involved in planning, designing, operating, or maintaining tea factories to ensure fire safety and regulatory adherence.
Overview
This code outlines fire safety protocols tailored for industrial structures functioning as tea processing factories. It delivers detailed instructions on construction norms, fuel systems, electrical setups, storage methods, and firefighting facilities to mitigate fire risks within tea production sites. The standard is vital for professionals involved in planning, designing, operating, or maintaining tea factories to ensure fire safety and regulatory adherence.
Audience
Contents
Structure
Frequently Asked
For fire safety, withering houses should be built using Type 3 fire-resistive construction as per IS 1642:1989. Combustible materials like timber racks or hessian should be avoided; if used, they must be chemically treated to satisfy Class I flame spread rating according to IS 12777:1989. The maximum floor area for withering houses with combustible racks should not exceed 2000 m², and buildings should maintain a minimum 10 m separation from adjacent structures unless a fire-separating wall is present as specified in clause 8.2.
Natural gas supply for tea drying machines must originate from a recognized gas supplier ensuring consistent calorific value and pressure. The service fuel tank should preferably be outside the building or housed in a fire-resistant enclosure with at least 2-hour fire rating and outside access, limited to a capacity of 1.1 kl. Piping must be rigid, gas-tight, supported to prevent damage, installed away from heat sources, and comply with IS 1239 Parts 1 and 2. Threaded connections are mandatory, and drainage for condensate must be provided. Regular inspections for gas tightness and mechanical integrity are essential to maintain safety.
Tea factories must have sufficient water supply as per IS 9668:1980 and maintain all-weather access roads at least 3.6 m wide for fire service vehicles. Portable fire extinguishers complying with IS 2190:1979 should be installed, with water gas pressure type extinguishers of 9 liters capacity (IS 940:1989) recommended. Electrical fittings near withering areas and within 6 meters of tea dryers must be dust-tight to prevent ignition sources. Internal and external hydrant systems should conform to IS 3844:1989 and IS 13039:1991 respectively, ensuring comprehensive firefighting readiness.
According to IS 4886, above-ground bulk storage tanks must be situated at least 15 meters away from insured properties, while fully or semi-embedded tanks require a minimum of 6 meters clearance. Factory buildings and storage areas need a separation of at least 30 meters from coal-fired railway lines, or if less, openings must be protected with 20 mesh/cm² wire gauze and a 15-meter vegetation-free zone maintained. Godowns should be no closer than 6 meters to factory or withering buildings, and excess fuel storage such as coal or wood should be at least 10 meters away from any building to mitigate fire hazards.
Electrical installations must employ dust-tight lamp fittings in withering houses and within 6 meters of tea dryers to prevent dust accumulation and ignition. Factories should have adequate water supply nearby and maintain all-weather access roads at least 3.6 meters wide for fire emergency vehicles. Wiring should be enclosed in conduits or cable trays sealed against dust ingress, and flameproof or explosion-proof fittings should be used near combustible dust areas. Proper earthing and residual current devices (RCDs) are essential to prevent electrical faults, along with regular maintenance and inspection to detect insulation failures or overheating.
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