Fire Safety of Industrial Buildings - Jute Mills - Code of Practice
2000 Edition

According to IS 3836:2000, buildings used for beaming, dressing, weaving, and calendering processes must comply with fire resistance standards not less than Type 2 structures as defined in IS 1641. Typically, this requires load-bearing walls to resist fire for at least two hours and floors and roofs for 1.5 to 2 hours. Additionally, all manufacturing and storage areas must have effective fire prevention measures and adequate firefighting facilities to address the high flammability of jute materials.

To adhere to IS 3836 fire safety standards, jute bales must be stacked on wooden sleepers or masonry/concrete plinths at a minimum height of 22.5 cm to prevent moisture contact with the floor. Stack heights should not exceed 6 meters for pucca bales and 5 meters for kutcha bales. There must be at least 2 meters of clearance between the top of stacks and the roof or sprinkler heads, along with longitudinal and cross aisles between stacks for ventilation and fire access. Additionally, a minimum clearance of 2 meters should be maintained from doorways to ensure safe access.

IS 3836 mandates that all electrical wiring and installations comply with IS 1646 standards. Lighting controls, including switches and fuses, should be located outside the godown in a convenient, weather-protected area. Electrical equipment such as generators, transformers, and substations must meet the safety and housing requirements of IS 3034. Furthermore, electrical panels should be mounted on cemented platforms and enclosed with fencing to restrict unauthorized access, ensuring safe and reliable electrical operation within the facility.

The standard requires a minimum water flow rate of 1800 liters per minute for process areas and 3600 liters per minute for storage zones, maintained continuously for four hours if no replenishment is available, or two hours if replenishment occurs. At least 50% of this water must be stored in static water tanks located within 180 meters of the buildings or risk areas. Factories situated more than 8 kilometers from a local fire brigade are required to arrange their own comprehensive firefighting facilities, in consultation with local authorities. Firefighting appliances must conform to IS 2190 and be appropriate for the specific areas within the factory.

IS 3836 emphasizes regular fire prevention training for employees, including instruction on proper use of first aid firefighting equipment, delivered through lectures, demonstrations, posters, and repeated awareness campaigns. Fire prevention measures should be developed collaboratively with local fire authorities and inspected monthly, with any irregularities promptly reported and rectified. An emergency communication system must be established to facilitate swift fire alerts between the facility and local fire brigades, tested at each shift change and supported by backup arrangements. Firefighting and rescue procedures are required to be developed, regularly practiced, and periodically updated to ensure preparedness.