Code of practice for fire safety of chemical industries, Part 1: Rubber and plastic
1985 Edition

This section defines the scope of fire safety practices specifically for chemical facilities engaged in the rubber and plastic sectors. It highlights the importance of strategic planning for building placement and storage, appropriate selection of materials and electrical apparatus, along with provisions for fire detection and suppression systems. Key aspects include the use of clear safety signage (e.g., 'No Smoking'), maintaining open areas around plants to limit fire and explosion impact, and the necessity of self-contained breathing apparatus for personnel due to toxic emissions from polymer fires. SI units and relevant related standards for fire safety equipment are also summarized.

Details requirements for plot size and configuration ensuring adequate space for manufacturing, storage, and utilities, allowing future expansion without congestion. Emphasizes maintaining plots free of combustible debris and vegetation. Specifies minimum separation distances, such as 20 meters between residential or office buildings and manufacturing units, mandates secure fencing or compound walls for site demarcation, and stresses sufficient open areas to mitigate fire or explosion risks to neighboring properties.

Describes building layout requirements, including minimum 20-meter clearance between residential or office buildings and manufacturing units. Specifies marking fire ladder access points on multi-storey buildings with yellow dots. Construction guidelines cover roof support directly on walls without intermediate pillars, lightweight and fire-resistant roofing materials, fire-retardant coatings, and compliance with skylight standards. Manufacturing buildings must meet Type I fire resistance criteria as per IS 1642-1986.

Specifies that compartment walls must be constructed from non-combustible materials with fire resistance equivalent to main building walls. Fire doors between compartments require a minimum two-hour fire rating, compliant with IS 3614 Part 1. Exit enclosures such as staircases and elevators must be fire-resisting with doors matching compartment door ratings. Separate buildings for raw materials, processing, and finished goods should be compartmentalized to prevent fire spread, including enclosed passageways built to withstand internal explosion pressures.

Electrical installations must adhere to IS 1646-1982, including provision of separate power sources for main and auxiliary supplies. All electrical devices within hazardous locations—motors, lighting, and switches—are required to be flameproof and dust-proof per IS 5572 Part 1. Incoming power feeders should be underground to reduce fire risks. Ventilation must safely expel flammable vapors and dust outside, preventing re-entrainment into the facility.

Recommends storing solid materials outdoors when safe from moisture or sunlight-induced hazards. Bulk combustible materials must be segregated from production areas. Storage buildings are preferably single-storey with a maximum height of 10 meters, featuring non-wooden flooring unless laid on concrete or masonry without gaps. Proper escape routes must be provided. Safety signage including 'No Smoking' and clear flammable material indications are mandatory. Fire extinguishers suitable for various fire types must be installed in accordance with relevant IS codes.

Mandates installation of dust extraction or exhaust hoods at all dust emission points, with exhaust fans activated when dust concentration becomes visible. Equipment such as hoppers, conveyors, and grinders must be dust-tight to prevent leakage. Though explicit temperature monitoring guidelines are not specified, standard industrial practice involves continuous measurement using thermocouples or RTDs to detect ignition hazards in dust-laden environments.

Outlines specifications for fire extinguishers including water (gas pressure), foam, and dry chemical powder types, all maintained per IS 2190. Fire hose couplings and nozzles must comply with respective IS standards. Self-contained breathing apparatus is required to protect personnel from toxic fumes generated by polymer fires. Grounding of all equipment to dissipate static electricity is compulsory. Adequate fire safety signage and water supply arrangements are essential for effective firefighting.

Details requirements for safety signage such as conspicuous 'No Smoking' notices and flammable stock indicators accessible from outside storage tanks. Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be provided to prevent inhalation, ingestion, or contact with hazardous substances, including masks, gloves, protective garments, and eye protection. Self-contained breathing apparatus should be readily available to counter toxic fumes. Fire safety equipment must meet established IS standards and be properly maintained.

Specifies that in multi-storey buildings, aisle spaces must be marked with yellow dots to indicate fire ladder access points. Staircases, elevators, and exit ways must be enclosed in non-combustible, fire-resisting structures with fire-rated doors. Rooms require at least two outward-opening doors positioned opposite or widely separated; process buildings need a minimum of three doors. Safety signage must be prominently displayed near hazardous zones, ensuring clear evacuation paths.

Emphasizes displaying 'No Smoking' signs prominently near storage and tank areas, ensuring tank openings remain securely closed except for venting with flame arresters or pressure-vacuum devices. Tanks must be clearly labeled with capacity and contents. Fire extinguishers of various types must be provided and maintained according to IS 2190. Adequate open spaces around tanks should be maintained to mitigate explosion or fire damage.