Code of practice for selection, operation and maintenance of trailer fire pumps, portable pumps, water tenders and motor fire engines
1983 Edition

Scope Overview - IS 6070

1. Operational Scope (Clause 9.1 & Table 3)

Table 3 details the functionalities possible with different firefighting appliances:

*Use of portable foam gear and compound is mandatory for foam operations.

**Water level and retention must meet specified conditions.

2. Pumping Unit Capacity Guidelines (Clause 3.2, Table 2)

General Requirements as per IS 6070 (1983)

This standard governs the selection, use, and servicing of trailer fire pumps, portable pumps, water tenders, and motor fire engines.

Highlights:

• Water Supply Compliance: Adheres to IS 9668-1980.
• Ancillary Components: Must be tested according to respective IS norms.
• Applicability: Ensures firefighting appliances are maintained for optimal readiness.
• Selection Basis: Equipment choice depends on fire risk and operational context.
• Personnel & Extinguishing Media: Adequate trained staff and media are essential.
• Numerical Rounding: Follow IS 2-1960 for rounding figures.

Typical Fire Pump Parameters (Derived from IS 6070 and Related Standards):

Approximate Pump Power Formula:

[ P = \frac{\rho \times g \times Q \times H}{\eta \times 1000} ]

Where:

• (P) = Power in kilowatts
• (\rho) = Density of water (~1000 kg/m³)
• (g) = Acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²)
• (Q) = Flow rate (m³/s)
• (H) = Total head (m)
• (\eta) = Pump efficiency (decimal fraction)

Maintenance and Testing:

• Conduct testing of ancillary equipment according to IS specifications.
• Perform regular functional inspections to ensure immediate operational capability.
• Maintain water sources adhering to IS 9668 requirements.

flowchart LR
    A[Fire Risk Assessment] --> B[Select Appropriate Pump]
    B --> C{Pump Category}
    C --> D[Trailer Fire Pump]
    C --> E[Portable Pump]
    C --> F[Motor Fire Engine]
    B --> G[Verify Water Supply per IS 9668]
    B --> H[Confirm Adequate Personnel & Extinguishing Media]
    B --> I[Ensure Routine Maintenance]

Details on Pumping Units Scale and Location as per IS 6070

Definitions (Clause 3.1)

• Pumping Unit: Equipment with a minimum capacity of 1800 L/min at 0.7 MN/m² (7 kgf/cm²) pressure and capable of a 3 m suction lift.

Pumping Units Scale (Clause 3.2, Table 2)

• *For populations with just one authorized unit, an additional reserve is compulsory.
• Provision of one extra pumping unit per each additional lakh or fraction thereof.
• A minimum of one water tender (~9000 L capacity) and a portable pump should be available.

Location and Spacing (Clause 9.11.2)

• Determined by pump capacity, number of hose lines, and hose diameter/type.

Summary:

• Minimum pump capacity: 1800 L/min at 7 kgf/cm² and 3 m lift.
• Number of units is population-dependent.
• Reserve units must be maintained.
• Additional units added with population growth.
• Water tender capacity should not be less than 9000 liters.

flowchart LR
    A[Population Size] --> B[Calculate Number of Pumping Units]
    B --> C[Determine Total Pumping Capacity]
    C --> D[Deploy Pumping Units Accordingly]
    D --> E[Ensure Reserve Unit Availability]
    E --> F[Provide Water Tenders & Portable Pumps]

This approach guarantees sufficient firefighting capabilities based on urban population metrics.

IS 6070: Housing and Facility Guidelines for Fire Pump Units

Pumping Unit Specification (Clause 3.1)

• Capacity requirement: at least 1800 L/min at 0.7 MN/m² pressure.
• Minimum suction lift capability: 3 meters.
• Basis for calculating required firefighting appliances.

Housing Provisions (Clause 4.1)

• Must protect equipment from environmental elements.
• Should facilitate routine maintenance activities.
• Ensure unobstructed and rapid deployment with clear access routes.

Quantity of Pumping Units (Clause 3.2 & Table 2)

• For populations exceeding 0.5 lakh, add one pumping unit for every additional lakh or fraction.
• Additional water tender (~9000L) and portable pump are recommended.

Formula for Number of Pumping Units:

[ \text{No. of Units} = \begin{cases} 2 & \text{if } P \leq 0.5 \text{ lakh (including 1 reserve)} \ 2 + \lceil P - 1 \rceil & \text{if } P > 0.5 \text{ lakh} \end{cases} ]

where (P) is the population in lakhs.

This ensures adequate fire appliance availability and operational efficiency.

IS 6070: Staffing Requirements and Roles

Crew Composition (Clause 5.1 & 5.1.1)

• Crew size per appliance depends on:
  • Appliance dimensions and design
  • Tasks assigned
  • Access to water sources
  • Number of appliances in the station
  • Recommendations from the Fire Advisory Council
• Typical crew strength: 6 firefighters per pumping unit.

Daily Crew Duties (Clause 9.2)

• Maintain full water and hose-reel tanks.
• Keep engine radiator and auxiliary tanks topped up.
• Ensure fuel tanks are adequately filled.
• Verify correct tyre pressures (pressure indicated on mudguards).
• Check engine oil via dipstick.
• Maintain battery water levels, test electrolyte specific gravity, ensure secure connections.
• Inspect first-aid hose-reel for free rotation, complete tubing, and closed nozzle.
• Confirm presence and proper stowage of ancillary equipment.

Weekly Maintenance (Clause 11.2)

• Refer to Table 4 for detailed weekly checks.
• Tasks include inspections beyond daily routine.

Crew Size Summary

flowchart TD
    A[Assess Crew Size] --> B{Consider Factors}
    B --> C[Appliance Size]
    B --> D[Design & Purpose]
    B --> E[Water Source Accessibility]
    B --> F[Number of Appliances]
    B --> G[Advisory Council Guidelines]
    A --> H[Assign Crew, Usually 6 Firefighters]

This framework supports safe and effective operation per the standard.

IS 6070: Water Supply Specifications

Pumping Units Scale (Clause 3.2, Table 2)

• *One additional pumping unit is required per additional lakh of population or fraction.
• A reserve pump is mandatory where only one unit is authorized.
• At least one water tender (~9000 liters) and a portable pump should be provided.

Water Supply Methods (Clauses 9.6, 9.8, 9.10)

• Hydrant Supply (9.6): Utilized mainly for Class A fires, cooling, and wet drills; relies on external hydrant network.
• Open Static or Natural Water Sources (9.8): Used when onboard water capacity is insufficient; wells are generally excluded.
• Well Water (9.10): Allowed only if water levels are adequate.

Water Source Diagram

graph LR
A[Firefighting Operation] --> B[Water Tender Storage]
B --> C{External Water Sources Available?}
C -->|Yes| D[Hydrant Network]
C -->|Yes| E[Open Static/Natural Water Sources]
C -->|Yes| F[Wells (If Water Level Adequate)]
C -->|No| B

Pump sizing and water delivery must align with IS 6070 Table 2 and relevant clauses for source-specific operations.

IS 6070: Specifications for Foam Compounds and Portable Foam Generators

Standards and Storage (Clause 7.1)

• Foam compounds must conform to IS 4989-1974.
• Portable foam making devices should comply with IS 2097-1983.
• Foam compound quantity should not exceed 500 liters, stored in 20-liter polyethylene jerrycans.
• Primarily used for combating Class B fires (flammable liquids) as per IS 2190-1979.

Operating Instructions (Clauses 9.5.1 & 9.7.1)

• Maintain pump pressure at 0.7 MN/m² (7 kgf/cm²) plus friction losses before discharge.
• Connect portable foam equipment in place of the standard water jet or spray nozzle on hose lines.
• Fog nozzles may be attached simultaneously to create foam fog if required.

Post-Use Care

• After operation, thoroughly flush all hoses and foam apparatus to remove residues and prevent clogging.

Summary Table

flowchart LR
    Pump -->|Pressure 0.7 MN/m² + losses| Hose_Line
    Hose_Line -->|Portable Foam Equipment (IS 2097)| Foam_Unit
    Hose_Line -->|Optional Fog Nozzle| Fog_Unit
    Foam_Unit --> Fire
    Fog_Unit --> Fire
    Fire -->|Extinguishing Effect| Success

This configuration guarantees efficient foam fire suppression compliant with IS 6070.

IS 6070: Spare Parts and Ancillary Equipment Guidelines

Spare Parts Provision (Clause 8.1)

• Each station must stock sufficient spare parts for chassis, engines, and pumps.
• Critical where parts are not promptly available externally.
• Facilitates rapid repairs, ensuring operational readiness.

Ancillary Equipment Testing (Clause 12.1.1)

• Must undergo testing as per applicable Indian Standards.
• Includes vacuum and pressure tests (Clause 12.1.3).

Maintenance & Testing Schedule (Clauses 11.3 & 12.1.3)

Nozzle Dimensions for Pumps (Table 7, Clause 12.1.2(c))

Flowchart: Spare Parts and Equipment Maintenance

flowchart TD
    A[Stock Spare Parts] --> B[Perform Maintenance]
    B --> C{Are Parts Readily Available?}
    C -- Yes --> D[Routine Maintenance]
    C -- No --> E[Maintain Adequate Spare Inventory]
    D --> F[Test Ancillary Equipment]
    F --> G[Vacuum and Pressure Tests]
    E --> F

Ensure spare parts inventories are adequate for pump size and usage. Ancillary equipment must be tested and maintained regularly for reliability.

IS 6070: Operating Procedures for Fire Pumps and Appliances

Pumping Unit Minimum Specification (Clause 3.1)

• Capacity: At least 1800 L/min at 0.7 MN/m² (7 kgf/cm²).
• Minimum suction lift: 3 meters.
• Used to determine required number of firefighting appliances.

Operational Capacities (Table 3, Clauses 7.1 & 9)

*Requires portable foam equipment and foam compound.

Pump Testing and Maintenance (Clause 12.1.2)

• Pumps must maintain 0.7 MN/m² (7 kgf/cm²) pressure for 15 minutes.
• Pump gland adjustment permits a drip rate of approximately 30 drops/min under pressure.

IS 6070: Troubleshooting Pump Problems and Gauge Interpretation

1. Pressure Gauge Readings (Clause 10.2.1)

2. Pump Priming Issues (Clause 10.2.3)

• Zero vacuum on compound gauge (indicates suction leak):
  • Verify suction strainer is submerged at least 450 mm below water surface.
  • Check valves, bypass valves, primer engagement, engine speed, pump gland and suction hose for leaks.
• High vacuum on compound gauge (indicates suction blockage):
  • Clean basket and metal strainers.
  • Replace suction hose if internally collapsed.

3. Changes in Vacuum Gauge Readings

• Increase: Water level drop, increased pump output, partial strainer blockage.
• Decrease: Water level rise, reduced pump output.

4. Pump Gland Adjustment (Clause 12.1.2)

• Maintain gland drip rate at approximately 30 drops per minute under 0.7 MN/m² pressure.
• Avoid overtightening that stops gland drip.

Troubleshooting Flowchart

flowchart TD
    A[Pump fails to prime] --> B{Compound Gauge Reading}
    B -->|Zero Vacuum| C[Inspect suction line for leaks]
    B -->|High Vacuum| D[Inspect suction line for blockages]
    C --> E[Confirm suction strainer submersion of 450 mm]
    C --> F[Check valves and primer engagement]
    C --> G[Inspect pump gland and suction hose]
    D --> H[Clean strainers]
    D --> I[Replace suction hose if damaged]

Important Note:

• Suction strainer must be submerged at a minimum of 450 mm to ensure proper priming.

IS 6070: Comprehensive Maintenance Guidelines

1. Daily Maintenance Tasks (Clause 11.1)

• Clean and polish all painted, unpainted, chrome, and steel components.
• Repair paint scratches and revarnish wooden ladders.
• Sharpen cutting tools.
• Inspect locker doors, hinges, locks, lids, and covers for proper operation.
• Check plumbing in hose-reel tanks for leaks.
• Clean and polish portable fire extinguishers.
• Verify drain cocks and valves function correctly.
• Lubricate centrifugal pumps, valve spindles, linkages, auxiliary throttles, and rotary primers.

2. Weekly Maintenance (Clause 11.2) - Sample Tasks from Table 4

3. Periodic Maintenance (Clause 11.3)

IS 6070: Testing Protocols for Fire Pumps and Support Equipment

1. Pump Testing (Clause 12.1.2)

• Pressure endurance test: Pump should withstand 0.7 MN/m² (7 kgf/cm²) pressure continuously for 15 minutes without failure.
• Pump gland leakage: Allow approximately 30 drops per minute at 0.7 MN/m² pressure; gland adjusted accordingly.
• Leak inspection: Examine pump gland, gauge connections, delivery outlet valves, and heat exchanger valves for leaks.

2. Pump Capacity Requirements (Clause 3.1)

• Minimum pump capacity: 1800 L/min at 0.7 MN/m² pressure.
• Minimum suction lift: 3 meters.

3. Ancillary Equipment Testing (Clause 12.1.1)

• Ancillary devices such as hoses and valves must be tested according to relevant Indian Standards.

Summary Table: Pump Test Criteria

flowchart TD
    A[Start Pump Test] --> B[Apply 0.7 MN/m² Pressure]
    B --> C{Can Pressure be Sustained for 15 min?}
    C -->|Yes| D[Check Gland Leakage]
    C -->|No| E[Investigate and Repair]
    D --> F{Leakage ≤ 30 drops/min?}
    F -->|Yes| G[Test Passed]
    F -->|No| E

These procedures ensure the pump’s reliability and safety for firefighting use.