Code of Practice for Fire Safety of Libraries and Archives

IS 11460: Scope Summary & Key Specifications

Scope (Clause 0.1 to 0.9):

• Applies to fire safety and protection measures after construction of library/archive buildings (refer IS 1553-1976 & IS 2663-1977 for design/construction).
• Covers all types of libraries/archives regardless of size, emphasizing protection of combustible materials (books, records, microfilms, tapes).
• Focus on mitigating fire hazards and vulnerabilities through planning, design, and operational measures.
• Recognizes the irreplaceable value of collections and the limitations of relying solely on building/fire codes for protection.
• Encourages futuristic planning to avoid haphazard expansions increasing fire risk.

Key Points on Fire Detection (Clause 4.1.4):

• Detector spacing per IS 2189-1976, treating each rack bay as a compartment if gap < 230 mm.
• Early fire phase: smouldering produces dense smoke + heat → detectors must be sensitive to smoke and heat.
• Install detectors on each bay and above aisles for early alert.
• Detector systems must be fail-safe, wired in closed circuit.

Clean Agent Systems (Clause 5.2.3):

• Use clean agents like HCFC Blend A, HFC 227ea, IG 01, IG 55, IG 100, IG 541 for fire suppression.

Useful Formula: Detector Spacing (from IS 2189)

flowchart TD
    A[Library/Archive Fire Safety] --> B[Planning & Design]
    A --> C[Fire Detection System]
    A --> D[Fire Suppression System]
    B --> E[Future-proof Building Layout]
    C --> F[Smoke + Heat Detectors]
    C --> G[Detector Spacing per IS 2189]
    D --> H[Clean Agent Systems]
    H --> I[HCFC Blend A, HFC 227ea, IG Series]

Summary: IS 11460 focuses on fire safety measures post-construction in

IS 11460: Fire Resistant Storage and Vaults – Key Specifications

• Vault Definition (Clause 2.2.1):

  • Fire-resisting enclosure
  • Internal volume ≤ 1,500 m³
  • Exclusively for record storage
  • Minimize fire outbreak/spread inside/outside when door closed

• Fire Resistance Rating (Clause 2.2.2):

  • Minimum 2 hours fire resistance
  • Based on fire load and external fire risk

• Temperature Limits (Clause 2.2.3):

  • Internal temperature ≤ 175°C during fire exposure
  • Prevents charring/ignition of paper records

• File Room (Clause 2.2.5):

  • Fire-resisting enclosure ≤ 15,000 m³
  • Ceiling height ≤ 3.6 m
  • Same fire resistance rating as vault (≥ 2 hours)

Summary Table

Fire Resistance Concept Diagram

graph LR
  A[External Fire] -->|Heat & Flames| B[Vault Exterior]
  B -->|Fire Resistance| C[Vault Walls & Door]
  C -->|Limit Temp ≤ 175°C| D[Internal Records]
  D -->|Protected from Fire| E[Records Safe]

Note: Design vault walls and doors using materials and thicknesses that achieve 2-hour fire resistance and temperature control per IS 11460.

IS 11460: Fire Precautions in Libraries and Archives - Key Points

1. Fire Safety Principles (Clause 2.1)

• Prevention, early detection, suppression, and trained personnel are critical.
• Design considerations include:
  • Building structure, layout, compartmentation (IS 1553-1976, IS 2663-1977)
  • Electrical installations & appliances
  • Heating and ventilation systems
  • Number of occupants (staff + visitors)
  • Storage methods for books/records
  • Exhibits display
  • Exits and escape routes

2. Fire Extinguishers (Clause 5.4.2)

• Distribution per IS 2190-1979.
• Extinguishers must be readily accessible to tackle fire at its initial stage.

3. Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems (Clause 5.2.3)

• Use clean agents like:
  • HCFC Blend A
  • HFC 227 ea
  • IG 01, IG 55, IG 100, IG 541

4. Storage of Sensitive Materials (Clause 2.2.8)

• Photographic and magnetic records must be stored in 2-hour fire-resisting cabinets.

Summary Table: Fire Safety Measures

flowchart TD
    A[Library/Archive Fire Safety] --> B[Building Design]
    A --> C[Fire Detection & Suppression]
    A --> D[Personnel Training]
    B --> E[Compartmentation & Layout]
    C --> F[Fire Extinguishers (IS 2190)]
    C --> G[Clean Agent Systems]
    B --> H[Fire-Resisting Storage Cabinets]

IS 11460: Fire Detection and Alarm Systems - Key Points

Detector Selection & Spacing (Clause 4.1.4)

• Follow IS 2189-1976 for detector spacing and installation.
• Consider smoke and heat characteristics of stored materials:
  • Books/paper: smoulder, dense smoke, retain heat.
  • Photographic/magnetic records: dense smoke + high heat.
• Treat each rack bay (gap < 230 mm from roof) as a separate compartment for detector spacing.
• Install detectors:
  • Under ceiling over aisles.
  • On each bay of open rack storage for early detection.
• Detector system must be fail-safe and wired in a closed circuit.

Power Supply (Clause 4.5)

• Use batteries with adequate capacity.
• Batteries should be continuously trickle-charged from mains.

Installation & Operation

• Automatic fire detection/alarm systems must conform to IS 2189-1976.
• Daily inspection to ensure no fire hazards in storage areas.

Summary Table: Detector Placement Guidelines

flowchart LR
    A[Fire Starts in Books/Records] --> B[Smouldering & Dense Smoke]
    B --> C[Smoke travels with air currents]
    C --> D[Detectors in each bay + ceiling]
    D --> E[Early Detection & Alarm]
    E --> F[Fail-safe system triggers alert]

Note: Refer IS 2189-1976 for detailed detector spacing tables and heat-sensitive detector types.

IS 11460: Fire Suppression Key Points

1. Types of Fire Suppression Systems (Clause 5.2)

• Automatic or Manual fixed systems.
• Choice depends on:
  • Value of materials (books, records).
  • Storage method.
  • Local preferences.
  • Occupancy and sophistication level.

2. Fire Extinguishers Distribution (Clause 5.4.2)

• Follow IS 2190-1979 for placement and type.
• Extinguishers must be readily accessible to enable quick use during initial fire stages.

3. Maintenance (Clause 6.1.3)

• Fixed fire suppression systems require regular maintenance to ensure operational readiness.

Additional Specifications (from IS 2190-1979 for Fire Extinguishers)

Battery Backup for Alarms (Clause 4.5)

• Batteries must be adequately sized and continuously trickle-charged from mains to ensure uninterrupted operation.

flowchart LR
    A[Fire Detection System] --> B[Battery Backup]
    B --> C[Continuous Trickle Charge]
    A --> D[Fire Alarm Activation]
    D --> E[Manual or Automatic Fire Suppression]
    E --> F[Fire Extinguishers (IS 2190)]
    E --> G[Fixed Fire Suppression Systems]
    G --> H[Regular Maintenance]

Summary: Choose fire suppression based on material value and storage. Follow IS 2190 for extinguisher placement. Ensure battery backup for alarms and maintain all systems regularly.

IS 11460: Maintenance of Fire Safety Installations - Key Points

1. General Maintenance (Clauses 6.1 & 6.1.3):

   • Fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems must be kept in serviceable condition at all times.
   • All fixed fire suppression installations should be maintained in good repair.

2. Power Supply for Fire Alarm Systems (Clause 4.5):

   • Fire detection and alarm systems shall operate on batteries of adequate capacity.
   • Batteries must be continuously trickle-charged in-situ from the electric mains to ensure readiness.

3. Fire Suppression Agents (Clause 5.2.3):

   • Clean agent systems use agents like HCFC Blend A, HFC 227 ea, IG 01, IG 55, IG 100, IG 541.
   • These agents are preferred for sensitive environments like libraries/archives due to minimal residue.

Maintenance Checklist Summary

Recommended Maintenance Formula for Battery Capacity

[ C = \frac{I \times t}{D} ]

Where:

• (C) = Battery capacity (Ah)
• (I) = Load current (A)
• (t) = Backup time required (hours)
• (D) = Depth of discharge (decimal)

flowchart LR
    A[Fire Safety Installations] --> B[Fire Detection & Alarm]
    A --> C[Fire Suppression Systems]
    B --> D[Battery Backup with Trickle Charging]
    C --> E[Clean Agent Systems]
    E --> F[HCFC Blend A, HFC 227ea, IG 01, IG 55, IG 100, IG 541]
    B --> G[Regular Maintenance & Testing]
    C --> G

Summary: Maintain all fire safety installations in good repair, ensure reliable battery backup with continuous charging, and use approved clean agents for suppression systems to protect valuable library/archive materials.

IS 11460 – Emergency Organization: Key Points

• Clause 7.1: Establish an emergency organization involving all employees for coordinated fire emergency action.

• Clause 7.1.1: Prepare detailed emergency orders specifying:

  • Actions to be taken during fire.
  • Responsibilities assigned to individuals.
  • Copies must be distributed to all concerned.

• Clause 7.1.2: Display extracts of emergency orders conspicuously in every room/compartment for quick reference.

• Clause 6.1.5: Portable fire extinguishers must be inspected and maintained per IS 2190:1979 (Code of Practice for portable first-aid fire extinguishers).

Summary Table: Emergency Organization Essentials

Recommended Action Flow (Mermaid Diagram):

flowchart TD
    A[Fire Emergency] --> B[Activate Emergency Organization]
    B --> C[Employees follow assigned roles]
    C --> D[Use portable extinguishers (per IS 2190)]
    C --> E[Evacuate if necessary]
    D --> F[Fire controlled or escalated]
    E --> F
    F --> G[Report & Review]

Note: For detailed extinguisher specs, refer to IS 2190:1979. Emergency orders should be clear, accessible, and regularly updated.

IS 11460: Clause 8.1 - Training Requirements

• Scope: All library/archives staff must be trained in:

  • Actions during a fire outbreak.
  • Operation and use of first aid hose reels.
  • Use of fire extinguishers.

• Purpose: To ensure quick, effective response minimizing fire damage and safeguarding lives.

Key Points on Training

Additional Guidance

• Refer IS 9668-1980 for water supply in firefighting.
• Training should be periodic and documented.
• Include fire drills to reinforce training.

Summary Diagram

flowchart TD
    A[Staff Training] --> B[Fire Outbreak Action]
    A --> C[First Aid Hose Reel Operation]
    A --> D[Fire Extinguisher Usage]
    B --> E[Evacuation]
    B --> F[Alarm Raising]
    D --> G[Extinguisher Types]
    G --> H[Water]
    G --> I[CO2]
    G --> J[Foam]
    G --> K[Dry Powder]

For detailed fire safety design, consult IS 1553 and IS 2663 alongside IS 11460.